🇸🇬 Singapore & Malaysia

Get the EZ-Link card the moment you arrive in Singapore. The MRT is one of the best metro systems in the world — clean, air-conditioned, punctual, and covers everywhere you'll want to go. Beats taxis on most routes for speed and cost.

Singapore Zoo + Night Safari = too much for one day. Both are incredible but doing them back to back is utterly exhausting. Ideally split the Zoo into a morning and return for Night Safari on a separate evening, or at least build in a long break. You will not cover everything in one go.

Gardens by the Bay Tree Show — go at night. The Supertree Grove light and sound show runs twice an evening (around 7:45pm & 8:45pm). Catch it after dinner — the walk along Marina Bay Sands promenade pairs perfectly with it.

Sentosa — Sky Luge is unmissable. Check timings for Symphony of the Sea and arrive 20 minutes early for front-area standing spots. Combine Sentosa with the cable car ride over from Harbourfront for an elevated experience (literally).

Avoid the KL–JB bus if you can. Bus departures were significantly delayed, food options at the bus terminal were terrible, and pitstops were poor. Consider the JB Sentral train link or Grab cross-border rides for a far less painful crossing.

Legoland is a full-day commitment — pace yourself. Book tickets online (usually cheaper). Prioritise the VR roller coaster and water rides first before queues build. Keep the next day completely light — you will be too tired to do anything meaningful post-Legoland.

Electric scooters are a great way to see KL. Rental is easy and affordable. Gives you freedom to explore areas that taxis skip. Best in the morning before it gets hot.

Build one completely slow day into your Singapore leg. Jacob Ballas Children's Garden + rented cycles + a riverside walk gave us the best reset of the trip. After Zoo, Sentosa, and Night Safari, your body needs a day that asks nothing of it.

Book Hai Di Lao in advance. Walk-in waits are long. The service is legendary — they'll paint your nails, give you snacks and activities while you wait, and the food is exceptional. Book for your last night as a celebration meal.

Petronas Towers — book the bridge / observation deck tickets in advance. Same-day tickets sell out fast, especially on weekends. The KL Tower gives great aerial views of the Petronas skyline as an alternative photo spot.

Grab is the best cab option — and worth a monthly membership if you're skipping the MRT. If you plan to rely on cabs rather than the metro, get the Grab monthly subscription — the per-ride savings add up fast over a week. Bonus: Grab Dine Out lists discounts at most major restaurants (10–15% off meals). Check it before every restaurant booking — it's often the same places you'd go anyway.

Mustafa Centre in Little India is the best shopping stop in Singapore. Open 24 hours, it stocks everything — electronics, cosmetics, clothing, Indian groceries, jewellery, souvenirs. Prices are significantly lower than malls. If your hotel is near Little India, this is a 10-minute walk and far better value than Orchard Road.