10 Reasons Singapore is Perfect for First-Time Solo Travelers

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10 Reasons Why I Chose Singapore as My First Solo Destination

So this was how the story went.

I was about to turn 21 in a few days, had just started my first proper job after quitting college, and had also just been dumped by a boyfriend who was emotionally and physically absent. A truly incredible lineup of life events. Naturally, I decided this called for a celebration.

A few weeks earlier, a friend had taken me on my first international trip to Thailand, where I caught the travel bug immediately and aggressively. I came back restless and fully convinced that staying in one place was no longer an option.

This time, I wasn’t waiting for anyone to invite me along. I was going to go somewhere on my own, for no reason other than I felt like it.

And I chose Singapore as my first solo destination. Here’s why.

1. A strategic (and very convenient) location

Singapore is only a few hours away from Kuala Lumpur. Photo credit: Seloloving / Wikimedia Commons

One of Singapore’s biggest selling points for me at the time was its location. I’d only been working for a few months, so I wasn’t exactly rolling in money. Long-haul flights were out of the question. On top of that, I didn’t have many days off, so my ideal destination had to be close enough for a quick weekend trip.

It didn’t take a genius to figure out what my best option was.

I took an overnight train from Kuala Lumpur, arrived in Singapore in the morning, explored the city all day, and then took another overnight train back. It saved me money on accommodation and made solo travel feel more manageable.

If you’re Malaysian and planning your first solo trip, Singapore is about as convenient as it gets (Thailand would be the other obvious contender, depending on where you’re based). You can get to Singapore by bus, train, or plane. From Kuala Lumpur, a bus ride takes around 4–5 hours. The train takes slightly longer.

For those coming from other countries, Singapore’s Changi Airport — an attraction in its own right — is easily accessible from almost anywhere in the world.

It’s one of Asia’s main air hubs and is served by most major airlines and many budget carriers, including Scoot, Jetstar, AirAsia, Batik Air, IndiGo, Lion Air, and Cebu Pacific. That makes Singapore a convenient starting point or base for exploring other parts of Asia.

2. It's visa-free (less paperwork, more peace of mind)

Photo credit: Gorden Cheng / Wikimedia Commons

Singapore is visa-free for citizens of nearly 80% of countries worldwide. Depending on your nationality, you can stay for up to 90 days without a visa.

For my first solo trip, I wanted to avoid the hassle of visa applications altogether. I don’t think I would’ve known how to apply for one anyway. It was 2010, and I wasn’t exactly tech-savvy.

3. It's one of the safest countries in the world

No matter how adventurous you are, it’s normal to worry about safety when traveling, especially if you’re female and traveling solo for the first time.

Of course, danger exists everywhere. No place is completely crime-free. That said, some countries are objectively safer than others based on factors like crime rates, political stability, and risk of terrorism.

Singapore has some of the strictest laws in Asia. There are no major religious or racial tensions (aside from the minor ones that exist pretty much everywhere), and there’s no civil unrest.

4. It's super clean and modern

Singapore – a clean and modern city. Photo credit: Erwin Soo / Wikimedia Commons

Cleanliness and modernity don’t necessarily make a country a dream destination. Most people don’t choose their bucket-list trips based on how spotless the sidewalks are.

But if you’re traveling abroad for the first time (or visiting Asia for the first time), it makes sense to want a soft landing. After a long, exhausting journey, the last thing you want is to arrive somewhere with no clean water, questionable toilets, unreliable transport, and frequent power cuts.

The good news is none of that is an issue in Singapore. Thanks to strict laws against littering, spitting, and even chewing gum, it’s one of the cleanest cities in the world. So clean, in fact, that some people find it a little too “clinical” or “sterile.”

As for modernity, its sleek skyscrapers and futuristic skyline might make you forget you’re in Southeast Asia altogether.

5. English is widely spoken

Arriving in a country where you don’t speak the language can be intimidating. Maybe not so much for seasoned travelers, but for a first-timer, it can feel overwhelming, especially if you can’t even read the alphabet.

If English is the only language you speak and learning new ones isn’t your strong suit, Singapore is a safe bet. The country has a very high level of English proficiency, even higher than many European nations.

Although it has four official languages — English, Bahasa Melayu, Mandarin, and Tamil — English is the most commonly used. If you speak English (or any of the other three), you’ll be just fine.

6. The locals are friendly and helpful

A group of people wearing pink at Pink Dot Singapore | Ummi Goes Where?
Me with a bunch of Singaporeans I just met

Okay, maybe not as friendly as Malaysians (I’m biased), but Singaporeans are definitely helpful.

Before smartphones, I had to ask for directions constantly (sometimes every ten minutes) and most people I approached were more than willing to help.

Singapore is a fast-paced city; you won’t get the laid-back, overly friendly Southeast Asian vibe here. Nobody’s going to call out to you offering a tuk-tuk ride or a massage. But if you ask for help, chances are you’ll get it — assuming they’re not rushing to work.

7. Attractions, attractions, and more attractions

Singapore Super Trees. Photo credit: Shiny Things / Wikimedia Commons

Singapore may be small, but it’s packed with things to do. There’s something for everyone: kids, foodies, fashion lovers, or thrill seekers. Some highlights include:

  • Gardens by the Bay – Futuristic tree-like structures that light up at night and serve eco-friendly functions, plus the world’s tallest indoor waterfall.

  • Marina Bay Sands – A luxury hotel with 2,561 rooms, a shopping mall with a canal, and the world’s largest rooftop infinity pool.

  • Singapore Flyer – A 165-meter observation wheel where you can sip champagne or even enjoy a four-course dinner in the sky.

  • Singapore Zoo – Known for its “open captivity” concept, housing over 300 animal species in naturalistic enclosures.

  • Universal Studios Singapore – A 49-acre theme park with zones inspired by films and TV shows, from Hollywood to Battlestar Galactica.

  • GX-5 Extreme Swing & Reverse Bungee – For adrenaline junkies who enjoy being dropped or catapulted 50 meters into the air.

  • The nightlife – Singapore regularly dominates Asia’s 50 Best Bars list, with multiple bars ranking year after year.

  • Changi Airport – Yes, the airport. Voted the world’s best multiple times, it features gardens, a butterfly park, a cinema, a swimming pool, a giant slide, and even an indoor forest with a waterfall.

If I had to describe Singapore (and Singaporeans) in one word, it would be competitive. Everything has to be the biggest, the best, or the most impressive — almost as if they’re compensating for the country’s small size and lack of natural attractions.

Most of Singapore’s attractions are man-made, which can make it feel a little artificial. Still, it’s hard not to admire what they’ve achieved, given their humble beginnings as a small fishing village with limited resources.

8. A surprising amount of greenery

Me at the Chinese & Japanese Gardens in 2010.

Despite all the glass and concrete, Singapore isn’t lacking in green spaces.

Nature lovers can escape the city at places like the Singapore Zoo, Chinese and Japanese Gardens, Windsor Nature Park, Thomson Nature Park, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, MacRitchie, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Pulau Ubin, and the Singapore Botanic Gardens — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only tropical botanic garden on the list.

9. It's possible to cover everything on foot

Singapore isn’t cheap, but if you’re focusing on the main attractions in the city center, you can save money by walking. With some planning, it’s even possible to cover most highlights in a single day.

These attractions are all within walking distance of each other:

  • Merlion Park
  • Gardens by the Bay
  • Marina Bay Sands
  • Esplanade
  • Chinatown
  • Little India
  • Kampung Glam
  • Raffles Hotel
  • Chijmes
  • Fort Canning
  • Clarke Quay
  • Boat Quay
  • Art & Science Museum
  • National Gallery Singapore
  • Singapore National Museum

10. Excellent public transportation

Singapore MRT. Photo credit: Fanz226 / Wikimedia Commons

If walking isn’t your thing, public transport makes getting around incredibly easy. Singapore’s MRT, LRT, and buses connect almost every corner of the city. Unlike in some countries, you don’t need to rent a car to explore properly.

The system is clean, efficient, and easy to navigate. All signs are in English, and there are plenty of English-speaking locals around if you get lost.

Final thoughts on choosing Singapore as my first solo destination

Me standing in front of the Merlion, 2010.

Singapore may not be the most challenging destination, but it’s an excellent training ground for first-time solo travelers.

Many travelers from Europe or the US use Singapore as their entry point into Southeast Asia — or as their final stop before heading home. It acts as a buffer against the cultural contrast they might experience elsewhere in the region.

Visiting Singapore as my first solo destination definitely helped build my confidence and set me up for bigger adventures later on.

How about you? Have you been to Singapore, or is it still on your list? Let me know in the comments.

You may also like:

How to Choose Your First Solo Destination

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39 thoughts on “10 Reasons Singapore is Perfect for First-Time Solo Travelers”

  1. Pingback: 8 Fears I Had as a Solo Traveler (And How I Overcame Them)

  2. Pingback: How to Choose Your First Solo Destination - Ummi Goes Where?

  3. Tekkaus

    Yupe! You are so spot on with every single reasons. The reason that Singapore is one of the safest countries makes it really ideal for solo travelers.

    Reply
    1. ummi

      Yes, Tekkaus. This is especially important for solo female travelers, I think, as Singapore has a very low number of rape cases or violence against women.

      Reply
    1. ummi

      Oh sorry to hear that, Ana. Hope you will get to go there soon. Once the borders open, I’m pretty sure Singapore will be one of the first countries that will be open to us to travel to.

      Reply
  6. Lea Razali

    My first trip was by bus from JB citycenter, husband got a job in JB so we got that chance to visit S’pore..Most of the tourist attraction places connected by MRT and very easy to reach.

    Reply
    1. ummi

      Oh that’s awesome! I love how there are many ways to get to Singapore from Malaysia. When my mother was little, she and her siblings used to walk across the bridge. And ya, most of the tourist attractions are well connected.

      Reply
  7. Zaza

    Mesti org akan rasa kelakar tapi i dah bertahun tak jejak singapore. Hahaha i think nak dekat 18 thn kot. Adoiii baca entry u ni rasa menarik pula.. Lepas covid dh habis hapus.. Boleh la travel sg

    Reply
  8. Bella Jamal

    I prefer to travel at least with a fren. Yup safety during travel is one point that we need to look about. Baru tau visa free. Pity me belom pernah sampai USS. Senang kalau jln kaki boleh cover semua attraction places.

    Reply
    1. ummi

      Kebanyakan negara di Asia Tenggara memang visa-free untuk rakyat Malaysia. Takpe la nanti dah boleh travel semula, boleh la Kak Bell pergi USS dgn kawan2. Saya pun pergi sana dengan member. Kalau pergi theme park tak best pergi sorang2.

      Reply
    1. ummi

      Memang betul, Sis. Terutamanya bagi kita rakyat Malaysia, Singapura ialah destinasi paling tepat sebagai pemula untuk sesiapa yang baru nak berjinak2 dengan solo travel. Dekat, senang, dan selamat. Takde la kejutan budaya sangat nanti.

      Reply
    1. ummi

      You’re right, Grace. It’s probably not the best choice for backpackers who crave challenges. But it’s perfect for first-timers. 🙂

      Reply
  11. Ayu Rafikah

    When i read your article. Terus rindu Singapore. Esp their local food hehe. And Singapore is so clean. Admire on this attitude

    Reply
    1. ummi

      What? You’re a Malaysian who loves Singaporean food?? This is the ultimate betrayal! Haha. Kidding. Anyway, Singapore is truly an admirable country.

      Reply
  13. Emma

    I also visited Singapore solo and found it was a really great city to explore. The safety aspect was a big one for me, but I also remember that the public transport was both really easy and really good to use. I personally loved the mix of cultures and the food, such a great place to visit. I’d like to go back since it’s been a few years since I was there

    Reply
    1. ummi

      Then you definitely have to go back, Emma. There must have been many changes since your last visit. I haven’t visited for awhile too. Although it’s just next door to us, the international borders have been closed since last year. Hopefully things will improve soon. 🙂

      Reply
    1. ummi

      I hope you and your son will get to visit Singapore soon, Cosette! Singapore is fun for visitors of all ages and whether they visit solo or in a group.

      Reply
  15. Arabela

    Singapore is one of my favourite cities in the world and I totally agree that it’s one of the best destinations for first-time solo female travelers. Super safe and so easy to get around and beautiful! I wish it was also visa-free for my boyfriend so we could visit together as well, but for now I’m just going there by myself 🙂

    Reply
    1. ummi

      Oh well, I hope he won’t be having too much trouble getting a visa, so that you could visit together. But Singapore is fun whether you go alone or with someone. I can see why it’s one of your favorite cities. 🙂

      Reply
  18. Pia

    Good reasons, I considered similar ones when I started solo traveling. And it looks like you had a blast, so you did all right. 🙂 I definitely need to go to Singapore, too, one day.

    Reply
  20. Natalie

    I totally agree with all of this! I solo traveled to Singapore too and never felt safer anywhere. On my way from the airport to my hostel I saw an advert saying sexual harassment is a punishable crime (jail & caning!), which surprised me because I have never ever seen this in all my travels around the world. I often face sexual harassment as a female solo traveler, but I knew right away that I wouldn’t have to worry about it in Singapore. It made me feel so safe!

    Reply
    1. ummi

      Wow, I didn’t know about the punishment, but I must say I’m not surprised. Singapore is often nicknamed the ‘fine country’ because they will fine you for every little misdemeanor. So, it makes sense that sexual offenders get heavier penalties. This is a great thing for solo female travelers! 😀

      Reply

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