Why You Should Ditch the Tourist Itinerary
Let’s be real: ticking off major landmarks like Marina Bay Sands, the Singapore Flyer, and Sentosa Island is cool—but it barely scratches the surface of what this vibrant city has to offer.
Locals experience Singapore in a way that’s far more personal and layered. They wander through lesser-known neighborhoods, sip kopi with kaya toast while people-watching, and hit up corner shops that serve better laksa than any 5-star hotel.
Ditching the tourist path allows you to:
- Save money (you won’t believe how cheap things can be)
- Skip the crowds (no long queues or noisy tour groups)
- Get a genuine taste of Singapore’s culture, rhythm, and daily life
And the best part? You’ll stumble upon stories you’ll be telling for years—whether it’s a spontaneous invite to a local temple festival or sharing a table with a chatty uncle at a hawker centre.
Eat Where the Locals Eat (It’s Not Always Fancy)
In Singapore, eating is practically a national sport—and locals play to win.
What’s a Hawker Centre?
Imagine an open-air food court with dozens of stalls, each specializing in one or two dishes perfected over decades. That’s a hawker centre, and it’s where the best meals are hiding in plain sight.
Must-Try Local Dishes:
- Carrot Cake (Chai Tow Kway) – Spoiler: no carrots. It’s radish cake fried with egg and preserved radish, crispy on the outside and oh-so-satisfying.
- Bak Chor Mee – Minced meat noodles with vinegar, chili, and braised mushrooms.
- Laksa – A spicy coconut-based noodle soup that packs a punch.
- Roti Prata – Crispy Indian flatbread served with curry.
Hidden Foodie Gems:
- Tekka Centre in Little India – Amazing biryani and fresh juices.
- ABC Brickworks – Home to Yi Sheng Hokkien Mee, an absolute flavor bomb.
- Bedok 85 Market – Known for its delicious (and budget-friendly) BBQ stingray and soup-based bak chor mee.
Here’s the secret: Go during off-peak hours, grab a tissue packet (it’s how locals ‘chope’ or reserve seats), and just ask around. Locals love recommending their favorite stalls.
Getting Around Like a Pro: Master the MRT + Bus Combo
Singapore’s public transport system is one of the cleanest, safest, and most reliable in the world. Locals rely on it daily to zip around the island in comfort and with ease.
MRT Basics:
- Air-conditioned, efficient, and ridiculously punctual
- Signs and announcements in English, Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil
- Operating hours: 5:30 AM to around midnight
Grab an EZ-Link or NETS FlashPay card from any 7-Eleven or MRT station, or just tap your contactless card or smartphone.
Explore Offbeat Stops:
- Botanic Gardens (Circle Line) – Not just a garden, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Labrador Park (Circle Line) – Quiet sea views, a park connector, and even a small WWII bunker.
- Kranji (North-South Line) – Access to Kranji Marshes, Bollywood Veggies farm, and rustic countryside vibes.
Bus Tips:
- Use Google Maps or SG Buses app to track arrivals.
- Buses go deeper into residential neighborhoods and are air-conditioned.
- Always tap in and out, even when transferring.
And don’t worry if you get lost—Singaporeans are generally happy to help if you ask politely.
Live Like a Local: Condos Near MRTs That Locals Love
In Singapore, where you live can make or break your experience. Condos near MRT stations are highly sought-after because they offer easy access to everything—work, food, shopping, and leisure.
Why It Matters:
Singapore is small, but that doesn’t mean you want to spend half your day in transit. Locals are strategic—they choose homes where the MRT station is less than a 10-minute walk away, so they can hop between work, social plans, and errands with zero stress.
Top Condo Picks by Locals & Expats:
- The Sail @ Marina Bay – Perfect for those working in the CBD. You’re literally above Raffles Place MRT.
- The Continuum (Paya Lebar / Dakota MRT) – Surrounded by iconic eateries, indie cafes, heritage shophouses, and even the Geylang Serai Market.
- Duo Residences (Bugis MRT) – Close to cafes, museums, and hip Bugis Junction. Great for creative types.
- Queens Peak (Queenstown MRT) – Ideal for families and those wanting access to nature and malls.
- Sky Vue (Bishan MRT) – Directly linked to Circle and North-South lines, plus it’s near Junction 8 Mall.
- Echelon (Redhill MRT) – Stylish, modern, and just a few stops from the city core.
Local Tip:
Many condos have facilities like pools, gyms, BBQ pits, and even co-working lounges. If you’re planning a longer stay, this lifestyle is hard to beat.
Hidden Nature Spots That Only Locals Know
You don’t have to escape the city to find green spaces. In fact, nature is woven into urban life here.
MacRitchie Reservoir:
Locals jog here before work or hike the 11km loop on weekends. The TreeTop Walk, a suspension bridge 25 meters above the forest floor, offers views that rival any rainforest canopy.
Coney Island:
Rustic and wild, this island is connected to the mainland by a small bridge. Rent a bicycle at Punggol Park and spend a quiet morning here exploring sandy paths, spotting wild boars, and enjoying sea breezes.
Thomson Nature Park:
Built on the ruins of an old Hainanese village, this park is unique. Locals come for shaded walking trails and a glimpse into Singapore’s forgotten past.
Mount Faber & Henderson Waves:
A sunset favorite! Locals walk from Mount Faber to Henderson Waves, Singapore’s highest pedestrian bridge, for epic skyline views and romantic vibes.
Shop Local (Skip Orchard Road)
Don’t get us wrong—Orchard Road is fun, but Singapore’s indie shopping scene is where the magic’s at.
Where Locals Really Shop:
- Haji Lane – Boho-chic heaven. Local designers, thrift stores, and street art galore.
- Tiong Bahru – Explore BooksActually, pick up designer stationery, and snack on tau sar piah.
- Katong / Joo Chiat – Blends heritage Peranakan shophouses with hip cafés and boutique stores.
Support local by buying handmade jewelry, indie fashion, natural skincare, and heritage-inspired home decor. Plus, you’re contributing to small businesses that give Singapore its creative edge.
Local Experiences You’ll Brag About Later
Want to make friends and soak up the real Singapore spirit? Do what locals do.
Sing Your Heart Out:
Karaoke is a national pastime. Grab a private room with friends at:
- K.Star – For themed rooms and neon lights.
- Teo Heng KTV – A budget-friendly local fave with straightforward vibes.
Supper Culture:
Locals eat late. Like, really late. Top supper spots include:
- Swee Choon Dim Sum – Open till 2AM. Don’t skip the mee sua kueh.
- 126 Dim Sum Wen Dao Shi – Affordable, fast, and open almost all night.
Quirky Fun:
- The Projector – An indie cinema inside an old theatre. Shows cult classics and local films.
- Play Nation – Board games + bubble tea + aircon = perfect rainy day hangout.
Nightlife Picks:
- Keong Saik Road – Boutique bars, old-school charm, and rooftop chill.
- Tanjong Pagar & Duxton Hill – Trendy but not pretentious.
- Dempsey Hill – Perfect for a breezy night under fairy lights and trees.
Speak Like a Local (A Little Lah Never Hurt Nobody)
If you want to blend in, sprinkle in some Singlish. It’s endearing, expressive, and a badge of cultural pride.
| Singlish Phrase | What It Means |
| “Can or not?” | Can you do it? / Is it possible? |
| “Alamak!” | Oh no! / Surprise! |
| “Don’t play play” | Don’t mess around / Serious stuff |
| “Lah, Lor, Meh” | Emphasis particles—add flavor! |
| “Chope” | Reserve (e.g., a table or seat) |
Even if you mess it up, locals will love that you’re trying.
Planning Your Local-Style Adventure
To really blend in, here’s how to plan a day like a Singaporean:
- 8:00 AM – Kopi and kaya toast at Ya Kun Kaya or a neighborhood kopitiam.
- 10:00 AM – MRT to a nature trail like MacRitchie or a walk in Tiong Bahru.
- 12:30 PM – Lunch at a hawker centre. Ask a local what’s good.
- 2:00 PM – Chill in a bookstore, café, or boutique shop.
- 5:00 PM – Sunset at Marina Barrage or Mount Faber.
- 7:00 PM – Dinner in Katong or Chinatown.
- 9:00 PM onwards – Karaoke, a night market stroll, or late-night dim sum.
Wrapping It All Up
Exploring Singapore like a local isn’t about how many places you visit—it’s about how you visit. Slow down, get curious, and let your senses guide you. Try foods you can’t pronounce, hop on a bus to nowhere, and chat up someone in line at the kopi stall.
That’s where the real adventure begins.