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Singapore Layover : Incredible 12 Hours Itinerary

Layover in Singapore : huge illuminated flower domes with vegetation and a path in the sky

You have a Singapore long layover ? Lucky you, Changi Airport is the most incredible airport in the world ! Here are some Singapore layover tips to make it a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, in and out the airport. 

Singapore Layover : waterfront artsy garden
Singapore Layover : Gardens by the Bay

When travelling to Southeast Asia, it’s very common to have long layovers in Shanghai, Bangkok or Singapore. Singapore is the absolute best place you could come across for an extended layover. Whether you’re a city explorer or a nature lover, this place has it all. During a 4 hours or a 6 hours layover, you can explore the resourceful airport. 

In my case, I had a Singapore layover 12 hours on my Bali to Athens flight, after visiting Indonesia for two months. I did loads of research to put together an itinerary with as many activities as possible with the time that was given to me. Here are the best Singapore airport layover activities.

Singapore layover visa

The Singapore airlines layover policy is clear : you do not need a visa to visit Changi airport. Passengers in transit are allowed to leave the airport once during their layover period. 

Singapore layover immigration

To feel freer and not waste any time, here are some tips for before and after immigration. Before leaving, download the Singapore map in maps.me. I also recommend changing your money in Singaporean dollars. 

Singapore Layover what to do : path in the palm trees
Singapore Layover what to do : Gardens by the Bay

To not carry your suitcase or backpack during your Singapore layover tour, leave it at the level 2 of the Departure Hall for $10 (if less than 10kg). You’re almost free to go ! Last but not least : the Singapore Tourist Pass will provide you with unlimited rides for $10 a day.

What to do during your layover in Singapore ?

Singapore Changi airport long layover

Singapore is the perfect mix of harmony, modernity and excessiveness. Indeed, this unique sovereign island city-state is home to some of the most innovative buildings of the world. It starts with the Changi Jewel Airport, certified best airport in the world 7 times in a row. 

On your layover in Singapore airport, you should first visit the Jewel of the airport itself : it is an indoors jungle with a 40-metre-high waterfall. If you have a Singapore layover at night, don’t worry : they got you covered with stunning night light shows.

Singapore Koon Seng Road

Second stop of your Singapore layover trip : Koon Seng Road. It’s the closest visit spot from the airport. You can get there in around 30 minutes with the East West Line. It’s not only a nice colorful street but also a relic of history. The first Chinese immigrants built them back in the 20s’. Definitely a must do to consider in your Singapore layover itinerary.

Singapore Layover what to do : colourful historical houses in both sides of the street
Singapore Layover what to do : Koon Seng Road houses

Singapore Little India

Another district shows off the multiculturalism history of Singapore : Little India. From street food smells, vibrant markets, colourful Hindu and Chinese Temples, mosques and churches. Yes, this neighborhood has pretty much everything you could ever want and need ! Must sees : House of Tan Teng Niah, Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, Little India Arcade.

Singapore Old Street Police Station

If you didn’t see enough colorful places yet, you can head to the Old Street Police Station. It is in the Singapore business district area and has 927 rainbow windows. This building carries so much history. It was a jail, then a police station, and now a ministry and national monument.

Singapore Layover what to do : building with loads of colorful windows
Singapore Layover what to do : Old Street Police Station

Singapore famous places : Gardens by the Bay

From there, you can do everything by foot and walk by the Sand SkyPark Observation Deck before heading to the most iconic spot of the country : Gardens by the Bay. It’s definitely the highlight of your city tour.

Those futuristic Gardens show off an incredible variety of lush greenery and skyscraper flowers. It either feels like you are in a science fiction movie or you’ve been teleported 100 years into the future. Walking around the gardens, and even witnessing the night light show if you’re on a Singapore night layover is 100% part of the Singapore layover free tour. To have a deeper experience of the Gardens by the Bay, you can pay $12 to access the Cloud Forest. A walk on the OCBC Skyway, the yellow path that connects the Supertree Grove, is $8.

Singapore airport overnight layover

If you have a Singapore overnight layover, you can enjoy a night out in the big city and appreciate the night show of the famous Gardens By the Bay for instance. If you want to stay inside the airport, you can visit the Jewel at any hour of the night. 

Singapore Layover what to do : in doors illuminated waterfall
Singapore Layover what to do : Changi Jewel Airport Waterfall

If you need a room to sleep in, you won’t struggle to find a hotel. Check out Changi airport best transit hotels

Here are all the spots I could visit during my 12 hours layover. I hope you enjoyed this Singapore layover guide. If you have more time during your Singapore airport layover, do not hesitate to check out the Art and Science Museum and its out of the world exhibitions. You can also add to your Singapore layover things to do list the Masjid Sultan Mosque, People’s Park Complex, the Helix Bridge or the Chinese Gardens. If you’re flying to Indonesia, here is a Nusa Penida complete guide.