Packing 101—Planning your trip to SG

While it’s possible to snap a great shot with your smartphone, Singapore’s urban vistas, diverse architecture and natural landscapes may require more specialised equipment to capture in their full glory.

Pack a DSLR and a variety of lenses to capture scenic city views from atop Marina Bay Sands^®, bustling street scenes in heritage districts like Kampong Gelam and Little India, and nightscapes along the Singapore River.

If you’re keener on nature photography, Pulau Ubin boasts myriad ecosystems, while the lush landscape of the Southern Ridges is the stopover point for various species of migratory birds.

Singapore is home to a constellation of Michelin-starred restaurants and eateries that’re bound to tantalise the taste buds of any gourmand. If you’re planning to sample world-class fare at these fine dining establishments, you’ll want to dress for the occasion.

We recommend reserving a table at stalwart establishments like Odette or Shoukouwa—for French fare and Japanese cuisine—or checking out newcomers to the list like Zén and Buona Terra.

A whole range of adrenaline-pumping experiences await action seekers in Singapore, and you and your family will want to be in comfortable clothes before embarking on your adventures.

Take your boldness to new heights with a bout of indoor skydiving at iFly Singapore or bungee jumping at Mega Adventure Park. Bounce Singapore—an indoor trampoline Park—is a great alternative for outgoing families, while Redball Dynasty Paintball Park boasts the titular activity alongside laser tag and archery-themed experiences.

To keep yourself and the people around you safe, remember to pack along a mask with your attire, and to keep it on until you start exercising.

Besides being home to global brands and international labels, Singapore also boasts a talented community of local craftsmen, designers and artisans. Bring extra luggage so that you can shop to your heart’s content without worrying about bag space.

The retail haven of Orchard Road is a must-visit, but you may also want to explore Kampong Gelam for textiles and aromatics, Little India for silk and saris, and Chinatown for traditional artefacts and tasty treats.

Singapore’s tropical climes and beautiful beaches make it a great destination for travellers looking to soak up the sun.

Pack a swimsuit and ample suntan lotion for your trip, so that you can make the most out of Sentosa’s beaches. Tanjong Beach Club is a great spot to unwind with a cocktail in hand, while Palawan Beach is ideal for a tranquil day of sunbathing.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for an adventure off the coast, you’ll find beautiful beaches on St John’s Island and Lazarus Island.

Singapore’s reputation for being a city in a garden is certainly well deserved—Lush greenery and pristine nature sanctuaries abound all across our island.

Bringing along some insect repellent will help you keep mozzies at bay, as you explore the beaches and verdant mangroves of Pulau Ubin, or hike up Bukit Timah Nature Reserve’s verdant slopes.

If you’re looking to document your experiences in Singapore while gaining a deeper appreciation of travel, you may want to consider journaling while exploring our city.

Singapore offers a trove of cultural insights, which can be found in world-class institutions like the ArtScience Museum^™ or the National Museum of Singapore, as well as on the myriad tours of our traditional neighbourhoods.

While you can certainly take notes on your iPhone or laptop, it doesn’t quite have the same romantic allure as scribbling your thoughts in a notebook. If you’re looking to purchase a journal in Singapore, Bynd Artisan boasts a handsome selection of customisable notebooks.

No trip to Singapore is complete without a visit to one of our hawker centres. These beloved establishments boast a range of iconic local dishes like laksa, rojak and chicken rice.

Some of the most beloved hawker centres on our island include Chinatown Food Complex, Tekka Centre and Telok Ayer Market—colloquially known as Lau Pa Sat.

Pack along some wet wipes or a pack of tissue paper to keep your hands clean after your meal, and to chope (reserve) your seat like a true-blue Singaporean (you’ll find more quirky local behaviours and food customs in our guide to eating like a local).