About Singapore travel

Singapore doesn’t sprawl. Instead, this tiny country veritably stacks its sky gardens, hawker centres, rooftop bars, and temples. This city-state does a lot in a small footprint, and it does it with style. 

Few places let you breakfast on kaya toast, stroll through a cloud forest in the middle of the day, and then catch a laser show over the bay at night. That first glimpse of Marina Bay’s skyline is cinematic. But so is the shift you feel when you step off a cool, silent MRT and land in Little India, Kampong Glam or the heart of the CBD. One city, a dozen textures. All are within reach, and all running on time.

Where to stay in Singapore

• Marina Bay: Skyline views, garden domes and some of the city’s most recognisable stays. You’re here for Marina Bay Sands, waterfront walks, and all-out luxury. Great if you want it big, glossy, and central to the action.
• Orchard Road: Singapore’s shopping belt delivers mall after mall, but also walkable streets, mid-range hotels and reliable MRT stops. Stay here if your trip includes retail therapy, dumpling pit stops and late-night department stores. 
• Chinatown: Temples, market snacks and historic laneways meet boutique hotels and old-school guesthouses. It’s an atmospheric pick that is budget-friendly, well-connected, and full of character. Good for foodies, solo travellers and long-weekend explorers.
• Bugis & Kampong Glam: Bright, creative and a little unexpected. These neighbourhoods mix street art with halal cafés, rooftop cocktails and vintage shops. Hotels range from smart budget finds to design boutiques.
• Sentosa Island: It might feel a world apart, but Sentosa is just 15 minutes from downtown. Think beach walks, resort pools, and easy access to Universal Studios and SEA Aquarium. Best for families or anyone after a side of chill with their city.

How much is Singapore accommodation?

Singapore isn’t the cheapest spot in Southeast Asia—but you can still sleep well without blowing the budget. Expect to pay around AU$160 per night on average, though that can swing from tight dorm beds to skyline-view suites. Prices stay fairly steady, but peak slightly in school holidays or around major events like F1.

• Backpackers and basic hostels: From AU$25 per night. Capsule beds, shared bathrooms and great locations near Chinatown, Little India or Bugis.
• Mid-range hotels: From A$100 per night. Think clean design, rooftop pools and breakfast included, often near MRT lines.
• Boutique and heritage hotels: From AU$180 per night. Stylish stays in shophouses or creative neighbourhoods like Kampong Glam or Tiong Bahru.
• Luxury hotels and resorts: From AU$350 per night. Infinity pools, Michelin dining, and views over Marina Bay or Sentosa.

Top-rated hotels in Singapore

• Marina Bay Sands: An icon for a reason. There’s that rooftop infinity pool, but also rooms with skyline views, a massive mall, celebrity restaurants, and direct access to Gardens by the Bay. It’s big, bold and pure wow factor. 
• The Clan Hotel: A sharp, design-led stay on the edge of Chinatown. Expect rich timber tones, local touches, and thoughtful extras like welcome tea rituals. There’s also a rooftop pool and skyline gym.
• Capella Singapore – Sentosa: A rainforest escape just 15 minutes from the city. This Sentosa resort blends colonial-era buildings with sleek villas, three pools, and sprawling grounds. Great for couples, families, or anyone craving calm.
• The Pod @ Beach Road – Bugis: A minimalist capsule stay with a calm, grown-up vibe. You get breakfast, towel service and self-laundry, plus a great location near Kampong Glam’s cafés and indie bars. Ideal for solo travellers.
• Raffles Singapore: This landmark hotel is a slice of old-world luxury, fully restored with all-suite rooms, white-gloved service, and tropical courtyards. Don’t miss the Writers Bar, or the Singapore Sling where it was born.

Tips for finding the perfect accommodation in Singapore

• Use filters with intent: Narrow by MRT access, breakfast included, or family-friendly features. Whether it’s a pool in Sentosa or a capsule in Bugis, Traveloka filters help pinpoint what matters.
• Consider seasonality: Singapore’s weather is fairly consistent year-round, but big events like Chinese New Year and the F1 Grand Prix drive prices up. Book ahead if you’re travelling in peak periods.
• Look one street back: Big-name hotels dominate the main strips, but sometimes a block or two off Orchard or Arab Street means quieter nights and better value.
• Don’t rule out boutique: Small hotels in places like Kampong Glam or Tiong Bahru often come with design flair, good coffee, and a local vibe that big brands can’t match.
• Read recent reviews: Singapore’s hotel scene moves fast. New openings, renovations or service changes can shift a place’s vibe overnight. Recent guest reviews are gold.