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Between Departure: Singapore Stopover Experience

By PORTALTO Editor

21 May 2025

Some cities take time to get under your skin. Singapore doesn’t.

Whether you have eight hours or just three, the Lion City offers a concentrated dose of Southeast Asia’s energy — distilled, efficient, and surprisingly soulful. A stopover here isn’t an inconvenience. It’s a chance to pause time, even if briefly.

Time is short, but Singapore doesn’t waste it

Step off the plane and into a vortex of gleaming architecture and rainforest air. You’re not dreaming — you’re in Singapore. In one afternoon, you might sip a chilled coconut smoothie from Mr. Coconut, stroll beneath towering Supertrees, and devour a perfectly poached plate of Hainanese chicken rice at Maxwell Food Centre.

It’s a city that understands movement — how to compress time, expand experience, and make even a short stopover feel like something worth remembering.

Here’s how to turn your transit time into a story worth telling.

The Jewel Rain Vortex at Jewel Changi Airport

Things to Do During a Layover in Singapore

Whether you’re transiting through Changi Airport or planning a longer stop in the city, here are our top picks to make the most of your time:

Sultan Mosque, Kampong Glam

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Chinatown

Peranakan House, Joo Chiat Rd

1. Take the Free Singapore Tour (Yes, It’s Really Free)

Operated by Changi Airport and Singapore Tourism Board, the Free Singapore Tour is available for passengers with a layover of at least 5.5 hours.

You can choose from a Heritage Tour, which covers cultural landmarks like Kampong Glam and Chinatown, or a City Sights Tour, taking you past Marina Bay Sands, the Merlion, and other iconic spots — all without the hassle of planning your own route.

Here’s how to join:

You can pre-book one tour itinerary up to 60 days before your travel date.
Or, simply walk in upon arrival — just make sure you don’t clear immigration. The tour booths are located in the transit area, and seats are first come, first served.

Where to register:
Terminal 2 — Level 2, Departure Transit Hall (near Gate F50)
Terminal 3 — Level 2, Departure Transit Hall (near Gate A1-A8)
Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

2. Eat Like a Local with the Secret Food Tour

Photo Courtesy of Secret Food Tour Singapore

Step off the plane and into Singapore’s most authentic food narrative — a three-hour tour that takes you beyond postcards into the real pulse of the city. A small-group journey (maximum 12 travelers) with expert local guides, this is where Singapore’s multicultural flavors meet storytelling and street wisdom.

What to expect:

Kopitiam serving kaya toast and traditional Nanyang coffee.
Hawker stalls offering bak kwa, oyster cakes, Hainanese chicken rice, prata or thosai with curry, and chwee kueh – all layered with cultural context.
Visits through markets, Buddhist temples, and bustling food halls framed with tales of community and heritage.

This tour isn’t just a tasting — it’s a masterclass in why Singapore’s hawker culture earned UNESCO recognition in 2020. You’ll walk into food that feels local, and come away understanding why every dish tells a story.

👉 Book or learn more at Secret Food Tours

3. Shop Till You Reboard in Orchard Road

Singapore is one of Asia’s shopping capitals, and Orchard Road is its crown jewel. Just a short MRT ride from the airport, this boulevard is packed with high-end malls, local designers, and international brands.

Even if you're short on time, a stroll here offers a window into modern Singapore — sleek, stylish, and buzzing.

🛍️ Bonus tip: ION Orchard has both luxury and local finds, plus a great food hall for quick bites.

4. Just Got 3 Hours? Head Straight to Jewel

If your stopover is tight, skip the city and dive into Jewel Changi Airport — a destination in itself.

With its world-famous Rain Vortex, lush indoor forest, and dozens of cafes and concept stores, Jewel blends nature, design, and leisure seamlessly. Grab a seat at % Arabica for specialty coffee, or unwind with a quick local meal at Violet Oon Singapore or Five Spice.

You’ll be surprised how much you can soak in without ever leaving the airport complex.

Planning Your Singapore Layover: What You Need to Know

Visa Requirements: Many nationalities don’t need a visa for short stays. But double-check your entry eligibility before booking activities.
Luggage: Use Left Baggage counters at Changi to free yourself up for exploring.
Transport: The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) is fast, clean, and tourist-friendly. Or hop into a Grab for quick, affordable rides.
Connectivity: Changi offers free Wi-Fi, and you can buy a tourist SIM or eSIM for city travel.
Local Currency: Singapore Dollar (SGD). Most places accept cards, but hawker centers prefer cash or local mobile payment apps.

Why a Stopover Here Feels Like a Real Trip