Not sure what to do during a layover in Singapore? Here’s the comprehensive guide to 10 best things to do and places to visit for the ultimate Singapore layover experience!

Airport layovers are usually sucky, nobody likes sitting around reading a book or playing with phones to wait for their connecting flight. But hey, layovers in Singapore are amazing! In fact, once you experience the vibrant city state’s melting pot of cultures and heritage, you’ll be wishing for a longer layover. 😉 Plus, stand a chance to win a staycation in Jewel Changi Airport!

Whether it’s 3 hours, 8 hours, or up to 24 hours, there’s always something interesting to do to maximise your transit in Singapore. Here’s a list of to-dos and must-visits for the best Singapore layover experience:

Layovers less than 3 hours

1. Explore Jewel Changi Airport

Newly-opened in 2019, Jewel Changi Airport is the latest addition to the world’s number one airport. Jewel Changi Airport boasts more than 300 retail and dining spaces, including the world’s tallest indoor waterfall – HSBC Rain Vortex – that splashes down 40 metres in the misty Shiseido Forest Valley. 🌲

Plus, you can head up to the Canopy Garden on the top floor and explore other attractions, including the glass panel Canopy Bridge that suspends 23 metres above ground, the giant ManuLife Sky Nets for walking and bouncing above the gardens, and even Singapore’s largest Hedge Maze.

2. Feast on local food at Changi Village

Who said you can’t experience authentic local food during a layover in Singapore?

Just a 15-minute taxi ride away lies one of Singapore’s most famous hawker hunts – Changi Village Hawker Centre – where you’ll be faced with a tough challenge of endless delicious local food choices. If it’s your first time here, just join the longest queue at any stall and you’ll not be disappointed. 😉

Layovers between 3 to 8 hours

3. Indulge at Marina Bay Sands

“What is the building in Singapore with a ship on top?” The prominent Marina Bay Sands is almost instantly recognisable as part of Singapore’s iconic skyline. Here, you can catch a musical or shop till you drop! 🛍

The integrated resort comprises of a hotel, convention centre, theatre, museum, celebrity restaurants, luxury boutiques, and retail shops. The renowned infinity pool, unfortunately, is only accessible by hotel guests. However, you can still enjoy a panoramic view of Singapore’s world-class cityscape during your layover in Singapore at the Sands SkyPark Observation Deck (right next to the pool)!

4. Witness the Supertrees at Gardens by the Bay

Did you spot the gigantic futuristic purple trees from the Sands SkyPark Observation Deck? That’s the Supertrees in Gardens by the Bay, an award-winning 101 hectare city garden (that’s about the size of 190 football fields!).

Bask in its diverse flora and surreal tropical landscapes, including the cooling sanctuaries Flower Dome and Cloud Forest where over 3,000 plant species from all over the world are housed. Oh, and there’s a spectacular 30-metre indoor waterfall waiting for you too! 🌊

5. Take a selfie at Merlion Park

Though many iconic attractions have popped up over the decade, the Merlion Park remains an ever-popular landmark for many tourists.

The half-fish, half-lion Singapore icon stands at 8.6-metre tall, but you may still have to wiggle through flocks of crowd during peak hours to get a selfie with it. 📸

6. Enjoy a bird’s eye view at Singapore Flyer

If you didn’t manage to get up to Sands SkyPark (the queue is incredibly long sometimes), head over to the Singapore Flyer instead. The giant observation wheel was the largest in the world when it first opened in 2014, but was quickly overtaken by other countries as years went by.

Nonetheless, the 165-metre (or 42-storey) Singapore Flyer offers stunning views of the vibrant metropolis as you enjoy the 30-minute ride in an air-conditioned capsule. 🎡

7. Immerse in nature at Singapore Botanic Gardens

The Singapore Botanic Gardens is the first (and only thus far) UNESCO World Heritage Site in Singapore. 🌺

The 160-year-old garden sustains more than 10,000 species of flora, and it’s also home to The National Orchid Garden – a pioneer in orchid hybrid cultivation!

Layovers beyond 8 hours

8. Dive into the S.E.A. Aquarium

Discover more than 100,000 marine animals as you journey into the blue realms of S.E.A. Aquarium at Resorts World Sentosa, once the largest oceanarium in the world (until it was surpassed in 2014). With over 50 habitats, you can admire the fascinating sea creatures, including more than 200 sharks. 🦈

Take your breath away at the Open Ocean habitat, a 36-metre wide and 8.3-metre tall viewing panel that transports you instantly to the deep ocean floor. If that’s not thrilling enough for you, sign up for the diving programmes and earn your SCUBA license in the Aquarium!

9. Seek thrills at Universal Studios Singapore

Ready for an exciting layover in Singapore? Universal Studios Singapore boasts nearly 30 rides, shows, and attractions in seven themed zones, and it’s currently the only Universal Studios in Southeast Asia.

Be prepared to scream your lungs out at the exclusive Battlestar Galactica – a pair of steel, duelling 90km/h rollercoasters known as Human (a traditional seated rollercoaster) and Cylon (an inverted rollercoaster), among many other popular rides. Award-winning stage shows are also available throughout the day, so you can take a breather from all the adrenaline-pumping rides. 🎢

10. Recharge your body at YOTELAIR Singapore

Nestled right in Jewel Changi Airport, YOTELAIR is the perfect place to refresh, relax, and rejuvenate during a long layover in Singapore. With 130 cabins in the hotel, you can choose between the Premium Queen Cabins (up to 2 pax) or Family Cabins (up to 4 pax).

In addition to the purple mood lighting, all cabins also feature an adjustable SmartBed™ with memory gel mattress, which transforms from a couch to a fully flat bed by pressing a bedside button.

Rather staying in your cabin all day, you should head to KOMYUNITI, a 24/7 lounge to chill out with free hot coffee and tea. Overlooking the HSBC Rain Vortex, the lounge also has power sockets for you to charge your work laptops. The on-site gym is 24/7 too! 🏋️‍♂️

🎉 GIVEAWAY: Free Staycation 🎉

YouTrip has teamed up with YOTELAIR (somebody say purple buddies?) to give you a free 1 night staycation worth SGD$244 in the heart of Jewel Changi Airport! Here’s how to win:

1. Follow @SGTravelHacks on Telegram
2. Invite 3 friends
3. Tell @SGTravelHacksBot who you invited

Invitation period ends on 27 August 2019, so hurry and invite now! A lucky winner will be picked. Terms & conditions apply.

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Enjoy a worldwide fees-less travel experience!