There’s never a dull moment in Singapore. With plenty of exciting activities, hidden dining gems and spectacular sights, one is spoilt for choice.
Here is our curated list of 30 best things to do in the island-city, without which your experience would be incomplete. How many have you ticked off yet?
CAFFEINE SHOT
South-East Asia boasts of great coffee, with varieties ranging from Vietnam to Indonesia. When in Singapore, do as Singaporeans do and get your kopi on. The local coffee is strong and flavourful by itself but you could add in milk or sugar and choose to have it hot or cold as you please. Any Kopitiam (coffee house) around the corner is a good bet. Pair your cup with a kaya toast for a local breakfast.
CHILLI-CRAB
Singapore is popular around the world for its chilli crab and we can’t get enough of its sweet tangy sauce to be mopped up with steamed buns. There are countless places you can get your fix. If you like your gravy a little on the sweetish side, head to Red House Seafood. The ever-popular Jumbo Seafood is consistently good, heavy on the egg and a little tomato-ey. Locals however, swear by No Signboard Seafood, which started as a humble hawker stall and now has blossomed into multiple outlets across the city. The oldest and most authentic one is at Geylang, in the red-light district.
BLACK PEPPER COUSIN
Though chilli-crab often steals the limelight, many prefer its black-pepper cousin, especially the version served at Long Beach Seafood, East Coast Park. The restaurant proclaims theirs to be the ‘original and best’ black pepper crab in the city and we tend to agree. Don’t wear your Sunday best, eating crab can be quite a messy affair.
GUNPOWDER IDLI
You may have tried thosai (dosa) or idli before but for something special, try podi idli at Murugan Idli Shop in Little India. Podi is the Tamil name for gunpowder, a fiery spice mix often eaten with rice or as in this case, idli. An outpost of the popular Chennai-based group, the menu also includes an outstanding uttapam (savoury rice pancake) served with chutneys and sambhar. Wash it down with ‘Jigarthanda’, their signature milk-based drink topped with syrup and ice-cream.
MICHELIN STARRED HAWKER CENTRE
Singapore is dotted with hawker centres which serve hygienic as well as delicious food. It is no wonder then, that the Michelin Guide broke away from convention and awarded a select few hawker centres the coveted stars here. Try the world’s cheapest Michelin meal at Hawker Chan’s in Chinatown where you can get a plate of Hong Kong soya sauce chicken rice for $2.
ARABIAN TALES
Arab Street (and its surrounding alleys) in the centre of town has an unmistakable vibe, especially on Friday nights. Tables that spill on to the streets, live bands and eateries such as Beirut Grill (try their beef meshwi), what’s there not to love?
COCKTAIL CAPITAL
With 13 entries in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2017, Singapore is the undisputed cocktail capital of Asia. The city loves to party and how. Employees Only (a New York import), Sugarhall (fabulous rum cocktails), Manhattan (whiskey bar) and Neon Pigeon (Japanese izakaya) are a few of our favourite haunts, all winners featured in this prestigious list. If you’re looking for company, you could join the Singapore pub-crawl which happens every Friday and Saturday night and make some friends along the way.
STARRY STARRY NIGHT
With weather that begs for alfresco seating, rooftop bars and restaurants are quite the rage here. Kinki, Ce-La-Vi and Screening Room are our top picks but the one that stands above the rest is 1-Altitude. Spread over three levels on top of One Raffles Place, it is the perfect spot to sip your drink as you watch the sunset.
GROOVE TO THE MUSIC
Zouk nightclub maintains its legendary status but two other contenders jostle for a space in the spotlight. Kilo Lounge, tucked into a hidden back-alley in Tanjong Pagar is known for alternative-house music and its electric underground vibe. Bang Bang on the other hand, is more mainstream, with neon lighting and ample space to avoid bumping into others when you dance.
OMAKASE DINING
Singapore has taken to Omakase dining like a fish takes to water. There is some exceptional talent here, waiting to craft your meal from scratch so no two experiences are the same. Chef’s Table by Chef Stephan does this with rare panache as does Fratini La Trattoria, a quaint little space tucked into the quiet residential neighbourhood of Greenwood Avenue.
BRANDED LUXURY
Indulge in some retail therapy by shopping at the high-end stores occupying the lower levels of Marina Bay Sands. The Shoppes is your go-to destination for luxury goods when you don’t want to hop from one mall to another on Orchard Road. From Armani to Gucci, you will find all the high-end stores here. And you could always take a break to lunch at one of the celebrity restaurants like Long Chim by David Thompson or CUT by Wolfgang Puck.
ONE-STOP SHOP
VivoCity is more than just the take-off point for Sentosa island. It houses popular brands like Desigual, Forever 21, Zara and many more under one large roof. With dining options galore, including the new rage- Hokkaido Cheese Toast, a 15-screen cinema and a rooftop water play-area for kids, it is a family destination in itself.
HIGH-STREET SHOPPING
Bugis is a tourist-magnet when it comes to street shopping, but did you know that Haji Lane (in the Kampong Glam neighbourhood) is the true Mecca for hipsters and fashionistas? The narrow quirky lanes are home to brightly painted shophouses selling garments, accessories and other home décor items. If you’re lucky you may discover something unique in one of the boutiques like vintage outlet Dulcetfig to make your own.
PERANAKAN HERITAGE
There are many fabulous museums in Singapore, but it is the lesser-known Peranakan Museum that truly depicts the life of Peranakan people, descendants of Chinese immigrants from the 15-17 century who married Malay locals. An integral part of Singaporean culture, this ethnic group contributes through its distinct architecture, food and design sensibility. You can get a taste of Peranakan cuisine by dining at Candlenut at Dempsey, the world’s first Michelin starred Peranakan restaurant.
VINTAGE TREASURES
If you’re looking to buy something unique, beyond the new-age brands, the Heritage Shop is your destination. Located on Jalan Sultan, just off Arab Street, this old and popular fixture stocks vintage goods and memorabilia collected through the years by Patrick Phoa, lovingly referred to as ‘Uncle Vintage’. The shop is a treasure-trove for collectors where you can find old photographs, coins, signboards, matchboxes, dining ware, lamps and what not.
PLACE OF WORSHIP
Singapore is a confluence of cultures and diversity is celebrated here. Pay a visit to Sultan Mosque to admire its large domes and serene prayer hall. Do check the website for timings before you go and dress respectfully. If you happen to drop into Little India, you can’t miss the imposing colourful structure of Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, one of the oldest Hindu temples of Singapore. The deity was carefully selected by the early migrants as the goddess is said to be the destroyer of evil and helped the worshipers feel protected in a new land.
OF WAR AND STRIFE
Wartime relics of Singapore are of great interest to history buffs. The well-known Changi prison often unfairly overshadows Fort Siloso, a restored gun battery located strategically at the tip of Sentosa. Wander around at your own pace or take the 90-minute guided tour for a crash-course in the Japanese occupation during World War II.
UP, CLOSE & PERSONAL
Amateur photographers will love the Singapore street shots photo walk. A five-and-a-half-hour walk including lunch, it allows you to see the underbelly of this glittering city. Explore Chinatown, Little India and other areas nearby and see local life, captured without pretence. The photographs promise to be lifetime treasures.
BUDDHA TOOTH RELIC TEMPLE & MUSEUM
Chinatown is always fun for shopping and grabbing a quick bite. If you want to throw in a bit of sightseeing too, you must visit the ornate Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum. Admission is free and it is suggested you dress modestly. If you make it before 3pm, you may get to try the delicious vegetarian meal offered in the basement, a little-known secret.
GILLMAN GALLERIES
Also featured in a popular Uber advertisement, Gillman Barracks was transformed from its former state as a military barrack to a visual arts cluster in 2012. It is the hub for all things cultural, hosting various local, International and South-East Asian galleries. It also has a separate space for kids called Playeum, the Children’s Centre for Creativity and occasionally lends itself as a venue to small-group live musical performances.
WORLD of AVATAR
Gardens by the Bay features on every Singaporean itinerary and for good reason. Equally artistic as the glass and steel structures of Marina Bay Sands and Esplanade Theatre, the green Supertrees which are the centrepiece of this magnificent garden are awe-inspiring. The daily sound-and-light shows at 7:45 and 8:45pm showcase the trees in all their splendour. If you’re not rushed, you could also visit the two domes, each a mini-ecosystem in itself. Go early to catch sight of locals doing tai chi next to artist Marc Quinn’s giant structure of a floating baby, a clever optical illusion.
BIRDSONG
Have you ever heard of a bird singing club? Not just for avian hobbyists, it can be quite a unique experience to hear the birds sing at Kebun Baru Birdsinging Club. A melodious songbird display, the arena is open all day, every day. The birds are hoisted high as they enjoy basking in sunshine and reportedly sing better when happy.
WATER WATER EVERYWHERE
When the hot and humid weather begs for relief, take your kids to one of the many free water parks in the city. Carry swimsuits, towels and a picnic basket along and let your kids enjoy the water playground at the Marina Barrage, near Gardens by the Bay. Adults could participate in (or just enjoy watching) kayaking or dragon-boat racing at the city reservoir at the mouth of the Marina Channel.
ESCAPE TO THE JUNGLES
12km from city centre, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is an excellent location for a picnic or a hike. Surrounded by forest, it is difficult to imagine that you are still in the bustling city of Singapore. There are plenty of nature trails, depending on the difficulty level you prefer including a few that snake through rainforests and go up the 163-metre-high Bukit Timah Hill.
BREATH OF FRESH AIR
Singapore’s Botanical Gardens are quite wonderful and not only if you are interested in flora and fauna. Within their folds, the gardens have some wonderful exhibits like cactus, bonsai, orchids and even a ginger garden. Of special note is Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden which includes a waterplay area as well as caves, a suspension bridge and much more. A great place to spark your kids’ natural curiosity and let them interact with nature beyond the world of screens and toys.
TREETOP WALK
MacRitchie Reservoir Park is a popular jogging stretch. Take a pill of courage and do the TreeTop Walk, a bridge that takes you high up into the forest canopy. It is the perfect spot for a photo opportunity too. For something tamer, enjoy the trails that circle around the reservoir. A word of caution: Watch out for monkeys who call these trees home, especially if you are carrying any food items.
SUN AND SAND
East Coast Park, stretching from Marina East to Bedok, may be man-made but it holds all the charms of a natural beach. A popular spot with locals, you will see families relaxing here on weekends, cycling along the stretch or just enjoying a barbeque with friends. If you forgot to bring your own, you easily hire bikes or rollerblades too. Though on a smaller scale, West Coast Park has its own charm.
OBSTACLE COURSE
Adventure junkies can challenge themselves with a forest adventure. This obstacle course for kids and adults has many fun activities including a 300m zip line at a height of 14m which gives you a bird's eye view of Bedok Reservoir. Work your way through nets, swings, ladders and tunnels to come out ahead of the competition. The newly revamped grand course has a total of 44 obstacles, the junior course 26 and kids course 22 obstacles. The revamped course is 40% bigger and built in a way that allows children above the age of seven to go on the course by themselves, instilling a sense of independence and confidence.
GET YOUR HIKING BOOTS READY
Though the tropical weather can be quite a dampener (literally) on hiking plans, there is one trail that is lovely any time of the year. The 10-kilometre-long Southern Ridges Trail, going from Labrador Nature Reserve all the way to Mount Faber Park is a lovely stretch of greenery running across almost half the island. Not for the faint hearted, Henderson Waves is a key attraction, a pedestrian bridge that hangs 36 metres above Henderson Road.
F1 DREAMS
Do you dream of driving your favourite supercar? Getting behind the wheels of a Lamborghini or a Maserati and feeling the car pulsate with sheer power? Dream Drive allows you to fulfil this fantasy by driving your dream car around the Singapore F1 street circuit. What a thrill.
