For your next trip to Pulau Ujong, wondering if there are neighborhoods or areas to avoid in Singapore, what are the best places to stay?
Indeed, as with any travel destination, it is important to know the areas to avoid in Singapore for security reasons or lack of tourist attractions.
And even though Singapore is generally safe, like any other urban area, some neighborhoods have a higher crime rate or are simply not tourist friendly.
So here's a guide to Singapore's neighborhoods with a map and tips for finding neighborhoods to avoid and the best areas to stay.
I wrote it by summarizing the most recent web data (statistics, rankings, newspaper articles, exchanges in traveler forums).
Is Singapore safe in 2024?
Yes: Singapore is one of the safest places in the world. Indeed, the city-state has consistently ranked highly in all security rankings of cities and countries around the world like the Global Peace Index. Indeed, on this website, Singapore is ranked as the 6th safest state in the world.
The same is true for the classification of worldpopulationreview.com where Singapore is the 2nd safest city in the world in 2024.
This is also confirmed by the Numbeo world ranking or Singapore will have one of the lowest crime indexes in 2024 (23.1). If we compare with other Asian cities that are already very safe, Singapore appears less safe than Hong Kong but even safer than Bangkok, Phuket, Siem Reap, Manila, Denpasar ou Jakarta.
What crime in Singapore?
Like any other city, Singapore has its share of crime but these are minor crimes such as pickpocketing, scams or cybercrime.
Crimes such as burglary and assault are relatively rare in Singapore. The highly efficient and responsive police forces ensure the safety of citizens. Singapore's commitment to security is reflected in its comprehensive surveillance systems, which include CCTV cameras installed throughout the city.
The city-state takes a zero-tolerance approach to crime, with tough penalties and strict law enforcement, which acts as a deterrent. It should be remembered that in 2022, 11 people were sentenced to death for drug-related offences.
Areas to Avoid in Singapore – Map
Singapore is a huge city but also an archipelago made up of 64 islands, the largest of which is called Pulau Ujong. The island is divided into districts whose organization and classification are very complicated to understand:
- 28 former districts grouped into three regions
- 64 survey districts according to land registry classification
- 55 planning areas grouped into 5 regions and subdivided into 323 subzones
Here is a simplified map where you can locate the areas to avoid in Singapore and the best places to stay (listed below): Singapore Neighborhoods
Dangerous neighborhoods in Singapore?
There are no dangerous neighborhoods in Singapore for either tourist hotels or resident accommodation. Wherever you go in Singapore, you will not be threatened or in danger.
Areas to avoid in Singapore
As we have just indicated, there are no really dangerous neighborhoods in Singapore. However, for a successful stay, it will be necessary to avoid areas that are too far from tourist attractions, with a bad reputation, too noisy, too crowded or not adapted to the needs of tourists.
According to information published in 2024, here is the list of neighborhoods and areas to avoid in Singapore for a tourist stay:
Areas to Avoid in Singapore: Tuas and Jurong East Industrial Areas
Indeed, industrial areas such as you et Jurong East have no tourist attraction. These areas are mainly residential or industrial and do not offer many opportunities for sightseeing or entertainment.
Singapore Red Light District
geylang is considered the red light district of Singapore (Singapore's Red Light District). It is therefore an area to avoid when choosing a hotel for a tourist stay. It is best to prioritize other neighborhoods when planning your visit to Singapore.
Other neighborhoods to avoid in Singapore
Whether it's because they're less safe, too far from central attractions, or unappealing to tourists, here are the other neighborhoods to avoid in Singapore:
Best places to stay in Singapore
After listing the areas to avoid, let's now find out which are the 3 best areas to stay in Singapore:
- Marina Bay – Upscale area with skyscrapers and luxury shopping malls.
- Orchard Road – Main shopping area in central Singapore
- Sentosa Island – Singapore Resort for Beach Enjoyment
Below you will find more information on these 3 best areas to stay in Singapore:
Marina Bay – Downtown Singapore
In Downtown, Raffles Place is in fact the very center of Singapore. As you get closer to Marina Bay, you will have plenty of luxury hotels with stunning views of the city skyline, great restaurants, and luxury shopping. See location of this area
This area also provides easy access to popular attractions such as Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands, Art Science Museum, Singapore Flyer Ferris Wheel or the Supertrees Flower Greenhouses.
If you are looking to stay in an iconic hotel in Singapore, then book at Marina Bay Sands ! It is one of the most beautiful hotels in Singapore which faces the Marina Bay. Its skyview on the 57th floor is simply exceptional for its extraordinary view of the entire city.
Orchard Road Singapore
The area aroundOrchard Road (largest shopping street in Singapore) is an attractive area for its many shops and huge shopping malls. Additionally, Orchard Road provides easy access to public transportation, allowing tourists to explore other parts of the city.
Here is a hotel very well located to take advantage of the district and to easily visit all of Singapore (near the metro): YOTEL Singapore Orchard Road
Sentosa Singapore
The Sentosa Island is a resort island located just off the southern coast of Singapore. It offers a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The island is home to many attractions, including Universal Studios Singapore, SEA Aquarium, and Adventure Cove Water Park. By staying on Sentosa Island, tourists can enjoy these attractions while enjoying the peace and serenity of the beaches.
Here is one of the most beautiful hotels in Sentosa: Sentosa's Shangri-La
