You had us at free! The Free Singapore Tours have been refreshed to welcome travellers back to the Lion City
There’s no denying Singapore has long been a popular hub for international travel, with Changi Airport serving as a major transit point for Australian-based passengers traveling to Europe and beyond.
Fortunately, transfer and transit passengers once again have the opportunity to soak up the best of the city’s rich culture and attractions after a two-year pandemic hiatus, via the Free Singapore Tour.
The refreshed tours are undoubtedly better than ever, with new itineraries making it well worth your time, even if you’ve joined in the past.
The details
The Free Singapore Tour program is backed by the airport in collaboration with the Singapore Tourism Board, offering a free tour package for passengers who have a layover of at least six hours or more.
Each passenger can join a maximum of two tours, so there’s definitely potential to squeeze the most out of your layover, with each tour lasting about 2.5 to 3 hours.
The tours are available in various languages and include a range of activities tailored to passengers’ interests. Visitors can choose from four tours: Changi Precinct Tour, Heritage Tour, City Sights Tour and the Jewel Tour.
Travelling with a layover in Singapore on both legs? A great way to get the most out of the free tours would be to opt in for two on your way out of Australia and the other two on your return trip!
The tours: What’s on offer?
The all-new Changi Precinct Tour takes travellers to the eastern part of Singapore, offering a glimpse at how local residents live while telling the tale of Singapore’s history away from the usual hustle and bustle of Singapore’s city centre.
Available from June, the Heritage Tour showcases Singapore’s rich cultural diversity, taking visitors to landmarks such as the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Chinatown and Arab Street and Haji Lane.
If you’re after an urban immersion, the City Sights Tour offers a glimpse of Singapore’s contemporary architecture, bustling city center, and futuristic attractions.
Meanwhile, the Jewel Tour provides a taste of Singapore’s food heritage by sampling local snacks amongst visiting popular attractions like the Shiseido Forest Valley and HSBC Rain Vortex.
Read the TCM guide to experiencing The Jewel here.
No matter which tour(s) you choose, you’ll be in good hands. Each of the tours are guided by experienced multilingual volunteers who are passionate about Singapore’s history and culture, so you’ll be able to ask all your burning questions.
Free Singapore Tour: What to know
All passengers must have a valid onward ticket and Singapore entry visa to take part in the tours.
It’s also important to know that transit and transfer passengers who wish to join the Free Singapore Tour must have a layover period of at least 5.5 hours but less than 24 hours.
Other features of the Free Singapore Tour program include free shuttle transportation from and to the airport and complimentary bottled water.
How to book
It’s easy to book the Free Singapore Tour in advance via the online portal on the Changi Airport website.
A brief history
The Free Singapore Tour was initially introduced in 1987 in an effort to present Singapore as more of a holiday destination rather than transit hub.
In 2019, over 80,000 passengers went on the Free Singapore Tour, with Australian and Indian travellers making up more than one third of the total participants.
Summing up: Is it worth it?
As the saying goes: ‘The best things in life are free’.
The Free Singapore Tour program offers an excellent opportunity for transfer and transit passengers to make the most of their layover and explore the city’s landmarks, culture, and heritage.
All in all, it’s the perfect way to get a taste of Singapore, allowing passengers to break up the monotony of long-haul flights and experience the city like a local without tapping into your holiday savings.
So, the next time you find yourself with a long layover in Changi Airport, don’t hesitate to take advantage of the free tours!
For more information, you can visit the Free Singapore Tour page here.
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Very good arrangements for Singapore city tour. Staff and tour guides also co-operative. Thanks