5 Days in Singapore

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DAY ONE

Morning – Toing Bahru

This neighborhood will not be on the top 10 attractions of Singapore, but I wanted more of a local vibe and I knew they had some beautiful wall art by Yip Yew Chong. You don’t need much time, so take some pictures with the life like painted scenes, grab some food and check out the area.

Lunch at Tiong Bahru Market

I knew I wanted cheap, local street food and the Tiong Bahru Market has so many amazing stalls of authentic food – even vegetarian options!  I highly recommend you eat at one of Singapore’s Hawker Centres. For a good guide on where to eat visit here. The Tiong Behru Market is said to be the most spacious of the centres and was recently renovated so it is clean, and keeps you cool. You will need cash to buy your lunch and beverage (I had a tough decision between a coke, lemon sweet tea or a beer) 😉

Singapore was SO humid (as I expected) so I was not able to check out some nearby coffee shops, so if you have the time and are craving some caffeine or sweets check out these places:

• Tiong Bahru Market
• The Orange Thimble
• Flock Cafe
• Forty Hands

After exploring this charming neighborhood, I wanted to check out Riverside Point, and walk around the charming/busy area of Clarke Quay. Many restaurants have happy hour deals 7 days a week – just another reason I quickly fell in love with Singapore 😉 You can also take a boat tour if you want to be out on the water!

Octapas – happy hour

I chose a white sangria for the hot and humid day – I returned to this area for another happy hour and some Mexican food – It is perfect for a sunset drink or mid day refreshment!

Evening – Arab Street

Arab street and the whole Klampong Glam area of Singapore was by far my favorite areas of Singapore – it seemed authentic, filled with hipster bars and coffee shops – aka this place was made for me. I had my eyes set on Haji Lane but Arab street really surprised me! This area impressed me so much I wrote an entire blog post on it that you can view here.

Dinner – Beirut Grill

I can NOT recommend this place enough – the best falafal sandwich I have ever had – the food was amazing, sitting on the streets on a warm night paired with a nice house red glass of wine = perfection. Don’t even yelp places to eat – just head here!

DAY TWO

Morning – Artistry Cafe & Haji Lane

This place is way more than a cafe! Their menu looked SO good  – I hope to go back and eat here on my next trip. Put this on your list for breakfast or lunch before you head down to expore Haji Lane.

Afternoon – Little India

Best known for the colors and food, I adored Little India. Our hotel was right beside it, so it was easy to walk over and venture around taking in all the beautiful murals (common theme in Singapore)! So if you want that picture with an awesome background (like I always do – basic girls unite) this area is for you. We had dinner another night here, but if you need a suggestion, head to Banana Leaf Apolo – Mango Lassi was A+ in my book.

Drinks – Smoke & Mirrors

There are so many bars with amazing views in Singapore this one was located on top of the national gallery and they whip up some amazing not so cheap cocktail 😉

DAY THREE

This day it rained off and on so if you want an itinerary for a rainy day – feel free to use this one!

Chinatown

Living in Japan we have a pretty great Chinatown – but Singapore’s did not disappoint! Thanks to a cheap 7/11 umbrella (travel tip: pack a rain jacket or umbrella if you can manage – it rains on and off)! Our first stop was the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple – give yourself sometime to explore all 4 floors – especially the roof! It was a beautiful surprise!

We then continued walking around the area to see the Sri Mariamman Temple (the oldest Hindu Temple in Singapore).

Travel tip: If you are a woman, you will need your shoulders covered and need to wear long shorts, skirt or dress of some kind – they have wraps for you, but if you don’t want to wear what is provided – come prepared! I personally liked wearing what they had 🙂

Lunch – Hawker Chan

Take a swing at the cheapest Michelin Star meal in the world – less than $10 for both of us and it happened to also be amazing! Still hungry? Head to Lau Pa Sat for some fresh juice or shaved ice as you continue walking through downtown.

Evening – drinks at Level 33

What is a better rainy day activity than drinking some beer at the World’s highest urban craft brewery? The view was amazing (even through the clouds and rain – although I wish it had been clear). We ordered the beer flight for the full experience followed by some GREAT cocktails – so if you are not a beer drinker, order the “Skyline.”

For some more rooftop bars click here.

Night – Singapore Flyer, Marina Bay at night & Gardens by the Bay

We checked off major things on our list this night! I am obsessed with Ferris Wheels – I mean, they are the BEST way to see a place, am I right?! Adult tickets cost $33.00, children $21 and seniors $24. The first ride is 8:30am and and last is 10:00pm. If you are like us, and want to see the flyer and Gardens by the Bay at night – enjoy the night skyline and marina bay views on your walk from the Flyer to the Super Trees! Bonus: if you want another sweet view – go to the cafe at the top of one of the super trees for a $20 entry fee that includes a drink.

DAY FOUR

Morning – Cable Car to Sentosa Island

We took the train to the HarbourFront station, walked to the Sentosa Station and took the cable car (my favorite part!) over to Sentosa Island. We only paid for the basic Mount Saber line pass but while you are waiting in line, check out their other packages to save some money!

Afternoon – Tanjong Beach Club

Tanjong Beach, according to my research is known as an adult friendly beach – that is where we headed! (All shuttles and trams on Sentosa Island are free)! SO it was super easy to get there. We sat by a pool on the beach and enjoyed a cocktail and appetizer.

Evening – S.E.A. Aquarium and Chili crab

There are so many activities you can participate in on Sentosa Island, but we decided on the aquarium then completed our time there with some Chili Crab (no matter where you try this, you have to make sure to eat this famous Singapore dish)! With a Tiger beer of course….

DAY FIVE

The last day our plan was to climb the MacRitchie Reservoir Treetop walk (to do when I go back) but we wanted more of a relaxing day to see some sights we hadn’t seen. We ate at db Bistro & Oyster bar at the Marina Bay Sands then enjoyed the cloud forest (highest indoor waterfall!) at the Gardens by the Bay followed by dinner at Clarke Quay.

I loved everything we did! If I was to go back – I would spend at least one night in the Marina Bay Sands (that pool!!!) and would have gone to the Supertrees at sunset! You really can’t go wrong – Singapore offers SO much.

PHEW. That was long. I love being able to look back on all the places I visited and ate because I have a horrible memory (I blog to help that) 😉 I also hope this gives a little insight into ALL that Singapore has to offer!

Any other places you love in Singapore?

Til next time,

Katherine