Luxury Borneo Holiday - Rainforest & Beach

Singapore is one of Asia’s most accessible and rewarding stopover destinations, offering a polished mix of culture, food, gardens, heritage neighbourhoods and easy city exploration. Compact, safe and exceptionally well organised, it works beautifully as a short break, a family-friendly holiday, or a comfortable introduction to Southeast Asia.

The city is famous for its modern skyline, but its real appeal lies in the variety found within a small area. Marina Bay, Gardens by the Bay, Sentosa Island, Orchard Road and Jewel Changi Airport provide the contemporary face of Singapore, while Chinatown, Little India, Kampong Gelam and Joo Chiat reveal older layers of trade, migration, faith and food culture.

Singapore is also one of the world’s great eating cities. Hawker centres are central to daily life, offering excellent local dishes at good value. Favourites include Hainanese chicken rice, laksa, satay, char kway teow, roti prata, chilli crab and kaya toast. Food is a major part of the experience here, whether you’re eating at a neighbourhood hawker stall, a Peranakan restaurant, a riverside dining area, or a refined hotel restaurant.

Despite its urban setting, Singapore has made a real strength of its green spaces. Singapore Botanic Gardens, Gardens by the Bay, Fort Canning Park, the Southern Ridges, MacRitchie Reservoir and Pulau Ubin all offer a softer, more natural side of the city. This makes Singapore especially good for travellers who like comfort and convenience, but still want gardens, walking trails, wildlife and outdoor experiences.

Singapore is easy to explore independently. English is widely spoken, signage is clear, public transport is excellent, and taxis or rideshare services are reliable. The city is also known for its cleanliness, safety and order, which makes it a straightforward destination for first-time visitors to Asia.

For New Zealand travellers, Singapore works particularly well because flight access is strong and the city is simple to navigate after a long journey. It can be enjoyed as a two or three-night stopover, but it also rewards longer stays, especially if you want to explore its food scene, heritage districts, nature reserves, museums and nearby islands in more depth.

New Zealand and Australian passport holders don’t normally require a visa to enter Singapore for tourism, social visits or standard business visits. Entry is still subject to Singapore immigration approval on arrival, and travellers must meet the usual entry conditions.

Your passport should be valid for at least six months from the date you arrive in Singapore. You may also be asked to show proof of onward or return travel, confirmed accommodation and sufficient funds for your stay.

All travellers entering Singapore must complete the SG Arrival Card before arrival. This is an electronic arrival card and health declaration, and it must be submitted within three days before arriving in Singapore, including the day of arrival. It’s free to complete through the official Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority website or official app, so be careful of third-party websites charging unnecessary fees.

When you arrive, immigration clearance at Changi Airport is usually efficient. Some travellers may use automated clearance lanes, while others may be directed to staffed counters. First-time visitors may be required to provide biometric details.

Singapore has strict laws around prohibited and controlled items. Do not bring in illegal drugs, weapons, e-cigarettes, vaping products, chewing tobacco, certain medicines, or other restricted goods. Penalties for drug offences are extremely severe, including for transit passengers. If you are carrying prescription medication, keep it in its original packaging and carry a copy of your prescription or a doctor’s letter.

If you are travelling on a passport other than a New Zealand or Australian passport, please check the visa requirements well before departure.

The official currency is the Singapore Dollar, usually written as SGD or S$. Notes are commonly issued in denominations of S$2, S$5, S$10, S$50 and S$100, with coins used for smaller amounts.

Singapore is highly card-friendly, and credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, shopping centres, attractions and many taxis. Contactless payments are common, and Apple Pay, Google Pay and similar mobile wallets are widely used.

Even so, it’s sensible to carry a small amount of cash. Hawker centres, local markets, small food stalls, older shops and some taxis may prefer cash or local payment methods. For most visitors, a mix of card and cash works best.

ATMs are widely available at Changi Airport, shopping malls, MRT stations, banks and convenience areas. New Zealand bank cards generally work without issue, but international withdrawal and foreign exchange fees vary, so check with your bank before travelling.

Travel money cards such as Wise can be useful for Singapore, especially if you want to hold Singapore Dollars in advance and avoid some bank conversion fees. However, always check ATM withdrawal limits and card fees before relying on one card only.

Tipping isn’t expected in Singapore. Many restaurants and hotels add a service charge, often around 10%, and goods and services tax may also apply. In hawker centres, food courts and casual eateries, tipping isn’t part of the culture.

Singapore is one of the easiest cities in Asia to get around. The MRT train network is clean, efficient, air-conditioned and well signposted in English. It connects Changi Airport with the city and links most major areas including Marina Bay, Orchard Road, Chinatown, Little India, Bugis, City Hall, Clarke Quay and HarbourFront for Sentosa.

Buses are also reliable and useful for shorter journeys or places not directly served by MRT. They’re clean, frequent and inexpensive, although the MRT is usually easier for first-time visitors.

For public transport, you can use a contactless credit or debit card, a mobile wallet, an EZ-Link card, or a Singapore Tourist Pass. A contactless card is often the simplest option for short stays, as you can tap in and tap out without buying a separate transport card. The Singapore Tourist Pass can be useful if you expect to use public transport heavily over one, two, three, four or five days.

Taxis are metered, regulated and generally reliable. They can be hailed from taxi stands, booked by app, or picked up at hotels and malls. Rideshare services such as Grab are also widely used and can be very convenient, especially for families, late evenings, or when travelling with luggage.

From Changi Airport, the easiest arrival option is usually a pre-arranged transfer, taxi or Grab, especially after a long flight. The MRT is efficient and inexpensive, but changing lines with luggage can feel less appealing after an overnight journey.

Walking is enjoyable in many areas, particularly around Marina Bay, Chinatown, Kampong Gelam, Little India, Fort Canning, Clarke Quay and Joo Chiat. However, Singapore is hot and humid year-round, so plan walks carefully, use shaded routes where possible, and take advantage of air-conditioned malls, museums and cafés between outdoor stops.

Driving in Singapore

Most visitors don’t need a rental car in Singapore. Public transport is excellent, taxis are easy to arrange, and parking can be expensive or inconvenient in central areas. For most holidays, it’s simpler and more cost-effective not to drive.

Singapore drives on the left-hand side of the road, the same as New Zealand. Road standards are excellent and signage is clear, but traffic rules are strictly enforced. Seat belts are compulsory, mobile phone use while driving is restricted, and drink-driving penalties are severe.

If you do plan to drive, check licence requirements before travel. Visitors may need to carry their valid New Zealand licence and, depending on the licence format and rental company requirements, an International Driving Permit may also be useful. Rental companies may have their own rules on age, licence length and insurance excesses.

Singapore has Electronic Road Pricing on some roads, and many car parks use electronic payment systems. If renting a car, make sure you understand how tolls, parking and fuel charges are handled before leaving the depot.

Driving is more useful if you are continuing into Malaysia, but for Singapore itself, taxis, MRT and private transfers are usually much easier.

Singapore has excellent healthcare, high hygiene standards and modern medical facilities. Hospitals, clinics and pharmacies are widely available, and English is spoken throughout the medical system.

Routine vaccinations should be up to date before travelling. There are no special vaccination requirements for most travellers arriving directly from New Zealand or Australia. However, if you have recently visited or transited through a country with yellow fever risk, you may need to show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate.

Travel insurance is essential and should include medical care, hospital treatment, cancellation cover, lost luggage and any planned activities. Medical care in Singapore is excellent, but private treatment can be expensive for visitors.

Singapore is tropical, so heat and humidity are the main everyday health considerations. Drink plenty of water, take breaks in the shade, and avoid over-planning outdoor sightseeing in the hottest part of the day. Dehydration and heat exhaustion can happen quickly, particularly after a long flight or when walking between attractions.

Mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue can occur in Singapore. Use insect repellent, especially around parks, gardens, reservoirs and outdoor dining areas in the evening. Choose accommodation with good air-conditioning or screened windows, and avoid leaving balcony doors open unnecessarily.

Tap water is safe to drink. Food hygiene standards are generally very high, including at hawker centres, but it’s still sensible to choose busy stalls where food is freshly cooked.

If you take prescription medication, bring enough for your trip, keep it in original packaging, and carry a prescription or doctor’s letter. Singapore has strict rules around some medicines, so check before travelling if you take strong pain medication, sedatives, stimulants or controlled drugs.

In an emergency, dial 995 for an ambulance or fire service, and 999 for police.

Singapore is one of the safest and most orderly cities in Asia, with low levels of violent crime and a strong sense of public security. It’s generally very comfortable for independent travellers, families and older travellers, including after dark in well-used areas such as Marina Bay, Orchard Road, Chinatown, Little India, Clarke Quay and Kampong Gelam.

As with any major city, it’s still sensible to take normal precautions. Keep an eye on bags in busy places, use hotel safes for passports and valuables, and be aware of your surroundings in crowded MRT stations, markets, shopping malls and nightlife areas. Petty theft is uncommon but not impossible.

Singapore’s laws are strict and are actively enforced. Littering, smoking in prohibited areas, vaping, jaywalking, vandalism, public drunkenness and drug offences can all carry serious penalties. Vaping products and e-cigarettes are illegal, including possession, so don’t bring them into the country.

The biggest day-to-day safety issue for most visitors is the heat and humidity. Drink plenty of water, take breaks in air-conditioned spaces, and avoid doing too much outdoor walking in the hottest part of the day. Heavy rain and thunderstorms can arrive quickly, so take care on wet pavements and avoid exposed outdoor areas during lightning storms.

Taxis and rideshare services such as Grab are generally safe and reliable. Public transport is also very safe, clean and well monitored. Late at night, a taxi or Grab is often the easiest option, especially if returning from Clarke Quay, Marina Bay, Sentosa or a late dinner.

In an emergency, dial 999 for police and 995 for ambulance or fire. Most hotels can also assist quickly if you need medical help, a pharmacy, lost property support or advice after hours.

Singapore is one of the best food destinations in Asia, with Chinese, Malay, Indian, Peranakan, Eurasian and international influences all part of the local food culture. Eating well is one of the great pleasures of travelling here.

Hawker centres are central to Singapore life and offer some of the city’s most memorable meals. They are usually clean, well organised and excellent value. Popular hawker centres include Lau Pa Sat, Maxwell Food Centre, Chinatown Complex Food Centre, Tiong Bahru Market, Old Airport Road Food Centre and Newton Food Centre.

A good first dish to try is Hainanese chicken rice, often considered one of Singapore’s national dishes. Other favourites include laksa, a rich coconut noodle soup; satay, grilled skewers with peanut sauce; char kway teow, stir-fried flat noodles; roti prata, flaky Indian-style flatbread; nasi lemak, coconut rice with sambal and accompaniments; and chilli crab, one of Singapore’s most famous seafood dishes.

Breakfast is also worth seeking out. Try kaya toast with soft-boiled eggs and kopi, the local-style coffee. It’s a simple but very Singaporean start to the day.

Peranakan cuisine is a highlight for travellers interested in heritage and flavour. This distinctive food culture blends Chinese and Malay influences, with dishes such as ayam buah keluak, babi pongteh, nonya laksa and colourful kueh sweets. The Katong and Joo Chiat areas are especially good for Peranakan food and heritage.

Alcohol is expensive compared with New Zealand, especially in hotels and bars, due to taxes. Happy hours can help, and hawker centres are usually better value for beer than hotel lounges. Drinking water is safe from the tap, so bring a reusable bottle if you like.

Tipping isn’t expected. At hawker centres and casual food courts, clear your tray where required and return it to the designated area. At restaurants, a service charge is often already included.

Singapore has a hot, humid tropical climate year-round. There are no true seasons in the New Zealand sense, and temperatures remain fairly consistent, usually around the mid to low 30s during the day and the mid 20s at night.

Rain can occur at any time of year, often as heavy but short-lived showers or thunderstorms. These downpours can be intense, but they often pass quickly. It’s sensible to carry a small umbrella or light rain jacket, especially if you’ll be out for the full day.

The wetter months are generally during the northeast monsoon period, roughly from November to January, although rain is possible throughout the year. February is often one of the drier months, while the middle of the year can still be hot and humid with occasional storms.

The heat can feel stronger than the temperature suggests because of the humidity. Plan outdoor sightseeing for the morning or late afternoon where possible, and use the middle of the day for museums, galleries, shopping malls, hotel time or a long lunch.

Haze can occasionally affect Singapore, depending on regional conditions. It’s not a constant issue, but travellers with asthma or respiratory conditions should keep medication handy and monitor local conditions if haze is reported.

Lightweight, breathable clothing is best for Singapore. Cotton, linen and quick-drying fabrics work well in the heat and humidity. Shorts, skirts, dresses, polo shirts and lightweight tops are all suitable for general sightseeing.

Singapore is modern and relaxed, but neat casual clothing is a good guideline. Locals tend to dress tidily, especially in restaurants, shopping malls and hotels. Very revealing clothing is best avoided away from the pool or beach.

A light cardigan, shirt or wrap is useful because indoor air-conditioning can be very cool, particularly in malls, museums, taxis and restaurants. This is especially worth remembering if you’re going out for dinner or spending time indoors.

Comfortable footwear is important, as Singapore often involves more walking than expected, especially around Marina Bay, heritage districts, gardens and MRT stations. Sandals are fine for most sightseeing, but choose something supportive if you’ll be walking all day.

For religious sites such as temples, mosques and churches, dress modestly. Shoulders and knees may need to be covered in some places, and shoes may need to be removed before entering. Carrying a lightweight scarf or shawl can be useful.

For the pool, beach or Sentosa, normal swimwear is fine, but cover up when walking through hotel public areas, shopping centres or restaurants.

Sun protection is important. Bring sunglasses, a hat and high-SPF sunscreen. A small umbrella is useful for both rain and sun.

Singapore is very well connected. Most hotels, shopping malls, cafés, airports and public areas offer Wi-Fi, and mobile coverage is generally excellent across the island.

For convenience, many travellers use an eSIM or local SIM card. eSIMs are particularly easy if your phone is compatible, as they can be purchased before travel and activated on arrival. This avoids the need to find a physical SIM card after a long flight.

Local SIM cards are also available at Changi Airport, convenience stores and telecom shops. These can be good value if you need plenty of data, but you may need your passport for registration.

Free public Wi-Fi can be useful, but it shouldn’t be your only option if you rely on maps, messaging, ride-share apps or attraction tickets during the day. A data plan makes travelling around Singapore much easier.

Messaging apps such as WhatsApp are widely used. Google Maps works well for walking, MRT and bus directions, and Grab is useful for taxis, rideshare and food delivery.

Singapore uses Type G plugs, the same three-rectangular-pin style used in the United Kingdom. New Zealand plugs won’t fit Singapore sockets without an adapter.

The standard voltage is 230V and the frequency is 50Hz, which is the same voltage range as New Zealand. Most New Zealand phones, laptops, camera chargers and tablets will work safely with a simple plug adapter.

Always check the label on your device or charger. If it says 100-240V, you only need a plug adapter. If you are bringing high-powered appliances such as hairdryers, straighteners or electric shavers, check voltage compatibility before use.

Most hotels provide hairdryers, so it’s usually easier not to bring one. A universal travel adapter with USB ports is useful, especially if charging multiple devices.

Singapore is easy for visitors, but it’s still worth being aware of local rules and expectations. The city is clean and orderly, and fines can apply for littering, smoking in prohibited areas, not flushing public toilets, or eating and drinking on the MRT.

Smoking is restricted in many public areas, including most indoor spaces, covered walkways, bus stops and some outdoor public areas. Only smoke in designated areas. Vaping and e-cigarettes are prohibited, including possession and use, so don’t bring them into Singapore.

Queueing is normal and expected, especially at food stalls, taxi stands, MRT platforms and attractions. On escalators, stand to the left and allow people to pass on the right.

Singapore is multicultural, with Buddhist, Taoist, Hindu, Muslim and Christian communities. When visiting religious sites, dress modestly, remove shoes where required, and avoid interrupting worshippers.

At hawker centres, it’s common to reserve a table by leaving a small packet of tissues or another small item. This local habit is known as “chope”. It can seem unusual at first, but it’s widely understood.

Singapore is efficient, safe and welcoming, but it rewards travellers who slow down and look beyond the skyline. Some of the best moments come from wandering heritage streets, trying a local breakfast, exploring a garden before the heat builds, or choosing a hawker stall simply because the queue looks promising.

Malaysia is a nation characterised by intriguing contrasts. It is a complex combination of various cultures, diverse landscapes and architectural styles.

Chinese joss houses, Hindu temples and gold-domed mosques exist alongside state-of-the-art skyscrapers and contemporary business complexes.

The land itself is divided into two parts by the South China Sea. Peninsula Malaysia (West Malaysia) boasts vast bustling cities, stately colonial architecture, misty tea plantations and tranquil islands. Malaysian Borneo (East Malaysia) features lush jungles brimming with exotic animal and plant life, towering granite peaks and even some remote indigenous tribes.

Outdoor enthusiasts can indulge in a range of adventurous activities including hiking through some of the world’s oldest tropical rainforests, scuba diving in some of the world’s most renowned dive sites, or white water rafting in one of the nation’s numerous exquisite national parks.

Alternatively spend your days exploring the supercharged capital, Kuala Lumpur, with its pockets of rainforest interspersed between towering high rise buildings or simply relax under palm tree-lined beached.

Currency 

Local currency: Malaysian Ringgit 
Symbol: RM 
ISO code: MYR 
Subunit: Sen 
Banknotes: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 ringgit 
Coins: 5, 10, 20, 50 sen 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Yes 
Diner’s club: Limited 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 9 AM - 4 PM 
Weekends: Limited hours in some locations 
Public Holidays: Yes (limited hours) 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

*Check the specific hours of local banks for the most accurate information. 

Air: 
Main airlines: Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia 
International Airports: Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) 
Domestic Airports: Yes 

Road: 
Driving on the: Left 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: Limited 
Valid International Driver's License needed: No 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes 

Bus: 
Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 
Railway system: Yes 
Subway System: Limited 

Water: 
Ferries: Yes 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

Food and water safety: 
Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Yes 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: Malaysian cuisine is diverse and influenced by Malay, Chinese, Indian, Thai, Javanese, and Sumatran cultures. Signature dishes include Nasi Lemak (coconut milk rice with anchovies, peanuts, cucumber, and sambal), Satay (grilled skewered meat served with peanut sauce), and Laksa (spicy noodle soup). 

Drinks: Teh Tarik (pulled tea), Kopi O (strong black coffee), and Air Bandung (rose-flavored milk drink). 

Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated, typically 10% in restaurants. 

Annual rainfall: Varies 
Average temperature: 27°C 

Summer: 
Average highs: 32°C 
Average lows: 23°C 

Winter: 
Average highs: 31°C 
Average lows: 22°C 

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Malaysia is from March to October when the weather is dry and sunny on the west coast and in the highlands. However, the east coast experiences heavy rainfall from November to February. 

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No 

General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes