Singapore Guide

Below you will find a selection of my (Hayden Quinn (opens in a new tab)) favourite spots, hidden gems and best eats in Singapore.

This page, map (opens in a new tab) and information will be constantly updated as new trips take place and more hot tips come in from our friends, plus you guys (if you have anything you think MUST be on the list, send me a DM on Instagram (opens in a new tab)!) so be sure to check back frequently and share with your friends…

SINGAPORE

FOOD

hawker & food centre

ChinaTown Complex (opens in a new tab) - this was a little breakfast mission with Sam, we wanted something cheap and something local and this food centre was just around the corner from our hotel. We did a couple of laps of the centre and sussed out what looked best, then we saw a massive line for “Economic Noodles” which were selling for $1 per plate and looked amazing (plus the line was a give away that it was good) . We grabbed some of the economic noodles, plus a gentleman in the queue gave us the tip on some amazing fresh spring rolls two stalls down from the economic noodles and they were amazing also! And super cheap cheap!!!

Newton Food Centre (opens in a new tab) - this is the classic (and recently seen in the feature film Crazy Rich Asians (opens in a new tab)) - I visited here when we were in town with Qantas and Singapore Tourism filming some stuff for inflight advertisements - we did the rounds, had a lot of food, the Singapore crab was amazing (not sure which hawker stand we got it from) plus there was a craft beer stand (which was good, but I prefer just regular Tiger when in Singas - which you drink with ice on a hot night!) Walk around, soak it up. As they say, you could eat here every day for a year and not get bored with the food.

Lau Pa Sat Food Court (opens in a new tab) - Hawker Centre classics.

Toa Payoh West Market & Food Centre (Lorong 1) - (opens in a new tab) this hawker centre has some of the best Laksa that i have had in Singapore. I cant remember the name of the vendor as we were there filming for work but it was amazing. Plus there is a Michelin Starred Hawker stand in this centre (we didn’t get to visit it as it was closed on the day we were there (rare) as the owners were doing something for Michelin). Def worth checking out. Very legit.

Changi Village Hawker Centre (opens in a new tab) - we had lunch here prior to catching the ferry over to Pulau Ubin (opens in a new tab) - this was one of the more “local” Hawker Centre’s we visited as it is well away from any hotels or tourist infrastructure, and in an area with local workers and also a lot of military folk. The Nasi Lemak we had here was unreal!!!!!

Bukit Timah Market & Food Centre (opens in a new tab) - a good mix of all your Singas food centre classics! A suggestion from my mate Matt.

Tiong Bahru Market (opens in a new tab) - a new visit for me on the most recent trip with a recommendation to get the Hokkien Mee (the first shop on the left as you come up the escalators) called Hong Feng Fried Sotong Prawn Mee

KILLINEY KOPITIAM (opens in a new tab) - I stumbled across this spot when I was looking for another spot that I was planning to eat at but I had limited time and this spot looked legit (and it was). Super local feeling, I was the only white guy in there, and a mix of cuisines and dishes as you would expect in a food hall. I went for the Indonesian as I was wanting to try a rendang and it was delicious.

cHEAP EATS

Tiong Shian Porridge (opens in a new tab) - this is where Sam and I had Frog Porridge - we stumbled upon this place when we were out looking for breakfast, there was a crowd of locals so we thought it must have been ok! Turns out it was pretty awesome! Tricky ordering but we just pointed at what we wanted and it turned up!

Banana Leaf Apolo (opens in a new tab) - Indian food that will blow your mind. Big long tables, loud people, exciting dining experience, my mouth is watering thinking about this spot and how good it was! I can’t wait to go back. The fish head curry is the speciality and the go to here…Rip in!

Tong Fong Fatt Hainanese Chicken Rice - you can’t come to Singapore without having chicken rice! Granted, you can find this dish at about every hawker centre, but my favourite is from the Tong Fong Fatt crew, they are at a number of different spots so if you see their sign get amongst it!

Yu Kee House of Braised Duck - another lunch spot, cheap, cheerful BBQ duck and pork (no beers, I really wanted a beer with this lunch and they didnt serve haha also there are not little mini marts I could see in the area) food was good, simple, cheap and cheerful! I think it is a bit of a institution with locals from the area. MIchelin guide write up here… (opens in a new tab)

Lian He Ben Ji Claypot Rice (opens in a new tab)

Sing Swee Kee 新瑞记 Hainanese Chicken Rice and Zi Char (opens in a new tab) - Singaporean classics right here, you will find plenty of options to eat Hainanese Chicken Rice but this is one of the best.

FANCY

Labyrinth (opens in a new tab) - one star Michelin restaurant on the bay (a little hard to find, it is inside the complex up the escalators) but Chef Han shows off local Singaporean cuisine and old school dishes done in a very finessed manner.

Burnt Ends (opens in a new tab) - run by Aussies, this joint is off the hook! So good. It’s not cheap but its worth it! Make someone else pay and get the big dog steak!!!

Burnt Ends Bakery (opens in a new tab) - sweet treats and savoury pastries (plus coffee), a couple of locations..

FYSH (opens in a new tab) - located inside the EDITION Hotel and brought to life alongside the great Josh Niland, this is a spot if you want delcious food executed at a top level.

Belimbing (opens in a new tab) - a new/gen Singaporean restaurant.

Mustard Seed (opens in a new tab) - a small eatery highlighting the vibrance of Singaporean cuising through a modern lens

INTERESTING

Smith Marine Floating Restaurant (opens in a new tab) - we had lunch here after doing a keelong tour around Pulau Ubin. The only place you can get lunch out on the water!

BARS & NIGHTLIFE

Native (opens in a new tab) - Cocktail Bar - beautiful venue with out there cocktails! These guys do some seriously cool twists on a classic cocktail utilising local, “native (opens in a new tab)” ingredients in their drinks, including a big line up of boutique spirits from around Asia.

Atlas (opens in a new tab) - beautifully appointed Art Deco lobby bar - a suggestion from my mate Matt.

Lantern (opens in a new tab) - great view over the bay, semi fancy and not cheap (but nowhere is in this part of Singapore) good spot to see light show from Marina Bay Sands.

CÉ LA VI (opens in a new tab) - go for the epic view and pretty cool scene (and people) leave for the $$$$ beers and cocktails. I am pretty sure there is a door charge to get up here.

Muddy Murphys Irish Pub (opens in a new tab) - if you are looking for a creamy glass of the brown stuff, this is the spot for you.

SITES & ATTRACTIONS

Little India (opens in a new tab) - I love this area, so many markets, so much food, so many sites, smells, vibes, feels, take a walk around and soak it up! You will find everything here.

Katong (opens in a new tab) - this is old world Singapore, with colourful shop houses and old teak architecture, it is an epic spot to check out. (Especially for those that love a good Insty photo!!! haha)

Pulau Ubin (opens in a new tab) - if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Singapore main island then a quick trip over to Pulau Ubin is spot on, the ferry you take is a quaint old wooden boat that drops you off at the island which is popular for hiking, mountain biking, bird watching, butterfly’s, it’s pretty sweet!! You can hire bikes on the island. Take some food with you, we didn’t really see too many options?

Gardens by the Bay (opens in a new tab) - this is an obvious tourist stop, but one that is quite enjoyable, the park is spread out and doesn’t feel crowded, plus it is a nice respite from the concrete and steel of the city, surrounded by amazing greenery and sculpture. I have only been during the day time, however seeing it at a distance at night, it is quite a spectacle.

Flower Dome - Gardens by the Bay (opens in a new tab) - if you like colour and love orchids as much as I do, this is the stop for you. Epic. It is amazing what they achieve here.

Cloud Forest - Gardens by the Bay (opens in a new tab) - I could have stayed in here all day! Such an amazing experience, the waterfall as you walk in is spectacular and the whole set up will just blow your mind. Plus it is about 20 degrees cooler inside haha so a nice reprieve from the heat.

Singapore Oceanarium (opens in a new tab) - this was a great visit, so good for the whole crew (young and old), plus it is a great escape from the heat! When we visited I did one of their tank dives. I had never done a dive like this before and it was awesome. The team was super professional and very vert onto safety and ensuring you have the best experience. You can also learn to dive here.

Cable Car (opens in a new tab) - grab the cable car (opens in a new tab) too/from Sentosa. It is a great way to check out the area, but not for the faint of heart, its high, and the car we got was the “premium” one and that has a glass floor!

Naturalist Night Adventure (opens in a new tab) - I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. Our guide was amazing and we got to see snakes, scorpions, frogs, toads, and all sorts of other awesome critters! Loved how informative it was and the walk is quite accessible for all ages and definitely not a “bush walk” most of the path is sealed.

fITness

Run a loop (or two) around the bay - there is a walking / running path all the way around the bay, you will see all the other joggers doing laps. It will be crowded, so pick your time wisely but people are generally pretty good about being conscious of runners. I think it is just under a 5km loop… This is my run on Strava here… (opens in a new tab)

Ketam Mountain Bike Park (Pulau Ubin) - not only is Pulau Ubin a beautiful natural reserve it also has some great mountain bike trails which are popular with locals and expats!

Southern Ridges (opens in a new tab) - this was a cool area to run, lots of trails and tracks in and out of the forest, plus some epic vantage points for good views (and there were a few spots with public toilet access, always important!!!)

hotels

The Fullerton Hotel Singapore (opens in a new tab) - worth a look! Classic old world style and class. I would love to stay here one day. I would imagine it is quite expensive.

Marina Bay Sands Hotel Tower 3 (opens in a new tab) - I have never stayed here, however I have been lucky enough to visit the crazy infinity pool (this is normally reserved for guests only)

Dorsett Singapore (opens in a new tab) - this is where we stayed when I was working with Qantas in Singapore (simple, not a bad location, nothing fancy)

The Standard Singapore (opens in a new tab) - I stayed here on my most recent trip and it was a great stay! The hotel was clean and modern and rooms were great. Pool is clean and perfect to cool off (does get busy!). The location is not right in amongst it, you cant just walk out your door and be in the mix, it is a little walk to shops etc.

The Clan (opens in a new tab) - some of the team stayed here and enjoyed the hotel. Location is great and right in the mix with lots of food and drink options in the area. A bit more central.