Solo Travel in Singapore: Safety, Tips, & What to Expect

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Embarking on a solo adventure in the Lion City is an exciting and safe experience for any independent traveler. Singapore, with its gleaming skyline, vibrant religious and cultural landscape, and commitment to safety and cleanliness, provides an ideal destination for solo travelers. From exploring lush jungles and sacred religious sites to diverse neighborhoods and bustling streets, Singapore offers a safe haven for those navigating the world alone. In this guide to solo travel in Singapore, I’ll provide insider tips, safety information, and what to expect from this cannot-miss destination. Whether you’re a seasoned solo adventurer or embarking on your first solo trip, Singapore is the perfect place for an unforgettable journey filled with discovery and independence.

Table of Contents

Solo travel in Singapore: FAQs

Is Singapore a good place for solo travelers?

Yes, Singapore is perhaps one of the safest countries you can solo travel to, even as a woman. It has a low crime rate and strict laws, consistently ranking as one of the safest countries for both female and solo travelers. As long as you practice regular safety precautions, as you always should no matter where you are traveling, you should have no issues.

When to travel to Singapore as a solo traveler?

Singapore experiences warm, tropical weather year-round with highs averaging in the 80s, but rain is also consistently in the forecast year-round. Since the weather is pretty consistent throughout the year, that means there isn’t a bad time to visit! The least rainfall occurs between February and April, although there will probably still be low rainfall levels. I visited in January and experienced rainfall all 3 days, but it was on and off all day. There were periods that I had to take shelter in a restaurant or cafe, but never for more than an hour at a time. Come prepared with a rain jacket and an umbrella, and the rain shouldn’t slow you down too much. Here’s an overview of weather patterns by season:

Dec – early Jan	Widespread continuous moderate to heavy rain
Late Jan – early March	Windy and relatively dry
Late March – May	Thunderstorms occur in the afternoon and early evening; hot afternoons are common
June – Sep	Occasional “Sumatra Squalls” (AKA lines of thunderstorms); Short duration showers/thunderstorms in the afternoon are common
Oct – Nov	Thunderstorms occur in the afternoon and early evening

Where to go in Singapore as a solo traveler?

The top tourist destinations in Singapore that will appeal to solo travelers are:

Gardens by the Bay
Marina Bay Sands
China Town
Haji Lane
Little India
Singapore Botanic Garden
Clarke Quay
Merlion Park
National Gallery Singapore
Universal Studios Singapore
Sentosa Island
Pulau Ubin Island
The Jewel at Changi Airport

Have 2-3 days in Singapore and want to experience the top sights in a short amount of time? Check out my ultimate Singapore travel guide and itinerary.

How to get around Singapore as a solo traveler?

I exclusively used public transportation, both buses and the MRT, to get between Singapore’s many neighborhoods. Once you’re in the neighborhood you want to be in, it’s easily walkable. Google Maps will provide you with detailed and accurate directions. Singapore makes it very easy to pay for public transportation, with no need to buy a separate transportation card. Simply use any Mastercard or Visa contactless bank card, such as through Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. I used a Visa credit card through Apple Pay and had no issues. I appreciated not having to deal with a separate transportation card.

How to meet people in Singapore as a solo traveler?

Hostels are the best way to meet new people, and they’re budget-friendly in this expensive country! By sharing a dorm room with other travelers, you can easily bond and make friends to explore with. Many hostels also organize group activities, such as excursions, dinners, local experiences, and parties. However, not all hostels are created equal when it comes to socializing. Some hostels have a quiet, relaxed vibe, while some have a social, party vibe, and some are in-between. It’s important to read hostel reviews to find a vibe that’s a good fit for you.

My favorite website for booking hostels is Hostelworld. Hostelworld has the best choice of hostels around the world for social travel, with thousands of reviews that will help you find the best fit for you. Book your Singapore hostels here.

Is Singapore expensive for a solo traveler?

Everyone talks about how expensive Singapore is, and there’s a reason for that. It was the most expensive country I’ve traveled to in Southeast Asia. However, it’s all about your travel style and if you decide to splurge. Yes, Singapore is expensive, but it’s possible to plan your trip in a budget-friendly way. If you mostly stick to budget accommodation and street food, it won’t break the bank, especially for a short stay. But it will be significantly more expensive than the rest of your Southeast Asia adventures! If money is a concern, I recommend saving most of your budget for sightseeing instead of expensive hotels and restaurants.

Solo travel in Singapore: Safety

Solo travel in Singapore has a reputation for being safe, making it an ideal destination for those exploring the world on their own, including women! It’s often cited as one of the best countries to solo travel to, especially for solo female travelers. Singapore consistently ranks high in safety standards with low crime rates. While walking through the diverse neighborhoods, enjoying local cuisine, or navigating public transportation, you should have a comfortable and easy experience.

You should always exercise the same precautions you would in any urban area, such as staying aware of your surroundings, avoiding poorly lit areas at night, and keeping your belongings secure.

Solo travel in Singapore: Tips

Know about Singapore’s unusual laws

Singapore has some stringent laws that you should be aware of before traveling. Many of these acts may be considered harmless in your home country but are illegal in Singapore. Luckily, it’s easy to educate yourself and avoid any legally troubling situations. These include:

Chewing gum is banned (both chewing it in Singapore and bringing it into the country, so throw it all away before border control!)
Littering is punished harshly, even for small items
Don’t consume alcohol in public places and avoid public intoxication
Don’t eat or drink on public transportation
Flush the toilet after use
Don’t jaywalk
Smoking is strictly prohibited in many areas, including most indoor and some outdoor spaces
Don’t bring cigarettes into the country
Drug regulations are some of the strictest in the world – DO NOT do them or bring them into the country!

Understand the cultural expectations

As with any country you’re visiting, Singapore has its cultural expectations that will differ from your own. Be aware of these so you can be a respectful traveler. These include:

Dress modestly when visiting places of worship and government buildings
Obedience is highly valued, which is why there are such strict punishments for not following the laws
Take cleanliness seriously, from cleaning up after yourself everywhere you go to removing your shoes at people’s homes and places of worship
Avoid discussing religion and politics or joking with someone you don’t know well

Know your budget and plan your trip accordingly

Because Singapore is much more expensive than its surrounding countries, it’s good to have a budget and a plan. A few-day trip doesn’t have to break the bank, but it will get pricy if you aren’t careful. The best ways to save money in Singapore are:

Stay at a hostel
Don’t base yourself in the super expensive areas (Marina Bay Sands, I’m looking at you!)
Eat street food at hawker centers
Don’t drink a lot of alcohol – it’s one of the biggest expenses
Take advantage of Singapore’s fantastic public transportation system and walkability
Explore Singapore’s many free attractions, such as Gardens by the Bay, Singapore Botanic Gardens, and various cultural districts

Know where to stay

One of the best ways to stay safe as a solo traveler is to make friends who you can explore with and look out for each other. Not only is this great for your safety, but it makes the journey more fun to experience it with new friends! I always recommend that solo travelers stay at hostels because they are the best place for meeting fellow travelers.

However, not all hostels are created equal when it comes to making friends. Some hostels attract travelers who want to keep to themselves, while some attract those who want to socialize. Make sure to thoroughly research hostels and read reviews to find a vibe that’s a good fit for you.

You can find over 30 hostels in Singapore with hundreds of reviews on Hostelworld, the best place to find and book a social hostel. Book your best-fit Singapore hostels now!

Take out cash

While most establishments in Singapore take credit cards so you can get by without cash, its famous hawker centers only accept cash. Hawker centers have some of the best and most affordable food in Singapore, so you’ll want to make sure you have cash so you can enjoy local street food to the fullest.

Join organized excursions

Organized day trips and excursions are an easy and safe way to explore Singapore’s highlights with the help of a tour guide and the company of other travelers. There are so many tours to choose from in Singapore, so you can easily find affordable tours that will take you to your top choice destinations. You’ll have the guidance of a local, organized transportation, a pre-planned itinerary to the best spots, and the chance to mingle with other travelers.

Find the best organized day trips and excursions for your Singapore trip on Klook, where you can conveniently book ahead for a competitive price.

Solo travel in Singapore: What to expect

Yes, Singapore is expensive

As mentioned before, Singapore is often considered one of the more expensive destinations in Asia. Hotels, dining, attractions, shopping, alcohol, and entertainment often come with a high price tag. However, there are budget-friendly options that can help ease the expense. If you plan and budget carefully in advance, then you’ll have an enjoyable trip that doesn’t break the bank.

It’s very modern and clean

Singapore is known for being highly modern and clean, boasting skyscrapers, modern shopping malls, contemporary architecture, and lots of green space. Throughout the country, you’ll find a good balance of modernity, culture, and nature. Most public spaces are impeccably clean because of the country’s strict laws and regulations to maintain order and cleanliness. You’ll also find high-quality infrastructure and smart city technologies throughout the country. This will make your experience as a solo traveler in Singapore easy and comfortable.

Language barriers won’t be a problem

It’s reported that 95% of Singapore’s population speaks English natively! English is one of Singapore’s 4 official languages. Most Singaporeans are fluent in English, making it the primary language across the country. As a result, you won’t have difficulty communicating and navigating around Singapore alone.

It’s known for its rich cultural diversity

Often described as a melting pot of ethnicities, languages, and religions, Singapore is home to various communities, including Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Eurasian populations. As a result, Singapore is highly multicultural and takes pride in its diverse heritage. The government actively promotes harmony and understanding among different ethnic groups. This means that no matter your background, Singaporeans should be welcoming and respectful.

Be prepared for heat, humidity, and rain year-round

Singapore is hot, humid, and wet all year long. The average temperature consistently ranges from 75°F to 88°F. During the monsoon periods from December to March and June to September, you may experience heavier rainfall and slightly cooler temperatures. Outside of the monsoon seasons, you can expect brief afternoon showers. Pack lightweight clothing and rain gear no matter what time of year you’re visiting.

There is so much to do outside of the city

Most people imagine Singapore as a metropolis with endless buildings and skyscrapers. However, Singapore also has stunning tropical rainforests and lush greenery, making it one of the greenest cities in the world. Once you venture outside of downtown Singapore, you’ll see many natural wonders and thriving wildlife. From iconic green spaces and hiking trails to its many islands, you’ll see why Singapore calls itself the “Garden City”.

There are other perks to exploring outside of the city, such as lower costs and more authentic experiences.

You’ll be able to get everywhere via public transportation and walking

Singapore’s public transportation system is known for its efficiency, cleanliness, and accessibility, making it a preferred choice for both locals and visitors. Its subway, the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), is comprehensive and well-connected. Extensive bus services connect additional areas that the MRT doesn’t reach. Once you’re in the neighborhood you want to be in, it’s very walkable. Google Maps will provide you with detailed and accurate directions. It’s a convenient and cost-effective way to explore the city.

You’ll feel safe as a woman traveling alone

Safety is a huge reason why Singapore is so popular for solo travel. Because of its modernity, cleanliness, and cultural diversity, Singapore offers a welcoming environment for both men and women to explore on their own. Whether indulging in street food at hawker centers, strolling around high-end malls, or enjoying the city’s green spaces, solo travelers often find Singapore to be an inviting and comfortable destination.

This isn’t to say that nothing bad can happen, so you should always exercise standard safety precautions and common sense. As long as you stay informed and take the necessary precautions, you’ll have a safe and enjoyable experience as a solo traveler in Singapore.

Singapore’s safety, modernity, and cultural richness have resulted in its spot as one of the best countries to solo travel to. Whether this is your first or hundredth solo travel experience, Singapore has something to offer every solo traveler. With the help of this guide to solo travel in Singapore, you can embark on your adventure with confidence.

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Solo Travel in Singapore: Safety, tips, & what to expect