Singapore Stopover for One Day!

Planning on making a stopover in Singapore and wondering what awesome things you can do on your short trip? You're in luck because I was wondering the same thing when I had a three-day stopover in the Lion City and I'll be happy to share with you the fun and fascinating things I found. So, regardless of whether you have just 24-hours or three-days in the city-state, keep reading for a list of things you can do, what to see, and what to try in order to make the most of your short trip.

Singapore is a pretty condensed city, so as a tourist, you can quickly see the major attractions in just one day. If you're really short on time, the best and most convenient way to get around is by taxi, which can be hailed from just about anywhere and isn't very expensive. Furthermore, every taxi is metered, guaranteeing that you will never be ripped off. Via taxi, you'll find that most points of interest are just a ten-minute drive away. Fare from Changi Airport to the city typically costs around $15 SGD (or approx. $8 USD).

As another alternative, if you want to save money or have a bit more free time, use Singapore's metro system, called "SMRT" (Singapore Mass Rapid Transit). Fares depend on the distance traveled, with the most expensive costing just $2.30 SGD ($1.85 USD). Since my boyfriend and I were backpacking through Southeast Asia when we stopped over in Singapore, we used the SMRT to get around, except for transportation to and from the airport, when we used a taxi.

Singapore's gastronomical scene is pretty exciting and diverse. For Arabic fare, you can head to Arab Street and for some Nigerian or Indian, head to Verdun Road in Little India. Singaporeans are all about eating, eating at all hours and not minding waiting in long lines for the best food. And best of all, some of the most delicious food can be found at food courts and 'kopitiams' (coffee shops) throughout the island.

• What food is a definite must on any trip to Singapore? Definitely the Singapore Chilli Crab. It's the unofficial national dish that can be found at about any restaurant or coffee shop. I had my first taste in the popular restaurant/nightlife area of Clarke Quay - with fried buns and dipped in chilli crab sauce. It was absolutely delicious and I'm craving it as I write this.
• For a nice hearty breakfast head to Crossroads Café at The Marriot Hotel. It's located in he middle of Orchard Road, a shopping area great for grabbing something to bring back home.
• To try a variety of local dishes, head to the Newton Circus Hawker Centre, located right off the Newton MRT.
• If you're in the mood for some authentic Chinese dumplings, head to Qun Zhong Eating House, located at 21, Neil Road.
• If you want to try the best Chinese tea, go to the Tea Chapter, located at 9A to 11A, Neil Road.

Looking for a night out on the town? Below is a list of some amazing places you should check out!

• Go out for a drink at the New Asia Bar at Swissôtel The Stamford. Swissotel the Stamford stands at a whopping 741 ft (226-meters), making it one of Southeast Asia's tallest hotels. And best part, you can go up to the 71st floor for a drink which tilts 20 degrees downwards, giving you a sense that you're hovering above-ground. And for 360-degree views of the Lion City, you can go up to the helipad. Address: 2 Stamford Road. Tel. #: +65 6837 3322.
• For some drinks and 'hocus-pocus', go to Bar 84. Yes, in Singapore you'll find a bar with an on-site Japanese magician where you can check out a nightly magic show. Address: The Gallery Hotel, 1 Nanson Road. Tel. #: +65 6235 0002.
• For an old fashioned English tea and to get a sense of colonial Singapore, go to Raffles Hotel. Also not to miss at the Raffles is Singapore signature drink, the Singapore Sling which originated at this hotel and you can sip on at the Bar & Billiard Room. Address: 1 Beach Road. Tel. #: +65 6337 1886.
• To check out Singapore's power station-turned nightclub mecca, head to St. James Power Station. The St. James Power Station is a 70,000-square-foot space that used to be the country's first coal-fired power station but these days, it's nine separate clubs with diferent specialties ranging from house, salsa, to local bands singing their hearts out. Address: 3 Sentosa Gateway. Tel. #: +65 6270 7676. Open until 4am on Fridays and Saturdays, and until 3am on other nights.
• Stop by Chijmes on 30 Victoria Street - a restored convent that's now a mix of bars and clubs.

Below is a list of awesome sights to check out on your stop over in Singapore.

• Ride the tallest Ferris Wheel in the world, the Singapore Flyer. The Singapore Flyer is 541 ft (165 meters), that's as high as a 42 floor building, providing a 360-degree view Singapore's sights. Address: 30 Raffles Avenue, #01-07. Tel. #: +65 6854 5200.
• Go inside the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore, Sri Mariamman temple. It's located in downtown Chinatown and was built back in 1827. The temple welcomes visitors, just leave your shoes at the entrance.
• Do the night safari at the Singapore Zoo. Singapore's open museum is amazing, with the animals roaming freely around you. We went on the night safari and absolutely loved it. You can get there on the bus or by taxi. Address: 80 Mandai Lake Rd
• For a piece of Singapore's nature, head to the Botanical Gardens, located between Cluny Road and Holland Road. There a lake, perfectly landscaped parks and an untamed jungle.
• Walk around Little India. Singapore's Little India has an awesome vibe and is filled with colorful wall-to-wall shops and authentic aromas.