Picture yourself munching the most delicious street food in a Singaporean hawker store and sipping fresh sugar cane juice as you try to cool down from the heat. Imagine strolling through old alleys full of colorful shophouses and in the blink of an eye among modern skyscrapers. Imagine all the unique things to do in Singapore that will make your jaw drop and the hidden gems that will completely surprise you.
Because my Granny was born here, I’ve always felt that I must see Singapore sometime. I was fascinated by this city that had been a poor fishing town not that long ago and became one of the world’s most advanced economies.
And the first time I came to Singapore, it felt like the superlative of Malaysia’s most adorable sides to me – the yummy, cheap local food, the hot weather, and the mix of cultures. Additionally, it’s amazingly clean, the people are super lovely and it’s really safe.
While the city displays vast contrasts of ultra-modern architecture and colorful, historic quarters, to me the most beautiful thing to see in Singapore is the different cultures living in harmony. Various influences such as Malay, Chinese, and Indian culture make Singapore such a colorful, warmhearted place. And you can feel this in the city’s food, religious sites, and its different quarters.
While during my first visit, I focused on the most famous things to see in Singapore, the second and third times, I went to explore some hidden gems and unique things to do in Singapore. And that’s exactly what I’d recommend for a stay in Singapore – get mesmerized by the city’s unbelievable spots, but don’t miss the corners where you can experience authentic Singaporean charm. That’s why I tried to combine both sides in this post – from the well-known sights to surprising hidden gems in Singapore.
Table of contents
Hidden gems | Unique things to do in Singapore
Good to know
Must see in Singapore
While I’m convinced that the true charm of a place always resides in its hidden gems, there are some spots that are worth checking out. Even though they’re on any typical list of things to do in Singapore, they are just too spectacular to skip:
- Marina Bay – Embraced by majestic skyscrapers, Singapore’s modern bay is especially impressive at night. Walk across the Singapore River on the DNA-shaped Helix Bridge, watch the light and water fountain show (every night at 8:30 pm), or visit the ArtScience Museum which looks like a lotus flower.
- Marina Bay Sands – With its distinct look of a ship (or a surfboard?) this hotel may be the home of the world’s most famous infinity pool on its rooftop. For many, it’s a must-see in Singapore. While you can only enter the pool as a hotel guest, Ladies can enter the club (“Ce La Vi”) on Marina Bay Sands for free on Wednesday nights, and for a few years, Thursdays have been free for everyone to enter now. I’ve been up there once, and dancing on the roof of this iconic building with the breathtaking view of Singapore by night is really an incredible experience. I heard that there’s also a morning yoga session on the Sky Deck – so by paying for the yoga class you can also enjoy a unique sunrise. In case you want to just head to the Sky Deck as a visitor during the day, you can get tickets here for only around $20.
- Merlion – The statue with the body of a fish & a lion’s head in Marina Bay is the city’s landmark. Did you know that the name Singapore means Lion City (coming from the Malay words “Singa” for lion & “Pura” for city)? There are several legends on how the city got its name. One of them is that a Sumatran Prince spotted a mysterious animal which may have been a tiger in this place and built a city here (side note: even though there were tigers here until the 1930s, it’s very unlikely that a lion was roaming here).
- Esplanade – What looks like two large durian fruit halves is actually a large art venue where you can visit concerts or the theater.
- Gardens by the Bay – The park with its 50m tall, artistic Super Trees is one of the most famous things to do in Singapore. If you’re traveling on a budget you can simply walk through the park and marvel at it, or buy a ticket to enter the OCBC Skywalk. There’s also a Garden Rhapsody Show every night at 7:45 pm. If you plan to visit both Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay Sands you can save money by getting a combo ticket here.
- Cloud Forest & Flower Dome – Two greenhouses with huge indoor rainforests. Cloud Forest features a 35m tall waterfall and provides extensive, interesting facts about climate change. Flower Dome is the world’s largest air-conditioned greenhouse according to Guinness, and has a milder, drier climate. Here you experience visiting the world’s different climate zones and marvel at flora and fauna from 5 continents. It’s one of the things to see in Singapore that you won’t forget. Get your Tickets for Cloud Forest, Flower Dome & Gardens by the Bay here.
- Civic District – Many historic buildings can be found in this area, such as the Parliament of Singapore, the Supreme Court, the shiny white St. Andrew’s Cathedral, and Raffles Hotel (where the cocktail Singapore Sling was created).
- Clark Quay – What used to be a center of trade right next to the river back in the 1800s, has been transformed into an area with colorful warehouses, countless restaurants, bars, and clubs.
Highlights in Singapore: Marina Bay | Merlion | Gardens by the Bay
Hotel recommendation for Marina Bay area: lyf Funan Singapore
Here, you’re right in the heart of Singapore’s hustle and bustle. These beautiful, modern studios are the perfect starting point to explore Marina Bay and the surrounding sights. Most studios are small but have everything you need. They even have washing machines you can use. And, by Singaporean standards, surprisingly affordable. Don’t forget to check out the urban farm on the rooftop of Funan!
Hidden gems | Unique things to do in Singapore
Now that we’ve ticked off the typical list of things to see and do in Singapore, get ready for the juicy hidden gems. So here are some more unique things to do in Singapore.
Enjoy Kampong Glam & Haji Lane
Let’s start with one of my favorite areas in the city. Around Arab Street and Haji Lane you can dive into a more traditional but also a more alternative Singapore.
With the beautiful street art, the colorful shop houses full of lovely handicraft shops, and cute cafés, quirky Haji Lane is one of a kind. During the day it’s a great place to stroll through the boutiques in the traditional Malay-style shop houses and once the sun sets, the bars transform it into a cultural hub full of live music.
Make sure to also walk through Gelam Gallery – an open-air gallery showcasing street on typical Malay and Singaporean lifestyle situations.
Originally, however, this area is Singapore’s Muslim quarter that dates back to the 1800s.
When you’re strolling around this area, it’s impossible to overlook the beautiful Sultan Mosque with its golden dome. In the surrounding alleys, you can find spice stalls and small restaurants selling Murtabak (a local specialty).
When you’re here, a visit to Istana Kampong Glam – the former Sultan’s palace that has been transformed into a museum – is also worth a visit.
Haji Lane | Gelam gallery street art | Sultan Mosque
Hotel recommendation for Kampong Glam / Haji Lane area: Heritage Collection on Arab
If you want to stay in one of the coolest areas in Singapore but don’t spend a fortune, this is the place to come. It’s a digital hotel with self-check-in and small rooms. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be able to offer such a good price. However, the rooms are modern and clean and you can walk to so many unique things to do in Singapore from here.
Explore Chinatown
With a large Chinese population, Chinatown is not only a fun thing to do in Singapore to check off your list, or an area where you can go for cheap food. It’s a neighborhood full of history that dates back to the 19th century.
During these times 2.5 million Chinese left their home country searching for jobs and a better life.
Due to the strategic location, Singapore was a good choice to settle down and try to join the growing trade business. And what we nowadays consider Chinatown became their new home.
Chinatown has become a cultural hub with awesome street food (of course!), markets, shops, and street art. Just walk around Pagoda Street and get lost in the maze.
It’s also the only Chinatown in the world with a Buddhist temple, a Hindu temple, and a mosque in one single street. This pretty much sums up the feeling Singapore gives me.
You should visit at least one temple in Singapore. Here are my favorite temples:
- Thian Hock Keng Temple (Tianfu Temple) – Singapore’s oldest Buddhist temple is a little oasis in the midst of all the hustle & bustle. It’s usually not very crowded but worth admiring its traditional southern Chinese architecture.
- Buddha Tooth Relic Temple – Much larger but a likewise peaceful haven, Buddha Tooth Relic Temple invites visitors to have a look around. A monk even invited me to join a meditation session when I was there. According to Buddhist records, parts of Buddha Gautama’s tooth relic endured his cremation and are said to be kept in this temple. That’s where the name comes from.
- Sri Mariamman Temple – It’s the oldest Hindu Temple in Singapore and is typically decorated with numerous Hindu figures.
Remember to always behave and dress respectfully in temples and remove your shoes before you enter.
Impressions of Chinatown
Hotel recommendation for Chinatown: KINN Studios
Located in a wonderful historic building in Chinatown, KINN Studios is the perfect starting point to explore this area. The studios are super clean and modern and the staff is lovely. Nothing left to be desired for a city trip.
Discover Little India
There’s also a large Indian community in Singapore who has found this lively neighborhood. Little India is colorful and bustling, full of street food, and many shops selling colorful fabrics, decorations, and shining flower garlands.
Stroll around Serangoon Road where you can feel the mix of old and modern shops. And don’t forget to try Roti Prata – a yummy Indian flatbread that you dip into your curry.
Besides, you should try Teh Tarik – a tea typical for Malaysia and Singapore with condensed milk pulled from one cup to another (that’s where its name is derived from: Teh Tarik means “pulled tea”). Little India is for sure one of the most authentic and unique things to do in Singapore.
A temple in Little India
Hotel recommendation for Little India: Wanderlust Unlimited Collection
You won’t believe what a beautiful accommodation you will find in this historic building in bustling Little India. It’s like a little oasis. The rooms are modern and there’s even a pool which you will love in the crazy humid Singaporean heat.
Visit the pastel-colored houses of Katong
The area around East Coast Road and Koon Seng Road is more of a hidden gem in Singapore because it’s a bit off the beaten track. It’s an authentic neighborhood with many pastel-colored shophouses. Those houses used to be family-owned houses with a shop on the ground floor and the living area on the first and second floor – that’s why they’re called shophouses. You can also spot some colonial villas of wealthy families here.
Meanwhile, Katong has evolved into a hip area with cozy cafés, concept stores, and some cool street art (check out Joo Chiat Road). Many of the lovely things you find in the concept stores in Katong are from local artists (check out Cat Socrates).
There’s even a bulk store: OASIS Provision Shop, making living and traveling sustainably in Singapore much easier.
A fun way to explore the area is on a Food and Bike Tour through Katong. With this awesome tour, you can get off the beaten path and explore the local delicacies in the Katong neighborhood. It’s an easy tour where you can cycle leisurely with your guide between mouth-watering food stops and photo-ops.
Impressions of Katong & Little India
Pastel-colored houses in Singapore
Hotel recommendation for Katong area: Santa Grand Hotel East Coast
With a nice rooftop pool, you can cool down after a day exploring Singapore. You’re in a local area with lots of local restaurants and hawker stalls around. Yet, it’s well connected by bus to Singapore’s central area.
Explore Lorong Buangkok – Singapore’s last Kampong
The contrasts from Central Singapore to Lorong Buangkok couldn’t be more drastic. The area is Singapore’s last Kampong – which means the last traditional village. It’s like a trip into the past, the perfect place to get a feeling of how Singapore looked just 70 years ago.
After all, Singapore’s story is extraordinary. No other state made it from a poor third-world fishing town to one of the wealthiest first-world states in less than a century.
There are still 26 families living in Lorong Buangkok. Because it’s a private area, you should visit with a guide. Check out this authentic tour with local guide Monica who brings you to Kampong Buangkok and other hidden treasures and unique things to do in Singapore. This way, you can learn more about local traditions and ways of life as well as about Singapore’s development.
Join a Free Walking Tour
A free walking tour is one of the most fun things to do in Singapore. During the three times I was in Singapore, I joined several tours with the awesome guide Wei.
The tours are a mixture of interesting historical information, insights into culture, and fun facts. You pass by many must-sees in Singapore but also some things you would never discover if you were walking through Singapore on your own. Wei is a local, so he can give you some fantastic insider tips, such as the best food and secret, free viewpoints.
He offers four different free walking tours:
I’ve already joined all the tours except the one in Little India (I saved that one for next time).
One story Wei told us during one of the tours especially stuck with me. As we approached a Hindu Temple, we were quite surprised that there was a censer placed in front of the temple – an item for burning incense which you usually find in or in front of Buddhist temples, not Hindu Temples like this one. So Wei explained to us that by the time his grandparents used to come to the city to pray, it was quite a long journey for them to reach the center of Singapore to their Buddhist temple. So when they came all the way down they did not only pray in their temple but also in front of a Hindu temple, a mosque and a church in order to pray to all these gods. When he asked why they did, his grandma answered “I’m a faithful Buddhist, but what if I’m wrong?”
This narration, in my eyes, reflects the mentality of the Singaporeans. They do not only respect and tolerate different religions and cultures but they actively live with these other religions and cultures.
Impressions of the walking tours with Wei (Did you spot the Buddhist censer in front of the Hindu temple?)
Eat like a local at Hawker Centers
How deep you dive into the culture, explore unique things to do in Singapore, and soak up some true Singaporean flair depends on your time and focus during your trip. One thing is clear: Great food is always around the corner in Singapore.
And I’ve got some great news: local food is anything but expensive in Singapore (as opposed to what most people believe). Of course, there are numerous award-winning premium restaurants, but to eat well and affordable in Singapore, you just have to eat in the right places.
One of the things to do in Singapore that you simply cannot miss out on is eating in a hawker center – an original food court serving local food. And when I say “cannot miss” I really mean it. That’s the ultimate Singaporean experience. Eating in a hawker center is actually mentioned in “1000 Things to Do Before You Die” (check!).
The food here is delicious and there’s such a large variety. You can find typical Malay food, Chinese, Indian and much more in hawker centers.
With sustainability in mind, it’s great that you usually get your food on proper plates and with reusable cutlery in hawker centers. So eating here causes much less waste than street food in many other countries (such as Thailand).
Here’s a selection of great hawker centers in Singapore:
- Maxwell Food Center – Directly next to Chinatown, Maxwell Food Center is home to some of Singapore’s best hawker stalls. It’s a heritage hawker center loved by locals. Especially those working in the CBD (Central Business District) love coming here for lunch.
- Old Airport Road Food Centre – It has existed for over 40 years with more than 150 hawker stalls. Those with the long queues offer the best food.
- Amoy Street Food Centre – A large hawker center with many stalls spread across two levels. The nasi padang stall is delicious (here you can choose the sides to your rice). So are the curry puffs (curry-stuffed pasties). There’s also a Michelin-approved ramen noodle stall.
- Foodmarket Lau Pa Sat – One of Singapore’s oldest hawker stalls (since 1825) in a lovely old market hall.
- Tekka Centre – Located in Little India, the food here is dominated by Indian dishes, such as murtabak, roti prata or biryani rice.
Impressions of hawker centers & street food in Singapore (last two pictures by Yoga, Wine & Travel)
Learn about urban farming at Edible Garden City
Visiting Singapore’s Edible Garden City on the 7th floor of Funan Mall is an awesome experience and for sure one of the most unique things to do in Singapore. The urban farm is open to the public. Here you can join a tour to learn about urban farming methods. You try some of the food they grow here (more than 50 types of vegetables and fruits) and dive into how to grow your own food. But most importantly their mission is to offer a fun experience during which you learn how to protect our planet.
Get lost among the green buildings
What I adore about Singapore is that even though it’s such a big city it’s extremely green. So many trees frame the streets, as I’ve hardly seen in any city of that size before. Countless plants deck out Singapore’s roofs and the faces of the buildings. Some of them look like floating or vertical gardens. This does not only look nice but plays a great part in regulating the temperature and air quality in the city.
The green city is a role model in terms of sustainable architecture and urban planning. These are the things to see in Singapore that make this city so special. Over 80% of the buildings are supposed to be greened by 2030.
And of course, there are Singapore’s amazing parks which are pretty famous.
Stroll around Gardens by the Bay or just let yourself get lost and admire the urban gardens and Singapore’s green signature skyscrapers full of plants. An awesome example is Parkroyal Pickering (awarded “Asia’s leading green hotel” with over 15,000 trees on 16 floors) or Oasia Hotel Downtown.
Green streets & buildings in Singapore
Green Hotel recommendation: Parkyogal Pickering
A hotel covered in a garden, in the heart of Singapore. What an amazing concept! It’s built in a way that solar performance is improved and energy consumption minimized. But it’s not just a green design and trees everywhere you look, but a sustainable concept with numerous environmentally-friendly practices. The hotel restaurant “Lime” offers a plant-based menu, avoids single-use plastics and there are separate recycling bins throughout the hotel.
Green Hotel recommendation: Oasia Hotel Downtown
This hotel is something like a prototype of sustainable design. The iconic facade is made of expanded aluminum mesh panels, so climbing plants can grow on the building. So it’s basically a living tower. Oasia’s architects wanted to show that even buildings in high-density areas can make urban space more green. Since its opening in 2016 it has been more and more covered in green plants. Of course, the rooms are just as beautiful and modern.
Green Hotel recommendation: Oasia Hotel Downtown
This hotel is something like a prototype of sustainable design. The iconic facade is made of expanded aluminum mesh panels, so climbing plants can grow on the building. So it’s basically a living tower. Oasia’s architects wanted to show that even buildings in high-density areas can make urban space more green. Since its opening in 2016 it has been more and more covered in green plants. Of course, the rooms are just as beautiful and modern.
Visit one of Singapore’s Islands
Did you know that Singapore has 64 islands surrounding the main island? Most visitors don’t. And even though it’s such a small state, the islands differ heavily. They range from almost untouched natural paradises to touristy resort islands full of attractions. So it’s important to get informed before visiting one of the islands and ending up completely disappointed.
So I gathered some facts about the most well-known Singaporean islands:
- Pulau Ubin – Visiting this island feels like a trip into Singapore’s past. It’s a calm, natural paradise that you can reach by an adventurous ride on a rustic bum boat (from Changi Point ferry terminal). Less than 50 inhabitants live in Pulau Ubin nowadays. Spend a day trip here and dive into nature by mangrove kayaking, or just enjoy a little hike across the island. A really unique thing to do in Singapore!
- Coney Island – Coney Island’s charm lies in its tranquility. Try the mangrove walk or relax at one of the island’s small beaches. It’s connected to the main island of Singapore by two bridges. So you can also rent bikes and combine your trip to Coney Island with the Punggol Waterway where you can ride across five beautiful bridges.
- St. John’s Island & Lazarus Island – This island used to be a small paradise for cat lovers. However, there are only 16 stray cats left who are taken care of by volunteers. Its neighboring island Lazarus is home to some more friendly felines that you can visit. Both islands are connected by a bridge that you can easily cross.
- Sentosa – Singapore’s most advertised island is an artificial island with Universal Studios and a theme park located there. I once came here, looking for a beach break but found out that the whole island is made up like a theme park that you have to cross even if you only want to go to the beach. Besides, they have disturbing, unethical animal shows here. Dolphins, sharks, turtles, and many more marine animals are kept in tiny tanks and I heard that the whole site is a bit long in the tooth and shabby. So I advise you not to visit.
Have a drink at a rooftop bar
The view across Singapore’s skyline is breathtaking. While the sky deck on top of Marina Bay Sands is the most famous place to see in Singapore when it comes to rooftop drinks, there are countless others.
Here are some lovely rooftop bars that won’t break the bank:
- Marina Bay Sands – The iconic rooftop bar is free on Wednesdays (for girls) and on Thursdays (for everyone).
- Mr. Stork – A beautiful rooftop bar on the 39th floor of Andaz/Hyatt with a breathtaking view of the city’s skyline. I wouldn’t eat here but it’s perfect for a drink (drink prices are okay considering that you pay for the amazing view, e.g. 20SD/15USD for a glass of wine – my tip: come between 5-7 p.m. and get two glasses of champagne for 30SD/22USD).
- Urban Farm @ Funan – The roof garden on top of Funan Mall is a true hidden gem in Singapore. Take the lift at Lobby B and enjoy the view overlooking Marina Bay.
Drinks at Mr. Stork
Escape into Singapore’s green parks
- Botanic Gardens – Did you know that this is the only tropical garden that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site? Singapore’s Botanic Gardens are the perfect hideaway to enjoy a little retreat into nature not far from the city center. A peaceful, calm atmosphere awaits you in the 165-year-old tropical garden. It’s divided into three areas or “cores”: The Tanglin core (the oldest area with the heritage charms of the historic garden), the Tyersall-Gallop core (integrated into the park’s rainforest), and Bukit Timah (the educational zone with a children’s garden, treehouses and a farm). For sure one of the most relaxing unique things to see in Singapore.
- Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve – One could say this is as wild as it gets in neat Singapore. The super biodiverse ecosystem is home to a rich flora and fauna with mangrove forests, ponds, and mudflats. Here you can spot large monitor lizards crossing your paths and some travelers described that they’ve even seen crocodiles and huge snakes in Sungei Buloh.Even though it’s a wilder area, it’s relatively flat and you can easily get around. It’s an awesome experience to come with a guide who can show you wildlife and share his experiences.
- The Southern Ridges – Connecting several parks and natural reserves in Singapore’s south, The Southern Ridges are the perfect green escape for a few hours. You can walk along wooden paths among the lush rainforest in The Forest Walk (an elevated walkway among the tree tops) or visit the Henderson Waves Bridge (a pedestrian bridge formed like a wave with nice views of Singapore) which connects The Southern Ridges to the more touristy Faber Park.
Singapore’s parks
Hotel recommendation near Southern Ridges: Hotel Faber Park
Before talking about the lovely modern rooms I have to mention the rooftop pool! In such a hot, humid city, having a pool is a true luxury. The rooms are small but nicely decorated and offer everything you need. There’s a bus stop right in front of the hotel that takes you into the center.
Visit Animal Lovers League
As an animal lover myself, I love popping by animal shelters or rescue centers when I’m traveling. They’re always happy about a helping hand, someone who wants to spend time and cuddle with the animals or walk a dog. Animal Lovers League is home to around 700 cats and dogs who have been rescued in Singapore. They have a strict no-kill policy (which is sadly not very common in Asia).
Absurdly, right next door there’s a “puppy factory” which shows the problem many countries have: cute little puppies are sold for a lot of money and often end up in shelters once the owners realize the responsibilities that come with having a pet. So show some love to these poor ones instead of supporting puppy breeders.
Good to know
Sustainable travel in Singapore
As a small, low-lying island, Singapore is quite vulnerable to the effects of climate change. With the rapid rise of the sea level, the city could be swallowed in the foreseeable future.
That’s one of the reasons why it’s one of the greenest cities in the world. Singapore’s sustainability strategies can hardly be overlooked. You can spot many buildings covered in plants to clear the city’s air when you walk through the city exploring the unique things to do in Singapore. Sustainable hotels leave nothing undone to further decrease their carbon footprint, improve their waste management, and be even more sustainably powered.
Besides, a big plus is you can drink tap water everywhere in Singapore so you don’t have to buy bottled water all the time.
And once you leave the center which is covered in buildings, you realize that over half the island is covered in trees. With Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve Singapore is actually one of only two cities worldwide (besides Rio de Janeiro) with primary rainforest located within city limits.
The Singaporean government takes action in so many ways. They subsidize land developers who incorporate green technology when constructing new buildings and those who renovate buildings. There are even some rumors that it will be mandatory to build “green” in Singapore in the near future.
Also, they have a smart wastewater system that turns it into drinking water again, and they catch huge amounts of rainwater. And about 95% of Singapore’s energy is powered by natural gas.
But once you research more about sustainable tourism plans, you are truly amazed. The framework is given by the Singapore Green Plan 2030 – the national agenda on sustainable development. With this plan, Singapore aspires to achieve zero emissions by 2050. To reach this, they take a large number of actions. To name just a few, they are planning to
- plant one million new trees
- deploy four times more solar energy by 2025
- reduce the waste sent to landfill by 30% by 2030
- run more than 20% of schools carbon neutrally by 2030
Moreover, Singapore announced that it’s planning the world’s largest sustainable aviation fuel plant within the next few years.
How can I travel more sustainably in Singapore?
As a sustainable traveler, make sure to:
- Drink tap water (it’s totally safe to drink in Singapore) to reduce plastic waste
- Book local guides
- Select eco-tour operators who operate with respect for the environment
- Support the national parks and rehabilitation centers with a donation, so Singapore’s rare species can be protected
- Stay and eat at local’s places (hawker centers and small local restaurants) in order to support the locals
- Don’t eat Shark fin soup, which is sadly still a delicacy in Singapore, even though many shark species are endangered
- Volunteer to support local environmental organizations
Weather & travel season
When to go?
The best time to explore all the unique things to do in Singapore is from mid-March to May and October to November, as these are the driest months.
Just as in Malaysia and Indonesia, Singapore’s climate is dominated by hot temperatures and heavy humidity all year round. Many people have to get used to it.
But even during the rainy season it doesn’t rain all day (usually rather in the afternoon), so you have plenty of time to enjoy Singapore, even if you go in the rainy season (as I did every time actually).
There are two rainy seasons: from December to early March (the months with the most rain in Singapore), and from June to September. Usually, the days are mostly dry until the afternoon but you can expect heavy rains from around 3 p.m. until around 6 / 7 p.m. on most days. However, I’ve also been in Singapore in December once and there were some days without rain. So you can also be lucky. But be aware that you should always be prepared for rain, as it’s never really predictable.
Always be prepared for rain while you’re exploring Singapore’s unique things to do
Always be prepared for rain while you’re exploring Singapore’s unique things to do
Language & currency
What language is spoken in Singapore?
Because Singapore was part of Malaysia until 1965, the symbolic national language is Malay (Bahasa Melayu). However, there are four official languages in Singapore: Malay, Mandarin, Tamil, and English.
As education follows a bilingual policy, most Singaporeans speak two languages and English is what you hear mostly on the streets (they call it “Singlish”). So you will easily get along with English.
However, if you visit a Kampong, it’s always nice to speak a few words of traditional Malay.
So here’s a small list you should try to remember:
- “Welcome” – Selamat datang
- “Good morning” – Selamat pagi
- “Good afternoon/evening” – Selamat petang
- “Hello” – Helo
- “Thank you” – Tarima kasih
- “You’re welcome” – Sama sama
Is Singapore really that expensive?
The country’s currency is the Singapore Dollar (SD). 10 SD are around US$ 7.50.
For sure you can spend a luxurious vacation in Singapore. The choice of high-class hotels and premium restaurants is vast. However, I’ve been backpacking in Singapore (as part of a Southeast Asian backpacking trip) several times and had an amazing and affordable time.
You can get really cheap and delicious local food in Hawker Centers, food courts, or Chinatown. I think I rarely paid more than $5 (less than 4 USD) for a meal anytime I was in Singapore.
Besides, there are so many amazing experiences that you can enjoy in Singapore for free or very cheap. As you can see, most of the unique things to do in Singapore that are listed above are for free, such as joining an amazing Free Walking Tour with Wei, visiting spectacular temples, enjoying the green parks of Singapore, and even entering Marina Bay Sands rooftop (if you come on a Wednesday or Thursday).
I have to admit that accommodation prices have gone up quite a bit, especially when you prefer staying in a hotel or apartment. If you’re backpacking in Singapore and you’re on a tight budget, however, there are some amazing hostels in Singapore where you can stay in a dorm room for a fair price.
Hostel recommendation in Singapore: The Bohemian
With a great location in Chinatown from where you can walk everywhere, this is your perfect base. The hostel has quiet dorm rooms, but in the common area, you can easily connect with other backpackers. It’s also one of the cheapest hostels in the city of Singapore, but still has a lot to offer and is clean.
Staying & getting around
Where to stay?
Ask yourself first: What unique things to do in Singapore do you plan to explore? And what are your needs? The choice of accommodation and different neighborhoods is huge.
To be in the heart of Singapore, the areas around Marina Bay, Chinatown and Kampong Glam are perfect. Around here, you can easily explore Singapore on foot. While at Marina Bay you’re surrounded by skyscrapers, Chinatown and Kampong Glam are older, more authentic neighborhoods with many smaller, often really beautiful colonial buildings.
But you can also stay a bit further away from the hustle and bustle, in one of the calmer, more local areas. Especially when you’re fine with taking public transport, you can have a wonderful time staying in Katong or near the Southern Ridges.
How many days in Singapore?
To be honest, you could spend a long weekend exploring Singapore or stay several weeks backpacking in Singapore, and there’s still so much yet to be seen. But take at least 3-4 days to get a feeling not only for Singapore’s highlights but also to discover some unique things to do in Singapore.
Visiting Singapore can be perfectly fit into a longer trip in Southeast Asia, e.g. backpacking in Malaysia, Thailand, or Indonesia.
How to get around?
This question is quickly solved: on foot. Even though Singapore is a huge city with over 5 million inhabitants, the center can be easily explored on foot, as you can walk to most places.
If you prefer taking a rest from the heat every now and then, you can take the Metro (MRT/LRT) or bus. Singapore has a well-connected transport system. There’s also a metro (MRT) from the airport right into the center for less than 2$.
While Uber doesn’t operate in Singapore, like in all Southeast Asian countries. Instead, they have their own ride-share apps such as Grab, TaDa, and Gojek.
Singapore’s food heaven
I always like to say that food is such a huge part of a country’s culture. Due to its history, Singaporean food is very similar to Malaysian cuisine – with its many influences from Chinese, Indian, to Malay.
As mentioned before, locals usually eat at a hawker center, where you find many food stalls and can get any dish you want. It’s a food heaven!
Also, you get tropical fruits and fresh fruit juice everywhere (my fav is Mango juice – just order it without sugar, otherwise they’ll add a lot)! Besides, with the hot weather, you won’t say no to a fresh young coconut or freshly pressed sugarcane juice.
I described many different Malaysian dishes in my post on Malaysia – so have a look here to read more about typical Malaysian dishes that you also find on every corner of Singapore.
In addition, here are some typical Singaporean dishes and a short explanation (as the Bahasa names may sound very strange when you first hear them):
- Nyonya Laksa – a curry noodle soup traditionally prepared with prawn stock and coconut milk. But you can also find veggie versions.
- Singapore Hokkien Mee – Yellow noodles either served in a broth or fried
While many Malaysian and Singaporean dishes are originally with meat, you can find vegetarian or vegan versions at local veggie food courts or restaurants. To name just a few, the Clover Plant Based Kitchen (directly next to Haji Lane), The Kind Bowl (close to the National Museum), and Shun Cheng Hawker Stall at Maxwell Food Center are great. But there are many, many more. In Chinatown alone there are a lot of vegetarian and vegan street food stalls and small restaurants.
Malaysian / Singaporean food
Customs & religion
In comparison to Malaysia, Singaporeans seem more used to Western culture and may have adopted some influences as well. As a traveler, you don’t have to worry about being looked at when wandering around just wearing shorts and a top, since it’s not a Muslim state. I also have the feeling, that Singaporeans are less conservative.
Nevertheless, it’s super important to behave and dress respectfully when you’re in a foreign culture. Especially when visiting temples, make sure to always cover your shoulders and knees.
Singapore in a nutshell
Singapore in 3 words: hawker stalls | clean | skyscrapers
Did you know? Singapore didn’t really have to fight for its independence. As this fisher town didn’t seem that lucrative to keep for Malaysia, they let them go. Little did Malaysia know that this fisher town would develop into one of the world’s most important transportation hubs and a wealthy country within just a few centuries.
Favorite food: Singapore Hokkien Mee for sure
Favorite photo spot: Haji Lane
Can’t miss: You simply must see Singapore from above.
Did you enjoy these tips and things to see in Singapore? In this large, impressive city there’s so much more to explore. Let me know if you have any tips and additions, especially on hidden gems and unique things to do in Singapore.
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