The Insider’s Guide to Singapore

Situated at a geographical crossroads, Singapore has long been a melting pot of cultures, shaping every facet of its society. This syncretism finds its highest expression in Singapore’s cuisine, a sublime fusion of the diverse influences that have crossed these straits for centuries. Beyond its deep cultural heritage, Singapore has also emerged as a global leader in sustainability, pioneering green initiatives and urban innovations that set new standards for eco-conscious development. With more cultural and sustainable experiences than ever, Singapore is no longer just a stopover—it is a destination in its own right.

What to Do in Singapore

Wander Singapore’s cutting-edge Gardens by the Bay, featuring a series of conservatories that showcase plant life from five continents. The park is also home to stunning, Avatar-like supertrees—towering vertical gardens that not only collect rainwater and generate solar power but also serve as venting ducts for the conservatories.

Discover the charms of Tanjong Pagar, one of Singapore’s oldest neighborhoods. This historic district seamlessly blends past and present within a compact area. Heritage shophouses now house chic restaurants and bars, while cultural landmarks like Thian Hock Keng, Singapore’s oldest Hokkien temple, and Sri Mariamman Temple, the city’s oldest Hindu temple, offer a glimpse into its rich multicultural history.

Descend into the underworld at Haw Par Villa, a delightfully eccentric theme park that brings Chinese folklore and legends to life. Its most infamous attraction, the Hell’s Museum, vividly illustrates the Ten Courts of Hell, offering a Chinese twist on the fiery torments reminiscent of Dante’s Inferno.

Embark on a wildlife adventure. Singapore’s renowned zoo offers an immersive experience perfect for all ages. For something truly unique, pair your visit with the Night Safari, the world’s first nocturnal zoo, where you can observe fascinating creatures in their natural nighttime habitats.

Heritage meets modern charm in Joo Chiat. This historic district has gracefully evolved, balancing tradition with contemporary flair. While stylish boutiques and trendy cafés have brought new life to the area, its iconic Peranakan shophouses remain beautifully preserved, offering a glimpse into the past amidst its vibrant transformation.

Delve into Singapore’s rich history through its excellent museums. The National Museum offers a comprehensive journey through the nation’s evolution, while the Asian Civilisations Museum places Singapore within the broader regional context. For a more focused exploration, the Peranakan Museum highlights the unique heritage of the Peranakan communities, showcasing the fusion of Chinese, Indian, Arab, European, and other ancestral influences with the indigenous cultures of the Malay-Indonesian archipelago.

Enjoy Singapore’s outdoors through a series of parks and trails that connect seamlessly. Enjoy scenic walks, cycling routes, and lush greenery, perfect for those who enjoy the tropical heat. A few highlights include MacRitchie Reservoir’s treetop walk or the Southern Ridges’ canopy trail.

Beat the heat in Singapore’s world-class malls. Look no further if you need an excuse to shop - Singapore’s impeccably air-conditioned malls provide the perfect retreat from the tropical climate. Nowhere is this more evident than along Orchard Road, where a series of luxury malls are seamlessly connected by underground walkways, ensuring a cool and comfortable shopping experience.

Explore Singapore’s offshore islands. Singapore is home to a cluster of offshore islands, many of which are easily accessible by boat, each offering a unique escape from the city. Sentosa is the most famous—a lively retreat featuring everything from sun-kissed beaches and a Universal Studios theme park to some of the country’s most luxurious hotels and residences. For a step back in time, Pulau Ubin provides a glimpse of Singapore’s past, offering a tranquil escape where locals go to experience village life as it once was. On its eastern shore, Chek Jawa Wetlands is a haven for wildlife, where six major ecosystems converge in a stunning display of biodiversity. Meanwhile, Lazarus Island—one of Singapore’s best-kept secrets—boasts what is arguably the nicest beach in the country, making it a hidden gem for those seeking serenity by the sea.

Where to Eat in Singapore

No trip to Singapore is complete without experiencing its vibrant hawker centers, the epicenter of its amazing food scene. Renowned spots like Maxwell Food Centre, Newton Food Centre, Chomp Chomp Food Centre, and Tiong Bahru Market offer a mouthwatering array of local dishes that showcase the very best of Singapore’s culinary scene.

What to Order at a Hawker Center

Chicken Rice – Tender poached chicken with fragrant rice infused with ginger, garlic, and pandan, served with cucumber, scallions, and a tangy chili-lime sauce.

Chilli Crab – Iconic Singaporean dish with mud crabs in a sweet, tangy, and spicy chili-tomato sauce, often served with fried buns to soak up the gravy.

Laksa – A creamy, spicy seafood noodle soup with coconut milk, served with prawns, fish cakes, tofu, and fresh herbs.

Satay – Grilled skewers of marinated chicken, beef, or mutton served with peanut sauce, rice cakes, and fresh cucumber and onion.

Prawn Noodles – Noodles in a savory prawn-pork broth, topped with prawns, pork, fried shallots, and lard croutons.

Wanton Noodles – Thin egg noodles tossed in a savory mix of soy, sesame oil, shallot oil, and lard, topped with BBQ pork (char siew) and wanton dumplings.

Bak Kut Teh – Peppery pork rib soup served with tender ribs, fried dough sticks, and rice.

Popiah – A fresh spring roll with stir-fried vegetables, pork, shrimp, or crab, topped with hoisin sauce, chili paste, and crunchy peanuts or fried shallots.

Fried Carrot Cake – Steamed radish cake pan-fried with lard, garlic, preserved radish, eggs, and soy sauce until crispy outside and moist inside.

Hokkien Mee – Stir-fried egg noodles and rice vermicelli in a savory prawn-pork broth, garnished with shrimp, pork, squid, and calamansi lime.

Chwee Kueh – Silky steamed rice cakes topped with preserved radish, garlic, and dried shrimp for a salty-sweet umami flavor.

Indulge in a 3 Michelin star meal at Odette, one of the crown jewels in Singapore’s culinary scene. Located in the stunningly restored National Gallery, spend the afternoon taking in nourishing your heart and mind before indulging your appetite at the end of it. 

Dine in style at Dempsey Hill. Once a military complex, now a vibrant lifestyle destination nestled amid some of Singapore’s most exclusive real estate. This charming enclave is home to an array of top-tier cafes and restaurants, including some of the city’s finest dining spots like Candlenut, Burnt Ends, PS.Cafe (its best location by far), and Min Jiang.

Enjoy a taste of colonial-era Singapore at Colbar. For a nostalgic step back in time, this former British Army canteen offers a glimpse of Singapore before its rapid transformation. From its old-school decor to its classic menu, Colbar preserves the charm of a bygone era. After your meal, take a stroll through the surrounding neighborhood, where lush colonial-era homes stand in striking contrast to the ultra-modern research hubs and business parks that now define the city’s landscape.

Sip Your Way Through Singapore’s Best Bars. With several entries on the World’s 50 Best Bars list, Singapore is a haven for cocktail lovers. From Jigger & Pony and Nutmeg & Clove to Analogue Initiative and Atlas, the city offers a wide variety of exceptional watering holes. And no visit is complete without stopping by the iconic Long Bar at Raffles Hotel, the birthplace of the legendary Singapore Sling.

Visit a Nyonya Kueh Shop. These colorful sweet bite-sized treats, often made from rice flour, coconut milk, and pandan, come in a wide variety of shapes and flavors. Let your eyes lead the way as you choose from options like kueh lapis, kueh dadar, kueh salat, ondeh ondeh, and ang ku kueh. A few renowned spots include Ollella, HarriAnns, and Bengawan Solo.

Good to Know:

• Singapore is the ideal starting point for exploring Southeast Asia, thanks to its strategic location offering easy access to nearby destinations like Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Vietnam—all just a short flight away. 

• Public transportation is affordable, efficient, and most importantly, air-conditioned. 

• The weather is hot and humid year-round, so pack light and dress accordingly.

• Before you leave, be sure to leave some time to explore the world-renowned Changi Airport, consistently ranked as one of the best airports in the world.