Embarking on a trip to the vibrant city-state of Singapore is an exciting prospect, and a little preparation can ensure your journey is seamless from the moment you land. As a first-time visitor, navigating the essentials is key to a stress-free experience in this meticulously planned garden city.\n\n## Entry and Connectivity\nSingapore has streamlined its entry process, but a crucial step is to complete the SG Arrival Card online. This must be done within the three days prior to your arrival. The process is free and can be completed on the official Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) website or via the MyICA Mobile app. Once submitted, you'll receive a confirmation email with a PDF; it's wise to save a screenshot on your phone. While you are no longer required to print it, having a digital copy handy can be useful.\n\nFor staying connected, you can purchase a local SIM card upon arrival at Changi Airport or in 7-Eleven stores. Options like the Singtel hi! card offer both data and a transportation card function in one. Alternatively, many travelers find it convenient to buy a data-only card online in advance and have it delivered before their trip.\n\n## Getting Around and Payments\nSingapore’s public transport system is a model of efficiency. The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) subway system and public buses cover nearly every corner of the island. The most convenient way to pay is by using a credit card with contactless payment capabilities (look for the Wi-Fi symbol). Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted. Alternatively, you can purchase an EZ-Link card at any MRT station or 7-Eleven store. Remember that the card's balance must be above S$3 to enter the MRT gantries, and you must tap both in and out on buses to avoid being charged the maximum fare.\n\nWhile credit cards and mobile payments are widely accepted, it's advisable to carry some Singapore dollars (SGD) in cash. Smaller eateries, hawker centres (food courts), and certain local shops may be cash-only. You can exchange currency at the airport, but rates are often more favorable at money changers in the city.\n\n## What to Pack and Essential Apps\n- Clothing: Pack light, breathable summer clothes as Singapore is hot and humid year-round. However, indoor spaces like shopping malls and cinemas are heavily air-conditioned, so a light jacket or cardigan is a must-have.\n- Essentials: An umbrella is crucial for both sudden tropical downpours and intense sun. Don't forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. A reusable water bottle is also highly recommended, as you can refill it at numerous public drinking fountains, which helps save money and reduce plastic waste.\n- Converter: Singapore uses the British-style Type G plug, so be sure to pack a universal travel adapter.\n- Apps: To navigate like a local, download a few key apps. Google Maps is indispensable for directions. Grab is the go-to app for ride-hailing and food delivery. For official transport information, the MyTransport.SG app is very useful.

Your Singapore adventure begins the moment you touch down at Changi Airport, an attraction in its own right. Before heading to the city, make a beeline for Jewel Changi. This stunning complex houses the world's tallest indoor waterfall, the Rain Vortex, a mesmerizing 40-meter cascade surrounded by a lush indoor forest. It's the perfect introduction to Singapore's “Garden City” ethos.\n\n## The Merlion and Bayfront Views\nAfter checking into your accommodation, it's time to meet Singapore's most famous resident. Head to Merlion Park to snap the quintessential tourist photo with the mythical creature, which has the head of a lion and the body of a fish. The park offers breathtaking panoramic views of Marina Bay, with the iconic Marina Bay Sands hotel serving as a spectacular backdrop. The daytime offers clearer photo opportunities against the impressive city skyline.\n\nFrom the Merlion, take a leisurely stroll towards the bay's other wonders. A short walk will lead you to the Helix Bridge, a pedestrian bridge modeled after the structure of DNA, which offers more fantastic photo spots, especially at night when it's lit up.\n\n## Gardens by the Bay: A Futuristic Oasis\nNo trip is complete without a visit to the awe-inspiring Gardens by the Bay. This futuristic park is home to two massive cooled conservatories: the Flower Dome, which showcases exotic plants from five continents in a cool-dry environment, and the Cloud Forest, which replicates the cool-moist climate of tropical mountain regions. Inside the Cloud Forest, you'll be greeted by a towering indoor waterfall and can explore the misty Treetop Walk. Be sure to bring a jacket, as the conservatories are kept quite cool to maintain their unique ecosystems.\n\nAs evening approaches, make your way to the Supertree Grove. These vertical gardens, ranging from 25 to 50 meters tall, come alive at night with the Garden Rhapsody light and sound show. Find a spot, lie back, and watch the magical display, which takes place daily at 7:45 PM and 8:45 PM. Best of all, this captivating show is completely free.\n\nFor dinner, consider making your way to a nearby branch of Song Fa Bak Kut Teh. This beloved local eatery serves a peppery pork rib soup that is both comforting and delicious. It's a perfect way to refuel after a day of exploration. Conclude your evening with a walk through The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, a luxury mall where you can window shop or simply admire the grand architecture and the indoor canal.

Prepare for a day of fun, thrills, and relaxation as you head to Sentosa, Singapore's premier island resort. Getting there is part of the experience. Take the MRT to HarbourFront station, located in the VivoCity shopping mall. From there, you can catch the Sentosa Express monorail, which will whisk you onto the island.\n\n## Universal Studios Singapore\nFor theme park enthusiasts, Universal Studios Singapore is a must-visit. Although smaller than its counterparts in other countries, it packs a punch with its seven themed zones and exciting attractions. To make the most of your day, download the official Universal Studios Singapore app to check real-time queue lengths for rides.\n- Must-Try Rides:

• Transformers: The Ride 3D: An immersive 3D dark ride that puts you right in the middle of an Autobot battle.
• Revenge of the Mummy: A high-speed indoor roller coaster that plunges you into total darkness, complete with thrilling twists and turns.
• Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure: A river raft ride that ends in a splash. Be prepared to get wet; bringing a poncho is a good idea.
• Battlestar Galactica: HUMAN vs. CYLON™: Dueling roller coasters for the ultimate thrill-seekers. The red track (HUMAN) is a traditional seated coaster, while the grey track (CYLON) is an inverted coaster with loops and rolls.\nDon't miss the spectacular live-action stunts and pyrotechnics of the WaterWorld show, a truly impressive performance.\n

Island Exploration Beyond the Park\nAfter the adrenaline rush of Universal Studios, it's time to explore the rest of what Sentosa has to offer. The Skyline Luge is a perennial favorite for all ages. You'll take a scenic chairlift ride up to the starting point and then zoom down one of several winding tracks on a gravity-powered cart. It’s incredibly fun, and many visitors find themselves going back for multiple rides.\n

For a more relaxed afternoon, head to one of Sentosa's beautiful beaches. Palawan Beach is particularly famous for its picturesque suspension bridge leading to a small islet that marks the Southernmost Point of Continental Asia. It's a fantastic spot for photos. Siloso Beach offers a more vibrant atmosphere with beach clubs and water sports.\n As evening descends, make your way back to the city for a quintessential Singaporean dining experience. Book a table in advance at a renowned seafood restaurant like JUMBO Seafood at Clarke Quay and indulge in their famous Chili Crab. The rich, sweet, and savory chili sauce is a flavor explosion, perfectly complemented by deep-fried mantou (buns) for dipping.

Spend your final day delving into Singapore's rich multicultural tapestry. This city is a melting pot of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Eurasian cultures, and its vibrant ethnic enclaves are a joy to explore. A city walk through these districts offers a feast for the senses and a deeper understanding of the nation's heritage.\n\n## Morning: Historic and Cultural Enclaves\nStart your day with a traditional Singaporean breakfast at an Ya Kun Kaya Toast outlet. Order the classic kaya toast set, which comes with thinly sliced, crispy toast sandwiching slabs of cold butter and sweet coconut jam, served alongside soft-boiled eggs and a cup of strong local coffee (kopi).\n After breakfast, immerse yourself in the vibrant colors and scents of Little India. This bustling neighborhood is filled with spice shops, jewelry stores, and colorful temples. Next, head to Kampong Glam, the historic Malay-Arab quarter. Here, you'll find the majestic Sultan Mosque with its golden domes, surrounded by the trendy boutiques and quirky cafes of Haji Lane, famous for its vibrant street art and graffiti-covered walls.\n Continue your architectural tour by visiting some of the city's colonial-era gems. The Old Hill Street Police Station, with its 927 rainbow-colored shutters, is a photographer's dream. Nearby, the serene, white-gothic St. Andrew's Cathedral and the elegant CHIJMES (a former convent) offer peaceful respites from the city buzz. For art lovers, the National Gallery Singapore, housed in the former Supreme Court and City Hall buildings, is a must-visit, showcasing the world's largest public collection of Singaporean and Southeast Asian art.\n

Afternoon: Chinatown and Departure Preparations\nFor lunch, make your way to Chinatown. The area is a vibrant mix of old and new, with traditional shophouses standing alongside modern cafes. Head to the renowned Maxwell Food Centre, a bustling hawker centre where you can sample some of Singapore's best street food. Join the queue for the legendary Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice, known for its incredibly tender chicken and fragrant rice. While there, grab a bowl of silky smooth soy pudding from Lao Ban Soya Beancurd.\n

Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring Chinatown's streets, visiting the ornate Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and browsing the souvenir stalls on Pagoda Street. It's the perfect place to pick up some last-minute gifts before heading back to Changi Airport for your departure, leaving with a full belly and a heart full of memories.

While the main tourist attractions are easily accessible, those with an adventurous spirit and more time might consider a truly unique way to see Singapore: by bicycle. The city-state has been developing an extensive network of park connectors and cycling paths, making it increasingly friendly for two-wheeled exploration.\n\nOne of the most ambitious projects is the Round Island Route, a continuous 150km park connector that loops around Singapore. Tackling the entire route is a challenge best suited for experienced cyclists, but exploring sections of it can be a rewarding experience for anyone. The route takes you through varied landscapes, from the lush greenery of the northern and western parts to coastal stretches with sea breezes. Be aware that the journey involves navigating countless traffic lights, especially if you stick to pedestrian paths. The heat and humidity can also be intense, so an early morning start is highly recommended. For those interested in this epic ride, you can find detailed route information on platforms like Strava. For a sample route, check out this Strava Route Map.\n\nProper preparation is key for such a ride:

• Hydration: Carry plenty of water. Vending machines can be sparse, especially in the northern and western regions.
• Gear: A helmet, cycling lights, and a bike lock are essential. Due to the intense sun and potential for debris on paths, protective eyewear and a face mask or bandana are also strongly advised.
• Bike Rental: If you don't have your own bicycle, numerous rental shops are available. Some, like the one mentioned by user @升空, provide all necessary accessories like helmets and locks.