Singapore Sightseeing Itinerary
2023-03-11
Most Singapore travel content online predates 2020, so research was harder than expected. This post documents the sights I visited. Since this was entirely a solo trip, the itinerary reflects my personal interests — architecture, temples, and local food. First time traveling abroad alone, I deliberately didn't over-schedule. I picked one general area per day and went wherever caught my eye, with zero concern for what anyone else might prefer.
Singapore is generally safe, but a few areas warrant more attention — Little India in particular is worth being more careful in when alone. That said, it's also the only area where I saw local religious ceremonies happening in real time, including processions at Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple and shops selling ritual offerings.
The list below is a curated version of what I'd actually recommend — some spots from the original itinerary have been removed:
| Day | Areas & Sights | Food |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrival & Transit | Maxwell Food Centre |
| 2 | Gardens by the Bay & Marina Bay Sands | Shake Shack |
| 3 | Chinatown & surrounds | Tian Tian Chicken Rice, Ya Kun, Long Beach Seafood |
| 4 | Bugis & City Hall area | Killiney Kopitiam, Ah Chew Desserts, Song Fa Bak Kut Teh |
| 5 | Morning around Merlion Park, Changi Airport | Airport |
While researching I also came across several attractions better suited for groups:
- Sentosa — Palawan Beach
- Skyline Luge
- Universal Studios Singapore
- MacRitchie Reservoir TreeTop Walk — currently closed due to COVID
Full trip map:
Singapore's urban design impressed me every time I stopped to think about it. The country is only 2.6x the size of Taipei. Land use is zoned precisely: tourist and financial districts, industrial zones housing the semiconductor industry, and a central water catchment/conservation area. Car ownership costs more than the car itself, making public transit the default — and the city's greenery and pedestrian infrastructure are genuinely thoughtful. Despite being on the equator it never felt oppressive to walk around.
For food lovers, Singapore is a dream. For people who enjoy slow, deep travel — architecture, temples, urban design — it's even better. I love churches and old religious buildings, and Singapore felt like a goldmine.
This photo below: on the left, Sri Mariamman Temple, Singapore's oldest Hindu temple. In the background, the flying-saucer-shaped building is Pinnacle Duxton — 50 stories, the world's tallest public housing project. Singapore's public housing system is run by the HDB (Housing Development Board). The government uses its authority over 80% of the land to build these flats; each unit carries a 99-year leasehold, resaleable with government subsidies. After reading this article I found myself thinking Singapore is a genuinely fascinating place.
