Transiting in Singapore before your Bali honeymoon
Long haul flights can be exhausting, and the last thing you want is to arrive in Bali more tired than excited. Thatâs why we often suggest transiting in Singapore. The flight on to Bali takes only around two and a half hours, thereâs no time difference, and Changi Airport makes it one of the easiest connections in the world. How you spend it depends on one thing: the length of your layover.
Why stop over in Singapore on the way to Bali?
For couples flying in from Europe, the Americas or the Middle East, a stopover breaks one exhausting journey into two manageable parts, so you can sleep in a real bed and arrive in Bali refreshed. Singapore is also a fun contrast to Bali because of their modern, green and famous for its food. To be honest, a longer stop does add an extra hotel night and a little planning, so if youâd rather reach the beach as quickly as possible, a simple connection at Changi works perfectly well too.
Flights from Singapore to Bali
Singapore Airlines and its low cost sister airline Scoot fly to Bali several times a day, and Garuda Indonesia, Batik Air and Indonesia AirAsia also serve the route. If youâre still choosing your long haul airline, our guide to the best business and first class flights to Bali explains why Singapore Airlines is our top pick.
Singapore transit visa and entry rules
If you stay in the transit area, most travelers need neither a Singapore visa nor the SG Arrival Card.
If you leave the airport, even just to visit Jewel, the rules depend on your passport. Travelers from the US, UK, Australia and EU countries, among many others, can enter visa free, while some nationalities need a visa in advance or can use the 96 hour Visa Free Transit Facility. Everyone entering Singapore must submit the free SG Arrival Card online within three days before arrival. Check the Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) website for the requirements for your nationality.
For Bali, we suggest applying for your visa through the official Indonesian e-Visa website to skip the airport queues, and paying the one-time Bali tourist levy online before you fly. Both passports need at least six monthsâ validity from your date of entry.
Transiting in Singapore it all depends on your layover
The length of your layover decides almost everything, from where you sleep to whether itâs worth leaving the airport at all. Hereâs how weâd use the time.
Under 5.5 hours: stay airside
With a short connection, stay in the transit area. Skytrax named Changi the worldâs best airport for a record 14th time in 2026, and thereâs plenty to enjoy without clearing immigration. The free Skytrain links Terminals 1, 2 and 3, Terminal 3 has a two level butterfly garden and a free 24 hour movie theater, and Terminal 2 is home to The Wonderfall digital waterfall. Above Gate D40 in Terminal 1, Changi Transit Hotel has the worldâs only outdoor pool in an airport transit hotel, and non guests can swim with a day pass. If youâd rather rest, its rooms let you sleep and shower a few minutes from your gate.
5.5 to 24 hours: Jewel, a free city tour or a day room
Now itâs worth clearing immigration. Jewel Changi Airport, home to the Rain Vortex, the worldâs tallest indoor waterfall, sits on the public side of the airport, and itâs where weâd book a celebratory Peking duck lunch at Imperial Treasure Super Peking Duck. To see the city without any planning, the Free Singapore Tour is a free 2.5 hour guided bus tour for transit passengers with layovers between 5.5 and 24 hours. Register at the booths in the Terminal 2 or Terminal 3 transit areas at least 90 minutes before the tour, before clearing immigration, or pre book online if youâre flying Singapore Airlines or Scoot. You can join only one tour, and youâre not eligible if youâve booked a hotel outside the transit area. Need a proper nap and a shower instead? Crowne Plaza Changi Airport sells day use rooms just steps from Terminal 3.
Overnight or longer : a night in the city
With a night or more, transiting in Singapore becomes a mini holiday. Stay close to the airport at Crowne Plaza or the Dusit Thani Laguna resort if you have an early flight, or head 20 minutes into town to Marina Bay Sands or Pan Pacific Singapore and spend the evening at Gardens by the Bay and on a Singapore River cruise. Singapore Airlinesâ Singapore Stopover Holiday packages bundle a hotel stay and city experiences with your onward flight, so theyâre worth checking when you book.
Where to stay when transiting in Singapore
Your choice comes down to two questions: how long is your layover, and do you want to clear immigration? Changi Transit Hotel Terminal 1 is the only one on our list inside the transit area. Crowne Plaza sits on the public side of the airport, Dusit Thani Laguna is a five star resort around ten minutes away, and Marina Bay Sands and Pan Pacific Singapore are our picks for a full night in the city.
Best things to do on a Singapore layover
Jewel is the easy win on a shorter layover, while the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark, Gardens by the Bay and an evening river cruise are best saved for an overnight stop.
Where to eat during your Singapore layover
Food is one of the best reasons to step out of the airport. Singaporeâs classics are chili crab with mantou (fried buns), Hainanese chicken rice, the spicy coconut noodle soup laksa and kaya toast with a strong local coffee called kopi. Youâll find them at the hawker centres, Singaporeâs open air food courts, a tradition recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage. You donât have to go far for a good meal, though. Imperial Treasure Super Peking Duck and The Coach Restaurant are both on the first floor of Jewel, Allora sits in the lobby of Crowne Plaza, and Greenhouse is just ten minutes from the airport. JUMBO Seafood is the one weâd head into the city for, ideally on an overnight stop.
Frequently asked questions âď¸
Do I need to collect my luggage during a Singapore layover?
Usually not. If both flights are on the same booking, your bags are normally checked through to Bali. If you booked separate tickets, you'll need to clear immigration, collect your bags and check in again, so confirm with your airline before you fly.
How early should I be back at Changi before my flight to Bali?
If you've left the airport, we'd aim to be back at least two hours before departure. That leaves time to clear immigration and the security check at your gate without rushing.
How do I get from Changi Airport to the city?
A taxi or ride-hailing car takes around 20 to 25 minutes to Marina Bay, depending on traffic. The MRT train from Terminals 2 and 3 is cheaper but slower, at around 30 to 40 minutes with a change of line.
Can I store my luggage at Changi Airport?
Yes, every terminal has a baggage storage service, so you can leave your carry-on bags and explore Jewel or the city hands free.
Plan your Bali honeymoon after Singapore
Once you land, a calm first night near the airport helps you ease into island time, and our Sanur honeymoon guide is a good place to start. From there, browse the most luxurious hotels in Bali, our favorite 5-star beachfront resorts in Bali or our romantic activities in Bali, and if youâd like to see more of Indonesia, island-hop to the Gili Islands or Nusa Penida.
Explore more Bali honeymoon guides
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