Episode 155 - How to See Singapore in 36 Hours! cover art

Episode 155 - How to See Singapore in 36 Hours!

Episode 155 - How to See Singapore in 36 Hours!

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 In this episode we share that by only having 24 hours in Singapore puts you in “taste-test mode” — you’re not trying to do everything, you’re trying to feel the city. After disembarking from a cruise (with a few early-morning obstacles), we spent a full day chasing iconic Singapore experiences: kaya toast and local coffee at Ya Kun, the wow-factor of Gardens by the Bay (OCBC Skyway, Cloud Forest, and Flower Dome), lunch at the famous Lau Pa Sat hawker center, and a festive night at Christmas Wonderland in Supertree Grove. (Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.) Help Support the Podcast by Buying us a Coffee ☕️ or using our links whenever you book a trip! We also share where we stayed (Conrad Singapore), what we’d do differently next time (food tour, satay, more time), and a key lesson about visiting Jewel Changi Airport — including what no one tells you about early baggage drop and terminal logistics. What You’ll Learn in This Episode • How to plan a Singapore stopover when you only have one day • What’s worth paying for at Gardens by the Bay (and what you can skip) • What to expect at a hawker center without a guide (and how to order smarter) • The truth about durian ice cream (smell, taste, and the after-effects) • Why Jewel Changi Airport can be trickier than it looks (check-in timing + terminals) • Why Singapore is a great gateway for Southeast Asia cruises • How many days you really need to do Singapore right (your sweet spot: 3–4 days) Here's Your 36-Hour Singapore Itinerary Morning (arrival + hotel area) • Cruise disembarkation + immigration e-gates tip: pack a day bag for the final night (toiletries, meds, pajamas, change of clothes, laptop) • Transport tip: Grab is the main ride-hailing app • Breakfast: Ya Kun Kaya Toast (kaya toast + coffee) Late Morning–Afternoon • Gardens by the Bay • OCBC Skyway (iconic Supertree views and Marina Bay Sands) • Cloud Forest (Jurassic Park exhibit + indoor waterfall + walkways) • Flower Dome (holiday train display and botanical zones) Lunch • Lau Pa Sat hawker center • Tip: order small items from multiple stalls instead of one big dish • Reminder: clear your tray — signs warn of fines/bans Evening • Evening Light Show at the SuperTree Grove (FREE) or if visiting during the holidays you'll need a ticket to the Christmas Wonderland at Supertree Grove • or see the light and water show in front of Marina Bay Sands Hotel - if you're not familiar check out the Marina Bay Sands episode on Amazing Hotels Departure Day Add-On • Jewel Changi Airport waterfall + photo spots • Reality check: early bag drop depends on airline desk hours • Terminal note: you may have to change terminals by bus/taxi, depending on where you depart Quick Tips • Don’t rely on same-day ticket luck if you only have one day — book Gardens by the Bay tickets ahead. • If you’re choosing between Supertree Observatory and OCBC Skyway, you probably only need one for views. • At hawker centers, go with a plan (or better: take a food tour). If you’re unsure, order a few small things from different stalls. • For Jewel: check your airline’s early check-in hours and your departure terminal before building your timing around it. Where We Stayed Conrad Singapore (Hilton) • Strong location for getting around • Great value (you paid cash because points redemption wasn’t worth it) • Upgrades + Diamond benefits made a big difference • Excellent breakfast (lounge available but you didn’t have time) Best Moments • The first “wow” view from the OCBC Skyway • Cloud Forest: mist, waterfall, and Jurassic Park exhibit • Holiday train display surprise inside Flower Dome • Christmas Wonderland vibes in warm weather • The chance encounter at the airport with fellow cruisers (and the Georgia Bulldog hat moment) What We'd Do Differently Next Time • Add a food tour (especially for hawker centers) • Try the satay you skipped at Lau Pa Sat • Make time for Raffles Hotel + Singapore Sling • Go up to Marina Bay Sands rooftop bar / viewing area • Plan a longer stay: 3–4 days to slow down and go beyond highlights If Singapore is on your list — whether as a stopover or a longer stay — we’d love to help you plan it in a way that fits how you actually like to travel. More Resources & Links Want curated travel deals every week? Subscribe to Travel Deal Insiders — the best travel deals sent straight to your inbox. Get Our Ultimate Packing Guide for Traveling Smart and Packing Light + Access to Exclusive Weekly Content here. Don’t waste your precious vacation time with Jet Lag, get Flykitt and watch Jet Lag disappear! Protect your privacy, boost your security, and keep your browsing data safe with Express VPN. Plus,...
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