From heritage streets to supertrees: our three day flavour-filled Singapore guide
Singapore is one of those cities where you can do a lot without feeling like you’re “doing a lot”.
The MRT train system is genuinely easy, neighbourhoods change vibe in a few stops, and there’s always something new (and very tasty) around the corner.
On a recent visit with my family we set out to explore the city, squeezing as much as we could into a jam-packed three-day itinerary.
Having well and truly outgrown its stopover reputation – Singapore is packed with experiences and buzzes with energy – and with Newcastle Airport now offering a one-stop, same-plane connection from 29 March, it’s the perfect time to plan a trip.
Feeling small in the Supertree Grove at Marina Bay Sands
Before we start, here’s a few quick tips:
→ Sleep in: Stay up late, then hide from the midday heat.
→ Getting around: MRT + walking is all you need (Grab’s handy, but rarely used).
→ Shoes: Bring your comfiest pair - you’ll clock up the steps.
→ Weather: We visited in December and it was humid, but manageable with an afternoon indoor break.
→ Come hungry: Singapore’s mix of cultures = a whole lot of eating.
→ 3 Days: Was good, 4 or 5 would have been better.
The Sri Mariamman Temple in Chinatown
Day 1: Tiong Bahru + Marina Bay + Chinatown
Morning: Tiong Bahru
Staying in the Chinatown district, Tiong Bahru is one of its neighbourhoods and is an easy stroll from our hotel, the Dorsett Singapore. The artsy, leafy area feels like Singapore’s cooler, calmer side with its low-rise streets, art galleries, quirky boutiques, beautifully manicured parks, and specialty coffee houses.
Taking it easy in Tiong Bahur
Plain Vanilla is one of the cafes and is known for its brunch and bakes. It’s definitely not the cheapest breakfast in town, but the pastries are superb, as were my Turkish eggs.
Midday: Marina Bay Sands + ArtScience Museum
Having an MRT Station underneath our hotel was a major win, it made moving around the city cheap, and super easy. Marina Bay Sands was only a 20 min ride away, and there’s plenty to see and do here including:
• Walk the waterfront and say a quick hello to the Merlion (a classic, even if only for five minutes).
• Shopping centres may not be your priority, Marina Bay Sands however is spectacular and provides some sweet relief from the humid afternoon heat.
• At the end of the Bay is the ArtScience Museum, the lotus-shaped building houses exhibitions from immersive to more informative, so it’s worth choosing one that matches your crew.
Merlion is the official mascot and national icon of Singapore
Afternoon: Kampong Glam district
Next stop was Kampong Glam. Historic, energetic, and a perfect snapshot of Singapore’s cultural mix of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and European influences. Between Haji Lane’s vibrant murals and crowded alleyways and the iconic Sultan Mosque, there’s no shortage of things to see (and reasons to stay out late).
One of Haji Lane's many street art murals, in the Kampong Glam district
We set up at Black Sheep Bar and spent the afternoon grazing and exploring at an easy pace, hanging around long enough to see the district shift from sunlit colour to neon glow and nightlife.
Evening: Chinatown for dinner + people-watching
Chinatown was just a short walk from our hotel, and it’s where we really got our first taste of Singapore’s food scene. The street energy gave us a much-needed boost after a long day of sightseeing.
• The Chinatown Street Market area is a good starting point if you want to browse and graze, we picked the Yellow Chair restaurant for some iconic Singapore Chilli Crab.
• If you’re chasing hawker energy, Chinatown Complex is famous for its scale and variety.
Day 2: Sentosa Island + Hawker Markets
Morning: Locals breakfast
Before a day at the waterpark, we needed to fuel up, so we kept it practical, a no-frills neighbourhood restaurant that was quick and very affordable.
Hawker-style restaurants are everywhere in Singapore, so it’s best not to overplan – just wander, take your pick, and sit down to a butter chicken and coconut pancakes. Thank you!
Full Day: Sentosa Island + Adventure Cove Waterpark
To get to Sentosa Island it's best to catch a train to HarbourFront station, then jump on the sky rail. The cable cars are a fantastic way to travel and offer up sweeping views across the Singapore Strait, albeit at quite the height.
We opted for the luge for a quick ride down to the Waterpark entrance. You can ride as many times as you like, but at S$34 per go, once was plenty.
Travelling with two young boys, Adventure Cove Waterpark is an awesome day out. Expect a lot of “one more ride, please”, we were there right up until the last call.
Hot tip: Bring water shoes, or thongs. The pebble paths can be brutal on bare feet.
Evening: Hawker Market time!
If the waterpark has one weak spot, it’s the food. Not many options, and it didn’t really stack up against what we’d been eating elsewhere in Singapore. Once we were off the island we were starving, so we made a beeline for a hawker centre.
We ended up at Seah Im Food Centre near HarbourFront station. It’s on the smaller side and not all the stalls were open, but we still ate well, the Shi Cheng prawn noodles were a standout.
Day 3: Botanic Gardens + FYSH + Gardens by the Bay
Morning: Singapore Botanic Gardens
Even if you’re not “garden kind of people”, like us, Singapore Botanic Gardens is worth visiting. It’s huge, beautifully maintained, and full of little wildlife moments that make it feel alive rather than manicured.
Make the National Orchid Garden your must-do whilst there, it’s a highlight for a reason, and it’s an easy win when the humidity kicks in.
Lunch: FYSH
One of the things Singapore does brilliantly is being able to go from hawker chaos to fine dining without it feeling like two different cities. If you’re open to enjoying one polished, memorable meal in Singapore, you might as well make it one that comes with a touch of the Hunter.
FYSH at The Singapore EDITION (Josh Niland’s Singapore restaurant) is a lush tropical oasis, and as with everything Josh does, the food was incredible with the menu highlighting the best of everything local along with a few Aussie nods. Our highlights included the 28-Day Dry Aged Little Joe Beef Sirloin on the Bone and Yellowfin tuna tartare served on a homemade fish cracker.
The Yellowfin Tuna Tartare at FYSH
Evening: Cloud Forest + Supertree Observatory
Saving the best for last, we made our way to Gardens by the Bay. There’s a lot to cover here, however the Cloud Forest and OCBC Skyway are must-dos, especially at night.
The Cloud Forest is an incredible structure and houses the world’s tallest indoor waterfall and more than 72,000 plant species. The Cloud Walk allows you to take in the buildings full scale in a misty and atmospheric way.
The Cloud Forest
As the sun sets behind the skyscrapers, the city takes on a neon vibe which is best experienced on the aerial walkway between the Supertrees which rise up to 50 metres above the ground. Once back on earth we picked a plot of grass and watched the Garden Rhapsody, a spectacular light and sound show. A perfect way to end what has been a fabulous, but busy, three days in Singapore.
Special mention: Little India
We didn’t make it to Little India this time, but it’s worth flagging if you’re building a longer trip. It’s one of Singapore’s most vibrant cultural precincts – colourful streets, temples, textile shops, and some of the best Indian and South Indian food in the city.
Singapore is closer than you think
Singapore’s the kind of city that makes a three-day trip feel full without feeling frantic. If you follow this itinerary, you’ll hit the classics, and still have room for spontaneity (and a second round of chilli crab). And now it’s just one stop from Newcastle Airport, it’s less “someday” and more “why not?”.
From 29 March, Jetstar will fly Newcastle to Singapore via Bali, departing 4 days a week on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. The flight offers seamless connection to Singapore, with just a quick 90-minute stop in Bali - no need to change planes or recheck your luggage.
Disclosure: All travel was independent and paid for by the writer. No destinations featured paid for, hosted, or influenced this coverage.
