Budget Singapore

Description:

Although in the heart of the city center, this trendy and hip hotel is located on Mt. Emily, away from the main bustle. The nearest subway station is Little India, and this is a seven-minute walk away. Orchard Road is within walking distance and the Financial District is just about three subway stations away. The hotel is also near major museums and Little India. It is about a 25-minute drive from the Singapore Changi Airport.

Description:

Located in a row of preserved heritage shophouses on one of Singapore's most picturesque streets, Sleepy Sam's provides high quality lodgings for backpackers. Choose from mixed or female-only dorm rooms, or private single, double or triple rooms. Facilities include internet access, free local calls, hot showers, a fully equipped kitchen and outdoor bbq facilities.

Our Local Expert Says:

One of the most authentic shopping experiences in town.

Description:

One of the biggest and busiest wet markets in Singapore, this is the place to head to for the real authentic experience. It has a large fish and seafood section, plenty of fresh fruit and veg, and thanks to its location in the heart of Little India, lots of Indian spices and curry pastes. The stalls upstairs are a good source of Indian clothing and sari material and the food stalls specialise in Indian food. It is conveniently located right next to Little India MRT station so is easy to get to.

Our Local Expert Says:

Good quality vegetarian Indian dishes at low prices.

Description:

Komala Vilas is the Indian equivalent of a greasy spoon - a casual diner dishing up cheap and cheerful Southern Indian vegetarian cuisine. They serve up some of the best Masala Dhosai in town, which are best enjoyed washed down with a cup of ginger tea.  A second branch on Buffalo Road is equally as popular. The best part is, lunch for two will still give you change from $10.00. 

Our Local Expert Says:

One of the best hawker centres in town.

Description:

Though it used to be well beloved, the locals think this place has become quite touristy -- though lunchtime finds it still packed with financial district workers. Once the happy little hawker center known as Telok Ayer Market, it began life as a wet market, selling fruits, vegetables, and other foodstuffs. Now it's part hawker center, part Western fast-food outlets.

It all began on Market Street in 1823, in a structure that was later torn down, redesigned, and rebuilt by G. D. Coleman. Close to the water, seafood could be unloaded fresh off the pier. After the land in Telok Ayer Basin was reclaimed in 1879, the market was moved to its present home. A new design by James MacRitchie kept the original octagonal shape and was constructed of 3,000 prefab cast-iron elements brought in from Europe.

In the 1970s, as the financial district began to develop, the pavilion was dominated by hawkers who fed the lunchtime business crowd. In the mid-1980s, the structure was torn down to make way for the MRT construction and then meticulously put back together, puzzle piece by puzzle piece. By 1989, the market was once again an urban landmark, but it sat vacant until Scotts Holdings successfully tendered to convert it into a festival market. At this time, numerous changes were made to the building, which was renamed Lau Pa Sat (Old Market) in acknowledgment of the name by which the market had been known by generations of Singaporeans. Lau Pa Sat is one of the few hawker centers that's open 24 hours, in case you need a coffee or snack before retiring.

Our Local Expert Says:

Step back in time to the 1950s

Description:

Colbar, short for 'Colonial Bar' used to be a canteen off Portsdown Road for soldiers who lived in the nearby barracks. In 2003, Colbar shut down to make way for a new highway but its regulars petitioned and instead, Colbar was shifted, each and every brick of it, to the location nearby where it stands now. The menu serves mostly greasy pub grub - burgers, bangers and mash, fish and chips. Chug it down with a mug of beer and contemplate life on a tropical far-flung Island with the lush greenery around you. -Teo Wan Yuan

Our Local Expert Says:

For a more discerning hawker market experience.

Description:

Give in to temptation at this open-air foodie's paradise! Perched by the waterfront, the restaurant comprises 12 top-notch city hawkers, with charming little carts, all loaded with lip-smacking street food. Diners feast on delicious munchies under the stars—a fun-filled mêlée ensues in case of a sudden shower, as revelers scramble for cover under some thoughtfully-provided umbrellas. Choose from large portions of chicken rice, juicy crabs, succulent oyster omelets and spicy barbecued chicken wings, among a smorgasbord of such delicacies. Then, sashay over to your reserved (read grabbed) seat facing the skyline, and relish your meal with a tall glass of sugarcane juice or beer as the city lights twinkle in the distance.

Our Local Expert Says:

A fascinating insight into the rich history and culture of Buddhism.

Description:

The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum is located in the heart of Chinatown. The magnificent temple building comprises five floors and a roof garden and was designed to incorporate the best of the Tang Dynasty and the Buddhist Mandala.

The Sacred Buddha Tooth Relic Chamber is the most revered part of the temple and can be found on the 4th floor. Its importance is evident in the magnificence of the room, complete with gold floor tiles surrounding the solid gold stupa. The roof garden houses the Ten Thousand Buddhas Pavilion with its large Vairocana Buddha Prayer Wheel, while the excellent Buddhist Culture Museum can be found on the 3rd floor. This houses an impressive collection of rare Asian Buddhist artefacts, which accompany a display on the life story and teachings of Lord Buddha. The 100 Dragons Hall on the ground floor is where the daily ceremonies take place, when the chanting monks and congregation add to the air of reverence.

Our Local Expert Says:

A great place to unwind and relax.

Description:

Just a 15 minute walk from the retail frenzy of Orchard Road brings you to the relaxing and peaceful Botanic Gardens. This 52 hectare park provides a huge variety of areas to explore, including lakes, fountains, sculpture gardens and well-manicured lawns, all linked by well signposted paths.

The highlight is undoubtedly the National Orchid Garden, where you can marvel at the largest display of tropical orchids in the world - over 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids, all cultivated here. In 1957, the Singapore Government began to honour state visitors and other VIPs by naming selected orchid hybrids after them. There are now over 100 of these VIP orchids, so keep a look out for the Margaret Thatcher, Princess Diana, Nelson Mandela, Jackie Chan and even Ricky Martin orchids!

Other visitor favourites include the Rainforest – a 6-hectare slice of the original rainforest that once covered the island of Singapore; the Evolution Garden, which takes you on a journey through time, from the era of the dinosaurs through to the modern world of flowering plants; and the Jacob Ballas Children's Garden, a fun and educational area specially designed for kids, including a maze, suspension bridge, tree house and secret cave.

Our Local Expert Says:

A moving and humbling experience.

Description:

The Changi Museum is dedicated to the memory of all those who suffered incarceration during the Japanese Occupation of Singapore from 1942-45, and is probably the most harrowing collection of stories in all the war museums of Singapore.

This incredibly moving exhibition is put together based on interviews with former inmates, Prisoners of War and their families, with direct quotations used where possible. Personal accounts of torture and humiliation at the hands of the Kempeitei are interspersed with stories of the hardship of rationing and high inflation, and the struggle for survival. Just as shocking are the brutal statistics that accompany the personal memories – such as the 16,000 Prisoners Of War who died from hunger, physical abuse and tropical disease whilst being forced to labour on 'Death Railway', a railway line being built by the Japanese to cross the Thai/Burmese border.

Entrance to the Chapel and Museum is free, but it is well worth paying for the personal audio tour which really brings the exhibition to life with additional stories and actual interviews with survivors.

Description:

Sentosa, home to the Resorts World Casino and Universal Studios is also where to head to if you want to spend the day on the beach.  Lining the southern side of Sentosa Island – Siloso, Palawan and Tanjong are popular hangouts for locals and visitors alike, especially at weekends when all beaches become particularly crowded with sun-worshippers and beach-sport lovers. The beaches are home to several bars, restaurants, shops, hotels and tourist attractions, meaning you can happily while away an entire day or week here. A leisurely stroll from one end of Siloso Beach to the far-end of Tanjong Beach will take you around two to three hours and there are plenty of refreshment opportunities on the way. Free beach trams run the length of the beaches if your weary legs won't carry you back again.