How to pack for your holiday in Singapore – A comprehensive guide to a relaxing vacation

Many consider packing for a holiday in Singapore to be straightforward. It’s not surprising given that Singapore is a developed country offering 5-star facilities and many consumer goods. There is much to do and experience in this unique urban city-state. Hence, you must devote some thought to your packing to avoid the misery of taking time from your vacation to engage in essential-item shopping. Here is a practical packing list for Singapore.

Travel necessities

Travel Necessities packing | Image via Unsplash

Whether you take lots of luggage or none, these necessities have to cut, as, without them, you won't even have a vacation, to begin with. Considered the sine qua non of a packing list, travel necessities comprise essential documents, copies of documents, and other items that you absolutely must carry with you. Before you get down to packing the easy things, ensure that your passport, entry visa (if required), and bank cards are packed in. Don’t forget to include printed/digital copies of your passport identity page, tickets, hotel bookings, and tours in your carry-on.

Be sure to obtain travel insurance before embarking on your trip to cover medical expenses, cancellations, lost luggage, and theft. If you have been prescribed some form of medication, be sure to include them along with the prescription.

Outfits and footwear

This tiny island of Singapore, located less than 100 miles from the equator, experiences tropical temperatures. The weather is humid and hot all year round, with unpredictable spells of mild-to-heavy rainfall. As such, think ‘summer’ when choosing your clothing. You want to pack in clothing made of light, breathable material such as cotton T-shirts, tanks, shorts, dresses or light pants, and breathable underwear. If you hope to frequent some of Singapore’s rooftop bars or high-end restaurants, be sure to add in some dressy outfits such as smart casual dresses, and collared shirts and pants for men.

Due to the humid temperatures, malls and restaurants in Singapore tend to set the indoor air-conditioning at freezing temperatures. Hence, ensure you pack in a scarf or light sweater to cope with this. If swimming is on the cards during your vacation, then remember to pack in your swimwear. For footwear, stick to sandals, runners, or a comfortable pair of walking shoes.

Toiletries and protectors

While it is easy to find most essential items and toiletries in Singapore, resolve to keep this as your ‘plan B’ option in case you’ve forgotten something. Toiletries to pack include toothpaste, toothbrush, mouthwash, deodorant, perfume, tampons or sanitary pads, razor, aftershave. Every luxury hotel in Singapore, including the likes of Pan Pacific Singapore, provides basic toiletries such as soap, shampoo/conditioner, and body lotion, but if you prefer to use your products, then don’t forget to pack them in.

Since you will likely be spending most of your time outdoors, consider packing in a good, effective sunscreen. Although the prevalence of mosquito-borne diseases is rare in Singapore, it is still helpful to throw in an efficient insect/mosquito repellent. This is particularly essential if you plan to visit nature parks, zoos, or the Night Safari.

Handy extras

Given Singapore’s location, the sun is almost always out. Hence, throw in a hat and a pair of sunglasses for your protection. As Singapore is a tropic, rain is likely during your stay. Be prepared for this inevitability by packing in a compact umbrella or raincoat. Ensure you include a suitable daypack, one that is lightweight, durable, and has enough volume to store all your daily go-to items. This will guarantee a hassle-free experience each day. Consider including a collapsible water bottle as hydration is imperative to cope with Singapore’s hot weather.

Throw in some travel cubes to ensure better organization of your luggage. These cubes make packing and unpacking a breeze and allow you to shop with ease without worrying about space issues. If the hotel laundry services veer on the expensive side, consider packing in a laundry bag to store your dirty items. Don’t forget the small yet hygiene-inducing necessities such as tissues, hand sanitizers, and wet wipes.

The all-important gadgets

There is a slim chance that you would forget to pack in your go-to gadgets such as your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or camera. However, be sure to include the relevant charging devices for your gadgets and a handy universal travel adapter. If your vacation includes long days outdoors, consider packing in a durable power bank to ensure your gadgets stay charged.