Singapore and Bintan holidays

Singapore – Asia's ‘Garden City' – is arguably the food capital of Asia, but the tiny island state is also renowned as an economic powerhouse. The country's citizens spend freely in the luxury boutiques of Orchard Road and enjoy one of the best standards of living in the world, a source of great pride for the upwardly mobile Singaporeans.

Singapore is the embodiment of modern cultural diversity: a synergy of East and West, past and present, modern and traditional with Chinese, Malay, Indonesian, Indian and British influences.

At a glance

Flying time from UK
14 hours

Time zone
GMT +8

Currency
Singapore dollar (S$) = 100 cents

Language
Malay, English, Mandarin, Tamil

Travel advice
Check the FCDO for visa & travel advice

Top itineraries in Singapore and Bintan

Eastern & Oriental Express & The Riches of the Mekong

21-day luxury rail & cruise holiday from £10,305 pp incl. flights

This exclusive itinerary combines two extraordinary travel experiences in one unforgettable holiday – a luxury Mekong river cruise and a journey on one of the world's most elegant trains.

Eastern & Oriental Express: Wild Malaysia

9-day luxury rail holiday from £5,750 pp incl. flights

Starting in Singapore, travel north in luxurious style, exploring the jungles of Malaysia's tiger territory, before embracing the rich heritage and cultural history of Penang.

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam with Seabourn

17-day luxury ocean cruise from £8,885 pp incl. flights

Sailing between the high-tech cities of Singapore and Hong Kong, explore the sun-kissed islands and coastlines of Southeast Asia in depth and in style on this luxurious Seabourn Cruise.

Indonesia & Singapore: Bali, Java & Borneo's orangutans

18-day tailor-made journey from £6,640 pp incl. flights

From cooking classes and workshop visits to houseboat cruises and rickshaw rides, take in the city greats, wildlife and temple wonders of Indonesia and Singapore with a luxury private tour.

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Top places to stay in Singapore and Bintan

Fullerton Hotel, Singapore

Grand & elegant hotel

This grand neoclassical landmark was heralded National Monument in 2015; this heritage hotel is a gem that spectacularly dominates the cityscape on the banks of the Singapore River.

Grand Copthorne Waterfront

Contemporary hotel

This spectacular 30-storey hotel is excellently located along Singapore’s pretty waterfront, and overlooking the Singapore River, offering four excellent dining options and fresh, streamlined bedrooms.

The Warehouse Hotel, Singapore

Contemporary hotel

The boutique Warehouse Hotel was built in 1895 and has now been beautifully restored, with ultra-contemporary rooms and historic touches to create a true oasis in the city.

Capella, Sentosa Island

Contemporary hotel

Capella is a restored, colonial 19th-century bungalow that offers true 5-star luxury hidden in the leafy centre of Sentosa Island, blending contemporary design with authentic Asian details.

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Where to go in Singapore and Bintan

Bintan

With sandy beaches on which hawksbill and green turtles come to nest and a general tropical allure, Bintan Island provides a great getaway from the bustle of Singapore.

Singapore

The futuristic city-state of Singapore hangs from the tip of the Malay Peninsula like a glistening mirror ball. This ‘Garden City' is arguably the food capital of Asia, but the tiny island state is also renowned as an economic powerhouse as an embodiment of modern cultural diversity.

When to go to Singapore and Bintan

Singapore is hot and humid all year round, with an average temperature of 31°C in the daytime and 24°C at night. Like the rest of Southeast Asia, Singapore experiences two monsoons, from the southwest (May-September) and the northeast (November-March), the latter bringing the heaviest rain and frequent thunderstorms. May and June are hottest, while the inter-monsoon months of April and October can be stifling due to a lack of any breeze.

See regional weather

Singapore and Bintan articles

Spotlight On: Raffles Reopening

To celebrate the reopening of the city's hotel icon – Raffles, we delved into its historic heritage and spectacular refurbishment.
The Singapore 2019 Bicentennial: Ultimate Calendar Guide

This is your complete overview of the events, exhibitions and interactive trails that are popping up over Singapore in 2019, celebrating 200 years since Sir Stamford Raffles first made land on the island.
Introducing Singapore's 2019 Bicentennial

The Singapore Bicentennial, brought on by the arrival of Sir Stamford Raffles in 1819, is set to make this nation one of 2019’s destinations to watch. From events and festivals along with the grand reopening of the iconic Raffles Hotel, it’s a wonderful chance to discover the city’s history.
A taste of...South East Asia

Four flavours - sweet, sour, salty and spicy - set your taste buds tingling. From Myanmar to Singapore, the Philippines to Aceh, Southeast Asian cuisine is defined by the balance of this sensational quartet.