Singapore is one of the best cities in the world for a long layover—compact, efficient, and packed with incredible sights. With just five hours between flights, we set out to experience as much as possible – for as little as possible. From the breathtaking Gardens by the Bay to the fascinating surprises within Changi Airport, one of the world’s most impressive travel hubs.
This guide will show you how to make the most of a short stop in Singapore, whether you want to experience the city’s highlights affordably or take advantage of Changi’s world-class attractions without spending a dime. Plus, I’ll share tips on how long layovers can be a smart (and budget-friendly) way to sample new destinations.
Let’s dive into our whirlwind Singapore adventure!
Apa Kabar from Singapore!
We touched down in Singapore early afternoon, eager to make the most of our long layover. With just five hours before our next flight, we set out to explore as much as possible. Thankfully, our checked bags were already on their way to our final destination, so we grabbed our carry-ons and stepped outside of Changi Airport—and wow, what a welcome!
First Impressions of Singapore
The first thing that hit us? The scent of flowers. It’s everywhere. Changi Airport itself is a lush paradise, with vertical gardens covering the walls, vibrant greenery lining the streets, and even a massive indoor garden inside the terminal. Honestly, we could have spent our entire layover just exploring the airport—it’s a destination in itself! …read more about it below.
But we were on a mission. We had a lot to fit in on our layover here in Singapore. We grabbed a cab and set off for Gardens by the Bay, one of Singapore’s most iconic attractions. The 20-minute ride flew by as we chatted with our taxi driver, who shared some fascinating (and somewhat shocking) facts about Singaporean laws. Did you know it’s illegal to spit on the ground? You also can’t eat or drink on public transportation, and there are no alcohol sales or consumption after 10:30 PM. And the strictest laws? Drug offenses. Some of which can carry a mandatory death sentence. As in, they publicly hang you on Fridays right before dawn. Talk about a wake-up call! If there’s one travel tip to take away from this, it’s to always research local laws before you arrive in a new country.
Gardens by the Bay: A Whimsical Escape
Arriving at Gardens by the Bay, we were instantly in awe. Towering Supertree structures stretched high above us, with the futuristic Marina Bay Sands Hotel standing tall in the background. If we had more time, I would have loved to check out that hotel—next trip!
Since the weather was perfect (warm, sunny, and with a light breeze), we opted to wander the outdoor gardens at our own pace. The biodiversity here is unreal. Plants and flowers I had never seen before surrounded us, each looking like something straight out of a Dr. Seuss book or the movie Avatar. We even found a section showcasing sea life, filled with creatures that were just as unique and unfamiliar to me. I could have easily spent a week here just soaking it all in.
One of the most unforgettable aspects of Singapore? The scent. The sheer number of fragrant flowers left their mark in the best way possible. You know how your hair and clothes pick up the scent of wherever you’ve been? (Think greasy fast food joints or smoky bowling alleys.) When I left Singapore, it smelled like I had just bathed in flower petals—and it was wonderful. If you saw me in the airport that night, yes, I was the person huffing their own hair like it was covered in drugs. Don’t judge.
Gardens by the Bay: Essential Info
- Opening Hours: Outdoor gardens are open daily from 5:00 AM to 2:00 AM, while the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome are open from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
- Tickets: The outdoor gardens are free to enter. For the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome, combined admission is $32 SGD for adults and $18 SGD for children (3-12 years old). The OCBC Skyway charges $14 SGD for adults and $10 SGD for children.
- Must-Sees: The Supertree Grove lights up every night with a dazzling show, and the Cloud Forest houses one of the world’s tallest indoor waterfalls.
- Free Guided Tours: The Gardens by the Bay is centered around Nature & Sustainability. They offer free guided tours where you will learn all about biodiversity, climate change, and all the fascinating ways this space is helping the city.
More Things to Do in Singapore
Whether you’re in town for just a few hours or an entire week, Singapore offers an array of attractions worth exploring. Here are some ideas:
If You Have a Few Hours:
– Marina Bay Sands SkyPark—Head to the top of this architectural marvel for panoramic city views.
– Chinatown—Wander through the historic streets, visit the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, and enjoy street food.
– Little India— Experience vibrant colors, temples, and mouthwatering Indian cuisine.
If You Have a Few Days:
– Singapore Botanic Gardens—A UNESCO-listed green oasis, perfect for a relaxing stroll.
– Sentosa Island— Home to Universal Studios Singapore, scenic beaches, and adventure parks.
– National Gallery Singapore—Showcasing the largest collection of Southeast Asian art.
– Hawker Centers—Food lovers must try Maxwell Food Centre or Lau Pa Sat for authentic local flavors.
– Jewel Changi Airport—Even if you’re just transiting, check out the world’s tallest indoor waterfall and luxury shopping.
Unique Things to Do Inside Changi Airport
If you prefer to stay inside the airport during your layover, Singapore Changi offers some truly out-of-the-ordinary attractions. The Jewel Changi is a mall and entertainment complex located at the airport. It is a short walk from Arrivals at Level 1.
Here are some other things to check out during your stay at the airport!
- HSBC Rain Vortex—The world’s tallest indoor waterfall, located inside Jewel Changi Airport.
- Butterfly Garden—A tropical oasis in Terminal 3, home to over 1,000 butterflies. Free of charge.
- Movie Theaters—Free cinemas in Terminals 2 and 3 that screen the latest films 24/7.
- Rooftop Pool & Jacuzzi—Take a refreshing dip while watching planes take off at the Aerotel Airport Transit Hotel. $20-25 SGD per person.
- Sunflower & Cactus Gardens—Beautiful outdoor gardens where you can stretch your legs and enjoy the view.
- Entertainment Deck—Play Xbox and PlayStation games, or relax in a comfortable lounge area. Free of charge.
Budget-Friendly Tips for a Singapore Layover
- Use Public Transport—The MRT is clean, fast, and significantly cheaper than taking a cab. $1.50-2.50 SGD per ride, or get the tourist pass for $10 SGD which allows for unlimited travel for 1, 2, or 3 days.
- Visit Free Attractions—Gardens by the Bay’s outdoor areas, Merlion Park, and Chinatown are all free to explore.
- Hawker Centers—Serves tasty, traditional meals for $3–$7 SGD
- Use Airport Amenities—Changi Airport offers FREE attractions like the Butterfly Garden, Rain Vortex, and even free movie screenings.
- Carry a Reusable Water Bottle—Tap water in Singapore is safe to drink, and refill stations are available throughout the city.
- Take Advantage of Free City Tours—Some airlines, like Singapore Airlines, offer complimentary city tours for travelers with long layovers.
The Beauty of Long Layover
Before this trip, I used to dread long layovers. Who wants to sit in an airport for hours, waiting for the next flight? But Seth convinced me that they could actually work in our favor—and he was right. A long layover lets you sample a new destination, helping you decide if you want to return for a longer stay. Plus, it’s a fantastic budget travel hack! Flights with longer layovers are usually cheaper, and if you’re only there for a few hours, you don’t need a hotel.
Just remember: always leave yourself enough time to get back through security and board your next flight!
As we waited for our next departure, Seth was already planning our future Singapore trip. Next time, I’ll be exploring this city through its incredible food scene—and I can’t wait!
Tips for a Singapore Layover:
- Use Changi Airport’s facilities: If you stay at the airport, take advantage of all of the facilities and amenities. There are gardens, a butterfly exhibit, and tons of dining options.
- Visit Gardens by the Bay: If you have a few hours, this is a must-see!
- Learn the local laws: Singapore is strict, and you don’t want to get fined for something like chewing gum.
- Take a cab for speed: Public transport is amazing, but a cab saves you time on a short layover.
- Try the food (if you have time!): Singapore is a food paradise, and I’ll be back just for that.
Have you experienced an airport just as great, if not better than Changi? We’d love to hear about it!
Let us know in the comments!
