Arab Street District
This Muslim neighborhood is known for its shops with colorful textiles, wicker baskets, Malay costumes, accessories, and food. The Sultan Mosque is the main attraction, but the shops and food are a close second. Along Kampong Glam visit the Malay Heritage Center or chill out in the laid-back food stalls. Head to Kandahar Street for Muslim food or try out some shisha tabacco.
Batam Island, Indonesia
Batam is 20 km (12.5 miles) south of Singapore and can be reached by a 45-minute ferry ride. This Indonesian island is a weekend haven for Singaporeans who flock here for the casinos, cheap seafood, leisure activities, and nightlife. Try go-karting, paint ball, or cable skiing. Head to Nagoya to check out scores of discos and karaoke bars, or tee off at one of the golf courses.
Bintan Island, Indonesia
The Indonesian resort island of Bintan is a 60-minute ferry ride from the mainland. Great for family weekend getaways, the island’s beaches, nature trails, resorts, and golf courses are best enjoyed with an overnight stay. Shop for local snacks, dried seafood, and some handicrafts at Tanjung Pinang and Pasar Oleh Oleh. Get pampered with a spa service, or try one of the eco tours.
Changi Airport (SIN)
Set on the northeastern end of Singapore, Changi is a beach retreat, a respite from the commercial districts. Watch planes fly overhead on Changi Beach and enjoy the changing beach scenery along the boardwalks of Changi Village. Stop by the Village food center for some barbecue seafood, or visit the Changi Museum for an inspirational perspective on Changi during World War II.
Chinatown
Chinatown is a maze of streets packed with colorful pre-war shophouses selling bric-a-brac, clothing, antiques and Chinese herbs. Expect good bargains along Tengganu, Temple, and Pagoda Streets, and the best food on Smith Street. The big malls are located along New Bridge Road. Visit Chinatown Heritage Center, see the ornamental Sri Mariamman Hindu temple, or hop on a trishaw for a tour.
East Coast
Located in eastern Singapore, East Coast is south of the Malay village of Geylang Serai. The largest beach in Singapore, East Coast Park Beach is located here. The 20-km-long white sand beach offers a variety of recreational, entertainment, and dining options. Historical attractions in the area include Changi Chapel and Museum, the World War II Japanese POW camp, and the rural island of Pulau Ubin.
Financial District
Flanked by the Singapore River, the financial district is defined by modern skyscrapers, historical bridges, and Colonial-style buildings. Raffles Place is the center of the commercial hub and a relaxing spot to sip coffee, people-watch, and do a bit of shopping. More shops and local food can be found at Lau Pa Sat, a 150-year-old Victorian cast-iron building.
Geylang
Geylang covers the East central of the city and although a red light district, the throngs of sidewalk hawkers prevail. Stick to odd numbered Lorongs (streets) from one to 39 for cheap and good local grubs. Discover spicy frog-legs, crispy chicken and stinky tofu. Shop stands, Muslim food stalls and a museum are daytime distractions at the Malay Village and Geylang Serai market.
Little India
Little India is a gathering place for the working-class Indian community, foodies, and bargain-hunters. The Tekka wet market is worthy of a walk-through before reaching the main thoroughfare of Serangoon. Stop here for ethnic jewelry, silk saris, henna tattoos, tantalizing spices, and brassware. The 24-hour Mustafa Shopping Center is another must-see. Check out Racecourse Road for Northern and Southern Indian food.
Marina Bay
At the mouth of the Singapore River, Marina Bay is a prominent location with shopping malls, high-end hotels, convention centers, and performance arts. At the Esplanade, Theatres by the Bay, enjoy the city’s skyline, catch some free outdoor performances, or tuck in at the open-air Gluttons Bay for local food. Move on to the iconic Raffles Hotel’s Long Bar for the famous Singapore Sling.
Orchard Road
No other place rivals Orchard Road for its concentration of trendy and upscale shopping centers. Ngee Ann City has everything under one roof, from designer labels and street wear, to jewelry and fast food. Paragon has a string of high-end boutiques and fine eateries, while Hereen and Far East Plaza cater to young crowds. Don’t miss Tangs, Wisma Atria, and Centrepoint for multi-brand shops.
Sentosa Island
The theme-park island of Sentosa has much to offer for families and visitors in the way of history, shopping, golfing, entertainment, and sightseeing. Get there by the cable car for a bird’s eye view of the area, and hop on the free buses to get around the island. The manmade lagoon at Siloso is the busiest. Finish off with retail therapy at Vivo City, the largest mall.
Singapore River
Within the financial district, the Singapore River is home to the cosmopolitan and glitzy nightlife of Boat Quay and Clarke Quay. The water-fringed promenades are lined with bright colored shophouses replete with alfresco dining, bars, and clubs. Party till the wee hours at Clarke Quay, or simply take a tranquil boat ride on the river.
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