The Best Ways to Explore Singapore
From the ultra-modern cityscape surrounding Marina Bay to the bustling streets and calls to prayer in Kampong Glam, Singapore is the ultimate fusion of western and eastern culture.
With a colourful history that has woven together multiple cultures over time, including over a hundred years under colonial rule and being invaded in WWII, modern Singapore is a state now renowned for it’s unique laws and regulations and it’s competitive economy. An eclectic mix of modernity and tradition, there is much more to the city than meets the eye.
We visited Singapore en route to a wedding in Australia this month, taking with us some incredible recommendations from a family friend who had been based in the city for years. From these recommendations and from our own experience exploring the city, here are the best ways we think you can experience the city for a short stay:
Gardens by the Bay is one of our favourite urban parks anywhere in the world. Meticulously kept and full of gorgeous gardens and attractions, their evening light show in particular was one of the highlights of our entire trip.
Is it possible to do Singapore on a budget?
Overall, the misconception that Singapore is super expensive to visit can be a deterrent for travellers on strict budgets, but we found the city like anywhere else - very possible to do in luxury, but very possible to do on a budget. The countries that surround Singapore no doubt add to the cost conception, as places such as Malaysia and Indonesia are very good options for super budget travellers.
Relatively speaking, you’ll most likely spend more on accomodation in Singapore for sure than in the rest of Southeast Asia, and you’ll have the shopping and spending opportunities that you’ll get in the west, but eating at Hawker Centres, delighting in all of the free attractions around the city, and using public transport to get around is all quite affordable.
1. Eat your way through the city’s Hawker Centres
Singapore’s hawker centres are renowned for having Michelin starred street food stalls. The centres are essentially food courts that bring together the best of Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine; with the centres featuring authentic Malaysian, Indian, Thai, Chinese, Turkish and Japanese food. The prices are also similar to what you’d find on the streets in Southeast Asia or the Middle East, extremely affordable, plentiful and delicious.
We recommend Lau Pau Sat, easily our favourite Hawker in the city due to it’s late night Satay Street (from 7pm till late) and that it was very traveller-friendly. The Maxwell Food Centre in Chinatown came in at a close second for it’s cleanliness, Michelin starred dishes (the laksa was incredible!), and proximity to the sights.
Make sure to always carry cash (it’s rare that stalls take card), bring your own napkins as stalls won’t give them out, prepare to queue for the best stalls and potentially share your tables with other diners during busy periods.
2. Discover Gardens By the Bay
Arguably one of the most recognisable urban parks in the world, Gardens by the Bay exceeds expectations with it’s meticulously kept heritage gardens, attractions, and impressive Supertree Grove.
Although the Gardens have a few paid attractions to enhance your visit, entry into the Gardens is free and you can explore on foot, on bicycle, or by their shuttle service.
We recommend….
Discovering the Supertree Grove, either by strolling beneath them or heading up to the Supertree Observatory or OCBC Skyway (both paid attractions). Without a doubt a must-do is to visit them in the evenings, where the Garden Rhapsody light show (free of charge) lights up the garden to a changeable music score.
Visiting the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome, both of which are paid attractions that we thought are well worth it. Aim to come in the morning when the attractions first open to beat the crowds.
Strolling through the numerous Heritage Gardens, which speak about Singapore’s history through it’s colonial, Malay, Chinese and Indian roots. You can lay out in the sunshine by one of the many ponds and lakes within the greater gardens, and if you get peckish, check out Satay by the Bay or the Jurassic Nest foodhall.
Get here by taking the MRT to Bayfront on the blue downtown line (stop DT 16) or orange circle line (stop CE 1), or on the brown TEL line (stop TE22, Gardens by the Bay).
3. Explore Chinatown
Singapore’s Chinatown is a colourful, bustling neighbourhood with loads of incredible hawker centres, shoppes, temples and walking streets. It’s particularly renowned for being multi-ethnic as it’s the only Chinatown in the world to host a Buddhist temple, Mosque and Hindu temple along one street.
Have a look at the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple after dipping into the nearby Maxwell or Chinatown Complex hawkers, and then get lost in the interconnected streets that surround the area, with street markets selling all kinds of incredible Chinese goods and snacks.
To get here using the MRT, jump on the blue downtown line (stop DT 19- Chinatown) or the purple north east line (stop NE 4- Chinatown).
4. Stroll around Marina Bay
The iconic Marina Bay Sands is the focal point of the ultra-modern cityscape surrounding Marina Bay, instantly recognisable by it’s three towers and boat-like observation desk and infinity pool. This is the best place to be based if you’re hoping for the city break classics - shopping, dining, museums and tours.
If you’re looking to experience Marina Bay Sands iconic infinity pool, which looks out onto Marina Bay and the city skyline, you will need to be a registered guest at the hotel. Check out their room prices here.
We recommend….
Checking out The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands for the most famous names in fashion, or just to delight in the canal running down the centre on your way to the bay front promenade or rooftop pavilion.
Looking ahead into what exhibits the Art Science Museum have on when you’re visiting, which is situated on the bay front (recognisable by it’s petal-like appearance). It’s interactive exhibits are known for being particularly good for children and families, and/or a visit can make for a good rainy day activity.
If you’re wanting a panoramic view of the city and surrounds, consider heading up to the Skypark Observation Deck at Marina Bay Sands. Over tower 3, you’ll be able to see a birds-eye view of Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay and the city surrounds. Book your ticket to enjoy the views in the day, to have a drink at the rooftop bar at sunset, or to view the Spectra light show from above after hours.
The Merlion, which sits opposite Marina Bay Sands, is a fantastic spot to relax in the sun on the water or to spot the evening light show Spectra. It’s also situated near quite a few bay front hotels and restaurants such as the Fullerton, where you can have a drink with enviable views over the bay.
5. Hang out in Kampong Glam
If you’re looking to discover Singapore’s traditional heritage, check out Kampong Glam/ Gelam, the Arab Quarter, which is centred around the Masjid Sultan (Sultan Mosque).
Start at the ultra hip and popular Haji lane, with it’s boutiques and street art and then make your way over to Arab street for shops selling the best of Middle Eastern fare, including decorative ceramics and textiles. Pop into one of the cafes and eateries on Bussorah Street, which will give you a great view of the Mosque, and consider checking out the Malay Heritage Centre to get an insight into the history of the area.
If you’re wanting to explore more of Singapore’s heritage, check out nearby Little India, which has a completely different feel than Kampong Glam and the rest of the city. You can visit the Indian Heritage Centre and check out the rest of the cultural sites around the area which include temples, markets and mosques from the bustling streets.
6. Stroll or cycle the riverside between Clark and Robertson Quay
Situated right along the riverfront, the walkway between the colourful and popular Clark Quay and the laidback Robertson Quay makes for a fantastic walk, run or cycle. You may just spot some river otters floating along the way, and there are plenty of opportunities to dip in for a drink or some nibbles at the numerous eateries and bars in both quays.
If you’re keen to get out on the water, Singapore’s river cruises operate multiple tours along the river and have jetties in both Clark and Robertson quay.
We found Singapore to be the perfect balance of modernity and tradition, green space and cityscape and it completely blew away our expectations. We absolutely recommend a short stay in the city if you’re headed to this part of the world!
More posts to come: how to get around Singapore using the MRT, how to spend a layover in Changi Airport, top tips for first time visitors to Singapore, etc. subscribe or like to follow along.
Happy Travels,
Sam
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