So here we are! The first stop of our Southeast Asia travel adventure – Singapore.
This city state has piqued my curiosity for a long time now, having watched numerous travel shows depicting its incredible skyline (Marina Bay Sands!), its epic food scene (hello hawker markets) and world-renowned airport (which honestly sounded more like a theme park than a place to catch a flight!).
Singapore’s highly efficient, technologically driven and fast-paced rhythm, multitude of shopping opportunities and year-round high temperatures make it a popular city break travel destination – from budget backpackers right the way through to those seeking a luxurious package holiday.
Did you know that Singapore is a city, a nation and a state?
Singapore – The Fine City
A double-edged nickname for sure!
Singapore has always had a reputation for being incredibly clean and having a very low crime rate. While this is something to be revered, this kind of environment does not come without a cost. The city’s ‘fine’ (a.k.a. immaculate) state is the result of some very strict laws and imposed (actual) fines.
For example, chewing gum, forgetting to flush the toilet, jaywalking and graffiti are just a small handful of things that are illegal in Singapore. And it’s important to note that discipline is taken very seriously here, with punishments for breaking the law ranging in severity.
Like any country you visit, it’s important to make sure you are aware of what is and isn’t allowed before you travel and give each place you visit its due respect for having you. Most tourist visits are trouble free and we had absolutely no issues during our stay.
Singapore’s Identity
My favourite thing about Singapore is its mish-mashed cultural identity. You can travel around the world in terms of cuisine, ethnicity and cultural heritage in a city less than 1% the size of New York!
While Singapore’s main ethnic groups are Chinese, Malaysian and Indian, you will notice that the range of backgrounds and cultures doesn’t stop there. Walking the streets of this diverse country is an amazing experience, as you delve from district to district enjoying the foods and cultures that are on offer. Plus everyone seems to get along just fine!
Did you know that Singapore is the 52nd smallest country in the world?
Getting Around
The glorious thing about Singapore is that it is a breeze to navigate your way around, and this is all thanks to the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) system. It is basically like London’s tube/overground network, except it’s easier to use and a whole lot cheaper too! The MRT is clean, efficient and air-conditioned – it’s a real joy to use.
We never once needed to order a Grab (the Southeast Asian equivalent to Uber) to get anywhere, because the MRT was so reliable. Stations are also everywhere which means no matter what district you need to get to, chances are there will be a metro stop nearby.
I will be referencing all the MRT line stops in all of my recommendations of places to visit, so be sure to take note of them!
Where to eat, shop and explore in Singapore
EAT
ABC Bistro – Indian
A laid-back, roadside restaurant with tables spilled out from the restaurant down the side of the street and it was always full of people! Lots of cheap and bloody delicious Indian food on offer, including one of my absolute favourite meals, masala dosas.
Address: 3 Lor 10 Geylang, Singapore 399037 | Kallang MRT stop
Selmor Restaurant – Indian
Another Indian food favorite in the middle of the Little India district in Singapore. We stopped off for some pani puri and chai, but there were plenty more delights on the menu. The owner was very friendly and we’d visit again if we had more time!
Address: 48 Serangoon Rd, Singapore 217959 | Jalan Besar MRT stop
QUAN AN Vietnam Food – Vietnamese
Looking for some great Vietnamese food? Come to Quan An. The bánh mì is delicious and very cheap in terms of Singaporean prices. Small chairs, good vibes, street corner? Everything you could possibly want!
Address: 340 Geylang Road /Lor, 16 Lorong 16 Geylang, Singapore 389365 | Kellang MRT stop
Market Street Hawker Centre – Singaporean/Chinese
This hawker centre is situated in the heart of the business district, which if you visit during weekday lunch hours will be swarming with suited and booted office workers. However, it’s a real gem of a hawker because it mainly services the locals and the portions are decent! It’s also one of the cheapest places we found to eat in all of Singapore. Unexpected seeing as it’s right next to JP Morgan!
Address: 50 Market St, Singapore 048940 | Raffles Place MRT stop
A hawker centre is a market at which individual vendors sell ready-to-eat food from small booths. This is a term commonly used across parts of Southeast Asia.
Maxwell Food Centre – Chinese/Singaporean
If you really want to get to grips with Chinese/Sinaporean cuisine then definitely head to the Maxwell Food Centre. This hawker centre in Chinatown is famous for selling some of the best versions of chicken rice, Singapore’s national dish. My stall recommendation is Tian Tian Hainanese. There’s always a long queue for their chicken rice and you’ll see why when you’ve tasted it!
Address: 1 Kadayanallur St, Singapore 069184 | Maxwell MRT stop
Rasapura Masters – Pretty much any cuisine you fancy
Raspura Masters is located on the basement floor level of the Marina Bay Sands Mall and is a more ‘refined’ take on a typical hawker food centre. There are dozens of food stalls to order from here and I have read that these stalls change over frequently. We tried Thai, Chinese and South Korean dishes here. I would say that the food is not as cheap as it is in the hawker centres I have mentioned above, but still very much worth a visit as the food is of a high standard.
I would recommend reserving your seat/s in the vast communal seating area before going off to place an order. Just place down some clothing or a shopping bag on the seats you’ll be using and you can go off to your chosen stalls to order.
It says something about how safe Singapore is that people will happily leave their iPhones and Gucci handbags alone on the tables they have ‘reserved’ when they’re off ordering their food!
Address: 2 Bayfront Ave, #B2 – 49A / 50 – 53, Singapore 018972 | Bayfront MRT stop
SHOP
Mustafa Centre
Whatever you are in need of, the Mustafa Centre will have it, guaranteed. This maze-like multi-storey shopping mall is the equivalent of Mary Poppins’ bag – a limitless treasure trove.
You will get lost. Embrace it and enjoy it!
Address: 145 Syed Alwi Rd, Mustafa Centre, Singapore 207704 | Farrer Park MRT stop
The Shoppes At Marina Bay Sands
Regardless of whether you are visiting Singapore to shop or not, I would recommend paying the Marina Bay Sands shopping complex a visit. The mall itself is beautiful, immaculately clean and wonderfully air-conditioned (sweet relief on any given day when temperatures exceed 30ºC!).
You will mainly find luxury brands here, with the odd high-street store like Zara and Sephora thrown in. There are also many cafes, restaurants and even a nightclub here.
Address: 8 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018955 | Bayside MRT stop
EXPLORE
All the places/activities I have listed here are completely FREE to enjoy!
Spectra Light And Water Show
I am not sure who came up with synchronizing fountains first, Dubai or Singapore, but either way, it’s entertaining! Get a spot by the waterfront early for the best views of Singapore’s nightly dancing fountain show, featuring a dramatic amalgamation of water, lasers and lights, all set to beautiful music.
Showtimes are at 8pm and 9pm from Sunday to Thursday and 8pm, 9pm and 10pm on Friday and Saturday.
Address: 2 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018972 | Bayfront MRT stop
Supertree Lights Show/Gardens By The Bay
No trip to Singapore can be complete without visiting the Gardens By The Bay and watching the Supertree Lights Show! Head down to Supertree Grove daily at 7:45pm and 8:45pm to catch a beautifully orchestrated performance of the Supertrees illuminated to music. It’s pretty spectacular!
Entrance to the gardens is completely free and it’s definitely worth visiting both at night and during the day. For a fee you can also visit the Flower Dome, Supertree Observatory and a number of other attractions within the gardens.
Address: 18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953 | Bayfront MRT stop
Merlion Park
Singapore’s Merlion statue is an iconic and unmistakable symbol of the city, a mythical being that is half lion and half fish. The fish part of the statue depicts the origins of Singapore – a fishing village – while the lion’s head represents the city’s original name of Singapura – or ‘lion city’ in Sanskrit.
Address: 1 Fullerton Rd, Singapore 049213 | Raffles Place MRT stop
Kampong Glam
An interesting way to spend an hour or so is by exploring the city’s Muslim quarter. Be sure to marvel at the golden-domed Sultan Mosque and get lost among the trendy shops, cafes and restaurants in the area. We found food here to be very wildly overpriced, so if you’re on a budget, this may not be the place to stay for a bite to eat.
Address: 3 Muscat St, Singapore 198833 for Sultan Mosque | Kampong Glam MRT stop
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
The gorgeous Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is impossible to miss when visiting Singapore’s Chinatown district. It’s grand and colourful architecture stands out among its high-rise surroundings. The building is used by followers of Chinese Buddhism and was apparently inspired by the mandala, a Buddhist symbol of the universe.
Address: 288 South Bridge Rd, Singapore 058840 | Maxwell MRT stop
Sky Garden at CapitaSpring
You would never guess that a lush green oasis exists in the middle of a sprawling business district in Singapore! Especially when it’s at the top of one of the city’s many skyscrapers.
Located on the 51st floor of the CapitaSpring building visitors can see some spectacular 360 degree views of the city. This sky garden is the tallest publicly accessible observatory in Singapore. The only catch is that it is only open during weekdays between 8:30am – 10:30am and then 2:30 – 6pm.
Address: 88 Market St, Singapore | | Raffles Place MRT stop
Is Singapore Your Next City Break Destination?
If you’re looking for your next city break destination, Singapore may be a bit too far (you’re looking at a 12 hour plus flight time!) and expensive to get to if you live in the UK. However, you’re embarking on a longer period of travel throughout Southeast Asia it’s certainly worth a visit!
Singapore’s compact size, the ease of which you can get around and its diverse cultural landscape make it a really interesting place to explore.
Yes, it’s expensive. But then again which city isn’t?
My recommendation would be to either fly into Singapore first and work your way up into Malaysia/Thailand and beyond. Or spend a few days here towards the end of the trip before you fly home.
In terms of where to stay, we found that the Kallang district had plenty of decent hotel offerings that were much cheaper than those found nearer to Marina Bay.
Until next time,
Lica xoxo
