What to pack for a trip to Singapore

What to pack for your Singapore trip will largely depend on the weather, but comfortable, loose-fitting clothing should be at the top of the list for all seasons.

If you're travelling during the monsoon season (December to February) then prepare for constant rainfall and frequent thunderstorms by packing a portable umbrella and suitable wet-weather clothing.

Regardless of the season you'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 handy list of clothing, essential and nice-to-have items that'll make your trip a stress-free one. 

Clothing

Flowy, loose-fitting clothing

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

Shorts/t-shirts 

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. 

Hat 

This one's a no-brainer. Even when Singapore is 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 has neck flaps or a wide brim to keep as much of your body as possible away from the sun.

Swimwear 

In Singapore's heat, you're going to want to submerge yourself in water every single day and to be able to do this, you need to pack some swimwear. Enough said. 

The essentials 

Daybag/backpack 

If you're out and about and not planning on returning to your hotel room for a while, a daypack is perfect for storing all the important bits and pieces (we're talking passports, reusable drink bottles, mini first aid kits, wallets, hand sanitiser, etc.) in a comfortable and convenient way.

Comfortable walking shoes 

Singapore is an urban metropolis full of fascinating things to discover, so packing a comfortable pair of walking shoes is a must. 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.

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's rays can still climb as high as 9 on the UV Index, so taking extra precautionary measures to keep your skin from burning is a must. 

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 packing a portable/foldable umbrella for such occasions will definitely go a long way in keeping you dry. If you're travelling during the monsoon season and you know it's going to be rainy, an umbrella will be a lifesaver.

Camera 

Singapore is packed with sights, and for this reason, packing a good-quality camera is non-negotiable. Granted, you don't need to have the newest, most expensive model to take epic photos... your phone camera will do just fine. As long as you have something to capture the memories, you'll be thankful.

The nice-to-haves 

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 as Dengue Fever and the Zika Virus. Packing 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. 

Extra chargers 

This one isn't a necessity, 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 their phone is on 10% and realising it's not where it should be. Having to find somewhere to purchase a new one or face the rest of your trip without your trusty communication device can be dark and scary times. 

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