Singapore · CocoVolare

Asia · Boutique

Singapore

Asia's garden city

S ingapore entered the curious traveller's imagination through the silhouette of Marina Bay Sands and stayed for everything else.

The essence

A country you read block by block, not kilometre by kilometre

S ingapore entered the curious traveller's imagination through the silhouette of Marina Bay Sands and stayed for everything else. Founded as a British trading port in 1819 and independent since 1965, within six decades it moved from corrugated-iron neighbourhoods to one of the highest GDPs per capita on the planet. Today it is three things at once: a destination in its own right of five to seven days · with hawker cooking, world-class museums and living ethnic quarters; a logistical base from which to combine Indonesia, Malaysia or Vietnam; and a compelling contrast piece for a honeymoon. It is a destination that rewards curation, far from autopilot and the sealed package. It works when someone applies the right judgement: the right climate window, the right sequence of quarters, the right hotels, and a guide who genuinely knows how to read the mix. Done that way, Singapore delivers the most fluid and memorable entry to Asia.

728 km² an entire city-state the size of a capital
4 official languages · English, Mandarin, Malay, Tamil
2020 hawker culture declared UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage
+50 Michelin-starred restaurants in the city

Regions

The 5 faces of Singapore

Marina Bay and Civic District · Singapore 01 · Icon

2–3 nights

Marina Bay and Civic District

The contemporary postcard

The face Singapore presents to the world: the three towers of Marina Bay Sands, the Supertrees of Gardens by the Bay, the lotus-shaped ArtScience Museum and the Merlion. The Civic District adds the river with its restored shophouses and the National Gallery.

Hotels
Marina Bay Sands · Fullerton Bay · The Capitol Kempinski
Must-see
SkyPark · Gardens by the Bay · National Gallery
Best time
February to April · lower humidity
Chinatown · Singapore 02 · Chinese Quarter

1–2 nights

Chinatown

Temples and hawker culture at its source

The memory of Chinese immigration lives alongside a monumental Hindu temple, Sri Mariamman. The Maxwell hawker centre, the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, century-old shophouses and the award-winning bars of Amoy Street and Ann Siang Hill.

Hotels
Six Senses Maxwell · Six Senses Duxton · The Clan
Must-see
Maxwell Food Centre · Sri Mariamman · Amoy Street
Best time
January or February · Chinese New Year
Kampong Glam · Singapore 03 · Malay Quarter

1 night

Kampong Glam

The Malay-Muslim quarter

The historic heart of the Malay community: the Sultan Mosque with its golden dome, the palace of Sultan Hussein Shah and Haji Lane · the most photographed alley in the city, lined with independent shops, boutique cafés and street art.

Hotels
Andaz Singapore · Village Hotel · The Sultan
Must-see
Sultan Mosque · Haji Lane · Malay Heritage Centre
Best time
March or April · Hari Raya Puasa
Little India · Singapore 04 · Tamil Quarter

1 night

Little India

The sensory colour of the diaspora

The quarter richest in colour, aroma and sound. The Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple dedicated to the goddess Kali, the Tekka Market where curry spices are sold, the 24-hour Mustafa Centre and the Indian Heritage Centre.

Hotels
Wanderlust · The Inn at Temple Street · neighbourhood boutiques
Must-see
Sri Veeramakaliamman · Tekka Centre · Mustafa
Best time
October or November · Deepavali
Sentosa and Singapore's natural side · Singapore 05 · Island & Green

1–2 nights

Sentosa and Singapore's natural side

The urban tropical island

The third face: Sentosa, the southern resort island with its beaches, S.E.A. Aquarium and boutique resorts; and the green north, with the UNESCO Singapore Botanic Gardens, MacRitchie and the last primary rainforest of Bukit Timah.

Hotels
Capella Singapore · Six Senses Sentosa · Shangri-La Rasa
Must-see
Botanic Gardens · S.E.A. Aquarium · Southern Ridges
Best time
February to April and June to July

Signature experiences

Moments to remember

Private access, guides born in the place and a rhythm designed around you.

Practical

The essentials before you travel

Information verified by our travel designers, updated for 2026.

Money

Currency
Singapore dollar (SGD). Singapore is one of the world's most cashless countries.
Cards
Visa, Mastercard and Amex work almost everywhere, including many modern hawker centres. Apple Pay and Google Pay are fully integrated.
Cash
Carry 100 to 200 SGD for small stalls, traditional markets and occasional tips. Exchange at Changi Airport on arrival for competitive rates.
ATMs
Plentiful and reliable across the island. Alert your bank before travelling: Singapore is a fraud detection hub and card blocks are common.
Tipping
Not culturally expected. Formal restaurants add a 10% service charge and 9% GST. No tipping at hawker centres.
Tax
GST is 9% in 2026. At sit-down restaurants it is added to the total alongside the service charge.

Visa

Latin America
Colombians, Mexicans, Argentinians and most South Americans do not require a tourist visa.
Spain
Spanish nationals are also exempt from tourist visa requirements.
Arrival Card
The Singapore Arrival Card must be completed online · it is free and must be submitted within 3 days before arrival, including a health declaration.
Passport
Must be valid for at least six months at entry. The entry stamp is electronic, with e-Gate lanes for biometric passports.
Documents
Have your first accommodation voucher, international insurance and return flight to hand. Entry rules can change: verify before travel.

Health

Vaccines
No mandatory vaccinations for arrivals from Latin America or Europe, except a yellow fever certificate if coming from an endemic country.
Recommended
Routine vaccinations up to date (MMR, polio, tetanus) and, depending on your itinerary, hepatitis A and B.
Water
Safe to drink and of high quality throughout the island. Ice and fresh juices are safe.
Dengue
Endemic year-round. Use DEET repellent at dawn and dusk, particularly on Pulau Ubin and in nature reserves.
Heat
Heat exhaustion is a real risk: hydrate every two hours and seek shade between midday and mid-afternoon.
Hospitals
Mount Elizabeth, Raffles Medical and Gleneagles are world-class. International insurance is strongly recommended given the high cost for foreign patients.

Transport

MRT
The metro covers 90% of points of interest. Clean, air-conditioned and punctual. Fares from 1 to 2 SGD per journey · the best weapon against the heat.
Grab
Asia's equivalent of Uber. Works impeccably with integrated card payment. Download before you arrive.
Taxis
Official taxis (ComfortDelGro, SMRT, Trans-Cab) always use a meter. Be wary of any fixed fare offered outside of Grab.
Private driver
The CocoVolare standard for intensive days: booked in four-hour blocks, it saves two to three hours daily compared to navigating traffic independently.
Walking
Viable and rewarding, but demanding given the humidity. Carry water, a compact umbrella and take breaks in air-conditioned cafés.

Language

Official languages
Four official languages: English, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil. Malay is the national language; English is the administrative one.
English
Spoken fluently by around 90% of the urban population. It is the language of education and the standard throughout the tourism sector.
Singlish
The local dialect blends English with Malay, Hokkien and Tamil: "can lah" (yes, of course), "shiok" (delicious), "makan" (to eat).
Spanish
Virtually non-existent outside international hotels. CocoVolare prioritises Spanish-speaking guides and drivers where relevant.
Tip
Mandarin is heard in Chinatown, Tamil in Little India, Malay in Kampong Glam. There is always someone nearby who will switch to English.

Etiquette

Fines
Jaywalking, eating on the MRT, littering, chewing gum or smoking outside designated areas all carry fines · enforced for visitors too.
Temples
Cover shoulders and knees. Remove shoes in mosques and Hindu temples. Keep your phone on silent and do not point your feet toward the altar.
Greetings
A firm but brief handshake. Physical contact in public is minimal: no hugging or cheek-kissing unless there is an established prior relationship.
Queuing
The queue is sacred. Any attempt to skip it will be corrected immediately. Stand on the correct side of escalators.
Table manners
Eat with your right hand when having traditional Malay or Indian food. Do not stick chopsticks vertically in rice · it is a Chinese funeral gesture.
Hawker centres
Reserve a seat by leaving a packet of tissues on the chair. Return your tray to the return station when you finish.

Climate

When to travel and why

Any month works for visiting Singapore, but the experience changes considerably. The chart shows all twelve months with estimated cost, temperature and iconic festivals. Marked in gold, the windows we recommend experiencing Singapore with us .

Most recommended month March · low rainfall, manageable humidity, moderate prices
Best value vs. experience February · historically the driest month of the year
Window to avoid November and December · northeast monsoon

The climate, month by month · Singapore

Reference city: Singapore Best season Temperature °C Relative rainfall
20° 25° 30° 35° Jan: 24° – 30°C · 240 mm 30° Jan: 240 mm Jan Feb: 24° – 31°C · 160 mm 31° Feb: 160 mm Feb Mar: 25° – 32°C · 185 mm 32° Mar: 185 mm Mar Apr: 25° – 32°C · 180 mm 32° Apr: 180 mm Apr May: 26° – 32°C · 170 mm 32° May: 170 mm May Jun: 26° – 32°C · 130 mm 32° Jun: 130 mm Jun Jul: 25° – 31°C · 150 mm 31° Jul: 150 mm Jul Aug: 25° – 31°C · 145 mm 31° Aug: 145 mm Aug Sep: 25° – 31°C · 165 mm 31° Sep: 165 mm Sep Oct: 25° – 31°C · 190 mm 31° Oct: 190 mm Oct Nov: 24° – 31°C · 255 mm 31° Nov: 255 mm Nov Dec: 24° – 30°C · 290 mm 30° Dec: 290 mm Dec

Highlights of the year: Feb · Chinese New YearSep · F1 night raceNov · Deepavali

On the equator there are no seasons: 31 degrees, high humidity and brief tropical downpours all year. February to July is drier; November to January brings the northeast monsoon, with rain-soaked afternoons easily solved indoors.

When to go · season & budget

Seasons & estimated cost CocoVolare recommends High Mid Low
Jan: Mid season · ≈$700 per person/day Jan Feb: High season · ≈$805 per person/day $805Feb Mar: Mid season · ≈$665 per person/day $665Mar Apr: Mid season · ≈$665 per person/day $665Apr May: Mid season · ≈$645 per person/day $645May Jun: Mid season · ≈$700 per person/day $700Jun Jul: Mid season · ≈$735 per person/day $735Jul Aug: Mid season · ≈$700 per person/day Aug Sep: High season · ≈$875 per person/day Sep Oct: Mid season · ≈$665 per person/day Oct Nov: Mid season · ≈$700 per person/day Nov Dec: High season · ≈$910 per person/day Dec

In our recommended dates, the estimated cost ranges from $645 to $805 per person/day (Premium level, international flights not included).

Investment

What it costs, no fine print

Singapore is Southeast Asia's most expensive city and, at the same time, the only one where you can eat a Michelin-starred dinner for five dollars at a hawker centre. The contrast between vertical luxury and heritage street food is, precisely, the journey.

Experience levels · guide budget

Singapore dollar (SGD) · 1 USD ≈ 1.34 SGD USD · per person/day
Boutique essential Boutique essential: $420 USD · per person/day $420 Boutique hotels in Chinatown or Katong, an impeccable metro, hawker centres and sunset rooftops. Premium Premium: $700 USD · per person/day $700 Five-star addresses such as the Fullerton or Capella on Sentosa, one auteur table and guided experiences every day. Signature Signature: $1,200 USD · per person/day $1,200 Raffles or Marina Bay Sands in a suite, tables such as Odette and Burnt Ends, a sunset yacht and private shopping advisory.
Hawker centre dish (even Michelin-starred) USD 4–8Tasting dinner at Odette or Zén USD 280–400Singapore Sling at the Raffles Long Bar USD 28Gardens by the Bay admission (domes) USD 40Daily MRT transport USD 5–8Airport–hotel transfer USD 30–50

Indicative 2026 values per person, excluding international flights. Every CocoVolare quote is tailored to season, hotels and travel pace.

Signature itineraries

Six Singapores · choose yours

Zero templates: every itinerary is rewritten 100% to your measure. Prices per person in double occupancy, boutique category, international flights not included.

3 days · 2 nights · City-State

Singapore Express

Marina Bay → Gardens by the Bay → Chinatown

Singapore compressed but coherent · without losing the rhythm

  • Sunset from the SkyPark of Marina Bay Sands and the Spectra show from a curated rooftop
  • Gardens by the Bay with a guide: the Cloud Forest and the Supertrees' Garden Rhapsody
  • Hawker dining at Maxwell Food Centre, UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage

FromUSD 1,400

5 days · 4 nights · Boutique

Singapore Essence

Marina Bay → Joo Chiat → ethnic quarters → Sentosa

Five days to read the city-state in depth

  • Private tour of the Peranakan shophouses of Joo Chiat and Katong
  • Lunch at Candlenut, the world's first Peranakan restaurant to earn a Michelin star
  • All three ethnic quarters: Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam

FromUSD 2,000

7 days · 6 nights · Complete

Singapore Balanced

Marina Bay → Peranakan → nature → Sentosa or Bintan

The complete city-state, with room to breathe

  • Marina Bay, the ethnic quarters and the Peranakan heritage of Joo Chiat
  • Colonial Singapore: the National Museum, the Civic District and tea at the Raffles
  • The Singapore Botanic Gardens, UNESCO World Heritage, and the Southern Ridges

FromUSD 3,200

10 days · 9 nights · Two countries

Singapore and Malacca

Singapore → Malacca → Bintan

Two Peranakan capitals and a tropical pause

  • The complete Singapore journey: Marina Bay, Peranakan heritage, nature and the quarters
  • Colonial Malacca: Jonker Street, the Stadthuys and the Cheng Hoon Teng Temple
  • Nyonya lunch in a private mansion with a Peranakan host family

FromUSD 5,400

8 days · 7 nights · Romance

Singapore Honeymoon

Marina Bay → Sentosa → Bintan

The garden city in its most intimate version

  • Suite upgrade with Marina Bay views on every urban night
  • Private yacht dinner across the bay at sunset with an on-board chef
  • Sunrise photography session among the Supertrees of Gardens by the Bay

FromUSD 5,800

6 days · 5 nights · Gastronomy

Singapore Flavour Route

Hawker centres → Michelin restaurants → cocktail bars

One of the world's great culinary capitals · table by table

  • Hawker centre tour with a culinary ethnographer: Maxwell, Tekka, Lau Pa Sat
  • Dinners at Odette, Burnt Ends, Cloudstreet and Meta · references of Asian fine dining
  • Peranakan cooking class in a family home in Katong

FromUSD 3,600

None of them fits? We design your own. WhatsApp →

Gastronomy

The flavors of Singapore

From the hawker noodle bowl to three Michelin stars. Singapore's cuisine is defined by a geography rather than a single origin: what happened when Chinese, Malay, Tamil and Peranakan merchants met in the same port over two centuries.

Odette

National Gallery · Civic District

Three Michelin stars. Chef Julien Royer's contemporary French kitchen, one of Asia's most talked-about tables, set in a dining room designed by Universal Design Studio.

Burnt Ends

Dempsey Hill

One Michelin star. Australian grill where all the cooking happens in front of the guest. Eight seats at the chef's counter · book two months ahead.

Candlenut

Dempsey Hill

The world's first Peranakan restaurant to earn a Michelin star. Buah keluak, ayam buah keluak and kueh dadar in refined form.

Cloudstreet

Tanjong Pagar

Two Michelin stars. Chef Rishi Naleendra's contemporary kitchen, rooted in Australian and Indian traditions, with meticulous technique.

Native

Amoy Street · Chinatown

Southeast Asian distillate bar, among Asia's 50 Best. Lemon ant, pandan leaf, house-made sake. Cocktails built on regional ingredients.

Atlas Bar

Parkview Square · Bugis

Over 1,300 gin references in a luminous art deco vault. A compulsory visit for the atmosphere, the gin and tonic and the architecture.

Calendar

Dates worth traveling for

A well-chosen date turns a trip into a memory. We design your itinerary around the moment that matters most to you.

Chinese New Year · Jan · Feb

Chinatown decorated from end to end, lion and dragon dances on every block, the River Hongbao flower market. Two weeks of celebrations by the lunar calendar.

Thaipusam · Jan · Feb

Hindu procession from Sri Srinivasa Perumal to Sri Thendayuthapani, with devotees carrying kavadis. One of the most powerful ritual experiences in Asia.

Hari Raya Puasa · Mar · Apr

The end of Ramadan. Kampong Glam fills with lights and bazaars, and the Geylang Serai night market serves the finest Malay cooking of the year.

Vesak Day · May

The birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha are commemorated. Chinese temples open to the public and the Buddhist community makes offerings and releases birds.

Singapore Food Festival · July

One of the year's best foodie windows, with gastronomic events citywide and local chefs reinterpreting hawker cuisine.

National Day · 9 August

Singapore celebrates its 1965 independence with a military parade, air show and fireworks over Marina Bay. The entire city in red and white.

Formula 1 Grand Prix · Sep · Oct

The Singapore Grand Prix · the only night street circuit in its class. Concerts, an electric atmosphere and very high accommodation prices.

Deepavali · Oct · Nov

The Hindu festival of lights illuminates Little India for weeks, with the Campbell Lane night market and Serangoon Road in full colour.

CocoVolare recommends

What we would tell a friend

Advice from our travel designers: what we book first, what we avoid, and the details that turn a good trip into an unforgettable one.

01

The great tables are booked two months out

Odette, Burnt Ends or Zén open online reservations 30 to 60 days ahead and sell out on day one. If your trip passes through Singapore, those tables are secured before the hotel; we manage the waiting list when the calendar has already closed.

02

Eat at a hawker centre at least once a day

Maxwell, Lau Pa Sat or Tiong Bahru Market are living UNESCO heritage: Hainanese chicken, laksa and char kway teow for less than a coffee at Marina Bay. Go at 11:30, before the office queue, and share a table without hesitation: that's how it works.

03

Singapore is walked early or at night

With 31 degrees and equatorial humidity, the typical mistake is touring Gardens by the Bay at 1pm. Rise early for the neighbourhoods, take refuge in air-conditioned museums and malls through the hard hours, and save the gardens and rooftops for after 5pm.

04

Marina Bay for the photo, the neighbourhoods for the journey

Sleep a night or two facing the bay if you want the postcard, but the soul lives in Katong with its Peranakan houses, in Tiong Bahru and in Kampong Glam. That's where the cafés, local boutiques and the Singapore that never makes the brochures are found.

05

The fines are serious, and so is the chewing gum

Eating or drinking on the metro, littering or jaywalking genuinely gets fined, and the sale of chewing gum is banned. None of this troubles the attentive traveller: it is precisely what keeps the city immaculate and safe at any hour.

06

No visa, and the world's best airport

Colombians do not need a visa for Singapore for stays up to 30 days; just complete the SG Arrival Card online within three days of travel. And set aside three extra hours on departure day: Changi, with its indoor waterfall and gardens, is a destination in itself.

In motion

Singapore, live

Testimonials

What our travelers say

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“We arrived thinking Singapore was just a stopover. CocoVolare designed five days through the quarters and each one felt like a different country: Chinatown, Little India, Kampong Glam, Joo Chiat. We ate at a Michelin-starred hawker stall and, that same evening, at Odette. We had never seen a city like it.”

Mariana Restrepo

Bogotá · Couple's journey · 5 nights

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“The Peranakan shophouse tour in Joo Chiat changed everything. The guide read the tiles for us · the tropical technique, the blend of Chinese and Malay heritage. Then we had lunch in a family home. That is not something you find at just any travel agency.”

Javier Mendoza

Mexico City · Cultural journey · 7 nights

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“We travelled with two children and were worried it would be nothing but museums. They got it exactly right: Sentosa, the S.E.A. Aquarium, the Night Safari. And they still took us for hawker food, where the kids tried absolutely everything. Singapore with a family, well designed, is an enormous success.”

Andrés Lozano

Medellín · Family journey · 6 nights

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa to enter Singapore?

Travellers from Colombia, Mexico, Argentina, Spain and most Latin American countries do not require a tourist visa for Singapore. It is compulsory, however, to complete the Singapore Arrival Card online · it is free, must be submitted within the three days before arrival and includes a health declaration and accommodation details. Your passport must have at least six months of remaining validity. Entry rules can change: verify before travel.

What is the best time to visit Singapore?

Singapore has a single equatorial tropical climate · warm and humid year-round. The best window runs from February to April, with lower rainfall and more manageable humidity. June to August is the second-best option, during the southwest monsoon with fast morning storms. From October to January the northeast monsoon brings prolonged rains, and December adds high festive prices.

How many days do I need to see Singapore?

Three days cover the city-state's essence: Marina Bay, Gardens by the Bay, hawker culture and one ethnic quarter. Five to seven days add Peranakan heritage, all three ethnic quarters and Singapore's natural side. Ten to fourteen days allow for a combination with Malacca by road, Bintan by ferry or an extension to Bali, Bangkok or Vietnam.

What currency is used in Singapore?

The Singapore dollar (SGD). Singapore is one of the world's most cashless countries: international cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay work almost everywhere, including many modern hawker centres. It is worth carrying 100 to 200 SGD in cash for small stalls, traditional markets and occasional tips. Exchange at Changi Airport on arrival for competitive rates.

Is it safe to travel to Singapore?

Singapore is statistically one of the safest cities in the world. Violent crime against visitors is very low and a woman can walk alone in the early hours through almost any neighbourhood without reasonable concern. The main precaution for travellers is not physical but legal: fines for littering, chewing gum, vaping or jaywalking are enforced, and penalties for drug trafficking are severe.

How much does a trip to Singapore cost?

A five-day boutique trip, excluding international flights, starts from around USD 2,000 per person in double occupancy at boutique hotels in Tiong Bahru or Chinatown. CocoVolare signature itineraries start from USD 1,400 per person for three days. The comfort band for seven days runs between USD 3,200 and 5,000. Every quote is adjusted to your actual travel window.

Do I need a vaccine to enter Singapore?

Singapore does not require any vaccinations for travellers arriving from Latin America or Europe, except a yellow fever certificate if you are coming from an endemic country such as certain areas of Colombia, Peru, Brazil or Venezuela. Routine vaccinations should be up to date and, depending on your itinerary, hepatitis A and B are recommended. Dengue is endemic year-round: repellent is advisable. Tap water is safe to drink throughout the island.

Is Singapore a good destination for foodies?

It is one of the world's great culinary capitals. Hawker culture has been UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2020, with street food stalls that have earned Michelin stars. The city also has over fifty Michelin-starred restaurants. You can eat an exceptional dish for six dollars and, one street away, dine with three stars. CocoVolare designs food-focused routes with a culinary ethnographer.

Is it worth staying at Marina Bay Sands?

Marina Bay Sands has close to 2,500 rooms and an atmosphere closer to a mega-resort with a casino than a boutique hotel. The infinity pool and the SkyPark justify one night if having the icon is part of the journey, but intimate experiences are not its strength. For a more curated stay, the Raffles, the Fullerton Bay or Capella in Sentosa deliver a very different experience. CocoVolare often combines two hotels.

Does English work well in Singapore?

Yes. English is an official language and the medium of education, and around 90% of the urban population speaks it fluently. In the tourism sector it is the standard. The local dialect, Singlish, blends English with Malay, Hokkien and Tamil. Mandarin is heard in Chinatown, Tamil in Little India and Malay in Kampong Glam, but there is always someone nearby who will switch to English. Spanish is rarely heard outside international hotels.

Why do restaurants need to be booked so far in advance?

Singapore's top tables are among the most sought-after in Asia. Odette, Burnt Ends, Cloudstreet, Les Amis, Meta or Zén fill up two to three months ahead. Without an advance reservation, there is no table. Lunches are generally slightly more accessible than dinners. CocoVolare manages these reservations with the necessary lead time as part of the itinerary design.

Can I travel to Singapore with children?

Yes, and it is one of Asia's most comfortable destinations for families. Sentosa concentrates Universal Studios, the S.E.A. Aquarium and Adventure Cove; the Singapore Zoo and the Night Safari are among the world's best; and a child can cross a busy avenue without risk. CocoVolare adjusts the itinerary with less architecture and more nature, hotels with children's pools and hawker meals that work for younger palates.

What does a CocoVolare trip to Singapore include?

Itinerary design from scratch, boutique hotels with breakfast, private transfers with a block-booked driver on intensive days, expert local guides, signature private-access experiences, Michelin restaurant reservations managed months in advance, site admissions and 24/7 concierge. Every trip is designed to your profile, with no templates.

Singapore

No molds, made to measure

Tell us what excites you and we will design a tailor-made proposal in under 24 hours, with a dedicated travel designer.