Exploring Singapore

observations of an expat in singapore

Written by Amanda Jaffe

A Three-Day Itinerary for The Red Dot

Whether you’re new to Singapore or hosting visitors, you need a three-day itinerary that features the “real” Singapore. This is that itinerary – no Sentosa, no Long Bar. This itinerary jumps around, but Singapore’s compact, and transportation is inexpensive. It also doesn’t suggest restaurants. Go to your favorite or try anyplace that looks good – it will be, because this is Singapore and that’s part of the fun. “Doing” Singapore in three days means being on the move, but Singapore gets hot and visitors often arrive jetlagged. Be sure to keep hydrated as you explore. Bring a water bottle for each of your guests and for yourself. I’ve reserved afternoons for air-conditioned activities, but you might want to replace at least one

Clarke Quay with a nap or pool time. I’ve also suggested activities for specific times of day, but this itinerary is modular -- trade one morning, afternoon or evening for another. Finally, please check hours and entry requirements before you set out – hours and openings can change, and change is a constant here!

DAY 1 Morning

Begin in Tiong Bahru. Tiong Bahru Market is an excellent introduction to Singapore wet markets and includes a fantastic food center upstairs. PostMarket, download the National Heritage Board’s guide and follow the Tiong Bahru Heritage Trail past all this area has to offer, including art-deco architecture, a bird corner and the Monkey God temple. Coffee, bakeries, and bookstores are your bonus. Start before 10 am to see the wet market at its liveliest.

Afternoon

Cloud Forest at Gardens by the Bay

Visit two of Singapore’s oldest Chinese temples – Thian Hock Keng and Yueh Hai Ching – in the vicinity of Telok Ayer. Then head to Singapore’s National Museum for 700 years of history or to the climatecontrolled Flower and Cloud Domes at Gardens by the Bay. Save the outdoor gardens for an evening visit.

Late Afternoon/Evening

Starting across from Clarke Quay, walk the right bank of the Singapore River toward Marina Bay. River cruises are an option, but strolling allows you to savor the public art and bridges. Cross the lovely Cavenagh Bridge (near the Fullerton Hotel) to Empress Place and view some of Singapore’s best colonial-era buildings. Cross back over Cavenagh Bridge and continue to Merlion Park. Pay your respects to the Merlion, then stroll around Marina Bay as the sun goes down and the lights come up. MBS has a great light show, but Marina Bay’s skyline is the real deal. Dinner options abound. If you have energy remaining, Theatres on the Bay often runs free performances, from Chinese opera to Malay rock to Thai dance. Weekends seem to offer the most options.

DAY 2

Morning

Start at Pinnacle@Duxton for amazing panoramic views from the 50 th floor skybridge. Only 200 visitors are allowed each day. Each visitor needs a CEPAS card (such as EZ-Link). Purchase your entry (cash only) at the Management Office (Block 1G) and use your card to enter.

Next, head to the Urban Redevelopment Authority’s City Gallery to appreciate the planning behind Singapore living. An amazing 3-D map of Central Singapore allows visitors to spot places they’ve been. Using URA’s side exit on Kayadanallur Street, cross to the Maxwell Food Center, a great refueling stop. Then hit Chinatown’s multicultural highlights – Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Sri Mariamman Temple, and Jamae Mosque. Shop around Pagoda Street for souvenirs. Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Chinatown

Afternoon

Visit the incredible Asian Civilisations Museum to explore Asian cultures and their Singapore connections.

Late Afternoon/Evening

The area around Joo Chiat and East Coast Roads offers shops, heritage shophouses and casual dining in Singapore’s Peranakan heart. It’s somewhat outside the city center but within easy reach. With an early-ish dinner, you still can visit Gardens by the Bay for an evening stroll through the outdoor gardens (lit until 11pm) and light show.

DAY 3 Morning

Visit the Botanic Gardens and National Orchid Garden (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) early to

beat the heat. Press on to Orchard Road for the

Singapore Botanic Gardens

epitome of Singapore’s mall scene. If you’re hungry, some of the most fun food options in Singapore malls reside at basement level.

Afternoon

Spend the early afternoon exploring National Gallery Singapore. Come for its Southeast Asian art, but don’t miss its architecture, especially its atrium and roof garden. Outside the Gallery, explore the Padang, with the Cricket and Recreation Clubs at either end and Esplanade Park across the way.

Late Afternoon/Evening

Visit Little India. Serangoon Road is Little India’s spine, but its side streets are fascinating. Head down pedestrianized Campbell Lane to the Indian Heritage Center with its wonderful exhibits, many donated by the community. Walk up Serangoon, absorb the sights and admire Sri Veeramakaliamman and Sri Perumal Hindu Temples. Check out Mustafa, Singapore’s 24-hour “everything store.” Head next to Kampong Glam. This was a sultanate, and the Malay Heritage Centre, open until 6pm, occupies the former Sultan’s palace. Walk the streets and shop (Arab Street for textiles, Haji Lane for cool stuff). After dinner, photograph Sultan Mosque, magically lit at the top of Bussorah Street.

In addition to exploring Singapore for the AWA Magazine, Amanda Jaffe writes about her travel adventures on her blog, Rambling Llama