Summary:
How to Travel Singapore Like a Local
All my travelling experience brought me to a single realization: the best way to explore a destination is by immersing yourself in the local culture. Locals possess unique insights about their city, including what to eat, where to play, and the best ways to navigate through it.
While travel bloggers have their merits, it’s the locals who unveil the true gems of a place, helping visitors discover its hidden magic.
If you’re eager to dive deep into Singaporean culture, here are my top recommendations for must-visit local hotspots.
What are the Best Singapore Attractions
1. Gardens by the Bay (South)
For many Singaporeans, Gardens by the Bay may seem like just another large garden filled with diverse plants. However, its significance to Singapore’s tourism cannot be overstated; it’s ranked as the #1 attraction on Tripadvisor for good reason.
The Flower Dome and Cloud Forest at Gardens by the Bay offer a unique collection of plant life, unlike anything found elsewhere.
The Flower Dome and Cloud Forest are open from 9 am to 9 pm.
When to Go: Typically, early visits to attractions are recommended to dodge the crowds. However, for Gardens by the Bay, consider visiting between 4 pm and 5 pm. This timing allows you to enjoy breathtaking views during sunset, complete with the spectacular lighting of the Supertree.
Local’s Secret Tip
2. Gardens by the Bay (East)
Many believe Gardens by the Bay (South) offers a stunning experience, yet locals will often tell you that the true beauty lies in Gardens by the Bay (East).
How to Get There: To reach Gardens by the Bay (East) from Gardens by the Bay (South), simply walk towards Marina Barrage, cross over, and continue walking along the waterfront. The total distance is approximately 1.7km.
Upon reaching, you’ll be greeted with a panoramic view of the Singapore skyline. This garden offers a tranquil ambiance, distinctly quieter than its counterpart.
3. Satay by the Bay
Your culinary adventure begins at Satay by the Bay, conveniently located next to Gardens by the Bay (South). Here, you can indulge in a variety of local dishes typical of any hawker center, albeit at slightly higher prices.
4. Old Airport Road Hawker Centre
Just an 8 to 12-minute drive away lies the renowned Old Airport Road Hawker Centre, a hotspot for both locals and visitors.
This hawker center draws crowds due to its reputation for delicious, affordable dishes.
The Hawker Centre – Dining in Singapore
Hawker Centres hold a special place in Singapore’s culinary landscape, offering a diverse range of delectable food options all in one location. Remarkably, you won’t find such an experience elsewhere in the world.
During my travels, I always seek out local hawker centres, but they are quite unique to Singapore.
While you may find similarities in Malaysia, Singapore’s hawker stalls provide an unmatched array of delicious, budget-friendly food.
I highly recommend dining in a hawker centre at least once during your visit. Below are some of my favorite hawker centres conveniently located near major tourist attractions:
Where to Eat in Singapore
- Old Airport Road
- Chinatown Complex Food Centre
- Maxwell Road Hawker Centre
- Tiong Bahru Hawker Centre
- Tekka Centre (Great for Muslim and Indian Food)
Trendy Cafés
In recent years, a plethora of trendy cafés have emerged in Singapore. However, these are not your conventional Starbucks; instead, they offer unique atmospheres and exceptional food and drinks.
These charming cafés are typically found on the outskirts of the bustling town center.
Getting Around Singapore
Train & Bus
Singapore’s train and bus services operate on a convenient distance fare system. The train is highly effective for reaching major areas, with buses providing access to even closer destinations.
For most travelers, the train system suffices to navigate the city, as popular attractions are usually just a short walk from train stations. However, becoming familiar with bus routes may take some time.
Private Hire (Uber or Grab)
Uber and Grab are the leading ride-hailing apps in Singapore. Many travelers find Uber’s global brand reputation reassuring, coupled with the agreed-upon fare before the ride. Nonetheless, Grab offers localized benefits, often featuring promotional deals.
Taxi
When it comes to transportation, taxis tend to be the most expensive option in Singapore. Locals often reserve taxis for circumstances like surge pricing with ride-hailing apps, as fares are prominently displayed on back seat windows.
Be aware that taxi fares undergo additional surcharges of 25% to 50% during peak hours (midnight to 6:00 am). Furthermore, there’s a surcharge from the airport as well.
Useful Apps in Singapore
While many travelers rely on popular international apps, local applications can significantly enhance your experience. When I traveled to Shanghai, lack of access to Google and WhatsApp made things quite difficult.
In Singapore, Burpple is the go-to authority for uncovering the best culinary delights. Foodpanda, Deliveroo, and UberEATS represent the premium food delivery services available.
Additionally, my website Wanderhow offers insider tips directly from locals, ensuring travelers receive genuine recommendations on dining, accommodation, and activities in Singapore.
Consequently, these insights and tips should enrich your travel experience in Singapore. If you have any local recommendations to share, feel free to contribute!
