Singapore is without a doubt one of the closest countries Malaysians can visit whether for a short or long getaway. It’s convenient and fairly cheap to get to, plus, there are tons to do here. In spite of its size, Singapore has something for everyone regardless of their hobbies, preferences, likes or dislikes. In fact, with the Chinese New Year holidays approaching, here are some things to do and places to check out based on your interests:
FOOD & BEVERAGE
1. Chow down on Michelin-starred Tai Hwa Pork Noodles at just $6
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That’s right! Contrary to popular belief, you don’t actually have to pay a bomb just to enjoy a Michelin-starred meal! The best part is, this Tai Hwa Pork Noodle is actually just a humble hawker stall that’s been around since the 1930s. Sounds like the perfect place for a chill CNY meal with our families!
What to expect:
- A bowl of delicious al-dante noodles tossed in savoury, vinegary sauce topped with dumplings, tender pork, liver slices, minced pork and sprinkled with fried fish pieces
- If you’ve got a big appetite, you can opt for the bigger bowl at $10 and get extra servings of each ingredient
- Be warned though, you could end up queuing for over an hour, so go early!
Location: 466, Crawford Lane
Opening hours: 9.30am – 8pm daily
2. For some unique cocktails, check out this secret bar known as Operation Dagger
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Head down the darkened staircase into this basement bar complete with unwashed floors and a plain glass door at the entrance. Fun fact: Operation Dagger was named after the police movement to eradicate secret gangs in Chinatown.
What to expect:
- Get ready for some complex, professionally mixed drinks in an intimate setting perfect for the triple connoisseur
- Incredibly unique snacks like the Flaxseed Crisps topped with tomato jam and cucumber vinegar
- If you’re feeling adventurous, give the Omakase a try – at $95 for three courses – where unique flavours and techniques are presented through a series of food and cocktail pairings
Location: 7 Ann Siang Hill
Opening hours: 6pm – 12am, Mon – Sat
FOR SOME ADVENTURE
3. Explore the Sungai Buloh Wetland Reserve and just bask in nature
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Escape the city just for a little bit and go on an adventure in this Wetland Reserve which first opened back in 1993 and happens to be an ASEAN Heritage site as well.
What to expect:
- Prepare to see the most exotic birds in the area including migratory birds that stopover in the reserve during their travel from Siberia to Australia
- Spot other diverse inhabitants such as water snakes, herons, even otters, and more!
- Take gorgeous photos amidst the forest backdrop and other structures
Location: 301 Neo Tiew Cres
Opening hours: 7am – 7pm daily
4. Traverse through Singapore’s Colonial District at Fort Canning Park
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If you love art, history, colonial buildings and venturing through ancient artefacts, this is the place to be!
What to expect:
- This iconic landmark located on a hilltop once sited the palaces of 14th century Malay Kings and served as the Headquarters for the Far East Command Centre and British Army Barracks
- Wander around this vast land and get lost among the decades-old artefacts and greenery
- Capture incredible photos that will surely brighten up your Instagram feed!
Location: River Valley Road
Opening hours: Open 24 hours
ARTS & CULTURE
5. Visit the Haw Par Villa to learn about Chinese mythology like never before
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Formerly known as the Tiger Balm Garden (yes, Tiger Balm), this place was established since the 1930s by the Haw Par brothers and it happens to be an Asian cultural park that’s the last of its kind in the entire world. And yes, this place was set up by the same person (Aw Boon Haw) who created the Tiger Balm.
What to do here:
- Journey through the red brick road, through the majestic entrance way and be mesmerised by vivid depictions of the Ten Courts of Hell, and so much more
- Look out for Chinese classics such as Journey to the West, and the Eight Immortals
- Take pictures with the unique denizens housed in the park including the Laughing Buddha, Horse-Face and Ox-Head, Mermaids, Sun Wukong and more.
Location: 262 Pasir Panjang Road
Opening hours: 9am – 7pm daily (currently closed for maintenance but will reopen on 1 Mar 2019)
Fee: Free
6. Be mesmerised by bright and colourful lights at the Singapore Night Festival
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Now, who wouldn’t enjoy a Night Festival, especially if you’re one who loves art and colourful lights! Come be a part of this magical event as the Bras Basah Bugis precinct transforms into works of wonder during nightfall.
What to expect:
- Colourful, larger than life, light performances where light takes on different forms and textures
- Stand in awe of the different installations, presentations and more that will surely put your imagination to the test
- Other memorable activities to look out for include outdoor movie screenings, club-themed workouts, art workshops, live music and more!
Location: Bras Basah Bugis precinct
Date: Over two weekends between 17 and 25 August 2019
FOR THE SHOPAHOLICS
7. Drop by the Joo Chiat/ Katong neighbourhood for a mix of old and new
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This little gem located in the East promises you nostalgic, old, traditional shophouses along with modern day yoga studios, cafes and more.
What to expect:
- Shop for beautiful Nyonya outfits like the kebaya or sarong, as well as beaded slippers, handmade accessories, terrariums, feline-related merch, and more
- Enjoy window shopping amidst pre-war architecture in the form of colourful shophouses decked with intricate motifs and ceramic tiles
- Hungry or thirsty? There’s plenty to eat and drink as well. From hipster cafes to traditional snacks and so forth.
Location: Joo Chiat/ Katong neighbourhood
Opening hours: Varies according to individual shops
8. Go window shopping or bargain for the best deals from over 600 shops at Bras Basah.Bugis
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Whether you’re looking for high street brands or a good bargain, you can get it all here for sure! From modern to contemporary, clothing to homeware, this is where you can find it all. Perfect if you need to get some Chinese New Year shopping done!
What to expect:
- For high-end streetwear, drop by Bugis Junction, or head to Bugis Street Market and check out the 600 over shops there for some cheap bargains
- Also known as an art and heritage district, get ready for a distinctive shopping experience
- There are plenty of museums in the area too including the National Museum of Singapore, the Singapore Art Museum, the Peranakan Museum and more.
Welp, that’s it for now, but how cool do these places look?! Some more all in Singapore! So nearby!
Well, if you’re now contemplating whether or not you should head on down to Singapore, you’ll be glad to know that Klook is actually offering RM30 OFF all Singapore activities now!
That’s right! All you have to do is use the promo code SGKLOOK30 on any of the Singapore activities and book before 10 February 2019 (with a minimum spend of RM450).
Some of the places and activities available on Klook include Universal Studios Singapore (1-Day Pass), Singapore Night Safari, National Museum of Singapore, Singapore Zoo and more!
Interested? Then make sure you visit Klook’s website to find out more or book an activity today!