Singapore is renowned for its shopping. However, after almost 4 weeks there I can assure you there is a lot more to see and do there than shop.
I’m working on a few posts for Singapore, which will feature some of what I got up to whilst I was there, and of course, I will be recommending some of my favourites. So, I thought I’d start with some places that rarely come up on a tourists itinerary. Singapore’s less visited spots are really worth considering.
The city is extremely built up and the ongoing development continues everywhere you go. There are however some interesting places that some how go against the urbanisation, and don’t quite fit. Hopefully they will remain that way. Check out some suggestions below.
Pulau Ubin
I received recommendations from a couple of people who had been here, suggesting that if I felt the need to escape or wanted to experience a little bit of Singapore as it once was, then, I should add Pulau Ubin to my itinerary.
rustic toilet
Despite planning a visit here in conjunction with venturing to Changi, in hindsight it warrants a full day, if time permits. Just 10 minutes from the jetty in Changi village, on a wooden bumboat for S$2.50 each way, this little island is guaranteed to take you back in time.
Changi village
Changi village itself is worth a visit. Why not stay there for a couple of days as it’s ideally located for the airport. It’s another area that allows you to escape the city and which is also the home of the Changi prison museum and chapel. Here you can find out about the treatment endured by the prisoners of war during the Japanese occupation of Singapore. Read about my detailed recommendations here.
East
The East part of the island has more of ‘the real’ SE Asia. A walk round the areas that have a personality all of their own is certainly an eye opener. In fact they leave you wondering if you are still in Singapore at all.
Geyland
Geyland is where you will find Singapore’s red light district. Although it isn’t quite as easy to locate as I was led to believe. The suspicious looking vendors with a variety of sex related drugs along the pavement is a indication that you are in the right area. The assortment of brothels, girlie bars and alleys filled with prostitutes is found a little deeper than I was comfortable to venture.
I spent some time browsing the variety of food vendors/restaurants in this area. It clearly lures in the crowds as each one was busy with locals enjoying steaming bowls of noodles, plates of seafood and buckets of tiger beers. There were also countless options where you can sample a variety of innards. Although perhaps less than appealing to most westerners stomachs. Don’t let that or the lower standards of cleanliness put you off. Some of these are the best places to eat on the island.
I was a little startled to see a cockroach run across the pavement. And the grime along the street is a complete contrast to the majority of Singapore. This is truly like ‘the real’ SE Asia that I have come to love. Come prepared and with an empty stomach and you won’t be disappointed.
Interestingly, during the daytime the area has a much more spiritual atmosphere with huge temples and mosques and pretty shrines.
Those familiar with Singapore may have other suggestions for the misfits category, I’d love to hear about them.
