WanderForget cookie cutter tourist itineraries, here are a local insider’s secrets, from affordable food, UNESCO sites, free attractions to hidden gems Singapore has to offer!
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Small but always the first
Singapore – Singapore’s claim to fame is emerging No. 1 in many areas which includes our world-class Changi Airport, The Singapore Airlines, the Henley Passport Index and the Rain Vortex, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. According to Mercer’s Quality of Living City Ranking 2024, Singapore came out tops again, this time as the most expensive city to live in Asia and 30th overall in the world.
As a tourist, this nugget of information may put you off especially if you are travelling on a budget. It may even deter you from entering our shores! But with this insiders’ guide, you don’t have to worry.
As someone who was born, bred and educated in Singapore my entire life, let me debunk the impression of Singapore as a very expensive, and strait-laced city to explore.
Yes, it’s true that drug use is punishable by death, chewing gum, spitting and littering and jaywalking may earn you a fine, while graffiti may slap you with a jail-term and (gasp!) the rotan. Just ask the infamous Michael Fay who even had the then President Bill Clinton send in a plea on his behalf.
Contrary to what the popular movie Crazy Rich Asians, adapted from a book in the same name by Kevin Kwan, would have you believe, not everyone is rolling in the dough here in Singapore.
So where do the average Singaporean eat, play and do in our homeland? Here’s the ultimate insiders’ guide on how you can partake in the best of Singapore, without spilling out huge amounts of money during your stay in Singapore.
Our city may be small, heck we have been dubbed The Little Red Dot because that’s how we appear on the world map, but there’s no lack of fun and interesting things to do and places to see.
Of course, there are places and attractions where entry fees must be spent and this guide will point you to those must-go iconic attractions where you should, by all means, splash out a few more dollars since they are truly worth it!
So forget the cookie-cutter touristy itineraries, skip the tourist traps and let me uncover my hometown’s best-kept secrets, as to where and how you can maximise your hard-earned money, or even visit places of interest for free!
So if you think Singapore is boring, think again. Read on to discover all that our tiny city-state has to offer!
For foodies: Where to eat cheap
Our hawker culture is strong and it would be remiss of me not to pass on this big tip as to where the best eats at unbeatable prices are. Since December 2020, Hawker Culture in Singapore was successfully inscribed as Singapore’s first element on the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Be sure to check out the more iconic markets such as Tiong Bharu market, Maxwell market, Amoy Street, Chinatown Complex Market & Food Centre and Old Airport Road hawker centres. These are where you can partake in the most local, authentic and traditional dishes in Singapore. Of course, these are also where the average Singaporean hangs.
If you must, Newton Hawker Centre is the famous foodie venue featured in the movie Crazy Rich Asians. While locals used to make a mandatory supper stop after clubbing a couple of decades ago, Newton Hawker Centre is now better known as a touristy and pricier food venue.
Local tip: Be sure to prepare a packet of tissue paper to chope (reserve) your seats at the busy hawker centres, especially during lunch time! Reserving your seat is a truly local and effective way to secure a seat while you queue for your favourite dishes.
Local tip: Top local dishes you must not miss are chilli crab, chicken rice, rojak, satay, carrot cake (not your typical cakes), char kway teow, and bak kut teh.
We are not called a foodie nation for nothing, so come with an empty belly and an open mind to discover all the cuisines that Singapore has to offer!
For full-cultural immersion
We are a proud multiracial society comprising Chinese, Malays, Indians and Eurasians. Every race has its own enclave with its unique culture, distinctive dishes and one-of-its-kind heritage. Best of all, you can find it all at its respective little neighbourhoods.
Make a beeline for Chinatown (Chinese neighbourhood), Little India (Indian), Geylang Serai (Malay), and Joo Chiat (Peranakan, an ethnic group of Chinese and Malay descent) and immerse yourself in all that each neighbourhood has to offer.
Local tip: And while you are at it, be sure to check out our amazing wall murals, especially at Chinatown, Little India, Haji Lane, depicting the lives of past at each enclave.
Local tip: For affordable local souvenirs, make some time to trawl the streets of Chinatown.
The Botanic Gardens – UNESCO Heritage site
Witness how the locals spend our leisure time at our first-ever UNESCO heritage site – The Singapore Botanic Gardens. Best of all, it’s completely free! Take a walk in our national park and join the locals for a morning workout, a run or a picnic. Free concerts are regularly held, as well as guided tours. Check out their website for updates.
The National Orchid Garden houses 1,000 species and hybrids of our national flower – the elegant orchid. Escape the heat with a trip to the air-conditioned Tan Hoon Siang Mist House which houses special orchid species.
Lust-worthy architecture (FREE!)
For those who are interested in checking out world-famous architecture, we have it in spades in Singapore. Start with one of our proudest showcase – Jewel. Just steps away from the Changi Airport, be sure to make your way to view the spectacular tallest man-made waterfall within the comfort of a fully air-conditioned shopping mall. It’s free! You will gain instant Instagram-credits for sure.
And should you have more time at Jewel, splash out a few dollars to explore the Canopy Park, Bouncing net, Canopy Bridge, Hedge Maze and Mirror Maze. Don’t miss the interactive Changi Experience Studio. I had a whale of a time there, several times! There’s even a Flight Simulator, if you are so inclined.
The Esplanade is known affectionately to locals as the durian, a thorny fruit that has become one of our biggest national obsession, due to its distinctive spiky exterior.
While you are in the vicinity, walk along the Jubilee Bridge and take a wefie with our well-known Merlion, a half-man, half-lion sculpture facing the world-famous skyscraper, Marina Bay Sands, shaped like a spaceship flanked by three tall pillars. Designed by renowned architect Moshe Safdie, a stay at the Marina Bay Sands hotel will gain you access to the infinity pool that will give you bragging rights on Instagram. For a peek behind-the-scenes, check out Marvels of Marina Bay Sands.
If the outdoors is not for you, you still get to indulge in nature at the air-conditioned Cloud Forest and The Flower Dome at Gardens by the bay to admire beautiful flora in total comfort. Round off your day at our SuperTrees’ light show. A visit to Singapore will not be complete if you miss our Supertree Grove, with its nightly spectacular light and sound show, completely for free. Or join a guided tour and uncover Gardens by the Bay which includes visits to the Supertree Grove, Cloud Forest, Flower Dome and uncover other hidden gems. Or stay close to all the action at the Garden Pod@Gardens by the Bay.
Other interesting architecture to check out are the Pinnacle, the Buddha Tooth Relic temple, Old Hill Street Police Station, People’s Park Complex, Parkview Square, The Interlace and many more. Tour available here.
It was set up by the owners of one of our proudest export, the multipurpose Tiger Balm. The attraction is meant for people from all walks of life, and accessible to the poor. Haw Par Villa will give any foreigner a good glimpse of what hell is like in Chinese culture. warning, it is not for the faint-hearted! There’s also an illuminating museum that charges a nominal fee. Fair
Local tip: Don’t miss the Haw Par Villa, a free attraction that has remained true to its roots. There’s even a hotel at the premises now.
Local tip: The Tiger Balm, promises to clear blocked noses, ease muscle aches and tension, on top of soothing insect bites – it makes for a great souvenir.
For museum-lovers
Set aside a day or two to explore our beautiful museums set in colonial buildings and historically-rich buildings such as the National Museum of Singapore and my all-time favourite, the National Gallery Singapore. ArtScience Museum, another amazing design by Moshe Safdie, is another must-visit with its changing exhibitions.
For a slice of Asian and specifically Peranakan culture, don’t miss the Asian Civilisations Museum, housed in an old school. Other interesting museums, should you have more time or when you wish to seek some respite from the heat or rain, check out the Red Dot Design Museum, Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, and the Indian Heritage Centre. There’s even a Live Turtle Museum!
Save with the museum pass!
Local tip: A picture by the reflective lotus pond at the ArtScience Museum entrance is a must to capture the stunning petal-like exterior of this contemporary museum.
For full-day outings: Sentosa – an island away from mainland Singapore
Should you have full-days to spare, a trip to Sentosa is a must. Whether you are looking for adventure, chilling by the beach or wish to stay overnight, Sentosa has got you covered. But first, take a bird’s eye view of Sentosa and its surroundings in Singapore Cable Car.
Universal Studios Singapore (Perfect for kids and adults!)
MegaZip at Mega Adventure Park Singapore
Bungy Jump & The New Tandem Bungy at Skypark Sentosa
Sentosa 4D Adventureland Ticket
Orchid Perfume Workshop by Scentopia Sentosa
Wings of Time Show Ticket in Singapore
Stay in or near Sentosa for convenience, especially if you intend to stay a few days to check out the many activities in Sentosa. Check out The Outpost Hotel Sentosa by Far East Hospitality, Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa, Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa, Resorts World Sentosa – Hotel Michael, Village Hotel Sentosa by Far East Hospitality, Siloso Beach Resort, Sentosa, and ONE15 Marina Sentosa Cove Singapore.
Planning to stay a minimum of six nights in Singapore? Check out the new Quincy House Singapore at Holland Village. Read our review.
Animal lovers (Perfect for kids and adults!)
If you love animals and birds or have kids with you, a trip to Singapore Zoo, River Wonders Singapore and Bird Paradise followed by the Night Safari located just next door. Don’t forget to bring along your water bottle, umbrella and sunscreen, as with all outdoor activities in Singapore. Better yet, get the Mandai Wildlife Reserve Multi-Park Ticket to enjoy extra savings!
History buffs
History buffs should not miss The Battle Box, Sentosa’s Fort Siloso, Reflections at Bukit Chandu and Former Ford Factory. We may be a young nation but we do have a few stories to share.
Shopping
Those looking to score some unique clothes will do well with a day spent at Haji Lane, at the unique Kampong Glam area. Bustling with local boutiques, one-of-a-kind cafes, eats from all around the world, especially Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine, you will not go wrong to come here if you prefer something more unconventional.
And there’s more things to do in Singapore…
For even more unconventional activities in Singapore, check out what Klook, Fever Up, Secret Singapore and Seek Sophie has to offer. Here are some of our top picks:
Big Bus Singapore Night City Tour
FunVee Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour
Singapore Sidecars Heritage Tours
The Original DUCKtours Singapore
Instawalk Tour in Bugis, Waterloo and Kampong Glam
Highlights of Singapore Instagram Walking Tour
Singapore Pub Crawl Half Day Tour
Now, who says Singapore is boring?
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