Going to US, Europe or flying to Australia and having a stopover in Singapore? Fret not; Singapore is a wonderful place with tons of things to do. Singapore is a beautiful city with 4 main races: Chinese, Malay, Indian and Caucasian. Not only does this mean that we have many different beautiful cultures, we have TONS of things to eat! Prepare yourself because you’re in for a treat.
Immerse in the Culture at Little India
GET THERE: Little India MRT Station
EAT: Begin your day with the very local Indian pancake, known as Roti Prata. It is Indian pancake eaten with mutton curry or sugar. Fun fact: roti prata, although an Indian cuisine, originated in Singapore and can only be found here and not in India! Alternatively, try the Indian naan. The naan is oven baked eaten just like that. Try the garlic flavor; it’s my favourite. You can find them literally everywhere in Little India, or you go to Little India Tekka Market.
GO: Visit the oldest and most beautiful temple around, Sri Srinicasa Perumal Temple. The entrance features the incarnations of Lord Vishnu. There are activities offered in the temple such as Hatha Yoga classes too.
You might be interested in Half Day Tour in Little India
Fill Your Stomach at Kampong Glam (Malay Village)
GET THERE:
Either Walk 20min to Malay Heritage Centre
Or take the train from Farrer Park or Little India station to Bugis and walk 15min to Haji Lane
EAT: Fancy a Turkish or Persian meal? You can find them at Arab Street with cuisines from all around Middle East. You can also Shisha there, but bear in mind that Shisha will be BANNED in Singapore from 31 July, 2016 onwards!
Also, do drink the best Teh Tarik in Singapore. It’s only SGD$1 and this uncle has been working there for over 45 years now, making Singapore’s best Teh Tarik. The tea is poured from one cup to another, to pull it and enhance its flavors.
Read more: Best Teh Tarik in Singapore
GO: Walk to the Malay Heritage Centre to learn more about the Malay culture. There are many information signs around telling your about the history of the place. Do join in the FREE guided tours in English at 11am (Tue – Fri), 12pm or 3pm (Sat & Sun).
After, walk along Arab Street and you will feel like you’re in the Middle East and be greeted by the majestic Masjid Sultan Mosque. Feel free to entre the mosque and take note of the carpet donated by the Prince of Saudi Arabia.
Get in Touch with Your Roots at Chinatown
GET THERE:
Either walk to Bugis MRT and take the Downtown Line to Chinatown MRT
Or take the bus 851 or 51 from North Bridge Road to Chinatown Station
EAT: Head over to Maxwell Food Centre in Chinatown. They are famous for their chicken rice (Tian Tian Chicken Rice). Or go to Chinatown Food Street or Chinatown Hawker Centre at People’s Park Centre. These are great places to eat and there are tons of famous cuisines to taste!
GO: The 2 famous temples in Chinatown are the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Sri Mariammam Temple. There is a meditation centre and a beautiful rooftop garden in the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. The temple is just opposite Maxwell Food Centre. Sri Mariammam Temple is just a stone throw away from the Buddhist Temple!
Note: kindly wear clothes that cover your knees and shoulders when entering the temples as a form of respect to the culture.
Finish the Night at Clarke Quay
GET THERE:
Either take the North East (purple) line from Chinatown MRT to Clark Quay MRT
Or take Buses 124, 145, 147, 166, 190, 851 from People’s Park Centre
Or Walk 15min to Clark Quay
EAT: There are many bars and pubs to hit. There are many shopping malls, cafes and restaurants everywhere. Depending on what type of food you want, you can find them all there! One Szechuan hotpot cuisine I would recommend would be
Place: Hai Di Lao
Address: 2nd Floor3D Building, River Valley Road.
Contact: 6337 8626
Opening Hours: 10.30am to 3.00am
Price per person: from S$50
GO: Chill by Singapore River and enjoy the night and lights, try out the reverse bungy activity or visit the colourful Art House in Clarke Quay. You can even make your way to Raffles City to catch a glimpse of the business district or head up to 1 Altitude (find out more in the Party Guide).
Related Reads: Party Guide in Singapore and How To Get Free Drinks
And that is how you can spend a layover, enjoying the 4 main cultures and traditions of Singapore in just one day! If you have more time, find out more about the 3 days itinerary in Singapore with FREE downloads in English and Mandarin! Comment and share what else you would like to see during the short layover.
Trevellers is my way to change the world. Through my stories, tips and lessons learnt, I truly hope to inspire you to get out of your comfort zone, see the world and see who you truly are. Travel is more than just taking a selfie. Travel is an adventure, where you can truly become who you are, give you the time to reflect and grow to become the person you’ve always wanted to be.
Lessons Learnt from Shenzhen, China
