Summer Vacation Guide for a Family of Three in Singapore

Direct flight from Tianjin to Singapore

TR139 departs at 09:20, arrives at 15:25

Three days before travel, search for 'Customs Passenger Service' in the WeChat mini-program, fill in the 'People's Republic of China Entry/Exit Health Declaration Card', and fill it truthfully. Finally, a QR code will be generated; save a screenshot. Airport staff will check it to avoid delays from filling it on-site. On the return trip, for China customs entry declaration, after checking in at Singapore Changi Airport and getting your boarding pass, fill in the entry declaration—it's fine, as it will only be checked during security at the boarding gate.

In addition, Singapore entry management also requires advance declaration. Search for and download the 'MyICA Mobile' app, find 'Foreign Visitor', submit personal declaration information, and after submission, a barcode will be generated; save a screenshot. This will be spot-checked upon arrival in Singapore.

First, about the flight: Scoot airline, no meals provided during the flight. I purchased a discounted plane ticket from Ctrip in advance and also bought a meal at a promotional price, but it turned out to be not worth it! It was not as good as the prices on the plane. Moreover, the meal package purchased in advance on Ctrip only included water or cola. So if you need a meal, just buy it on the plane. (SGD or Visa should be fine)

After arriving at the airport, take the intra-airport shuttle train from T1 to T2. At T2, take the East West Line towards Tanah Merah, get off at Tanah Merah station, and change within the station to the East West Line towards Tuas Link. Get off at City Hall station to transfer to the Red Line. (We booked our hotel near City Hall, and this route turned out to be very convenient.)

■ Attraction: Night Safari

Transportation: Take the MRT North South Line towards Jurong East, get off at Khatib station (Exit A).

After exiting the station, you will see signs. Within 100 meters on foot, there is the Mandai Khatib shuttle. Take the shuttle bus directly to the zoo. (Note: The shuttle will stop at Bird Paradise; do not get off midway. If you are going to the Singapore Zoo or Night Safari, stay on until the last stop.)

Transportation fee: The shuttle bus from the station to the zoo is likely free (we didn't need to tap or pay on either of our two days). From the zoo back to the station, there was a requirement to tap and pay, probably 1 SGD per person.

✳ Shuttle bus operating hours

Khatib station to Zoo (First 08:00, Last 22:20)

Zoo to Khatib station (First 08:20, Last 22:40)

■ Attraction: Singapore Zoo

Transportation: Same as Day 1 for Night Safari.

Zoo operating hours: 08:30~18:00 (last entry at 17:00)

It rained on the day we visited, but as soon as we entered, the rain cleared and the sun came out. Even the gorillas couldn't help but chatter with each other, as if welcoming visitors from afar. Unfortunately, the Polar Bear exhibit seemed to be closed, and some areas were boarded up, also temporarily closed. But gains and losses go hand in hand—such is life. Nonetheless, Singapore Zoo has a wide variety of animals, and there was plenty to see. Luckily, because of the rain, there were fewer visitors, making it easier to explore.

■ Attraction: Science Centre Singapore

Science Centre Singapore is closed on Mondays. Tickets can be purchased in advance on Ctrip, but personally, I recommend buying them directly at the ticket office, which is also very convenient. Since we didn't watch any movies, buying at the ticket office was more cost-effective.

Take the MRT East West Line towards Tuas Link, get off at Jurong East station (Exit A), and walk for about 8 minutes.

■ Attraction: National Gallery Singapore

Located near City Hall, get off at City Hall station and walk there.

■ Attraction: Universal Studios Singapore

Current operating hours: 11:00~18:00.

Route: East West Line → North East Line → Sentosa Express

Take the East West Line (towards Tuas Link, get off at Outram Park station)

Change to the North East Line to HarbourFront station, Exit C, which leads to VivoCity. On the third floor of the mall is the VivoCity station.

Transfer to the Sentosa Express towards Beach, get off at Resorts World station, and you will be at Universal Studios Singapore.

City shopping – Changi Airport – Return journey

For shopping in the city, a single purchase of at least 100 SGD is required for tax refund! Remember to show your passport and indicate that you want a tax refund at the airport.

Airport tax refund notice:

If you purchased tax-refundable items in the city and need to check them in, remember to do it before check-in (there are self-service GST Refund machines after entering the airport, with staff assistance for convenient refund).

Of course, if your tax-refundable items are in your carry-on luggage, after arriving at Changi Airport and checking in, you can enter the duty-free zone. Before boarding, you can also find self-service refund machines to process the refund yourself. You can choose cash, credit card, Alipay, etc. For cash, just go to the nearby GST counter to collect it.

Hope this helps friends and families preparing for a trip to Singapore! Wish everyone a great mood every day! ~~