Things to do in Singapore
-
A
328 Katong Laksa
As controversial food subjects go, the source of the original, authentic Katong laksa is one of the most emotive. Several laksa stalls along this stretch have been engaged in Singapore’s infamous ‘Laksa Wars’ for years, bickering over who was first. Decide for yourself. You won’t go wrong at any of them, but this is, commercially at least, the most successful.
reviewed
-
B
Little India
This modest but colourful area of wall-to-wall shops, pungent aromas and Hindi film music is a relief from the prim modernity of many parts of the city. Centred around the southern end of Serangoon Rd, this is the place to come to pick up that framed print of Krishna you've always wanted, eat great food and watch streetside cooks fry chapatis.
The Zhujiao Centre is the main market, but there are also interesting spice shops nearby. The best temples are Sri Veeramakaliamman, Sri Srinivasa Perumal and the glitzy Temple of 1000 Lights.
reviewed
-
C
Singapore Zoo
Set on a peninsula jutting into the Upper Seletar Reservoir, the Singapore Zoo is world class. Its 28 landscaped hectares and open concept (no cages) are a far cry from the sad concrete confines some zoos retain.
reviewed
-
D
Broth
In a leafy oasis atop sleepy Duxton Hill, past a row of sleazy KTV bars, this welcoming bistro has friendly staff, bentwood chairs, ceiling fans and a wall of wine and cookbooks. The menu is typically modern with dishes such as lamb loin, steaks and risottos.
reviewed
-
E
Café Iguana
Finding good Mexican in Singapore is like looking for El Dorado, but if you're itching for fajitas and nachos, this breezy riverside place just might be your city of gold. The margarita jugs kick like a mule.
reviewed
-
F
Crystal Jade Kitchen
This busy, carpeted Cantonese place is one of many reliable Crystal Jades across the city. There's an extensive numbered 'I want that one' menu (try the congee) and several set menus.
reviewed
-
G
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
Attention bird-nerds! The 87-hectare Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve overlooks the Straits of Johor in the far northwest of the island. The park sustains 140 bird species, most of which are migratory, and features mangrove boardwalks, walking trails enclosed by thick foliage, observation huts and guided tours on Saturdays (9am, 10pm, 3pm and 4pm). Audiovisual shows on the park’s flora and fauna are held at 9am, 11am, 1pm, 3pm and 5pm (hourly between 9am and 5pm on Sunday). BYO binoculars and mosquito repellent.
reviewed
-
H
Chatterbox
Chatterbox has ditched its old dull lobby digs for floor-to-ceiling 38th-floor views of the city. Its chicken rice is still legendary (both for its taste and high cost). Boiled chicken is plunged into ice then served cold with warm broth, fragrant rice, rich soy, chilli and freshly ground ginger. Singaporeans still flock here to pay 10 times what they’d pay at a hawker centre.
reviewed
-
I
Din Tai Fung
The queues at this Taiwanese restaurant are a testament to its excellent food. While waiting, watch chefs at work through ‘fishbowl’ windows; they painstakingly make 18 folds in the dough used for the xiao long pao (steamed pork dumplings). Delicate dumplings are served steaming fresh in bamboo baskets and explode with flavour in your mouth.
reviewed
-
J
Maxwell Road Hawker Centre
One of Chinatown’s iconic hawker centres, Maxwell Rd is best viewed at lunchtime, when it’s heaving with people, though that might not be the best time to be a foreigner wandering bewildered among the hundreds of stalls. Its most famous resident is the Tian Tian chicken rice stall (No 10).
reviewed
Advertisement
-
K
Killiney Kopitiam
The original local coffee joint, which spawned a whole host of imitators and an empire of franchisees, is still the place for breakfast. The waiter yells your order at ear-splitting volume and the coffee – shaken by the resulting seismic disturbance – inevitably arrives erupted into the saucer.
reviewed
-
L
Old Airport Rd Food Centre
One of the great things about eating in Singapore is that the most unappealing-looking places often house the most revered hawkers. This hidden nook boasts Matter Rd Seafood (sign is famously misspelled, but famous for white-pepper crab), Toa Payoh Rojak and much beloved fried Hokkien prawn noodle.
reviewed
-
M
Chinatown Complex
Once famously rundown and grungy, Chinatown Complex was inevitably closed for upgrading at the time of writing. Hopefully, when it reopens, the singular charms of its wet market, barking stallholders and famous hawker centre will not be lost – but we have our doubts.
reviewed
-
N
Lau Pa Sat
Steamed dim sum, chilli crab and sizzling satay under a magnificent wrought-iron structure.
reviewed
-
O
Chinatown
Chinatown is Singapore's cultural heart, providing glimpses of the old ways with its numerous temples, decorated terraces and frantic conglomeration of merchants, shops and activity. Unfortunately much of Chinatown has been torn down and redeveloped over the past 30 years, but it's still a fascinating place to explore.
Although faithful restoration has saved some parts of Chinatown, it has also posed a new threat, as the restored buildings are now desirable properties commanding high rents. Traditional businesses - such as shops selling incense to temple worshippers, letter writers and chop (stamp) makers - are moving out, and a new gentrified Chinatown of fashionable…
reviewed
-
P
Ketna Patel Studio Gallery
Ketna Patel and her husband Jonathan run a home gallery best described as a ‘residential laboratory for like-minded people’. The studio’s specific goal is to promote dialogue between developed and developing nations, using art as the means of communication. While the gallery is open by appointment only, like-minded artists visiting Singapore should consider contacting Ketna (ketna@ketnapatel.com) to find out about ongoing projects and happenings.
reviewed
-
Q
Singapore Flyer
People in cities around the world are paying money to get into a gigantic Ferris wheel for glorious views. Why not? The Singapore Flyer is an expensive 30-minute ride with views towards the Colonial District, CBD, Marina Bay, the high-rise housing landscape to the east and out to the South China Sea. You’re better off going on a clear day than at night, if only to avoid the annoying flashing neon lights outside the cabin.
reviewed
-
R
Dempsey Rd
These former British Army barracks have been turned into warehouse shops specialising in antiques. In this delightful, pleasantly disorganised setting, you'll find anything from Kashmiri carpets and teak furniture to landscaping ornaments and antiques - and a couple of excellent wine bars. It's a fascinating place to explore, attracting crowds of expats and well-to-do Singaporeans at weekends.
reviewed
-
S
Robertson Quay
Robertson Quay was once thronging with boat repairers and timber mills. Near Saigon Bridge are the river's last derelict godown (warehouses), held together with tree roots and rust - given Singapore's appetite for destruction, they won't last much longer! There's a healthy crop of hotels, nightclubs and restaurants clustered around here too.
reviewed
-
T
Singapore Botanic Gardens
If Singapore’s urban planners could manufacture paradise, it wouldn’t look too different from the Singapore Botanic Gardens. The front entrance leads to an idyllic koi pond. On weekends, laughing children feed the multicoloured fish. Right behind, a waterfall gurgles and birds hop around the water’s edge, at ease with the locals.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
U
Tiffin Room
A Raffles institution to rank with the Long Bar and Bar & Billiard Room, this priceless dining room, complete with lazy ceiling fans, takes our prize for best buffet in town. The largely North Indian food is superb and the temptation to overeat almost irresistible. The tourist-friendly reduced chilli content is the only disappointment.
reviewed
-
V
Kinara
Take a riverside table or eat inside the renovated shophouse, decked-out like a haveli (ornately decorated Indian residence) with copper, iron, teak and sandstone. Try the tandoori hari machli aftab (boneless fish tikka marinated and cooked in the oven).
reviewed
-
W
Komala Vilas
This McDonald’s of Indian fare serves decent, cheap vegetarian meals all day long. Try some spicy samosas (stuffed pastries), or order the thali. Its outlet at 82 Serangoon Rd sells sugary Indian sweets.
reviewed
-
X
Ananda Marga
In a world of corporate-run yoga studios, Ananda Marga is a breath of fresh air. Its Singapore studio offers small daily classes, dedicated instructors, and short-term class packages. Well worth coming east for.
reviewed
-
Y
Jurong Bird Park
This ageing attraction is still popular with school kids, families and nature photographers. The Jurong Bird Park is home to 8000 birds –600 species, 30 of them endangered. Visitors walk through themed enclosures along 1.7km worth of trails: pelicans gawp at passers-by along a boardwalk, leggy pink flamingos stand proud by a lake, penguins nosedive through water in air-conditioned comfort and cutting through it all is the escapable scent of bird poop.
reviewed