Singapore is a compact city-state with something for everyone, from mouth-watering food to glorious parks and dazzling nightlife. In this guide, we’ll dive into the top insider tips to make the most of your Singapore adventure. Let’s ensure you leave no stone unturned in the Lion City.
Hannah and I spent 1-month in Singapore, house sitting in 3 separate locations across the city. It’s unlike anywhere we have ever visited before, a place where startling architecture and financial prowess meet Asian tradition. Click here to read my house sitting guide to Singapore.
We were Singapore first-timers going into our house sitting assignments, so here is everything we learned. Here are 10 handy insider tips for making the most of your time in Singapore.
Dine at the Hawkers
Fine dining in Singapore can be pricey, with some top restaurants costing over $200 per person. But for a true taste of local flavors at a fraction of the cost, head to the hawker centers. These busy food courts are all over Singapore and offer an array of international dishes often for less than $5.
The larger and most popular hawker centers include Maxwell Food Centre and Lau Pa Sat. Maxwell is known for its classic Singaporean dishes, while Lau Pa Sat mixes local and international street food options. The latter is also housed in a beautiful colonial-style building and is often referred to as Satay Street.
Eating at hawker centers isn’t just budget-friendly; it’s an experience. You’ll get to taste authentic dishes alongside locals and other travelers, soaking up the lively atmosphere and discovering why these centers are a cornerstone of Singaporean food culture.
Master Public Transport with an EZ Card
One of my top insider tips for Singapore is to use the public transit system. It’s as efficient and extensive as I have seen anywhere in the world. You can easily get around by using the MRT or bus network, which connects all parts of the city.
Simply tap a bank card on buses or the MRT turnstiles, or get an EZ-Link card for better savings. The 3-day tourist EZ-Link Card covers unlimited rides for about $20 (USD) – ideal for exploring the city.
For bus and metro timetables you need look no further than Google Maps. The times, routes, and lines are all perfectly updated and are precise when planning your travel. FYI – the ride-share app Grab is readily available but not as cheap as in many other Asian countries.
Beware of Durians
Durians are famous in Singapore for their intense aroma. It’s a smell so strong that it’s banned on public transport, in hotels, and many public places. Their unique smell is polarizing, often described as a mix of sweet, savory, and…something else! If you’re planning to try one, be mindful of where you bring it.
Despite the restrictions, durians are beloved in Singaporean culture. Many locals enjoy them fresh or in desserts like durian puffs, cakes, and ice cream. You’ll find entire stalls dedicated to the fruit with fans eager to savor the different varieties known for their distinct flavors and textures.
If you’re curious to try durian, visit a local hawker center or dedicated fruit stall. Be prepared: the taste is as unique as the smell, often surprising first-timers. But for many, it’s a must-try in Singapore and a one-of-a-kind cultural experience!
Enjoy Singapore’s Green Spaces
Singapore may be a bustling city, but it’s filled with peaceful green spaces perfect for a break from urban life. Fort Canning Park is a beautiful labyrinth of natural beauty, with historical landmarks such as the Battlebox. The WWII bunker turned museum is packed with info about Singapore’s wartime history.
Sundays are especially popular in these parks, as many workers and nannies in Singapore have their day off. Parks like Fort Canning, as well as East Coast Park and the Singapore Botanic Gardens, come alive with families and groups enjoying picnics, music, and sports, creating a lively and relaxed atmosphere.
All parks are filled with wonderful sculptures, ponds, and wildlife to enjoy. So, whether you’re seeking a quiet morning walk or want to immerse yourself in local culture, Singapore’s green spaces offer a refreshing, scenic side of the city that’s easy to love and free to enjoy.
Find Good Happy Hours
Drinks in Singapore can quickly add up, especially with the additional ++ you will see on every menu. This is added tax and service charges that can inflate prices by as much as 20%. So, make your money go further by finding happy hours at various pubs and bars across the city.
Areas like Clarke Quay and Boat Quay are popular for their happy hours. But be warned, even happy hour deals can still be on the expensive side compared to many other cities. Chinatown had the cheapest beers I found, with a large beer costing around $6.
Many establishments feature daily deals, such as buy-one-get-one-free offers or discounted pitchers and towers of beer. This is a great way to explore different venues and try local beers or cocktails while enjoying the lively ambiance that Singapore’s nightlife has to offer.
Keep Fit at The Gym Pod
Hannah and I are regular gym users, we rack up at least 5 workouts a week usually without fail. So finding a good place to exercise is an important part of our travel. This was as easy as could be in Singapore with The Gym Pod.
It’s a Singapore-based pay-as-you-go network of gyms that range from small (but well-equipped) shipping containers and box rooms to large fully functioning gyms in hotels and office buildings. Everything is booked and paid for via a handy, easy-to-use app, and prices for these private gyms are very affordable.
There are great deals to be had when purchasing a block of sessions and regular offers crop up on the app. It’s also cheaper if you’re up for training outside of the usual peak times. We tried 3 or 4 different pods across Singapore and they were all excellent facilities with quality workout equipment.
Stay Hydrated with an IJooz
It’s hot in Singapore, year-round, so keeping hydrated and refreshed is vital. If you’re exploring the city on foot, it’s easy to rack up thousands of steps without noticing while admiring the wonderful buildings and stunning surroundings. So, whenever you see one, grab an IJooz.
The handy juice machines are available across the city and usually crop up just when you need them. Simply tap your card (or some do take cash) and for $2 fresh oranges are squeezed before your very eyes. The vending machines then seal the top of the cup and even give you a handy straw.
We’re both in agreement that it’s among the best orange juice we’ve ever drank. Perhaps this is because they always appeared when we needed one, but it became a daily post-gym/hike routine for us to go and grab an IJooz.
Explore by Bicycle
If hopping on and off of buses and the metro isn’t your thing then one of my top insider tips for Singapore is to hire a bike. The city is a very bike-friendly city with miles of cycleways and user-friendly routes connecting the entire city.
We had bikes included with our second house sit and loved biking into the center along Alexandra Canal. It was a lovely route that led us to Clarke Quay and some great happy hour bars.
Bikes are easy to rent and there are several decent locations across the city to collect them. Bike Rental Singapore offers great rates on everything from bikes by the hour to all the optional extras and fancy features.
Stand in Pole Position
I’m a big Formula 1 fan, so visiting a city like Singapore where they have one of the most famous city night races was exciting. The race takes over the actual streets for one weekend a year but I’d heard they kept some permanent fixtures up year-round.
During our final house sitting assignment, we were within walking distance of the main paddock and starting grid so took an evening stroll to see what was there. Amazingly, this vital part of the race circuit is open to the public as a public park when not used by F1!
People use it as an unencumbered jogging and cycling route, we even saw two people set up in P1 and P2 and have a foot race! Visit the pit lane and get a photo in front of your favorite driver’s garage. Even if you’re not a big race fan, it’s a cool experience and a chilled-out part of the city to visit.
Splash Out a Little
Singapore is one of the most expensive cities we have ever visited. But by using the happy hours, the hawkers, public transport, and utilizing many of the free attractions and green spaces it shouldn’t deter anyone from visiting.
Some of the grandest parts of the city are worth spending a few extra bucks on, so treat yourself and enjoy a slice of indulgence. We opted not to go to the casino or for drinks at the iconic Marina Bay Sands, but instead to the world’s highest urban brewery which has exceptional views of the Sands.
LeVel33 is one of the coolest bars in Singapore, the panoramic outdoor seating and wide selection of excellent beers make it well worth a visit. Yes, prices are on the steep side, but as we always say ‘you’re also paying for the view and the experience’. I’d certainly recommend a visit and a beer or two.
Further Information on House Sitting in Singapore
Hotels are pricey in Singapore, and a large part of why we were able to enjoy and embrace the city was the fact that we only paid $70 for a month’s accommodation. This was thanks to securing 3 back-to-back house sitting assignments (with one night in a hotel, hence the $70!).
Singapore is a busy ex-pat city with visitors and residents from around the world. It’s a transient place that has a lot of people coming and going so house and pet sitters are always in demand. Hannah wrote an excellent article on navigating back-to-back house sits featuring our time in Singapore, read it here.
As a bonus and as one of my biggest insider tips for Singapore, I highly recommend saving a fortune on accommodation by signing up with Trusted Housesitters.
Become a Trusted Housesitter in Singapore
For starters sign up for a free account with Trusted Housesitters to browse the available listings. If you want to apply for house sits that catch your eye, you’ll need to become a paying member but memberships cost just $129/year. Use code BEACHES25 to save 25% on any membership option, sign up here.
There are no further costs, just a one-off payment and a year’s worth of house sitting possibilities.
For more info check out – Everything You Need to Know About Trusted Housesitters.
Conclusion
With these insider tips to Singapore, you’re set to experience the city’s best without missing a beat. From navigating public transport to enjoying authentic hawker food, Singapore offers endless ways to make your trip memorable and budget-friendly.
Whether you’re visiting for a few days or an extended stay, I hope my tips will guide you through the inside track to Singapore’s highlights and hidden delights. Embrace the mix of tradition and modernity, and enjoy everything Singapore has to offer.
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