Day 1: Arriving in Singapore & Marina Bay Sands | Singapore Purple Travel Guide
Welcome to your first day in one of the most vibrant cities on Earth! This self-guided itinerary is designed by Backpack and Snorkel to help you transition from the airport to the heart of the action. Today is about iconic skylines, world-record-breaking architecture, and the classic sights that make Singapore famous.
Here at Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides, we promote self-guided walking tours.
But we realize that not everybody likes to walk by themselves in a foreign city. So, just in case that you rather go with ab guide: NO PROBLEM! Please see the GuruWalk and Viator tours below.
free GuruWalk tours
paid Viator tours
What you need to know about arriving at Changi International Airport
Changi Airport is consistently ranked the best in the world, and arriving here is remarkably efficient. After clearing immigration and collecting your luggage, you will find yourself in one of the most connected transport hubs in Asia.
To head downtown, follow the signs for ‘Train to City’. The airport is connected to the East-West Line (Green) and in the future will be connected to the Downtown Line (Blue):
- East-West Line (Green): From Changi Airport station, take the train two stops to Tanah Merah. Step across the platform to board the westbound train towards Tuas Link to reach city center hubs like City Hall or Raffles Place.
- Downtown Line (Blue): Alternatively, take the train one stop to Expo and transfer to the Blue line. This is the most direct route if you are staying in Chinatown, Bugis, or near Bayfront.
Here is a link to the MRT map.
Alternatively, you can get a Grab to pick you up at Singapore Changi Airport. It is a very common and convenient way for travelers to get to their hotels.
However, unlike regular taxis that have their own designated stands, Grab and other ride-hailing cars (like Gojek or Tada) must pick you up at specific designated arrival pick-up points.
Where to Find Your Grab
Once you have cleared customs and collected your bags, follow the signs for ‘Arrival Pick-up’ or ‘Private Hire Cars’. Do not go to the Taxi stand.
Terminal |
Pick-up Location |
Navigation Tip |
|---|---|---|
Terminal 1 |
Basement 1 |
Take the lift or escalator down from the Arrival Hall (Level 1) to B1. Head to Door 3. |
Terminal 2 |
Level 1 |
Exit the Arrival Hall and follow signs to the driveway. Head to Door 6. |
Terminal 3 |
Basement 1 |
Take the escalator down from the Arrival Hall to B1. Head to Door 2. |
Terminal 4 |
Level 1 |
Head to the arrival driveway area outside the hall. Meet at Door 5. |
Key Tips for Using Grab at Changi
- Book Only After Collecting Bags: Grab drivers are generally not allowed to wait at the pick-up doors for long. Only book your ride once you have your luggage and are ready to walk out.
- Check Your Door Number: The Grab app will often ask you to select which specific ‘Door’ or ‘Pillar’ you are standing at. Make sure the number in the app matches the sign above the door you are exiting.
- Price vs. Taxi: Grab uses ‘dynamic pricing’. During peak hours (rain, morning rush, or Sunday evenings), a Grab might actually be more expensive than a metered taxi. It is worth checking both the Grab app and the physical taxi queue to see which is faster/cheaper.
- Family Travel Note: If you are traveling with children under 1.35m, Grab drivers in private cars are legally required to use a child seat. If you do not have one, you should book GrabFamily (which includes a seat) or take a standard Taxi, as taxis are legally exempt from the child seat requirement in Singapore.
Transfer to your hotel
For most independent travelers, the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) is the gold standard for speed and cost. However, if you have multiple suitcases or are arriving after a long-haul flight, a Grab or Taxi is a worthwhile ‘convenience tax’.
Option 1: The MRT (Best for Speed & Budget) (website, network_map)
The MRT station is located in the basement of Terminal 2 and Terminal 3. If you land in T1 or T4, simply follow the signs for the ‘Skytrain’ or ‘Shuttle Bus’ to reach Terminal 2/3.
- Payment (SimplyGo): Since 2025, you do not need a physical ‘EZ-Link’ card. You can simply tap your contactless credit card (Visa/Mastercard) or your phone (Apple/Google Pay) at the fare gates.
- Note: International cards may incur a small daily administrative fee (approx. $0.60 SGD), but it is still cheaper than buying a separate tourist card if you are only staying a few days.
- The Route:
- Board the train at Changi Airport (CG2).
- Ride for two stops to Tanah Merah (EW4).
- Cross the platform (the doors on both sides of the train will open; follow the crowd heading towards the city) and board the Green Line (East-West Line) toward Tuas Link.
- Alight at major hubs like City Hall, Raffles Place, or Tanjong Pagar.
- The ‘Blue Line’ Alternative: If you are staying in Chinatown or Bugis, take the train one stop from the airport to Expo (CG1) and transfer to the Downtown Line (Blue).
Option 2: Grab / Ride-Hailing (Best for Door-to-Door)
Singapore's version of Uber is Grab. It is often slightly cheaper than a taxi during off-peak hours, but uses ‘surge pricing’ when it rains or during rush hour.
- Pick-up Point: You cannot be picked up at the taxi stand. Follow signs for ‘Arrival Pick-up’ or ‘Private Hire Cars’.
Fare: Typically $20–$35 SGD to downtown. The app shows the price upfront. - Pro Tip: Download the app and link your card before you land. Changi has excellent free Wi-Fi, so you can book as soon as you have your bags.
Option 3: Official Taxis (The Most Reliable)
If the Grab app shows a high ‘surge’ price, head to the official taxi stand.
- Fare: Metered, usually $25–$40 SGD including airport surcharges ($3–$8 depending on the time).
- Safety: Singapore taxis are highly regulated. Drivers will not ‘scam’ you, and they always use the meter. Credit cards are accepted in almost all cabs, but a 10% surcharge applies—paying cash is cheaper for taxis.
Transport Summary Table
Method |
Cost (approx.) |
Travel Time |
Best For... |
|---|---|---|---|
MRT (Subway) |
$2.10 SGD |
45–55 mins |
Solo travelers, light luggage, lowest cost. |
Grab / Gojek |
$25–$35 SGD |
20–30 mins |
Families, heavy bags, upfront pricing. |
Taxi |
$30–$40 SGD |
20–30 mins |
Reliable, no app needed, door-to-door. |
Self-Discovery Tip
If you want to see the city as you arrive, the Public Bus (No. 36) goes from the airport to the city center and offers a great ‘sightseeing’ view from the window for just $2.50, though it takes about 90 minutes.
Sightseeing on the first day
Your first day is designed to be a ‘highlights reel’ that is visually stunning but physically manageable after a long international flight. By focusing on the Marina Bay area, you get to experience Singapore’s futuristic skyline immediately. Walking the loop from the Merlion to the Helix Bridge and finishing at the Marina Bay Sands allows you to stay outdoors in the fresh air—the best cure for jet lag. The evening Spectra Light Show is a perfect, low-effort finale where you can simply sit by the water and soak in the atmosphere of the city.
The Singapore Flyer
(map, reviews, website)
This is Premium Content! To access it, please download our
Backpack and Snorkel Purple Travel GuideTo get a good impression of the layout of this island nation, you should take a ride on the Singapore Flyer at 165 meters in the air. The Singapore Flyer is one of the world's largest giant observation wheels, featuring 28 air-conditioned glass capsules. During the 30-minute rotation, you will see the Formula 1 street circuit below and, on a clear day, the Indonesian Riau Islands on the horizon.
The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands (MBS)
(map, reviews, website)
This is Premium Content! To access it, please download our
Backpack and Snorkel Purple Travel GuideMarina Bay Sands is not just another shopping mall, it is an architectural marvel of glass and steel. As you wander through 'The Shoppes', you will encounter a canal where you can take a Sampan boat ride and 'Rain Oculus'—a massive whirlpool that drains into the canal below. It is the perfect place to witness how Singapore blends high-end luxury with incredible engineering.
Spectra: A Light & Water Show
(map, reviews, website)
This is Premium Content! To access it, please download our
Backpack and Snorkel Purple Travel GuideAs evening falls, the waterfront at Event Plaza transforms. Spectra is a free, 15-minute choreographed symphony of dancing fountain jets, colorful visual projections, and advanced lasers. It tells the story of Singapore’s journey from a small fishing village to a global powerhouse. Knowing where to stand is the difference between getting a great photo and getting wet.
Read our detailed guide to see photos and to finding the best free viewing spots for Spectra.
The Helix Bridge
(map, reviews)
This is Premium Content! To access it, please download our
Backpack and Snorkel Purple Travel GuideInspired by the geometric structure of DNA, this 280-meter pedestrian bridge is a feat of precision engineering. It features four strategic viewing platforms that offer some of the best unobstructed views of the city skyline. At night, the bridge glows with specialized LED lighting that highlights the double-helix design, making it a favorite for night photography.
Uncover the hidden symbolism behind the Helix Bridge’s design in our detailed Helix Bridge guide.
The Merlion Statue at Merlion Park
(map, reviews)
This is Premium Content! To access it, please download our
Backpack and Snorkel Purple Travel GuideStanding at 8.6 meters tall and spouting water into the bay, the Merlion is the definitive symbol of Singapore. The lion head represents 'Singapura' (Lion City) and the fish body symbolizes the city’s humble beginnings as a 'Temasek' (Sea Town). This park offers the most iconic photo opportunity in the country, framed by the towering skyscrapers of the Financial District.
Learn more about the Merlion in our detailed Merlion Park guide.
Where do you want to go now?
Author: Rudy at Backpack and Snorkel
Bio: Owner of Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides. We create in-depth guides to help you plan unforgettable vacations around the world.
Other popular Purple Travel Guides you may be interested in:
Like this Backpack and Snorkel Purple Travel Guide? Pin these for later:
