Getting to Know Singapore: Neighbourhoods, Transport, and Everyday Living Tips

Of course some advantages include stringent laws for public safety and a well-developed transportation system. So, where should you stay for your visit to Singapore? What are the transport choices and how to navigate everyday life for longer stays? That’s what we uncover for you below.

Top Neighbourhoods in Singapore for Your Stay

There are several wonderful neighbourhoods that you can consider for your stay in Singapore.

Chinatown:

You can stay in Chinatown which is a dynamic neighbourhood fusing modern innovation and heritage. You will love the bustling vibe with its temples, wine bars, designer boutiques and hawker centres with their delicious food. The restored shophouses and independent cafes will attract you here along with the vibrant markets and cocktail bars.

The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is the biggest landmark in Chinatown along with the Sri Mariamman Temple (the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore). The Chinatown Street Market is ideal for snacks and souvenirs, while other attractions include Ann Siang Hill and Club Street. Of course, if you’re a foodie, the Chinatown Complex Food Centre is a must-visit with its acclaimed food stalls, tea houses, bakeries and multiple restaurants. MRT connectivity is excellent as well.

Little India:

Little India is where the true essence of Singapore comes alive. You will love its colourful and aromatic vibe with amazing Indian heritage, right from the temples and flowers to music, spice stalls and a lot more. There are several stores for spices, gold jewellery and sarees with lovely markets and striking street art.

Do not miss the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple nearby that worships Goddess Kali and the Tekka Centre which combines a hawker centre and market into one amazing landmark. Try delicious Indian food and wander around the Serangoon Road and thoroughfares like Kerbau Road.MRT connectivity is also readily available in the neighbourhood.

Kampong Glam:

Kampong Glam is another heritage locality with a distinct Arab and Malay heritage. You will find several historic mosques and buildings here along with textile shops and independent boutiques. There are specialty coffee stores here along with hip nightlife joints. Check out the murals and record stores, while hitting the bars in the evening.

The Sultan Mosque is the key landmark of the place along with the shops along Haji Lane and Arab Street. Haji Lane, in particular, is famous for its fashion circuit, street art and nightlife. The food here is amazing, while restored shophouses add to the charm of the locality.

Marina Bay:

You will love staying in Marina Bay which offers a lovely view of the skyscraper-laden skyline and the waterfront. You will be dazzled by this futuristic neighbourhood with its cultural institutions, waterfront promenades, luxury hotels and rooftop bars. Some of the biggest landmarks here are the Marina Bay Sands and the amazing Gardens by the Bay with the iconic Supertree Grove.

The Merlion Park is another iconic place to visit here along with the Marina Bay waterfront. Multiple restaurants helmed by celebrity chefs are available here along with cafes and food courts. The Helix Bridge is also worth exploring for its incredible views.

Some other top neighbourhoods include the shopping and retail haven of Orchard Road, which also offers great connectivity and a central location. You can also consider Robertson Quay for its riverside dining experiences. Tanjong Pagar is about heritage fused with modernity, while Tiong Bahru is known for its trendy cafes and art deco housing structures. Holland Village is the place to be if you want a more bohemian and relaxed experience.

Transportation in Singapore- What You Should Know

Wondering how to get around in Singapore? Here are some key aspects worth noting in this regard:

• The MRT is the main travel option with the lines spanning the whole island. Buses are also helpful for local travel.
• You can use a SimplyGo-enabled card (contactless mobile wallet or credit card) or purchase an EZ-Link card instead.
• Gojek, Grab and Tada are dependable options for ride-hailing and taxi services.
• Make sure you avoid the peak rush hours (7-9 AM and 5-8 PM) in order to bypass packed local trains.
• If you’re at the Changi Airport, you can take the shuttle to get into the city, since these vans offer drop-offs at most leading hotels in central Singapore.
• Make sure you tap your card or insert tickets at the start and end of the journey. The metro has multiple zones with fare calculations based on the distance and number of zones that you cover.
• Get a Singapore Tourist Pass for unlimited public transport travel (1-3 days). The Singapore Tourist Pass + Sentosa Express Bundle also offers a tourist pass with the advantage of express tickets to Sentosa.
• You can use SG Bike to rent a bike to get around in Singapore, with innumerable bikes available at leading stations across the city.
• The MRT runs till 12.30 AM, while night buses are also available on public holidays and weekends till 2 AM.
• Some useful apps for travelling in Singapore include Google Maps, Citymapper, SimplyGo and Ryde/Grab. SMRTConnect or Citymapper are particularly helpful for the metro.
• You can also avail some shuttle rides for tourists to get around, including the free lines around Sentosa Island and others.
• You can also take ferries to reach various offshore islands with ease. For example, the Changi Point Ferry Terminal offers rides to Pulau Ubin in less than ten minutes. You can also reach the Lazarus and Kusu Islands through the Marina South Ferry.
• You can also hail official Singapore taxis anywhere in the city, with their signature Taxi sign for you to spot. However, if you’re in the CBD, they can only stop at designated stands.

Singapore Everyday Living Tips

When it comes to everyday living in Singapore, here are a few useful tips that you should keep in mind.

• Singapore has stringent laws against jaywalking, littering and chewing gum. Be careful not to violate the same.
• Do not miss trying the hawker centre food for delicious and pocket-friendly meals. You can use apps like HungryGoWhere to find the best food choices.
• Wear light and breathable clothes to combat the hot and humid weather conditions.
• High-speed internet is widely available to get work done seamlessly.
• Locals usually shop at suburban centres or neighbourhood malls to save more money than only the Orchard Road zone.
• It is better to depend on the bus and MRT networks instead of driving (which can be costly). If you need cabs, use Gojek or Grab.
• If you’re renting a serviced apartment in Singapore or other rental for long-term stays, consider locations just outside the city centre. This will help you save more money.
• Always have a portable umbrella and light jacket for changing conditions (hot, humid, sudden rainfall and chilly indoor malls).
• Get a local SIM card instantly for connectivity, while opening a local bank account (OCBC, UOB, and DBS) for transactions via PayNow.
• Remove your shoes before entering any local home, while remembering that Can frequently means Yes or it is possible.
• The tap water in Singapore is also safe to drink, so keep a refillable water bottle with you on your trip.

Now that you’ve got an idea of the key things associated with planning a trip to Singapore, here’s wishing you a fantastic time ahead!