One-Day Singapore Layover: Top Attractions, Activities and Foods To Try
I cherish Singapore, and I try to make a pit stop here before returning to California as much as possible. It gives me the chance to catch up with my friends and indulge in the delicious food that I have missed. Let’s go!
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Singapore is an ideal travel destination for many reasons. Firstly, it is an English-speaking country, which makes communication easy for tourists. Additionally, its train and bus systems are among the world's best, having been to many other places. The food scene is diverse, with options ranging from Singaporean, Malay, Indian, and fusion Western cuisine that will leave you craving for more. The country's rich culture and mind-blowing attractions, with a focus on art and entertainment, are awe-inspiring. Singapore has a special place in my heart, and it's easy to see why.
Arrival at Changi Airport: Baggage Storage at Changi Airport
Baggage Storage Rates:
Loose Bags: 5 SGD
Small Bags (below 10kg): 10 SGD
Odd-sized or Big Bags (above 10kg): 15 SGD
Extra large-sized Bags: 18.00 SGD
Terminal 1 Baggage Storage
Airport Location: Transit, Level 2, Departure Transit Hall West (near Guardian)
Operating Hours: 24hrs
Tel: 65 6214 0318
Navigating Singapore Like a Pro: Free Tours
Did you know that they offer complimentary tours for transit passengers? Free Singapore Tours. We're not doing any of the tours as our frequent visits to Singapore have given us an insider's perspective on what to do and where to go.
Food: Exploring the Culinary Delights of Singapore
Singapore is known for its diverse culinary scene, offering something for everyone. If you're only there for a day these are the must-try foods in the Lion City.
1. Kaya Toast: A Must-Try Breakfast in Singapore
Ya Kun Kaya Toast (Terminal 1 Transit Lounge)
Baggage Storage Rates:
Loose Bags: 5 SGD
Small Bags (below 10kg): 10 SGD
Odd-sized or Big Bags (above 10kg): 15 SGD
Extra large-sized Bags: 18.00 SGD
For more information: Baggage storage location inside the airport
Airport Location: Transit, Level 2, Departure Transit Hall West (near Guardian)
Operating Hours: 24hrs
Tel: 65 6214 0318
For reference: Changi Airport Terminal Map
Navigating Singapore Like a Pro: Free Tours
Did you know that they offer complimentary tours for transit passengers? Free Singapore Tours. We're not doing any of the tours as our frequent visits to Singapore have given us an insider's perspective on what to do and where to go.
Food: Exploring the Culinary Delights of Singapore
Singapore is known for its diverse culinary scene, offering something for everyone. If you're only there for a day these are the must-try foods in the Lion City.
Address: Terminal 1, 80 Airport Blvd., #02-K19, Singapore 819642
Cultural: Discover the Fascinating World of Haw Par Villa
Haw Par Villa, also known as the Tiger Balm Garden, is a unique cultural park with statues and giant dioramas that illustrate scenes from Chinese literature, folklore, legends, history, and statuary of key Chinese religions.
Top Tourist Attractions for a One-Day Layover
If you have a one-day layover, I recommend visiting these nearby tourist attractions. I grouped them according to location, as that saves you. more time and enjoy your day to the fullest.
If you still have more time to spare the Merlion Statue and the Theatres on the Bay are nearby here. You can even walk to these attractions.
If short on time (4-5 hours)
Discover the Best of Singapore at Jewel Changi Airport
Hours: Open 24 hours
If you're looking for a local breakfast favorite in Singapore, try Kaya toast. Consisting of two slices of toast with butter and kaya, this dish is often served with coffee and soft-boiled eggs. It's a popular breakfast choice or as a late afternoon snack. My husband goes crazy for the delicious kaya jam.
2. Hokkien Mee
My absolute favourite dish is the Fried Hokkien Mee, a Singaporean and Malaysian delicacy. This noodle dish includes sautéed egg, rice noodles, squid, shrimp, and pork slices. Complete it with crispy pork skin, lime juice, and a spicy sambal sauce. You can find this dish in hawker centres, Kopitiams, Food Republic, and various food outlets.
3. Chicken Rice
A local friend recommended that I shouldn't leave Singapore without trying the most affordable meal in the country – the famous chicken rice. Hainanese chicken rice consists of poached chicken and fragrant rice, paired with chili sauce and is often served with cucumber garnishes. The chili sauce is the key to its deliciousness; just the thought of it makes my mouth water.
Kopi Tarik is a beverage you shouldn't miss in Singapore. In Malay, "Tarik" translates to "to pull," representing the method of pouring hot coffee or tea between two cups to create a frothy layer on top, and then sweetened with condensed milk.
Singapore is a food haven because of its rich diversity, offering a wide variety of culinary delights to explore. The hawker centres, in particular, are treasure troves of local culinary mastery waiting to be discovered. Check out: Must-Eats in Singapore
If you're looking for a local breakfast favorite in Singapore, try Kaya toast. Consisting of two slices of toast with butter and kaya, this dish is often served with coffee and soft-boiled eggs. It's a popular breakfast choice or as a late afternoon snack. My husband goes crazy for the delicious kaya jam.
2. Hokkien Mee
My absolute favourite dish is the Fried Hokkien Mee, a Singaporean and Malaysian delicacy. This noodle dish includes sautéed egg, rice noodles, squid, shrimp, and pork slices. Complete it with crispy pork skin, lime juice, and a spicy sambal sauce. You can find this dish in hawker centres, Kopitiams, Food Republic, and various food outlets.
3. Chicken Rice
A local friend recommended that I shouldn't leave Singapore without trying the most affordable meal in the country – the famous chicken rice. Hainanese chicken rice consists of poached chicken and fragrant rice, paired with chili sauce and is often served with cucumber garnishes. The chili sauce is the key to its deliciousness; just the thought of it makes my mouth water.
4. Nasi Lemak
One of the must-try dishes when visiting is Nasi Lemak, a traditional Malay dish that is a national dish in Malaysia and is commonly found all around Singapore. It's a fragrant rice dish cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaf and is sure to tantalize your taste buds.
5. Kopi Tarik
Cultural: Discover the Fascinating World of Haw Par Villa
Haw Par Villa
Address: 262 Pasir Panjang Rd, Singapore 118628
Nearest MRT: Haw Par Villa
Hours: Monday - Sunday 9 AM - 8 PM
Haw Par Villa, also known as the Tiger Balm Garden, is a unique cultural park with statues and giant dioramas that illustrate scenes from Chinese literature, folklore, legends, history, and statuary of key Chinese religions.
If you have a one-day layover, I recommend visiting these nearby tourist attractions. I grouped them according to location, as that saves you. more time and enjoy your day to the fullest.
Places To Go: Categorize by Proximity to each Attraction ( For Reference: Singapore MRT Map )
Option 1
- Marina Bay Sands (Nearest MRT: Bayfront)
- Gardens By the Bay (Nearest MRT: Bayfront)
- Cloud Forest (Nearest MRT: Bayfront)
- Flower Dome (Nearest MRT: Bayfront)
- Merlion Park ( (Nearest MRT: Raffles)
- Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay (Nearest MRT: City Hall)
- National Gallery Singapore (Nearest MRT: City Hall)
- Lau Pa Sat (Nearest MRT: City Hall)
- Kampong Glam: Arab Street and Haji Lane (Nearest MRT: Bugis)
Option 2
- Chinatown (Nearest MRT: Chinatown)
- Clarke Quay (Nearest MRT: Clark Quay)
- Singapore Art Museum (Nearest MRT: Bras Basah)
- Mint Museum of Toys (Nearest MRT: Bras Basah)
If time allows the next stops are must-see tourist attractions too!
- Orchard Road (Nearest MRT: Orchard)
- Newton Food Centre (Nearest MRT: Newton)
- Singapore Botanic Gardens (Nearest MRT: Botanic Gardens)
- National Orchid Garden ( Inside Singapore Botanic Garden)
Option 3 - Select one attraction as you will be spending the entire day in these locations.
Farthest Destinations: Different Locations
- Haw Par Villa (Nearest MRT: Haw Par Villa)
- Singapore Zoo (Nearest MRT: Khatib, then take a bus)
- Night Safari (Nearest MRT: Khatib, then take a bus)
Nature Attractions and Beach Parks
- Sentosa (Nearest MRT: Harbourfront, then take a tram)
- Pulau Ubin (Nearest MRT: Tanah Merah, then take a bus and ferry)
- Coney Island ( Nearest LRT: Damai (PE7)
- East Coast Park (Nearest MRT: Bedok, then take a bus)
- Jewel Changi Airport ( Conveniently located inside the Airport)
Our Layover Itinerary
- Bought lots of food from the Hawker Center
- Purchase drinks in Jurassic Nest Food Hall at Gardens by the Bay
- Admire the flowers at Flower Dome
- Explore Cloud Forest
- Back to the airport: Roam around Jewel Mall and visit the Pokemon Center
My friend picked us up, and we headed directly to the hawker centre to get all my favourite dishes. After that, we visited another friend who had just given birth, had lunch with them, and then proceeded to our next two destinations.
We opted for Option 1 and went straight for the Cloud Forest and the Flower Dome as they are conveniently located near Bayfront MRT. Both attractions require an admission fee.
Dinosaur-Themed Cafe - A Jurassic Nest Food Hall at Gardens by the Bay
Flower Dome
Cloud Forest
Gardens by the Bay
We decided to skip Marina Bay Sands because we didn't feel like going to the mall. We just passed by Gardens by the Bay since our flight was scheduled for the evening, and we didn't have enough time to explore it. Gardens by the Bay is vibrant at night, making it a magical spot to visit if your flight is late, plus it offers free admission. Afterwards, we went back to the airport to have dinner at the Jewel Mall and visited the Pokemon Centre.
If you're short on time or energy and can't explore Singapore, don't worry – just stay at the airport! The nature-themed Jewel Changi Airport is a delightful surprise that exceeds all airport expectations. It's no wonder that Changi Airport is still considered the best airport in the world.
Getting to Jewel
Terminal 1's Arrival Hall (level 1) is connected to Jewel. If you're coming from Terminal 2's Departure Hall (level 2), a link bridge is available for a 5 to 10-minute walk. Keep an eye out for the bridge near row 1.
Here are some exciting things to do while visiting Jewel Changi Airport:
Fast Check-In Option
Make sure to check in early. Even though Changi Airport is known for its efficiency, it can get very busy with a high number of passengers each year. To avoid the evening rush, we opted to have dinner inside Jewel Airport and enjoy a relaxing conversation with friends before heading to the immigration area.
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- Shiseido Forest Valley can be easily accessed from every level of the airport. Free Admission
- HSBC Rain Vortex, the world's largest indoor waterfall. Free Admission
- Catch a movie at the IMAX theatre in Shaw Theatre, located in Terminal 3.
- Canopy Park, located on the top floor of Jewel. Canopy Park Ticket Includes Discovery Slides, Foggy Bowls, a Petal Garden, a Topiary Walk and a Hedge Maze.
Standard Rates for Adults/Children: 8 SGD
Singapore Resident Rates for Adult/Child/Student/Senior: 6 SGD - Petal Garden for seasonal flower displays from around the world is the largest in Singapore.
- Navigate the Hedge Maze, at least 30 minutes to get lost here.
For Pokemon Lovers
There is a Pokemon Center located at #04 - 201 & 202 within Jewel Airport. Make sure to visit it. During our layover in Singapore, on our way to Tokyo, we discovered it and it heightened our anticipation for Japan.
There is a Pokemon Center located at #04 - 201 & 202 within Jewel Airport. Make sure to visit it. During our layover in Singapore, on our way to Tokyo, we discovered it and it heightened our anticipation for Japan.
We purchased Snorlax and Pikachu socks that peeked out from our shoes, making us feel like kids again – it was such an adorable find.
Freebies!
Departing passengers travelling with participating airlines can take advantage of self-service check-in options available inside the airport. This allows passengers to acquire their boarding pass, print their bag tag, and then proceed to tag and drop off their check-in bag(s) at the Automated Bag-Drop Machine.
Make sure to check in early. Even though Changi Airport is known for its efficiency, it can get very busy with a high number of passengers each year. To avoid the evening rush, we opted to have dinner inside Jewel Airport and enjoy a relaxing conversation with friends before heading to the immigration area.
.jpg "Singapore Layover For A Day")
If Staying Overnight: Where to Stay in Singapore
Check-in: Capri by Fraser
Address: 3 Changi Business Park Central 1, Singapore 486037
We stayed at Capri and would stay again 10/10. It is conveniently situated near the MRT station and the airport. Also within walking distance is a shopping mall where you can do some last-minute shopping or savour some Singaporean cuisine.
More Singapore Destinations:
Have fun and be safe ^__^
Do you want more adventure?
Do you want more adventure?
For our recent trip, we're thrilled to finally visit one of California's most breathtaking mountains – Mammoth Lake!
Where am I going next?
For my next adventure, we're heading to Japan to witness the iconic landmark of Japan, Mount Fuji, and explore the charming town of Kawaguchiko.
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