Singapore Shopping, Hawker Markets & Dining Spots Guide

Friends of mine just returned to Thailand after spending a month in their native Singapore for their elections. Nearly all of their plans were disrupted by unexpected twists and turns but all of them fell into a new order, not of their design, and perfect in the experienced results. How often does that happen? Never.

I love to travel. The experience of new cultures and people renders a more comprehensive understanding of us humans. Singapore can offer multiple culture shocks due to the variety of represented cultures with long-standing growth there. You cannot hope to experience them all in one visit. It is a better plan to choose a small section and delve deeply into each neighborhood, one by one.

A decelerated pace will allow you to feel more and create more memories than ten thousand video reels or shorts. There are markets where you can eat Michelin star hawker food and visit a different stall for months without repeat. A Google search will give you more than 84 million results of popular restaurants in Singapore. How can you sift through all of that?

As I mentioned, pick one area or district such as Orchard Row. Here you will find lovely hotels, rooftop bars, high-quality international cuisine, brand shopping, and all you need to complete a great trip to Singapore all within walking distance and speed.

It is in walking that you meet shop owners and food stall operators with warm hearts and conversation bursting from them. Stop in with a smile and say hello, Ni Hao or Salam, depending on the other districts you might visit.

Explore for your first few days and do not buy anything but mark the shops to come back and visit. You will cover more area with free hands. During your last day or two do all of your shop purchases. When the owners see you again they will recognize you and be happy to see you.

Maybe you are not on vacation but in S’pore for one of the many annual business meetings and congresses that take place here. Planning is easy then, just set out from your hotel and dig into that district.

Little India, Chinatown, and Sentosa Island round out the most visited districts with Orchard Row. Culture and history ooze from between every brick. Temples and structures of diverse belief systems, accompanying fashion, and family recipes dating back generations await you.

Travel is not cheap and you may not have another chance to see Singapore. This type of trip requires a dedicated driver to be the most enjoyable.  Plan a budget for that and use your hotel to arrange a reliable relationship.

Between 17 and 18 million people arrive as tourists each year to Singapore. They have a very efficient immigration system and policies. On this link, you can verify if you need an entry visa and apply for one. Make your arrival and stay as fluid as possible with the knowledge and preparation that is provided for free. Have a great trip.