Travel
Flight
Singapore Changi Airport
Changi Airport is the major civilian airport for Singapore, and one of the largest transportation hubs in Southeast Asia. The fastest (about 30 minutes) and most convenient way into the city from the airport is by taxi. All taxis in Singapore are fully licensed and run on meter. The fare from the airport to the city is approximately $20 -$35.
Flight
Direct flight: low-cost carrier
Since 2018, Norwegian Air has been offering direct flights between London Gatwick and Singapore Changi Airport. This is likely to be the most cost effective mode of transport between the two countries. Whilst the flight is budget, the legroom and on-board entertainment are pretty good. However, food and drinks are not included, and the paid for options are not worth the price so it is advisable to pack some light snacks with you. You will also have to pay for all your checked baggage.
Flight
Direct Flight: Premium
Both Singapore Airlines (SQ) and British Airways (BA) fly direct between London Heathrow and Singapore Changi Airport. As they are flag carriers they include baggage, food and drink, and a certain amount more comfort than the budget option (although we both felt that Norwegian seats actually felt better than SQ and BA, and the Norwegian plane was newer). SQ is regarded as the best airline in the world so this is likely to be the best choice should you be able to find tickets at the right price.
Flight
Flight with Connection
There are a number of airlines that fly between British airports and Singapore with a connection. European carriers such as Lufthansa, Air France and KLM fly from a range of UK airports, through their hub then on to Singapore. This option may be more convenient than travelling to London for a direct flight, but may entail some layover time, and tend to be more expensive than flying from London. Other airlines such as Turkish Airlines, Etihad, Emirates and Qatar Airways, fly from the major UK airports via the mid-East to Singapore – these options were until recently, the cheapest mode of transport between the two countries.
Flight
Open Jaw Flight
Should you wish to see other parts of Asia whilst on your trip, another option is to fly into one airport and out of another, and fly the shorter connecting flight on a local low-cost airline. (e.g.: Scoot, AirAsia, Jetstar) There are numerous destinations in Asia less than 4 hours from Singapore with direct flights to the UK including Hong Kong, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur, as well as numerous other destinations you can fly to with only short connecting flights. Please also bear in mind the time difference. As Singapore is 8 hours ahead of the UK, and the flight will take at least 13 hours, you will arrive in Singapore a day after you take off. Please do reach out to Scott if you have any questions about flight routes or options – he really loves this stuff.
Flight
Scoot Airline
Low-cost carrier flying medium to long haul routes from Singapore. Destinations include: Athens (Greece), Berlin (Germany), Phuket (Thailand), Bangkok (Thailand), Langkawi (Malaysia), Hong Kong, Taipei (Taiwan), Tokyo (Japan), Osaka (Japan), Sydney (Australia), Melbourne (Australia), Perth (Australia). They tend to launch promo fares every Tuesday so book then to get the best price!
Travel Note
Short Getaway: Bangkok, Thailand
A 2-hour flight from Singapore, Bangkok is the throbbing capital city of Thailand. There you will find fabulous street food, affordable shopping, bustling night markets and a burgeoning hipster culture. Scott purchased our engagement ring from a jeweller in Bangkok and actually planned to fly there and back in a day to pick it up without raising any suspicions!
Travel Note
Short Getaway: Bali, Indonesia
A 3-hour flight from Singapore, Bali is home to fantastic beaches, trendy cafes, volcanos and yoga retreats. The place offers a great escape from the pace of Singapore.
Travel Note
Short Getaway: Phuket, Thailand
A 2-hour flight from Singapore, Phuket is a great opportunity to experience the charms of island life – delicious food, fantastic nightlife and friendly people. Although it can get pretty busy with tourists along the main Patong Beach, you can still find more secluded areas such as Surin Beach and Layan Beach.
Travel Note
Short Getaway: Hong Kong, Hong Kong
A 4-hour flight from Singapore, many Singaporeans often describe HK as "an older and dirtier version of Singapore." Like Singapore, it is a cosmopolitan city, but with a very different energy. HK definitely feels a lot more Chinese (locals speak Cantonese), and whilst it has its rainforest and remote islands, the pace of the city feels a lot more intense. Scott used to travel to HK for work fairly often and would return to Singapore slightly frazzled. But he always went back for more. The streets are narrow and packed full of sights and food – dim sum, milk puddings, roasted goose, and Portuguese egg tarts. There are many nightlife options, but a night out on 'Lan Kwai Fong' is a must! This makes a great stop on your Asian adventure
Travel Note
Visit Singapore Travel Guide app
The Visit Singapore Travel Guide app is your travel companion that brings you a myriad of experiences, whether immersing in how to live like a local or finding the best places to awaken your passions. Leverage insider tips and recommendations for hidden gems in the city, or check out Singapore’s most beloved attractions. (The zoo is a must for animal lovers!) This mobile app gives you recommendations of activities and destinations that are near you, allows you to bookmark landmarks that interest you, suggests itineraries and helps you chart your journey, provides directions and estimated travel times to each destination — using public transportation, cars or walking routes — and even alerts you to events happening around the city e.g.: traditional festivals, art exhibitions, performances and parties.
House Or Rental
Airbnb
Singapore is a very compact city and everything is at most a half hour train ride / 20-minute drive away. There are amazing options all around the city, here are some neighbourhoods that you might find interesting: Orchard/Newton – city center, shopping district, close to reception venue Little India – ethnic district full of spice shops and Hindu temple Bugis/Bras Basah – shopping district, close to Cityhall and Raffles Hotel, many art schools in the area Robertson Quay – trendy cafes and bars along the river Downtown – CBD, close to Marina Bay Sands Chinatown/Outram – ethnic enclave, trendy cafes Tanjong Pagar/Telok Ayer/Duxton – trendy cafes and restaurants
Train
Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Trains
MRT trains are an easy and affordable way of getting around Singapore. For convenience, it is advisable to use an EZ-link card to pay transport fares on buses and MRT trains. Tap your EZ-link card when you enter the MRT platform or bus and once more as you leave the MRT platform or disembark from the bus. (Note: If you fail to tap out as you exit, you will be charged the maximum trip fare.)
Rental Car
Grab App
You can usually hail for cabs along any street, as long as it is safe for them to stop. However, during peak hours cabs tend to be limited in supply so a handy alternative is to book a cab or GrabCar through their mobile phone app.