Packing for Singapore

If, like me you always leave your packing until about an hour before you leave for the airport – here’s a few insider tips on what to bring to Singapore to make those last few minutes slightly less stressful:

Umbrella – it rains in Singapore A LOT. You might leave your hotel in glorious sunshine, and an hour later there will be torrential rain. The good news is it doesn’t usually last long, and the sun will come back out again soon (or at least tomorrow). Singapore also has a very high lightning strike – so if there’s a thunder storm, take shelter!

Sunglasses – when it’s not raining, there’s a good chance it will be sunny – and nobody wants wrinkles from too much squinting.

Flip Flops – you’ll do a lot of walking in Singapore and in this heat and humidity, closed shoes = hot, sweaty feet. Bring your flip flops. (Some bars and restaurants won’t allow you in wearing flip flops so bring a nice pair of shoes for the evenings).

Light, Cotton Clothing – I repeat, it is hot and humid in Singapore.

Mosquito Repellent – Mosquitos aren’t usually too much of a problem in the city, but if you head over to the beach in Sentosa, or for a walk up to the Botanics or MacRitchie Reservoir, or for an alfresco dinner, particularly where there are lots of plants, you would be wise to give yourself a good squirt before you head out.

Sunscreen – it might be cloudy, but that doesn’t mean you’re not going to burn!

Wet Wipes – a visit to Singapore wouldn’t be complete without dinner at one of the hawker centres, such as Lau Pa Sat or Makansutra Gluttons Bay. Here you’ll be tucking into barbecue chicken wings, squeezing lime over your barbecue sting ray, and peeling the shells off those big juicy prawns. The aunties sell tissues, but you’ll be grateful for a wet one.

iPhone – Singapore is blessed with free wi-fi in most shopping malls and cafes. App yourself up and surf.

And one last tip for the ladies – leave some space in your bag… Singapore has many many cheap shoe shops, I don’t know any woman who has left without at least a few new pairs in her case.

Post photo: courtesy of kthread