How to travel Singapore off the beaten path
Singapore is fast becoming one of Asia’s must-see destinations. Known for its wealth, its eco-friendliness and its impressive architectural structures, Singapore truly is a sight to behold and is a must-see destination in Southeast Asia. However, despite its appearance as a metropolis filled with fancy hotels and shopping centres aplenty, there is so much more to do in Singapore then simply shop and swim in infinity pools. Here is a list of the top 5 non-touristy things to do in Singapore.
Visit the Night Safari:
Make no mistake, the Singapore Zoo is outstanding and if you have the time, it’s a great day out. With over 2,800 residents and an emphasis on respecting nature, the zoo is a spectacle to behold. Nonetheless, the night safari narrowly beats it as the top animal attraction in Singapore. Walking trails and electric tram rides allow you to get up close and personal to the nocturnal animals, many of which you never see in ordinary zoos. In some cases, with the more docile creatures, you can be within centimetres of them, really allowing you to experience the wonder of these animals in their nighttime habitats. Whilst there are slightly less number of creatures available to see in comparison to the zoo — albeit, still a huge 2,500 — the closeness with which you can view them is astounding and is certainly not something that should be missed if you are in Singapore. The cooler temperatures are an added bonus as the night safari is open from 7:30pm to midnight, allowing you to experience the wonder of the safari without suffering from the intense heat. Just don’t forget the mosquito spray!
Notable mention: The Bat Enclosure.
Go to Haw Par Villa:
There are a number of parks to visit in Singapore. The Botanic Gardens and Gardens by the Bay are just a couple that can be mentioned. These are both outstanding gardens with beautiful greenery and spectacular manmade domes and waterfalls, but if you’re looking for a quieter, quirkier park filled with traditional Chinese culture, Haw Par Villa is the place to go. Not only is it free, but there are more than 1,000 dioramas and statutes that depict Chinese folk tales, beliefs, and legends, allowing for an interesting and visually stimulating step back in time for visitors of this heritage park.
Notable mention: The Ten Courts of Hell.
Eat at Newton Circus:
Singapore is famous for its sumptuous street food, served in local hawker centers. The blend of ethnicities in Singapore has resulted in a multicultural mix of cuisines, allowing for hundreds of wide ranging choices for hungry visitors to Singapore’s food centres. An example of some of these dishes? Chinese Hainanese chicken rice — considered one of the national dishes of Singapore — Malay Nasi goreng, and Indian Roti prata. With 104 hawker centres encompassing 5,800 food stalls, there are literally hundreds of places to choose from to satisfy your Singaporean food cravings. My personal favourite, however, is Newton Circus. Open from noon to 2am and with dishes starting at a mere SG$2, you won’t want to eat anywhere else.
Notable mention: The sweet & sour chicken and chilli crab from Stall 70.
Explore Pulau Ubin:
Whilst Sentosa provides an opportunity for visitors of Singapore to relax on pristine beaches, filled with bars and beach clubs, Pulau Ubin delivers a nostalgic, non-touristy atmosphere for you to revel in. After a 10-minutes boat ride from Changi Point Ferry Terminal you’ll be surrounded by unkempt jungles, mangrove swamps, wild plants and animals, and sandy beaches. The island has so far managed to avoid the gentrification, commercialisation and modernisation that Singapore appears to be obsessed with and has retained its traditional village feel. With a myriad of biking and walking trails, kayaking sessions and food and drink stalls, the island of Pulau Ubin provides an exciting yet tranquil day out that lets you escape the fast-paced nature of Singapore.
Notable mention: The Chek Jawa Wetlands.
Discover the Arab Quarter:
Chinatown and Little India are both bustling zones filled with delicious authentic food, vibrant markets, beautiful temples and amazing festivals held throughout the year. Although they are touristy, they are definitely worth the visit. Whilst they are constantly heralded as two of the top ‘must see’ places in Singapore, an area that is often left out of the mix is the Arab Quarter. Although it is criminally underrated, it is extremely atmospheric, jam-packed with fabric shops, Persian rug stores, traditional food outlets, and hookah bars, all giving off a distinctive Middle Eastern ambiance. It is truly enchanting and provides you an immersive glimpse into Singapore’s Arab community — not something to miss.
Notable mention: The Sultan Mosque.
Edited by Cheyenne Abrams.
