Categories > Guides and Tips
Lone Explorer: How to Enjoy Singapore as a Solo Traveller
- Read up on Singaporean taboos and customs
- Get a Singapore Tourist Pass to get better value for money on public transit
- Plan your visit to Singapore during its dry season
- Withdraw at least S$150 and keep the cash with you
- Top Attractions to See Solo in Singapore
- Gardens by the Bay
- Motion Art Space
- Jewel Changi
- Orchard Road
- Singapore Zoo
- Haji Lane
- Peranakan Heritage Shophouses along Koon Seng Road
- The Rail Corridor
- Top Solo-Friendly Hostels and Hotels in Singapore
- Dream Lodge
- Wink Capsule Hotel
- Lloyd’s Inn
- Heritage Collection
- Beary Best!
- The Garden Pod at Gardens by the Bay
- Hotel G
- Cube Hostel
- Hotel Mono
Singapore is a diverse destination with cultural attractions, artistic districts, and various activities for all types of travellers.
Whether you’re on a budget or looking for luxurious experiences, the city has something for everyone. It’s an excellent choice for solo travellers, offering a range of solo-friendly adventures.
For first-time visitors to the Lion City, we’ve curated the ultimate guide on how to enjoy Singapore as a solo traveller to help you make the most out of your trip.
1. Read up on Singaporean taboos and customs
If you’ve never visited Singapore before, it’s important to do your research on local customs and taboos, so that you’re aware of what to not do or say when travelling around the island.
When dining at hawker centres, respect the local custom of “chope-ing” tables by not taking those marked with tissue packets. Tipping is not customary either, so keep the change.
Also, dress modestly, covering knees and shoulders when visiting religious sites. Finally, for everyone’s sake, avoid littering and chewing gum in public spaces, adhering to Singapore’s strict etiquette.
2. Get a Singapore Tourist Pass to get better value for money on public transit
The Singapore Tourist Pass gives you unlimited rides on public transit systems for one, two, and three days, using a single EZ Link Card you can purchase at the airport or the nearest train station to you.
The regular Singapore Tourist Pass costs $22 for one day, $29 for two days, and $34 for three days, inclusive of a $10 deposit that you can refund once your trip is over. This way, you won’t have to pay around $1.50 per ride on buses and trains.
Under the Singapore Tourist Pass, you can get three other passes: the SG Tourist Pass, the Singapore Tourist Pass Plus, and the STP Charm. These passes cost $29, $48, and $36.90 respectively.
Refer to the chart below for the tier inclusions of Singapore Tourist Passes:
| SG Tourist Pass | Singapore Tourist Pass Plus | STP Charm | |
| Price: | $29 | $48 | $36.90 |
| Duration: | 3 Days | 3 Days | 1 Day |
| No. Of Rides | Unlimited | Unlimited, plus a 1-hour tour and a $5 credit for Changi Travel Concierge Services | Unlimited |
| Rental Deposit | None | None | None |
3. Plan your visit to Singapore during its dry season
The dry season of Singapore runs from March to June, and planning your trip to the island during these months may entail less rainfall and lower humidity levels.
Singapore’s climate is hot and humid all year, but with the number of outdoor attractions on the island, travelling solo here during the wettest months (September to February) might bar you from the fun.
4. Withdraw at least S$150 and keep the cash with you
Most, if not all, food and retail (save for hawker centres) establishments accept credit cards, foreign and local. But, it’s still safe to keep some cash with you at all times in case cashless payments aren’t accepted where you’re going.
Hawker centres are known to offer cheap local fare, and paying with cards might leave you with higher markups due to the transaction fees.
Keep a bit of cash or change with you in case you need to buy a quick refreshment or snack!
Top Attractions to See Solo in Singapore
Gardens by the Bay
Address: 18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953
Contact Details: +6564206848
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 5:00 am to 2:00 am
Even if you’re not a nature park enthusiast, Gardens by the Bay, also known as Singapore’s crown jewel, offers a captivating experience.
The artificial Supertrees, along with the diverse plant life in the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest, create a stunning visual spectacle. Every corner of the attraction is highly Instagram-worthy, making your photos envy-inducing.
Pro Tip: Entrance to Gardens by the Bay is free, except for the OCBC Skyway, Flower Dome, Floral Fantasy, and Cloud Forest. These have separate ticket fees, which are enumerated on the website.
Motion Art Space
Address: 3 Muscat St, Singapore 198833
Contact Details: +6562934405
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 9:00 pm
Embark on a solo artistic adventure at Motion Art Space, where you can unleash your creativity by crafting abstract masterpieces using spinners and pendulums.
Solo sessions start at $70, offering you the freedom to explore your artistic flair. You’ll receive a 46 x 55 cm canvas, four paints, and your own spinner station where you can let loose with creativity.
Pro Tip: If you want to take home your artwork as a keepsake from Singapore, the studio ensures your artwork is ready for pickup once dried, usually within three days. You can either pick up the artwork from the studio or request a delivery to your hotel.
Jewel Changi
Address: Singapore Changi Airport, Singapore
Contact Details: +6569569898
Operating Hours: Open 24/7
Travelling to Singapore offers the unique experience of visiting its renowned airport, Singapore Changi Airport, considered one of the world’s best airports.
Inside lies Jewel Changi, featuring attractions like the HSBC Rain Vortex, the tallest indoor waterfall globally, and the Shiseido Forest Valley with walking trails. Exploring Jewel Changi alone can fulfil key items on your Singapore travel bucket list!
Pro Tip: For an enchanting experience, don’t miss the evening light and sound show at 7:30 pm and 8:30 pm every Monday to Thursday and 7:30 pm, 8:30 pm, and 9:30 pm every Friday to Sunday.
Orchard Road
Orchard Road is renowned for housing Singapore’s top shopping destinations, including boutique stores and high-end international retailers such as ION Orchard Mall, Takashimaya Department Store, and Paragon Shopping Centre.
Explore attractions within malls, like the ION Sky observation deck on the 56th floor of ION Orchard Mall. Shop at ION Orchard Mall, spend a minimum of $50 on a single receipt, and gain access to the deck for panoramic city views!
Pro Tip: If you visit ION Sky between 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm, you get a free welcome drink upon entry from the Atico Lounge. You get to choose between boozy cocktails or non-alcoholic beverages from the menu.
Singapore Zoo
Address: 80 Mandai Lake Rd, Singapore 729826
Operating Hours: 8:30 am to 6:00 pm
Nestled on the north-western side of the island, the Singapore Zoo is a captivating sanctuary for wildlife enthusiasts. Since its opening in 1973, this cherished establishment has evolved into one of the world’s premier rainforest zoos.
A few notable zones inside the zoo are the Fragile Forest, a site dedicated to sloths and lemurs, Wild Africa, a zone for zebras and lions, and the Australasia Exhibit, a zone where you’ll find kangaroos and wallabies.
Pro Tip: You can book a feeding session in advance via the website. Here, you can feed elephants, rhinos, tortoises, and even zebras and get up close and personal with the gentle creatures.
Haji Lane
Haji Lane, nestled in the Bras Basah-Bugis district, is a narrow alley adorned with indie shops, cosy cafes, trendy bars, and vibrant street art embellishing its walls. If you’re an art enthusiast, Haji Lane is the place to visit!
As day turns into night, the lane transforms into a lively hub, with charming cafes and inviting bars welcoming you for a solo nightcap. Most places here are open until late, so you’re free to go bar or cafe hopping until all the establishments close!
Pro Tip: If possible, plan your visit on weekdays to avoid the weekend crowds and fully enjoy the experience.
Peranakan Heritage Shophouses along Koon Seng Road
Address: 287 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427540
Operating Hours: Open 24/7
Discovering Singapore’s rich local heritage is a must, with a particular focus on the vibrant Peranakan culture. The term “Peranakan” refers to individuals born in Singapore, often of Chinese and Malay heritage.
This unique culture is evident in various aspects, including cuisine and architecture, as seen by the colourful Peranakan shophouses along Koon Seng Road.
Pro Tip: Explore other Peranakan residences in Singapore, such as the residential homes along Emerald Hill Road near Orchard Road and the commercial shophouses lining East Coast Road.
The Rail Corridor
Address: #1 Railway Station, Singapore 599938
Operating Hours: Open 24/7
The Rail Corridor is a 24-kilometre verdant pathway showcasing lush natural landscapes and meticulously restored landmark bridges and features, including the Bukit Timah Railway Station.
The trail is remarkably accessible, featuring sensitive restoration of key landmarks like the Bukit Timah Railway Station, two steel truss railway bridges, lookout decks, and paths that make for great photo opportunities along the way.
Pro Tip: The Rail Corridor doesn’t have any lighting installed, so it gets very dark once the sun sets. It’s best to stop hiking the trail once the sun goes down and come back to where you left off early in the morning!
Top Solo-Friendly Hostels and Hotels in Singapore
Dream Lodge
Address: 172 Tyrwhitt Road, Singapore 207574
Contact Details: +6568161036
Check-in: 2:00 pm
Check-out: 11:00 am
Pricing: $
Dream Lodge stands out as the ultimate hostel for solo travellers in Singapore. Its laid-back and friendly atmosphere, coupled with an ideal location between three MRT stations, makes it the perfect hub for exploring the city.
With orthopaedic and anti-dust-mite mattresses, Dream Lodge ensures solo travellers a rare guarantee of a rejuvenating night’s sleep, making it an exceptional choice for those exploring Singapore on their own.
Pro Tip: Each guest is entitled to free breakfast during their whole stay! If Dream Lodge’s breakfast offerings aren’t enough, the hostel sits right by an array of cafes, casual restaurants, and hawker centres.
Wink Capsule Hotel
Address: Mosque St, #8A, Singapore 059488
Contact Details: +6598356850
Check-in: 3:00 pm
Check-out: 11:00 am
Pricing: $
Wink Capsule Hostel, a top pick for backpackers in the Lion City, combines boutique hotel luxury with hostel coolness. Though not the most budget-friendly, it’s an excellent choice for solo travellers seeking enhanced privacy and extensive amenities.
Noteworthy features include large, secure lockers with keycard access, anti-dust-mite orthopaedic mattresses, and modern amenities like a washing machine, dryer, and fully equipped kitchen, providing excellent value.
Pro Tip: You can book a female-only or male-only dorm room at Wink Capsule Hotel. Just make sure you indicate or choose the correct option when booking via the website.
Lloyd’s Inn
Address: 2 Lloyd Rd, Singapore 239091
Contact Details: +6567377309
Check-in Time: 3:00 pm
Check-out Time: 12:00 pm
Pricing: $$
Lloyd’s Inn is a boutique hotel that sits right at the heart of Orchard. A staycation here might fool you into thinking you’re way outside the city centre (even if you literally are!).
Each of the 34 guest rooms offers a comfortable bed, luxurious bed linens, a desk/vanity area, and a semi-outdoor private bathroom. Moreover, when not enjoying the room, guests can unwind at the swimming pool or relax on the garden deck.
Pro Tip: The swimming pool at Lloyd’s Inn is pretty small, so if there are many guests checked in, the swimming pool deck may be packed. The pool isn’t very deep either, so don’t even think about doing a cannonball or diving into it!
Heritage Collection
Address: 39 Seah St, Singapore 188395
Contact Details: +6562237155
Check-in Time: 3:00 pm
Check-out Time: 11:00 am
Pricing: $$
Heritage Collection lets you book a room inside a heritage shophouse located in a district of your choice. You can choose from bustling Chinatown, riverside Quays, or the trendy and hipster Kampong Glam.
You also get to choose the size of your room, ranging from studio lofts to premium suites with balconies. Each room comes with full amenities like a kitchenette, work desk, and free Wi-Fi, so you have pretty much all you need for a comfy stay!
Pro Tip: The Heritage Collection buildings offer laundry services for guests. Simply let the front desk know about your laundry, and they’d be happy to assist you.
Beary Best!
Address: 16 Upper Cross St, Singapore 058331
Contact Details: +6597277011
Check-in Time: 3:00 pm
Check-out Time: 11:00 am
Pricing: $
Beary Best! is a budget-friendly youth hostel in Singapore, known for its laid-back ambience and backpacker-friendly atmosphere. Housed in a restored art deco building, it offers a spacious and friendly environment.
This hostel caters to modern backpackers with essential amenities like free Wi-Fi, hot showers, air conditioning, and affordable drinks. Enjoy complimentary unlimited films in the common room or engage in Wii gaming sessions with fellow hostel guests.
Pro Tip: The approachable staff at Beary Best!, available 24/7, offers valuable travel advice and can assist you in securing exclusive rates for Singapore’s local attractions.
The Garden Pod at Gardens by the Bay
Address: 18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953
Contact Details: +6566657500
Check-in: 3:00 pm
Check-out: 11:00 am
Pricing: $$
Embark on a solo adventure with a stay at the Garden Pod, where eco-living meets modern comfort in the heart of lush Gardens by the Bay.
Ideal for solo travellers seeking a tranquil escape, this innovative pod hotel offers a unique blend of nature and convenience. Imagine a contemporary treehouse experience surrounded by greenery, providing a perfect retreat.
Pro Tip: Some of the pods have glass windows as walls, so close your curtains completely if you want full privacy. Be careful not to knock anything over and avoid leaning against the glass to avoid any breakages.
Hotel G
Address: 200 Middle Rd, Singapore 188980
Contact Details: +6568097988
Check-in Time: 3:00 pm
Check-out Time: 11:00 am
Pricing: $$
Explore the chic and discreet Hotel G in Bugis for a unique stay in Singapore. Perfect for those seeking proximity to the city’s dynamic nightlife and art scene, this small yet characterful hotel is strategically situated between Orchard and Little India.
Featuring modern, well-equipped rooms with convenient amenities like a kitchenette, Hotel G offers a comfortable retreat. With its close proximity to public transit and a diverse range of dining options, guests can enjoy both convenience and variety.
Pro Tip: While rooms have a kitchenette, they lack bidets and ironing supplies. This may be a drawback for some solo travellers.
Cube Hostel
Address: 76A/B, 78A/B Smith Street Level 2, #3, Singapore 058971
Contact Details: +6562217769
Check-in: 3:00 pm
Check-out: 12:00 pm
Pricing: $$
Cube Hostel is indisputably the top choice for digital nomads in Singapore. Staying in a capsule hostel is a unique experience for many travellers, and Cube stands out as one of the city’s most stylish and, some would say, luxurious hostels.
Digital nomads and solo travellers will appreciate the dedicated workspaces, providing an ideal environment for focused work. If you’ve got a few tasks to complete, simply plug in and enjoy the fast Wi-Fi they offer for free!
Pro Tip: Before heading out, enjoy the complimentary breakfast buffet to save some cash. They also give you free water bottles to keep you hydrated throughout your visit, so take advantage of that!
Hotel Mono
Address: 18 Mosque St, Chinatown Heritage Centre, Singapore 059498
Contact Details: +6563260430
Check-in Time: 3:00 pm
Check-out Time: 12:00 pm
Pricing: $$
Think about Hotel Mono for budget-friendly yet sophisticated lodging. Situated amidst the historic shophouses of Chinatown, this boutique hotel boasts a design by Space Edge Designs.
Situated in a vibrant neighbourhood, you can relish local dishes, discover cultural boutiques, and experience the nightlife at chic bars in close proximity.
Pro Tip: Ask for a room away from the street to avoid loud noises at night. Hotel Mono is located very close to lively bars in Chinatown, so expect the outdoors to be a little noisier than usual.
