Rediscover Singapore Through the Eyes of a Non-local - Have You Been to These Places?

When thinking of places to visit with your friends in Singapore, you wouldn't immediately gravitate towards touristy places. However, it stands to reason why such tourist spots are touted as “must-visit” destinations, as they reflect Singapore’s rich and diverse culture. This article contrasts the then and now of visitor hotspots and explores why they’re still great places for locals to visit. 

Chinatown

Originally the dwelling of early Chinese immigrants from varying dialect groups, Chinatown has since become a charming mix of culture and commerce. It still carries echoes of the past while embracing the 21st century with Buddhist temples, perfectly preserved shophouses and shopping centres lining the same street. Each district has something for everyone, from art exhibitions to quaint Chinese bookshops to shops selling streetwear and pre-loved branded goods. After a gruelling day of shopping, meander along the seemingly endless stretch of traditional food stalls in Chinatown Street Market to rest and refuel. A perfect example of revitalising cultural and heritage sites, this popular tourist hotspot effortlessly blends modernity and tradition.

Kampong Glam

Once the seat of power for the Sultan of Johor, Kampong Glam has since transformed into a vibrant hotspot for locals and tourists. Painted in striking colours and adorned with eye-catching street art, shop houses once home to the Malay-Muslim quarter have been transformed into trendy bistros and local retail stores. Today, they attract a younger crowd eager to snap Instagrammable photos or enjoy a meal. While it was revamped, it still continues to pay homage to the past, with stores selling goods from Arabian perfumes and incense to K-pop merchandise of your favourite groups. This eclectic mishmash of traditional and trendy makes for a must-visit to immerse yourself in Singapore’s history while enjoying a vibrant atmosphere.  

Bugis Street

Bugis Plus and Bugis Junction, with its sleek and polished interiors, is completely unrecognisable from its history as a place once crawling with drunks, pimps, and prostitutes. Its unsavoury past as a haunt for tourists to enjoy a raucous night out is but a thing of the past as it has rebranded itself into a shopping haven for locals and tourists alike. For inexpensive and trendy clothes and accessories, Bugis Street is the place to indulge in retail therapy without breaking the bank. This must-visit tourist destination has certainly shed its sordid reputation, leaving its infamous reputation behind - and perhaps that’s where it’s best left.

Written by: Chong Tien Ee

09/2024

Sources:

Chinatown Business Association. (n.d.). Grassroots Book Room. https://chinatown.sg/shop/grassroots-book-room/

Condé Nast Traveler. (n.d.). Best things to do in Singapore. https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-things-to-do-in-singapore

National Library Board. (2015, October–December). Bugis: The sea gypsies of Southeast Asia. BiblioAsia, 11(3). https://biblioasia.nlb.gov.sg/vol-11/issue-3/oct-dec-2015/bugis/

Shafinah J. (2023, April 3). The royal past of Kampong Gelam: An inspired guide to Singapore’s neighbourhoods. Somewherelands. https://www.somewherelands.com/kampong-gelam-an-inspired-guide-to-singapores-neighbourhoods/

The Next Crossing. (n.d.). Exploring Singapore’s Chinatown. https://thenextcrossing.com/exploring-singapore-chinatown

Time Out Singapore. (2023, October 17). The ultimate guide to Chinatown. https://www.timeout.com/singapore/things-to-do/the-ultimate-guide-to-chinatown