Singapore

The tiny island that packs a punch

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Things to Do and See

Changi Airport

Yes, that is right. The airport is one of the best tourist attractions in Singapore. Singapore’s Changi Airport has ranked the world’s best airport for many years and rightfully so. The airport includes amenities like an indoor butterfly garden, free movie theater, and free massage chairs. These are just a few of the many attractions that exist in the airport. However, the best attraction is The Jewel. An enormous waterfall right in the middle of the airport surrounded by trees and greenery. You really have to see it with your own eyes to appreciate it. Absolutely amazing.

Marina Bay Sands Hotel

The iconic building that dominates Singapore’s skyline. I wouldn’t recommend going up to the top of the hotel. However, you should walk check out the main lobby of the hotel and check out the main lobby and hollow design of the hotel.

Gardens on the Bay

Gardens by the Bay is a magical place. It is a must-visit when you’re exploring Marina Bay Sands area There is lots to do in the Garden and you can check out more about it on the official website. Make sure to see visit the Supertree Grove for a spectacular light show in the evening.

Singapore Botanical Gardens

I didn’t think I would enjoy the Botanical Gardens until I actually visited. I was blown away at how beautiful and vast it was. The lush greenery and colorful flowers makes a worthy spot to explore. Best of all, the entrance into the main Botanical Garden is free. There are certain areas in the Garden that have a nominal entrance fee.

Arab Street and Baghdad Street

If you’re looking for an area in Singapore that is filled with Muslim owned shops and restaurants, then make sure to visit Arab Street and Baghdad Street. This is where you will find Masjid Sultan as well.

Sentosa

Sentosa is a resort island located on the southern tip of Singapore. The main attraction on the island is the Universal Studios Theme Park. The island also has several beaches, golf courses, shops, and hotels. You can get to the island by cable car, taxi or tram. I would recommend getting on the tram as it is the cheapest option and costs 4 SGD.

Malaysia

If you’ve made it to Singapore, you cannot miss the opportunity of visiting the beautiful country of Malaysia. It’s only a 1-hour drive from downtown Singapore. Malaysia is a much large country than Singapore and is significantly cheaper in all aspects. Visiting cities like Kuala Lumpur, Melaka, Penang, and Langkawi Island are a must. Best of all, Malaysia is a Muslim country. This means it is very Muslim friendly and halal food is easily accessible. I have put together many Muslim Travel Guides which you can check out if you do happen to venture off into Malaysia,

Where to Pray

Muslims make up 15% of Singapore’s population. There are many Masjids scattered all over the country and your best option is to Google which is closest to you when you are there. However, one of the most well known and iconic Masjid in Singapore is Masjid Sultan.

Masjid Sultan

Masjid Sultan is likely the biggest and most popular Masjid in Singapore. It is located on Arab Street and is hard to be missed. Its golden domes can be seen from far and is hard to be missed. Scroll down to the Fun Facts section for a very interesting fact about the Masjids architecture.

Al Qudwah Academy

Al Qudwah is an Islamic Academy located close to Masjid Sultan. The academy holds provides academic Islamic knowledge to the many residents of Singapore. I had the opportunity to visit the academy and meet with the founder Ustaz Tawfiq. I was incredibly impressed with how welcoming and inclusive the center was. The Acadamy holds daily classes as well as weekend courses. There is even a “pay as you wish” coffee and tea corner where you pay as much as you can or nothing at all.

Where to Eat

Singapore has many Halal restaurants. Many of which are located near Masjid Sultan area. You will find all types of cuisines at varying price points. My recommendation is to find halal restaurants on Google Maps and find ones that are closest to you. Here are a few restaurants and cafes that I think are worth checking out.

Accommodation

Accommodation is expensive in Singapore. It’s hard to find a cheap place to stay and if the places are cheap then it is like due to the poor location of the hotel. Even on Airbnb, I had a difficult time finding a cheap place to stay. You can find cheaper accommodation near the older Geylang area, however, I would avoid that area as a whole as it is notorious for being inappropriate activity.

How to get around

Public Transit

Busses and MRT are the cheapest way to get around Singapore. Public Transit is generally very good and on time. Tourists pass for unlimited use start at around $10/day.

Grab and Gojek

If you have a local sim, Grab is the easiest and most convenient way of getting around.

Taxi

The Taxi system is quite robust in Singapore. All taxis are metered and drivers are professional. If possible, stick with the ComfortDelGro Taxis. You will see them as the blue colored taxis zipping all around Singapore.

Drive

If you want a bit more flexibility, driving is also an option. Although, I wouldn’t recommend it, only because the other options are much more affordable and convenient.

How to stay safe

Singapore is one of the safest countries in the world. Crime is very rare including petty crime like pickpocketing. There are also many Muslims in Singapore and being a visibility Muslim is not a problem at all. Also, thanks to Malaysia being the neighboring country, Singapore sees many Malaysian tourists and visitors.

General Tips

  • Stay away from the Geylang area. It is near the Red Light District and although you will find affordable accommodation there, it is not the best area of the city.
  • The weather is generally hot and humid in Singapore.
  • Singapore is expensive. If you’re traveling on a budget, I wouldn’t recommend spending too much time there.
  • The country is small and you can cover a lot of ground in just a couple of days.

Fun Facts

  • Singapore was a part of Malaysia at one point
  • The black layer, right under the golden dome of Masjid Sultan is made of recycled Coke bottles.
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