December 19, 2026
Your Guide to Singapore
Everything you need to know for the trip
Getting There
Plan your arrival
We recommend arriving on Friday, December 18 or earlier to settle in and adjust to the time zone (Singapore is 13 hours ahead of PST / 16 hours ahead of EST). Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) is consistently rated one of the best airports in the world — you might not want to leave!
December is peak travel season in Singapore, so book your flights early for the best prices and availability. The flight is roughly 18–19 hours, so plan for a full travel day.
Direct Flights from the US
From New York (JFK/EWR)
From San Francisco (SFO)
Weather
What to expect in December
Singapore is tropical year-round with temperatures between 25–31°C (77–88°F). December falls within the northeast monsoon season, so expect occasional rain showers — usually short but heavy.
What to Pack
- Light, breathable clothing (cotton, linen)
- A compact umbrella or rain jacket
- A light layer for air-conditioned indoors (malls, restaurants, MRT)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
The Venue
Minjiang at Dempsey
Our wedding lunch will be held at Minjiang at Dempsey, a renowned Chinese restaurant nestled in the lush greenery of Dempsey Hill. The restaurant is set within a beautifully restored colonial-era building surrounded by tropical foliage.
Getting to the Venue
Dempsey Hill is accessible by car or taxi but not directly by MRT. Your best options:
- Grab / Taxi — The easiest option. Grab is Singapore's ride-hailing app (like Uber). A ride from most central hotels takes 10–20 minutes.
- MRT + Bus/Grab — Take the MRT to Botanic Gardens station, then a short Grab or bus 7, 75, 77, 105, or 106.
Where to Stay
Hotel recommendations
Singapore has excellent hotels at every price point. Here are our recommendations, organized by area:
Dempsey Hill & Tanglin Area
- The Singapore EDITION — Luxury, ~10 min from venue
- Shangri-La Singapore — Iconic luxury hotel, lush gardens, ~5 min drive
- COMO Metropolitan Singapore — Boutique luxury near Botanic Gardens
Shopping & Central
- Hilton Singapore Orchard — Great location, modern rooms
- The Quincy Hotel — Boutique all-inclusive, near MRT
- Orchard Hotel Singapore — Right on Orchard, solid mid-tier pick
Iconic Views
- Marina Bay Sands — The iconic infinity pool experience
- The Fullerton Hotel — Heritage luxury on the waterfront
- Pan Pacific Singapore — Great views, ~20 min to venue
Great Value, Great Location
- Holiday Inn Express Orchard — Reliable, right on Orchard Road
- Courtyard by Marriott Novena — Modern rooms, near MRT
- Citadines Connect City Centre — Serviced apartments, great for longer stays
- JEN Singapore Tanglin — Comfortable, close to venue & Orchard
Travel Essentials
Good to know
Visa
Most nationalities enjoy visa-free entry for 30 days. Check with the ICA website to confirm your eligibility.
Currency
Singapore Dollar (SGD). ~1 USD = 1.35 SGD. Credit cards are widely accepted everywhere. ATMs are easy to find.
Timezone
Singapore Standard Time (SGT) = UTC+8. That's 13 hours ahead of PST and 16 hours ahead of EST. Give yourself a day to adjust!
SIM & WiFi
Pick up a tourist SIM card at Changi Airport (Singtel, StarHub, or M1). Free WiFi is available at most malls, cafes, and MRT stations.
Getting Around
The MRT (subway) is fast and affordable. Use Grab for ride-hailing. Get an EZ-Link card at any MRT station and manage it with the SimplyGo app for easy top-ups and transit.
Food
Singapore is a food paradise! Hawker centres offer incredible meals for $3–5 SGD. Don't miss chicken rice, laksa, and chili crab.
Helpful Apps to Download
Get these on your phone before you land:
Places to Explore
Make the most of your trip
Marina Bay Sands & Gardens by the Bay
The iconic skyline. Walk through the Supertree Grove, visit the Cloud Forest dome, and catch the nightly light show at the waterfront.
Hawker Centres
Experience Singapore's famous street food culture. Try Maxwell Food Centre (Chinatown) or Lau Pa Sat (CBD). Affordable and delicious.
Orchard Road
Singapore's premier shopping belt. Miles of malls, department stores, and restaurants. Great for holiday shopping in December!
Cultural Districts
Explore Chinatown for temples and street food, Little India for vibrant colours and spices, and Kampong Glam for the stunning Sultan Mosque and Haji Lane boutiques.
Sentosa Island
A resort island with Universal Studios, beaches, the S.E.A. Aquarium, and plenty of family-friendly activities. A full day trip on its own.
Singapore Zoo & Night Safari
World-class zoo set in a rainforest. The Night Safari is a unique after-dark experience — one of Singapore's must-dos.
Botanic Gardens
A UNESCO World Heritage Site just minutes from the venue. Stroll through the National Orchid Garden and enjoy 160+ years of tropical greenery.
East Coast Park
A beautiful coastal stretch perfect for cycling, rollerblading, or enjoying seafood at the nearby East Coast Lagoon Food Village.
Extend Your Trip
Explore the region while you're here
You're already flying halfway around the world — why not make the most of it? Singapore is a perfect launchpad to explore Southeast Asia. Flights are short and affordable, and December is a fantastic time to visit the region.
Malaysia
1–2 hr flight · or bus/trainKuala Lumpur for the Petronas Towers, incredible food, and Batu Caves. Penang for the best street food in Asia. Langkawi for duty-free island beaches. You can even take a bus to Malacca (2 hrs) for a charming heritage day trip.
Bali, Indonesia
~2.5 hr flightTemples, rice terraces, world-class surfing, and stunning sunsets in Ubud and Seminyak. An incredibly affordable tropical getaway that pairs perfectly with a Singapore trip.
Thailand
~2 hr flightBangkok for temples, street food, and night markets. Phuket or Krabi for stunning beaches and island hopping. Thai food alone is worth the trip.
Vietnam
~2 hr flightHo Chi Minh City for buzzing energy and pho. Hanoi for the Old Quarter and Halong Bay cruises. Da Nang / Hoi An for lantern-lit streets and beautiful beaches.
Cambodia
~2 hr flightVisit the magnificent Angkor Wat temple complex in Siem Reap — one of the wonders of the world. December is dry season, perfect for exploring. Phnom Penh offers rich history and riverside dining.
Philippines
~3.5 hr flightOver 7,000 islands to explore. Palawan for crystal-clear lagoons, Boracay for white sand beaches, and Cebu for whale shark encounters and waterfalls.