If you are traveling to Singapore, then it is probably best to ask people in the know about what the city-state has to offer. They may be locals or longtime expatriates who are tuned in to the Singapore swing.
We asked five people – two Singaporeans, two Indonesians and one Australian – to reveal their favorite sides of the city-state.
Singaporean Derek Tao picks The Garden Slug in Lorong L Telok Kurau as his top eatery.
“It’s a humble, laid-back, gay and pet-friendly bistro. I can dine alone with my reading materials at leisure,” says the civil servant, 36.
His selection among the home-cooked western dishes on the menu is the ultimate grill.
“I like it because it has plenty of meat, generous portions and is cooked healthily without foregoing taste and color.”
He also loves spending quiet time at the Kinokuniya Bookshop at Nee Ann City shopping mall in Orchard Road, “simply because there are lots of books and gorgeous people who love books,” he says.
He suggests Indonesians visit Haji Lane, a lively district within Arab Street, where they can enjoy ethnic shopping and the gastronomical haven of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Malay and Indian cuisine. “Currently, the district is the hipster hangout.”
Next to Haji Lane, there is Tiong Bahru area, home to numerous shops selling indie outfits and still waiting to be discovered by visitors.
People looking for branded goods should head to another area, he says.
“They should go to Marina Bay Sands, where they can spend on entertainment, and for branded stuff,” he says.
In with tradition
Another Singaporean, Jasmin Rohani, considers Orchard Road a must-visit site, because of its famous name.
“Many Indonesians will come to see Orchard Road. It's the tradition,” the event organizer-cum- promoter says.
Also take a look at Singapore’s electronics and IT center Sim Lim Square near Bugis Street. “Electronics are cheap there. But you should not mention you’re a tourist or they will give you higher prices,” he says.
Jasmin considers Sentosa Island a pretty and inexpensive sightseeing place, although visiting the popular Universal Studio theme park would add to expenses.
“It’s cheap if you don’t visit the Studio. Just pay around S$3 (US$2.4) and you get to enjoy the beautiful island, its beach and scenery,” he says.
The 35-year-old usually hangs outs with friends in Clarke Quay, a historical quay located along Singapore River, with its clubs, bars, cafes and lounges for chilling.
His favorite restaurant is Spize on River Valley Road and Bedok Road, serving local, Mediterranean and western dishes.
Chew love
Jocelyn, an Indonesian flight attendant based in Singapore, loves the food at The Roti Prata House. “Its crispy prata is so delicious, crunchy on the outside but chewy in the middle,” she says.
Located on Upper Thomson Road and open around the clock, she says this is a lovely place to spend time with friends after the malls close.
Her boyfriend, Arie Nathan, who also lives in Singapore, loves mouth-watering desserts.
“One of my favorites is golden lava bun at Victor’s Kitchen on Bencoolen Street. It’s so delicious!” says the entrepreneur of the bun, which has a creamy filling made with salted egg yolks and butter.
He also loves rochor beancurd, a sweet-soft silken tofu dessert, at Rochor Original Beancurd on Short Street. “Served in a bowl with syrup either cold or hot, you can eat it along with Chinese crullers [cakwe],” he says.
For hangouts, Jocelyn, 28, prefers Hortpark, Singapore’s gardening hub.
“It is a cool place to hang out and have a mini picnic with friends at daytime. Then at 5 p.m, you can walk along Henderson Waves, waiting for sunset. It’s nice being here in the afternoon,” she said of the 274-meter-long pedestrian bridge, the highest in Singapore as its hangs 36 meters above Henderson Road.
The bridge is also worth visiting for its artistic, distinctive wave-like structure consisting of a series of undulating curved "ribs". They also double up as alcoves providing shelter to the public.
Arie, 30, also recommends Bugis Village on Bugis Street and Queensway shopping center in Queenstown.
“Bugis has lots of items for souvenirs and is relatively cheap, while Queensway offers a wide range of sports equipment at competitive prices, sometimes even cheaper than Indonesia,” he says.
Funky town
Sarah Cameron Porter is a fan of the unique shopping experience on Arab Street. “It offers all kinds of fabrics, Persian rugs and some funky clothes shops,” the Australian journalist says.
Holland Village is also worth a look, with its smaller boutiques, tailors and jewelry shops and quaint eating spots. “It’s a great spot to wander around in the evening particularly,” she says.
Indonesians wanting to see a different side of Singapore should head to Little India on a Sunday. “It’s a world away from Orchard Road’s shopping hub, and you’ll wonder if you’re really in the city-state still,” she says.
