• By: Riyanka
• Mar 01, 2020
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5 Best Places in Singapore That You Must Visit

Back in 2017, I had a chance to visit Singapore, a gorgeous Southeast Asian Nation where the cosmopolitan culture never fails to win hearts! I traveled with a friend and it turned out to be one of the most amazing trips of my life!

We did our fair share of research before traveling to Singapore, about the places to visit and the things to do – but when we were there, we realized that it’s better to go with the flow rather than planning a day-to-day itinerary. We were there in the country for 10 days, exploring some of the touristy places (Of course! They’re worth visiting!) and some not-so-touristy ones about which we got to know from my friend’s cousins (who were also hosting us), cab drivers, shopkeepers, and co-passengers of MRT!

Because Singapore is one of the fastest developing countries in Asia and is a commercial hub, it’s a tad bit more expensive than its neighbors like Thailand, Cambodia, or Malaysia. We were super lucky to have a place to live, as it helped us save a lot of money! If you are on a tight budget, you should probably try looking for Couchsurfing options or backpacker’s hostels, as hotel costs might be a little too much.

Popular Places To Visit In Singapore:

To begin with, you can visit Merlion Park where the mascot of Singapore, a mythical creature with a lion’s head and the body of a fish, stands with all its glory! And then go for a ride on the Singapore Flyer to get a jaw-dropping view of the entire city. We would suggest you go for the ride in the evening, as that would unveil the glittery side of this fast-paced urban hub.

You would also visit the Gardens By The Bay – one of the most picturesque man-made urban outdoor recreation spaces, having the world’s largest artificial waterfalls! Stay there for the evening Light & Sound Show, because it’ll surely be a treat for your senses.

And not to forget, take a trip to Sentosa Islands because the Universal Studios and the S.E.A Aquarium are worth visiting. Southeast Asia’s first Hollywood movie theme park, Universal Studios will awaken the child in you and make you go bonkers for the rides and other attractions. If you ask us, we loved the ‘Revenge of the Mummy’ (it gave us goosebumps) and the Jurassic Park Rapids Ride.

These are, however, those things that’ll you find all over the internet once you start looking for things to do in Singapore. Apart from these, there are a few more places that we wouldn’t want you to miss out.

Here’s a list of our favorite places in Singapore which we would like to suggest you explore as well.

China Town

As you must have already understood, this is the subzone & ethnic enclave where the Chinese folks had settled and lived for decades. The Chinatown Heritage Center, located in the middle of the hustle & bustle of the market, was a treat for us! It’s from here that we got to know about the history of Singapore and how the Chinese had come to this land and found a life for themselves. You can also pay a visit to the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, which houses one of Buddha’s canine teeth.

However, our motto for visiting Chinatown was something else! For foodies like us, Chinatown is nothing short of a paradise with hundreds of stalls selling delicious Chinese, Indonesian, Malaysian, and Hainanese cuisine! And no matter which dish you order, it’ll cost you something between 5 SGD to 12 SGD. A meal of Hainanese chicken rice comes for 8 SGD and a plate of Singaporean Chilli Crab comes for 10 SGD.

Note: Don’t order it all at once, because the portions are large and you might just end up wasting a lot of food!

Tiong Bahru

Known to be one of the oldest neighborhoods in Singapore, Tiong Bahru is often neglected by tourists who would rather prefer to be buzzed at Clarke Quay! We won’t ask you to ditch the latter, but you should not skip the former. With narrow lanes having beautiful murals, Tiong Bahru will make you walk more than you are thinking – so be prepared!

And the least to say, you’ll fall in love with the artwork, just as we did. Carry a bottle of water for your stroll, because the weather in Singapore is sultry mostly, and you might feel exhausted after the murals’ hunt! Once done with exploring, head to one of those little ambient cafes – or maybe the Thirsty Craft Beer Shop which serves more than 200 different kinds of craft beers and ciders.

Newton Food Center

Located just next to the Newton MRT Station, you won’t have any hassle in finding this place. Opened in the year 1971, Newton Food Center is a popular dining area among locals and travelers, with nearly 100 stalls serving lip-smacking dishes. It was a crowded evening when we went there, and in no time we figured out that’s the usual scene of the place!

Expect everything from fresh lobsters and oysters to pork and lards, cooked most finely and served to you at extremely reasonable costs. You would think we are kidding, but a wholesome dinner for a group of 5 wouldn’t cost you anything more than 100 SGD!

Note: Try the Chicken Laksa, Lobster in Lemon Butter Sauce, Oyster Omelettes, and Pork Chops – are you already drooling?

Kinokuniya Bookstore

Not everyone will be keen on exploring a bookstore while traveling, we know, but then, I’m sure that there are book lovers who would be extremely excited to know that Singapore has one of the largest bookstores in Southeast Asia, providing the widest selection of valuable books and magazines uneasy to find elsewhere.

Located at the Ngee Ann City Takashimaya Shopping Center in Orchard Road, Kinokuniya won’t let you down for sure with its collection of over 500,000 quality titles from all over the world. We were surprised to find a few Bengali books there as well – which was something that we weren’t expecting! Even if you are in no mood to buy anything, you can just spend a few hours there, scrolling through the racks of your favorite genre.

Arab Street

A day before our trip was about to end, we headed out to explore the Haji Lane & Arab Street. We were glad and surprised to discover a whole new world hidden amidst the lanes of Kampong Glam, with restaurants & cafes serving Arabic, Lebanese, and Turkish delicacies. The graffiti on the walls, the Middle Eastern music, those tiny yet colorful stores, and the aroma of the food created magic in that area.

We kept wondering how we never came to know about this place earlier – and felt glad that we didn’t miss it out! You might be thinking that we’re exaggerating, but every corner of this place will make you pause for a while before you move ahead. The shops might seem to be a little expensive, but if you have faith in your bargaining skills, you can end up getting good deals!

In case you are planning to travel to Singapore, make sure to add these places to your checklist. Apart from these, there’s another place that we would like you to visit – and that’s Jurong Bird Park. A little touristy for sure, but it’ll be one exciting journey to get close to so many avian species. From flamingoes to toucans and macaws to bald eagles – you’ll get to spot them all. And if you are a braveheart, you can pose with a vulture on your head as well!

To say the least, Singapore is a place we would love to go back to again, as we’re sure that there’s more to be explored. If you’ve been to Singapore and loved something, then let us know in the comments below – we’d love to hear back from you!

Frequently Asked Questions About Traveling to Singapore

1. What is the best time to visit Singapore?

   Singapore is a year-round destination due to its tropical climate. However, February to April offers pleasant weather for outdoor activities. Avoid peak holiday seasons like December and June if you prefer fewer crowds.

2. How can I travel from India to Singapore?

   Direct flights from major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bangalore are available to Changi Airport, one of the world’s best airports. Airlines like Singapore Airlines, IndiGo, and Air India operate regular flights.

   You can check the flight options from Skyscanner.

3. What currency is used in Singapore, and can I use Indian Rupees?

   The currency is the Singapore Dollar (SGD). Indian Rupees are not accepted, but you can exchange currency at money changers or withdraw SGD from ATMs.

4. Is Singapore safe for tourists?

   Yes, Singapore is one of the safest countries in the world. Crime rates are low, and public transport is secure. However, always follow local laws, as they are strictly enforced.

5. What languages are spoken in Singapore?

   English is the official working language. Other languages include Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil. Most signs and announcements are in English, making it easy for tourists to navigate.

6. Can I use my Indian SIM card in Singapore?

   You can use your Indian SIM with international roaming, but it may be expensive. A better option is to buy a local SIM card from providers like Singtel, StarHub, or M1 at the airport or convenience stores.

7. What to eat when in Singapore?

   Food is more than just a meal in Singapore—it’s a national obsession. From upscale dining to buzzing hawker centers, the Lion City is a paradise for food lovers, thanks to its rich multicultural influences. Here’s a guide to the must-try dishes and where to find them:

   Hainanese Chicken Rice

   Simple but packed with flavor, Hainanese chicken rice is a national treasure. The rice is cooked in chicken broth, garlic, and ginger, making it fragrant and irresistible. The dish is served with poached or roasted chicken and a side of ginger-garlic chili sauce. It’s comfort food, Singapore-style!

   Where to find it:

   • Tian Tian at Maxwell Food Centre: Iconic but often sells out fast.
   • Boon Tong Kee & Wee Nam Kee: Both serve excellent versions.
   • Chatterbox at Mandarin Orchard: For a gourmet twist, if you’re feeling fancy.

   Chilli Crab

   If there’s one dish you cannot miss, it’s chilli crab. Giant crabs are bathed in a thick, sweet-savory tomato sauce with a hint of spice. The magic lies in dipping fried mantou buns into the sauce—you’ll be licking your fingers clean!

   Where to find it:

   • Jumbo Seafood & No Signboard Seafood: Crowd favorites.
   • Long Beach Seafood: Known for inventing black pepper crab.
   • Roland Restaurant: A nostalgic spot for chilli crab lovers.

   Katong Laksa

   This bowl of noodle heaven combines rice noodles, seafood, and a rich coconut-based curry broth. Spicy, creamy, and soul-warming, it’s a dish rooted in Peranakan culture, originating from the Katong district.

   Where to find it:

   • 328 Katong Laksa: Famously beat Gordon Ramsay in a laksa challenge.
   • Janggut Laksa & Depot Road Zhen Shan Mei: Both are worth a visit for their unique takes on the dish.

   Bak Kut Teh

   Imagine waking up to a bowl of pork ribs simmered in a peppery broth—that’s bak kut teh for you. It’s a favorite breakfast and even works as a hangover cure! There are two main styles: Teochew (clear, peppery) and Hokkien (dark, herbal).

   Where to find it:

   • Song Fa Bak Kut Teh: For a classic Teochew version.
   • Ng Ah Sio: Known for their rich, soy-based Hokkien style.

   Es Potong (Ice Cream Sandwich)

   Ice cream, but make it quirky. Es Potong, or “cut ice,” is exactly that—a block of ice cream wedged between soft white bread. Flavors range from taro to red bean, making it the perfect antidote to Singapore’s tropical heat.

   Where to find it:
   Look out for street vendors at Bugis Street, Orchard Road, and Clarke Quay.

   Hokkien Mee

   This street food favorite features stir-fried egg and rice noodles with prawns, pork, and a splash of sambal. The smoky flavors come from being cooked over charcoal, giving it an edge over your typical stir-fry.

   Where to find it:

   • Geylang Lor 29: Old-school and delicious.
   • Come Daily Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee (Toa Payoh): Loved for its strong prawn flavor and loyal following.

8. What are some local laws and customs to be aware of?

Singapore is known for its strict laws and emphasis on public order, cleanliness, and respect for social norms. As a traveler, it’s essential to be mindful of these rules to avoid fines or legal issues. Here’s a detailed guide to help you navigate:

No Littering:

• Littering in public places is strictly prohibited. Fines can go up to SGD 1,000 for first-time offenders. Repeat offenders may also have to perform community service.

No Spitting:

• • Spitting in public is considered an offense and can result in fines.

No Smoking in Public Areas:

1. 1. Smoking is only allowed in designated areas. Smoking in prohibited places, like parks, bus stops, and restaurants, can lead to fines of up to SGD 1,000.

Chewing Gum Restrictions:

• The import, sale, and possession of chewing gum (except for medicinal purposes) are banned. Fines apply if you are caught chewing or importing it.

If you’re planning a trip to Singapore, drop a comment below and I’ll tell you about some hidden gems in the Lion City!