Singapore has a bit of everything for everyone. Whether you’re into living the high-life and drinking overpriced cocktails, or wandering the streets to experience a bit of what the enclaves offer. Here’s the 8 things in Singapore we loved the most. Sorry, probably more shopping involved than you might have been hoping for boys.
Chinatown
Chinatown is full of locals, tourists and shopping opportunities. We ventured to Chinatown to check out the culture and to bag some last minute bargains. We soon discovered, Singapore Chinatown is a little pricier than its counterpart in KL. While we didn’t pick up too many gifts, we liked wandering the streets, staring up at the colourful buildings and enjoyed the lanterns that were strung across the roads. Chinatown is accessible by the MTR. From here you’re also super close to Maxwell Food Centre, which we recommend you visit for lunch. More info here.
Tiong Bahru
Tiong Bahru is worth a visit, and full of surprises. Catch transport to the Tiong Bahru Plaza, give it a quick whizz around before heading down the road towards the market. It’s a traditional wet market space with a decent food hall upstairs. Markets in Singapore by the way are slightly different to the rest of Asia and are clean and the food actually looks edible. Tiong Bahru Bakery and Plain Vanilla Bakery are also in the area, so check them both out for coffee and sweet things.
Gardens By the Bay
It’s a pretty superb spot showcasing some beautiful greenery, fine ponds and artwork in the form of huge sculptures and high walkways. Catch the MRT to Marina Bay Sands and head towards the gardens for a stroll. Entrance is free into the main gardens, but if you want to visit the impressive looking conservatories you’ll be up for about SGD28. We gave it a miss but got the gist of the place without visiting the bits you have to pay for.
www.gardensbythebay.com.sg 18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953
Marina Bay Sands
After visiting the Gardens By the Bay in the afternoon, we recommend finishing your day with a trip up to Ce La Vi bar at the top of Marina Bay Sands. Top tip is to head up to the bar as it’s cheaper and more enjoyable than a visit to the public viewing platform. You’ll just need to buy a cocktail voucher to go up (damn). From here you’ll have magical views and less desirable views of the hotel pool A warning in case you’ve seen all the instagram shots of the pool and think it’s going to blow your mind, it’s full of heaps of people and isn’t that magical to look at. Head up late afternoon and enjoy twilight with a drink in hand. Marina Bay Sands is definitely worth a visit to see what all the fuss is about.
Haji Lane
Haji Lane is probably what you’d describe the Hipster part of Singapore. It’s one of a few narrow streets lined with some funky shops, nice bars and ever-changing street art. It’s in Kampon Glam, an area set in the shadow of a pretty epic mosque, so it’s definitely worth a wander around the neighbourhood too. Maybe the first type I’ve put mosque and hipster in the same sentence, but it somehow works. We sat and enjoyed a cold drink at The Singapura Club on a Sunday afternoon, I’d say the perfect time to visit. Just be warned, drinks in Singapore are nowhere near the price you’d pay anywhere else in Asia.
Orchard
Orchard Road is about the opposite to Haji Lane, it’s the flashy part of town and where you should head if you want to see the money side of Singapore. The street’s got all the posh shops lining the road and hidden shopping malls under the road, if you have time to do any more shopping that is.
Mustafa Centre
Some shopping you got to make time for is that done in the Mustafa Centre in Little India, even if you don’t buy anything. It’s a crazy big department store that sells everything from soap to Nikes, to material to cameras, and everything in between. It seems to be open 24/7 so you can fill your evening with a spot of perusing when everything else closes. It’s been likened to the Walmart of Singapore and you might need to mentally prepare yourself for a visit.
145 Syed Alwi Rd, Singapore 207704
Bugis Street Shopping Centre
The closest thing you’ll get to the hustle of Bangkok shopping malls in Singapore. Head here to do your gift shopping and a little clothes shopping for yourself. It’s manic on the weekend and getting through the crowds will take some patience and deep breaths. We explored the floors of shops for a couple of hours,despite the chaos. Enjoy.
3 Bugis Street
Check out our Singapore overview here too.