Quick Facts
Best Time To Visit
December to early March and June to August.
Expect warm, tropical weather year-round with brief showers.
Singapore is a great cruise port in any season.
Handy Apps
Grab (taxis & rides)
Google Maps
SG MRT (train planner)
Chope (restaurant reservations)
Currency
Singapore Dollar (SGD)
Cards widely accepted
Hawker centres may require cash
Timezone
Singapore Standard Time (UTC +8)
No daylight savings
Powerplugs
Plug Type: G (UK-style three-prong)
Voltage: 230V
Frequency: 50Hz
Emergency Numbers
Police: 999
Ambulance & Fire: 995
Wifi
Free public WiFi in malls, airports & some attractions
Portable WiFi/eSIM widely available
Getting Around
Port Location
Most cruise ships dock at Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore (MBCCS), a modern terminal located 10–15 minutes from Marina Bay and major attractions. Some smaller ships use the Singapore Cruise Centre at HarbourFront, closer to Sentosa Island. Both terminals are well connected by taxis, MRT stations, and shuttle services.
Taxi & Transport Info
• Taxi from MBCCS to Marina Bay: SGD $12–$18 (8–12 mins)
• Taxi to Orchard Road: SGD $18–$22 (15 mins)
• Taxi to Sentosa Island: SGD $10–$16 (10 mins)
• Grab ride-hailing (cheaper than taxis): SGD $8–$16 for most central trips
• MRT Day Pass: SGD $10
• EZ-Link/NETS FlashPay transport cards recommended for convenience
Port Shuttle Info
Marina Bay Cruise Centre often provides shuttle buses to Marina Bay MRT or Suntec. If no shuttle is offered, taxis and ride-hailing services (Grab, Gojek, ComfortDelGro) are abundant and inexpensive. HarbourFront Cruise Centre connects directly to HarbourFront MRT Station and Vivocity Mall.
Walking Difficulty Level
Easy to Moderate. The city is walkable with flat paths, but humidity can be challenging. Taxis and MRT reduce walking significantly.
Mobility Info
Singapore is one of the most accessible cities in Asia. MRT stations have lifts, ramps, priority seating and barrier-free access. Footpaths are wide and well-maintained. Marina Bay Cruise Centre has wheelchair access throughout.
Map
Things to See & Do
Must Try Foods
• Hainanese Chicken Rice
• Laksa
• Chili Crab
• Satay
• Kaya Toast
• Nasi Lemak
• Ice Kacang (shaved ice dessert)
Shopping Areas
• Orchard Road – malls and designer brands
• Marina Bay Sands – luxury shopping
• Bugis Street – bargain stalls & souvenirs
• Chinatown – markets and traditional goods
• Jewel Changi – attractions + shopping in one place
Top Things To Do
• Gardens by the Bay + Supertree Grove
• Marina Bay Sands SkyPark
• Merlion Park
• Singapore Flyer
• Little India + Chinatown cultural districts
• Singapore Botanic Gardens (UNESCO)
• Clark Quay riverside promenade
Family Friendly Activities
• Sentosa Island (Universal Studios, SEA Aquarium, Adventure Cove)
• Singapore Zoo + River Wonders + Night Safari
• Gardens by the Bay (Children’s Garden)
• Jewel Changi (Hedge Maze, Canopy Park)
• ArtScience Museum
Half Day Itinerary
• Visit Gardens by the Bay (Cloud Forest or Flower Dome)
• Walk to Marina Bay Sands for skyline views
• See the Merlion at Marina Bay waterfront
• Quick food stop: Satay by the Bay or a hawker centre
Full Day Itinerary
• Start at Gardens by the Bay (Cloud Forest + Supertrees)
• Head to Marina Bay Sands SkyPark for panoramic views
• Explore Chinatown’s temples and markets
• Lunch at Maxwell or Lau Pa Sat hawker centre
• Afternoon at Little India or Arab Street
• Sunset at the Singapore Flyer or Marina Bay light show
Two Day Itinerary
DAY 1:
• Gardens by the Bay + Supertree Grove
• Marina Bay Sands SkyPark
• Explore Chinatown
• Boat ride along Clarke Quay
• Evening Marina Bay light show
DAY 2:
• Sentosa Island: choose Universal Studios, SEA Aquarium, or beach time
• Visit Jewel Changi for Rain Vortex and shopping
• Explore Little India (Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple)
• Dinner at a hawker centre (Newton, Lau Pa Sat, Maxwell)
Helpful Tips
Local Etiquette Tips
• No eating or drinking on public transport
• Chewing gum is restricted—don’t bring large quantities
• Keep right on escalators
• Tipping is not required (service charge included)
• Dress modestly when visiting temples
Cruise Tips
• Singapore's terminals are efficient—arrive early for smooth embarkation.
• Use Grab for fast and cheap rides around the city.
• Indoor attractions are great for escaping humidity.
• If flying same day, leave plenty of time—Changi Airport is large.
• Always carry water; Singapore is hot year-round.
Safety Info
Singapore is extremely safe with low crime rates. Strict laws help keep the city clean and orderly.
Just follow public rules (e.g., no eating on MRT) and you’ll have no issues.
