Exploring the Best Day Tours in Singapore: Sentosa, Zoo Beyond

Singapore is a small yet bustling city-state that offers a wide range of day tours and activities. While you can certainly explore on your own, I recommend sticking to local tour operators only if you face language barriers. With its excellent public transport and small size, Singapore is a breathtakingly efficient and easy city to navigate. From the vibrant shopping and dining scenes to thrilling adventure attractions, there's something for everyone.

What to Visit: Sentosa Island

Begin your adventure with Sentosa Island, a popular tourist destination that offers a mix of excitement and relaxation. Allocate at least two days to fully explore this gem. The island boasts an array of resorts, hotels, and attractions, with Le Méridien being a standout option for accommodation. Sentosa is so enchanting that I often stay here while visiting the city, enjoying the comfortable hotel and nightly travel back to work.

Universal Studios Singapore is the primary draw, and it's well worth a visit, especially if you're going during peak tourist times. The park is enormous, and to fully enjoy it, aim for at least several hours. Opting for an Express Pass can save you a significant amount of time, allowing you to experience multiple attractions without long queues. Whether it's the roller coasters, themed rides, or the immersive movie experiences, there's plenty for everyone to enjoy. During peak summer weekends, like August 15, you might find long queues. Be sure to plan and prepare accordingly.

In addition to Universal Studios, there are plenty of other attractions on Sentosa Island. Spend your second day relaxing by the sea or exploring other less physically demanding activities. The island offers a perfect balance of immersion and respite. After a day at Universal Studios, try to unwind and explore the local character of the island.

Transit to Marina Bay and Beyond

To move from Sentosa to the mainland, you can either stay at the Amara Hotel, which I highly recommend for its prime location, or arrange for a ride with Grab. From Amara, head to Marina Bay, where you can catch the free laser show. Be sure to check the timings, as they vary with the seasons. After the show, take a short walk to Gardens by the Bay, a beautiful and sprawling park that combines nature, architecture, and art. Be mindful of the park's hours and the lighting shows, and try to arrive early to explore the area thoroughly, taking in the many high-end shops and doing some window shopping.

To enhance your experience, consider taking a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour. This is a great way to see the whole city quickly, and you can decide where to visit next. The bus runs every 15 minutes, providing ample flexibility. Alternatively, if you prefer, you can get off and rejoin the bus elsewhere, tailoring your visit to your interests.

Day Tours to Mustafa Market and Little India

On a separate day, allocate at least 4 hours to visit the Mustafa Market and Little India. Mustafa is a renowned supermarket with a diverse range of products, especially for electronics and home goods. Spending 2 hours there should be sufficient. Don't forget to try a meal at Little India, whether it's for lunch or dinner. For non-vegetarians, I highly recommend Banana Leaf, a popular restaurant chain known for its delicious vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. This will give you a taste of the local cuisine and market atmosphere.

Exploring Orchard Road for Nightlife

Note that Orchard Road, a bustling avenue known for its vibrant nightlife, is more suitable for those in the mood for a fun evening. The area is packed with bars, nightclubs, and shopping opportunities. However, be aware that Orchard Road is also one of the most romantic areas in Singapore. For a night out on the town, the place is perfect, but if you're traveling with parents or a spouse, it might be more enjoyable to explore the night markets instead.

The Night Safari is a must-visit attraction, especially for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. While the zoo during the day offers basic animal viewing experiences, the Night Safari brings the world of nocturnal animals to life through a unique approach. You can get up close to tigers and other animals, often just a few feet away. It’s a fantastic way to spend a night in Singapore, combining both adventure and comfort.

Conclusion

Singapore is an incredible and lively city that should be on your travel bucket list. By exploring on your own, you have the flexibility to change your itinerary based on your preferences and mood. Whether you plan to visit the city first, enjoy the comfort of Sentosa, or mix and match, Singapore offers a plethora of experiences that cater to every taste. Embrace the easy transport, vibrant culture, and diverse attractions, and create your memorable journey in this tiny but incredible city-state.