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Singapore 10 Days Trip : A Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors

 Luxury Singapore Travel Guide – 10 Days of Premium Experiences

Singapore — the land of futuristic skylines, lush gardens, and world-class experiences — was the perfect destination for my very first international trip. Known for its spotless streets, efficient public transport, and iconic attractions like Marina Bay Sands, the Rain Vortex at Jewel, and Sentosa Island, this city-state offers the perfect balance of adventure, luxury, and culture.

Singapore city

As someone who loves premium experiences while staying smart with travel points and perks, I designed a 10-day itinerary packed with comfort, elegance, and unforgettable memories — all while leveraging credit card rewards, airline elite status, and hotel loyalty programs. From seamless immigration at Changi to enjoying complimentary lounge access and staying at top-tier Accor properties, this trip was the start of my journey into luxury travel without breaking the bank.

In this detailed blog post, I’ll walk you through every day of my Singapore adventure — from where I stayed and what I explored, to tips on saving money while traveling in style. Whether you're planning your first international trip or looking for a high-end itinerary in Southeast Asia, this guide is for you.

Flights with Vistara & Gold Status Benefits

I booked a round-trip from Pune with Vistara (now part of Air India) and applied for the Axis Vistara Infinite credit card, which granted me Vistara Gold status. This included:

  • Priority check-in & boarding
  • Priority baggage handling
  • Free seat selection
  • Lounge access at departure

Visa & Immigration Tips

  • Applied for a 2-year e-visa via Kesari Tours & Travels.
  • The visa process requires a detailed list of documents but is easily manageable.
  • Also applied for the Singapore Arrival Card online — highly recommended!
  • Singapore’s immigration is lightning fast thanks to eGates with passport scanning and biometrics. I was through immigration in minutes!

🧳 Plan Your Singapore Trip – Book These Experiences on Klook

Maximize your trip with these hand-picked activities and essentials — all easily bookable through Klook:

  • 🌸 Gardens by the Bay ComboBook Now
  • 🎒 Universal Studios SingaporeBook Now
  • 🐠 SEA Aquarium TicketsBook Now
  • πŸ›« Singapore eSIM (Data Only)Buy eSIM
  • 🏨 Jewel Changi Attractions (Bouncing Net, Canopy Park)Explore
  • πŸš• Klook Pass SingaporeView Options

Note: These are affiliate links. Booking through them supports this blog at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

Day 1: Arrival – Rain Vortex & Singapore Flyer

☕ Jewel Arrival Lounge Access with Priority Pass

  • Accessed the Changi Lounge Jewel for free via Priority Pass.
  • It was a welcome break before hotel check-in.
  • Vegetarian food was limited (just samosas), but the lounge had:
  • Comfortable seating
  • Juices, cookies, and beverages
  • Free WiFi
Rain vortex changi jewel

πŸš‡ How I Got to the Hotel – Metro Tips

  • Took the Singapore MRT to reach my hotel.
  • Didn’t buy a metro card — used my Visa credit card to tap in/out.
  • Kids under 5 travel free — just show their passport at the station.
  • Fast, cheap, and efficient!

πŸ“± eSIM Experience

  • Didn’t buy a SIM at the airport — a mistake in hindsight.
  • Got lost trying to find my hotel.
  • Bought a Klook eSIM afterward — fast, reliable data connection.

🏨 Hotel Stay – Ibis Bencoolen (Accor Silver Status)

  • Booked a 4-night stay at Ibis Bencoolen.
  • Chose it because of my Accor Silver Status — aiming to reach Gold.
  • Got a top floor room recently renovated.
  • Room was small but very clean and modern.
  • Location was perfect:
  • Bugis Street, Rochor MRT, Bencoolen MRT, and bus stops nearby.


Day 2: Gardens by the Bay & Monet Exhibit

🌺 Gardens by the Bay: Nature Meets Art

  • Booked a combined Klook package for: 
    • Cloud Forest, Flower Dome, Impressions of Monet digital art exhibition
  • Spent 5+ hours exploring these at a slow, relaxed pace.
  • If you're into photography or nature, this place is a paradise.
  • The Cloud Forest's waterfall and the Monet digital experience were true highlights.

🎢 Don’t Miss:

Evening Light & Sound Show at Gardens by the Bay – a magical end to your day.

(Tip: Arrive 15-20 minutes early for the best viewing spot.)

Gardens by the bay

Day 3: SEA Aquarium & Sentosa Beaches

🚍 Getting There:

Took a direct bus from Ibis Bencoolen to VivoCity Mall.

From Vivo, hopped on the Sentosa Express Bus — convenient and scenic.

  • Explored the SEA Aquarium — one of Asia’s largest. (Great for families and photography lovers.)
  • Later headed to Sentosa’s beaches:
  • Clean, well-maintained, with water sports and shaded seating.
  • Despite the heat, it was a refreshing experience.
Sentosa singapore

Day 4: Universal Studios Singapore

Spent the entire day at Universal Studios.

Pro Tip: 

Arrive before opening to cover maximum attractions with minimal waiting.

🎑 Favorite Rides & Shows:

Transformers 3D, Jurassic Park Rapids, WaterWorld Show, Revenge of the Mummy coaster

Universal studios singapore

Day 5: Fort Canning & Hotel Move to Mercure

🌿 Morning Walk: Fort Canning Park

Started the day with a morning stroll to Fort Canning Park, just walking distance from Ibis Bencoolen.The park is peaceful and lush — great for a morning recharge.Spent about an hour exploring its historical corners and green pathways.

🏨 Check-in: Mercure Tyrwhitt Hotel

  • Switched hotels for a change in experience and to progress towards Accor Gold status.
  • 2-night stay at Mercure Tyrwhitt, booked under Accor membership.
  • Clean rooms, modern amenities, and very close to the MRT.
  • Bonus: The hotel offered a free shuttle service to Sentosa every day.

🍽️ Local Food Discovery:

Discovered a nearby hawker market.

Found an Indian vegetarian food stall serving tasty, budget-friendly meals — perfect for a vegan traveler like me.

πŸ›« Evening at Jewel Terminal – Again!

Jewel Changi has so much to explore, I couldn’t resist going back.Visited the Rain Vortex again (because once isn’t enough!).

This time explored some paid attractions:

  • Bouncing Net – surprisingly fun and light-hearted
  • Canopy Park – stunning floral displays and immersive nature

Spent a few relaxing hours soaking in the views, shopping, and enjoying the futuristic design.

Singapore jewel terminal

Day 6: Chinatown & Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

🏯 Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

Visited the beautiful Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Chinatown.It’s believed to house a sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha.The architecture and spiritual aura make it a must-visit.

🍦 Free Vegan Ice Cream & Awareness Drive

Outside the temple, a local group was offering free vegan ice cream as part of a veganism awareness campaign.As someone who’s been vegan for a few years, this really resonated with me.Although the footfall was low, the volunteers were passionate and genuine in spreading the message of compassionate living.

Day 7: Check-in at Novotel on Stevens & Orchard Road

πŸ–Ό️ Check-In at Novotel on Stevens – Artistic Luxury

Moved to my final hotel — the Novotel on Stevens for a 3-night stay.By far, the most luxurious hotel of the trip — part of the Accor chain, helping me edge closer to Gold status.The art collection inside the hotel is Instagram-worthy — modern, vibrant, and unique.Room was spacious, service was excellent, and the property had a very premium ambiance.

πŸ›️ Orchard Road Evening

The hotel provides a free shuttle to Orchard Road — Singapore’s luxury shopping hub.Spent the evening browsing iconic malls like ION Orchard, Paragon, and Ngee Ann City.

πŸ“ Tip:

Even if you’re not shopping, Orchard is worth a visit for the vibe and luxury window shopping.

Day 8: Singapore Botanic Gardens

Took the MRT to the Singapore Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Lush, serene, and beautifully maintained — perfect for a few hours of peaceful walking.A great break from the city’s urban energy.

πŸ“Έ Don’t miss: Swan Lake, Orchid Garden (small entry fee), and iconic walkways.

Day 9: Relaxation & Final Orchard Visit

Spent the day relaxing at the hotel and made one last trip to Orchard Road to enjoy a calm dinner and city vibes.

Day 10: Departure & SATS Lounge Access

Checked out early at 7 AM for a morning flight from Changi Airport.After check-in at Terminal 2, accessed the SATS Premier Lounge using complimentary benefits.Lounge was spacious, well-lit, and comfortable — a great spot for breakfast and a short break.

Spent 30 minutes there before exploring the terminal.

✨ Final Highlight: LED Waterfall at T2

> The stunning LED waterfall installation at Changi Terminal 2 blew me away — a final reminder of how futuristic and beautiful Singapore really is.

Travel Tips

πŸ‡ΈπŸ‡¬ Singapore is perfect for first-time international travelers — clean, safe, high-tech, and welcoming.

πŸ’³ Smart credit card choices (Axis Vistara Infinite, Amex for lounges) can unlock real luxury experiences affordably.

πŸ›Œ Loyalty programs like Accor allow you to enjoy premium stays and build up to elite tiers even during short trips, but it's better to stay at the same hotel if possible as it saves a lot of time check-in and check-out.

🎟️ Pre-booking via Klook saved time, money, and hassle.

Conclusion

This 10-day luxury trip to Singapore was everything I hoped for — seamless, enriching, and indulgent. With smart planning, the right credit cards, and loyalty programs, premium travel is absolutely possible without overspending.

Planning your own Singapore trip? Ask me anything in the comments or check out more travel guides on my blog!

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