Experience Singapore in a Whole New Light with the Private Day and Night Tour — Including a Ferry Ride
Travelers seeking a well-rounded glimpse of Singapore will find this private tour offers an enticing blend of top sights, cultural highlights, and scenic boat rides. Led by a seasoned local guide, the tour promises an authentic and flexible experience, perfect for those wanting more than just the usual sightseeing. With a thoughtfully curated itinerary that combines land, sea, and city views, this tour provides an excellent value for the price, especially given the skip-the-line access to major attractions.
What we love about this experience? First, the personalized attention from an experienced guide who knows the city inside out. Second, the seamless combination of land and water tours that gives perspective from multiple vantage points. Third, the ability to skip long lines and guarantee entry to hotspots that often sell out. The only potential drawback? Given the packed schedule, it’s a fairly full day, so expect to be on your feet quite a bit. This tour suits travelers who appreciate a rundown with the flexibility to explore Singapore’s most iconic sights without the hassle of planning each step.
- Key Points
- A Deep Dive into the Itinerary
- Gardens by the Bay: A Garden Cruiser Adventure
- Floral Fantasy: Art Meets Botany
- Marina South Pier: Cruising to the Islands
- Chinatown: History and Culture
- Merlion Park: The City’s Icon
- Spectra Light and Water Show: A Nighttime Spectacle
- Clarke Quay: Cruising Singapore’s Riverside
- What Makes This Tour Stand Out?
- Practical Considerations
- Who Will Love This Tour?
- Final Thoughts
- FAQ
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Key Points

- Personalized Experience: A private tour means your guide, Alex, tailors the day to your interests and pace.
- Diverse Highlights: From lush gardens to cultural enclaves and scenic ferry rides, it covers the city’s essentials.
- Skip-the-line Access: Guaranteed entry to popular attractions saves precious time.
- Authentic Local Insights: Learn about Singapore’s history and culture from a born-and-raised guide.
- Flexible Schedule: Starts at 3:00 pm, allowing you to plan your day around it.
- Ideal for All Ages: The tour’s varied activities provide a relaxed yet comprehensive introduction to Singapore.
A Deep Dive into the Itinerary
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Gardens by the Bay: A Garden Cruiser Adventure
The tour kicks off with a 30-minute Garden Cruiser tram ride, offering a laid-back way to soak in the sprawling 101-hectare park. This is a highlight for many, as the Gardens by the Bay are a Singapore icon—voted the 8th best attraction worldwide. The tram whisks you past the Supertree Grove, Flower Dome, and Cloud Forest, giving a broad overview without tiring your legs. Visitors often comment on how relaxing and scenic this part is, perfect for photo opportunities and to get your bearings before exploring further. The admission tickets are included, so no need to worry about lines or extra costs.
Floral Fantasy: Art Meets Botany
Next, you’ll visit Floral Fantasy, a “cool house” of floral artistry. This venue is more than just a garden; it’s a showcase of floral design, combining fresh, preserved, and artificial flowers with innovative technology. It’s a calm, beautiful space where you can meander through artistic arrangements while enjoying background music. Many reviewers note the artistic arrangements and soothing atmosphere, with one describing it as “a place which has artistic floral arrangements unlike anything else.” It’s a delightful stop that showcases Singapore’s flair for blending nature and innovation.
Marina South Pier: Cruising to the Islands
Perhaps the most unique aspect of this tour is the 1.5-hour ferry cruise from Marina South Pier. Boarding an open-top ferry, you’ll explore several nearby islands—Lazarus Island, Saint John’s Island, Kusu Island, and Sentosa—each offering a different flavor of Singapore’s coastal beauty. This is a real perk, as it allows you to see the city from the water and visit islands that are often overlooked. The ferry ride provides stunning views of the skyline and the surrounding seas, with many travelers noting how well this segment blends relaxation with sightseeing. The tour guarantees entry to the ferry and the islands, avoiding the usual hassle of separate bookings.
Chinatown: History and Culture
After disembarking, the tour takes you to Chinatown, an area rich in history and vibrant street life. Founded around 1821, Chinatown is home to temples, markets, and traditional shophouses. Your guide will share stories about the first Chinese immigrants and how the neighborhood evolved. Visitors appreciate the chance to walk freely through this historic district and learn about Singapore’s multicultural roots. Entry to Chinatown is free, making it easy to explore at your own pace before moving on to the next highlight.
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Merlion Park: The City’s Icon
No visit to Singapore is complete without a photo at Merlion Park, home to the iconic half-lion, half-fish statue. Standing as a symbol of the city, the Merlion is a perfect photo backdrop and a fun way to learn how Singapore earned its nickname as the “Lion City.” Your guide offers insights into the story behind the statue and Singapore’s origins as a fishing village. With only 20 minutes here, it’s a quick stop but packed with photo opportunities and cultural significance.
Spectra Light and Water Show: A Nighttime Spectacle
As evening approaches, the tour heads to Spectra, a captivating light and water show that reflects Singapore’s journey from a humble fishing port to a global metropolis. The 30-minute display features choreographed fountains, laser lights, and music that encapsulate the city’s modern spirit and cultural depth. Many guests find watching the show both mesmerizing and emotionally uplifting, a fitting conclusion to the day’s sightseeing.
Clarke Quay: Cruising Singapore’s Riverside
Finally, the tour concludes with a 45-minute electric boat cruise along the Singapore River, passing through historic Boat Quay. This area has transformed from old warehouses into a lively dining and entertainment district. The boat ride offers a relaxing perspective on the city’s architecture and history, with commentary from your guide about Singapore’s riverine past and its current vibrant scene. Travelers often mention how this cruise offers a peaceful yet lively end to a day filled with exploration.
What Makes This Tour Stand Out?
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This tour’s strength lies in its curation and local expertise. Led by Alex, a guide described as punctual, energetic, and knowledgeable, the experience is both educational and fun. His insights about Singapore’s landmarks, combined with the careful planning around road closures during busy times like New Year’s Eve, show the effort put into ensuring a smooth adventure.
The value offered by including skip-the-line tickets, ferry rides, and multiple attractions within seven hours makes this a compelling option. You’ll enjoy a mix of outdoor activities, cultural insights, and scenic views—all without the stress of organizing each component separately.
Practical Considerations
The tour begins at 3:00 pm, which is perfect if you want to spend the morning at your leisure. It’s suitable for most travelers, with most activities being accessible and the guide adjusting as needed. The private nature of the tour means your group can set the pace and engage with the guide more intimately, making it ideal for couples, families, or small groups.
Comfort is well thought-out, with an air-conditioned vehicle for transfers and bottled water to stay hydrated. Note that dinner isn’t included, so plan for a meal afterward or bring snacks for daytime.
Who Will Love This Tour?
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Travelers looking for a rundown of Singapore will find this tour highly rewarding. Perfect for those who want to see major landmarks without the hassle of planning multiple activities, especially if they’re short on time. It’s also ideal for travelers who value local insights and personalized service—the guide’s knowledge and enthusiasm shine through.
Plus, the combination of land, sea, and cityscapes appeals to those who prefer varied experiences in one day. If you enjoy scenic ferry rides, cultural districts, and iconic sights, this tour covers all those bases comfortably.
Final Thoughts
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This private Singapore tour offers a well-rounded experience that balances iconic sights with scenic relaxation. The inclusion of a ferry cruise, skip-the-line entries, and a knowledgeable local guide makes it excellent value, especially considering the convenience and depth of insights provided. The itinerary is thoughtfully crafted to showcase Singapore’s diversity—its lush gardens, vibrant neighborhoods, and modern skyline—all in one seamless day.
While it is a full schedule, most travelers agree that the experience is engaging and well-paced. The fact that it’s private means you can customize a little or simply enjoy the undivided attention of Alex, whose enthusiasm and local knowledge bring the city’s story alive.
If you’re after a practical, enjoyable way to see Singapore’s highlights with ease and style, this tour will serve you well. It’s especially suited for those who want a guided, all-in-one introduction to this vibrant city.
FAQ
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Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, the tour’s varied activities and accessible stops make it suitable for most age groups.
What’s included in the price?
The cost covers the private guide, air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, skip-the-line tickets to Gardens by the Bay and Floral Fantasy, and the ferry and boat rides.
Can I join the tour if I’m arriving late or need a different start time?
The tour starts at 3:00 pm, and since it’s private, you may be able to discuss flexible timing directly with the provider.
Is dinner included?
No, dinner is not included; you’ll need to plan for it afterward.
How long is the ferry cruise?
The ferry ride from Marina South Pier to the islands lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Are there any walking parts involved?
Yes, you’ll walk through Chinatown and Merlion Park, but these are generally manageable for most people.
What if it rains?
Many activities, like the Gardens by the Bay tram and indoor floral displays, are covered or outdoors with some shelter; check with your guide for options if rain occurs.
Is the tour customizable?
Since it’s private, your guide can tailor some aspects to your interests, time permitting.
Do I need to bring anything special?
Comfortable shoes and a camera are recommended. Bottled water is provided, but bring extra if you wish.
How far in advance should I book?
The tour is most often booked about 16 days ahead, so plan early for availability, especially during peak seasons.
This private tour is a fantastic way to get a comprehensive, stress-free look at Singapore’s highlights with the added bonus of a local guide’s insights. Perfect for travelers who want to see the city’s top sights, enjoy scenic boat rides, and learn some local stories—all in one thoughtfully curated package.
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