I have 2½ days in SIN

[p--and--t]

I have 2.5 days in SIN in Feb. Haven't been there in nearly 20 years Last time I was there we stayed near Raffles and walked to a hawker food centre that operated thru the night and was really buzzing at around 10pm. Can't remember where

Lots of things will have changed in that time. This time I am staying in Havelock rd.

Any suggestions on cheap eats, casual pocket friendly local things to do?

Been to Sentosa and the Zoo and not intending to do any serious shopping (although I do remember visiting an interesting dept store called (Mustafa??) I wouldn't mind wandering around again.

 

[Peasant]

I have 2.5 days in SIN in Feb. Haven't been there in nearly 20 years Last time I was there we stayed near Raffles and walked to a hawker food centre that operated thru the night and was really buzzing at around 10pm. Can't remember where

Lots of things will have changed in that time. This time I am staying in Havelock rd.

Any suggestions on cheap eats, casual pocket friendly local things to do?

Been to Sentosa and the Zoo and not intending to do any serious shopping (although I do remember visiting an interesting dept store called (Mustafa??) I wouldn't mind wandering around again.

My pick for 2.5 days, in no particular order:
- Dinner at the East Coast lagoon food centre - order a few dishes like sambal sting ray, prawn paste chicken and have a cold tiger beer and a coconut on the beach
- A visit to Old Airport Road Hawker centre in Dakota - too many good things to recommend one
- Dinner at Satay St, which is located smack bang in the centre of the CBD near Shenton Way
- Have a drink in Haji Lane and wander around Arab St
- Visit MBS and then if you're active, have a walk along the circuitous route around Marina Bay that will take you past the Fullerton hotels, Merlion and Esplanade theatres
- I'd highly recommend Gardens by the Bay - both domes and then some time wandering around the outdoor gardens

The caveat to my list above: many of these are outdoors and for anyone who has spent a lot of time in Singapore, weather can radically alter your motivation to do things.

Will post some others if i think of them.

 

[SYD]

If you go to Gardens by the Bay just beyond is Satay by the Bay hawker market. A newer setup but had a good selection. Open day and night but a bit of a schlep. On a nice evening, there’s some good views walking back along the waterfront.

Chinatown is worth a wander and cheap eats at the Maxwell Food Centre.

Similarly, Little India can be a little manic but also some interesting food options.

Boat Quay is all cleaned up, albeit a bit touristy now but there’s also places in the back streets to eat and drink. Clarke Quay is huge but seems to be more of a night time thing.

I walked up to Fort Canning on my last trip. Hadn’t done that for years. Some interesting gardens and quirky vistas. But not something to do in the middle of the day.

The MRT has undergone a huge expansion in the last 20 odd years. So a lot of these places are now all easily accessible plus you can now just use your own debit/credit card to pay for trips. I had a long weekend there last year and spent a total of A$8 on my 28° MC. That included train to/from Changi and trips around town (Marina Bay, China Town, etc).

 

[OZDUCK]

Good advice already posted above but a few more suggestions. As Syd said, Gardens by the Bay make for a nice walk. Go there in the evening and see the free light show - "Gardens by the Bay light show takes place daily, at 7:45 PM and 8:45 PM.".I also find Satay by the Bay pretty good.

Gardens by the Bay

One of Asia’s premier horticultural destinations, Gardens by the Bay offers a scenic paradise for nature and photography lovers, as well as the whole family. Come explore its world-class attractions!

www.gardensbythebay.com.sg

For a bit of WW2 history the Battle Box tour in Fort Canning could be interesting for you..

Welcome to the Battlebox

Discover the Battlebox, the #1 Museum in Singapore and winner of TripAdvisor Traveller's Choice Award. Book your tour online today!

www.battlebox.com.sg

Mustafa's is still an interesting place to visit and there is a large 'newish' gold jewellery section now for a bit of bling. If possible, try to go earlier in the day and not at weekends because it gets absolutely jampacked. Not far from there you could have a nice curry meal served on a banana leaf and preferably eaten with your fingers at Muthu's.

Muthu`s Curry

www.muthuscurry.com

For those with a sweet tooth like me a visit to this place just off Serangoon Road in Little India for a few tooth achingly sweet Indian delights is always a bit of fun.

Our Story

In 1996, we began our stand alone operations out of a humble store in Little India making us the first and oldest Indian sweet shop in Singapore. Our mission with a box of mithai is to be more than a sweet symphony for your taste buds.We want to bring back smiles, fond memories and sticky...

www.moghulsweets.com

If you are around Arab St have meal at the Zam Zam Restaurant near the Sultan Mosque. I know a number of others on here have eaten there. Upstairs has A/C.

Singapore Zam Zam

Established in 1908, Singapore Zam Zam is one of the most popular restaurant in Town! famous for Nasi biryani, Murtabak, Roti prata for over a century!

zamzamsingapore.com

 

[mrs.dr.ron]

If you want to have lunch at a Michelin starred restaurant I can highy recommend Whitegrass !! They are closed for holidays till 30/01 but maybe can book online ! Bookings essential.
Also the Botanic Gardens are good !

French Japanese | Whitegrass | Singapore

Whitegrass, under the helm of Head Chef Takuya Yamashita, showcases classic French fare with a contemporary Japanese twist.

www.whitegrass.com.sg

 

[p--and--t]

Wow - some great suggestions- thanks to all the above.

 

[CAELBLUE1]

I’d plan for a couple of hours to walk around Jewel on either your arrival or departure. It’s connected to Changi and is a cool shopping centre with some nice features even if you’re not into shopping

 

[SYD]

I’d plan for a couple of hours to walk around Jewel on either your arrival or departure. It’s connected to Changi and is a cool shopping centre with some nice features even if you’re not into shopping

There’s also the Jewel “early check-in” area so you can drop off you bags and go shopping or get early access to the lounges!

Seamless Early Check-In Process at Changi Airport

Experience seamless early check-in at Changi Airport. Streamline your travel with convenient luggage drop-off and start your journey stress-free and in comfort.

www.changiairport.com

 

[AIRwin]

There’s also the Jewel “early check-in” area so you can drop off you bags and go shopping or get early access to the lounges!

Seamless Early Check-In Process at Changi Airport

Experience seamless early check-in at Changi Airport. Streamline your travel with convenient luggage drop-off and start your journey stress-free and in comfort.

www.changiairport.com

Passengers who have checked-in via this facility can get to enjoy perks such as buy-1-get-1-free offers and discounts of up to 20% off participating brands in Jewel!