And we’re off, after over a year of planning, nearly 8 years of talking about it, and spending our entire life’s savings, we finally boarded a one-way flight (note: we found our flights through Skyscanner, check the current prices here) all the way to Singapore. (Side note, you can watch our Singapore vlog here).
Singapore at a Glance:
Where We Stayed: V Hotel Lavender
Favourite activity: Night Safari
Favourite Food: BBQ Stingray
Most Memorable Moment: Meeting Elmo at Universal Studios / The View from Ce La Vie Rooftop
Budget-Friendly Rating: 2/5
Accessibility Rating: 4/5
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Hotel
It may come as no surprise that accommodation in Singapore is not cheap. In fact, it was more expensive for us to stay in a hostel than it was in a 4* hotel. Which is how we ended up staying at the V Hotel Lavender.
Whilst the rooms themselves were pretty standard, the location was what really set this hotel apart from the others. With the hotel located just 5 minutes away from a MRT station that easily connected to many of the main attractions we were after.
The lobby is clean, attractive, yet always busy. The gym was lacklustre (though the amount of steps we did per day more than made up for that) and the pool was ice-cold with limited seating. But considering we paid less than £80 per night, we weren’t too disappointed.
Food & Drinks
One of the first things people mention about any country is food. It can absolutely make or break a trip. And Singapore is no exception. We gladly took recommendations and our biggest regret is that we didn’t have time to go and try more. I’d have force-fed myself to make sure it happened but I didn’t want to be rolling around the streets…
Satay by the Bay
A recommendation from someone who used to live in Singapore and conveniently located by Gardens by the Bay, we popped in to Satay by the Bay on our first night. We were giddy with excitement, wanted to try everything, but with limited funds, limited stomach space, and limited time, we opted for what we knew to be popular:
- Chicken & Beef Satay
- BBQ Stingray
I was apprehensive about the stingray to say the least. I’m not the biggest sea food fan at the best of times, though I will eat it. But, that BBQ sauce was a game-changer. Though I’ve been informed that next time we MUST squeeze the lime on to the stingray before we eat it to maximise the flavour.
Please note: Following our video, we were informed that stingray is now classed as endangered, so please do be careful and ensure you’re buying from ethical & sustainable places
Little India
Anyone who says that Singapore is too expensive clearly haven’t eaten at the Hawker Centres. We genuinely could have eaten there our entire trip if we didn’t have plans already in the diary.
We actually arrived in Little India early morning so we opted for breakfast at the Tekka Centre. Armed with cheese prata and chicken murtabak, I’ve finally accepted that savoury breakfasts might be be superior to sweet ones.
If you’re unaware (like I was), prata is effectively a crispy flat bread served with curry and Murtabak is packed full with whatever filling you choose.
I’d have loved to go back and try even more food plus even more Hawker Centres too!
Kaya Toast
Another Singapore must-have and another combination of that sweet & savoury that I’ve come to love so much. The Kaya jam is essentially a coconut jam, very sweet in its flavour and tasty on its own. We were advised to try the Kaya toast on its own first to get the full flavour, then dip in a mixture of boiled egg, soy sauce & white pepper (thought not too much like me).
Whilst it sounds like a strange combination, I can attest that it genuinely is a beautiful flavour and a game-changer in the breakfast world.
With limited time, we opted to try a chain (Ya Kun Kaya Toast) but we’re sure that many local restaurants will do even nicer options.
Other foods we enjoyed:
- Chilli Crab
- Laksa
- Duck Noodles
Things to Do
Universal Studios
As avid theme park nerds (ex-Disney cast member after all), there was no chance we’d be able to visit a city with a new park and not visit. Whilst it’s not the biggest park, nor has the biggest, most adventurous rides, we had a fantastic day at Universal Studios Singapore (Book your ticket in advance and skip the queues here).
Accessibility
From an accessibility point of view, it was clear that the Singaporean park really centred accessibility as a core value. The Disability Access Card was super easy to get (with valid ID) and we found it made the day extra convenient as we could enter through the exit or guaranteed Express Pass lanes.
There were minor setbacks with a few rides having steps to climb, however, many had accessible routes/lifts to ensure access to all.
The park’s relatively small size meant that it was easily traversable for Nathan. Being just 11 weeks post hip operation, we were concerned he might struggle so he did bring his walking stick. We also knew we had the option of a complimentary wheelchair if required.
Team members were also incredibly considerate and Nathan even commented that this had been his best ever theme park experience.
How to Get to Universal Studios/Sentosa Island:
We took the Sentosa Express from the HarbourFront station. It was well-priced and gave us a view of the park and Sentosa Island before entering the parks. Plus, if you’re using the MRT, the change from the MRT station to the Monorail is super easy.
What to Know:
- Universal Studios Singapore is made up of 7 lands: Minion Land (brand-new for 2025), Far Far Away, The Lost World, Hollywood, Ancient Egypt, New York & Sci-Fi City
- Universal Studios is located on Sentosa Island – take some time to head around the island
- Go on a week day if possible, we managed to get everything done by 2pm!
- There was a lot of maintenance being done whilst we were there, check before you go so you’re not disappointed on the day
Gardens by the Bay
We kicked off our Singapore adventure by wandering around Gardens by the Bay, and honestly? What a way to start! The Supertree Grove is absolutely stunning, especially as the sun starts to set and those iconic trees light up like something out of a sci-fi movie.
We would have loved to explore the Cloud Forest or Flower Dome, but both were closed for maintenance during our visit, which was probably a blessing in disguise for our budget! The outdoor areas were more than enough to keep us entertained anyway. The views, the Instagram opportunities, the sheer scale of it all, it’s no wonder this place is plastered all over Singapore’s tourism campaigns.
Top Tip: Time your visit for the evening light show (at the time of writing, 7:45 & 8:45 PM at the Supertree Grove. It’s free and absolutely magical!
Ce La Vie Rooftop Bar
Now this was our one proper splurge moment, and my word, was it worth every penny. The views from Ce La Vie are genuinely breathtaking, you can see the entire Marina Bay area spread out below you like a glittering playground.
Entry was $38 SGD (about £22) which included one drink, so not as eye-wateringly expensive as we’d feared. The booths normally have a hefty minimum spend, but they clearly took pity on Nathan with his walking stick and gave us one anyway, sometimes being post-surgery has its perks! The sunset views over the city skyline made for some of our most memorable photos of the entire trip.
What to Know: Book ahead if you want a guaranteed table, especially for sunset (it does come with a minimum spend). The dress code is smart casual, so leave the flip-flops at the hotel! Entry fee includes one drink, which makes it much more reasonable than we expected.
Long Bar Singapore Slings
You simply cannot visit Singapore without trying the original Singapore Sling at the Long Bar in Raffles Hotel. It’s touristy, it’s crowded, and yes, it’s overpriced, but it’s also absolutely iconic.
The whole experience is wonderfully old-school colonial charm, complete with monkey nuts that you’re actively encouraged to throw the shells on the floor (I was living my best messy life). The cocktail itself? Sweet, fruity, and definitely packs a punch. Whether it’s worth the £25+ price tag is debatable, but the experience and bragging rights definitely are.
Insider Tip: Go during the day if you want to avoid the evening crowds, though the atmosphere is admittedly better in the evening!
Singapore Zoo & Night Safari
This was hands down our favourite activity in Singapore, and that’s saying something! We’d heard amazing things about both the day zoo and the Night Safari, so we decided to do a marathon day and experience both.
The Singapore Zoo during the day was impressive enough – ethical enclosures, happy animals, and incredible diversity. But the Night Safari? That was pure magic. There’s something absolutely extraordinary about watching nocturnal animals in their element, especially when you’re gliding through the darkness on the tram.
Nathan was like a kid in a candy shop pointing out every single animal, and I’ll admit I got genuinely emotional watching the elephants. The whole experience felt respectful to the animals whilst still being incredibly entertaining for visitors.
Practical Notes:
- Book the Night Safari in advance, it gets busy!
- The combo ticket for both zoo and Night Safari offers decent value
- Bring a light jacket for the Night Safari – it gets surprisingly cool
- The walking trails at Night Safari are accessible, though some areas are better lit than others
Exploring Little India, Chinatown & Kampong Glam
One of the absolute joys of Singapore is how you can experience three completely different cultures within a few MRT stops. We dedicated a full day to wandering these three distinct neighbourhoods, and honestly, it felt like we’d visited three different countries.
Little India was a feast for all the senses – the colours, the smells, the sounds. We’d already sampled the food at Tekka Centre, but walking through the streets filled with sari shops, spice vendors, and flower garlands was absolutely mesmerising. The Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple was a particular highlight, though do remember to dress respectfully and remove your shoes.
Chinatown offered a completely different vibe with its traditional shophouses, lantern-lined streets, and the incredible Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. We spent ages just wandering, admiring the architecture and trying not to buy everything in the souvenir shops (our luggage weight limit kept us in check!).
Kampong Glam was probably my personal favourite of the three. The Sultan Mosque is absolutely stunning, and Haji Lane is basically Instagram paradise with its colourful street art and quirky cafes. We spent way too much time taking photos and not nearly enough time actually shopping, but sometimes that’s exactly what you need.
Getting Around: The MRT makes hopping between all three areas incredibly easy and affordable. We bought a day pass and just wandered to our hearts’ content.
Merlion Park
The Merlion is basically a giant concrete fish-lion spouting water, and there’s not actually that much to do at Merlion Park itself. BUT (and this is a big but), it’s absolutely iconic Singapore, and the views of Marina Bay Sands from the park are genuinely spectacular.
We squeezed this in on our final morning before heading to the airport, perfect timing really as it’s quick to do and easily accessible. Despite Nathan insisting the photos are “cringe,” I absolutely loved it and we grabbed the obligatory tourist photos of us pretending to catch the water in our mouths (because apparently we’re five years old). I then spent a bit of time just admiring the skyline one last time before saying goodbye to Singapore while Nathan rolled his eyes at my enthusiasm.
The park itself is small and can get incredibly busy, but going in the morning meant we avoided the worst crowds. Plus, it’s free and easily accessible via MRT, making it the perfect final Singapore tick-box moment – even if your travel companion thinks you’re being tragically touristy!
Photo Tip: The best angle for the classic “catching the water” shot is from the side, not directly in front. You’re welcome! (Nathan says you’re still being cringe, but do it anyway.)
Getting Around Singapore
MRT (Mass Rapid Transit): The MRT system is honestly a thing of beauty. Clean, efficient, air-conditioned, and incredibly accessible. Every station has lifts, tactile guidance strips, and clear audio announcements. Nathan found it brilliant post-surgery – no stairs required if you don’t want them!
We used contactless cards for each journey so it was super easy to access. The trains run frequently, and honestly, we never waited more than 5 minutes for one.
Accessibility Features:
- All stations have lift access
- Priority seating clearly marked and actually respected
- Audio announcements and visual displays
- Wide gates for wheelchairs/mobility aids
- Tactile guidance for visually impaired passengers
Taxi/Grabs: Taxis are everywhere and reasonably priced, though Grab was often cheaper and more convenient. Both were great when Nathan’s hip was particularly sore after long walking days.
Weather & What to Pack
Singapore is hot, humid, and can absolutely chuck it down without warning. We’re talking 30°C+ with humidity that makes you feel wet as soon as you step outside…
Pack:
- Lightweight, breathable clothing
- Comfortable walking shoes (we did 15k+ steps daily!)
- Umbrella or rain jacket
- Layers for air-conditioned spaces (they love their AC)
- Comfortable shoes for temple visits (you’ll be removing them frequently)
Budget & Money Saving Tips
Right, let’s talk money because Singapore can absolutely rinse your bank account if you’re not careful.
- Eat at hawker centres (seriously, some of the best food for £3 to £5
- Use the MRT everywhere
- Book attractions online in advance for discounts
- Happy hours at bars (though still expensive!)
- Free activities: Gardens by the Bay outdoor areas, walking tours, Merlion Park
Final Thoughts & Would We Recommend?
Singapore genuinely exceeded all our expectations. Yes, it’s expensive (hence our 2/5 budget rating), but the food, the experiences, and the sheer efficiency of everything made it feel worth every penny of our life savings.
The accessibility was outstanding throughout – Nathan’s hip operation recovery was barely a consideration thanks to the incredible infrastructure. The mix of cultures, modern attractions, and incredible food scene made for the perfect start to our adventure.
Perfect for: First-time Asia visitors, accessibility needs, food lovers, theme park enthusiasts, city break lovers
Maybe skip if: You’re on a tight budget, prefer rural/natural destinations, want “authentic” backpacker experiences
Would we go back? In a heartbeat. Will we be able to afford to go back anytime soon? Absolutely not. But that’s future us’s problem!
Our Rating: 4/5 (Would be 5/5 if it didn’t require selling a kidney to afford it!)
