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What to Pack

What to Pack

Singapore

Climate-Appropriate Clothing

Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, rayon, or moisture-wicking synthetics. Loose-fitting garments help with air circulation. Pack shorts, skirts, light dresses, t-shirts, and Short-sleeved shirts for general wear. A light cardigan, Shawl, or jacket is useful for air-conditioned indoor spaces. Malls, museums, cinemas, and public transport are often very cold. A Compact travel umbrella or a Lightweight, packable rain jacket helps with sudden, heavy downpours.

General Recommendations

  • Lightweight, breathable fabrics for comfort.
  • Bring a light layer for cool indoor areas.
  • A compact umbrella or rain jacket for sudden showers.

Cultural Dress & Activities

Casual attire suits most public places. For religious sites (temples, mosques, churches), dress modestly: shoulders and knees covered. Some sites offer shawls or sarongs at the entrance. Remove your shoes before entering some places of worship. Fine dining establishments may have smart casual or formal dress codes (no shorts or flip-flops); check in advance. For swimming, pack standard Swimwear. For hiking or nature walks, Comfortable walking shoes and breathable clothing are appropriate. Comfortable shoes are also a must for theme parks like Universal Studios Singapore.

Specific Attire

  • Modest dress for religious sites (shoulders/knees covered).
  • Standard swimwear for beaches and water parks.
  • Comfortable walking shoes for exploring.

Footwear Recommendations

Walking Shoes

Comfortable walking shoes or Sandals are useful for exploring attractions and walking around Sentosa. You will do a lot of walking.

Daily exploration

Beach Footwear

Bring flip-flops or beach sandals for beach areas, pools, and casual wear around your accommodation.

Beach & pool comfort

Weather-Ready

Waterproof shoes may be useful for sudden rain or water activities. Avoid heavy boots or non-breathable footwear due to the heat and humidity.

Rain & water activities

Essential Documents

Travel Papers

Keep both physical and digital copies of important papers. Your original passport must remain valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay. This is a strict requirement for entry into Singapore.

  • Passport (6+ months validity).
  • Visa (if needed) & SG Arrival Card confirmation.
  • Travel insurance policy information.
  • International Driving Permit (if renting a car).
  • Vaccination records & health documentation.
  • Printed/digital copies of reservations (flights, hotels, tours).
  • Emergency contact information (family, embassy, local).
  • Student/senior/press IDs for discounts (if applicable).

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Singapore uses 230V at 50Hz, with Type G plugs (three rectangular pins). Bring a Universal travel adapter. Most modern smartphones work on Singapore's networks. Purchase local SIM cards at Changi Airport or from telecom stores (Singtel, StarHub, M1). Tourist SIM cards offer data and call time. An eSIM for Singapore provides digital connectivity without a physical SIM card. Airalo is an eSIM provider. Consider VPN services like NordVPN or ExpressVPN for secure browsing.

Essentials

  • Universal travel adapter (Type G).
  • Local SIM or eSIM for mobile data.
  • VPN for secure internet access.

Camera & Charging

A Compact digital camera or Smartphone camera typically captures good memories. For high-quality photos, consider a DSLR or Mirrorless camera. A Waterproof action camera suits water activities. B&H Photo is a retailer for camera and electronics. Portable chargers and power banks are useful for devices while exploring. A Power bank with at least 10,000mAh capacity is recommended. Use cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox) or an External hard drive for photo backups.

Gear Checklist

  • Main camera or smartphone for photos.
  • Portable charger/power bank.
  • Cloud storage or external drive for data backup.

Useful Apps

Navigation

Google Maps or Citymapper aid public transport planning. Grab and Gojek are essential for booking taxis or private cars.

Translation

Google Translate helps with language, especially with offline languages for use without internet.

Local Services

Klook or Trip.com are useful for attraction tickets and tours, saving time and potentially money.

Health & Wellness

Personal First Aid

A prepared health kit helps manage minor issues and stay comfortable. Include basic wound care like Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, gauze, and medical tape. Pack pain relievers like Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen, antihistamines for allergies, and Anti-diarrhea medication (Loperamide). Topical cream like Hydrocortisone cream for insect bites and Hand sanitizer. A Compact travel first-aid kit offers a good foundation.

Kit Contents

  • Wound care: band-aids, antiseptic wipes.
  • Pain relievers, antihistamines, anti-diarrhea medication.
  • Small scissors, tweezers, oral rehydration salts.

Medication & Protection

Bring an adequate supply of all your prescription medications in original packaging with pharmacy labels. Carry a doctor's note or prescription, especially for controlled substances. Check Singapore's regulations on specific medications with the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) if doubts arise. Pack over-the-counter remedies for fever, colds, headaches, and upset stomach. Insect repellent is important due to dengue fever risk (DEET or picaridin). Pack High SPF sunscreen (at least SPF 30), a broad-brimmed hat, and Sunglasses. Tap water in Singapore is safe; water purification is not necessary.

Items

  • Prescription medications with documentation.
  • Insect repellent and sun protection.
  • Reusable water bottle (tap water is safe).

Motion Sickness & Hygiene

Motion Sickness Aids

  • Motion sickness remedies for boats (e.g., ferries).
  • Altitude sickness is not a concern in Singapore.
  • Travel with a face mask for crowded indoor areas.

Personal Hygiene

  • Most common products are available locally.
  • Bring specific brands for sensitive skin needs.
  • Pack a small pack of tissues or wet wipes for public restrooms.

Activity Gear

Swimming & Water

Pack your Swimsuit, goggles, and a Beach towel for beaches, pools, and water parks like Adventure Cove Waterpark.

  • Swimsuit
  • Goggles
  • Beach towel
  • Optional snorkel set

Adventure Activities

For adventure activities (Mega Adventure Park, AJ Hackett), wear comfortable athletic wear. Most venues provide necessary safety equipment like helmets and harnesses.

  • Comfortable athletic wear
  • Closed-toe shoes
  • (Equipment provided by venue)

Rent vs. Bring

Most adventure activities on Sentosa provide necessary safety equipment. You can rent bicycles on Sentosa, saving the trouble of bringing your own. No specific specialty items beyond general Travel gear are required.

  • Rent: Bicycles
  • Rent: Activity safety gear
  • Bring: Your general travel gear

Decision Matrix

Advantages of Renting

  • Reduces luggage weight.
  • No transportation hassle for bulky items.
  • Access to local, well-maintained equipment.
  • Cost-effective for short-term use.

Advantages of Bringing

  • Familiarity and comfort with your own gear.
  • Assured hygiene for personal items.
  • No rental fees for extensive use.
  • Guaranteed availability of specific items.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

For long flights to Singapore, a Travel neck pillow makes a significant difference. An Eye mask and earplugs aid rest. Pack TSA-approved luggage locks for checked bags. A Money belt or RFID-blocking wallet for valuables provides peace of mind. While Singapore is very safe, these offer an added layer of security.

Travel Comfort

  • Travel neck pillow.
  • Eye mask and earplugs.
  • TSA-approved luggage locks.
  • Money belt or RFID-blocking wallet.

Reusable Items

A Reusable water bottle is useful for staying hydrated and reducing plastic waste; refill with safe tap water. A Reusable shopping bag helps avoid fees as many stores charge for plastic bags. Bring Reusable utensils if you prefer to avoid disposable options, especially when eating street food. Most international brands and products are available in Singapore, though prices can be higher. If you have specialty items (e.g., contact lens solutions, dietary snacks), pack them to avoid higher costs or difficulty finding them.

Sustainable & Personal Items

  • Reusable water bottle.
  • Reusable shopping bag.
  • Reusable utensils.
  • Specialty items hard to find locally.

Considerations

No Unique Sentosa Items

Sentosa does not have specific items beyond general Singapore travel essentials.

Power Adapters

Remember Type G adapters (230V/50Hz) for all your electronics.

Sun & Rain Protection

Pack high SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a compact umbrella.

Basic First Aid

Carry a small kit for minor injuries and common ailments.

Clothing Logistics

Light & Loose

  • Prioritize cotton, linen, rayon, or moisture-wicking synthetics.
  • Loose-fitting garments aid air circulation in humidity.
  • Avoid heavy boots; opt for breathable footwear.

Versatile & Practical

  • Layering with a light jacket works for air-conditioned spaces.
  • Standard swimwear for pools and water activities.
  • Comfortable walking shoes are for extensive exploration.

Packing Pro Tips

Pack for consistency rather than seasons. Always have rain gear handy. Prioritize comfortable footwear for walking and exploring. Utilize digital copies for all important documents. Consider portable power for electronics, given heavy usage.

Opt for reusable items to reduce waste and small costs. If you have specific dietary needs or sensitive skin, bring your specialized items, as finding them locally might present higher costs or difficulty. Check all medication rules before traveling.