Going on a solo adventure to Singapore can be an eye-opening experience. From the unique melding of cultures to the delicious cuisine, there is so much to explore and discover in this dynamic global city. However, travelling by yourself can be daunting, especially if it is your first time going overseas. Fortunately, Singapore is a rather safe pick for a first-time traveller and a great place to experience many different types of attractions at once. To make things even easier, we’ve got nine helpful tips that will make your first solo trip in Singapore an enriching one.
Research the Culture
Singapore is a safe and thoroughly modern country, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t learn about it before you arrive. Before embarking on your trip, make sure you research Singapore’s culture, customs, and local laws. While it’s got all the amenities and infrastructure that you would expect of a modern country, native Singaporeans and the large expatriate community all share in a unique communitarian culture that outsiders may not understand. People here are tolerant, but you should avoid any cultural faux pas or misunderstandings all the same.
Get a Local SIM Card
Getting a local SIM card is essential for staying connected with your loved ones back home and in navigating the city. Take time to research the best SIM only plans from the country’s major telecommunication companies as well as smaller mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs). Depending on your specific needs, you’ll find affordable SIM-only plans that provide different amounts of data, call time, and text messages. Popular providers include Singtel, StarHub, SIMBA, and M1, but don’t forget to check out the offerings afforded by MVNOs if you’re on a tight budget.
Stay in an Accessible Area
Since you’re travelling solo, you’ll want to stay on the safe side. If you’re not staying with people you know, make sure to choose a safe and well-connected area to stay in. While they can be pricey, popular tourist areas like Orchard Road, Clarke Quay, and Marina Bay Sands do offer a range of accommodation options suited for different budgets. These areas are also well-connected to other parts of Singapore through the country’s mass transit infrastructure, making it easy to get back to your hotel in case you ever get lost.
Use the Country’s Excellent Public Transport
Speaking of mass transit infrastructure, Singapore has one of the world’s most efficient and affordable public transportation systems, making navigating most of the city-state a breeze. The system includes multiple modes, including buses and trains. You can take any of these modes of transportation with an EZ-Link card, making transfers highly convenient.
Try Singapore’s Straits Cuisine
Singapore is known throughout the world for its unique cuisine. The country’s cuisine is a unique blend of Malay, Straits Chinese, Tamil, and Western culinary traditions, with every household’s dinner pot telling a unique story. You’ll be depriving yourself if you don’t try local specialities like laksa, chicken rice, char kway teow, and chilli crab. You’ll likely find these at your hotel, but if you want a more affordable and authentic experience, a visit to the country’s famous hawker centres is mandatory.
Respect Local Laws and Customs
While Singapore may seem very Western on the outside, the people generally maintain distinctly Asian values, and this is quite clear from the country’s laws, particularly those concerning public order. A lot of tourists and business travellers get into trouble here for forgetting that the Lion City’s people take their community’s welfare very seriously. As mentioned above, be sure to look up relevant local laws as well as the experiences of other travellers before you visit Singapore.
Visit Singapore’s Many Free Attractions
Singapore is one of the most expensive cities in the world, which shouldn’t be surprising given how prosperous it is. However, the country offers several free attractions that are beloved by locals and tourists alike. Whether you’re short on cash or not, you owe it to yourself to visit free attractions like Gardens by the Bay, Merlion Park, and Singapore Botanic Gardens. Use the country’s excellent public transit and save even more money when you explore its many free-to-visit landmarks.
Stay hydrated
Being located so close to the equator, Singapore has a hot and humid climate all year round. It can even get quite hot during the monsoon season, so it’s essential to stay hydrated, whatever time of the year you visit. Take a reusable water bottle with you and refill it at any one of the country’s growing number of public water stations. While Singapore’s tap water is generally safe to drink, you might not prefer the taste of chlorinated water. If you can’t find a public station, it’s an option to just pay for bottled water instead.
Stay Safe
Singapore is a remarkably safe country; you’re probably more likely to run into trouble in your own neighbourhood than you are in the city-state. Locals are even known to leave their belongings behind to reserve tables at restaurants and other public spaces. However, it’s wise to take precautions. You can easily misplace your belongings if you’re not careful and you’ll never know if you’re going to meet someone desperate enough to try to take your valuables. Avoid carrying too much cash, dress inconspicuously, and avoid crowded areas when you can.
Singapore is an excellent choice for solo travellers, particularly those who are going travelling abroad for the first time. However, if you’re not careful, you may be in for a bumpy trip. By following these tips, you’ll ensure that you’ll be able to fully enjoy everything this beautiful city-state has to offer.
