Singapore Stopover: From the Luxury of Jewel to the Wonders of the City
Singapore, a city-state located between Malaysia and Indonesia, spans just 700 km²—about one-tenth the size of Corsica or Bali. Despite its modest size, it’s a major hub in Southeast Asia, serving as a central gateway connecting airports across Asia and the world. I’ve visited Singapore countless times, both before moving to Bali and for regular layovers en route to Bali from France or other parts of Asia.
Singapore is a fascinating city to explore, whether you have a few hours or a couple of days. While I’m not sure I’d want to live there, it’s a vibrant destination for a stopover. In this article, I’ll share my best tips for enjoying a layover in Singapore—whether you choose to stay within the airport or take the time to explore the city.
Singapore Changi Airport
Changi is an incredible airport. It is very regularly ranked among the best airports in the world by all existing rankings. And it is deserved. It is almost a small city with hotels, a swimming pool, a cinema, a butterfly garden and of course many duty-free shops.
The different terminals are efficiently connected by train or bus. If your stopover is very short, for example less than 2 hours, it is therefore preferable to remain in transit inside the customs area, without going through emigration.
Passing through immigration is extremely easy and very fast. You simply have to have filled out the ad hoc form online on the myICA application. There is a battery of several dozen machines in each terminal that can automatically read European passports. The immigration passage only takes a few minutes, to exit the airport or on the way back to access the boarding gates from the departure terminal.
If you have a stopover in Singapore of more than 2 hours, I recommend that you go for a walk to the Jewel shopping center, just opposite Terminal 1.
Jewel Changi Airport Singapore
The Jewel shopping center, located just opposite Terminal 1 of Changi Airport in Singapore, is much more than just a shopping center. It is a true architectural marvel that combines shops, restaurants and breathtaking attractions, all in one place. Indeed, Jewel is a destination in its own right.
As soon as you enter, the Rain Vortex, a huge fountain, attracts all eyes. It is the highest indoor waterfall in the world. The water falls majestically from the ceiling to the basement, offering a magnificent spectacle. All around the fountain, an indoor garden allows you to relax and unwind.
The center has more than 280 shops. There are major international brands and local brands. But Jewel is not just about shopping. The dining options are numerous. You can taste cuisines from all over the world, including local Singaporean dishes. Personally, I like to go for a drink on the top level of Jewel, in a cafe overlooking the indoor waterfall. You can see the little train that connects the different terminals of the airport passing by. I also like to go for a chicken and rice dish in the basement of Jewel, which has many small restaurants. My favorite is called Nasi Ayam Taman Serasi.
Free tours organized by Changi Airport
If you have at least a 6-hour stopover in Singapore, Changi Airport organizes free tours of Singapore. There are 3 different tours. Each tour lasts 2.5 hours but you must arrive 90 minutes before the tour at Terminal 3 before going through immigration. On the way back, the bus will drop you off at Terminal 1 (and Jewel) at Terminal 2 or Terminal 3. And you can only sign up if your next flight is at least 2 hours after the bus returns. It is best to book online, up to 50 days in advance.
The City Sights Tour will take you around Marina Bay with a 30-minute stop at the Merlion and another 30-minute stop at the Gardens by the Bay. The Heritage Tour will take you to Chinatown and Kampong Gelam, passing Marina Bay, the Central Business District and the Singapore River. Finally, the Changi Precinct Tour (morning only) will take you around the airport.
What to see in Singapore
Marina Bay Sands
If you only have one day, you will probably want to go for a walk around Marina Bay Sands. This luxury hotel has become one of Singapore’s iconic landmarks, a bit like the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Its three 55-storey towers are topped with a terrace (the Sands SkyPark) that is shaped like a boat.
The terrace is home to the longest swimming pool in the world, an infinity pool 150 metres long and 200 metres high. The pool is unfortunately only accessible to hotel guests. But you can still enjoy a beautiful view of all of Singapore while having a drink or a bite to eat in one of the bars and restaurants on the terrace. The hotel has more than 2,500 rooms, but they are not cheap…
Gardens by the Bay
Right next to Marina Bay Sands, you can go for a walk and cool off in the “Gardens by the Bay”. It is a park covering more than 100 hectares and home to nearly 20,000 different species of plants. Entrance to the park is free, but you will have to pay an entrance fee to visit the park’s most spectacular structures: the “Super Trees” and the greenhouses.
Gardens by the Bay Super Trees
The “Super Trees” are the park’s most iconic structures. They measure between 25 and 50 metres high. Most of these “trees” are located in the centre of the park, including the two largest, connected by a 128-metre-long walkway.
Gardens by the Bay Greenhouses
The two largest structures in the Gardens by the Bay are their greenhouses. The first, Cloud Forest, is built around a 35-metre-high artificial mountain where the world’s highest indoor waterfall (after Jewel) is hidden. It is home to plants that live at over 2,000 meters above sea level.
Flower Dome is billed as the world’s largest glass greenhouse, with over 12,000 square meters. Inside, you’ll see flowers from all over the world.
Merlion
Half fish, half lion, Merlion has been Singapore’s icon since 1964. The lion’s head represents the lion that Prince Sang Nila Utama discovered when he rediscovered Singapore in the 11th century. The fishtail represents the city’s fishing past, when it was still known as Temasek. When Sang Nila arrived in Singapore, he changed the name from Temasek to Singapura (the Lion City, “singa” meaning lion and “pura” meaning city in Sanskrit).
Well, to be frank, this statue is nothing special, but from there you will have a beautiful view of Singapore with Marina Bay Sands on one side and the skyscrapers of the business center on the other. It can also be a good starting point for a walk to Clarke Quay. Or for an exploration of the city’s few interesting museums, not far away. Including the National Gallery, my favorite, with temporary exhibitions of contemporary art that are generally quite interesting.
Chinatown Singapore
A walk through Chinatown transports you to another world. After the gigantism and modernity of the skyscrapers, Marina Bay Sands or Gardens by the Bay, you are transported to a traditional Chinese district with its small restaurants, fruit stalls, temples and more.
I was last in Chinatown on Chinese New Year’s Eve in 2024 and the entertainment was obviously at its peak. I tasted Durian there for the first time in my life. And not just any, I tried the Rolls Royce of Durian: the Musang King. Some love durian, others hate it, but in any case it doesn’t leave you indifferent. And its smell is so strong that it is forbidden to bring durian into most hotels or airlines in Asia!
Little India
Little India, the Indian district is also very exotic. You will find lively markets, Hindu temples, and lots of spice shops. So go for a stroll in the streets scented with curry, discover shimmering saris and savor authentic Indian cuisine. A unique cultural immersion in the heart of Singapore. But if you had to choose, favor a visit to Chinatown, which is more central and more colorful.
Sentosa
Singapore is definitely a city of contrasts. Still the opposite of the hyper-modern city and its skyscrapers and the stalls of Chinatown and Little India, Singapore is also home to a sort of seaside city dedicated to leisure, Sentosa. You will find beaches, marinas and Universal Studio!
