Singapore is a city made to impress its guests. The tropical city-state is a modern metropolis with dazzling skyscrapers and over-the-top attractions clearly designed to “wow”. From the massive 57-floor Marina Bay Sands complex to the awe-inspiring beauty of the Gardens by the Bay, nothing in Singapore is done halfway. Even the airport is a top tourist attraction, boasting its own photogenic parks, magnificent structures, and an indoor waterfall, which lights up at night. These ostentatious modern attractions interestingly contrast with the temples and “hawker” food courts found within Singapore's diverse neighborhoods, such as Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam, showcasing the influences of the city's multicultural populace of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Indonesian people. Singapore is also known for being an affluent and flourishing city when it comes to business. With an increasing number of big international businesses setting up shops there, you're likely to meet all sorts of people from all around the world visiting the city on work trips.
Whether you like exploring new cultures, lazy days at the beach or adrenaline-pumping thrills, there’s truly something for everyone in Singapore. In fact, the city-state is one of the most popular gay destinations in the region, despite same-sex activity only being legalized there in 2022. However, LGBTQ+ visitors should feel at ease, and it's likely no one would say anything if you walked down the street holding hands or checked into a hotel together. The people there are simply accustomed to LGBTQ+ tourism and accept it as part of the constantly evolving nature of Singapore.
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Table of Contents
1. General Tips
2. Transportation & Airport Transfer
3. Gay Hotels in Singapore
4. Sightseeing & Activities in Singapore
5. Restaurants & Cafes in Singapore
6. Singapore Gay Bars and Clubs
7. Singapore Saunas & Cruising Bars
8. Singapore Gay Beaches
9. Gay Events in Singapore
10. Day Trips from Singapore
General Tips
As Singapore sits just north of the equator, it has a warm, tropical climate, making it a great place to visit any time of year. Daily highs are consistently in the 80s, with the summer months (March–June) being slightly warmer. Although rain is likely year-round, November through January sees the most precipitation. However, that shouldn’t deter you from visiting this vibrant and cosmopolitan city. Hotel rates and pre-arranged Singapore packages don’t fluctuate much, as there are always business travelers to fill rooms. Rates do increase quite a bit during major national holidays such as Chinese New Year.
Without a doubt, Singapore’s famous Neil Road, located in Chinatown, is the hub of LGBTQ+ life, with gay bars, clubs, spas, and saunas ready to show both visitors and locals a good time. Chinatown is also known for its incredible food scene (e.g., Smith Street and Maxwell Road Hawker Centre). Although there are a variety of diverse and fascinating neighborhoods, keep this in mind when looking for accommodations and while planning your itinerary.
Something to be aware of in Singapore is its very strict rules. It is often jokingly referred to as a “fine city”—as in, you can get fined for very minor infractions. Spitting on the street, dropping litter, and smoking in certain areas can land you a hefty fine, so always be on your best behavior. The flip side of this is that Singapore is both a very clean and safe city.
Transportation & Airport Transfer
With hundreds of international flights every day, you’ll likely arrive at the impressive Singapore Changi Airport, located east of the city center. There are several options to get to your accommodations in the city, including Changi Airport taxis and two methods of public transit: the metro (MRT) and bus.
You can catch Changi Airport taxis 24/7, and the trip will take about 25 minutes, costing approximately $15–30 USD. This is the fastest and most comfortable way to get to the city center. Taxis in Singapore are reliable and metered; however, a few factors will impact the cost of your journey, including an airport pickup fee, toll charges, and additional fees depending on the time of day and holidays.
The MRT will get you into the city for just a few dollars and takes about 30 minutes. It’s a quick and efficient way to get into the city with regular departures. Since there isn’t a direct route to the city center, you’ll need to transfer at Tanah Merah Station to the green line that runs west into the city. For a discount on the fare, purchase an EZ-Link card, a rechargeable card that can be used for multiple types of public transit.
The bus is the slowest option, taking around 1.5 hours, but it’s also the cheapest, costing less than $2 USD. The 36/36A bus runs from the airport to the central MRT stations in the CBD. Check to see which stop is closest to where you are staying. If you aren’t using an EZ-Link card, make sure to have exact change, as bus drivers don’t give change.
Gay Hotels in Singapore
There aren't currently any gay hotels in Singapore, but there are many gay-friendly options.
Luxury
Parkroyal on Pickering – This modern 5-star hotel is like an urban oasis, covered in lush greenery and offering views of Singapore City Centre and Marina Bay. Guests can relax on the outdoor terrace, at the infinity pool, or at the on-site spa and wellness center. All rooms have a zen atmosphere, providing slippers, a minibar, and a private spa-like bathroom.
Sofitel So Singapore – This luxury property is located in Singapore City Centre and is within a 10-minute walk of Marina Bay. It features a rooftop terrace and a rooftop pool, as well as an on-site restaurant, Xperience. Rooms are all designed with an elegant yet whimsical style and come with a minibar, an alarm clock, and free wireless internet access.
Mid-Range
Naumi Liora Hotel – Set in Singapore City Centre, this chic hotel features a coffee bar, 24-hour reception, free Wi-Fi, luggage storage, a concierge, and a safe. Air-conditioned rooms include a flat-screen TV, luxury toiletries, luxury linens, as well as tea and coffee-making facilities, a refrigerator, and bottled water.
The Scarlet Singapore Hotel – This stylish hotel is within a 10-minute walk of the Central Business District. It offers a Jacuzzi, massage services, a swimming pool, an on-site gym, currency exchange, and meeting rooms. All the stylish and dramatically decorated rooms feature a refrigerator and all the essentials for a very comfortable stay.
Budget
Chic Capsule – Situated in Chinatown near the Chinatown MRT station, this hostel is unique in that it offers dormitory rooms where guests sleep in individual pods with their own smart TV to access the internet and stream videos. Guests have access to a shared bathroom, and towels, linens, and toiletries are provided.
Cube Boutique Capsule Hotel – Located in Chinatown, this modern hostel offers communal rooms with private cubes, each equipped with beds and storage lockers. All rooms are air-conditioned and come with a flat-screen TV and an electric kettle. Bathrooms are either shared or private and equipped with a shower. Breakfast is served every morning, and guests can unwind with a drink at the bar.
We’ve partnered with misterb&b to help curate the most LGBT+ friendly homestays. misterb&b is not a hotel or chain, but rather a booking platform for rooms, apartments and homes and it allows you to book from gay and gay-friendly hosts around the world. They have hosts in more than 200 countries and territories with more than 1 million total listings. Understanding the gay scene is much more easily done with the help of a local and home-sharing is one of the best ways to meet someone living in the city who knows how things work, where and when are the best nights to go out, and what places to eat at and which to avoid. misterb&b is our top choice if your priority is exploring the local gay scene.
Special Offer! Sign up with misterb&b and you will receive a free $10 credit to use on your first booking!Sightseeing & Activities in Singapore
Marina Bay Promenade – Singapore's waterfront promenade is a wonderful place to take in the city skyline and is where you'll find some of its most iconic landmarks, like Marina Bay Sands, the Singapore Flyer (one of the world's largest observation wheels), and the Merlion statue—Singapore's much-photographed water spouting half-lion, half-fish mascot. The promenade also features public art, lush greenery, and plenty of seating areas to sit back and absorb the city's energy on. Book tour →
Marina Bay Sands – A massive complex with a 57-story luxury hotel and casino, shopping, and entertainment center. Some of the top attractions include the rooftop park, infinity pool, SkyPark Observation Deck, the “Rain Oculus” (a spectacular indoor waterfall/water feature that defies description), and the flower-shaped ArtScience Museum. There are also countless pop-up art exhibitions, theater shows, bars, restaurants, and nightclubs within. One of the most novel things to do is glide past the luxury boutiques and around the Rain Oculus by taking a sampan ride along the complex's indoor canal. Book tour →
Gardens by the Bay – A stunning nature park in the heart of Singapore, known for its futuristic design and innovative blend of nature and technology. Spanning 250 acres, it features the iconic Supertree Grove—towering vertical gardens that light up with dazzling displays at night. The Cloud Forest Dome and Flower Dome are two of its major attractions, housing a dizzying variety of exotic plants, flowers, and a towering indoor waterfall. Visitors can get lost within the otherworldly gardens and take a walk along the 104-foot-high OCBC Skyway, suspended between two massive trees. Book tour →
Chinatown – Narrow streets lined with stalls selling goods and trinkets, traditional medicine halls, trendy new bars, and lifestyle shops make Singapore’s Chinatown a vibrant and bustling mix of old and new. Explore a variety of foods, ritual items, and traditional medicines, as well as visit the Chinatown Heritage Center. The area is also home to many historic temples, with the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple being a standout. This majestic temple houses what is believed to be a tooth relic of the Buddha and features intricate architecture, cultural exhibits, and a serene rooftop garden. Another must-visit is the Sri Mariamman Temple, Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple, renowned for its colorful gopuram (tower) and detailed sculptures. Finally, Thian Hock Keng Temple is one of the oldest Chinese temples and a beautiful tribute to Mazu, the Goddess of the Sea. Book tour →
Little India – The area is a sensory delight, with the aroma of incense and spices filling the air, and vibrant murals and traditional decorations lining the streets. Experience it to its fullest by taking a stroll down Serangoon Road, stopping at its various garland vendors, sari and spice shops, modern eateries, boutique hotels, and art groups. Key landmarks include the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali, known for its intricate sculptures and detailed architecture; Tekka Centre, a local market where you can sample the best traditional Indian dishes; and the House of Tan Teng Niah, a brightly decorated historic villa from the 1900s. Book tour →
Kampong Glam – Singapore's historic Muslim Quarter is known for its rich Malay, Arab, and Muslim cultural heritage. The area was once the seat of Malay royalty, as evidenced by the Sultan Mosque, with its grand golden dome, standing at the heart of the district, symbolizing its religious significance. Kampong Glam is also famous for its vibrant blend of traditional and modern attractions, including Arab Street and Haji Lane, where shophouses are filled with textile shops, trendy cafes, and boutique stores. Book tour →
Clarke Quay – On the banks of the Singapore River, this electrifying party district is the perfect place to quench your thirst for a fun night out. Clarke Quay, along with Boat Quay, is chock-full of iconic bars, restaurants, and clubs housed in former warehouses and storage facilities. Book tour →
Sentosa – Singapore's beaches might be man-made, but they are nonetheless little pockets of tropical paradise. The resort island has three beaches—Siloso, Palawan, and Tanjong—all perfect for soaking up the sun or trying your hand at water sports. Besides the beaches, Sentosa is also home to Singapore's major attractions like Universal Studios Singapore, Adventure Cove Waterpark, and S.E.A. Aquarium. There are several ways to get to the island, including driving, catching the Sentosa Express monorail from VivoCity, taking a leisurely stroll along the scenic Sentosa Boardwalk, or soaring above the waters in a cable car from Mount Faber or HarbourFront with great views from the Tiger Sky Tower.
Fort Canning Park – Once the site of Singapore's first botanical garden and an important military fort, the park is home to several historical landmarks, including the Battlebox, a former World War II command center, and Fort Gate, a remnant of the British colonial fortifications. It’s a serene place to leisurely explore a variety of trails, scenic gardens, and cultural attractions like ancient artifact displays from the 14th-century Malay kingdom. Further adding to its allure, the park’s dark history, including executions during the Japanese Occupation, has fueled tales of hauntings after sunset! Book tour →
Botanic Gardens – Yes, there are a lot of parks in Singapore! Roughly ten percent of the city is green space. Its Botanic Gardens though are the city's only UNESCO World Heritage Site and a beloved green oasis of lush landscapes, beautiful lakes, and a stunning collection of flora from around the world. The Gardens are famous for their National Orchid Garden, which houses over 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids of orchids. Book tour →
Changi Airport – More than just a gateway to Singapore, the airport is a world-class tourist attraction in itself. Consistently ranked among the best airports globally, it features a range of bizarre and beautiful attractions, including the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, the Rain Vortex, surrounded by lush greenery in the Shiseido Forest Valley. Then there's the Butterfly Garden, the Cactus Garden, the Sunflower Garden, a rooftop pool, and even a giant slide down to one of the terminals.
Restaurants & Cafes in Singapore
Peppermint Park – A popular gay restaurant specializing in handmade, piping hot pizza. Pizzas are served until 4 a.m. and are infused with local flavors like the spicy sambal pizza. It’s part of the Blue Spin group, which also includes famous gay bars Tantric, Backstage Bar, and May Wong’s Cafe.
May Wong’s Cafe – A tribute to the famous late Hollywood actress, Anna May Wong, this cocktail bar is popular with trendy gay executives. The menu is inventive, featuring unique drinks like the Tropical Orgy and Flaming Fiesta. The space has a pool table, darts, and music videos on many screens to entertain guests.
PS.Cafe at Ann Siang Hill – An English-inspired cafe with a casual, modern resort vibe, offering a sophisticated ambiance. Guests can choose from a brunch menu and a variety of international dishes on their all-day menu. This is a popular gay spot boasting four locations in Singapore. The Ann Siang Hill location is a popular gay hangout for the after-work crowd.
The Garden Slug – Located in the suburban east-side neighborhood of Telok Kurau, this gay cafe actively supports LGBTQ+ acceptance. Featuring an outdoor, pet-friendly dining space, this breakfast and brunch haven offers hearty, rustic food and generous portions. We recommend you try the pancakes!
Newton Food Center (Hawkers) – Eating at a good restaurant is an undeniable pleasure, but it's not really the traditional Singaporean way of doing things: hawker centers are. These food markets and centers are where locals gather to socialize and dine in the open air from several different food stalls—also called hawkers. Newton Food Center is one of the most famous hawker centers for tourists, but there are many scattered across the city, all offering a similar experience. Key dishes to seek out are Hainanese Chicken Rice, Hokkien Mee (fried noodles), Laksa (spicy noodle soup), Oyster Omelets, and Chili Crab.
Hawker Chan – Formerly known as Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle, this is the world’s first hawker stall to receive a Michelin star. In fact, it's the cheapest Michelin Star meal you can have in the world! Located in Singapore's Chinatown Complex, this humble eatery is famous for its signature Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodles. The dish features tender chicken, slow-braised in a savory soy sauce, served with either fragrant rice or chewy noodles. The restaurant has since expanded to other locations, but the Chinatown stall remains the OG favorite.
Overeasy – If you’re craving American comfort food, look no further than the gay-owned OverEasy. It’s a modern interpretation of a classic American diner with views of the Marina Bay skyline. Enjoy classics with a twist like smoked cheddar jalapeño corn dogs, truffled lobster mac & cheese, and juicy burgers. Wash it all down with a tasty milkshake or old-school cocktail.
Singapore Gay Bars and Clubs
Tantric – With over 13 years of serving up delicious cocktails and upbeat pop music, this Singapore hotspot is the place to be on weekends to mix, mingle, and party with a fun crowd. On weekdays, it’s much tamer, making it a great place to meet up with friends or colleagues in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, offering both outdoor and indoor spaces.
Backstage Bar – A staple of Singapore’s pink district, this bar in the heart of Tanjong Pagar has posters of musicals hanging on the walls and artfully blends nightlife, culture, and crazy-good cocktails. Stop by to relax on its cozy, comfortable sofas and order one of the silver screen-inspired cocktails, like the Golden Girls Cheesecake or the Lady Marmalade.
Lluvia – Since “lluvia” is Spanish for “rain,” this bar promises to be the colorful rainbow (drag queens included) after any storm. It’s conveniently located in Chinatown, about a 10-minute walk from Neil Road, the center of the gay scene. The crowd is mostly gay bears, their friends, and gays looking for bears.
Dorothy’s Bar – There's no place like Dorothy's Bar, established in 2015 in the heart of Chinatown- Down this yellow brick road, you’ll find a wide and diverse crowd enjoying regular themed nights, indoor and outdoor seating and daily happy hour from 6-8pm. Put on your ruby slippers and stop by for a drink.
Hypertaintment – The group behind Singapore’s sensational gay parties will bring your clubbing experience to new heights with fabulous venues and creative themed parties like their Sunday night “Hyper SunDaze.” For upcoming events, stop by their website or Facebook page.
Singapore Gay Saunas & Cruising Bars
Ten Men’s Club – A gay sauna with a welcoming atmosphere featuring a steam room, rain shower, TV lounge, movie hall, dark maze, and private rooms. Guests can also enjoy the rooftop garden with a smoking area, free Wi-Fi, and drinks available for purchase. It hosts weekly themed events like Skin Nite on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and no membership is needed.
Hook Club – A members-only gentlemen’s club with modern facilities, including a well-equipped gym, lockers, maze, private rooms, steam room, socializing area, and cafe. Complimentary beverages are available, and you can visit on themed nights like Un-Hook Fridays.
Keybox – With over 5,000 square feet of space, this gay sauna is well-designed with a large TV room, dry sauna, steam room, well-equipped gym, and 15 private rooms for guests to enjoy. Be on the lookout for regular themed nights like underwear/swimwear nights and skin nights.
Singapore Gay Beaches
Tanjong Beach – One of the three beaches on the southern coast of Sentosa Island, Tanjong is the furthest from Beach Station, making it more secluded and pretty quiet on weekdays. Here you’ll find cafes, shops, restrooms, and the Tanjong Beach Club,, a stylish bar and restaurant that regularly hosts parties attracting a mostly gay crowd. On Sundays, this beach is also a popular spot for gay sunbathers.
Gay Events in Singapore
Pink Dot – This is a non-profit movement that supports diversity and inclusion and advocates for LGBTQ Singaporeans. The volunteer-run organization hosts regular events to engage community members, raise awareness, and educate others with openness and acceptance. Visit their social channels for updates.
IndigNation – Singapore’s Pride Season, taking place every August since 2005. Bringing together Singapore’s diverse queer communities, they put on queer-related events and programs throughout the year to support and benefit both queer and allied communities, enabling progressive action.
Day Trips from Singapore
Batam – An island in Indonesia just across the water south of Singapore. It’s a 45- to 70-minute ferry ride from Singapore, and once you’re there, you can enjoy numerous attractions, dining establishments, and entertainment that’s much cheaper than in many other areas in Southeast Asia. Travelers often visit for scuba diving, golfing, water sports, nightlife, shopping, and relaxing on the beach as an escape from city life. Book tour →
Malacca – A UNESCO World Heritage Site and capital of the coastal state of Malacca in southwestern Malaysia. From Singapore, the best and cheapest option is to travel north by bus, which takes about four hours depending on traffic and the border crossing process. The historic city boasts many cultural sights, such as the 17th-century Chinese Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, the 18th-century Javanese-influenced Kampung Kling Mosque, and Jonker Street, known for its famous night market. Book tour →
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