A Local’s Guide to What to Do & Where to Stay in Singapore

Having grown up in Singapore, I am proud to be a Singaporean. Singapore might be tiny compared to many countries in Asia, but it is by no means boring.

Are you wondering what a trip to Singapore would be like? And are you looking for what to do in Singapore but want to know more than what the standard guidebooks offer?

Well, you are in luck: here is an insider’s guide to what you can (and should) see and do in Singapore.

What To Do In Singapore

1. Try Singapore’s food

Lau Pa Sat market

Lau Pa Sat means ‘old market’, which is very appropriate given that the market is over 120 years old.

It is a food market, and you wouldn’t want to miss experiencing the tastes and smells of this place when you come to Singapore.

Lau Pa Sat Market, also known as Telok Ayer Market, is open from early morning until late at night, and you are sure to get great tasting food at very affordable prices.

If you want to visit Singapore like a local, then this is a great start!

For more information: Laupasat.sg

Four Dishes and One Very Unique Fruit to Try

This is the Singaporean food you have to try at least once:

1. Laksa

A dish of Peranakan origin, the Singaporean version is a traditional curry laksa. It is spicy and creamy.

Be sure to eat the noodle with a spoonful of the gravy that comes with it.

Great with a cold drink like our local Milk Tea called Teh Peng.

2. Chicken Rice

This is one of my favorites. The full name is Hainanese Chicken Rice, and no coffee shop in Singapore is complete without it.

The fragrant rice coupled with the smooth pieces of chicken and accompanied by the chili will make your taste buds sing.

3. Durian

This is widely seen as the national fruit of Singapore.

You really can’t leave Singapore without trying Durian at least once.

An acquired taste not for everyone, and a smell you will never forget, but if ever you wanted to try it, do it in Singapore!

Fun fact: The Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, with its distinctive spiky design, is colloquially referred to as “the big durians” because of its resemblance to the fruit. Check it out while you’re in Singapore!

4. Bak Kut Teh

Also called Pork Bone Tea, it is said that it was invented when a poor stall owner cooked up some pork bones with star anise, pepper, and other cheap spices to give to a beggar.

Bak Kut Teh is noted to be as old as Singapore when it was a developing country.

5 Chili Crab

This dish is to die for, and for most tourists this is the first thing they will go for.

It’s not really that spicy. The taste is deliciously unique and will make you want to wipe up all the extra gravy with fried buns, called mantous.

Michelin-Starred Restaurants in Singapore

Singapore is a proud home to a surprising number of Michelin-starred restaurants.

If you love good food and want to splurge, then a meal at a Michelin-star restaurant should definitely be on your list of what to do in Singapore.

Some Michelin-starred restaurants worth mentioning:

• Alma by Juan Amador: Try out their signature dish of charcoal-grilled wagyu beef.
• Beni: Japanese cuisine. Try their roasted Ozaki baked with hojicha pastry.
• Braci: For anyone who loves Italian cuisine.
• Chef Kang’s: Visiting this restaurant is a must!
• Cut by Wolfgang Puck: Famous for their high-quality steaks and grilled meats.

2. Explore Singapore’s Nature

There’s more to Singapore than delicious food, so next up on the list of things to do in Singapore is exploring its surprisingly diverse nature.

Gardens by the Bay

Covering a total of 101 hectares, Gardens by the Bay is located in the heart of Marina Bay and is a vision of wonderful green landscapes, towering trees, waterfalls, and beautiful species of flowers.

Gardens by the Bay is a must-see in the evening: the towers change colors then, and the lights are out of this world!

Fun fact: Gardens by the Bay is home to the world’s largest glass greenhouse and a 35-meter-tall indoor waterfall!

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

This place gives you a glimpse of what Singapore looked like when it was still mostly a rainforest.

With mangrove trees and streams, Sungei Buloh is a haven for all kinds of wildlife native to Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

Singapore Botanic Gardens

The Botanic Gardens are just a step away from the bustling shopping centers of Singapore, and going into the gardens gives you a sense of peace and quiet.

This national park is open daily and has a variety of flowers and plants, including one of the first rubber tree orchards, a lake, and trails you can walk on while viewing the park to your heart’s content.

There are also gazebos where you can sit and relax, and restaurants for you to get a refreshing drink or something to eat.

The Southern Ridges

If you are a hiking enthusiast, the Southern Ridges are the perfect trail for you.

It’s the best place to take a walk while looking out over the city, the harbor, and the Southern islands; and it is also home to different types of flora and fauna.

The Southern Ridges is also the place for you if you are a history buff, a bird watcher, or you just want a different picnic setting with your family.

3. Discover Singapore’s History

NUS Baba House

Singapore’s first-ever heritage house, NUS Baba House is a standing reminder of what a Peranakan family home looked like in the 1920s.

You have to book in advance, and tours last about an hour.

You are not allowed to take pictures inside the house, but it is an unforgettable experience of history and culture, and it paints a good picture of what Singapore was like many years ago.

The Changi Museum

Dedicated to those who were prisoners of war during the Japanese occupation in WWII, the Changi Museum holds various personal artifacts and items from the news coverage at that time.

Additionally, there are some interesting murals painted on the prison walls by a British prisoner.

Although this may not be a happy experience, it will teach you a lot about this time in history and will help you empathize with the soldiers and the hope that sustained them.

Battlebox

The Battlebox was formerly an underground command center during WWII, and was part of the Malaya Command Headquarters.

This is where Lt. Gen. Percival made the hard decision to surrender Singapore to the Japanese.

The re-imagined scenes here will take you back to 1942, giving you an idea of how an underground command center worked, and what engineered the Fall of Singapore.

4. Visit Some of Singapore’s Religious Sites

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum

Founded in 2002, the Temple is dedicated to the Maitreya Buddha (the Compassionate One).

Tours are given in English, but you have to register ahead of time, and slots are limited.

Tip: Hats, shorts, and revealing clothes are not allowed inside the Temple.

Sultan Mosque

Masjid Sultan, or Sultan Mosque, located on Arab Street, is a classic example of Islamic and Malayan architecture.

The mosque makes a beautiful background for a picture, and you can learn the history of the beginnings of Islam in Singapore, as well as attend Friday prayers, which are done in Malay.

Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple

Built by Tamil laborers in 1855, this temple is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Singapore, and is built in a traditional South Indian style.

Situated in Little India on Serangoon Road, you must be well dressed and remove your shoes before you can enter.

Also, to take pictures inside, you will have to pay a fee.

5. Immerse Yourself in Singapore’s Culture

Kampong Glam Neighborhood

Walking through this neighborhood takes you down one of the narrowest roads in Singapore.

It is where you can find out more about ancient Indonesian medicine, the Tombs of the Malayan Princes, and see the old royal palace, Istana Kampong Glam.

Arab Street

This is the street that has one of Singapore’s most famous attractions: the Sultan Mosque.

There are plenty of laid-back cafes offering Arabian cuisine and quaint shops lined up along Arab Street that are worth checking out.

Haw Par Villa

Also known as the Tiger Balm Gardens, Haw Par Villa is a journey into Chinese folklore and mythology.

It’s probably one of the weirdest tourist spots in Singapore and Southeast Asia as a whole!

The park holds over 1,000 statues ranging from weird to wonderful, including statues of armed monkeys and giant crabs with human faces…

Chinatown

The traditional Chinese headquarters in Singapore.

Chinatown is a mix of old and new Chinese traditions. It offers cool stores and cafes as well as traditional shops and night markets where you can find different types of Chinese delicacies.

6. Check out some of Singapore’s Parks & Attractions

Singapore Zoo

Our award-winning Singapore Zoological Gardens are going to amaze you, whether you are young or old.

With top-notch animal shows and vast greenery, this is a great place for the whole family to enjoy. You can even have breakfast with the orangutans if you want!

Night Safari

This park is devoted to animals that come alive at night.

Get into the tram or use the walking trails to see the nocturnal creatures in their element. There are nightly shows that aim to educate the audience about animal behaviors at night.

Being the world’s first nocturnal zoo, Night Safari is definitely an original place to visit!

Universal Studios

Universal Studios, located on Sentosa Island, will awaken your inner child.

It’s a world-class theme park and especially great for anyone visiting Singapore with kids.

Singapore Flyer

This 165-meter-high observation wheel (actually, it is a Ferris wheel) gives you views of the entire city.

If you are a die-hard photographer, don’t forget your camera because the views from the Singapore Flyer are beautiful!

Where to Stay in Singapore

There are Three Hotels in Singapore I Would Recommend:

1. Marina Bay Sands: With their infinity pool on the roof of the hotel and the spectacular views of Gardens by the Bay, a stay here is truly memorable!

2. Naumi Hotel: This luxurious boutique hotel also has an infinity pool, as well as 73 rooms filled with original design pieces.

3. Nostalgia Hotel: Located in Tiong Bahru, one of Singapore’s most historic places, this boutique hotel offers you quiet history and beauty.

Visit Singapore Like a Local

Singapore is a futuristic state that at the same time maintains its culture and history with style.

I might be biased, but I would say visiting Singapore should definitely be on your bucket list!

From visiting museums and learning more about Singapore’s humble beginnings, to checking out the food market and sampling exotic dishes, or taking walks on scenic trails and taking pictures of magnificent facades and beautiful wildlife…

Singapore is a small country with a lot to offer, and I am proud to call it home.

I hope this local guide will help you to really immerse yourself in Singapore’s culture and enjoy your trip!

Also Read:

• Interview with an expat about moving to & living in Singapore
• Why You Should Use a VPN When Traveling
• Travel Planning – How to Plan a Perfect Trip

 
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