Singapore’s attract goes past its iconic lodges, manicured gardens and world-class airport. A maturing native id peeks via if you understand the place to look.

At first look, town is not actually identified for vary when it comes to journey, particularly with its headliners clinching superlatives at each flip. Points of interest just like the Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay and Jewel Changi Airport counsel that the city-state has little past artifical sights to supply, however ask any native and so they’ll be joyful to level out that there is life past Loopy Wealthy Asians.

To know Singapore extra intimately, enterprise past its well-known showcase to the assorted neighborhoods across the island. From a crimson gentle district that doubles as a wonderful meals hub, to a tranquil reservoir hiding the world’s first nocturnal zoo, listed here are the most effective places to visit in Singapore to uncover its different charms.

1. Pulau Ubin

A rural island holding quick to the 1960s

Off the jap shores of Singapore is Pulau Ubin, a tiny island the place many locals take into account to be the final vestige of kampong (village) life. Greater than only a description of a gathering of makeshift homes manufactured from zinc sheets and wooden, the time period represents an easier time when the communal spirit was robust. Thus, it turned a vacation spot for Singaporeans to visit for some genuine nostalgia. 

Whereas small, the easiest way to discover the island is by bicycle – a reality evident by the numerous rental retailers close to the jetty entrance. If in case you have restricted time, take the jap path because it leads to the island’s most well-known sight, Chek Jawa wetlands. Stroll the in depth boardwalk to spot mudskippers and fiddler crabs, or come throughout low tide to see carpet anemones, ribbon seagrass and the occasional horseshoe crab. On the finish of the stroll, climb up Jejawi Tower for panoramic views of the realm.

As one of many few websites for granite mining in the early days, the western path options three water-filled quarries that look spectacular on a sunny day. Cycle first to Petai Quarry and pop by Butterfly Hill to see a small knoll adorned with crops that draw the fluttering creatures. Additional alongside, you will come by Puaka Hill. It is a simple 15-minute hike up to the very best viewpoint on the island, which presents beautiful views of Ubin Quarry from the highest. Contemplate dropping by Wei Tuo Fa Gong Temple close by, a temple from the 1950s with colourful prayer flags over a pond. 

Return to the primary village and have a meal at one of many humble eateries there. Benefit from the rustic ambiance in addition to a powerful instance of a wayang stage for conventional theatrical performances, now hardly ever seen on the primary island. 

Planning tip: Take a one-way ferry trip to the island from Changi Level Ferry Terminal for simply $Four an individual. The impartial operators will wait to fill the boat of 12 earlier than leaving, so ready instances might fluctuate from a couple of minutes to 20 minutes. Insect repellant is closely suggested. 

2. Geylang

The red-light district that is additionally a well-liked supper spot

Because it’s a spot that is usually seen as sanitized, the truth that there are legalized brothels in Singapore could also be a shock to some. Restricted to the even-numbered lorongs (lanes) branching out from Geylang Highway, one can determine them by their open gates and their crimson numbered indicators or crimson hanging lanterns on the door. Nonetheless, for a lot of locals, the star attraction right here is absolutely the unpretentious meals scene, particularly after darkish.

It is all a really logical evolution after all. Clients visited in the wee hours and neighboring companies adjusted their hours for the clientele. As extra evening owls gravitated there for supper, Geylang turned a 24/7 meals haven. An early instance is Yong He Consuming Home, a Taiwanese joint most well-known for his or her fried fritters and easy beancurd. It is also one of many few places you possibly can attempt a salty number of the latter, made savory with minced meat, preserved greens, spring onions and dried shrimp. Additional down the highway, Eminent Frog Porridge has earned itself a point out in the Michelin Bib Gourmand information with their claypot delicacy, however there are different stir-fry dishes for these not into the creatures. Charcoal-cooked dishes are well-liked too, with beautiful examples of seafood noodles fried in a wok at Swee Guan Hokkien Mee and the oven-roasted char siew pork slivers in Koung’s Wanton Mee. For a sharing platter, Mongkok Dim Sum serves up all kinds of steaming treats in small baskets all through the day. There’s even a string of distributors promoting that the majority polarizing of fruits, the durian.

Native tip: Security will not be a problem regardless of the reputation, and the brothel operators primarily hold to themselves. If you happen to do enterprise into their lanes, don’t gawk and chorus from taking photos and movies. As a substitute, if you want to higher be taught in regards to the historical past of the realm, the impartial Geylang Adventures will guarantee one in all a vivid and respectful path.

3. Katong

A photogenic Peranakan enclave with tasty adventures

An ethnic group that emerged from early Chinese language settlers marrying with Malay and Indonesian communities in Southeast Asia, the Peranakans bear out this fused heritage in a lovely and vibrant approach. Apart from visiting the museum at Armenian Avenue, one can visit Katong to expertise their structure and meals.

Essentially the most photogenic stretch may be discovered at Koon Ship Highway, the place a line of multi-colored pastel terrace homes are an ideal backdrop. As you make your approach down Joo Chiat Highway in direction of East Coast Highway, you will discover quite a few meals choices, starting from native Bak Kut Teh (pork rib soup) to stylish cafes. You may additionally come by Previous Bibik’s Peranakan Kitchen, an incredible possibility for some genuine delicacies. As you progress in direction of East Coast Highway, attempt to spot one of many many eye-catching murals tucked in the alleys.

The primary stretch holds extra meals choices, however visit Peranakan Inn & Lounge for homey classics like Ayam (hen) with Buah Keluak – a savory and painstaking dish made particular by the earthy nuts. Baba Chews is a extra industrial counterpart situated beneath Resort Indigo. Throughout the highway, the glutinous rice dumplings at Kim Choo Kueh Chang are sizzling commodities, particularly through the Mid-Autumn Competition. When you’re there, well-liked meals selections embody Katong Laksa – which serves a creamy curry noodle dish – and Birds of Paradise, an area gelato maker identified for his or her botanical flavors. 

As the realm will not be as accessible through the native subway system, benefit from your outing with a visit to the close by East Coast Park,  Singapore’s largest instance of the coastal ecosystem. Then visit East Coast Lagoon Meals Village to pattern the tasty hawker fare.

4. Tanjong Pagar

A distinct creature by day and evening

With its proximity to the Central Enterprise District (CBD), Tanjong Pagar is a hotbed of fits searching for out hawker nosh at Amoy and Maxwell Meals Facilities, or their afternoon cuppa at stylish cafes. This juxtaposition between fashionable and conventional may also be seen in its structure, particularly in Chinatown and alongside Amoy Avenue and Telok Ayer Avenue, the place heritage shophouses sit subsequent to towering blocks. Apparently, that is additionally the place one can discover Singapore’s multi-religious society represented alongside one highway. Make your approach to the South Bridge Highway finish of Pagoda Avenue and you will find your self between two 19th century places of worship, Masjid Jamae and Sri Mariamman Temple. Transfer additional south of the primary highway and you will come by the spectacular Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, with Fairfield Methodist Church simply throughout the junction.

When the solar units, the realm goes from bustling to bar-centric, and right here you will discover among the world’s finest watering holes. In actual fact, two of the three Singaporean bars which have made it to the World’s 50 Best listing name this space house. Jigger & Pony is a extra polished affair residing in Amara Resort – a wonderful place for an espresso martini. Sago Home has a extra convivial ambiance in a compact house, together with a smaller menu that rotates frequently. For different tipple explorations, attempt Reside Twice and Oriental Elixir.

Tanjong Pagar additionally hosts the island’s solely LGBTQ+ nightlife companies. Whereas not legally acknowledged, the group enjoys relative freedom at these institutions. Taboo and Tantric Bar are native establishments, whereas newer joints want extra provocative names similar to Sausage Market and Neil’s Conversion Clinic.

5. Mandai

A pure sanctuary with world-class services

The Singapore Zoo persistently places itself as one of many world’s finest animal parks and a should visit when visiting the nation, thanks to its naturalistic habitats that cater to the wildlife. At all times innovating, the groups behind the zoo created Night time Safari Park in 1994, the world’s first nocturnal zoo exhibit, and afterward in 2014, River Wonders – the primary and solely river-themed model in Asia. This was most lately joined by Chook Paradise in 2023, showcasing an astonishing number of birds similar to hornbills, flamingos and even penguins, set towards varied Asian backdrops like rice terraces and bamboo groves.

Much less talked about is the close by Higher Seletar Reservoir. Located in the Central Catchment Reserve, it’s a peaceable escape from the city areas and in addition an incredible spot to catch a tree lined sundown. With such a scenic potential, the realm can be slated for a brand new attraction in 2024, Rainforest Park; highlights will embody a 250m suspension bridge and a cover stroll 11m above the bottom.

Planning tip: Non-public rent is probably the most handy transport possibility, and the journey will take about 30 minutes from town. For public transport, take the MRT subway to Ang Mo Kio Station and switch to bus 138. You may also drop off halfway to visit the reservoir. Or, head additional north to Khatib MRT and go for the $2 park shuttle trip. As a result of Chook Paradise is barely aside from the opposite zoo parks, it’s best to visit it first and take the free shuttle to the opposite segments and end with Night time Safari Park.

6. Tiong Bahru

A residential relic which skilled a renaissance

Singapore’s public housing scheme first took root in Tiong Bahru in the 1930s, which is why the designs right here differ so enormously from immediately’s hovering blocks. Moderately than specializing in residing density, the four-story buildings are comfortably spaced aside, making it a simple stroll for guests. The structure is a spotlight right here: quiet artwork deco with gentle curves infused with Straits parts, like corridors paying homage to five-foot methods, spiral staircases and light-weight wells. Spot the inexperienced tinted glass used to defend residents from the harshest solar in sure areas.

For probably the most consultant take, make your approach to block 55 on the junction of Tiong Bahru Highway and Tiong Poh Highway to admire the architectural highlights of those uncommon pre-war buildings. When the realm was slated for conservation, this drew the eye of the native artistic group, and plenty of have quietly made their properties or companies right here. You may see this new millennial revival as you develop your stroll, recognizing intermittent choices for quaint cafes, artful retail shops and scrumptious hawker fare. Tiong Bahru Bakery, opened by Frenchman Gontran Cherrier, has develop into a stalwart repair for croissants, whereas Micro Bread & Co and Flock Cafe are nice native alternate options for baked items. Cat Socrates has pleasant stationary and souvenirs to take house, and Nana & Chook is a well-established spot for stylish girls’s clothes.

Do not forget to visit Tiong Bahru Marketplace for a real native expertise. The primary degree homes day by day sundry, recent flowers and different requirements, whereas the second story is a well-regarded hawker heart. Take your decide from piping sizzling umami prawn noodles, freshly-steamed buns and even a Michelin Bib Gourmand hen rice stall. End off your exploration at Nimble/Knead and have your weary physique spiffed up at this distinctive spa housed in transport containers.

7. Bugis and Kampong Glam

A thriving purchasing space with Malay cultural sights

Kampong Glam has emerged as the most effective places to visit in Singapore, largely thanks to its star attraction, Haji Lane. The bohemian avenue is as unbridled because it will get on the island, with energetic murals crawling up shophouses promoting every part from clothes to trinkets. Make your approach to the tip at Seashore Highway (the place the shoreline used to be earlier than reclamation occurred) to expertise a Mexican meal beneath a large Aztec artwork piece at Piedra Niegra, or be a part of the locals having some soupy prawn noodles at Blanco Court docket or Hainanese pork chop at Prince Espresso Home.

There’s lots to see previous the revelry on the lane. As you make your approach in direction of Sultan Mosque, you will discover Arab Avenue specializes in basic Center-Japanese commerce gadgets like materials and rugs – very like in Singapore’s early years. As you attain Bussorah Avenue, admire the golden domes of the mosque down a line of shophouses earlier than popping by Jamal Kazura Aromatics for some heady conventional perfumes. Neighboring hole-in-the-wall Bhai Sarbat continues to pour out among the finest teh tarik (frothy milk tea) anyplace on the island. The close by Malay Heritage Centre is present process some renovations, however the grounds are fairly to stroll via given its unique use as a former Istana (palace). Different worthy mentions embody the dramatic Classic Cameras Museum formed like an precise Rollei, and Golden Landmark Purchasing Middle with its humble retailers and startlingly stunning glass elevators.

The bigger neighborhood of Bugis can be an gratifying slice of Singapore, boasting a extra avenue market-style method. Stroll up to Albert Avenue and you will be sandwiched between Albert Middle with tons of hawker choices and Fu Lu Shou Complicated, which presents reasonably priced massages. To the west stand two favored spiritual venues: Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple, one of many busiest Chinese language temple in Singapore, and superbly adorned Sri Krishnan Temple.

Native tip: Bugis can be the most effective places to keep when visiting Singapore. Not solely is it well-connected with 4 out of the six MRT subway strains inside simple strolling distance, but it surely accommodates surprisingly reasonably priced lodging choices for such a central location, together with impartial operators and international manufacturers like ibis and Mercure lodges.