Between 2012 and 2014 I lived in Singapore, working as an English teacher while starting this travel blog on the side. In those two years I explored almost every corner of the island (and some of the small islands offshore) and came to love this tiny, densely packed city state. I’ve returned several times since, with another trip planned for October, but these are the places I loved most as an expat. Thinking of visiting Singapore (or moving there)? This post is for you!
The Quays
If you’re keen on a night out or just a quiet drink by the river, Singapore’s quays (Boat Quay, Clark Quay, Robertson Quay) are worth seeking out. I used to do a pub quiz down there and loved the whole area.
There are heaps of bars and restaurants and there’s plenty of room to sit on the steps near the river and enjoy the evening air for free!
READ MORE: The Quays to the City: Exploring Downtown Singapore
Gardens By the Bay
I’ve visited quite a few gardens around the world and Gardens by the Bay will probably always be my favourite. Go during the day to enjoy the sights (The Supertrees and domes especially) but try and visit at night too when the Avatar-esque Supertrees are lit up in a surreal display.
Pulau Ubin
Pulau Ubin, a small island just off the east coast of Singapore, is a throwback to a far more rural and low-rise past. It’s a fun place to explore on bicycle — you’ll see lots of calm countryside as well as monkeys and wild pigs. It’s mostly flat and not too taxing to bike around — a good place for a date or just to escape the confines of the city.
Tampines
You won’t see Tampines show up on many travel blog posts about Singapore, but since I lived and worked there for two years it left an impression. Tampines is a typical Singapore suburb, with seemingly endless rows of high-rise HDBs (government subsidised housing) broken up with some small areas including shops, hawker centres and MRT stations.
The main reason to visit Tampines is the food. Within 5 minutes’ walk of my house there were two hawker centres with probably close to 100 stalls between them. 10 minutes’ walk away was Tampines Centre, with a huge food court of its own. I ate out or got takeaways for two meals a day my entire time in Singapore, most within the little corner between Tampines Central and Tampines East Station (east was being built when I lived there).
If you’re looking to move to Singapore you could do a lot worse than Tampines. It’s close to the airport, beaches and is well connected by public transport to the rest of the island. And if you’re into food and want a local experience consider a trip out there.
READ MORE: Tampines: Life in a Singapore Suburb
Bugis
I spent a lot of time transiting through Bugis when I lived in Tampines. It connects the East West Line with the Downtown Line and is surrounded by malls and shopping areas. Bugis Street is packed with tiny shops selling cheap clothes, electronics and other similar stuff and there’s heaps of good food nearby — a fun place to shop at night!
READ MORE: Two Days in Singapore Itinerary: The Best of Both Worlds
Fort Canning Park
The city centre of Singapore is about as flat as flat places get, but there are a few hills if you know where to find them. Fort Canning Park is a good one to seek out, both for its calm atmosphere and the pieces of history scattered around. Fort Canning Hill has seen a lot throughout the last 800 years or so. It was the centre of Singapura in the 1300s, with a palace and various other civic buildings. In the 1800s it became a fort (a useless one apparently) which was quickly abandoned. The British then used it as their military headquarters in Singapore up until WW2.
Marina Bay
Take a lift to the top of Marina Bay Sands for one of the most spectacular city views you’ll ever see (I lost my photos from up there though!). The famous infinity pool is for guests only, but you can go to the bar up there for a small fee. You can also see a great view from the Singapore Flyer, a huge observation wheel above Marina Bay.
At street level you can walk around Marina Bay, see the Merlion and maybe a laser light show if you visit at night. Combine it with Gardens by the Bay for a fun night out with the family.
Chinatown / Little India / Kampong Glam
There are several ethnic enclaves in Singapore that are fun to visit for both tourists and locals. I loved wandering around Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam when I lived in Singapore. The architecture is cool (historic shophouses) and there’s heaps going on including some great food if you know where to look.
Kampong Glam is probably the most interesting for tourists thanks to the atmospheric lanes featuring street art and small shops and eateries. Arab Street, with Masjid Sultan looming over it, is one of the most picturesque streets in Singapore.
READ MORE: Exploring the Historical Districts of Singapore
Chjimes
Located in an old Catholic convent, Chjimes is one of the more unique dining and drinking spaces in Singapore. Gia and I had our first date there back in 2013, so it’ll always be special to us!
Henderson Waves
This futuristic looking bridge sits high above the city centre of Singapore and is surrounded by forest. It’s part of the Southern Ridges, a great place to go if you’re into hiking or just want to see a different side of Singapore. You might even see some monkeys up there!
READ MORE: Best Walks in Singapore: From the Forest to the City
Thinking of Moving to Singapore?
Check out the post I wrote about moving to Singapore — it’s a bit old now but there should still be some good tips!
Are you planning a trip to Singapore? Let me know in the comments below!
Jon Algie
Latest posts by Jon Algie (see all)
- 10 Places I loved in Singapore as an Expat - August 20, 2024
- Jonistravelling in 2024 + a Vision for the Future - July 22, 2024
- Hotels VS Hostels VS Airbnbs: Which Accommodation Should You Choose? - June 24, 2024