Sure, Marina Bay Sands is impressive, but how about you ditch the tourist traps and dive into the real Singapore, where the locals live, eat and play? For the best-kept secrets of Lion City, the SG Arrival Card is your ticket to discovering everything beyond the guidebook.
Tiong Bahru: Where Hipsters and Aunties Live Side by Side
First stop: Tiong Bahru. This neighbourhood is like that cool aunt who wears vintage dresses and knows all the best indie bands. It’s where Singapore’s past and present mingle over artisanal coffee and kueh (a typical, often colourful, bite-sized treat).
Start your day at Tiong Bahru Bakery. Yes, it’s a chain now, but this is where it all began. Their kouign-amann will make you forget about your diet faster than you can say “butter pastry”. If you’re feeling extra peckish, grab a flakey croissant, too.
Next, lose yourself in the stacks at BooksActually. This indie bookstore is a treasure trove of local literature and quirky knick-knacks. Who knows? You might stumble upon Singapore’s next literary superstar. Keep an eye out for the resident cats—they’re the real owners of the place.
For lunch, brave the queue at Tiong Bahru Market. The chicken rice at Tiong Bahru Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice is so good, it might ruin all other chicken rice for you. While you’re there, check out the other stalls, too. The carrot cake (which, confusingly, contains neither carrots nor cake) at Tow Kwar Pop is a local favourite.
After lunch, walk off those calories with a stroll around the neighbourhood. The Art Deco architecture here is Instagram gold. Keep your eyes peeled for the hidden murals scattered around—they’re like Easter eggs for the urban explorer.
End your Tiong Bahru adventure at Yoga Movement. This trendy yoga studio offers drop-in classes if you’re feeling zen, or just snap a pic of their neon sign in the window if you’re feeling lazy. No judgment here.
Kampong Glam: Where Street Art Meets History
Next up, head to Kampong Glam. This neighbourhood is like a living, breathing Instagram filter – colourful, vibrant, and impossibly cool.
Kick things off with a stroll down Haji Lane. This narrow street is a riot of colour, with murals covering every available surface. It’s like walking through a kaleidoscope, only with better shopping. Pop into Vintagewknd for some thrifty finds, or Coffee Donkey for a caffeine fix in a Japanese-style tearoom.
Speaking of shopping, pop into Supermama. This design store showcases local artists and designers. It’s the perfect place to pick up a souvenir that doesn’t scream ‘tourist’. Their Singapore Icons collection is particularly cool – who wouldn’t want a porcelain plate featuring a Singlish phrase?
When hunger strikes, head to Rib Soul Food. This rib join serves up some of the best soul food east of the Mississippi. Their ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender and their seafood boils will transport you straight to the American south.
For a dose of culture, check out the Malay Heritage Centre. It’s housed in a former sultan’s palace and offers a fascinating glimpse into Malay history and culture. Pro tip: they offer free guided tours on weekends so make your dollar stretch further if you want.
As the sun sets, make your way to the iconic Sultan Mosque. Its golden domes are stunning any time of day, but they’re particularly magical at dusk. Just remember to dress respectfully (no bare shoulders or knees).
Cap off your night at Atlas Bar. Yes, it’s a bit fancy, but trust us, it’s worth it. The art deco interiors are straight out of The Great Gatsby, and their gin collection is the largest in the world. Treat yourself to a martini – you’ve earned it after all that exploring.
Joo Chiat: Peranakan Paradise
Our final stop is Joo Chiat, the heartland of Peranakan culture in Singapore. It’s like stepping into a time machine, only with better air conditioning.
Start by admiring the pastel-coloured shophouses along Koon Seng Road. They’re so pretty, you’ll be tempted to move in. (Spoiler alert: You can’t. We checked.) These houses are a photographer’s dream, so charge your phone and prepare for a mini photoshoot.
For a taste of Peranakan cuisine, head to Guan Hoe Soon Restaurant. Their ayam buah keluak (chicken stewed with black nuts) is the stuff of legends. Just don’t ask for a fork— it’s chopsticks or bust! If you’re feeling adventurous, try the pig’s organ soup. It’s much tastier than it sounds, promise.
Walk off your lunch with a visit to the Eurasian Heritage Centre. It’s a small museum, but it offers a fascinating look into the often-overlooked Eurasian community in Singapore. The staff here are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate, so don’t be shy about asking questions.
For a sweet treat, pop into Sinpopo Brand. This retro-style cafe serves up local-inspired desserts with a modern twist. Their gula melaka cake is to die for, and their packaging is so cute you’ll want to take it home (go ahead, we won’t judge).
As evening approaches, join the locals for a sunset stroll along East Coast Park. Rent a bike if you’re feeling energetic, or just find a spot on the beach to watch the ships go by. It’s a reminder that despite all its modernity, Singapore is still very much a port city at heart.
End your day with a nightcap at The Cider Pit. This cosy little joint serves up a mean selection of ciders and craft beers. It’s the perfect spot to rehash your day’s adventures and plot tomorrow’s exploration. Try the Archipelago beer: It’s local and delicious.
So there you have it, a whirlwind tour of Singapore’s hidden gems. These neighbourhoods and spots might not have the glitz and glamour of Marina Bay, but they’ve got something better: soul.
Now go forth and explore. The real Singapore is waiting for you, and trust us, it’s way cooler than any guidebook could ever capture. Who knows? You might even discover some hidden gems of your own. And when you do, remember the golden rule of travel: sharing is caring, but some secrets are best kept… well, secret.
Author Bio: Susan Noel is an experienced content writer. She is associated with many renowned travel blogs as a guest author where she shares her valuable travel tips with the audience.
