A BEGINNERS GUIDE TO SINGAPORE
An island country and one of the most expensive in the world, but don’t let that deter you from this far away destination. Food is cheap and there are a ton of free things to do. We were heading to Bali and decided to stop in Singapore for a few days. No shame - Crazy Rich Asians made me do it! The food, the architecture and cultural diversity was calling out to us and I’m so happy it did. Here’s a quick beginners guide to Singapore!
First off, Singapore is hot and HUMID! Lightweight, loose and breathable clothing is your friend, people! Coming from Colorado, where there isn’t a single drop of moisture in the air, we weren’t ready for it. I significantly underestimated the amount of sweat I can produce HA! That being said, here are a couple recommendations to ease the pain (or sweat).
Microfiber absorbent travel towel
We were so excited to explore, we just started walking. There are bikes everywhere and we finally realized we need to work smarter not harder! Bikes are a game changer! Not only getting you places quicker, but the breeze is heavenly. Anywheel is a downloadable app, much like Lime here in the states. It’s easy to use and all you have to do is find a bike, scan the code and you are on your way. And seriously, these Anywheel bikes are everywhere!
The subway (MRT) and bus are also a great way to get around the city. Clean, easy to use and cheap!
Where to stay
We were on our honeymoon and decided to splurge a little bit. Marina Bay Sands - architecturally beautiful and terrifying at the same time, but we went for it! It’s pretty centrally located and the 360 view is spectacular. You are right between Gardens by the Bay and Merlion Park, shops at Marina Bay and a casino, there is plenty to do!
There are a few smaller hotels that I would like to check out next time - they have great reviews and won’t break the bank.
Eats
Singapore has some of the most renowned street food in the world. Michelin stars have been given to hawker stands! Lau Pa Sat was our first stop - 18 Raffles Quay. Built in 1894 and located in the heart of Singapore's financial district, it has become one of the most popular hawker centers.
We first went on a Saturday, not all stalls were open, but we had the place to ourselves. I had to try the Hainanese chicken and rice, and let me tell you it lives up to the hype! Danny had a spicy pork dish which was equally delicious and flavorful. Don’t forget to grab a cup of sugarcane juice!
We went back on Monday and it was PACKED! Long lines and not an open seat in the place. These stalls are super quick and efficient, but not being super familiar and the sheer amount of people had me stressed! We were HANGRY so we ventured on, and thank goodness we did because it brought us to Din Tai Fung. Handmade soup dumplings for the win! This place is so dang good it deserves its own post.
Din Tai Fung
2 Bayfront Avenue B1, #01, Singapore 018972
Find more about this restaurant in our other post HERE!
Mellow
80 Boat Quay, #01-01, Singapore 049868
Delicious Thai food with a great view of the river. This strip has a ton of restaurants and is always busy!
JUMBO
1206 ECP, #01-07/08 East Coast Seafood Centre, Singapore 449883
Arguably the most famous crab recipe in the world: Singapore chili crab! An entire mud crab drowning in a puddle of tomato sauce, it’s sweet, spicy, tangy, and ever so satisfying! The shells are pre smashed making it easy to dig right in. Bibs necessary :)
Raffles
1 Beach Rd, Singapore 189673
The historic long bar is home to the famous Singapore sling. Totally not necessary, especially having to pay ~$32 (Singapore dollars) per drink, yikes! The drink was good, but I think it’s more about the experience. Peanut shells on the floor and all.
Things to do
Clarke Quay (pronounced Key)
Clark Quay, which we figured out when our taxi driver had no idea what we were saying! Situated right on the river, it’s famous with locals and travelers alike for its thriving nightlife. There are a ton of bars and restaurants, live music and just a lot of energy! If you want a night full of entertainment, look no further.
Gardens By The Bay
A beautiful nature park with futuristic engineering and lush greenery. Explore plant life from around the world, or stand at the top of one of the tallest indoor waterfalls in the cloud forest. There is plenty to do here including the flower dome, and supertree grove which puts in a light show every night. Admission fees vary based on the attraction.
Singapore Zoo
Without a doubt, one of the coolest zoos we’ve ever visited. You really feel like you’re in the jungle! The enclosures are well maintained and as close to their natural habitat as possible. We were so bummed that they didn’t have any pandas, but we later found out that the Panda Bears are at the River Wonders park. There are four parks at the zoo with different admission fees, and they all have different animals! You can find all the info on the website in order to plan your visit accordingly. We will be back to see those pandas!
ArtScience Museum
Some interesting exhibits here, but they are always changing. We had a great time coloring on paper and then watching our animals come to life on the big screen!
Chinatown
Small in size, but there is plenty to do in this bustling and vibrant neighborhood. Iconic temples and endless shops, you can easily spend a whole day here. FYI shopping has pretty fixed prices, do not try and bargain. You can ask for a small discount, but do not expect it.
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum
The majestic Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is one of Singapore’s most recognizable landmarks and contains art and history of Buddhist culture.
THINGS TO NOTE
Singapore is extremely safe, but also has some extreme laws. Chewing gum is illegal, littering, smoking and jaywalking are also punishable offenses. There is zero tolerance for drug use and the police are actually authorized to run random drug tests on both locals and visiting foreigners. I would make sure to be clear of any substance before entering the county. Corporal punishment is widely accepted in Singapore. so be mindful during your stay.
It is common practice to tip in America, but in Singapore you do not need to tip. The average restaurant will add a 10% service charge to the bill. This effectively serves as your tip!
Singapore is an expensive city, but you can enjoy the local food at a fraction of the cost. The hawker centers are a great way to get authentic cuisine for cheap. A couple dollars for an entire plate of delicious food, you can’t beat it!
When eating at a hawker center, use the local method to reserve your table. Simply leave an item on the table, such as a tissue packet, water bottle, etc. This indicates to others that you are sitting there.
Alcohol is expensive!
Most people speak English
The tap water is safe to drink
Be respectful and dress appropriately when entering places of worship. A shawl or sarong is lightweight and easy to carry with you when entering temples or other religious sites.
You can visit Singapore any time of the year and always have something new to do or see. The locals are very welcoming and happy to help. We will definitely be back!
