Essential Singapore: 4 days
Duration : 4 days
Route : Marina Bay (3 nights) → Sentosa (1 night)
Custom travel to Singapore
Singapore is one of the world's most extraordinary cities — a 5.9-million-inhabitant city-state on 730 km² (barely half of Paris). Independent since 1965, in 60 years it went from a fishing port to the world's 4th financial center. Exceptional multicultural society (74% Chinese, 13% Malay, 9% Indian, 4 official languages). Marina Bay concentrates the iconic sites: Marina Bay Sands (Moshe Safdie's 2010 ship-hotel with its 57th-floor infinity pool), Gardens by the Bay (Supertrees illuminated to the Garden Rhapsody music), ArtScience Museum lotus-shaped. Ethnic districts: Chinatown, Little India, Kampong Glam, trendy Tiong Bahru. UNESCO-listed hawker centres (2020). Sentosa for leisure, Singapore Botanic Gardens (UNESCO 2015, first tropical garden listed). 3-5 days, perfect as a stopover or combined with Malaysia or Indonesia.
Highlights
- Marina Bay Sands: SkyPark and infinity pool
- Gardens by the Bay: Supertrees and conservatories
- Hawker centres (UNESCO, street food)
- Chinatown, Little India, Kampong Glam
- Botanic Gardens (UNESCO 2015)
- Sentosa: Universal Studios and beaches
Sample itineraries
Deep Singapore + Indonesia
Duration : 12 days
Route : Singapore (5 nights) → Bali flight (6 nights) → return Singapore flight (1 night)
Exclusive Singapore: luxury and gastronomy
Duration : 5 days
Route : Marina Bay Sands or Raffles (3 nights) → Capella Sentosa (2 nights)
When to go
Singapore is 137 km from the equator — equatorial tropical climate, hot and humid year-round (28-32 °C, 80-90% humidity). No marked dry/wet season. Drier period: February-August (but showers possible). Avoid December-January (rainiest monsoon, but still practicable).
- Drier season (February – August) — All sites, festivals (Chinese New Year, Vesak, Hari Raya)
- Inter-season (September – October) — Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix (September, night race)
- Wet monsoon (November – January) — Christmas Wonderland at Gardens by the Bay (December)
Practical information
One of the world's safest cities (almost zero crime, severe sanctions for offenses — prison for theft, chewing gum forbidden, 500 SGD fine for jaywalking). No visa for French citizens < 90 days. Cards accepted everywhere, Apple Pay/PayNow QR. Tap water drinkable (one of the world's best). Free Wi-Fi everywhere. English spoken everywhere (official language). Powerful AC everywhere (bring a light sweater). Tipping not customary (10% service charge included in restaurants).
Frequently asked questions
When?
Year-round (equatorial). Drier February-August. Avoid November-January (more frequent rains but city practicable).
How long?
4 days for essentials. 5-6 days for deeper exploration (botanic garden, MacRitchie, food tour). Often combined with Bali or Malaysia.
Budget?
€1,800-€2,500 per person for 4 days in comfort, excluding flights. Premium: €3,200-€4,600. Flights: €800-€1,200. Singapore is expensive (one of the world's most expensive).
Visa?
No for French citizens < 90 days.
Family?
Yes, exceptionally (Universal Studios, S.E.A. Aquarium, Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, Sentosa). Total safety, cleanliness.
How to get around?
Excellent MRT metro (one of the world's best). EZ-Link card. Cheap Grab/taxis. No car needed.
Marina Bay Sands: is the pool accessible?
Reserved for hotel guests only. Otherwise: paid observatory (~30 SGD), CÉ LA VI restaurant (minimum consumption), LAVO bar.
Hawker centres: safety / hygiene?
Excellent (one of the world's strictest countries on food hygiene). A/B/C/D ratings displayed on each stand.
Combine?
Yes: Singapore + Bali (2 h 30 flight), Singapore + Malaysia (KL by 7-h train, 1-h flight), Singapore + Thailand, Singapore as stopover on Australia/New Zealand.
Tips?
No, 10% service charge included in restaurants. No tipping custom elsewhere.