🕷️ Crawler Inspector

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Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 145 (from laksa082)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa145.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/singapore/\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/singapore/\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/singapore\/","crawl_time":1773105544,"first_indexed_time":1508258984,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,theoccasionaltraveller!\/singapore\/ s443","src_root_hash":"1601466666299573745","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Exploring Singapore: tips from a local - The Occasional Traveller","meta_descriptions":["From must-see attractions for first-time visitors to lesser known secrets, here are some things to do in Singapore that I usually share with my friends"],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Last Updated on 1 March, 2026\nVisiting Singapore soon? I’m Jaclynn, a Singaporean travel lover who’s lived here all my life and here are some of my personal recommendations on things to do in Singapore, including some local tips for those who want to go beyond the usual tourist sights.\nI love travelling but when I’m out of annual leave, I try to spend more time exploring my own backyard a little more. You can see an extensive list of various articles and recommendations that I have written on how to see Singapore on this page. Also, I’m a co-writer on the latest\nLonely Planet Singapore guidebook\n.\nThe official\nVisit Singapore\nis useful to learn about the main sights to see in Singapore which people think you can cover in just 1-2 days, but as a licensed\nSingapore tourist guide\n, I’m here to share some of its lesser known corners and experiences as well. Drop me a note if you want a well-travelled local who loves sharing stories about her home to show you around on a private tour.\nTable of Contents\nEssential Information about Singapore\nWhere to Stay in Singapore\nWays to explore Singapore on your own\nGuided Tours in Singapore\nNature and Parks in Singapore\nOffshore Islands of Singapore\nLocal Neighbourhoods in Singapore\nStreet Art in Singapore\nArts & Culture in Singapore\nHawker Centres in Singapore\nEssential Information about Singapore\nSome of the must-knows and things to prep for your trip to Singapore\nSurvival Guide: Top 10 tips for travelling to Singapore\nFrom\nhow to dress\nto budgeting and laws to take note of – your essential overview of things to look out for before visiting Singapore.\nThe worst possible advice to give someone travelling to Singapore\nThere’s a lot of advice written about Singapore where its obvious the writer knows nothing about Singapore. Here’s my real take on things.\n5-day Singapore Guide – Best things to do for first-timers\nI designed this 5-day guide for first timers to Singapore covering major attractions, things to do and what to eat.\nHow to use public transportation to get around Singapore\nFrom how to take the bus and MRT to other public transportation tips, here’s my guide on getting around Singapore on a budget.\nBest things to do in Singapore\nShort on time? Here are the highlight things to do in Singapore for first time travellers who want to get a taste of the country and culture quickly.\nTop free things to do in Singapore\nSingapore may be considered an expensive country to visit, but there are plenty of things to do for free and still experience what it has to offer!\nGoCity Singapore Pass review\nSave money with tour attraction bundles\nThis remote northwestern corner of Singapore has some of the last remaining farms that you can visit like a goat farm and vegetable farm, as well as one of our best nature parks for animal and bird watching:\nSungei Buloh Nature Reserve.\nWhere to Stay in Singapore\nSingapore may not be very big, but you’ll want to stay somewhere convenient and cool for the best experience.\nWhere to stay in Singapore: A local’s guide to the best areas\nA local’s tips on neighbourhoods in Singapore\nAs a Singaporean, I don’t have a lot of chance to stay in our local hotels, but I can tell you which areas have the best vibes, connectivity and conveniences for a traveller. I break down my recommended neighbourhoods for tourists to stay in when visiting Singapore.\nWays to explore Singapore on your own\nI’m very much a free and easy solo traveller at heart, and my blogs are here to help you plan your own adventures. Here are some fun ways to explore Singapore free and easy without a guide.\nSightseeing Singapore by MRT: East to West\nRiding the metro across the island\nI usually recommend navigating Singapore by the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) which is our version of the subway or metro. This article covers what you can see if you rode the green line across the widest length of Singapore from east to west.\nSightseeing in Singapore when it rains\nNavigating the tropical weather\nSingapore’s weather can be described in 2 seasons: Hot and Wet, and Hotter and Wetter! There’s no need to despair if it rains, here are some things to do in Singapore even when it’s wet outside.\nCrazy Rich Asians movie shooting locations\nSingapore set locations for this blockbuster hit\nCrazy Rich Asians is one of the more recent Hollywood movies where Singapore features prominently in. The first movie was filmed partially in Singapore and I was an extra on the film! Here’s a look at what those locations are like in real life.\nGuided Tours in Singapore\nLooking for ways to explore Singapore with a guide? Here are some of my guided tour suggestions that I recommend to visiting friends and family. I’ve either tried these tours for myself or conduct them as a\nlicensed tourist guide\n.\nRecs for First-time Visitors\nIndie Singapore Free Walking Tours\nTips based walking tours with a local\nMy favourite way to explore a new city is to join a free walking tour to get a quick overview of what to see there. Check out\nIndie Singapore Tours\nand their free walking tours with a local insider viewpoint in Chinatown, Little India, Kampong Gelam and the Singapore River every weekday, and if you’re very lucky you might get me as your guide! These are tips-based tours so you pay as you want.\nHire me as your tourist guide in Singapore\nYes I am a licensed Singapore tourist guide\nIf you enjoy reading my blog or feel like I can understand your vibe and travel style, you can always hire me to show you my home country and Singapore from my perspective. I love giving private customised tours and in particular street art tours.\nOffbeat Options for seasoned visitors\nSome of these tours dig deeper into local culture and are seasonal\nMyCommunity Heritage Tours\nFree guided tours by volunteers in local neighbourhoods\nMyCommunity is a local non-profit that does regular guided tours by volunteers around non-touristy neighbourhoods in Singapore for free. These areas might not be particularly interesting to your average tourist but might appeal to those who want a really local look at Singapore. They sometimes have paid tours to unusual places or themed festival tours.\nThe Intan Tea Experience\nAfternoon tea in a Peranakan house\nEnjoy afternoon tea in one of Singapore’s smallest and most intimate museums located in a traditional shophouse in the Peranakan Joo Chiat neighbourhood, learning all about this mixed culture.\nOH! Open House\nArt tours in local neighbourhoods\n[SEASONAL] Explore Singaporean neighbourhoods through art installations set up in people’s houses, offices and personal spaces. I was a volunteer guide in the past editions for Joo Chiat, Emerald Hill and Kampong Gelam.\nIstana Open House\nVisiting Singapore’s palace and its grounds\n[SEASONAL] The official residence for Singapore’s president is open to the public on five public holidays in a year. Here’s how to maximise your visit based on my experience visiting.\nKatong Dreaming\nMusical walking tour around Katong\/Joo Chiat\n[SEASONAL] This guided performance art tour shows you the history and culture of Peranakan enclave and foodie favourite Katong and Joo Chiat through music, dance and theatre.\nNature and Parks in Singapore\nFor a very built-up island state known for its many tall buildings, Singapore has a surprising number of green spaces and nature.\nRecs for First-time Visitors\nGardens by the Bay\nCooled domes and Supertrees\nThe two cooled conservatories\nFlower Dome\nand\nCloud Forest\nare the perfect spots when Singapore is being overly hot or too rainy! The lovely cool 20ºC temperature is a dream. The daily light and music show at the\nSupertree Grove\nin the evening is also a very popular thing to do, while the\nOCBC Skywalk\nis a suspended platform winding through the Supertrees.\nI usually recommend visiting the domes in the afternoon when it is generally not as busy (Cloud Forest is very atmospheric when it gets darker), getting dinner nearby and doing the OCBC Skywalk for a closer look at the Supertrees, and then hanging around for the light shows.\nSingapore Botanic Gardens\nHistoric Park with UNESCO World Heritage status\nSingapore’s only UNESCO site, these sprawling gardens near the Orchard Road Shopping Belt are a nice break from all the buildings and city vibe.\nThe National Orchid Garden is one of the park’s highlights with lots of examples and exhibits on Orchid hybrids that Singapore is famous for, and a nice coolhouse right inside simulating mountain temperature is a nice relief from the heat.\nThe Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden is also great for families.\nMandai Wildlife Reserve\nWorld-class animal parks\nSingapore has an impressive collection of open-concept animal parks that have an impressive collection of wildlife from around the region and the world.\nThe\nSingapore Zoo\nis the most well-known, while the nocturnal\nNight Safari\nhas the most unique concept.\nRiver Wonders\nshowcases critters from the habitats of major rivers in the world and offers the most shelter in case of bad weather, while\nBird Paradise\nis the newest with plenty of open aviaries. The newest park is\nRainforest Wild\nwhich focuses on adventure activities and wilder treks.\nYou need two days to see all five parks properly, but with limited time I recommend seeing the Singapore Zoo and doing the Night Safari.\nOffbeat Options for seasoned visitors\nSouthern Ridges\n10km of treks and panoramic views along Singapore’s south\nThis trek along the hill range of Singapore’s southwestern coast is scenic and well maintained with lots of interesting stops along the way.\nStart at\nMount Faber\nwith the cable cars.\nHenderson Waves\nand\nAlexandra Arch\nare also picturesque and some of Singapore’s highest pedestrian bridges.\nKeppel Hill Reservoir & Seah Im Bunker\nForgotten infrastructure around Mount Faber\nThis once-forgotten reservoir near\nMount Faber\nwas left off maps for over 50 years and makes for a fun short hike if you are exploring the\nSouthern Ridges\n. Close by at Seah Im Food Centre is another oddity – an abandoned bunker – just behind its carpark.\nBukit Batok Quarries\nNature at your doorstep in the west\nFormer granite quarries in Singapore’s western residential neighbourhood of Bukit Batok have been transformed into scenic parks that make for a nice stroll. There are several other quarries and parks nearby worth hiking, including\nBukit Timah Nature Reserve\nwith Singapore’s tallest hill.\nKranji Countryside\nWetland reserves and farm culture\nThis remote northwestern corner of Singapore has some of the last remaining farms that you can visit like a goat farm and vegetable farm, as well as one of our best nature parks for animal and bird watching:\nSungei Buloh Nature Reserve.\nSembawang Hot Spring Park\nA steaming soak in the sun\nSingapore’s only publicly accessible natural hot spring is located up in a small park in the north, perfect if you want a hot foot bath soak and something quirky to see. Consider seeing more of the\nSembawang\nneighbourhood too.\nOffshore Islands of Singapore\nDid you know that Singapore is a part of an archipelago with around 60 smaller offshore islands? Many of these are used for industrial purposes, but some of them can be visited for a fun day trip option without breaking out your passport.\nRecs for First-time Visitors\nSentosa\nResort island life and beaches\nSentosa is the easiest island to access from Singapore’s main land by bus\/car, monorail and even cable car. Most people visit for\nUniversal Studios\ntheme park,\nS.E.A Aquarium\nand the casino at the\nResorts World\nIntegrated Resort.\nFree things to do on Sentosa:\nSiloso, Palawan and Tanjong Beach\nalong the south are some of Singapore’s nicest beaches with imported sand. I also enjoy walking the historic\nFort Siloso\n, now linked by the panoramic 11-storey tall\nFort Siloso Skywalk\nbridge.\nOffbeat Options for seasoned visitors\nPulau Ubin\nNature hikes and escape from city life\nPulau Ubin on the northeast shore is home to an excellent nature reserve\nChek Jawa Wetland Reserve\n, stone quarries for some cycling and hiking, and one of Singapore’s last remaining villages. It’s a great day trip and escape from city life.\nPulau Hantu\nUnderwater treasures in Singapore’s silty waters\nJoin local dive groups to scuba dive in the waters around this offshore island, and in its murky depths you might find some unusual nudibranchs, seahorses and more! Alternatively venture out at night on an intertidal walk and see its shores come to life.\nSt John’s Island \/ Lazarus Island \/ Kusu Island \/ Sister’s Island\nDay trip to serene beaches and island scenery\nTake a ferry from Marina South Pier on a day trip to the cluster of Southern Islands and discover remains of a lost village, some quiet white-sand beaches and a quirky temple or two.\nPulau Satumu\nHome to Singapore’s southernmost lighthouse\nThis little island on the southern edge of the Singapore Straits is home to Raffles Lighthouse, one of Singapore’s oldest lighthouses and can only be visited on a special tour by the Maritime & Port Authority of Singapore.\nLocal Neighbourhoods in Singapore\nRecs for First-time Visitors\nChinatown\nMulticultural Chinese district in downtown area\nSingapore’s heritage Chinese quarter is one of my favourite places to bring new visitors to Singapore as it has a great mix of good food, cultural sites and lots of lovely murals on its walls.\nChinatown Complex\n,\nMaxwell Food Centre\nand\nAmoy Street Food Centre\nhave plenty of hawker food options for anyone looking to try Singaporean food.\nSri Mariamman Temple\nand\nBuddha Tooth Relic Temple\nare also worth exploring.\nLittle India\nColourful Indian district\nLittle India is a place to experience with all your senses, a riot of colours, fragrances and bustling chatter. The\nIndian Heritage Centre\nis a modern addition to the neighbourhood, while\nTekka Market\nis a fabulous place for food and a little shopping.\nKampong Gelam\nHeritage Malay quarter and street art mecca\nOne of my favourite neighbourhoods is one I used to work in, while a lot more gentrified than underground these days,\nSultan Mosque\nat its centre still stands tall, while hip\nHaji Lane\nis always filled with murals and colours.\nOffbeat Options for seasoned visitors\nVenture further into the heartland districts for a truly local experience\nJoo Chiat\nPeranakan heritage neighbourhood and foodie haven\nThis well known Peranakan (mixed heritage of local borns with straits immigrants) neighbourhood has lots of great food, heritage and culture in its narrow alleyways.\nTiong Bahru\nRevived hipster district with unique art deco architecture\nThis gentrified neighbourhood is the perfect mix of old school markets, shops and businesses alongside hip cafes, eateries and boutiques. Architecture lovers will adore the unique art deco buildings found here.\nSembawang\nWar history and natural landscapes\nThis northern neighbourhood has a surprisingly amount of WWII history, beautiful British colonial bungalows and one of Singapore’s last natural beaches. Also, Singapore’s only publicly accessible hot spring!\nQueenstown\nOne of Singapore’s oldest residential neighbourhoods\nOne of Singapore’s oldest public housing estates, Queenstown (named for the British monarchs when we were a colony) has lots of history hidden amidst its residential neighbourhood worth checking out.\nStreet Art in Singapore\nIt may surprise you to know that while Singapore is pretty strict about what it considers vandalism, murals and street art have become quite popular in recent years and can be found all over the island. Here are some neighbourhoods that I’ve mapped. Read about the\nevolution of Singapore’s street art scene\nor check out my\nstreet art page\nto see other street art spots I’ve mapped around the world.\nRecs for First-time Visitors\nAreas that are easier to get to and close to the main sightseeing spots in Singapore\nChinatown\nNostalgic murals in the Chinese quarter\nInstagrammable murals depicting Singapore in its early days fill the walls of the historic Chinese enclave, one of Singapore’s oldest neighbourhoods.\nKampong Gelam\nThe original street art district in the Malay area\nHome to local street art crews and arts housing, this heritage Malay district was one of the first neighbourhoods in Singapore to embrace street art on its walls.\nLittle India\nA growing collection of murals in the Indian quarter\nThe colourful Indian district is regularly updated with murals that nod to the neighbourhood’s South Asian heritage thanks to an annual art festival run by the local arts college.\nBugis \/ Bras Basah\nColonial history and cultural district\nArt fills the former European quarter, with murals and street art amidst cultural landmarks housing national art institutions and private art galleries\nOffbeat Options for seasoned visitors\nSurprising street art hot spots in Singapore’s residential neighbourhoods for the hardcore street art lovers\nJurong West\nArt on the west side\nSeveral art projects have jazzed up this residential neighbourhood that sprung up around the western industrial area of Jurong.\nBukit Merah\nMurals and more in Redhill\nOne of the older neighbourhoods in Singapore, this southwestern district whose name translates to ‘Red Hill’ is a surprising home to some cool street art.\nAng Mo Kio\nQuirky art and architecture to the north\nThis residential neighbourhood is home to some quirky murals, cool sculptures and interesting architecture.\nHougang\nHumongous public housing murals\nA rare northeastern neighbourhood in Singapore where huge murals decorate the sides of the public Housing Development Board (HDB) apartment blocks.\nKatong \/ Joo Chiat\nColourful hipster heritage district\nSee glimpses of the neighbourhood’s Peranakan heritage and former coastal location splashed upon its walls.\nArts & Culture in Singapore\nI’ve worked in the arts sector for several years in Singapore and we have some lovely museums here that are perfect for arts lovers and those curious to learn about our local history.\nClick here to see my full list of free museums, galleries and cultural spots for tourists in Singapore.\nRecs for First-time Visitors\nMajor cultural institutions in Singapore\nNational Museum of Singapore (NMS)\nOverview of Singapore’s history and evolution\nSingapore’s oldest museum is housed in a beautiful historic building, but the content is far from boring with interesting and immersive exhibits that tell you about Singapore’s past and growth through the years.\nNational Gallery Singapore (NGS)\nLargest collection of Southeast Asian Modern Art\nHoused in the former City Hall and Supreme Court, NGS is worth checking out even if you don’t want to visit the galleries – you can admire the architecture for free, and even see the old prison cells used in the former supreme court.\nSingapore Art Museum (SAM)\nContemporary art amidst the port\nNow housed in Tanjong Pagar Distripark near the port, SAM is for those who don’t mind going a little out of the way to check out contemporary art. For art enthusiasts, there are several other smaller art galleries and museums in the same building.\nArtScience Museum\nPublic-friendly and pop culture related\nThe iconic lotus-shaped ArtScience Museum is most popular for its very instagrammable rooms and exhibits, and it usually has exhibits themed around pop-culture favourites.\nOffbeat Options for seasoned visitors\nSmaller and more quirky options for those who like more niche museums\nSingapore Chinese Cultural Centre\nThe uniqueness of Singaporean Chinese culture\nSee how Singapore’s multiracial environment have influenced the  Singaporean Chinese identity into the unique entity it is today.\nLee Kong Chian Natural History Museum\nSkeletons and specimens galore\nOne of my personal favourite niche museums in Singapore where you can learn about local biodiversity and see some impressive skeletons up close, including a whale that washed up on our shores.\nHaw Par Villa\nQuirky sculpture park dedicated to Chinese stories\nThis once-popular park is home to some pretty bizarre half-human\/animal statues and dioramas that depict Chinese tales, ethics and weird international tributes.\nThe infamous 10 Courts of Hell is now located within the Hell Museum dedicated to death practices in Singapore and around the world, which is a paid section of the otherwise free park.\nFormer Ford Factory\nWWII site of Singapore’s surrender\nThose interested in WWII history should make time to see the Former Ford Factory, the site where the British signed the surrender papers back in 1942 and now a museum documenting Singapore’s occupation years.\nChangi Chapel and Museum\nIntimate look at WWII POW stories\nThis small museum is quite out of the way in Changi, but an important place for those ex-POWs and their family members as it commemorates the prison grounds that were used to house internees and POWs during WWII, including the recreation of a historic chapel and murals.\nHawker Centres in Singapore\nFood is an essential way to experience Singapore and its multicultural landscape and hawker centres are one of the best places to find a diverse range of affordable, tasty food in a place where locals frequent. There are many open-air hawker centres, air-conditioned food courts and smaller neighbourhood kopitiams scattered around Singapore – these are my usual recs for visitors.\nDon’t know what food to order? Check out my article about\nwhat to eat and drink in Singapore on Lonely Planet\n.\nRecs for First-time Visitors\nIconic hawker centres in Singapore in convenient areas that are tourist friendly\nMaxwell Food Centre\nHainanese chicken rice galore in Chinatown\nChinatown has several excellent hawker centres worth checking out, but if you have time for just one, head to\nMaxwell Food centre\n. Not too large but lots of variety nonetheless. Tian Tian Chicken Rice is THE stall here, but head to Ah Tai a few stalls down for arguably equally good chicken rice without the insane queues. I always get  sugarcane juice from the stall right across from Tian Tian.\nOther options in Chinatown:\nChinatown Complex\nis the largest with over 200 stalls and the former 1-Michelin star stall,\nAmoy Street Food Centre\nhas two floors of great food and\nHong Lim Food Centre\nnext to Chinatown Point is a local favourite.\nTekka Market and Food Centre\nSpectacular Indian food and more\nTekka Market is one of the more famous wet markets in Singapore, and its adjoining\nTekka Food Centre\nis also very good. Right in the heart of Little India, briyani, prata and Indian rojak are all great foods to try, but there are plenty of non-Indian food options available too.\nLau Pa Sat\nHawker centre in a national monument\nThis historic 130 year old market is right in the middle of the downtown area with some beautiful architecture. The biggest draw is the Satay Street every evening when the road is closed to traffic and hawkers sell grilled skewers along the road like the old days.\nOffbeat Options for seasoned visitors\nIf you don’t mind travelling out a bit further, these are less touristy hawker centre options to consider\nTiong Bahru Food Centre\nPopular local food centre\nThose exploring the hip Tiong Bahru neighbourhood have to stop by the refurbished Tiong Bahru Food Centre on the 2nd floor of the market.\nOld Airport Road Food Centre\nLocal favourite hawker centre\nI like to recommend this hawker centre as it is a bit of the usual tourist trail. I used to work nearby and it has some reliably good hawker food.\nEast Coast Lagoon Hawker Centre\nCoastal views and vibes\nIf you are driving or don’t mind taking a car, this hawker centre at East Coast Park along the coastline has a great vibe by the sea! Lots of great charcoal grilled satay skewers and seafood here.","attrs_markdown":"[Skip to content](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/singapore\/#main)\n\nLooking for something?\n\n[![The Occasional Traveller](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/TOTlogo-200x150-1.png)](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/)\n\n- [About Me](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/about-me\/)\n  - [Contact Me](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/contact-me\/)\n- [Blog](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/blog\/)\n  - [Occasional Travel](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/category\/travelling-occasionally\/)\n  - [Solo Travel](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/category\/solo-travel\/)\n  - [Street Art Guides](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/street-art-guides\/)\n- [Destinations](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/destinations\/)\n  - [Singapore](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/singapore\/)\n  - [Taiwan](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/taiwan\/)\n  - 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I’m Jaclynn, a Singaporean travel lover who’s lived here all my life and here are some of my personal recommendations on things to do in Singapore, including some local tips for those who want to go beyond the usual tourist sights.\n\nI love travelling but when I’m out of annual leave, I try to spend more time exploring my own backyard a little more. You can see an extensive list of various articles and recommendations that I have written on how to see Singapore on this page. Also, I’m a co-writer on the latest [Lonely Planet Singapore guidebook](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/milestone-birthday-guidebook\/).\n\nThe official [Visit Singapore](http:\/\/www.visitsingapore.com\/en\/) is useful to learn about the main sights to see in Singapore which people think you can cover in just 1-2 days, but as a licensed [Singapore tourist guide](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/singapore-tourist-guide\/), I’m here to share some of its lesser known corners and experiences as well. Drop me a note if you want a well-travelled local who loves sharing stories about her home to show you around on a private tour.\n\nTable of Contents\n\n- [Essential Information about Singapore](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/singapore\/#essential-information-about-singapore)\n- [Where to Stay in Singapore](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/singapore\/#nature-and-parks-in-singapore)\n- [Ways to explore Singapore on your own](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/singapore\/#nature-and-parks-in-singapore)\n- [Guided Tours in Singapore](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/singapore\/#nature-and-parks-in-singapore)\n- [Nature and Parks in Singapore](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/singapore\/#nature-and-parks-in-singapore)\n- [Offshore Islands of Singapore](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/singapore\/#offshore-islands-of-singapore)\n- [Local Neighbourhoods in Singapore](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/singapore\/#local-neighbourhoods-in-singapore)\n- [Street Art in Singapore](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/singapore\/#street-art-in-singapore)\n- [Arts & Culture in Singapore](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/singapore\/#street-art-in-singapore)\n- [Hawker Centres in Singapore](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/singapore\/#street-art-in-singapore)\n***\n## Essential Information about Singapore\nSome of the must-knows and things to prep for your trip to Singapore\n\n### Survival Guide: Top 10 tips for travelling to Singapore\nFrom [how to dress](https:\/\/theculturetrip.com\/asia\/singapore\/articles\/what-to-wear-on-holiday-in-singapore\/) to budgeting and laws to take note of – your essential overview of things to look out for before visiting Singapore.\n\n[Read more at Culture Trip](https:\/\/theculturetrip.com\/asia\/singapore\/articles\/survival-guide-top-10-tips-for-traveling-to-singapore)\n\n### The worst possible advice to give someone travelling to Singapore\nThere’s a lot of advice written about Singapore where its obvious the writer knows nothing about Singapore. Here’s my real take on things.\n\n[Read more](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/worst-advice-travelling-to-singapore\/)\n\n### 5-day Singapore Guide – Best things to do for first-timers\nI designed this 5-day guide for first timers to Singapore covering major attractions, things to do and what to eat.\n\n[Read more at The Travel Intern](https:\/\/thetravelintern.com\/5-day-singapore-itinerary\/)\n\n### How to use public transportation to get around Singapore\nFrom how to take the bus and MRT to other public transportation tips, here’s my guide on getting around Singapore on a budget.\n\n[Read more at Lonely Planet](https:\/\/www.lonelyplanet.com\/articles\/getting-around-singapore)\n\n### Best things to do in Singapore\nShort on time? Here are the highlight things to do in Singapore for first time travellers who want to get a taste of the country and culture quickly.\n\n[Read more at Lonely Planet](https:\/\/www.lonelyplanet.com\/articles\/top-things-to-do-in-singapore)\n\n### Top free things to do in Singapore\nSingapore may be considered an expensive country to visit, but there are plenty of things to do for free and still experience what it has to offer\\!\n\n[Read more at Lonely Planet](https:\/\/www.lonelyplanet.com\/articles\/top-free-things-to-do-singapore)\n\n![GoCity Singapore Pass Types](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/GoCity-Singapore-Pass-Types.jpg)\n\n### GoCity Singapore Pass review\nSave money with tour attraction bundles\n\nThis remote northwestern corner of Singapore has some of the last remaining farms that you can visit like a goat farm and vegetable farm, as well as one of our best nature parks for animal and bird watching: **Sungei Buloh Nature Reserve.**\n\n[GoCity Singapore Pass Review](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/gocity-singapore-pass-review\/)\n\n[Purchase GoCity Singapore Pass \\[*affiliate link*\\]](https:\/\/prf.hn\/l\/AJybAn5)\n\n## Where to Stay in Singapore\nSingapore may not be very big, but you’ll want to stay somewhere convenient and cool for the best experience.\n\n![Singapore Little India Wanderlust Hotel](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Singapore-Little-India-Wanderlust-Hotel.jpg)\n\n### [Where to stay in Singapore: A local’s guide to the best areas](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/where-to-stay-in-singapore\/)\nA local’s tips on neighbourhoods in Singapore\n\nAs a Singaporean, I don’t have a lot of chance to stay in our local hotels, but I can tell you which areas have the best vibes, connectivity and conveniences for a traveller. I break down my recommended neighbourhoods for tourists to stay in when visiting Singapore.\n\n[Where to stay in Singapore](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/where-to-stay-in-singapore\/)\n\n## Ways to explore Singapore on your own\nI’m very much a free and easy solo traveller at heart, and my blogs are here to help you plan your own adventures. Here are some fun ways to explore Singapore free and easy without a guide.\n\n![Singapore MRT Overland - photo by awee\\_19 via Flickr](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Singapore-MRT-Overland-900x596.jpg)\n\n### Sightseeing Singapore by MRT: East to West\nRiding the metro across the island\n\nI usually recommend navigating Singapore by the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) which is our version of the subway or metro. This article covers what you can see if you rode the green line across the widest length of Singapore from east to west.\n\n[Exploring Singapore by MRT](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/explore-singapore-by-mrt\/)\n\n![Singapore's Chinatown in the rain. Photo by Lily Banse (Unsplash)](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Singapore-Rain-Chinatown-LilyBanse.jpg)\n\n### Sightseeing in Singapore when it rains\nNavigating the tropical weather\n\nSingapore’s weather can be described in 2 seasons: Hot and Wet, and Hotter and Wetter! There’s no need to despair if it rains, here are some things to do in Singapore even when it’s wet outside.\n\n[Sightseeing Singapore when it rains](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/sightseeing-singapore-when-it-rains\/)\n\n![Singapore Crazy Rich Asians Trailer Bukit Pasoh](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Singapore-Crazy-Rich-Asians-Trailer-Bukit-Pasoh-900x373.jpg)\n\n### Crazy Rich Asians movie shooting locations\nSingapore set locations for this blockbuster hit\n\nCrazy Rich Asians is one of the more recent Hollywood movies where Singapore features prominently in. The first movie was filmed partially in Singapore and I was an extra on the film! Here’s a look at what those locations are like in real life.\n\n[Guide to Crazy Rich Asians shooting locations](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/crazy-rich-asians-filming-locations-singapore\/)\n\n## Guided Tours in Singapore\nLooking for ways to explore Singapore with a guide? Here are some of my guided tour suggestions that I recommend to visiting friends and family. I’ve either tried these tours for myself or conduct them as a [licensed tourist guide](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/singapore-tourist-guide\/).\n\n**Recs for First-time Visitors**\n\n![Indie SG Free Chinatown Group Pagoda St](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Indie-SG-Free-Chinatown-Group-Pagoda-St.jpg)\n\n### Indie Singapore Free Walking Tours\nTips based walking tours with a local\n\nMy favourite way to explore a new city is to join a free walking tour to get a quick overview of what to see there. Check out **Indie Singapore Tours** and their free walking tours with a local insider viewpoint in Chinatown, Little India, Kampong Gelam and the Singapore River every weekday, and if you’re very lucky you might get me as your guide! These are tips-based tours so you pay as you want.\n\n[More at Indie Singapore Tours](https:\/\/indiesingapore.com\/)\n\n![Singapore Tourist Guide License Me STB](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Singapore-Tourist-Guide-License-Me-STB.jpg)\n\n### Hire me as your tourist guide in Singapore\nYes I am a licensed Singapore tourist guide\n\nIf you enjoy reading my blog or feel like I can understand your vibe and travel style, you can always hire me to show you my home country and Singapore from my perspective. I love giving private customised tours and in particular street art tours.\n\n[Learn more about my tours](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/singapore-tourist-guide\/)\n\n**Offbeat Options for seasoned visitors**\n\nSome of these tours dig deeper into local culture and are seasonal\n\n![Dawson-Alexandra Trail - Eu Chai](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Dawson-Alexandra-Trail-Eu-Chai-600x600.jpg)\n\n### MyCommunity Heritage Tours\nFree guided tours by volunteers in local neighbourhoods\n\nMyCommunity is a local non-profit that does regular guided tours by volunteers around non-touristy neighbourhoods in Singapore for free. These areas might not be particularly interesting to your average tourist but might appeal to those who want a really local look at Singapore. They sometimes have paid tours to unusual places or themed festival tours.\n\n[Review of My Queenstown Heritage Trail](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/dawson-and-alexandra-heritage-trail\/)\n\n[More at MyCommunity Guided Tours](https:\/\/mycommunity.org.sg\/guided-tours\/)\n\n![Intan Kueh Tea](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/Intan-Kueh-Tea-600x450.jpg)\n\n### The Intan Tea Experience\nAfternoon tea in a Peranakan house\n\nEnjoy afternoon tea in one of Singapore’s smallest and most intimate museums located in a traditional shophouse in the Peranakan Joo Chiat neighbourhood, learning all about this mixed culture.\n\n[Peranakan Intan Tea Experience Review](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/a-peranakan-tea-experience-at-the-intan\/)\n\n[More at The Intan website](https:\/\/the-intan.com\/book-a-tour\/)\n\n![Profile Me Emerald Hill Human Library](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Profile-Me-Emerald-Hill-Human-Library.jpg)\n\n### OH! Open House\nArt tours in local neighbourhoods\n\n\\[SEASONAL\\] Explore Singaporean neighbourhoods through art installations set up in people’s houses, offices and personal spaces. I was a volunteer guide in the past editions for Joo Chiat, Emerald Hill and Kampong Gelam.\n\n[More at OH! Open House website](https:\/\/ohopenhouse.org\/)\n\n![Istana Open House Main Building Exterior](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Istana-Open-House-Main-Building-Exterior-1000x667.jpg)\n\n### Istana Open House\nVisiting Singapore’s palace and its grounds\n\n\\[SEASONAL\\] The official residence for Singapore’s president is open to the public on five public holidays in a year. Here’s how to maximise your visit based on my experience visiting.\n\n[Guide to Istana Open House](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/istana-open-house-visit\/)\n\n[More at Istana website](https:\/\/www.istana.gov.sg\/Visit-And-Explore\/Istana-Open-House)\n\n![Katong Dreaming Koon Seng Houses Chairs](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Katong-Dreaming-Koon-Seng-Houses-Chairs.jpg)\n\n### Katong Dreaming\nMusical walking tour around Katong\/Joo Chiat\n\n\\[SEASONAL\\] This guided performance art tour shows you the history and culture of Peranakan enclave and foodie favourite Katong and Joo Chiat through music, dance and theatre.\n\n[Katong Dreaming Tour Review](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/katong-dreaming-review\/)\n\n[Katong Dreaming Tickets](https:\/\/katongdreaming.peatix.com\/)\n\n## Nature and Parks in Singapore\nFor a very built-up island state known for its many tall buildings, Singapore has a surprising number of green spaces and nature.\n\n**Recs for First-time Visitors**\n\n![Gardens by the Bay Cloud Forest Waterfall Crowd](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Gardens-by-the-Bay-Cloud-Forest-Waterfall-Crowd.jpg)\n\n### Gardens by the Bay\nCooled domes and Supertrees\n\nThe two cooled conservatories **Flower Dome** and **Cloud Forest** are the perfect spots when Singapore is being overly hot or too rainy! The lovely cool 20ºC temperature is a dream. The daily light and music show at the **Supertree Grove** in the evening is also a very popular thing to do, while the **OCBC Skywalk** is a suspended platform winding through the Supertrees.\n\nI usually recommend visiting the domes in the afternoon when it is generally not as busy (Cloud Forest is very atmospheric when it gets darker), getting dinner nearby and doing the OCBC Skywalk for a closer look at the Supertrees, and then hanging around for the light shows.\n\n[More at Gardens by the Bay website](https:\/\/www.gardensbythebay.com.sg\/)\n\n![Singapore Botanic Gardens Bandstand](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Singapore-Botanic-Gardens-Bandstand.jpg)\n\n### Singapore Botanic Gardens\nHistoric Park with UNESCO World Heritage status\n\nSingapore’s only UNESCO site, these sprawling gardens near the Orchard Road Shopping Belt are a nice break from all the buildings and city vibe.\n\nThe National Orchid Garden is one of the park’s highlights with lots of examples and exhibits on Orchid hybrids that Singapore is famous for, and a nice coolhouse right inside simulating mountain temperature is a nice relief from the heat.\n\nThe Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden is also great for families.\n\n[More at Singapore Botanic Gardens website](https:\/\/www.nparks.gov.sg\/SBG)\n\n![](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/Worst-Advice-for-travel-to-Singapore-Zoo-600x400.jpg)\n\n### Mandai Wildlife Reserve\nWorld-class animal parks\n\nSingapore has an impressive collection of open-concept animal parks that have an impressive collection of wildlife from around the region and the world.\n\nThe **Singapore Zoo** is the most well-known, while the nocturnal **Night Safari** has the most unique concept. **River Wonders** showcases critters from the habitats of major rivers in the world and offers the most shelter in case of bad weather, while **Bird Paradise** is the newest with plenty of open aviaries. The newest park is **Rainforest Wild** which focuses on adventure activities and wilder treks.\n\nYou need two days to see all five parks properly, but with limited time I recommend seeing the Singapore Zoo and doing the Night Safari.\n\n[More at Mandai website](https:\/\/www.mandai.com\/en\/mandai.html)\n\n**Offbeat Options for seasoned visitors**\n\n![Singapore Mount Faber View Cable Car Jewel](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Singapore-Mount-Faber-View-Cable-Car-Jewel.jpg)\n\n### Southern Ridges\n10km of treks and panoramic views along Singapore’s south\n\nThis trek along the hill range of Singapore’s southwestern coast is scenic and well maintained with lots of interesting stops along the way.\n\nStart at **Mount Faber** with the cable cars. **Henderson Waves** and **Alexandra Arch** are also picturesque and some of Singapore’s highest pedestrian bridges.\n\n![Keppel Hill Reservoir Quarry Pool](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Keppel-Hill-Reservoir-Quarry-Pool.jpg)\n\n### Keppel Hill Reservoir & Seah Im Bunker\nForgotten infrastructure around Mount Faber\n\nThis once-forgotten reservoir near **Mount Faber** was left off maps for over 50 years and makes for a fun short hike if you are exploring the **Southern Ridges**. Close by at Seah Im Food Centre is another oddity – an abandoned bunker – just behind its carpark.\n\n[Guide to Keppel Hill Reservoir](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/keppel-hill-reservoir-seah-im-bunker\/)\n\n![Bukit Batok Town Park Quarry](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Bukit-Batok-Town-Park-Quarry.jpg)\n\n### Bukit Batok Quarries\nNature at your doorstep in the west\n\nFormer granite quarries in Singapore’s western residential neighbourhood of Bukit Batok have been transformed into scenic parks that make for a nice stroll. There are several other quarries and parks nearby worth hiking, including **Bukit Timah Nature Reserve** with Singapore’s tallest hill.\n\n[Guide to Bukit Batok Quarries](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/hiking-quarries-singapore\/)\n\n![Kranji Reservoir Park Shore Johor](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Kranji-Reservoir-Park-Shore-Johor-900x675.jpg)\n\n### Kranji Countryside\nWetland reserves and farm culture\n\nThis remote northwestern corner of Singapore has some of the last remaining farms that you can visit like a goat farm and vegetable farm, as well as one of our best nature parks for animal and bird watching: **Sungei Buloh Nature Reserve.**\n\n[Guide to Kranji Countryside](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/kranji-countryside-rural-singapore\/)\n\n![Sembawang Hot Spring Park Foot Bathers](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Sembawang-Hot-Spring-Park-Foot-Bathers.jpg)\n\n### Sembawang Hot Spring Park\nA steaming soak in the sun\n\nSingapore’s only publicly accessible natural hot spring is located up in a small park in the north, perfect if you want a hot foot bath soak and something quirky to see. Consider seeing more of the **Sembawang** neighbourhood too.\n\n[Guide to Sembawang Hot Spring](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/sembawang-hot-spring-park-guide\/)\n\n[Guide to Sembawang](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/sembawang-heritage-nature\/)\n\n## Offshore Islands of Singapore\nDid you know that Singapore is a part of an archipelago with around 60 smaller offshore islands? Many of these are used for industrial purposes, but some of them can be visited for a fun day trip option without breaking out your passport.\n\n**Recs for First-time Visitors**\n\n![Sentosa's Fort Siloso Skywalk, a high bridge at the canopy level linking Siloso point to the barracks deeper in](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Sentosa-Fort-Siloso-Skywalk.jpg)\n\n### Sentosa\nResort island life and beaches\n\nSentosa is the easiest island to access from Singapore’s main land by bus\/car, monorail and even cable car. Most people visit for **Universal Studios** theme park, **S.E.A Aquarium** and the casino at the **Resorts World** Integrated Resort.\n\nFree things to do on Sentosa: **Siloso, Palawan and Tanjong Beach** along the south are some of Singapore’s nicest beaches with imported sand. I also enjoy walking the historic **Fort Siloso**, now linked by the panoramic 11-storey tall **Fort Siloso Skywalk** bridge.\n\n[More at Sentosa website](https:\/\/www.sentosa.com.sg\/)\n\n**Offbeat Options for seasoned visitors**\n\n![Pulau Ubin Chek Jawa Boardwalk Coastal](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Pulau-Ubin-Chek-Jawa-Boardwalk-Coastal.jpg)\n\n### Pulau Ubin\nNature hikes and escape from city life\n\nPulau Ubin on the northeast shore is home to an excellent nature reserve **Chek Jawa Wetland Reserve**, stone quarries for some cycling and hiking, and one of Singapore’s last remaining villages. It’s a great day trip and escape from city life.\n\n[Guide to Pulau Ubin](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/pulau-ubin-guide\/)\n\n![Donut Nudibranch by Gina Tan, Hantu Blog](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Pulau-Hantu-Diving-Donut-Nudi-GinaTan-900x600.jpg)\n\n### Pulau Hantu\nUnderwater treasures in Singapore’s silty waters\n\nJoin local dive groups to scuba dive in the waters around this offshore island, and in its murky depths you might find some unusual nudibranchs, seahorses and more! Alternatively venture out at night on an intertidal walk and see its shores come to life.\n\n[Scuba diving](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/scuba-diving-singapore-pulau-hantu\/)\n\n[Intertidal walks](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/intertidal-walks-singapore\/)\n\n![Lazarus Island Beach Jumpshot](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Lazarus-Island-Beach-Jumpshot.jpg)\n\n### St John’s Island \/ Lazarus Island \/ Kusu Island \/ Sister’s Island\nDay trip to serene beaches and island scenery\n\nTake a ferry from Marina South Pier on a day trip to the cluster of Southern Islands and discover remains of a lost village, some quiet white-sand beaches and a quirky temple or two.\n\n[Guide to Southern Islands](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/singapore-southern-islands\/)\n\n![Raffles Lighthouse Pulau Satumu VIew](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Raffles-Lighthouse-Pulau-Satumu-VIew.jpg)\n\n### Pulau Satumu\nHome to Singapore’s southernmost lighthouse\n\nThis little island on the southern edge of the Singapore Straits is home to Raffles Lighthouse, one of Singapore’s oldest lighthouses and can only be visited on a special tour by the Maritime & Port Authority of Singapore.\n\n[Guide to Pulau Satumu](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/raffles-lighthouse-pulau-satumu\/)\n\n## Local Neighbourhoods in Singapore\n**Recs for First-time Visitors**\n\n![Singapore Chinatown Buddha Tooth Relic Temple South Bridge Road](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Singapore-Chinatown-Buddha-Tooth-Relic-Temple-South-Bridge-Road.jpg)\n\n### Chinatown\nMulticultural Chinese district in downtown area\n\nSingapore’s heritage Chinese quarter is one of my favourite places to bring new visitors to Singapore as it has a great mix of good food, cultural sites and lots of lovely murals on its walls.\n\n**Chinatown Complex**, **Maxwell Food Centre** and **Amoy Street Food Centre** have plenty of hawker food options for anyone looking to try Singaporean food. **Sri Mariamman Temple** and **Buddha Tooth Relic Temple** are also worth exploring.\n\n[Celebrating Chinese New Year in Singapore](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/chinese-new-year-singapore-chinatown\/)\n\n[Chinatown Street Art Guide](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/street-art-singapore-chinatown\/)\n\n[Amoy Hotel \/ Fuk Tak Chi Review](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/small-museums-singapore\/)\n\n[Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre Review](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/singapore-chinese-cultural-centre\/)\n\n![Singapore Little India Tekka Market Fish Stalls](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Singapore-Little-India-Tekka-Market-Fish-Stalls.jpg)\n\n### Little India\nColourful Indian district\n\nLittle India is a place to experience with all your senses, a riot of colours, fragrances and bustling chatter. The **Indian Heritage Centre** is a modern addition to the neighbourhood, while **Tekka Market** is a fabulous place for food and a little shopping.\n\n[Little India Street Art Guide](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/street-art-singapore-little-india\/)\n\n![Singapore Kampong Gelam Sultan Mosque Bussorah Street](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Singapore-Kampong-Gelam-Sultan-Mosque-Bussorah-Street.jpg)\n\n### Kampong Gelam\nHeritage Malay quarter and street art mecca\n\nOne of my favourite neighbourhoods is one I used to work in, while a lot more gentrified than underground these days, **Sultan Mosque** at its centre still stands tall, while hip **Haji Lane** is always filled with murals and colours.\n\n[Kampong Gelam Street Art Guide](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/street-art-singapore-kampong-glam\/)\n\n**Offbeat Options for seasoned visitors**\n\nVenture further into the heartland districts for a truly local experience\n\n![Joo Chiat Koon Seng Road Shophouses](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Joo-Chiat-Koon-Seng-Road-Shophouses.jpg)\n\n### Joo Chiat\nPeranakan heritage neighbourhood and foodie haven\n\nThis well known Peranakan (mixed heritage of local borns with straits immigrants) neighbourhood has lots of great food, heritage and culture in its narrow alleyways.\n\n[Guide to Katong\/Joo Chiat Street Art](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/street-art-singapore-katong-joo-chiat\/)\n\n[Katong Dreaming tour review](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/katong-dreaming-review\/)\n\n[Village Hotel Katong review](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/village-hotel-changi-review\/)\n\n[Peranakan Tea Experience at The Intan review](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/a-peranakan-tea-experience-at-the-intan\/)\n\n![](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Singapore-Tiong-Bahru-Payton-Chung-900x447.jpg)\n\n### Tiong Bahru\nRevived hipster district with unique art deco architecture\n\nThis gentrified neighbourhood is the perfect mix of old school markets, shops and businesses alongside hip cafes, eateries and boutiques. Architecture lovers will adore the unique art deco buildings found here.\n\n[Read my guide on CultureTrip](https:\/\/theculturetrip.com\/asia\/singapore\/articles\/the-top-10-things-to-do-and-see-in-tiong-bahru)\n\n![Sembawang Hot Spring Park Foot Bathers](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Sembawang-Hot-Spring-Park-Foot-Bathers.jpg)\n\n### Sembawang\nWar history and natural landscapes\n\nThis northern neighbourhood has a surprisingly amount of WWII history, beautiful British colonial bungalows and one of Singapore’s last natural beaches. Also, Singapore’s only publicly accessible hot spring\\!\n\n[Guide to Sembawang](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/sembawang-heritage-nature\/)\n\n[Guide to Sembawang Hot Spring](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/sembawang-hot-spring-park-guide\/)\n\n![Singapore Dawson Alexandra Butterfly Block](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Singapore-Dawson-Alexandra-Butterfly-Block-900x404.jpg)\n\n### Queenstown\nOne of Singapore’s oldest residential neighbourhoods\n\nOne of Singapore’s oldest public housing estates, Queenstown (named for the British monarchs when we were a colony) has lots of history hidden amidst its residential neighbourhood worth checking out.\n\n[Walking tour in Dawson\/Alexandra](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/dawson-and-alexandra-heritage-trail\/)\n\n## Street Art in Singapore\nIt may surprise you to know that while Singapore is pretty strict about what it considers vandalism, murals and street art have become quite popular in recent years and can be found all over the island. Here are some neighbourhoods that I’ve mapped. Read about the [evolution of Singapore’s street art scene](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/tracing-evolution-singapore-street-art\/) or check out my [street art page](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/street-art-guides\/) to see other street art spots I’ve mapped around the world.\n\n**Recs for First-time Visitors**\n\nAreas that are easier to get to and close to the main sightseeing spots in Singapore\n\n![Singapore Street Art Chinatown YipYC Letter Writer](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Singapore-Street-Art-Chinatown-YipYC-Letter-Writer-900x684.jpg)\n\n### Chinatown\nNostalgic murals in the Chinese quarter\n\nInstagrammable murals depicting Singapore in its early days fill the walls of the historic Chinese enclave, one of Singapore’s oldest neighbourhoods.\n\n[Street art guide to Chinatown](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/street-art-singapore-chinatown\/)\n\n![Singapore Street Art Haji Lane PiedraNegra Jaba Aztec](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/Singapore-Street-Art-Haji-Lane-PiedraNegra-Jaba-Aztec-900x675.jpg)\n\n### Kampong Gelam\nThe original street art district in the Malay area\n\nHome to local street art crews and arts housing, this heritage Malay district was one of the first neighbourhoods in Singapore to embrace street art on its walls.\n\n[Street art guide to Kampong Gelam](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/street-art-singapore-kampong-glam\/)\n\n![](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/Singapore-Street-Art-Little-India-Clive-Ts1-900x618.jpg)\n\n### Little India\nA growing collection of murals in the Indian quarter\n\nThe colourful Indian district is regularly updated with murals that nod to the neighbourhood’s South Asian heritage thanks to an annual art festival run by the local arts college.\n\n[Street art guide to Little India](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/street-art-singapore-little-india\/)\n\n![Singapore Street Art Bugis 8EyedSpud River Trade](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/Singapore-Street-Art-Bugis-8EyedSpud-River-Trade.jpg)\n\n### Bugis \/ Bras Basah\nColonial history and cultural district\n\nArt fills the former European quarter, with murals and street art amidst cultural landmarks housing national art institutions and private art galleries\n\n[Street art guide to Bugis\/Bras Basah](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/street-art-singapore-bras-basah-bugis\/)\n\n**Offbeat Options for seasoned visitors**\n\nSurprising street art hot spots in Singapore’s residential neighbourhoods for the hardcore street art lovers\n\n![Singapore Street Art Taman Jurong SC Zero](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Singapore-Street-Art-Taman-Jurong-SC-Zero.jpg)\n\n### Jurong West\nArt on the west side\n\nSeveral art projects have jazzed up this residential neighbourhood that sprung up around the western industrial area of Jurong.\n\n[Mural guide to Jurong](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/street-art-singapore-jurong\/)\n\n![Singapore Street Art Bukit Merah Antz Tong Kia](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Singapore-Street-Art-Bukit-Merah-Antz-Tong-Kia.jpg)\n\n### Bukit Merah\nMurals and more in Redhill\n\nOne of the older neighbourhoods in Singapore, this southwestern district whose name translates to ‘Red Hill’ is a surprising home to some cool street art.\n\n[Street art guide to Bukit Merah](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/singapore-street-art-bukit-merah\/)\n\n![AMK Town Centre Ah Guo Town Centre](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/AMK-Town-Centre-Ah-Guo-Town-Centre.jpg)\n\n### Ang Mo Kio\nQuirky art and architecture to the north\n\nThis residential neighbourhood is home to some quirky murals, cool sculptures and interesting architecture.\n\n[Art guide to Ang Mo Kio](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/ang-mo-kio-art\/)\n\n![Hougang HDB Mural Blk662-917-923](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Hougang-HDB-Mural-Blk662-917-923.jpg)\n\n### Hougang\nHumongous public housing murals\n\nA rare northeastern neighbourhood in Singapore where huge murals decorate the sides of the public Housing Development Board (HDB) apartment blocks.\n\n[Mural guide to Hougang](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/hougang-hdb-murals\/)\n\n![Singapore Street Art Katong Beach Vibes Song](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Singapore-Street-Art-Katong-Beach-Vibes-Song.jpg)\n\n### Katong \/ Joo Chiat\nColourful hipster heritage district\n\nSee glimpses of the neighbourhood’s Peranakan heritage and former coastal location splashed upon its walls.\n\n[Street art in Katong\/Joo Chiat](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/street-art-singapore-katong-joo-chiat\/)\n\n## Arts & Culture in Singapore\nI’ve worked in the arts sector for several years in Singapore and we have some lovely museums here that are perfect for arts lovers and those curious to learn about our local history.\n\n[Click here to see my full list of free museums, galleries and cultural spots for tourists in Singapore.](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/singapore-free-museums-tourists\/)\n\n**Recs for First-time Visitors**\n\nMajor cultural institutions in Singapore\n\n![Singapore National Museum Facade NHB](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Singapore-National-Museum-Facade-NHB.jpg)\n\n### National Museum of Singapore (NMS)\nOverview of Singapore’s history and evolution\n\nSingapore’s oldest museum is housed in a beautiful historic building, but the content is far from boring with interesting and immersive exhibits that tell you about Singapore’s past and growth through the years.\n\n[More at National Museum of Singapore website](https:\/\/www.nhb.gov.sg\/nationalmuseum\/)\n\n![Singapore National Gallery Exterior NGS](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Singapore-National-Gallery-Exterior-NGS.jpg)\n\n### National Gallery Singapore (NGS)\nLargest collection of Southeast Asian Modern Art\n\nHoused in the former City Hall and Supreme Court, NGS is worth checking out even if you don’t want to visit the galleries – you can admire the architecture for free, and even see the old prison cells used in the former supreme court.\n\n[More at National Gallery Singapore website](https:\/\/www.nationalgallery.sg\/)\n\n![Singapore Art Museum Tanjong Pagar Distripark Entrance Mural](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Singapore-Art-Museum-Tanjong-Pagar-Distripark-Entrance-Mural.jpg)\n\n### Singapore Art Museum (SAM)\nContemporary art amidst the port\n\nNow housed in Tanjong Pagar Distripark near the port, SAM is for those who don’t mind going a little out of the way to check out contemporary art. For art enthusiasts, there are several other smaller art galleries and museums in the same building.\n\n[More at Singapore Art Museum website](https:\/\/www.singaporeartmuseum.sg\/)\n\n![Singapore ArtScience Museum Exterior MBS](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Singapore-ArtScience-Museum-Exterior-MBS.jpg)\n\n### ArtScience Museum\nPublic-friendly and pop culture related\n\nThe iconic lotus-shaped ArtScience Museum is most popular for its very instagrammable rooms and exhibits, and it usually has exhibits themed around pop-culture favourites.\n\n[More at ArtScience Museum website](https:\/\/www.marinabaysands.com\/museum.html)\n\n**Offbeat Options for seasoned visitors**\n\nSmaller and more quirky options for those who like more niche museums\n\n![SCCC Singaporen Intro Gallery](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/SCCC-Singaporen-Intro-Gallery.jpg)\n\n### Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre\nThe uniqueness of Singaporean Chinese culture\n\nSee how Singapore’s multiracial environment have influenced the Singaporean Chinese identity into the unique entity it is today.\n\n[Guide to Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/singapore-chinese-cultural-centre\/)\n\n![LKC Natural History Museum Singapore Whale](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/LKC-Natural-History-Museum-Singapore-Whale-900x675.jpg)\n\n### Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum\nSkeletons and specimens galore\n\nOne of my personal favourite niche museums in Singapore where you can learn about local biodiversity and see some impressive skeletons up close, including a whale that washed up on our shores.\n\n[Guide to Singapore’s Niche Museums](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/small-museums-singapore\/)\n\n![Haw Par Villa Sign](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/Haw-Par-Villa-Sign-900x675.jpg)\n\n### Haw Par Villa\nQuirky sculpture park dedicated to Chinese stories\n\nThis once-popular park is home to some pretty bizarre half-human\/animal statues and dioramas that depict Chinese tales, ethics and weird international tributes.\n\nThe infamous 10 Courts of Hell is now located within the Hell Museum dedicated to death practices in Singapore and around the world, which is a paid section of the otherwise free park.\n\n[Guide to Haw Par Villa](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/haw-par-villa\/)\n\n![Former Ford Factory Exterior](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Former-Ford-Factory-Exterior.jpg)\n\n### Former Ford Factory\nWWII site of Singapore’s surrender\n\nThose interested in WWII history should make time to see the Former Ford Factory, the site where the British signed the surrender papers back in 1942 and now a museum documenting Singapore’s occupation years.\n\n[More at Former Ford Factory website](https:\/\/corporate.nas.gov.sg\/former-ford-factory\/overview\/)\n\n![Changi Chapel Benches](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Changi-Chapel-Benches.jpg)\n\n### Changi Chapel and Museum\nIntimate look at WWII POW stories\n\nThis small museum is quite out of the way in Changi, but an important place for those ex-POWs and their family members as it commemorates the prison grounds that were used to house internees and POWs during WWII, including the recreation of a historic chapel and murals.\n\n[More at Changi Chapel website](https:\/\/www.nhb.gov.sg\/changichapelmuseum)\n\n## Hawker Centres in Singapore\nFood is an essential way to experience Singapore and its multicultural landscape and hawker centres are one of the best places to find a diverse range of affordable, tasty food in a place where locals frequent. There are many open-air hawker centres, air-conditioned food courts and smaller neighbourhood kopitiams scattered around Singapore – these are my usual recs for visitors.\n\nDon’t know what food to order? Check out my article about [what to eat and drink in Singapore on Lonely Planet](https:\/\/www.lonelyplanet.com\/articles\/what-to-eat-and-drink-in-singapore).\n\n**Recs for First-time Visitors**\n\nIconic hawker centres in Singapore in convenient areas that are tourist friendly\n\n![Chinatown Maxwell Food Centre Interior STB](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Chinatown-Maxwell-Food-Centre-Interior-STB.jpg)\n\n### Maxwell Food Centre\nHainanese chicken rice galore in Chinatown\n\nChinatown has several excellent hawker centres worth checking out, but if you have time for just one, head to **Maxwell Food centre**. Not too large but lots of variety nonetheless. Tian Tian Chicken Rice is THE stall here, but head to Ah Tai a few stalls down for arguably equally good chicken rice without the insane queues. I always get sugarcane juice from the stall right across from Tian Tian.\n\nOther options in Chinatown: **Chinatown Complex** is the largest with over 200 stalls and the former 1-Michelin star stall, **Amoy Street Food Centre** has two floors of great food and **Hong Lim Food Centre** next to Chinatown Point is a local favourite.\n\n![Roti Prata at Tekka Food Centre by STB](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Singapore-Tekka-Food-Centre-Roti-Prata-STB.jpg)\n\n### Tekka Market and Food Centre\nSpectacular Indian food and more\n\nTekka Market is one of the more famous wet markets in Singapore, and its adjoining **Tekka Food Centre** is also very good. Right in the heart of Little India, briyani, prata and Indian rojak are all great foods to try, but there are plenty of non-Indian food options available too.\n\n![Lau Pa Sat - Photo by STB](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Singapore-Lau-Pa-Sat-STB.jpg)\n\n### Lau Pa Sat\nHawker centre in a national monument\n\nThis historic 130 year old market is right in the middle of the downtown area with some beautiful architecture. The biggest draw is the Satay Street every evening when the road is closed to traffic and hawkers sell grilled skewers along the road like the old days.\n\n[More at Lau Pa Sat website](https:\/\/www.laupasat.sg\/)\n\n**Offbeat Options for seasoned visitors**\n\nIf you don’t mind travelling out a bit further, these are less touristy hawker centre options to consider\n\n![](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Singapore-Tiong-Bahru-Payton-Chung-900x447.jpg)\n\n### Tiong Bahru Food Centre\nPopular local food centre\n\nThose exploring the hip Tiong Bahru neighbourhood have to stop by the refurbished Tiong Bahru Food Centre on the 2nd floor of the market.\n\n![The Occasional Traveller](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/TOTlogo-200x150-1.png)\n\n### Old Airport Road Food Centre\nLocal favourite hawker centre\n\nI like to recommend this hawker centre as it is a bit of the usual tourist trail. I used to work nearby and it has some reliably good hawker food.\n\n![Singapore East Coast Lagoon Hawker Centre STB](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Singapore-East-Coast-Lagoon-Hawker-Centre-STB-900x600.jpg)\n\n### East Coast Lagoon Hawker Centre\nCoastal views and vibes\n\nIf you are driving or don’t mind taking a car, this hawker centre at East Coast Park along the coastline has a great vibe by the sea! Lots of great charcoal grilled satay skewers and seafood here.\n***\n\n![Lisbon 2014](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/polaroid-lisbon-jac-beer.png)\n\nJaclynn Seah is The Occasional Traveller, a Singaporean indie traveller, travel writer and tourist guide who knows what it's like to juggle work and wonderlust. With a full-time job and limited annual leave, she hopes to inspire other busy folk like herself to travel more. [\\[Click here to learn more\\]](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/about-me\/)\n\n#### Latest posts\n- [Where to stay in Singapore: A local’s guide to the best areas](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/where-to-stay-in-singapore\/)\n- [Vienna cultural experiences to enjoy beyond the museums](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/vienna-cultural-experiences\/)\n- [2025 Round Up – Exploring new regions](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/2025-round-up\/)\n- [My first taste of Uzbekistan: 3 days in Bukhara for madrasahs, minarets and more](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/bukhara-uzbekistan\/)\n- [Singapore City Gallery: Explore Singapore’s growth through its infrastructure development](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/singapore-city-gallery\/)\n\n[![The Occasional Traveller is sponsored by Exabytes](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/400x150-exabytes-logo.png)](https:\/\/goo.gl\/qQJMKN)\n\nThis website is sponsored by [Exabytes.](https:\/\/goo.gl\/qQJMKN)\n\n- [Home](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/)\n- [About Me](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/about-me\/)\n- [Blog](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/blog\/)\n- [Countries Visited](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/destinations\/)\n- [Work with me](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/advertise\/)\n- [Portfolio](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/portfolio\/)\n- [Privacy Policy and Advertising Disclaimers](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/privacy-advertising\/)\n\n[Facebook](https:\/\/facebook.com\/theoccasionaltraveller)\n\n[Instagram](https:\/\/instagram.com\/theoccasionaltraveller)\n\n[Email](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/cdn-cgi\/l\/email-protection#07736f6268646466746e6869666b73756671626b6b627547606a666e6b2964686a)\n\n© 2026 The Occasional Traveller\n\n- [About Me](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/about-me\/)\n  \n  Toggle child menu\n  - 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I’m Jaclynn, a Singaporean travel lover who’s lived here all my life and here are some of my personal recommendations on things to do in Singapore, including some local tips for those who want to go beyond the usual tourist sights.\n\nI love travelling but when I’m out of annual leave, I try to spend more time exploring my own backyard a little more. You can see an extensive list of various articles and recommendations that I have written on how to see Singapore on this page. Also, I’m a co-writer on the latest [Lonely Planet Singapore guidebook](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/milestone-birthday-guidebook\/).\n\nThe official [Visit Singapore](http:\/\/www.visitsingapore.com\/en\/) is useful to learn about the main sights to see in Singapore which people think you can cover in just 1-2 days, but as a licensed [Singapore tourist guide](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/singapore-tourist-guide\/), I’m here to share some of its lesser known corners and experiences as well. Drop me a note if you want a well-travelled local who loves sharing stories about her home to show you around on a private tour.\n\nTable of Contents\n\n- [Essential Information about Singapore](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/singapore\/#essential-information-about-singapore)\n- [Where to Stay in Singapore](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/singapore\/#nature-and-parks-in-singapore)\n- [Ways to explore Singapore on your own](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/singapore\/#nature-and-parks-in-singapore)\n- [Guided Tours in Singapore](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/singapore\/#nature-and-parks-in-singapore)\n- [Nature and Parks in Singapore](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/singapore\/#nature-and-parks-in-singapore)\n- [Offshore Islands of Singapore](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/singapore\/#offshore-islands-of-singapore)\n- [Local Neighbourhoods in Singapore](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/singapore\/#local-neighbourhoods-in-singapore)\n- [Street Art in Singapore](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/singapore\/#street-art-in-singapore)\n- [Arts & Culture in Singapore](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/singapore\/#street-art-in-singapore)\n- [Hawker Centres in Singapore](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/singapore\/#street-art-in-singapore)\n***\n## Essential Information about Singapore\nSome of the must-knows and things to prep for your trip to Singapore\n\n### Survival Guide: Top 10 tips for travelling to Singapore\nFrom [how to dress](https:\/\/theculturetrip.com\/asia\/singapore\/articles\/what-to-wear-on-holiday-in-singapore\/) to budgeting and laws to take note of – your essential overview of things to look out for before visiting Singapore.\n\n### The worst possible advice to give someone travelling to Singapore\nThere’s a lot of advice written about Singapore where its obvious the writer knows nothing about Singapore. Here’s my real take on things.\n\n### 5-day Singapore Guide – Best things to do for first-timers\nI designed this 5-day guide for first timers to Singapore covering major attractions, things to do and what to eat.\n\n### How to use public transportation to get around Singapore\nFrom how to take the bus and MRT to other public transportation tips, here’s my guide on getting around Singapore on a budget.\n\n### Best things to do in Singapore\nShort on time? Here are the highlight things to do in Singapore for first time travellers who want to get a taste of the country and culture quickly.\n\n### Top free things to do in Singapore\nSingapore may be considered an expensive country to visit, but there are plenty of things to do for free and still experience what it has to offer\\!\n\n![GoCity Singapore Pass Types](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/GoCity-Singapore-Pass-Types.jpg)\n\n### GoCity Singapore Pass review\nSave money with tour attraction bundles\n\nThis remote northwestern corner of Singapore has some of the last remaining farms that you can visit like a goat farm and vegetable farm, as well as one of our best nature parks for animal and bird watching: **Sungei Buloh Nature Reserve.**\n\n## Where to Stay in Singapore\nSingapore may not be very big, but you’ll want to stay somewhere convenient and cool for the best experience.\n\n![Singapore Little India Wanderlust Hotel](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Singapore-Little-India-Wanderlust-Hotel.jpg)\n\n### [Where to stay in Singapore: A local’s guide to the best areas](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/where-to-stay-in-singapore\/)\nA local’s tips on neighbourhoods in Singapore\n\nAs a Singaporean, I don’t have a lot of chance to stay in our local hotels, but I can tell you which areas have the best vibes, connectivity and conveniences for a traveller. I break down my recommended neighbourhoods for tourists to stay in when visiting Singapore.\n\n## Ways to explore Singapore on your own\nI’m very much a free and easy solo traveller at heart, and my blogs are here to help you plan your own adventures. Here are some fun ways to explore Singapore free and easy without a guide.\n\n![Singapore MRT Overland - photo by awee\\_19 via Flickr](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Singapore-MRT-Overland-900x596.jpg)\n\n### Sightseeing Singapore by MRT: East to West\nRiding the metro across the island\n\nI usually recommend navigating Singapore by the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) which is our version of the subway or metro. This article covers what you can see if you rode the green line across the widest length of Singapore from east to west.\n\n![Singapore's Chinatown in the rain. Photo by Lily Banse (Unsplash)](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Singapore-Rain-Chinatown-LilyBanse.jpg)\n\n### Sightseeing in Singapore when it rains\nNavigating the tropical weather\n\nSingapore’s weather can be described in 2 seasons: Hot and Wet, and Hotter and Wetter! There’s no need to despair if it rains, here are some things to do in Singapore even when it’s wet outside.\n\n![Singapore Crazy Rich Asians Trailer Bukit Pasoh](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Singapore-Crazy-Rich-Asians-Trailer-Bukit-Pasoh-900x373.jpg)\n\n### Crazy Rich Asians movie shooting locations\nSingapore set locations for this blockbuster hit\n\nCrazy Rich Asians is one of the more recent Hollywood movies where Singapore features prominently in. The first movie was filmed partially in Singapore and I was an extra on the film! Here’s a look at what those locations are like in real life.\n\n## Guided Tours in Singapore\nLooking for ways to explore Singapore with a guide? Here are some of my guided tour suggestions that I recommend to visiting friends and family. I’ve either tried these tours for myself or conduct them as a [licensed tourist guide](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/singapore-tourist-guide\/).\n\n**Recs for First-time Visitors**\n\n![Indie SG Free Chinatown Group Pagoda St](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Indie-SG-Free-Chinatown-Group-Pagoda-St.jpg)\n\n### Indie Singapore Free Walking Tours\nTips based walking tours with a local\n\nMy favourite way to explore a new city is to join a free walking tour to get a quick overview of what to see there. Check out **Indie Singapore Tours** and their free walking tours with a local insider viewpoint in Chinatown, Little India, Kampong Gelam and the Singapore River every weekday, and if you’re very lucky you might get me as your guide! These are tips-based tours so you pay as you want.\n\n![Singapore Tourist Guide License Me STB](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Singapore-Tourist-Guide-License-Me-STB.jpg)\n\n### Hire me as your tourist guide in Singapore\nYes I am a licensed Singapore tourist guide\n\nIf you enjoy reading my blog or feel like I can understand your vibe and travel style, you can always hire me to show you my home country and Singapore from my perspective. I love giving private customised tours and in particular street art tours.\n\n**Offbeat Options for seasoned visitors**\n\nSome of these tours dig deeper into local culture and are seasonal\n\n![Dawson-Alexandra Trail - Eu Chai](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Dawson-Alexandra-Trail-Eu-Chai-600x600.jpg)\n\n### MyCommunity Heritage Tours\nFree guided tours by volunteers in local neighbourhoods\n\nMyCommunity is a local non-profit that does regular guided tours by volunteers around non-touristy neighbourhoods in Singapore for free. These areas might not be particularly interesting to your average tourist but might appeal to those who want a really local look at Singapore. They sometimes have paid tours to unusual places or themed festival tours.\n\n![Intan Kueh Tea](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/Intan-Kueh-Tea-600x450.jpg)\n\n### The Intan Tea Experience\nAfternoon tea in a Peranakan house\n\nEnjoy afternoon tea in one of Singapore’s smallest and most intimate museums located in a traditional shophouse in the Peranakan Joo Chiat neighbourhood, learning all about this mixed culture.\n\n![Profile Me Emerald Hill Human Library](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Profile-Me-Emerald-Hill-Human-Library.jpg)\n\n### OH! Open House\nArt tours in local neighbourhoods\n\n\\[SEASONAL\\] Explore Singaporean neighbourhoods through art installations set up in people’s houses, offices and personal spaces. I was a volunteer guide in the past editions for Joo Chiat, Emerald Hill and Kampong Gelam.\n\n![Istana Open House Main Building Exterior](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Istana-Open-House-Main-Building-Exterior-1000x667.jpg)\n\n### Istana Open House\nVisiting Singapore’s palace and its grounds\n\n\\[SEASONAL\\] The official residence for Singapore’s president is open to the public on five public holidays in a year. Here’s how to maximise your visit based on my experience visiting.\n\n![Katong Dreaming Koon Seng Houses Chairs](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Katong-Dreaming-Koon-Seng-Houses-Chairs.jpg)\n\n### Katong Dreaming\nMusical walking tour around Katong\/Joo Chiat\n\n\\[SEASONAL\\] This guided performance art tour shows you the history and culture of Peranakan enclave and foodie favourite Katong and Joo Chiat through music, dance and theatre.\n\n## Nature and Parks in Singapore\nFor a very built-up island state known for its many tall buildings, Singapore has a surprising number of green spaces and nature.\n\n**Recs for First-time Visitors**\n\n![Gardens by the Bay Cloud Forest Waterfall Crowd](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Gardens-by-the-Bay-Cloud-Forest-Waterfall-Crowd.jpg)\n\n### Gardens by the Bay\nCooled domes and Supertrees\n\nThe two cooled conservatories **Flower Dome** and **Cloud Forest** are the perfect spots when Singapore is being overly hot or too rainy! The lovely cool 20ºC temperature is a dream. The daily light and music show at the **Supertree Grove** in the evening is also a very popular thing to do, while the **OCBC Skywalk** is a suspended platform winding through the Supertrees.\n\nI usually recommend visiting the domes in the afternoon when it is generally not as busy (Cloud Forest is very atmospheric when it gets darker), getting dinner nearby and doing the OCBC Skywalk for a closer look at the Supertrees, and then hanging around for the light shows.\n\n![Singapore Botanic Gardens Bandstand](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Singapore-Botanic-Gardens-Bandstand.jpg)\n\n### Singapore Botanic Gardens\nHistoric Park with UNESCO World Heritage status\n\nSingapore’s only UNESCO site, these sprawling gardens near the Orchard Road Shopping Belt are a nice break from all the buildings and city vibe.\n\nThe National Orchid Garden is one of the park’s highlights with lots of examples and exhibits on Orchid hybrids that Singapore is famous for, and a nice coolhouse right inside simulating mountain temperature is a nice relief from the heat.\n\nThe Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden is also great for families.\n\n![](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/Worst-Advice-for-travel-to-Singapore-Zoo-600x400.jpg)\n\n### Mandai Wildlife Reserve\nWorld-class animal parks\n\nSingapore has an impressive collection of open-concept animal parks that have an impressive collection of wildlife from around the region and the world.\n\nThe **Singapore Zoo** is the most well-known, while the nocturnal **Night Safari** has the most unique concept. **River Wonders** showcases critters from the habitats of major rivers in the world and offers the most shelter in case of bad weather, while **Bird Paradise** is the newest with plenty of open aviaries. The newest park is **Rainforest Wild** which focuses on adventure activities and wilder treks.\n\nYou need two days to see all five parks properly, but with limited time I recommend seeing the Singapore Zoo and doing the Night Safari.\n\n**Offbeat Options for seasoned visitors**\n\n![Singapore Mount Faber View Cable Car Jewel](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Singapore-Mount-Faber-View-Cable-Car-Jewel.jpg)\n\n### Southern Ridges\n10km of treks and panoramic views along Singapore’s south\n\nThis trek along the hill range of Singapore’s southwestern coast is scenic and well maintained with lots of interesting stops along the way.\n\nStart at **Mount Faber** with the cable cars. **Henderson Waves** and **Alexandra Arch** are also picturesque and some of Singapore’s highest pedestrian bridges.\n\n![Keppel Hill Reservoir Quarry Pool](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Keppel-Hill-Reservoir-Quarry-Pool.jpg)\n\n### Keppel Hill Reservoir & Seah Im Bunker\nForgotten infrastructure around Mount Faber\n\nThis once-forgotten reservoir near **Mount Faber** was left off maps for over 50 years and makes for a fun short hike if you are exploring the **Southern Ridges**. Close by at Seah Im Food Centre is another oddity – an abandoned bunker – just behind its carpark.\n\n![Bukit Batok Town Park Quarry](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Bukit-Batok-Town-Park-Quarry.jpg)\n\n### Bukit Batok Quarries\nNature at your doorstep in the west\n\nFormer granite quarries in Singapore’s western residential neighbourhood of Bukit Batok have been transformed into scenic parks that make for a nice stroll. There are several other quarries and parks nearby worth hiking, including **Bukit Timah Nature Reserve** with Singapore’s tallest hill.\n\n![Kranji Reservoir Park Shore Johor](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Kranji-Reservoir-Park-Shore-Johor-900x675.jpg)\n\n### Kranji Countryside\nWetland reserves and farm culture\n\nThis remote northwestern corner of Singapore has some of the last remaining farms that you can visit like a goat farm and vegetable farm, as well as one of our best nature parks for animal and bird watching: **Sungei Buloh Nature Reserve.**\n\n![Sembawang Hot Spring Park Foot Bathers](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Sembawang-Hot-Spring-Park-Foot-Bathers.jpg)\n\n### Sembawang Hot Spring Park\nA steaming soak in the sun\n\nSingapore’s only publicly accessible natural hot spring is located up in a small park in the north, perfect if you want a hot foot bath soak and something quirky to see. Consider seeing more of the **Sembawang** neighbourhood too.\n\n## Offshore Islands of Singapore\nDid you know that Singapore is a part of an archipelago with around 60 smaller offshore islands? Many of these are used for industrial purposes, but some of them can be visited for a fun day trip option without breaking out your passport.\n\n**Recs for First-time Visitors**\n\n![Sentosa's Fort Siloso Skywalk, a high bridge at the canopy level linking Siloso point to the barracks deeper in](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Sentosa-Fort-Siloso-Skywalk.jpg)\n\n### Sentosa\nResort island life and beaches\n\nSentosa is the easiest island to access from Singapore’s main land by bus\/car, monorail and even cable car. Most people visit for **Universal Studios** theme park, **S.E.A Aquarium** and the casino at the **Resorts World** Integrated Resort.\n\nFree things to do on Sentosa: **Siloso, Palawan and Tanjong Beach** along the south are some of Singapore’s nicest beaches with imported sand. I also enjoy walking the historic **Fort Siloso**, now linked by the panoramic 11-storey tall **Fort Siloso Skywalk** bridge.\n\n**Offbeat Options for seasoned visitors**\n\n![Pulau Ubin Chek Jawa Boardwalk Coastal](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Pulau-Ubin-Chek-Jawa-Boardwalk-Coastal.jpg)\n\n### Pulau Ubin\nNature hikes and escape from city life\n\nPulau Ubin on the northeast shore is home to an excellent nature reserve **Chek Jawa Wetland Reserve**, stone quarries for some cycling and hiking, and one of Singapore’s last remaining villages. It’s a great day trip and escape from city life.\n\n![Donut Nudibranch by Gina Tan, Hantu Blog](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Pulau-Hantu-Diving-Donut-Nudi-GinaTan-900x600.jpg)\n\n### Pulau Hantu\nUnderwater treasures in Singapore’s silty waters\n\nJoin local dive groups to scuba dive in the waters around this offshore island, and in its murky depths you might find some unusual nudibranchs, seahorses and more! Alternatively venture out at night on an intertidal walk and see its shores come to life.\n\n![Lazarus Island Beach Jumpshot](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Lazarus-Island-Beach-Jumpshot.jpg)\n\n### St John’s Island \/ Lazarus Island \/ Kusu Island \/ Sister’s Island\nDay trip to serene beaches and island scenery\n\nTake a ferry from Marina South Pier on a day trip to the cluster of Southern Islands and discover remains of a lost village, some quiet white-sand beaches and a quirky temple or two.\n\n![Raffles Lighthouse Pulau Satumu VIew](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Raffles-Lighthouse-Pulau-Satumu-VIew.jpg)\n\n### Pulau Satumu\nHome to Singapore’s southernmost lighthouse\n\nThis little island on the southern edge of the Singapore Straits is home to Raffles Lighthouse, one of Singapore’s oldest lighthouses and can only be visited on a special tour by the Maritime & Port Authority of Singapore.\n\n## Local Neighbourhoods in Singapore\n**Recs for First-time Visitors**\n\n![Singapore Chinatown Buddha Tooth Relic Temple South Bridge Road](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Singapore-Chinatown-Buddha-Tooth-Relic-Temple-South-Bridge-Road.jpg)\n\n### Chinatown\nMulticultural Chinese district in downtown area\n\nSingapore’s heritage Chinese quarter is one of my favourite places to bring new visitors to Singapore as it has a great mix of good food, cultural sites and lots of lovely murals on its walls.\n\n**Chinatown Complex**, **Maxwell Food Centre** and **Amoy Street Food Centre** have plenty of hawker food options for anyone looking to try Singaporean food. **Sri Mariamman Temple** and **Buddha Tooth Relic Temple** are also worth exploring.\n\n![Singapore Little India Tekka Market Fish Stalls](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Singapore-Little-India-Tekka-Market-Fish-Stalls.jpg)\n\n### Little India\nColourful Indian district\n\nLittle India is a place to experience with all your senses, a riot of colours, fragrances and bustling chatter. The **Indian Heritage Centre** is a modern addition to the neighbourhood, while **Tekka Market** is a fabulous place for food and a little shopping.\n\n![Singapore Kampong Gelam Sultan Mosque Bussorah Street](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Singapore-Kampong-Gelam-Sultan-Mosque-Bussorah-Street.jpg)\n\n### Kampong Gelam\nHeritage Malay quarter and street art mecca\n\nOne of my favourite neighbourhoods is one I used to work in, while a lot more gentrified than underground these days, **Sultan Mosque** at its centre still stands tall, while hip **Haji Lane** is always filled with murals and colours.\n\n**Offbeat Options for seasoned visitors**\n\nVenture further into the heartland districts for a truly local experience\n\n![Joo Chiat Koon Seng Road Shophouses](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Joo-Chiat-Koon-Seng-Road-Shophouses.jpg)\n\n### Joo Chiat\nPeranakan heritage neighbourhood and foodie haven\n\nThis well known Peranakan (mixed heritage of local borns with straits immigrants) neighbourhood has lots of great food, heritage and culture in its narrow alleyways.\n\n![](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Singapore-Tiong-Bahru-Payton-Chung-900x447.jpg)\n\n### Tiong Bahru\nRevived hipster district with unique art deco architecture\n\nThis gentrified neighbourhood is the perfect mix of old school markets, shops and businesses alongside hip cafes, eateries and boutiques. Architecture lovers will adore the unique art deco buildings found here.\n\n![Sembawang Hot Spring Park Foot Bathers](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Sembawang-Hot-Spring-Park-Foot-Bathers.jpg)\n\n### Sembawang\nWar history and natural landscapes\n\nThis northern neighbourhood has a surprisingly amount of WWII history, beautiful British colonial bungalows and one of Singapore’s last natural beaches. Also, Singapore’s only publicly accessible hot spring\\!\n\n![Singapore Dawson Alexandra Butterfly Block](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Singapore-Dawson-Alexandra-Butterfly-Block-900x404.jpg)\n\n### Queenstown\nOne of Singapore’s oldest residential neighbourhoods\n\nOne of Singapore’s oldest public housing estates, Queenstown (named for the British monarchs when we were a colony) has lots of history hidden amidst its residential neighbourhood worth checking out.\n\n## Street Art in Singapore\nIt may surprise you to know that while Singapore is pretty strict about what it considers vandalism, murals and street art have become quite popular in recent years and can be found all over the island. Here are some neighbourhoods that I’ve mapped. Read about the [evolution of Singapore’s street art scene](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/tracing-evolution-singapore-street-art\/) or check out my [street art page](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/street-art-guides\/) to see other street art spots I’ve mapped around the world.\n\n**Recs for First-time Visitors**\n\nAreas that are easier to get to and close to the main sightseeing spots in Singapore\n\n![Singapore Street Art Chinatown YipYC Letter Writer](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Singapore-Street-Art-Chinatown-YipYC-Letter-Writer-900x684.jpg)\n\n### Chinatown\nNostalgic murals in the Chinese quarter\n\nInstagrammable murals depicting Singapore in its early days fill the walls of the historic Chinese enclave, one of Singapore’s oldest neighbourhoods.\n\n![Singapore Street Art Haji Lane PiedraNegra Jaba Aztec](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/Singapore-Street-Art-Haji-Lane-PiedraNegra-Jaba-Aztec-900x675.jpg)\n\n### Kampong Gelam\nThe original street art district in the Malay area\n\nHome to local street art crews and arts housing, this heritage Malay district was one of the first neighbourhoods in Singapore to embrace street art on its walls.\n\n![](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/Singapore-Street-Art-Little-India-Clive-Ts1-900x618.jpg)\n\n### Little India\nA growing collection of murals in the Indian quarter\n\nThe colourful Indian district is regularly updated with murals that nod to the neighbourhood’s South Asian heritage thanks to an annual art festival run by the local arts college.\n\n![Singapore Street Art Bugis 8EyedSpud River Trade](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/Singapore-Street-Art-Bugis-8EyedSpud-River-Trade.jpg)\n\n### Bugis \/ Bras Basah\nColonial history and cultural district\n\nArt fills the former European quarter, with murals and street art amidst cultural landmarks housing national art institutions and private art galleries\n\n**Offbeat Options for seasoned visitors**\n\nSurprising street art hot spots in Singapore’s residential neighbourhoods for the hardcore street art lovers\n\n![Singapore Street Art Taman Jurong SC Zero](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Singapore-Street-Art-Taman-Jurong-SC-Zero.jpg)\n\n### Jurong West\nArt on the west side\n\nSeveral art projects have jazzed up this residential neighbourhood that sprung up around the western industrial area of Jurong.\n\n![Singapore Street Art Bukit Merah Antz Tong Kia](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Singapore-Street-Art-Bukit-Merah-Antz-Tong-Kia.jpg)\n\n### Bukit Merah\nMurals and more in Redhill\n\nOne of the older neighbourhoods in Singapore, this southwestern district whose name translates to ‘Red Hill’ is a surprising home to some cool street art.\n\n![AMK Town Centre Ah Guo Town Centre](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/AMK-Town-Centre-Ah-Guo-Town-Centre.jpg)\n\n### Ang Mo Kio\nQuirky art and architecture to the north\n\nThis residential neighbourhood is home to some quirky murals, cool sculptures and interesting architecture.\n\n![Hougang HDB Mural Blk662-917-923](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Hougang-HDB-Mural-Blk662-917-923.jpg)\n\n### Hougang\nHumongous public housing murals\n\nA rare northeastern neighbourhood in Singapore where huge murals decorate the sides of the public Housing Development Board (HDB) apartment blocks.\n\n![Singapore Street Art Katong Beach Vibes Song](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Singapore-Street-Art-Katong-Beach-Vibes-Song.jpg)\n\n### Katong \/ Joo Chiat\nColourful hipster heritage district\n\nSee glimpses of the neighbourhood’s Peranakan heritage and former coastal location splashed upon its walls.\n\n## Arts & Culture in Singapore\nI’ve worked in the arts sector for several years in Singapore and we have some lovely museums here that are perfect for arts lovers and those curious to learn about our local history.\n\n[Click here to see my full list of free museums, galleries and cultural spots for tourists in Singapore.](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/singapore-free-museums-tourists\/)\n\n**Recs for First-time Visitors**\n\nMajor cultural institutions in Singapore\n\n![Singapore National Museum Facade NHB](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Singapore-National-Museum-Facade-NHB.jpg)\n\n### National Museum of Singapore (NMS)\nOverview of Singapore’s history and evolution\n\nSingapore’s oldest museum is housed in a beautiful historic building, but the content is far from boring with interesting and immersive exhibits that tell you about Singapore’s past and growth through the years.\n\n![Singapore National Gallery Exterior NGS](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Singapore-National-Gallery-Exterior-NGS.jpg)\n\n### National Gallery Singapore (NGS)\nLargest collection of Southeast Asian Modern Art\n\nHoused in the former City Hall and Supreme Court, NGS is worth checking out even if you don’t want to visit the galleries – you can admire the architecture for free, and even see the old prison cells used in the former supreme court.\n\n![Singapore Art Museum Tanjong Pagar Distripark Entrance Mural](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Singapore-Art-Museum-Tanjong-Pagar-Distripark-Entrance-Mural.jpg)\n\n### Singapore Art Museum (SAM)\nContemporary art amidst the port\n\nNow housed in Tanjong Pagar Distripark near the port, SAM is for those who don’t mind going a little out of the way to check out contemporary art. For art enthusiasts, there are several other smaller art galleries and museums in the same building.\n\n![Singapore ArtScience Museum Exterior MBS](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Singapore-ArtScience-Museum-Exterior-MBS.jpg)\n\n### ArtScience Museum\nPublic-friendly and pop culture related\n\nThe iconic lotus-shaped ArtScience Museum is most popular for its very instagrammable rooms and exhibits, and it usually has exhibits themed around pop-culture favourites.\n\n**Offbeat Options for seasoned visitors**\n\nSmaller and more quirky options for those who like more niche museums\n\n![SCCC Singaporen Intro Gallery](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/SCCC-Singaporen-Intro-Gallery.jpg)\n\n### Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre\nThe uniqueness of Singaporean Chinese culture\n\nSee how Singapore’s multiracial environment have influenced the Singaporean Chinese identity into the unique entity it is today.\n\n![LKC Natural History Museum Singapore Whale](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/LKC-Natural-History-Museum-Singapore-Whale-900x675.jpg)\n\n### Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum\nSkeletons and specimens galore\n\nOne of my personal favourite niche museums in Singapore where you can learn about local biodiversity and see some impressive skeletons up close, including a whale that washed up on our shores.\n\n![Haw Par Villa Sign](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/Haw-Par-Villa-Sign-900x675.jpg)\n\n### Haw Par Villa\nQuirky sculpture park dedicated to Chinese stories\n\nThis once-popular park is home to some pretty bizarre half-human\/animal statues and dioramas that depict Chinese tales, ethics and weird international tributes.\n\nThe infamous 10 Courts of Hell is now located within the Hell Museum dedicated to death practices in Singapore and around the world, which is a paid section of the otherwise free park.\n\n![Former Ford Factory Exterior](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Former-Ford-Factory-Exterior.jpg)\n\n### Former Ford Factory\nWWII site of Singapore’s surrender\n\nThose interested in WWII history should make time to see the Former Ford Factory, the site where the British signed the surrender papers back in 1942 and now a museum documenting Singapore’s occupation years.\n\n![Changi Chapel Benches](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Changi-Chapel-Benches.jpg)\n\n### Changi Chapel and Museum\nIntimate look at WWII POW stories\n\nThis small museum is quite out of the way in Changi, but an important place for those ex-POWs and their family members as it commemorates the prison grounds that were used to house internees and POWs during WWII, including the recreation of a historic chapel and murals.\n\n## Hawker Centres in Singapore\nFood is an essential way to experience Singapore and its multicultural landscape and hawker centres are one of the best places to find a diverse range of affordable, tasty food in a place where locals frequent. There are many open-air hawker centres, air-conditioned food courts and smaller neighbourhood kopitiams scattered around Singapore – these are my usual recs for visitors.\n\nDon’t know what food to order? Check out my article about [what to eat and drink in Singapore on Lonely Planet](https:\/\/www.lonelyplanet.com\/articles\/what-to-eat-and-drink-in-singapore).\n\n**Recs for First-time Visitors**\n\nIconic hawker centres in Singapore in convenient areas that are tourist friendly\n\n![Chinatown Maxwell Food Centre Interior STB](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Chinatown-Maxwell-Food-Centre-Interior-STB.jpg)\n\n### Maxwell Food Centre\nHainanese chicken rice galore in Chinatown\n\nChinatown has several excellent hawker centres worth checking out, but if you have time for just one, head to **Maxwell Food centre**. Not too large but lots of variety nonetheless. Tian Tian Chicken Rice is THE stall here, but head to Ah Tai a few stalls down for arguably equally good chicken rice without the insane queues. I always get sugarcane juice from the stall right across from Tian Tian.\n\nOther options in Chinatown: **Chinatown Complex** is the largest with over 200 stalls and the former 1-Michelin star stall, **Amoy Street Food Centre** has two floors of great food and **Hong Lim Food Centre** next to Chinatown Point is a local favourite.\n\n![Roti Prata at Tekka Food Centre by STB](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Singapore-Tekka-Food-Centre-Roti-Prata-STB.jpg)\n\n### Tekka Market and Food Centre\nSpectacular Indian food and more\n\nTekka Market is one of the more famous wet markets in Singapore, and its adjoining **Tekka Food Centre** is also very good. Right in the heart of Little India, briyani, prata and Indian rojak are all great foods to try, but there are plenty of non-Indian food options available too.\n\n![Lau Pa Sat - Photo by STB](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Singapore-Lau-Pa-Sat-STB.jpg)\n\n### Lau Pa Sat\nHawker centre in a national monument\n\nThis historic 130 year old market is right in the middle of the downtown area with some beautiful architecture. The biggest draw is the Satay Street every evening when the road is closed to traffic and hawkers sell grilled skewers along the road like the old days.\n\n**Offbeat Options for seasoned visitors**\n\nIf you don’t mind travelling out a bit further, these are less touristy hawker centre options to consider\n\n![](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Singapore-Tiong-Bahru-Payton-Chung-900x447.jpg)\n\n### Tiong Bahru Food Centre\nPopular local food centre\n\nThose exploring the hip Tiong Bahru neighbourhood have to stop by the refurbished Tiong Bahru Food Centre on the 2nd floor of the market.\n\n![The Occasional Traveller](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/TOTlogo-200x150-1.png)\n\n### Old Airport Road Food Centre\nLocal favourite hawker centre\n\nI like to recommend this hawker centre as it is a bit of the usual tourist trail. I used to work nearby and it has some reliably good hawker food.\n\n![Singapore East Coast Lagoon Hawker Centre STB](https:\/\/theoccasionaltraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Singapore-East-Coast-Lagoon-Hawker-Centre-STB-900x600.jpg)\n\n### East Coast Lagoon Hawker Centre\nCoastal views and vibes\n\nIf you are driving or don’t mind taking a car, this hawker centre at East Coast Park along the coastline has a great vibe by the sea! Lots of great charcoal grilled satay skewers and seafood here.\n***","meta_canonical":null}

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Boilerpipe Text	Last Updated on 1 March, 2026 Visiting Singapore soon? I’m Jaclynn, a Singaporean travel lover who’s lived here all my life and here are some of my personal recommendations on things to do in Singapore, including some local tips for those who want to go beyond the usual tourist sights. I love travelling but when I’m out of annual leave, I try to spend more time exploring my own backyard a little more. You can see an extensive list of various articles and recommendations that I have written on how to see Singapore on this page. Also, I’m a co-writer on the latest Lonely Planet Singapore guidebook . The official Visit Singapore is useful to learn about the main sights to see in Singapore which people think you can cover in just 1-2 days, but as a licensed Singapore tourist guide , I’m here to share some of its lesser known corners and experiences as well. Drop me a note if you want a well-travelled local who loves sharing stories about her home to show you around on a private tour. Table of Contents Essential Information about Singapore Where to Stay in Singapore Ways to explore Singapore on your own Guided Tours in Singapore Nature and Parks in Singapore Offshore Islands of Singapore Local Neighbourhoods in Singapore Street Art in Singapore Arts & Culture in Singapore Hawker Centres in Singapore Essential Information about Singapore Some of the must-knows and things to prep for your trip to Singapore Survival Guide: Top 10 tips for travelling to Singapore From how to dress to budgeting and laws to take note of – your essential overview of things to look out for before visiting Singapore. The worst possible advice to give someone travelling to Singapore There’s a lot of advice written about Singapore where its obvious the writer knows nothing about Singapore. Here’s my real take on things. 5-day Singapore Guide – Best things to do for first-timers I designed this 5-day guide for first timers to Singapore covering major attractions, things to do and what to eat. How to use public transportation to get around Singapore From how to take the bus and MRT to other public transportation tips, here’s my guide on getting around Singapore on a budget. Best things to do in Singapore Short on time? Here are the highlight things to do in Singapore for first time travellers who want to get a taste of the country and culture quickly. Top free things to do in Singapore Singapore may be considered an expensive country to visit, but there are plenty of things to do for free and still experience what it has to offer! GoCity Singapore Pass review Save money with tour attraction bundles This remote northwestern corner of Singapore has some of the last remaining farms that you can visit like a goat farm and vegetable farm, as well as one of our best nature parks for animal and bird watching: Sungei Buloh Nature Reserve. Where to Stay in Singapore Singapore may not be very big, but you’ll want to stay somewhere convenient and cool for the best experience. Where to stay in Singapore: A local’s guide to the best areas A local’s tips on neighbourhoods in Singapore As a Singaporean, I don’t have a lot of chance to stay in our local hotels, but I can tell you which areas have the best vibes, connectivity and conveniences for a traveller. I break down my recommended neighbourhoods for tourists to stay in when visiting Singapore. Ways to explore Singapore on your own I’m very much a free and easy solo traveller at heart, and my blogs are here to help you plan your own adventures. Here are some fun ways to explore Singapore free and easy without a guide. Sightseeing Singapore by MRT: East to West Riding the metro across the island I usually recommend navigating Singapore by the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) which is our version of the subway or metro. This article covers what you can see if you rode the green line across the widest length of Singapore from east to west. Sightseeing in Singapore when it rains Navigating the tropical weather Singapore’s weather can be described in 2 seasons: Hot and Wet, and Hotter and Wetter! There’s no need to despair if it rains, here are some things to do in Singapore even when it’s wet outside. Crazy Rich Asians movie shooting locations Singapore set locations for this blockbuster hit Crazy Rich Asians is one of the more recent Hollywood movies where Singapore features prominently in. The first movie was filmed partially in Singapore and I was an extra on the film! Here’s a look at what those locations are like in real life. Guided Tours in Singapore Looking for ways to explore Singapore with a guide? Here are some of my guided tour suggestions that I recommend to visiting friends and family. I’ve either tried these tours for myself or conduct them as a licensed tourist guide . Recs for First-time Visitors Indie Singapore Free Walking Tours Tips based walking tours with a local My favourite way to explore a new city is to join a free walking tour to get a quick overview of what to see there. Check out Indie Singapore Tours and their free walking tours with a local insider viewpoint in Chinatown, Little India, Kampong Gelam and the Singapore River every weekday, and if you’re very lucky you might get me as your guide! These are tips-based tours so you pay as you want. Hire me as your tourist guide in Singapore Yes I am a licensed Singapore tourist guide If you enjoy reading my blog or feel like I can understand your vibe and travel style, you can always hire me to show you my home country and Singapore from my perspective. I love giving private customised tours and in particular street art tours. Offbeat Options for seasoned visitors Some of these tours dig deeper into local culture and are seasonal MyCommunity Heritage Tours Free guided tours by volunteers in local neighbourhoods MyCommunity is a local non-profit that does regular guided tours by volunteers around non-touristy neighbourhoods in Singapore for free. These areas might not be particularly interesting to your average tourist but might appeal to those who want a really local look at Singapore. They sometimes have paid tours to unusual places or themed festival tours. The Intan Tea Experience Afternoon tea in a Peranakan house Enjoy afternoon tea in one of Singapore’s smallest and most intimate museums located in a traditional shophouse in the Peranakan Joo Chiat neighbourhood, learning all about this mixed culture. OH! Open House Art tours in local neighbourhoods [SEASONAL] Explore Singaporean neighbourhoods through art installations set up in people’s houses, offices and personal spaces. I was a volunteer guide in the past editions for Joo Chiat, Emerald Hill and Kampong Gelam. Istana Open House Visiting Singapore’s palace and its grounds [SEASONAL] The official residence for Singapore’s president is open to the public on five public holidays in a year. Here’s how to maximise your visit based on my experience visiting. Katong Dreaming Musical walking tour around Katong/Joo Chiat [SEASONAL] This guided performance art tour shows you the history and culture of Peranakan enclave and foodie favourite Katong and Joo Chiat through music, dance and theatre. Nature and Parks in Singapore For a very built-up island state known for its many tall buildings, Singapore has a surprising number of green spaces and nature. Recs for First-time Visitors Gardens by the Bay Cooled domes and Supertrees The two cooled conservatories Flower Dome and Cloud Forest are the perfect spots when Singapore is being overly hot or too rainy! The lovely cool 20ºC temperature is a dream. The daily light and music show at the Supertree Grove in the evening is also a very popular thing to do, while the OCBC Skywalk is a suspended platform winding through the Supertrees. I usually recommend visiting the domes in the afternoon when it is generally not as busy (Cloud Forest is very atmospheric when it gets darker), getting dinner nearby and doing the OCBC Skywalk for a closer look at the Supertrees, and then hanging around for the light shows. Singapore Botanic Gardens Historic Park with UNESCO World Heritage status Singapore’s only UNESCO site, these sprawling gardens near the Orchard Road Shopping Belt are a nice break from all the buildings and city vibe. The National Orchid Garden is one of the park’s highlights with lots of examples and exhibits on Orchid hybrids that Singapore is famous for, and a nice coolhouse right inside simulating mountain temperature is a nice relief from the heat. The Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden is also great for families. Mandai Wildlife Reserve World-class animal parks Singapore has an impressive collection of open-concept animal parks that have an impressive collection of wildlife from around the region and the world. The Singapore Zoo is the most well-known, while the nocturnal Night Safari has the most unique concept. River Wonders showcases critters from the habitats of major rivers in the world and offers the most shelter in case of bad weather, while Bird Paradise is the newest with plenty of open aviaries. The newest park is Rainforest Wild which focuses on adventure activities and wilder treks. You need two days to see all five parks properly, but with limited time I recommend seeing the Singapore Zoo and doing the Night Safari. Offbeat Options for seasoned visitors Southern Ridges 10km of treks and panoramic views along Singapore’s south This trek along the hill range of Singapore’s southwestern coast is scenic and well maintained with lots of interesting stops along the way. Start at Mount Faber with the cable cars. Henderson Waves and Alexandra Arch are also picturesque and some of Singapore’s highest pedestrian bridges. Keppel Hill Reservoir & Seah Im Bunker Forgotten infrastructure around Mount Faber This once-forgotten reservoir near Mount Faber was left off maps for over 50 years and makes for a fun short hike if you are exploring the Southern Ridges . Close by at Seah Im Food Centre is another oddity – an abandoned bunker – just behind its carpark. Bukit Batok Quarries Nature at your doorstep in the west Former granite quarries in Singapore’s western residential neighbourhood of Bukit Batok have been transformed into scenic parks that make for a nice stroll. There are several other quarries and parks nearby worth hiking, including Bukit Timah Nature Reserve with Singapore’s tallest hill. Kranji Countryside Wetland reserves and farm culture This remote northwestern corner of Singapore has some of the last remaining farms that you can visit like a goat farm and vegetable farm, as well as one of our best nature parks for animal and bird watching: Sungei Buloh Nature Reserve. Sembawang Hot Spring Park A steaming soak in the sun Singapore’s only publicly accessible natural hot spring is located up in a small park in the north, perfect if you want a hot foot bath soak and something quirky to see. Consider seeing more of the Sembawang neighbourhood too. Offshore Islands of Singapore Did you know that Singapore is a part of an archipelago with around 60 smaller offshore islands? Many of these are used for industrial purposes, but some of them can be visited for a fun day trip option without breaking out your passport. Recs for First-time Visitors Sentosa Resort island life and beaches Sentosa is the easiest island to access from Singapore’s main land by bus/car, monorail and even cable car. Most people visit for Universal Studios theme park, S.E.A Aquarium and the casino at the Resorts World Integrated Resort. Free things to do on Sentosa: Siloso, Palawan and Tanjong Beach along the south are some of Singapore’s nicest beaches with imported sand. I also enjoy walking the historic Fort Siloso , now linked by the panoramic 11-storey tall Fort Siloso Skywalk bridge. Offbeat Options for seasoned visitors Pulau Ubin Nature hikes and escape from city life Pulau Ubin on the northeast shore is home to an excellent nature reserve Chek Jawa Wetland Reserve , stone quarries for some cycling and hiking, and one of Singapore’s last remaining villages. It’s a great day trip and escape from city life. Pulau Hantu Underwater treasures in Singapore’s silty waters Join local dive groups to scuba dive in the waters around this offshore island, and in its murky depths you might find some unusual nudibranchs, seahorses and more! Alternatively venture out at night on an intertidal walk and see its shores come to life. St John’s Island / Lazarus Island / Kusu Island / Sister’s Island Day trip to serene beaches and island scenery Take a ferry from Marina South Pier on a day trip to the cluster of Southern Islands and discover remains of a lost village, some quiet white-sand beaches and a quirky temple or two. Pulau Satumu Home to Singapore’s southernmost lighthouse This little island on the southern edge of the Singapore Straits is home to Raffles Lighthouse, one of Singapore’s oldest lighthouses and can only be visited on a special tour by the Maritime & Port Authority of Singapore. Local Neighbourhoods in Singapore Recs for First-time Visitors Chinatown Multicultural Chinese district in downtown area Singapore’s heritage Chinese quarter is one of my favourite places to bring new visitors to Singapore as it has a great mix of good food, cultural sites and lots of lovely murals on its walls. Chinatown Complex , Maxwell Food Centre and Amoy Street Food Centre have plenty of hawker food options for anyone looking to try Singaporean food. Sri Mariamman Temple and Buddha Tooth Relic Temple are also worth exploring. Little India Colourful Indian district Little India is a place to experience with all your senses, a riot of colours, fragrances and bustling chatter. The Indian Heritage Centre is a modern addition to the neighbourhood, while Tekka Market is a fabulous place for food and a little shopping. Kampong Gelam Heritage Malay quarter and street art mecca One of my favourite neighbourhoods is one I used to work in, while a lot more gentrified than underground these days, Sultan Mosque at its centre still stands tall, while hip Haji Lane is always filled with murals and colours. Offbeat Options for seasoned visitors Venture further into the heartland districts for a truly local experience Joo Chiat Peranakan heritage neighbourhood and foodie haven This well known Peranakan (mixed heritage of local borns with straits immigrants) neighbourhood has lots of great food, heritage and culture in its narrow alleyways. Tiong Bahru Revived hipster district with unique art deco architecture This gentrified neighbourhood is the perfect mix of old school markets, shops and businesses alongside hip cafes, eateries and boutiques. Architecture lovers will adore the unique art deco buildings found here. Sembawang War history and natural landscapes This northern neighbourhood has a surprisingly amount of WWII history, beautiful British colonial bungalows and one of Singapore’s last natural beaches. Also, Singapore’s only publicly accessible hot spring! Queenstown One of Singapore’s oldest residential neighbourhoods One of Singapore’s oldest public housing estates, Queenstown (named for the British monarchs when we were a colony) has lots of history hidden amidst its residential neighbourhood worth checking out. Street Art in Singapore It may surprise you to know that while Singapore is pretty strict about what it considers vandalism, murals and street art have become quite popular in recent years and can be found all over the island. Here are some neighbourhoods that I’ve mapped. Read about the evolution of Singapore’s street art scene or check out my street art page to see other street art spots I’ve mapped around the world. Recs for First-time Visitors Areas that are easier to get to and close to the main sightseeing spots in Singapore Chinatown Nostalgic murals in the Chinese quarter Instagrammable murals depicting Singapore in its early days fill the walls of the historic Chinese enclave, one of Singapore’s oldest neighbourhoods. Kampong Gelam The original street art district in the Malay area Home to local street art crews and arts housing, this heritage Malay district was one of the first neighbourhoods in Singapore to embrace street art on its walls. Little India A growing collection of murals in the Indian quarter The colourful Indian district is regularly updated with murals that nod to the neighbourhood’s South Asian heritage thanks to an annual art festival run by the local arts college. Bugis / Bras Basah Colonial history and cultural district Art fills the former European quarter, with murals and street art amidst cultural landmarks housing national art institutions and private art galleries Offbeat Options for seasoned visitors Surprising street art hot spots in Singapore’s residential neighbourhoods for the hardcore street art lovers Jurong West Art on the west side Several art projects have jazzed up this residential neighbourhood that sprung up around the western industrial area of Jurong. Bukit Merah Murals and more in Redhill One of the older neighbourhoods in Singapore, this southwestern district whose name translates to ‘Red Hill’ is a surprising home to some cool street art. Ang Mo Kio Quirky art and architecture to the north This residential neighbourhood is home to some quirky murals, cool sculptures and interesting architecture. Hougang Humongous public housing murals A rare northeastern neighbourhood in Singapore where huge murals decorate the sides of the public Housing Development Board (HDB) apartment blocks. Katong / Joo Chiat Colourful hipster heritage district See glimpses of the neighbourhood’s Peranakan heritage and former coastal location splashed upon its walls. Arts & Culture in Singapore I’ve worked in the arts sector for several years in Singapore and we have some lovely museums here that are perfect for arts lovers and those curious to learn about our local history. Click here to see my full list of free museums, galleries and cultural spots for tourists in Singapore. Recs for First-time Visitors Major cultural institutions in Singapore National Museum of Singapore (NMS) Overview of Singapore’s history and evolution Singapore’s oldest museum is housed in a beautiful historic building, but the content is far from boring with interesting and immersive exhibits that tell you about Singapore’s past and growth through the years. National Gallery Singapore (NGS) Largest collection of Southeast Asian Modern Art Housed in the former City Hall and Supreme Court, NGS is worth checking out even if you don’t want to visit the galleries – you can admire the architecture for free, and even see the old prison cells used in the former supreme court. Singapore Art Museum (SAM) Contemporary art amidst the port Now housed in Tanjong Pagar Distripark near the port, SAM is for those who don’t mind going a little out of the way to check out contemporary art. For art enthusiasts, there are several other smaller art galleries and museums in the same building. ArtScience Museum Public-friendly and pop culture related The iconic lotus-shaped ArtScience Museum is most popular for its very instagrammable rooms and exhibits, and it usually has exhibits themed around pop-culture favourites. Offbeat Options for seasoned visitors Smaller and more quirky options for those who like more niche museums Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre The uniqueness of Singaporean Chinese culture See how Singapore’s multiracial environment have influenced the Singaporean Chinese identity into the unique entity it is today. Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum Skeletons and specimens galore One of my personal favourite niche museums in Singapore where you can learn about local biodiversity and see some impressive skeletons up close, including a whale that washed up on our shores. Haw Par Villa Quirky sculpture park dedicated to Chinese stories This once-popular park is home to some pretty bizarre half-human/animal statues and dioramas that depict Chinese tales, ethics and weird international tributes. The infamous 10 Courts of Hell is now located within the Hell Museum dedicated to death practices in Singapore and around the world, which is a paid section of the otherwise free park. Former Ford Factory WWII site of Singapore’s surrender Those interested in WWII history should make time to see the Former Ford Factory, the site where the British signed the surrender papers back in 1942 and now a museum documenting Singapore’s occupation years. Changi Chapel and Museum Intimate look at WWII POW stories This small museum is quite out of the way in Changi, but an important place for those ex-POWs and their family members as it commemorates the prison grounds that were used to house internees and POWs during WWII, including the recreation of a historic chapel and murals. Hawker Centres in Singapore Food is an essential way to experience Singapore and its multicultural landscape and hawker centres are one of the best places to find a diverse range of affordable, tasty food in a place where locals frequent. There are many open-air hawker centres, air-conditioned food courts and smaller neighbourhood kopitiams scattered around Singapore – these are my usual recs for visitors. Don’t know what food to order? Check out my article about what to eat and drink in Singapore on Lonely Planet . Recs for First-time Visitors Iconic hawker centres in Singapore in convenient areas that are tourist friendly Maxwell Food Centre Hainanese chicken rice galore in Chinatown Chinatown has several excellent hawker centres worth checking out, but if you have time for just one, head to Maxwell Food centre . Not too large but lots of variety nonetheless. Tian Tian Chicken Rice is THE stall here, but head to Ah Tai a few stalls down for arguably equally good chicken rice without the insane queues. I always get sugarcane juice from the stall right across from Tian Tian. Other options in Chinatown: Chinatown Complex is the largest with over 200 stalls and the former 1-Michelin star stall, Amoy Street Food Centre has two floors of great food and Hong Lim Food Centre next to Chinatown Point is a local favourite. Tekka Market and Food Centre Spectacular Indian food and more Tekka Market is one of the more famous wet markets in Singapore, and its adjoining Tekka Food Centre is also very good. Right in the heart of Little India, briyani, prata and Indian rojak are all great foods to try, but there are plenty of non-Indian food options available too. Lau Pa Sat Hawker centre in a national monument This historic 130 year old market is right in the middle of the downtown area with some beautiful architecture. The biggest draw is the Satay Street every evening when the road is closed to traffic and hawkers sell grilled skewers along the road like the old days. Offbeat Options for seasoned visitors If you don’t mind travelling out a bit further, these are less touristy hawker centre options to consider Tiong Bahru Food Centre Popular local food centre Those exploring the hip Tiong Bahru neighbourhood have to stop by the refurbished Tiong Bahru Food Centre on the 2nd floor of the market. Old Airport Road Food Centre Local favourite hawker centre I like to recommend this hawker centre as it is a bit of the usual tourist trail. I used to work nearby and it has some reliably good hawker food. East Coast Lagoon Hawker Centre Coastal views and vibes If you are driving or don’t mind taking a car, this hawker centre at East Coast Park along the coastline has a great vibe by the sea! Lots of great charcoal grilled satay skewers and seafood here.
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[![The Occasional Traveller](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/TOTlogo-200x150-1.png)](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/) # Exploring Singapore: tips from a local Last Updated on 1 March, 2026 ![](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Kampong-Gelam-Aliwal-Arts-Centre-Back-Wall-Me.jpg) Visiting Singapore soon? I’m Jaclynn, a Singaporean travel lover who’s lived here all my life and here are some of my personal recommendations on things to do in Singapore, including some local tips for those who want to go beyond the usual tourist sights. I love travelling but when I’m out of annual leave, I try to spend more time exploring my own backyard a little more. You can see an extensive list of various articles and recommendations that I have written on how to see Singapore on this page. Also, I’m a co-writer on the latest [Lonely Planet Singapore guidebook](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/milestone-birthday-guidebook/). The official [Visit Singapore](http://www.visitsingapore.com/en/) is useful to learn about the main sights to see in Singapore which people think you can cover in just 1-2 days, but as a licensed [Singapore tourist guide](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/singapore-tourist-guide/), I’m here to share some of its lesser known corners and experiences as well. Drop me a note if you want a well-travelled local who loves sharing stories about her home to show you around on a private tour. Table of Contents - [Essential Information about Singapore](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/singapore/#essential-information-about-singapore) - [Where to Stay in Singapore](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/singapore/#nature-and-parks-in-singapore) - [Ways to explore Singapore on your own](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/singapore/#nature-and-parks-in-singapore) - [Guided Tours in Singapore](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/singapore/#nature-and-parks-in-singapore) - [Nature and Parks in Singapore](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/singapore/#nature-and-parks-in-singapore) - [Offshore Islands of Singapore](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/singapore/#offshore-islands-of-singapore) - [Local Neighbourhoods in Singapore](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/singapore/#local-neighbourhoods-in-singapore) - [Street Art in Singapore](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/singapore/#street-art-in-singapore) - [Arts & Culture in Singapore](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/singapore/#street-art-in-singapore) - [Hawker Centres in Singapore](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/singapore/#street-art-in-singapore) * ## Essential Information about Singapore Some of the must-knows and things to prep for your trip to Singapore ### Survival Guide: Top 10 tips for travelling to Singapore From [how to dress](https://theculturetrip.com/asia/singapore/articles/what-to-wear-on-holiday-in-singapore/) to budgeting and laws to take note of – your essential overview of things to look out for before visiting Singapore. [Read more at Culture Trip](https://theculturetrip.com/asia/singapore/articles/survival-guide-top-10-tips-for-traveling-to-singapore) ### The worst possible advice to give someone travelling to Singapore There’s a lot of advice written about Singapore where its obvious the writer knows nothing about Singapore. Here’s my real take on things. [Read more](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/worst-advice-travelling-to-singapore/) ### 5-day Singapore Guide – Best things to do for first-timers I designed this 5-day guide for first timers to Singapore covering major attractions, things to do and what to eat. [Read more at The Travel Intern](https://thetravelintern.com/5-day-singapore-itinerary/) ### How to use public transportation to get around Singapore From how to take the bus and MRT to other public transportation tips, here’s my guide on getting around Singapore on a budget. [Read more at Lonely Planet](https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/getting-around-singapore) ### Best things to do in Singapore Short on time? Here are the highlight things to do in Singapore for first time travellers who want to get a taste of the country and culture quickly. [Read more at Lonely Planet](https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/top-things-to-do-in-singapore) ### Top free things to do in Singapore Singapore may be considered an expensive country to visit, but there are plenty of things to do for free and still experience what it has to offer\! [Read more at Lonely Planet](https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/top-free-things-to-do-singapore) ![GoCity Singapore Pass Types](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/GoCity-Singapore-Pass-Types.jpg) ### GoCity Singapore Pass review Save money with tour attraction bundles This remote northwestern corner of Singapore has some of the last remaining farms that you can visit like a goat farm and vegetable farm, as well as one of our best nature parks for animal and bird watching: Sungei Buloh Nature Reserve.** [GoCity Singapore Pass Review](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/gocity-singapore-pass-review/) [Purchase GoCity Singapore Pass \[affiliate link\]](https://prf.hn/l/AJybAn5) ## Where to Stay in Singapore Singapore may not be very big, but you’ll want to stay somewhere convenient and cool for the best experience. ![Singapore Little India Wanderlust Hotel](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Singapore-Little-India-Wanderlust-Hotel.jpg) ### [Where to stay in Singapore: A local’s guide to the best areas](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/where-to-stay-in-singapore/) A local’s tips on neighbourhoods in Singapore As a Singaporean, I don’t have a lot of chance to stay in our local hotels, but I can tell you which areas have the best vibes, connectivity and conveniences for a traveller. I break down my recommended neighbourhoods for tourists to stay in when visiting Singapore. [Where to stay in Singapore](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/where-to-stay-in-singapore/) ## Ways to explore Singapore on your own I’m very much a free and easy solo traveller at heart, and my blogs are here to help you plan your own adventures. Here are some fun ways to explore Singapore free and easy without a guide. ![Singapore MRT Overland - photo by awee\_19 via Flickr](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Singapore-MRT-Overland-900x596.jpg) ### Sightseeing Singapore by MRT: East to West Riding the metro across the island I usually recommend navigating Singapore by the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) which is our version of the subway or metro. This article covers what you can see if you rode the green line across the widest length of Singapore from east to west. [Exploring Singapore by MRT](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/explore-singapore-by-mrt/) ![Singapore's Chinatown in the rain. Photo by Lily Banse (Unsplash)](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Singapore-Rain-Chinatown-LilyBanse.jpg) ### Sightseeing in Singapore when it rains Navigating the tropical weather Singapore’s weather can be described in 2 seasons: Hot and Wet, and Hotter and Wetter! There’s no need to despair if it rains, here are some things to do in Singapore even when it’s wet outside. [Sightseeing Singapore when it rains](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/sightseeing-singapore-when-it-rains/) ![Singapore Crazy Rich Asians Trailer Bukit Pasoh](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Singapore-Crazy-Rich-Asians-Trailer-Bukit-Pasoh-900x373.jpg) ### Crazy Rich Asians movie shooting locations Singapore set locations for this blockbuster hit Crazy Rich Asians is one of the more recent Hollywood movies where Singapore features prominently in. The first movie was filmed partially in Singapore and I was an extra on the film! Here’s a look at what those locations are like in real life. [Guide to Crazy Rich Asians shooting locations](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/crazy-rich-asians-filming-locations-singapore/) ## Guided Tours in Singapore Looking for ways to explore Singapore with a guide? Here are some of my guided tour suggestions that I recommend to visiting friends and family. I’ve either tried these tours for myself or conduct them as a [licensed tourist guide](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/singapore-tourist-guide/). Recs for First-time Visitors ![Indie SG Free Chinatown Group Pagoda St](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Indie-SG-Free-Chinatown-Group-Pagoda-St.jpg) ### Indie Singapore Free Walking Tours Tips based walking tours with a local My favourite way to explore a new city is to join a free walking tour to get a quick overview of what to see there. Check out Indie Singapore Tours and their free walking tours with a local insider viewpoint in Chinatown, Little India, Kampong Gelam and the Singapore River every weekday, and if you’re very lucky you might get me as your guide! These are tips-based tours so you pay as you want. [More at Indie Singapore Tours](https://indiesingapore.com/) ![Singapore Tourist Guide License Me STB](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Singapore-Tourist-Guide-License-Me-STB.jpg) ### Hire me as your tourist guide in Singapore Yes I am a licensed Singapore tourist guide If you enjoy reading my blog or feel like I can understand your vibe and travel style, you can always hire me to show you my home country and Singapore from my perspective. I love giving private customised tours and in particular street art tours. [Learn more about my tours](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/singapore-tourist-guide/) Offbeat Options for seasoned visitors Some of these tours dig deeper into local culture and are seasonal ![Dawson-Alexandra Trail - Eu Chai](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Dawson-Alexandra-Trail-Eu-Chai-600x600.jpg) ### MyCommunity Heritage Tours Free guided tours by volunteers in local neighbourhoods MyCommunity is a local non-profit that does regular guided tours by volunteers around non-touristy neighbourhoods in Singapore for free. These areas might not be particularly interesting to your average tourist but might appeal to those who want a really local look at Singapore. They sometimes have paid tours to unusual places or themed festival tours. [Review of My Queenstown Heritage Trail](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/dawson-and-alexandra-heritage-trail/) [More at MyCommunity Guided Tours](https://mycommunity.org.sg/guided-tours/) ![Intan Kueh Tea](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Intan-Kueh-Tea-600x450.jpg) ### The Intan Tea Experience Afternoon tea in a Peranakan house Enjoy afternoon tea in one of Singapore’s smallest and most intimate museums located in a traditional shophouse in the Peranakan Joo Chiat neighbourhood, learning all about this mixed culture. [Peranakan Intan Tea Experience Review](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/a-peranakan-tea-experience-at-the-intan/) [More at The Intan website](https://the-intan.com/book-a-tour/) ![Profile Me Emerald Hill Human Library](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Profile-Me-Emerald-Hill-Human-Library.jpg) ### OH! Open House Art tours in local neighbourhoods \[SEASONAL\] Explore Singaporean neighbourhoods through art installations set up in people’s houses, offices and personal spaces. I was a volunteer guide in the past editions for Joo Chiat, Emerald Hill and Kampong Gelam. [More at OH! Open House website](https://ohopenhouse.org/) ![Istana Open House Main Building Exterior](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Istana-Open-House-Main-Building-Exterior-1000x667.jpg) ### Istana Open House Visiting Singapore’s palace and its grounds \[SEASONAL\] The official residence for Singapore’s president is open to the public on five public holidays in a year. Here’s how to maximise your visit based on my experience visiting. [Guide to Istana Open House](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/istana-open-house-visit/) [More at Istana website](https://www.istana.gov.sg/Visit-And-Explore/Istana-Open-House) ![Katong Dreaming Koon Seng Houses Chairs](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Katong-Dreaming-Koon-Seng-Houses-Chairs.jpg) ### Katong Dreaming Musical walking tour around Katong/Joo Chiat \[SEASONAL\] This guided performance art tour shows you the history and culture of Peranakan enclave and foodie favourite Katong and Joo Chiat through music, dance and theatre. [Katong Dreaming Tour Review](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/katong-dreaming-review/) [Katong Dreaming Tickets](https://katongdreaming.peatix.com/) ## Nature and Parks in Singapore For a very built-up island state known for its many tall buildings, Singapore has a surprising number of green spaces and nature. Recs for First-time Visitors ![Gardens by the Bay Cloud Forest Waterfall Crowd](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Gardens-by-the-Bay-Cloud-Forest-Waterfall-Crowd.jpg) ### Gardens by the Bay Cooled domes and Supertrees The two cooled conservatories Flower Dome and Cloud Forest are the perfect spots when Singapore is being overly hot or too rainy! The lovely cool 20ºC temperature is a dream. The daily light and music show at the Supertree Grove in the evening is also a very popular thing to do, while the OCBC Skywalk is a suspended platform winding through the Supertrees. I usually recommend visiting the domes in the afternoon when it is generally not as busy (Cloud Forest is very atmospheric when it gets darker), getting dinner nearby and doing the OCBC Skywalk for a closer look at the Supertrees, and then hanging around for the light shows. [More at Gardens by the Bay website](https://www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/) ![Singapore Botanic Gardens Bandstand](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Singapore-Botanic-Gardens-Bandstand.jpg) ### Singapore Botanic Gardens Historic Park with UNESCO World Heritage status Singapore’s only UNESCO site, these sprawling gardens near the Orchard Road Shopping Belt are a nice break from all the buildings and city vibe. The National Orchid Garden is one of the park’s highlights with lots of examples and exhibits on Orchid hybrids that Singapore is famous for, and a nice coolhouse right inside simulating mountain temperature is a nice relief from the heat. The Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden is also great for families. [More at Singapore Botanic Gardens website](https://www.nparks.gov.sg/SBG) ![](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Worst-Advice-for-travel-to-Singapore-Zoo-600x400.jpg) ### Mandai Wildlife Reserve World-class animal parks Singapore has an impressive collection of open-concept animal parks that have an impressive collection of wildlife from around the region and the world. The Singapore Zoo is the most well-known, while the nocturnal Night Safari has the most unique concept. River Wonders showcases critters from the habitats of major rivers in the world and offers the most shelter in case of bad weather, while Bird Paradise is the newest with plenty of open aviaries. The newest park is Rainforest Wild which focuses on adventure activities and wilder treks. You need two days to see all five parks properly, but with limited time I recommend seeing the Singapore Zoo and doing the Night Safari. [More at Mandai website](https://www.mandai.com/en/mandai.html) Offbeat Options for seasoned visitors ![Singapore Mount Faber View Cable Car Jewel](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Singapore-Mount-Faber-View-Cable-Car-Jewel.jpg) ### Southern Ridges 10km of treks and panoramic views along Singapore’s south This trek along the hill range of Singapore’s southwestern coast is scenic and well maintained with lots of interesting stops along the way. Start at Mount Faber with the cable cars. Henderson Waves and Alexandra Arch are also picturesque and some of Singapore’s highest pedestrian bridges. ![Keppel Hill Reservoir Quarry Pool](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Keppel-Hill-Reservoir-Quarry-Pool.jpg) ### Keppel Hill Reservoir & Seah Im Bunker Forgotten infrastructure around Mount Faber This once-forgotten reservoir near Mount Faber was left off maps for over 50 years and makes for a fun short hike if you are exploring the Southern Ridges. Close by at Seah Im Food Centre is another oddity – an abandoned bunker – just behind its carpark. [Guide to Keppel Hill Reservoir](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/keppel-hill-reservoir-seah-im-bunker/) ![Bukit Batok Town Park Quarry](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Bukit-Batok-Town-Park-Quarry.jpg) ### Bukit Batok Quarries Nature at your doorstep in the west Former granite quarries in Singapore’s western residential neighbourhood of Bukit Batok have been transformed into scenic parks that make for a nice stroll. There are several other quarries and parks nearby worth hiking, including Bukit Timah Nature Reserve with Singapore’s tallest hill. [Guide to Bukit Batok Quarries](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/hiking-quarries-singapore/) ![Kranji Reservoir Park Shore Johor](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Kranji-Reservoir-Park-Shore-Johor-900x675.jpg) ### Kranji Countryside Wetland reserves and farm culture This remote northwestern corner of Singapore has some of the last remaining farms that you can visit like a goat farm and vegetable farm, as well as one of our best nature parks for animal and bird watching: Sungei Buloh Nature Reserve. [Guide to Kranji Countryside](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/kranji-countryside-rural-singapore/) ![Sembawang Hot Spring Park Foot Bathers](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Sembawang-Hot-Spring-Park-Foot-Bathers.jpg) ### Sembawang Hot Spring Park A steaming soak in the sun Singapore’s only publicly accessible natural hot spring is located up in a small park in the north, perfect if you want a hot foot bath soak and something quirky to see. Consider seeing more of the Sembawang neighbourhood too. [Guide to Sembawang Hot Spring](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/sembawang-hot-spring-park-guide/) [Guide to Sembawang](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/sembawang-heritage-nature/) ## Offshore Islands of Singapore Did you know that Singapore is a part of an archipelago with around 60 smaller offshore islands? Many of these are used for industrial purposes, but some of them can be visited for a fun day trip option without breaking out your passport. Recs for First-time Visitors ![Sentosa's Fort Siloso Skywalk, a high bridge at the canopy level linking Siloso point to the barracks deeper in](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Sentosa-Fort-Siloso-Skywalk.jpg) ### Sentosa Resort island life and beaches Sentosa is the easiest island to access from Singapore’s main land by bus/car, monorail and even cable car. Most people visit for Universal Studios theme park, S.E.A Aquarium and the casino at the Resorts World Integrated Resort. Free things to do on Sentosa: Siloso, Palawan and Tanjong Beach along the south are some of Singapore’s nicest beaches with imported sand. I also enjoy walking the historic Fort Siloso, now linked by the panoramic 11-storey tall Fort Siloso Skywalk bridge. [More at Sentosa website](https://www.sentosa.com.sg/) Offbeat Options for seasoned visitors ![Pulau Ubin Chek Jawa Boardwalk Coastal](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Pulau-Ubin-Chek-Jawa-Boardwalk-Coastal.jpg) ### Pulau Ubin Nature hikes and escape from city life Pulau Ubin on the northeast shore is home to an excellent nature reserve Chek Jawa Wetland Reserve, stone quarries for some cycling and hiking, and one of Singapore’s last remaining villages. It’s a great day trip and escape from city life. [Guide to Pulau Ubin](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/pulau-ubin-guide/) ![Donut Nudibranch by Gina Tan, Hantu Blog](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Pulau-Hantu-Diving-Donut-Nudi-GinaTan-900x600.jpg) ### Pulau Hantu Underwater treasures in Singapore’s silty waters Join local dive groups to scuba dive in the waters around this offshore island, and in its murky depths you might find some unusual nudibranchs, seahorses and more! Alternatively venture out at night on an intertidal walk and see its shores come to life. [Scuba diving](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/scuba-diving-singapore-pulau-hantu/) [Intertidal walks](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/intertidal-walks-singapore/) ![Lazarus Island Beach Jumpshot](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Lazarus-Island-Beach-Jumpshot.jpg) ### St John’s Island / Lazarus Island / Kusu Island / Sister’s Island Day trip to serene beaches and island scenery Take a ferry from Marina South Pier on a day trip to the cluster of Southern Islands and discover remains of a lost village, some quiet white-sand beaches and a quirky temple or two. [Guide to Southern Islands](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/singapore-southern-islands/) ![Raffles Lighthouse Pulau Satumu VIew](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Raffles-Lighthouse-Pulau-Satumu-VIew.jpg) ### Pulau Satumu Home to Singapore’s southernmost lighthouse This little island on the southern edge of the Singapore Straits is home to Raffles Lighthouse, one of Singapore’s oldest lighthouses and can only be visited on a special tour by the Maritime & Port Authority of Singapore. [Guide to Pulau Satumu](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/raffles-lighthouse-pulau-satumu/) ## Local Neighbourhoods in Singapore Recs for First-time Visitors ![Singapore Chinatown Buddha Tooth Relic Temple South Bridge Road](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Singapore-Chinatown-Buddha-Tooth-Relic-Temple-South-Bridge-Road.jpg) ### Chinatown Multicultural Chinese district in downtown area Singapore’s heritage Chinese quarter is one of my favourite places to bring new visitors to Singapore as it has a great mix of good food, cultural sites and lots of lovely murals on its walls. Chinatown Complex, Maxwell Food Centre and Amoy Street Food Centre have plenty of hawker food options for anyone looking to try Singaporean food. Sri Mariamman Temple and Buddha Tooth Relic Temple are also worth exploring. [Celebrating Chinese New Year in Singapore](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/chinese-new-year-singapore-chinatown/) [Chinatown Street Art Guide](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/street-art-singapore-chinatown/) [Amoy Hotel / Fuk Tak Chi Review](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/small-museums-singapore/) [Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre Review](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/singapore-chinese-cultural-centre/) ![Singapore Little India Tekka Market Fish Stalls](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Singapore-Little-India-Tekka-Market-Fish-Stalls.jpg) ### Little India Colourful Indian district Little India is a place to experience with all your senses, a riot of colours, fragrances and bustling chatter. The Indian Heritage Centre is a modern addition to the neighbourhood, while Tekka Market is a fabulous place for food and a little shopping. [Little India Street Art Guide](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/street-art-singapore-little-india/) ![Singapore Kampong Gelam Sultan Mosque Bussorah Street](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Singapore-Kampong-Gelam-Sultan-Mosque-Bussorah-Street.jpg) ### Kampong Gelam Heritage Malay quarter and street art mecca One of my favourite neighbourhoods is one I used to work in, while a lot more gentrified than underground these days, Sultan Mosque at its centre still stands tall, while hip Haji Lane is always filled with murals and colours. [Kampong Gelam Street Art Guide](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/street-art-singapore-kampong-glam/) Offbeat Options for seasoned visitors Venture further into the heartland districts for a truly local experience ![Joo Chiat Koon Seng Road Shophouses](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Joo-Chiat-Koon-Seng-Road-Shophouses.jpg) ### Joo Chiat Peranakan heritage neighbourhood and foodie haven This well known Peranakan (mixed heritage of local borns with straits immigrants) neighbourhood has lots of great food, heritage and culture in its narrow alleyways. [Guide to Katong/Joo Chiat Street Art](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/street-art-singapore-katong-joo-chiat/) [Katong Dreaming tour review](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/katong-dreaming-review/) [Village Hotel Katong review](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/village-hotel-changi-review/) [Peranakan Tea Experience at The Intan review](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/a-peranakan-tea-experience-at-the-intan/) ![](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Singapore-Tiong-Bahru-Payton-Chung-900x447.jpg) ### Tiong Bahru Revived hipster district with unique art deco architecture This gentrified neighbourhood is the perfect mix of old school markets, shops and businesses alongside hip cafes, eateries and boutiques. Architecture lovers will adore the unique art deco buildings found here. [Read my guide on CultureTrip](https://theculturetrip.com/asia/singapore/articles/the-top-10-things-to-do-and-see-in-tiong-bahru) ![Sembawang Hot Spring Park Foot Bathers](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Sembawang-Hot-Spring-Park-Foot-Bathers.jpg) ### Sembawang War history and natural landscapes This northern neighbourhood has a surprisingly amount of WWII history, beautiful British colonial bungalows and one of Singapore’s last natural beaches. Also, Singapore’s only publicly accessible hot spring\! [Guide to Sembawang](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/sembawang-heritage-nature/) [Guide to Sembawang Hot Spring](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/sembawang-hot-spring-park-guide/) ![Singapore Dawson Alexandra Butterfly Block](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Singapore-Dawson-Alexandra-Butterfly-Block-900x404.jpg) ### Queenstown One of Singapore’s oldest residential neighbourhoods One of Singapore’s oldest public housing estates, Queenstown (named for the British monarchs when we were a colony) has lots of history hidden amidst its residential neighbourhood worth checking out. [Walking tour in Dawson/Alexandra](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/dawson-and-alexandra-heritage-trail/) ## Street Art in Singapore It may surprise you to know that while Singapore is pretty strict about what it considers vandalism, murals and street art have become quite popular in recent years and can be found all over the island. Here are some neighbourhoods that I’ve mapped. Read about the [evolution of Singapore’s street art scene](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/tracing-evolution-singapore-street-art/) or check out my [street art page](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/street-art-guides/) to see other street art spots I’ve mapped around the world. Recs for First-time Visitors Areas that are easier to get to and close to the main sightseeing spots in Singapore ![Singapore Street Art Chinatown YipYC Letter Writer](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Singapore-Street-Art-Chinatown-YipYC-Letter-Writer-900x684.jpg) ### Chinatown Nostalgic murals in the Chinese quarter Instagrammable murals depicting Singapore in its early days fill the walls of the historic Chinese enclave, one of Singapore’s oldest neighbourhoods. [Street art guide to Chinatown](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/street-art-singapore-chinatown/) ![Singapore Street Art Haji Lane PiedraNegra Jaba Aztec](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Singapore-Street-Art-Haji-Lane-PiedraNegra-Jaba-Aztec-900x675.jpg) ### Kampong Gelam The original street art district in the Malay area Home to local street art crews and arts housing, this heritage Malay district was one of the first neighbourhoods in Singapore to embrace street art on its walls. [Street art guide to Kampong Gelam](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/street-art-singapore-kampong-glam/) ![](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Singapore-Street-Art-Little-India-Clive-Ts1-900x618.jpg) ### Little India A growing collection of murals in the Indian quarter The colourful Indian district is regularly updated with murals that nod to the neighbourhood’s South Asian heritage thanks to an annual art festival run by the local arts college. [Street art guide to Little India](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/street-art-singapore-little-india/) ![Singapore Street Art Bugis 8EyedSpud River Trade](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Singapore-Street-Art-Bugis-8EyedSpud-River-Trade.jpg) ### Bugis / Bras Basah Colonial history and cultural district Art fills the former European quarter, with murals and street art amidst cultural landmarks housing national art institutions and private art galleries [Street art guide to Bugis/Bras Basah](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/street-art-singapore-bras-basah-bugis/) Offbeat Options for seasoned visitors Surprising street art hot spots in Singapore’s residential neighbourhoods for the hardcore street art lovers ![Singapore Street Art Taman Jurong SC Zero](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Singapore-Street-Art-Taman-Jurong-SC-Zero.jpg) ### Jurong West Art on the west side Several art projects have jazzed up this residential neighbourhood that sprung up around the western industrial area of Jurong. [Mural guide to Jurong](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/street-art-singapore-jurong/) ![Singapore Street Art Bukit Merah Antz Tong Kia](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Singapore-Street-Art-Bukit-Merah-Antz-Tong-Kia.jpg) ### Bukit Merah Murals and more in Redhill One of the older neighbourhoods in Singapore, this southwestern district whose name translates to ‘Red Hill’ is a surprising home to some cool street art. [Street art guide to Bukit Merah](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/singapore-street-art-bukit-merah/) ![AMK Town Centre Ah Guo Town Centre](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/AMK-Town-Centre-Ah-Guo-Town-Centre.jpg) ### Ang Mo Kio Quirky art and architecture to the north This residential neighbourhood is home to some quirky murals, cool sculptures and interesting architecture. [Art guide to Ang Mo Kio](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/ang-mo-kio-art/) ![Hougang HDB Mural Blk662-917-923](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Hougang-HDB-Mural-Blk662-917-923.jpg) ### Hougang Humongous public housing murals A rare northeastern neighbourhood in Singapore where huge murals decorate the sides of the public Housing Development Board (HDB) apartment blocks. [Mural guide to Hougang](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/hougang-hdb-murals/) ![Singapore Street Art Katong Beach Vibes Song](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Singapore-Street-Art-Katong-Beach-Vibes-Song.jpg) ### Katong / Joo Chiat Colourful hipster heritage district See glimpses of the neighbourhood’s Peranakan heritage and former coastal location splashed upon its walls. [Street art in Katong/Joo Chiat](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/street-art-singapore-katong-joo-chiat/) ## Arts & Culture in Singapore I’ve worked in the arts sector for several years in Singapore and we have some lovely museums here that are perfect for arts lovers and those curious to learn about our local history. [Click here to see my full list of free museums, galleries and cultural spots for tourists in Singapore.](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/singapore-free-museums-tourists/) Recs for First-time Visitors Major cultural institutions in Singapore ![Singapore National Museum Facade NHB](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Singapore-National-Museum-Facade-NHB.jpg) ### National Museum of Singapore (NMS) Overview of Singapore’s history and evolution Singapore’s oldest museum is housed in a beautiful historic building, but the content is far from boring with interesting and immersive exhibits that tell you about Singapore’s past and growth through the years. [More at National Museum of Singapore website](https://www.nhb.gov.sg/nationalmuseum/) ![Singapore National Gallery Exterior NGS](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Singapore-National-Gallery-Exterior-NGS.jpg) ### National Gallery Singapore (NGS) Largest collection of Southeast Asian Modern Art Housed in the former City Hall and Supreme Court, NGS is worth checking out even if you don’t want to visit the galleries – you can admire the architecture for free, and even see the old prison cells used in the former supreme court. [More at National Gallery Singapore website](https://www.nationalgallery.sg/) ![Singapore Art Museum Tanjong Pagar Distripark Entrance Mural](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Singapore-Art-Museum-Tanjong-Pagar-Distripark-Entrance-Mural.jpg) ### Singapore Art Museum (SAM) Contemporary art amidst the port Now housed in Tanjong Pagar Distripark near the port, SAM is for those who don’t mind going a little out of the way to check out contemporary art. For art enthusiasts, there are several other smaller art galleries and museums in the same building. [More at Singapore Art Museum website](https://www.singaporeartmuseum.sg/) ![Singapore ArtScience Museum Exterior MBS](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Singapore-ArtScience-Museum-Exterior-MBS.jpg) ### ArtScience Museum Public-friendly and pop culture related The iconic lotus-shaped ArtScience Museum is most popular for its very instagrammable rooms and exhibits, and it usually has exhibits themed around pop-culture favourites. [More at ArtScience Museum website](https://www.marinabaysands.com/museum.html) Offbeat Options for seasoned visitors Smaller and more quirky options for those who like more niche museums ![SCCC Singaporen Intro Gallery](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/SCCC-Singaporen-Intro-Gallery.jpg) ### Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre The uniqueness of Singaporean Chinese culture See how Singapore’s multiracial environment have influenced the Singaporean Chinese identity into the unique entity it is today. [Guide to Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/singapore-chinese-cultural-centre/) ![LKC Natural History Museum Singapore Whale](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/LKC-Natural-History-Museum-Singapore-Whale-900x675.jpg) ### Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum Skeletons and specimens galore One of my personal favourite niche museums in Singapore where you can learn about local biodiversity and see some impressive skeletons up close, including a whale that washed up on our shores. [Guide to Singapore’s Niche Museums](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/small-museums-singapore/) ![Haw Par Villa Sign](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Haw-Par-Villa-Sign-900x675.jpg) ### Haw Par Villa Quirky sculpture park dedicated to Chinese stories This once-popular park is home to some pretty bizarre half-human/animal statues and dioramas that depict Chinese tales, ethics and weird international tributes. The infamous 10 Courts of Hell is now located within the Hell Museum dedicated to death practices in Singapore and around the world, which is a paid section of the otherwise free park. [Guide to Haw Par Villa](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/haw-par-villa/) ![Former Ford Factory Exterior](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Former-Ford-Factory-Exterior.jpg) ### Former Ford Factory WWII site of Singapore’s surrender Those interested in WWII history should make time to see the Former Ford Factory, the site where the British signed the surrender papers back in 1942 and now a museum documenting Singapore’s occupation years. [More at Former Ford Factory website](https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/former-ford-factory/overview/) ![Changi Chapel Benches](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Changi-Chapel-Benches.jpg) ### Changi Chapel and Museum Intimate look at WWII POW stories This small museum is quite out of the way in Changi, but an important place for those ex-POWs and their family members as it commemorates the prison grounds that were used to house internees and POWs during WWII, including the recreation of a historic chapel and murals. [More at Changi Chapel website](https://www.nhb.gov.sg/changichapelmuseum) ## Hawker Centres in Singapore Food is an essential way to experience Singapore and its multicultural landscape and hawker centres are one of the best places to find a diverse range of affordable, tasty food in a place where locals frequent. There are many open-air hawker centres, air-conditioned food courts and smaller neighbourhood kopitiams scattered around Singapore – these are my usual recs for visitors. Don’t know what food to order? Check out my article about [what to eat and drink in Singapore on Lonely Planet](https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/what-to-eat-and-drink-in-singapore). Recs for First-time Visitors Iconic hawker centres in Singapore in convenient areas that are tourist friendly ![Chinatown Maxwell Food Centre Interior STB](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Chinatown-Maxwell-Food-Centre-Interior-STB.jpg) ### Maxwell Food Centre Hainanese chicken rice galore in Chinatown Chinatown has several excellent hawker centres worth checking out, but if you have time for just one, head to Maxwell Food centre. Not too large but lots of variety nonetheless. Tian Tian Chicken Rice is THE stall here, but head to Ah Tai a few stalls down for arguably equally good chicken rice without the insane queues. I always get sugarcane juice from the stall right across from Tian Tian. Other options in Chinatown: Chinatown Complex is the largest with over 200 stalls and the former 1-Michelin star stall, Amoy Street Food Centre has two floors of great food and Hong Lim Food Centre next to Chinatown Point is a local favourite. ![Roti Prata at Tekka Food Centre by STB](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Singapore-Tekka-Food-Centre-Roti-Prata-STB.jpg) ### Tekka Market and Food Centre Spectacular Indian food and more Tekka Market is one of the more famous wet markets in Singapore, and its adjoining Tekka Food Centre is also very good. Right in the heart of Little India, briyani, prata and Indian rojak are all great foods to try, but there are plenty of non-Indian food options available too. ![Lau Pa Sat - Photo by STB](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Singapore-Lau-Pa-Sat-STB.jpg) ### Lau Pa Sat Hawker centre in a national monument This historic 130 year old market is right in the middle of the downtown area with some beautiful architecture. The biggest draw is the Satay Street every evening when the road is closed to traffic and hawkers sell grilled skewers along the road like the old days. [More at Lau Pa Sat website](https://www.laupasat.sg/) Offbeat Options for seasoned visitors If you don’t mind travelling out a bit further, these are less touristy hawker centre options to consider ![](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Singapore-Tiong-Bahru-Payton-Chung-900x447.jpg) ### Tiong Bahru Food Centre Popular local food centre Those exploring the hip Tiong Bahru neighbourhood have to stop by the refurbished Tiong Bahru Food Centre on the 2nd floor of the market. ![The Occasional Traveller](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/TOTlogo-200x150-1.png) ### Old Airport Road Food Centre Local favourite hawker centre I like to recommend this hawker centre as it is a bit of the usual tourist trail. I used to work nearby and it has some reliably good hawker food. ![Singapore East Coast Lagoon Hawker Centre STB](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Singapore-East-Coast-Lagoon-Hawker-Centre-STB-900x600.jpg) ### East Coast Lagoon Hawker Centre Coastal views and vibes If you are driving or don’t mind taking a car, this hawker centre at East Coast Park along the coastline has a great vibe by the sea! Lots of great charcoal grilled satay skewers and seafood here. *** ![Lisbon 2014](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/polaroid-lisbon-jac-beer.png) Jaclynn Seah is The Occasional Traveller, a Singaporean indie traveller, travel writer and tourist guide who knows what it's like to juggle work and wonderlust. With a full-time job and limited annual leave, she hopes to inspire other busy folk like herself to travel more. 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Readable Markdown	Last Updated on 1 March, 2026 ![](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Kampong-Gelam-Aliwal-Arts-Centre-Back-Wall-Me.jpg) Visiting Singapore soon? I’m Jaclynn, a Singaporean travel lover who’s lived here all my life and here are some of my personal recommendations on things to do in Singapore, including some local tips for those who want to go beyond the usual tourist sights. I love travelling but when I’m out of annual leave, I try to spend more time exploring my own backyard a little more. You can see an extensive list of various articles and recommendations that I have written on how to see Singapore on this page. Also, I’m a co-writer on the latest [Lonely Planet Singapore guidebook](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/milestone-birthday-guidebook/). The official [Visit Singapore](http://www.visitsingapore.com/en/) is useful to learn about the main sights to see in Singapore which people think you can cover in just 1-2 days, but as a licensed [Singapore tourist guide](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/singapore-tourist-guide/), I’m here to share some of its lesser known corners and experiences as well. Drop me a note if you want a well-travelled local who loves sharing stories about her home to show you around on a private tour. Table of Contents - [Essential Information about Singapore](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/singapore/#essential-information-about-singapore) - [Where to Stay in Singapore](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/singapore/#nature-and-parks-in-singapore) - [Ways to explore Singapore on your own](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/singapore/#nature-and-parks-in-singapore) - [Guided Tours in Singapore](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/singapore/#nature-and-parks-in-singapore) - [Nature and Parks in Singapore](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/singapore/#nature-and-parks-in-singapore) - [Offshore Islands of Singapore](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/singapore/#offshore-islands-of-singapore) - [Local Neighbourhoods in Singapore](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/singapore/#local-neighbourhoods-in-singapore) - [Street Art in Singapore](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/singapore/#street-art-in-singapore) - [Arts & Culture in Singapore](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/singapore/#street-art-in-singapore) - [Hawker Centres in Singapore](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/singapore/#street-art-in-singapore) * ## Essential Information about Singapore Some of the must-knows and things to prep for your trip to Singapore ### Survival Guide: Top 10 tips for travelling to Singapore From [how to dress](https://theculturetrip.com/asia/singapore/articles/what-to-wear-on-holiday-in-singapore/) to budgeting and laws to take note of – your essential overview of things to look out for before visiting Singapore. ### The worst possible advice to give someone travelling to Singapore There’s a lot of advice written about Singapore where its obvious the writer knows nothing about Singapore. Here’s my real take on things. ### 5-day Singapore Guide – Best things to do for first-timers I designed this 5-day guide for first timers to Singapore covering major attractions, things to do and what to eat. ### How to use public transportation to get around Singapore From how to take the bus and MRT to other public transportation tips, here’s my guide on getting around Singapore on a budget. ### Best things to do in Singapore Short on time? Here are the highlight things to do in Singapore for first time travellers who want to get a taste of the country and culture quickly. ### Top free things to do in Singapore Singapore may be considered an expensive country to visit, but there are plenty of things to do for free and still experience what it has to offer\! ![GoCity Singapore Pass Types](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/GoCity-Singapore-Pass-Types.jpg) ### GoCity Singapore Pass review Save money with tour attraction bundles This remote northwestern corner of Singapore has some of the last remaining farms that you can visit like a goat farm and vegetable farm, as well as one of our best nature parks for animal and bird watching: Sungei Buloh Nature Reserve. ## Where to Stay in Singapore Singapore may not be very big, but you’ll want to stay somewhere convenient and cool for the best experience. ![Singapore Little India Wanderlust Hotel](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Singapore-Little-India-Wanderlust-Hotel.jpg) ### [Where to stay in Singapore: A local’s guide to the best areas](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/where-to-stay-in-singapore/) A local’s tips on neighbourhoods in Singapore As a Singaporean, I don’t have a lot of chance to stay in our local hotels, but I can tell you which areas have the best vibes, connectivity and conveniences for a traveller. I break down my recommended neighbourhoods for tourists to stay in when visiting Singapore. ## Ways to explore Singapore on your own I’m very much a free and easy solo traveller at heart, and my blogs are here to help you plan your own adventures. Here are some fun ways to explore Singapore free and easy without a guide. ![Singapore MRT Overland - photo by awee\_19 via Flickr](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Singapore-MRT-Overland-900x596.jpg) ### Sightseeing Singapore by MRT: East to West Riding the metro across the island I usually recommend navigating Singapore by the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) which is our version of the subway or metro. This article covers what you can see if you rode the green line across the widest length of Singapore from east to west. ![Singapore's Chinatown in the rain. Photo by Lily Banse (Unsplash)](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Singapore-Rain-Chinatown-LilyBanse.jpg) ### Sightseeing in Singapore when it rains Navigating the tropical weather Singapore’s weather can be described in 2 seasons: Hot and Wet, and Hotter and Wetter! There’s no need to despair if it rains, here are some things to do in Singapore even when it’s wet outside. ![Singapore Crazy Rich Asians Trailer Bukit Pasoh](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Singapore-Crazy-Rich-Asians-Trailer-Bukit-Pasoh-900x373.jpg) ### Crazy Rich Asians movie shooting locations Singapore set locations for this blockbuster hit Crazy Rich Asians is one of the more recent Hollywood movies where Singapore features prominently in. The first movie was filmed partially in Singapore and I was an extra on the film! Here’s a look at what those locations are like in real life. ## Guided Tours in Singapore Looking for ways to explore Singapore with a guide? Here are some of my guided tour suggestions that I recommend to visiting friends and family. I’ve either tried these tours for myself or conduct them as a [licensed tourist guide](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/singapore-tourist-guide/). Recs for First-time Visitors ![Indie SG Free Chinatown Group Pagoda St](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Indie-SG-Free-Chinatown-Group-Pagoda-St.jpg) ### Indie Singapore Free Walking Tours Tips based walking tours with a local My favourite way to explore a new city is to join a free walking tour to get a quick overview of what to see there. Check out Indie Singapore Tours and their free walking tours with a local insider viewpoint in Chinatown, Little India, Kampong Gelam and the Singapore River every weekday, and if you’re very lucky you might get me as your guide! These are tips-based tours so you pay as you want. ![Singapore Tourist Guide License Me STB](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Singapore-Tourist-Guide-License-Me-STB.jpg) ### Hire me as your tourist guide in Singapore Yes I am a licensed Singapore tourist guide If you enjoy reading my blog or feel like I can understand your vibe and travel style, you can always hire me to show you my home country and Singapore from my perspective. I love giving private customised tours and in particular street art tours. Offbeat Options for seasoned visitors Some of these tours dig deeper into local culture and are seasonal ![Dawson-Alexandra Trail - Eu Chai](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Dawson-Alexandra-Trail-Eu-Chai-600x600.jpg) ### MyCommunity Heritage Tours Free guided tours by volunteers in local neighbourhoods MyCommunity is a local non-profit that does regular guided tours by volunteers around non-touristy neighbourhoods in Singapore for free. These areas might not be particularly interesting to your average tourist but might appeal to those who want a really local look at Singapore. They sometimes have paid tours to unusual places or themed festival tours. ![Intan Kueh Tea](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Intan-Kueh-Tea-600x450.jpg) ### The Intan Tea Experience Afternoon tea in a Peranakan house Enjoy afternoon tea in one of Singapore’s smallest and most intimate museums located in a traditional shophouse in the Peranakan Joo Chiat neighbourhood, learning all about this mixed culture. ![Profile Me Emerald Hill Human Library](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Profile-Me-Emerald-Hill-Human-Library.jpg) ### OH! Open House Art tours in local neighbourhoods \[SEASONAL\] Explore Singaporean neighbourhoods through art installations set up in people’s houses, offices and personal spaces. I was a volunteer guide in the past editions for Joo Chiat, Emerald Hill and Kampong Gelam. ![Istana Open House Main Building Exterior](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Istana-Open-House-Main-Building-Exterior-1000x667.jpg) ### Istana Open House Visiting Singapore’s palace and its grounds \[SEASONAL\] The official residence for Singapore’s president is open to the public on five public holidays in a year. Here’s how to maximise your visit based on my experience visiting. ![Katong Dreaming Koon Seng Houses Chairs](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Katong-Dreaming-Koon-Seng-Houses-Chairs.jpg) ### Katong Dreaming Musical walking tour around Katong/Joo Chiat \[SEASONAL\] This guided performance art tour shows you the history and culture of Peranakan enclave and foodie favourite Katong and Joo Chiat through music, dance and theatre. ## Nature and Parks in Singapore For a very built-up island state known for its many tall buildings, Singapore has a surprising number of green spaces and nature. Recs for First-time Visitors ![Gardens by the Bay Cloud Forest Waterfall Crowd](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Gardens-by-the-Bay-Cloud-Forest-Waterfall-Crowd.jpg) ### Gardens by the Bay Cooled domes and Supertrees The two cooled conservatories Flower Dome and Cloud Forest are the perfect spots when Singapore is being overly hot or too rainy! The lovely cool 20ºC temperature is a dream. The daily light and music show at the Supertree Grove in the evening is also a very popular thing to do, while the OCBC Skywalk is a suspended platform winding through the Supertrees. I usually recommend visiting the domes in the afternoon when it is generally not as busy (Cloud Forest is very atmospheric when it gets darker), getting dinner nearby and doing the OCBC Skywalk for a closer look at the Supertrees, and then hanging around for the light shows. ![Singapore Botanic Gardens Bandstand](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Singapore-Botanic-Gardens-Bandstand.jpg) ### Singapore Botanic Gardens Historic Park with UNESCO World Heritage status Singapore’s only UNESCO site, these sprawling gardens near the Orchard Road Shopping Belt are a nice break from all the buildings and city vibe. The National Orchid Garden is one of the park’s highlights with lots of examples and exhibits on Orchid hybrids that Singapore is famous for, and a nice coolhouse right inside simulating mountain temperature is a nice relief from the heat. The Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden is also great for families. ![](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Worst-Advice-for-travel-to-Singapore-Zoo-600x400.jpg) ### Mandai Wildlife Reserve World-class animal parks Singapore has an impressive collection of open-concept animal parks that have an impressive collection of wildlife from around the region and the world. The Singapore Zoo is the most well-known, while the nocturnal Night Safari has the most unique concept. River Wonders showcases critters from the habitats of major rivers in the world and offers the most shelter in case of bad weather, while Bird Paradise is the newest with plenty of open aviaries. The newest park is Rainforest Wild which focuses on adventure activities and wilder treks. You need two days to see all five parks properly, but with limited time I recommend seeing the Singapore Zoo and doing the Night Safari. Offbeat Options for seasoned visitors ![Singapore Mount Faber View Cable Car Jewel](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Singapore-Mount-Faber-View-Cable-Car-Jewel.jpg) ### Southern Ridges 10km of treks and panoramic views along Singapore’s south This trek along the hill range of Singapore’s southwestern coast is scenic and well maintained with lots of interesting stops along the way. Start at Mount Faber with the cable cars. Henderson Waves and Alexandra Arch are also picturesque and some of Singapore’s highest pedestrian bridges. ![Keppel Hill Reservoir Quarry Pool](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Keppel-Hill-Reservoir-Quarry-Pool.jpg) ### Keppel Hill Reservoir & Seah Im Bunker Forgotten infrastructure around Mount Faber This once-forgotten reservoir near Mount Faber was left off maps for over 50 years and makes for a fun short hike if you are exploring the Southern Ridges. Close by at Seah Im Food Centre is another oddity – an abandoned bunker – just behind its carpark. ![Bukit Batok Town Park Quarry](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Bukit-Batok-Town-Park-Quarry.jpg) ### Bukit Batok Quarries Nature at your doorstep in the west Former granite quarries in Singapore’s western residential neighbourhood of Bukit Batok have been transformed into scenic parks that make for a nice stroll. There are several other quarries and parks nearby worth hiking, including Bukit Timah Nature Reserve with Singapore’s tallest hill. ![Kranji Reservoir Park Shore Johor](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Kranji-Reservoir-Park-Shore-Johor-900x675.jpg) ### Kranji Countryside Wetland reserves and farm culture This remote northwestern corner of Singapore has some of the last remaining farms that you can visit like a goat farm and vegetable farm, as well as one of our best nature parks for animal and bird watching: Sungei Buloh Nature Reserve. ![Sembawang Hot Spring Park Foot Bathers](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Sembawang-Hot-Spring-Park-Foot-Bathers.jpg) ### Sembawang Hot Spring Park A steaming soak in the sun Singapore’s only publicly accessible natural hot spring is located up in a small park in the north, perfect if you want a hot foot bath soak and something quirky to see. Consider seeing more of the Sembawang neighbourhood too. ## Offshore Islands of Singapore Did you know that Singapore is a part of an archipelago with around 60 smaller offshore islands? Many of these are used for industrial purposes, but some of them can be visited for a fun day trip option without breaking out your passport. Recs for First-time Visitors ![Sentosa's Fort Siloso Skywalk, a high bridge at the canopy level linking Siloso point to the barracks deeper in](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Sentosa-Fort-Siloso-Skywalk.jpg) ### Sentosa Resort island life and beaches Sentosa is the easiest island to access from Singapore’s main land by bus/car, monorail and even cable car. Most people visit for Universal Studios theme park, S.E.A Aquarium and the casino at the Resorts World Integrated Resort. Free things to do on Sentosa: Siloso, Palawan and Tanjong Beach along the south are some of Singapore’s nicest beaches with imported sand. I also enjoy walking the historic Fort Siloso, now linked by the panoramic 11-storey tall Fort Siloso Skywalk bridge. Offbeat Options for seasoned visitors ![Pulau Ubin Chek Jawa Boardwalk Coastal](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Pulau-Ubin-Chek-Jawa-Boardwalk-Coastal.jpg) ### Pulau Ubin Nature hikes and escape from city life Pulau Ubin on the northeast shore is home to an excellent nature reserve Chek Jawa Wetland Reserve, stone quarries for some cycling and hiking, and one of Singapore’s last remaining villages. It’s a great day trip and escape from city life. ![Donut Nudibranch by Gina Tan, Hantu Blog](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Pulau-Hantu-Diving-Donut-Nudi-GinaTan-900x600.jpg) ### Pulau Hantu Underwater treasures in Singapore’s silty waters Join local dive groups to scuba dive in the waters around this offshore island, and in its murky depths you might find some unusual nudibranchs, seahorses and more! Alternatively venture out at night on an intertidal walk and see its shores come to life. ![Lazarus Island Beach Jumpshot](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Lazarus-Island-Beach-Jumpshot.jpg) ### St John’s Island / Lazarus Island / Kusu Island / Sister’s Island Day trip to serene beaches and island scenery Take a ferry from Marina South Pier on a day trip to the cluster of Southern Islands and discover remains of a lost village, some quiet white-sand beaches and a quirky temple or two. ![Raffles Lighthouse Pulau Satumu VIew](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Raffles-Lighthouse-Pulau-Satumu-VIew.jpg) ### Pulau Satumu Home to Singapore’s southernmost lighthouse This little island on the southern edge of the Singapore Straits is home to Raffles Lighthouse, one of Singapore’s oldest lighthouses and can only be visited on a special tour by the Maritime & Port Authority of Singapore. ## Local Neighbourhoods in Singapore Recs for First-time Visitors ![Singapore Chinatown Buddha Tooth Relic Temple South Bridge Road](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Singapore-Chinatown-Buddha-Tooth-Relic-Temple-South-Bridge-Road.jpg) ### Chinatown Multicultural Chinese district in downtown area Singapore’s heritage Chinese quarter is one of my favourite places to bring new visitors to Singapore as it has a great mix of good food, cultural sites and lots of lovely murals on its walls. Chinatown Complex, Maxwell Food Centre and Amoy Street Food Centre have plenty of hawker food options for anyone looking to try Singaporean food. Sri Mariamman Temple and Buddha Tooth Relic Temple are also worth exploring. ![Singapore Little India Tekka Market Fish Stalls](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Singapore-Little-India-Tekka-Market-Fish-Stalls.jpg) ### Little India Colourful Indian district Little India is a place to experience with all your senses, a riot of colours, fragrances and bustling chatter. The Indian Heritage Centre is a modern addition to the neighbourhood, while Tekka Market is a fabulous place for food and a little shopping. ![Singapore Kampong Gelam Sultan Mosque Bussorah Street](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Singapore-Kampong-Gelam-Sultan-Mosque-Bussorah-Street.jpg) ### Kampong Gelam Heritage Malay quarter and street art mecca One of my favourite neighbourhoods is one I used to work in, while a lot more gentrified than underground these days, Sultan Mosque at its centre still stands tall, while hip Haji Lane is always filled with murals and colours. Offbeat Options for seasoned visitors Venture further into the heartland districts for a truly local experience ![Joo Chiat Koon Seng Road Shophouses](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Joo-Chiat-Koon-Seng-Road-Shophouses.jpg) ### Joo Chiat Peranakan heritage neighbourhood and foodie haven This well known Peranakan (mixed heritage of local borns with straits immigrants) neighbourhood has lots of great food, heritage and culture in its narrow alleyways. ![](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Singapore-Tiong-Bahru-Payton-Chung-900x447.jpg) ### Tiong Bahru Revived hipster district with unique art deco architecture This gentrified neighbourhood is the perfect mix of old school markets, shops and businesses alongside hip cafes, eateries and boutiques. Architecture lovers will adore the unique art deco buildings found here. ![Sembawang Hot Spring Park Foot Bathers](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Sembawang-Hot-Spring-Park-Foot-Bathers.jpg) ### Sembawang War history and natural landscapes This northern neighbourhood has a surprisingly amount of WWII history, beautiful British colonial bungalows and one of Singapore’s last natural beaches. Also, Singapore’s only publicly accessible hot spring\! ![Singapore Dawson Alexandra Butterfly Block](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Singapore-Dawson-Alexandra-Butterfly-Block-900x404.jpg) ### Queenstown One of Singapore’s oldest residential neighbourhoods One of Singapore’s oldest public housing estates, Queenstown (named for the British monarchs when we were a colony) has lots of history hidden amidst its residential neighbourhood worth checking out. ## Street Art in Singapore It may surprise you to know that while Singapore is pretty strict about what it considers vandalism, murals and street art have become quite popular in recent years and can be found all over the island. Here are some neighbourhoods that I’ve mapped. Read about the [evolution of Singapore’s street art scene](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/tracing-evolution-singapore-street-art/) or check out my [street art page](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/street-art-guides/) to see other street art spots I’ve mapped around the world. Recs for First-time Visitors Areas that are easier to get to and close to the main sightseeing spots in Singapore ![Singapore Street Art Chinatown YipYC Letter Writer](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Singapore-Street-Art-Chinatown-YipYC-Letter-Writer-900x684.jpg) ### Chinatown Nostalgic murals in the Chinese quarter Instagrammable murals depicting Singapore in its early days fill the walls of the historic Chinese enclave, one of Singapore’s oldest neighbourhoods. ![Singapore Street Art Haji Lane PiedraNegra Jaba Aztec](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Singapore-Street-Art-Haji-Lane-PiedraNegra-Jaba-Aztec-900x675.jpg) ### Kampong Gelam The original street art district in the Malay area Home to local street art crews and arts housing, this heritage Malay district was one of the first neighbourhoods in Singapore to embrace street art on its walls. ![](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Singapore-Street-Art-Little-India-Clive-Ts1-900x618.jpg) ### Little India A growing collection of murals in the Indian quarter The colourful Indian district is regularly updated with murals that nod to the neighbourhood’s South Asian heritage thanks to an annual art festival run by the local arts college. ![Singapore Street Art Bugis 8EyedSpud River Trade](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Singapore-Street-Art-Bugis-8EyedSpud-River-Trade.jpg) ### Bugis / Bras Basah Colonial history and cultural district Art fills the former European quarter, with murals and street art amidst cultural landmarks housing national art institutions and private art galleries Offbeat Options for seasoned visitors Surprising street art hot spots in Singapore’s residential neighbourhoods for the hardcore street art lovers ![Singapore Street Art Taman Jurong SC Zero](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Singapore-Street-Art-Taman-Jurong-SC-Zero.jpg) ### Jurong West Art on the west side Several art projects have jazzed up this residential neighbourhood that sprung up around the western industrial area of Jurong. ![Singapore Street Art Bukit Merah Antz Tong Kia](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Singapore-Street-Art-Bukit-Merah-Antz-Tong-Kia.jpg) ### Bukit Merah Murals and more in Redhill One of the older neighbourhoods in Singapore, this southwestern district whose name translates to ‘Red Hill’ is a surprising home to some cool street art. ![AMK Town Centre Ah Guo Town Centre](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/AMK-Town-Centre-Ah-Guo-Town-Centre.jpg) ### Ang Mo Kio Quirky art and architecture to the north This residential neighbourhood is home to some quirky murals, cool sculptures and interesting architecture. ![Hougang HDB Mural Blk662-917-923](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Hougang-HDB-Mural-Blk662-917-923.jpg) ### Hougang Humongous public housing murals A rare northeastern neighbourhood in Singapore where huge murals decorate the sides of the public Housing Development Board (HDB) apartment blocks. ![Singapore Street Art Katong Beach Vibes Song](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Singapore-Street-Art-Katong-Beach-Vibes-Song.jpg) ### Katong / Joo Chiat Colourful hipster heritage district See glimpses of the neighbourhood’s Peranakan heritage and former coastal location splashed upon its walls. ## Arts & Culture in Singapore I’ve worked in the arts sector for several years in Singapore and we have some lovely museums here that are perfect for arts lovers and those curious to learn about our local history. [Click here to see my full list of free museums, galleries and cultural spots for tourists in Singapore.](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/singapore-free-museums-tourists/) Recs for First-time Visitors Major cultural institutions in Singapore ![Singapore National Museum Facade NHB](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Singapore-National-Museum-Facade-NHB.jpg) ### National Museum of Singapore (NMS) Overview of Singapore’s history and evolution Singapore’s oldest museum is housed in a beautiful historic building, but the content is far from boring with interesting and immersive exhibits that tell you about Singapore’s past and growth through the years. ![Singapore National Gallery Exterior NGS](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Singapore-National-Gallery-Exterior-NGS.jpg) ### National Gallery Singapore (NGS) Largest collection of Southeast Asian Modern Art Housed in the former City Hall and Supreme Court, NGS is worth checking out even if you don’t want to visit the galleries – you can admire the architecture for free, and even see the old prison cells used in the former supreme court. ![Singapore Art Museum Tanjong Pagar Distripark Entrance Mural](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Singapore-Art-Museum-Tanjong-Pagar-Distripark-Entrance-Mural.jpg) ### Singapore Art Museum (SAM) Contemporary art amidst the port Now housed in Tanjong Pagar Distripark near the port, SAM is for those who don’t mind going a little out of the way to check out contemporary art. For art enthusiasts, there are several other smaller art galleries and museums in the same building. ![Singapore ArtScience Museum Exterior MBS](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Singapore-ArtScience-Museum-Exterior-MBS.jpg) ### ArtScience Museum Public-friendly and pop culture related The iconic lotus-shaped ArtScience Museum is most popular for its very instagrammable rooms and exhibits, and it usually has exhibits themed around pop-culture favourites. Offbeat Options for seasoned visitors Smaller and more quirky options for those who like more niche museums ![SCCC Singaporen Intro Gallery](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/SCCC-Singaporen-Intro-Gallery.jpg) ### Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre The uniqueness of Singaporean Chinese culture See how Singapore’s multiracial environment have influenced the Singaporean Chinese identity into the unique entity it is today. ![LKC Natural History Museum Singapore Whale](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/LKC-Natural-History-Museum-Singapore-Whale-900x675.jpg) ### Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum Skeletons and specimens galore One of my personal favourite niche museums in Singapore where you can learn about local biodiversity and see some impressive skeletons up close, including a whale that washed up on our shores. ![Haw Par Villa Sign](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Haw-Par-Villa-Sign-900x675.jpg) ### Haw Par Villa Quirky sculpture park dedicated to Chinese stories This once-popular park is home to some pretty bizarre half-human/animal statues and dioramas that depict Chinese tales, ethics and weird international tributes. The infamous 10 Courts of Hell is now located within the Hell Museum dedicated to death practices in Singapore and around the world, which is a paid section of the otherwise free park. ![Former Ford Factory Exterior](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Former-Ford-Factory-Exterior.jpg) ### Former Ford Factory WWII site of Singapore’s surrender Those interested in WWII history should make time to see the Former Ford Factory, the site where the British signed the surrender papers back in 1942 and now a museum documenting Singapore’s occupation years. ![Changi Chapel Benches](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Changi-Chapel-Benches.jpg) ### Changi Chapel and Museum Intimate look at WWII POW stories This small museum is quite out of the way in Changi, but an important place for those ex-POWs and their family members as it commemorates the prison grounds that were used to house internees and POWs during WWII, including the recreation of a historic chapel and murals. ## Hawker Centres in Singapore Food is an essential way to experience Singapore and its multicultural landscape and hawker centres are one of the best places to find a diverse range of affordable, tasty food in a place where locals frequent. There are many open-air hawker centres, air-conditioned food courts and smaller neighbourhood kopitiams scattered around Singapore – these are my usual recs for visitors. Don’t know what food to order? Check out my article about [what to eat and drink in Singapore on Lonely Planet](https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/what-to-eat-and-drink-in-singapore). Recs for First-time Visitors Iconic hawker centres in Singapore in convenient areas that are tourist friendly ![Chinatown Maxwell Food Centre Interior STB](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Chinatown-Maxwell-Food-Centre-Interior-STB.jpg) ### Maxwell Food Centre Hainanese chicken rice galore in Chinatown Chinatown has several excellent hawker centres worth checking out, but if you have time for just one, head to Maxwell Food centre. Not too large but lots of variety nonetheless. Tian Tian Chicken Rice is THE stall here, but head to Ah Tai a few stalls down for arguably equally good chicken rice without the insane queues. I always get sugarcane juice from the stall right across from Tian Tian. Other options in Chinatown: Chinatown Complex is the largest with over 200 stalls and the former 1-Michelin star stall, Amoy Street Food Centre has two floors of great food and Hong Lim Food Centre next to Chinatown Point is a local favourite. ![Roti Prata at Tekka Food Centre by STB](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Singapore-Tekka-Food-Centre-Roti-Prata-STB.jpg) ### Tekka Market and Food Centre Spectacular Indian food and more Tekka Market is one of the more famous wet markets in Singapore, and its adjoining Tekka Food Centre is also very good. Right in the heart of Little India, briyani, prata and Indian rojak are all great foods to try, but there are plenty of non-Indian food options available too. ![Lau Pa Sat - Photo by STB](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Singapore-Lau-Pa-Sat-STB.jpg) ### Lau Pa Sat Hawker centre in a national monument This historic 130 year old market is right in the middle of the downtown area with some beautiful architecture. The biggest draw is the Satay Street every evening when the road is closed to traffic and hawkers sell grilled skewers along the road like the old days. Offbeat Options for seasoned visitors If you don’t mind travelling out a bit further, these are less touristy hawker centre options to consider ![](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Singapore-Tiong-Bahru-Payton-Chung-900x447.jpg) ### Tiong Bahru Food Centre Popular local food centre Those exploring the hip Tiong Bahru neighbourhood have to stop by the refurbished Tiong Bahru Food Centre on the 2nd floor of the market. ![The Occasional Traveller](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/TOTlogo-200x150-1.png) ### Old Airport Road Food Centre Local favourite hawker centre I like to recommend this hawker centre as it is a bit of the usual tourist trail. I used to work nearby and it has some reliably good hawker food. ![Singapore East Coast Lagoon Hawker Centre STB](https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Singapore-East-Coast-Lagoon-Hawker-Centre-STB-900x600.jpg) ### East Coast Lagoon Hawker Centre Coastal views and vibes If you are driving or don’t mind taking a car, this hawker centre at East Coast Park along the coastline has a great vibe by the sea! Lots of great charcoal grilled satay skewers and seafood here. *
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