Although Singapore might be a small island and city-state, there are countless attractions and experiences waiting for you to explore! The amount of food options we have – from hawker centres to Michelin-starred restaurants – will leave you spoilt for choice.
If you are planning for a trip to Singapore and want to find the best attractions to visit and dine or easiest way to get around the city, there are mobile applications to help you plan your itinerary seamlessly.
If you already have a tonne of apps in your phone and you’re hesitant to download more, we have done the work for you to find the best apps to help you save time and discover the best of what Singapore has to offer. These mobile apps could just be the most handy companion for your best adventure in Singapore!
Things to see, things to do
1. Visit Singapore Travel Guide
Image credit: Visit Singapore Travel Guide on Apple App Store
Need ideas on how to best discover Singapore?
The Visit Singapore Travel Guide app is a travel guide application that will inspire you to go on your dream holiday in Singapore. From the most beautiful gardens like the Botanic Gardens and Gardens by the Bay to the best lifestyle and multi-faceted destinations like Jewel Changi Airport and Marina Bay Sands, you will find yourself exploring and experiencing the city in so many different ways.
You can filter activities according to your passions and locate what’s near you, allowing you to explore Singapore on your own terms. The interactive mobile app also allows you to go on quests with Merli (Singapore’s tourism mascot) to collect exclusive Merli merchandise when you play games on the app - a fun and rewarding way to see the island!
Discover the hidden places unknown to even locals and explore Singapore in a whole different way! Some examples include hidden nature trails, the best dining places hidden in the heartlands of Singapore and experiences like a cooking class where you will remember for a long time.
Download the Visit Singapore Travel Guide app on Google Play or on the App Store.
2. iChangi
The best place to start your adventure in Singapore is at Changi Airport and Jewel.
Download Changi Airport’s mobile app – iChangi – to help you experience the best of the airport and start discovering what Changi has to offer. From inspiration for your next travel destination to travel checklists that will make travelling through Changi a breeze, you can now plan your Singapore experience way ahead by exploring the many offerings you can enjoy upon arrival at Changi Airport through your phone.
If you are a shopaholic who can’t wait to start shopping before arriving at Changi, you can browse and purchase tax- and duty-free products on iShopChangi in the comfort of your own home. Simply place your order and pick up your items upon arrival! When you are departing from Changi, you can shop on iShopChangi again and beat the queues to collect your items before your flight.
Changi Pay – Changi Airport’s digital wallet – and Changi Rewards is on the iChangi app too, allowing you to spend and redeem perks all at one place. Don’t miss the weekly vouchers for your use on Changi Pay. Vouchers come from various stores in Changi Airport and Jewel Changi Airport, giving you small treats to meals, desserts and even massages!
Psst! There is a S$5 welcome voucher with no minimum spending when you sign up for Changi Pay, so what are you waiting for?
There’s a lot more for you to discover on iChangi. For your flight home, the app provides you with the latest flight information via notifications, including reminders for your flights and alerts if there is a gate change .
Download the iChangi app on Google Play or on the App Store.
Getting around Singapore via public transport
There are many ways of getting around Singapore – via our Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), buses, taxis, private-hire car services, and even cycling!
The most affordable and convenient modes of transport would be the MRT (rail network) and buses, due to the extensive coverage and high frequency of these public transport services.
This section has some helpful mobile applications that can help you plan your travel routes, rent a car, or to book your ride around Singapore.
3. Explore Singapore
Image credit: Explore Singapore on Apple App Store
First off, experience the rail life with Singapore’s MRT and find the fastest way to get to your destination!
As of 2022, there are six MRT lines that connect over 130 stations round the island, making it the most convenient way to get around. Switching between MRT lines to get to your destination is common, with each ride costing between S$1.10 and S$2.50 per journey. Contactless payments via Visa or Mastercard are supported, so you can just tap and go. Ensure that your credit or debit card is contactless-enabled with a logo resembling the WiFi symbol at the front of your card.
The Explore Singapore app is available in four languages – English, Chinese, Hindi, and Korean – and works offline, saving you the trouble of finding Wi-Fi. The best part? It has a route-planner which provides you with a time estimate of your travel journey, so you have all the information you need to get to your stop to discover Singapore!
If you are lost or want to find the nearest MRT station from where you are at, you can use the “Find my nearest station” function within the app. Do ensure that your GPS is turned on and allow the app to access your location for this to work.
Pro-tip: To save on transport costs, the best option is to purchase a Singapore Tourist Pass. A Singapore Tourist Pass is a special transport card that offers tourists unlimited travel on basic bus services, MRT, and LRT trains for a specified duration. Find out more about the pass here.
Download the Explore Singapore app on Google Play or on the App Store.
4. Singabus
Image credit: Singabus on Apple App Store
Another common form of public transport in Singapore are the buses, which provide a comfortable and reliable way of getting around.
Taking the bus is a great way to explore the garden city as you will be treated to the sights of greenery along roads in Singapore, in addition the changes in building styles and atmosphere as the bus moves through the different districts. Some bus services will also help get you to the more obscure parts of Singapore, if you’re an adventurous traveller.
It could be helpful to have a mobile app to help you minimise your wait for buses, so that you can discover Singapore and what the city has to offer in the most efficient way possible. Here’s where downloading the Singabus app can help , as it shows the estimated arrival time of buses in Singapore. All you have to do is to allow the app to access your location, so that you can select the bus stop nearest to you and check on the arrival timings of bus services.
Download the Singabus app on Google Play or on the App Store.
Let someone drive you around – Grab, Gojek & CDG Zig
Looking to get to your destination in the comfort and speed of private hire cars and taxis?
Over the past few years, demand for private hire car services has surged because of the convenience it offers. They are also for those days when you want to travel from point to point without the crowds in public transport.
5. Grab
Image credit: Grab on Apple App Store
Grab helps to efficiently match its drivers and passengers via their mobile application. Simply key in where you want to go and find drivers near you to drive you to your destination. Grab is one of the largest private hire car providers in Singapore, so securing a ride within minutes should not be a problem.
Grab’s fares work on the demand of passengers and supply of drivers; avoid the morning and evening rush hour for more affordable rides. Grab is also very generous with its vouchers, so do keep an eye out for promo codes that could save you quite a few dollars!
Another bonus of downloading Grab is its other function: GrabFood! If you decide to stay in at your hotel or accommodation, settle your meals within minutes with its islandwide delivery service. Satisfy that chicken rice craving without even stepping out!
Download the Grab app on Google Play or on the App Store.
6. Gojek
Image credit: Gojek on Apple App Store
The tech giant that has taken over Southeast Asia's ride-hailing industry has its presence in Singapore as well. A strong competitor to Grab in Singapore, you should be able to book a ride at competitive prices.
In Singapore, Gojek currently only offers the ride hailing function, but in other markets like Indonesia, it has functions such as GoFood (Food delivery) and GoMart (Shopping services).
Download the Gojek app on Google Play or on the App Store.
7. CDG Zig
Image credit: CDG Zig on Apple App Store
Another popular ride hailing app in Singapore has got to be CDG Zig. CDG Zig is a private hire car servicemobile application owned by ComfortDelGro, the biggest taxi operator here in Singapore.
In addition to fixed price charging like Grab and Gojek, CDG Zigalso has the option for passengers to be charged by the meter, making it more affordable than booking a ride on Grab or Gojek in selected times of the day. With the metered taxi as an option, prices can be lower depending on demand at different times of the day..
Recently, CDG Zig has also enhanced its app features to offer users lifestyle options like restaurant reservations and new services like electric vehicle chargingWhat's not to like about an all-encompassing app!
Download the CDG Zig app on Google Play or on the App Store.
Explore the city on your own terms – GetGo & BlueSG
If you are thinking of renting a car to explore Singapore with a scenic drive and at your own pace, here are a few car-sharing applications which have gained popularity in Singapore. They are useful to have on hand to help you get around easily.
With these mobile applications, you no longer need to rent cars for an extended period of time like in the past. You can rent them for as long or as short a duration as you need, anything from 15 minutes to days! Everything is also done through the application and users will not need to meet a physical person to start renting a car.
If you are planning to drive in Singapore, take note that you have to prepare a CashCard for car park fees and ERP (toll) charges. For parking in roadside parking lots in Singapore, you will have to download the Parking.sg mobile app and link your credit or debit card, so that you can conveniently activate your parking sessions on the app.
8. GetGo
Image credit: GetGo on Apple App Store
GetGo is a carsharing network spanning 1,100+ locations in Singapore. It is an easy way for you to get your hands on a car without the need for deposit or membership fee. GetGo cars are conveniently located at major malls and near MRT stations, making it convenient for users to find an available car when needed. Simply enter the app and access a car near you based on your location.
Pro-tip: Do book the car in advance to secure one as it can get popular during weekends and public holidays.
If you are a foreigner residing in Singapore for less than 12 months, you can use your driving license from your home country, provided it is officially translated into English or if you have an International Driving Permit. Check out Getgo’s article on Renting a car in Singapore which answers some questions on refuelling, car insurance, and whether you should opt for long-term or short-term car rental.
For more updated information on the requirements for foreign drivers' eligibility to rent a GetGo car, do check out its website.
Download the GetGo app on Google Play or on the App Store.
9. BlueSG
Image credit: BlueSG on Apple App Store
BlueSG is Singapore’s first electric car sharing service.
You have the luxury of enjoying a point-to-point car sharing service while contributing to a more eco-friendly and sustainable transport system. Not only are you helping the environment, BlueSG has an extensive network and you can just drive from point-to-point without worrying about where the next charging point is. With BlueSG, you will not need to drive back to the original point, like you would for a normal rental car service!
Once again, if you have a valid driving licence (of a minimum of one year) and a debit or credit card, you will be able to sign up for a subscription account to rent a BlueSG car.
Download the BlueSG app on Google Play or on the App Store.
Go on a gastronomic journey in Singapore
10. Burpple
Image credit: Burpple on Apple App Store
Discover the best places to dine at through honest reviews provided by the community of foodies on the Burpple app. Burpple helps you to search for the best food and restaurants near you and shows you its best recommendations. You can also read reviews left by previous customers and check out the must-orders from restaurants you’re thinking to visit.
On top of your online research on food places or on social media, Burpple reviews are a great place to hear authentically how a restaurant is like from people who have tried it themselves.
To enjoy Burpple Beyond (Burpple’s premium function that allows users to enjoy dining deals), you will need a yearly membership subscription.
Download the Burpple app on Google Play or on the App Store.
Make your restaurant reservations early - Chope & Quandoo
Want to go out on a fancy dinner while you’re in Singapore, or arranging for a meal with a big group? Be sure to make a reservation to avoid waiting in long lines and risk not getting a seat, especially on weekends and public holidays.
Chope and Quandoo are the leading restaurant reservation platforms in Singapore with many restaurants and eateries on their apps, making your restaurant-booking experience an easy and fuss-free one!
11. Chope
Image credits: Chope on Apple App Store
Chope can help you find the best dining options near you, and you never know, there might just be some Chope dining vouchers for you to snag at checkout. For example, you can get up to 50% off at restaurants when you dine during selected timings.
Simply filter according to your preferred cuisine or location and make bookings while saving with attractive deals! The app also contains all the information you need - contact details of the restaurant, opening hours, menus, dish recommendations and reviews from their customers. Enjoy a consolidated space to choose and book your next fancy meal!
Download the Chope app on Google Play or on the App Store.
12. Quandoo
Image credit: Quandoo on Apple App Store
Saw a café or an eatery you want to visit in Singapore? Book a spot to secure a seat at these places through Quandoo!
Quandoo allows you to filter your search according to your location, cuisine type, and table availability (useful if you are traveling with a bigger group or with your family). With their interactive map, it will guide you to the must-visit places near you and try out their recommended dishes. With helpful functions such as contact details, customer reviews, and dining menu, it allows you to have a bird’s eye view of all the dining options to choose from.
Download the Quandoo app on Google Play or on the App Store.
Discover Singapore anew with these mobile applications that many locals have on their phones! Don’t miss out on the sweet deals and the easiest ways to get around the sunny island.
You are now all ready to take on Singapore with your phone! Bookmark this story to not miss out any of these mobile applications.
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