TRAVEL GUIDE: Exploring Singapore's soulful spots and global eats

Singapore Science Park

Singapore has plenty of picturesque hangout spots, and one underrated place is the Singapore Science Park. This hub is home to numerous laboratories, multinational corporations, and lifestyle facilities, including the Geneo Mall. 

Geneo features a striking open-air plaza with a glass canopy and towering timber pillars that create a serene, cathedral-like atmosphere. At the heart of it all is an expansive amphitheater that can hold up to 300 people. The venue not only serves as a place for social hangout, but it also welcomes those who need to get some work done, as there are multiple charging outlets.

Beyond that, Geneo also has a variety of retail, dining, and lifestyle amenities, including an outdoor ginger-themed garden called The Seed. Here, visitors can explore a spectrum of colors, fragrances, and textures from a total of 22 plant species, many of which are part of the ginger family, a nod to their use in Singaporean culture. There are also lounge chairs that give a view of the pond filled with pink water lilies. 

If you’re eager to delve more into the beauty of nature, a short walk from Geneo is Kent Ridge Park. This 47-hectare park is notable for being the site of one of the last and fiercest battles fought by the Malay Regimen against the invading Japanese army in 1942, but it also feels like a serene, hidden forest with dense trees, longer walking trails.

A little further is one of the 20 fitness stations in the park. It’s a great place to squeeze in some cardio using the outdoor gym equipment, with plenty of shade from the trees and a cool breeze to help you power through.

Walking forward will lead you to a hilltop with panoramic views of Singapore’s port area. But the real treat is the 280-meter-long Canopy Walk that leads you through the forest and leads directly to Reflections at Bukit Chandu. Once a colonial bungalow that housed British army officers, the structure has now been transformed into a museum that houses photographs, maps, and artifacts on the history of the Malay Regiment's World War II battle.

Admission to the exhibits costs S$7.63 (P339) for adults, and families of three can even score a discounted rate of S$22.89 (P1,017). It’s a relatively small museum that shouldn’t take too long to explore.

GETTING THERE: Ride the train to the Kent Ridge MRT station and take Exit E. You'll find yourself at the second basement level of Geneo.

From Geneo, walk along Science Park Drive. After you pass the DNV Technology Centre on your right, look for a small, paved path beside a lawn. Take this path to enter Kent Ridge Park.

PRO TIP: Begin by exploring the park before heading to Geneo Mall for a meal.

Ng Teng Fong Roof Garden

Singapore is a colorful mosaic of culture and history, and visiting the country’s national museum is a must on your itinerary. 

With a reputation as the oldest museum in the country, the Singapore National Gallery has a treasure trove of ancient artifacts, indigenous artworks, and sacred stories that span centuries. But did you know that above it is a rooftop garden?

Ng Teng Fong Roof Garden welcomes visitors with its vibrant plant life, wooden benches, reflective pools, and expansive views of the sky. On a normal day, the area may seem like it has nothing to write home about, but on special occasions, exhibitions of invited artists from around the globe are displayed.

These artworks, combined with the view of the open sky, will give you a multi-sensory experience that will move you in ways you won't expect.

On the chance that there’s no exhibit going on, don’t head down just yet. The garden gives you access to the Padang Deck, one of National Gallery Singapore’s most prized spots. You’ll see iconic landmarks such as the Esplanade, the country’s national performing arts center, and the Singapore Flyer, one of the world's tallest Ferris wheels.

The roof garden and deck are just one of the several areas in the museum that are free to visit. Others include the Laws of Our Land: Foundations of a New Nation, an exhibit that highlights three pivotal laws that shaped modern Singapore, and Listening to Architecture: The Gallery’s Histories and Transformations, which traces the transformation of the City Hall and former Supreme Court buildings into the National Gallery Singapore.

There’s also a pastry shop, Bakery Brera, offering cakes, tartlets, muffins, and more, as well as a souvenir shop right by the exit selling artful shirts, jewelry, and other trinkets.

GETTING THERE: Take the MRT to City Hall station on the North South Line or East West Line. From there, use Exit B and walk through the underpass that leads directly to the Gallery. It’s located at the former Supreme Court and City Hall buildings, just a short stroll away.

PRO TIP: Visit Padang Deck at night to get some really aesthetic shots of the city lights.

Singapore Oceanarium

If you're with your family, the Singapore Oceanarium located at Resorts World Sentosa is a must-visit.

Boasting a total of 22 attractions, the oceanarium treats visitors to giant viewing panels, life-sized animatronics, digital projections, and more. For those who love watching marine life documentaries, your whole body will tingle with excitement the second you step inside.

The oceanarium welcomes visitors with a jellyfish display. The section holds several species, ranging from the small and cute Fried Egg Sea Jellies to larger ones such as the Pacific Sea Nettles. The most impressive attraction of them all is the 6.8-meter-wide kreisel tank that holds more than 1,000 moon jellyfish.

The next room gives you a blast from the past with its installations dedicated to prehistoric sea creatures. Upon entering, you’ll immediately be greeted by the animatronic jaws of a Dunkleosteus, an extinct fish that ruled the ocean more than 380 million years ago. There are also life-sized replicas of other formidable predators of the seas.

At the Shark Seas area, you can get a good, long look at these predators.

The highlight of our aquatic journey was perhaps the Open Ocean, which boasts an awe-inspiring 36-meter-wide viewing panel. With the tank being one of the largest in the region, it’s teeming with approximately 120 species of sea creatures, including three manta rays affectionately called Mako, Manja, and Mika. 

Continuing your journey will lead you to another tunnel, but this time, it houses a large man-made shipwreck that now serves as the home of a variety of fish.

One of the last zones you’ll go through is The Abyss, which is definitely something you wouldn’t want to miss. This is where you’ll see deep-sea creatures like Botan Shrimps, Orange Squat Lobsters, Elephant Fish, and Japanese Spider Crabs.

Your trip will reach a fitting end with a souvenir shop selling keychains, stuffed toys, tote bags, jewelry, t-shirts, and more.

General admission to the Singapore Oceanarium costs S$50 (P2,223) during weekdays and S$55 (P2,445) during weekends, public holidays, and the full month of June and December.

GETTING THERE: Take the MRT to HarbourFront station on the North East Line or Circle Line. From there, head into VivoCity and board the Sentosa Express to Resorts World Sentosa. The Singapore Oceanarium is located within Resorts World, just a short walk from the station. If you get lost, just look for the Universal Studios theme park as it is right next to it.

PRO TIP: Allow at least four hours to be able to check all 22 attractions of the oceanarium.

Rainforest Wild ASIA

Another must-visit is the Rainforest Wild Asia, a new wildlife park in Mandai Lake Road that officially launched in March 2025.

Unlike traditional zoos, where the animals are kept in enclosures, animals can roam freely at Rainforest Wild Asia. Be ready with your camera, as you can spot them randomly.

There are two ways to go about your journey: an elevated walkway for those who can’t handle the rugged terrain or simply want to admire the park, and ground-level adventure trails that are perfect for those seeking a closer connection to what the rainforest has to offer.

The zoo is home to 36 species of animals, many of which are rescues. One of the first animals you'll likely see is the François' langur, a medium-sized monkey. They live in the zoo’s Karsts, a mountainous habitat featuring towering limestone formations.

Among the majestic animals you may encounter are the zoo’s two Malayan tigers, Sulong and Sali. These wild cats live in the Rock Cascade area, where they can be seen near a large waterfall or roaming the forest floor within a fenced enclosure.

The tigers are a bit tricky to spot. One tip is to stay alert and listen for the roars of the tigers as they could be prowling nearby if you’re passing by the forest floor.

The Watering Hole section, meanwhile, has a pond where an estuarine crocodile lurks in the water.

Other animals you can see at Rainforest Wild Asia include sun bears, the Philippine spotted deer, reticulated pythons, Malayan tapirs, Asian brown tortoises, and more.

Be sure to visit the 220-meter-long underground cavern, which is a replica of the Mulu Caves in Sarawak, Malaysia. Here, you’ll find yourself enveloped by a cathedral of stone, with rock formations and stalagmites. Asian forest scorpions, Madagascar hissing cockroaches, cave racers, and blind cave fish can be found in this area.

On top of the adventure trails and animal encounters, you can enjoy several thrilling activities, including the AIA Vitality Bounce (S$15 or P664), Canopy Jump (S$20 or P885 for a 13-meter jump or S$26 or P1,151 for a 20-meter jump), and rock climbing at the karsts (S$56 or P2,480).

General admission to Rainforest Wild ASIA is S$45 (P2,002).

GETTING THERE: Take the MRT to Khatib station on the North–South Line. From there, you can board their own Mandai Khatib Shuttle service for S$2.50 (P110.75), which takes you directly to Mandai Wildlife West, where the park is situated.

PRO TIP: If you're doing the AIA Vitality Bounce, you should pack extra clothes as you'll likely break a sweat.

Botanic Gardens

Not too far from Orchard Road is the Singapore Botanic Gardens, which became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015—the very first and only tropical botanic garden to earn that honor.

Once inside, you can wander through a collection of over 10,000 plant species, including orchids to ancient heritage trees. While entry to the main Gardens is free, a ticket is required to enter the National Orchid Garden ($15 for adults, $3 for seniors and students, and free for children below 12 years of age).

If there is one area not to miss, it's Swan Lake, a spot perfect for quiet reflection. For a more lively atmosphere, head to the stage at Symphony Lake, where you can relax on the open field and enjoy the events that are often held there.

The Singapore Botanic Gardens covers 82 hectares, so you can easily spend a whole day exploring. Once you're done, you can head to their shops or have a bite at the many restaurants in the property.

GETTING THERE: Alight at Napier Station on the Thomson-East Coast Line. This station is very close to the Tanglin Entrance. Another option is to get off at Botanic Gardens Station, which is directly connected to the Bukit Timah Gate.

PRO TIP: The Gardens have several gates, and each one leads to a different part of the park. So be sure to take note of the entrance so you won't get lost.

Discover Tanjong Pagar Community Green

Singapore's commitment to transform into a “Garden City” by 2030 is made possible by utilizing green roofs, lush parks, and eco-friendly designs in its spaces. Because of this, searching for a nice park to unwind is never a challenge.

Tanjong Pagar Park is an ideal spot to jog, take a stroll, ride a bicycle, or have a picnic.

There are benches, outdoor swings, and even some exercise equipment in case you want to burn out some calories. The park’s glass-canopied plaza also doubles as a spot for yoga classes and other wellness events. On some days, you can even catch music performances and art shows!

In addition, Singapore has mastered the concept of vertical gardens, as seen in the Oasia Hotel, which showcases a facade covered in 21 species of creeping plants.

Those who have an eye for nature can also appreciate its rich wildlife. Ecology firm bioSEA recorded a total of 95 species at the park, such as insects and even chickens running around.

GETTING THERE: Take the MRT to Tanjong Pagar Station on the East-West Line or take a bus to nearby stops along Tanjong Pagar Road, Anson Road, or Shenton Way.

PRO TIP: Go on a short stroll from DTP to Tanjong Pagar Plaza. You can explore the hawker food stalls and wet market to pick up some snacks or drinks to enjoy while relaxing in the park.

Where to eat: A world of flavors

PRO TIP: If you're planning to go cashless, you can easily use your GoTyme Bank debit card for your meals, as most restaurants accept card and contactless payments. That way, you can also earn points.

Wursthans Singapore

As the country is home to a multicultural society made up of Chinese, Malay, Indian, Eurasian, and other communities, you’ll find that its culinary offerings have something for every appetite, whether it's a craving for something familiar, a desire to explore new flavors, or a bit of both. And Wursthans Switzerland fits right in. This all‑day casual dining concept specializes in classic Swiss favorites and shines the spotlight on rösti dishes.

These are made from cooked, grated potatoes that are pan-fried until crispy and golden brown, but with a tender, buttery potato interior.

Wursthans Switzerland has a wide variety of toppings for its rösti, and each of them was named after a mountain in the Swiss Alps. They also give you the option to create your own meal with combinations of main and side dishes.

Among their newest offerings is the Swiss Creamed Spinach meal (S$18.90 or P833), which has fresh spinach cooked down and enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce partnered with thick-cut smoked bacon and the signature rösti.

Another dish is the Angus Beef meal (S$25.90 or P1,142) made with creamy sauteed mushrooms and mouthwatering beef.

The restaurant also takes pride in its jumbo rösti items, and one dish you should try is the Mönch (S$18.90 or P1,070), which features original Swiss Veal Bratwurst and caramelized onion. The dishes go well with the Swiss Burnt Broccoli (S$5.90 or P334) as a side dish.

GETTING THERE: Take the MRT to Paya Lebar Station and use Exit A. Once outside, turn right, and the restaurant is located at the entrance of Paya Lebar Quarter Mall.

PRO TIP: Wursthans Switzerland offers a variety of sauces to pair with the toppings. Try the House Sour Cream, Cream Sauce, and the Curry Aioli.

Firangi Superstar

The Indian community is one of the largest ethnic groups in Singapore, so it's no surprise that the food scene has its fair share of Indian cuisine. But Firangi Superstar, along Craig Road, elevates your dining experience with a unique setting that feels as if you've walked straight into a movie set.

The restaurant has built a reputation around its four themed spaces that will immerse you in India's culture through meticulous decorations reminiscent of a Wes Anderson film. The dark lighting further adds to the intimate and romantic ambience of the restaurant.

Inside, you'll quickly be greeted by the restaurant's bar called "The Officers Club," which pays homage to how officers of the British Raj would rest and relax over a few drinks. The walls are decorated with actual photos of old Indian officers. On the way to the main dining room is the "Old Railway Room." This is a private space designed to look like you're enjoying a meal inside the carriage of a railway train traveling in India. 

For the central dining hall, the area is divided into two themes. The first one is the Elephant Palace, and from the name itself, this section dazzles with all kinds of elephant imagery, from the stone statues to the tapestry filled with colourful parades of the majestic mammal. The second section is The Jungle Lodge, which resembles a renowned hunter's house with over-the-top decorations of artificial moose heads and artworks of tigers.

Co-owner Rohit Roopchand told L!fe that Firangi Superstar serves as their "love letter" to India.

"I'm Indian, and I grew up most of my life outside of India, so this is my kind of romanticized version of India and all the things about India that you read about or heard about," he said.

Another unique feature of the restaurant is how its menu takes the form of a newspaper with actual clippings of past articles, making an entertaining read as you wait for your meal. You'll notice that the items have all been given whimsical names, and Roopchand explained that it was because he wanted to "defy tradition."

"We wanted to make sure that people weren't perceiving us as a traditional Indian restaurant. So when we started to think about how we represent our dishes, we were like, 'How do we make it just the wackiest, most whimsical dish name that people will not have any association with?' But when they taste the food, it will remind them of the Indian dishes that they would have tried before," he said.

You can tease your appetite with The Nut Kraken (S$32 or P1,411), an octopus, cooked pollichathu-style while marinated in spices, wrapped in banana leaf, and grilled to perfection. There's also Big Baller Peperoni (S$28 or P1,235), featuring a crispy, golden-brown burrata sphere served atop a bed of tangy, umami-rich Manchurian chilli sauce.

For the main course, their most sought-after dishes are the Back In The Saddle (S$21 or P926), which is tandoori-spiced lamb, cooked to tender perfection and infused with confit garlic and curry leaves. You'll also get a taste of heaven with The Royal Mug (S$88 or P3,882), made from succulent chicken stuffed with quail eggs on a bed of velvety cashew cream sauce and freshly shaved black truffle.

Vegetarians can opt for the Awadh We Go (S$45 or P1,985), an umami-rich portobello kofta stuffed with potatoes and served with an earthy black lentil base and a bold, peppery nihari.

You can wash down your meals with the Rasmalai "Tres Leches" (S$16 or P705) finished with a scoop of housemade saffron ice cream.

GETTING THERE: Alight at Maxwell MRT station and walk along Neil Road until you get to the Mondrian Singapore Duxton. Take a turn towards Craig Road until you spot the restaurant.

PRO TIP: Each item in the menu has a vegetarian option, so just let the staff know if you’d prefer your food meat-free.

Samy's Curry Restaurant

For a quieter kind of Indian charm, make your way to Samy's Curry Restaurant. Tucked in Dempsey Hill, the South Indian restaurant was first established in the 1960s and was built within an old white colonial house. While it has since been modernized, the restaurant still largely kept its traditional roots with a homely open-air setting. In the afternoon, sunlight streams through the large teak windows.

The menu has a whole page dedicated to their Fish Head Curry (S$21 or P926). Samy's Curry used the head of a red snapper for this dish, which is served in a piping hot claypot. Its firm and tender meat allows it to absorb the rich, spicy curry flavors, and the restaurant uses a lot of them—from turmeric and tamarind to their own blend of chilli powder.

Another must-try item is their Fish Cutlet ($2 or P88), which is a fried minced fish meat dish. From the first bite, the savory, tender fish meat fills your mouth with flavor.

The Butter Chicken (S$15 or P661) is another signature dish. The chicken cubes are enveloped in a thick gravy of butter and cream with a hint of spice. You'll want to order more naan or an extra cup of rice.

For a sweet finish, try their Mango Lassi (S$4 or P176). This yogurt-based drink is the perfect way to cap off your meal.

GETTING THERE: Take the Circle Line or East–West Line MRT to Farrer Road station. From Exit A, it’s about a 23‑minute walk through Holland Road toward Dempsey Hill. Alternatively, you can catch the 174 bus route and alight at the “Opp Peirce Road” stop. It's just an eleven‑minute walk away from there.

PRO TIP: If you prefer to eat with your hands, go ahead; they said it's the best way to really savor the curry.

Belimbing

For more local food but with a twist, reserve a table at Belimbing. This restaurant along Beach Road serves what it calls “new‑gen Singaporean” cuisine, taking familiar flavors and presenting them with a modern twist.

The name is inspired by the belimbing or starfruit, used symbolically to reflect the restaurant’s theme of discovering hidden culinary potential.

It welcomes diners with soothing botanical wallpaper, cozy rattan furniture, wooden flooring, and an eye-catching charcoal mural.

Belimbing takes pride in its four-course menu (S$88 or P3,882) for dinner and a two-course menu (S$58 or P2,558) for lunch. They also have an a la carte selection that’s lunch-exclusive.

The dining experience begins with Belimbing’s cold starters, which include the Smoked Wagyu Ox Tongue with chinchalok, stracciatella, and starfruit and Grilled Firefly Squid that is complemented by kailan, haegor caramel, and strawberries.

Their Crispy Meesua is to die for. The restaurant transforms thin wheat noodles typically used in soups into a communal, crispy cake that’s made more scrumptious by the Batang Otah spread.

Their hot starters include the hearty Braised Angus Oxtail made with beef broth, green tomato, and smoked potato, and the luscious Clam Custard, with its rich shellfish flavor topped with scallops, assam pedas, and white pepper.

Saving the best for last, their mains include their Fried Chicken drizzled with yellow curry, tempura sauce, and gooseberry. Passing up on this extraordinary dish is a mistake you’ll regret for the rest of your life. 

Equally irresistible is the Wok-Fried Nasi Ulam, made with seasonal fish seared to perfection, juicy tomato, and a generous sprinkle of house-made fish floss.

GETTING THERE: Take the MRT to Bugis Station. It’s an 11-minute walk from there, crossing North Bridge Road onto Beach Road. The restaurant is located on the second floor above The Coconut Club.

PRO TIP: If you're with a friend, order different dishes for each course. That way, you can share and try everything on the menu.

Fortuna

While the Tanjong Pagar area is already packed with popular spots, Fortuna is a restaurant that's gaining significant attention. In fact, it placed 28th at the 50 Top Pizza Asia-Pacific 2025 awards and was also named the recipient of the Best Fried Pizza award.

Fortuna offers a truly authentic Sicilian Neapolitan dining experience. Founders Egon Marzaioli and Giorgio Sorce first opened their restaurant in Sydney in 2021 before launching a second branch in Singapore in May 2024.

Marzaioli ensures that more than 60% of the ingredients are imported directly from Sicily and Naples to capture the genuine flavors of his homeland. But while he believes "traditional Italian cuisine" may not truly exist outside of Italy, the goal is to delight guests while honoring Italian culinary traditions.

"Food is about people. It's not about Italian standards. For me, food needs to make people happy," he told L!fe.

You'll definitely want to start with the Ricotta Dip (S$12 or P533) and Frittatina Aglio & Olio (S$15 or P667). For pasta, there's Mafalde (S$36 or P1,601). It's a crowd-pleaser for a reason, with its hearty beef and pork ragu and a layer of perfectly torched smoked Provolone cheese.

Looking for something a little different? The award-winning Sweet Daniele (S$45 or P2,000) pizza is a must-try for a mix of crunchy and creamy textures, featuring prosciutto and a surprising touch of honey.

And in a nod to its home in Asia, Fortuna even offers a local favorite: The Singapore Tribute (S$35 for 4 slices, S$48 for 6 slices), a chili crab pizza.

GETTING THERE: Take the MRT to Tanjong Pagar MRT Station and exit via J or take the Thomson East Coast line and get off at Maxwell Station.

PRO TIP: Getting a reservation can be tough. Your best bet is to arrive and line up before they open at noon, as the queue can get long.

Native

Singapore has a vibrant bar life that’s waiting to be explored. After all, the country isn’t referred to as one of the cocktail capitals of Asia for nothing. While cocktails in Singapore can be on the higher side, the inventive menu at a place like Native makes the experience worth every dollar.

This homegrown culinary concept strives to evoke an appreciation for local and regional products and ingredients among its customers. The bar offers a warm, intimate space with brick walls, wooden ceiling beams, and soft ambient lighting that creates an atmosphere that will have you staying until the bar closes.

To showcase their artistry in serving vibrant flavors through foraged ingredients, you can try one of their most unique drinks: the Chicken + Rice (S$26 or P1,147), which is made with rice vodka, sesame, tomato, cucumber, distilled shoyu, calamansi, and blackened ginger. The drink is topped with chicken garum that is battered and shaped into the form of a chicken foot, a savory bite that enhances the drink’s cool, cucumber taste.

For a sweeter punch, you can get their Strawberry Gochujang (S$26 or P1,147), which is a soju and makgeolli-based drink with gochujang. There’s also Pandan (S$28 or P1,235), which has Indian single malt whiskey, pandan, and jaggery.

Another unique drink they have is Champarado Milkshake (S$26 or P1,147). Don’t take the name quite literally, as it has rum with caramelized white chocolate, rice milk, calamansi curds, and bonito garum.

GETTING THERE: Take the MRT to Telok Ayer station (Downtown Line). From there, it’s just a short six-minute walk to 52A Amoy Street, where you’ll find the bar on the second floor.

PRO TIP: Be friendly with the staff! The bartenders and servers have been known to offer shots on occasion.

Anthology

In a three-storey shophouse on Circular Road, you’ll find Anthology, a new cocktail bar that serves up expertly crafted drinks that celebrate Singapore's local flavors.

The ground floor is where most of the magic takes place. You can choose to sit in the main seating area, where you’ll be surrounded by Southeast Asian-inspired decor, retro posters, and quirky framed art.

Anthology offers a wide selection of cocktails made using unique spirits and Singaporean flavors. Meadmosa (S$20 or P882) is a light and bubbly concoction blending honey mead, passionfruit, and prosecco.

Those thirsting for a stronger flavor can order the Guilin (S$24 or P1,058), which is hom mali rice whiskey mixed with monk fruit and Earl Grey. It also comes with a pei pa koa cherry that adds a subtle herbal sweetness.

Other best-sellers include Imperial (S$24 or P1,058), a savory drink of fat-washed straits vodka and sour plum paired with cucumber with sesame and Peking sauce on the side, and Kopi-O (S$24 or P1,058), which is dark rum, Vietnamese coffee, and almond milk mixed altogether to create a nutty and chocolaty experience.

The magic continues upstairs. There's a private lounge reserved for chartered members and a climate‑controlled barrel cellar, where members can tailor and age their spirits over time.

GETTING THERE: The nearest MRT station is Clark Quay. After exiting, walk along New Bridge Road and make a turn onto Upper Circular Road. Continue straight and cross onto Circular Road—Anthology Bar will be just a few steps away.

PRO TIP: The best seat in the house is at the bar counter, where you get a front-row view as the bartender prepares your drink.

What to do: A walk through history

KADA

Originally a 102-year-old mission hospital for women and children in 1923, KADA has since been transformed into a place where dining, fitness, and community converge. This four-story lifestyle hub opened in March and is already making a buzz.

The first floor houses cafes and restaurants, which are mostly homegrown. If you want to get some exercise done, head to the second floor. You can join a Pilates class through Satori Pilates, or try ice baths at Shiruki Studio.

On the third floor is a fully furnished co-living space, while the rooftop on the fourth floor offers drinks and stunning city views.

But the most interesting part of the building would be "Singapore's oldest working electric lift." In the past, it was used to bring sick kids to the rooftop. Now, visitors can use the manually-operated carriage and gate to move between floors.

GETTING THERE: Take the MRT to Maxwell Station on the Thomson-East Coast Line and use Exit 2. From there, you'll pass by the Maxwell Food Centre, which is just right beside KADA.

PRO TIP: If you want to enjoy the rooftop experience, visit from Thursday to Sunday when both Alani and Proud Potato Peeler are in business. The former is open from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., while the latter starts its dinner seating at 6 p.m.

Shophouses

Experiencing Singapore's charm can be as simple as exploring its neighborhoods. Going around, you may notice vibrant, narrow two- to three-story terrace houses, or what they call shophouses.

Decades ago, it served as a shop on the ground floor and a residence above. Now, the government has decided to preserve and rehabilitate them to safeguard the nation's cultural heritage and unique identity. Some investors hold on to them as collectors’ items, as these shophouses are hard to replicate these days.

You'll find these buildings in districts like Chinatown, Kampong Glam, and Joo Chiat.

Just a few steps away from KADA is Tanjong Pagar. It's a fantastic area to wander, with its streets lined with shophouses turned cafes, restaurants, bars, boutique shops, and art galleries.

But if you want to see more colorful homes, head to Koon Seng Road. This quiet street is famous for its stunning, pastel-hued Peranakan shophouses.

GETTING THERE: From Eunos MRT Station, it's approximately a 15-20 minute walk to Koon Seng Road.

PRO TIP: For photography enthusiasts, look for a good vantage point that will show the shophouses juxtaposed against Singapore's modern architecture. 

Peranakan Tour

For a one-of-a-kind experience, visit The Intan, a private Peranakan home in Joo Chiat, where the owner Alvin Yapp will personally guide you through his collection.

Peranakan culture, a fusion of Chinese and Malay traditions, emerged from the 15th century when Chinese traders settled in the region and intermarried with local women. Yapp grew up disconnected from his own heritage, leading him to become an antique collector.

"In order to learn about my own culture, I went around collecting Peranakan antiques. It was never meant to be a museum," he told L!fe.

Now, his home boasts the largest collection of beaded shoes in Singapore. These shoes, he said, crafted by Peranakan women using French beads and Western designs, were a way to showcase their social status through delicate embroidery. 

Yapp's tour offers a personal touch, as he shares stories and even plays a song on the piano for his guests. You can also try authentic Peranakan dishes from his mother's recipes, with the option of a simple tea experience or a private lunch or dinner, which we highly recommend.

The museum is located at 69 Joo Chiat Terrace. You can book your tours here.

GETTING THERE: From Paya Lebar MRT Station, take bus number 40 towards Marine Parade. Alight at the bus stop at Joo Chiat Road and walk for five minutes until you see the house on your left. Or you can simply exit Eunos station via B and walk for about 850 meters.

PRO TIP: The visit is by appointment, so be sure to book in advance. We also recommend that you choose the private dining experience so you can have a taste of Peranakan cuisine! 

Where to stay: Orchard Road’s finest

Orchard Road's status as an upscale shopping area filled with luxury brands has cemented its reputation as a must-visit destination for tourists.

If you prefer to be near the shopping district, one standout accommodation is the Hilton Singapore Orchard. Its prestige as the largest Hilton hotel in the Asia Pacific means you can expect big things when it comes to comfort and service.

For one, the 1,000-room hotel is only walking distance from major malls like Takashimaya, ION Orchard, 313 @ Somerset, and Lucky Plaza. 

Amenities are top-notch, too. The hotel has a pool, a wellness studio for yoga sessions, and two 24-hour fitness centers equipped with treadmills and cardio machines.

Their Twin Room (starts at S$406 or P17,985 per night) offers a sense of space and comfort with its monochromatic color palette and is complete with two twin-sized beds, a 55-inch TV, a Nespresso coffee machine, and a mini bar.

Their marble bathroom, meanwhile, is equipped with a walk-in rain shower that heats up in just a few seconds, toiletries, and a large vanity mirror. 

The desk by the window is perhaps the room's best feature. Who wouldn't love working with unobstructed views of the city?

Hilton Singapore Orchard is also home to not one, but five culinary establishments—from the open kitchens at Estate, to an elegant afternoon tea experience at Ginger.Lily. But the cream of the crop is perhaps Osteria Mozza, the only Asian outpost of the one-Michelin-starred restaurant by Chef Nancy Silverton—the atmosphere has a homey and inviting vibe, thanks to its Tuscan farmhouse-inspired design.

Interiors aside, it’s the culinary offerings that steal the spotlight, beginning with the classic Margherita Pizza with mozzarella, tomato, and basil. The tomato sauce–kissed crust was phenomenal, perfectly crisp on the outside and hits right with every bite. 

The Fennel Sausage Pizza was also impressive, topped generously with panna, mozzarella, red onion, and scallion.

For pastas, the Tagliatelle with beef cheek and ragù was also full of soul, and the Rigatoni with ragù bolognese delivered comforting richness that lingered on the tongue.

Getting around

The country takes pride in its convenient and efficient transport system, thanks to an extensive and integrated network of roads, trains, buses, and taxis.

The MRT system is the most convenient way for travelers to get around cheaply and easily. It’s clean, fast, safe, and fully air-conditioned. Its network is comprised of six color-coded lines, including the North-South Line (red), East-West Line (green), Downtown Line (blue), Circle Line (orange), among others. Each line connects different parts of the city, and it’s easy to switch lines at interchange stations without exiting the stations.

To use the MRT, all you have to do is tap in and out at the fare gates using contactless cards like GoTyme. This goes the same for buses, which is another easy way to get around the country. Bus stops are easy to spot and usually come with route maps.

Best time to go

Singapore has a hot and humid climate year-round, much like the Philippines. The ideal time to visit is between February to April as these months fall just after the monsoon season.

July to October is considered the peak season, with breezy weather and warmer evenings. The month of August is the best period to go if you want to catch events such as the National Day Parade held every Aug. 9 or the Singapore Night Festival, which generally takes place for several weeks from late August to early September. While hotels may increase their prices, the lively atmosphere and abundance of events during this period make it well worth the extra cost.

Watch the Singapore travel guide video below:

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Disclaimer: The trip was made possible through the support of our partners GoTyme Bank, the Singapore Tourism Board, and Hilton Singapore Orchard.

To let you start experiencing beautiful travels and banking, use this special referral code: GOTYMEPHILSTAR. It will give you 50 Go Rewards points when you sign up for a GoTyme Bank account and make your first physical debit card purchase of at least P50.