Singapore, in many ways, is a logical “next step” travel destination after Taiwan. Both, after all, are small and unique countries with amazing food, cosmopolitan culture and amazing public transportation.
Indeed, since I often consider Taiwan to be a “bridge” between Southeast Asia and Northeast Asia, it makes sense to begin your exploration of Southeast Asia in Singapore, which is in many ways more like Japan and Korea, and less like Thailand or Malaysia.
Whether you want to travel from Taiwan to Singapore or vice-versa, I hope this article will help you plan your trip. Continue reading to learn more!
Why So Many Taiwanese Love Singapore
It’s not a secret that it’s so easy to reach Singapore from Taiwan. Taiwanese adore Singapore for many reasons. These include the delicious street food, the diverse culture and the fact that Singapore is an easy weekend trip. It’s a small enough country that two or three days is all you need to see everything. Plus, given plentiful flight connections (more on those in a second), you simply aren’t likely to need to spend a long time en route.
Then there’s the topic of gambling. Now, it’s important for visitors to remember that online casinos are completely illegal in Singapore. The silver lining? Whether at the famous Marina Bay Sands (which is also one of Singapore’s finest hotels) or at other licensed casinos, there are plenty of places to play your favorite games in person. This can make a fantastic way to wrap up a day of amazing sightseeing in the “Lion City.”
How to Reach Singapore from Taiwan (and Vice-versa)
Fly nonstop from Taipei (TPE) to Singapore (SIN)
The most popular way from Taipei to Singapore is the many nonstop flights per day from Taoyuan Airport. Airlines serving this route include full-service carriers like Singapore’s Singapore Airlines and the “Taiwanese trio” (EVA Air and China Airlines, plus Starlux), plus a wide range of low-cost carriers. On most days, at least a dozen flights per day operate between the two airports.
Fly nonstop from Kaohsiung (KHH) to Singapore (SIN)
Another airport that connects Singapore to Taiwan is Kaohsiung International Airport. As is the case with flights from southern Taiwan in general, there are many fewer services from KHH to SIN than there are ex-TPE, and served via smaller aircraft. In fact, as of 2025, only a single nonstop flight (on China Airlines) connects the two airports, and it doesn’t even operate every day.
Connect via Manila (MNL)
The Philippines is the closest Southeast Asian nation to Taiwan, and Manila International Airport is its main air hub. While this airport is also known as one of the worst in Asia (and maybe the world), fares are extremely low. So if you’re looking to save money en route to Singapore and don’t mind the hassle of a messy connection, consider flying Philippine Airlines via Manila.
Connect via Hong Kong (HKG)
A more premium way to get to Taiwan from Singapore (compared to going via MNL) is instead to connect at Hong Kong International Airport, known unlike Manila as being one of the world’s best airports. Flying this way, you can choose to fly either Cathay Pacific (a full-service and highly-regarded carrier) or HK Express, a low-cost carrier that’s the best choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Connect in Southeast Asia (HAN, SGN, BKK, KUL)
The final well—or, at least, the final common way—between Taiwan and Singapore is via other Southeast Asian airports. In general, this means flying via Vietnam (Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon), Thailand (Bangkok) or Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur), and in most cases using full-service flag carriers like Vietnam Airlines, Thai Airways and Malaysia Airlines. In the case of Bangkok (DMK) and Kuala Lumpur’s KLIA2 terminal, you can instead fly low-cost AirAsia and/or AirAsia X.
Things to Do in Singapore (Once You Get There)
Singapore is a small country that packs a big punch. As I explain in a dedicated article on my other website, here’s how I approach planning a Singapore itinerary:
- Dig into ethnic neighborhoods like Chinatown, Little India, Kampong Glam and Arab Street, which are located throughout the city.
- Eat your way through Singapore’s hawker centers, such as the Maxwell Food Centre—where, among other things, you can try local classics like chilli crabs.
- Visit gardens, be that the Singapore Botanic Garden and National Orchid Garden, or the futuristic Gardens by the Bay with its “super trees.”
- Say “cheers” to Singapore, whether with a classic Singapore Sling at the Raffles Hotel, or a creative craft cocktail by the infinity pool atop Marina Bay Sands Hotel.
As you can see, the return on investment for traveling from Taiwan to Singapore is extremely high, even if it isn’t a very big “investment” at all.
Other FAQ About Visiting Singapore from Taiwan
How many hours from Taiwan to Singapore?
If you fly nonstop from Taipei or Kaohsiung, the flight to Singapore will take anywhere from 4-5 hours en route. However, if you connect somewhere, your journey time will almost certainly be protracted, particularly if it’s at an airport that takes you off the direct line between the two countries.
How do I get from Taiwan to Singapore?
Several airlines fly nonstop from Taiwan’s Taoyuan and Kaohsiung airports to Singapore’s Changi Airport multiple times per day. In addition, indirect routings via The Philippines, Hong Kong and various airports can save you money, even if they take more time en route.
How close is Singapore to Taiwan?
As the crow (or an airplane, as it were) flies, it’s about 2,000 miles from Taiwan’s Taoyuan Airport to Singapore; the distance from Kaohsiung is slightly less. This translates into a nonstop flying time of between 4-5 hours; you can expect the journey to take longer if you connect somewhere.
The Bottom Line
It’s easy to travel from Taiwan to Singapore—and rewarding, too. Some travelers will hop a nonstop flight from Taipei or Kaohsiung to Singapore’s Changi Airport, while others will connect—in Hong Kong, in the Philippines or elsewhere in Southeast Asia. Whatever routing takes you between Taiwan and Singapore, you can be sure that what awaits you there will fulfill you. Explore ethnic neighborhoods like Chinatown and Little India, have a Singapore Sling at the Raffles Hotel or watch sunrise behind the “super trees” at Gardens by the Bay. Need personalized help planning your Asian adventure? Hire me to create a custom itinerary!
