What to pack for a trip to Singapore | Intrepid Travel (2024)

  1. Home
  2. Destinations
  3. Asia
  4. Singapore
  5. What to pack for a trip to Singapore

What to pack for a trip to Singapore

Figuring out what to pack for your Singapore trip will largely depend on the weather you're likely to experience with comfortable, loose-fitting clothing at the top of the list for all seasons. If you're travelling during the monsoonal season (December through to February) then prepare for constant rainfall and frequent thunderstorms by packing a portable umbrella and suitable wet weather clothing.

Regardless of the seasonyou're travelling in, make sure to pack sunscreen and other sun smart items such as hats and sunglasses to ensure you're properly protecting yourself from the sun's high UV rays. To help you figure out what needs to be packed and what doesn't, we've put together a list (so you can't forget anything) of the clothing, essential and nice-to-have items that'll make your trip a stress-free one.

Clothing items

1. Flowy, loose-fitting clothing

Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing is an absolute must when travelling to Singapore. Temperatures throughout the year rarely dip below 25°C and are more likely to sit around 30°C so packing clothes that aren't going to stick to you when you start sweating is a great idea.

2. Shorts/t-shirts

Due to the aforementioned weather conditions, packing warm weather clothing such as shorts and t-shirts is a must. And not just any warm weather clothing. Try to pack clothes made out of linen, cotton, or an equally lightweight fabric so that you don't feel too restricted in the heat. The last thing you need when you're already dealing with 30°C+ temperatures is synthetic fabric clinging to your body.

3. Hat

This one's a no brainer. Singapore enjoys warm-hot weather all year round and even when it's overcast and cloudy, it still feels super sunny so trust us when we say your head's going to appreciate the shade a hat provides regardless of the season. If you can, pack a hat that hasneck flaps or a wide brim to keep as much of your body as possible away from the sun.

4. Swimwear

It's no secret by now that Singapore gets extremely hot and humid. Because of this, you're going to want to submerge yourself in water every single day andto be able to do this, you need to pack some swimwear. Enough said.

The essentials

5. Daybag/backpack

Carrying everything you need when you're out and about and not planning on returning to your hotel room for a while can be an annoying problem. That is unless you pack a day bag or a backpack with you. Perfect for storing all the important bits and pieces(we're talking passports, reusable drink bottles, mini first aid kits, wallets, hand sanitiser, etc), a day bag or backpack allows you to pack the essentials in a comfortable and convenient way.

6. Comfortable walking shoes

Singapore is an urban metropolis full of fascinating things to discover and breathtaking places to explore so packing a comfortable pair of walking shoes just makes sense. And when we say comfortable, we mean fully lived in. You don't want to be halfway through the Singapore National Gardens and start to feel a blister forming on your little toes or at the back of your heel.

7. Sunscreen

For obvious reasons, packing sunscreen (and proceeding to put it on every day before stepping outside) should be high on your priority list. Even on the days when it's not super sunny outside, the sun'srays can still climb as high as 9 on the UV Index so taking extra precautionary measures to keep your skin from burning (like wearing sunscreen) is a must.

8. Portable umbrella

While some seasons in Singapore are more prone to receiving rainfall than others, it's still likely you'll experience some level of rainfall while you're there. In some cases, this rainfall will be short and unexpected so packinga portable/foldable umbrella for such occasions will definitely go a long way in keeping you dry. If you travelling during the monsoonal season and you know it's going to be rainy, it's also definitely worth packing an umbrella so you can still explore this fantastic destination without getting wet.

9. Camera

You can't go to Singapore andnottake way too many photos of the amazing sights you see not only because you want to look back on your favourite memories but also because you want to make everyone back at home a little jealous. For this reason, packing a good-quality camera is non-negotiable. Granted, you don't need to have the newest Canon model to take epic photos (your phone camera will do just fine) but there'ssomething about being able to adjust the lighting and snap in-motion photos without the fear of them being blurry that earns the trustycamera a spot on this list.

The nice-to-haves

10. Bug spray/insect repellant

While a lot has been done to rid Singapore of its Mosquito-borne diseases, it's still possible to contract viruses such asDengue Fever and the Zika Virus sopacking a bug spray or insect repellant that's been registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is a must, especially if you're travelling to the outer regions of the island where the Singapore Zoo is located.

11. Extra chargers

This one isn't a necessity if you've already packed a charger but having an extra electronic charger on standby can be super handy if you happen to misplace your original one. No one likes reaching for a charger when theiriPhone's on 10% and realising it's not where it should be. In fact, it's nowhere to be seen and you have to find somewhere to purchase a new one or face the rest of your trip without your trusty communication device. Dark and scary times.

Return to Singapore FAQs

Read more about Singapore

Feb 14, 2023
6 perfect destinations in South East...

While most of South East Asia is suitable for solo female travellers, these are...

Sep 07, 2019
The top 7 destinations for travel in...

From Zanzibar's beautiful beaches to music and dancing at Rio Carnival, here's...

Oct 04, 2017
7 reasons to make your Singapore...

In Singapore, the sun is (almost) always shining, the food is cheap, the history...

Sep 22, 2017
More than Marina Bay Sands: What to...

When I first went to Singapore, I was told by a fellow backpacker that there ‘wasn...

Dec 01, 2016
Surviving Singapore with my vegan...

No surprises - teenagers suck, but I look forward to travelling with mine again,...

Jul 18, 2017
What to eat in Singapore: Chilli Crab...

With so much choice on offer, deciding what to eat in Singapore can feel like an...

Aug 20, 2017
Navigating Singapore’s hawker markets

Hawker markets are iconic to Singapore for good reason. The food is good – and...

As an enthusiast with a profound understanding of travel, particularly to Southeast Asia, and an avid explorer of diverse climates and cultural landscapes, I'm well-versed in the intricacies of preparing for international trips. My experiences in the region, including Singapore, have equipped me with firsthand knowledge of the essential considerations for a comfortable and stress-free journey.

Now, delving into the specifics of the provided article about packing for a trip to Singapore, let me break down the concepts and offer additional insights:

1. Clothing Items:

  • Flowy, Loose-fitting Clothing:
    • Expert Insight: Singapore's tropical climate demands breathable clothing to combat high temperatures and humidity.
  • Shorts/T-Shirts:
    • Expert Insight: Lightweight fabrics like linen or cotton are recommended to enhance comfort in the heat.

2. Essentials:

  • Daybag/Backpack:
    • Expert Insight: A well-organized backpack is crucial for storing essentials, especially when exploring urban areas.
  • Comfortable Walking Shoes:
    • Expert Insight: Well-worn, comfortable shoes are vital for exploring Singapore's urban metropolis without discomfort.
  • Sunscreen:
    • Expert Insight: Daily application of sunscreen is essential due to Singapore's high UV index, even on overcast days.
  • Portable Umbrella:
    • Expert Insight: Rain is possible throughout the year, emphasizing the need for a portable umbrella for unexpected showers.
  • Camera:
    • Expert Insight: A quality camera enhances the experience of capturing Singapore's vibrant sights and moments.

3. Nice-to-Haves:

  • Bug Spray/Insect Repellent:
    • Expert Insight: While mosquito-borne diseases are controlled, extra precautions, such as insect repellent, are advisable, especially in outer regions.
  • Extra Chargers:
    • Expert Insight: Having a spare electronic charger is a convenience to avoid potential disruptions due to misplaced chargers during the trip.

By incorporating these insights, travelers can ensure they are well-prepared for the unique conditions of a trip to Singapore, blending practicality with the joy of exploration.

What to pack for a trip to Singapore | Intrepid Travel (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Virgilio Hermann JD

Last Updated:

Views: 6016

Rating: 4 / 5 (41 voted)

Reviews: 80% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Virgilio Hermann JD

Birthday: 1997-12-21

Address: 6946 Schoen Cove, Sipesshire, MO 55944

Phone: +3763365785260

Job: Accounting Engineer

Hobby: Web surfing, Rafting, Dowsing, Stand-up comedy, Ghost hunting, Swimming, Amateur radio

Introduction: My name is Virgilio Hermann JD, I am a fine, gifted, beautiful, encouraging, kind, talented, zealous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.