Yunnan to Singapore Travel Experience | Part 2
Our first 48 hours in Singapore flashed by. We still had so much still to see and it was difficult determining what we could pack in for our last two days in Singapore. Thus, our third and fourth days in Singapore were left packing in the most important sites we still had on our checklist. Here’s our version of how you can go about maximizing your last 48 hours in Singapore.
Dive into Singapore Culture: Join a Local Tour
The night before we booked a two-hour tour to learn more about the local lifestyle and history behind the region of Singapore we were staying in. The tour guide, a chill half-Malaysian, half-Chinese woman took us through some affordable-living housing communities within the area we were staying in, shared with us how Singaporeans applied to live in these government-built units, the rules of the communities (pretty strict), as well as explained some of the colonial history, especially some intriguing history behind Lavender Street. Can you guess why it’s named Lavender Street?
After grubbing on some Indonesian food, we headed towards our first major stop of our last 48 hours in Singapore.
Kampang Glam: Snap and Shop at Haji Lane
Located in the Kampang Glam precinct, Haji Lane is a popular destination for Instagrammers to come snap shots, check-in at popular, trending hot spots. With a mixture of quirky murals, tucked-away boutiques, cozy cafes, and local shops, both tourists and young locals can be found roaming the area’s colorful streets.
My girlfriend decided to design a pair of custom sandals at a small shoe shop ran by a Taiwanese owner. From adding the sandal base to selecting custom add-on pins, it was a small way for her to remember out short time skedaddling through Haji Lane, as well as our time in Singapore. Our simple stroll became more of a fashion quest afterward.
Visitors will come across some street art walking into Haji Lane and some murals, mostly located near the restaurants in the center of the street. However, from the stores we saw and the atmosphere, it didn’t quite has the same vibes as some other major hipster streets found in other major cities. But for Singapore, if you’re looking for some small boutiques and am a fan of street art, Haji Lane will be your best best.
Sip on the Magical Cendol
One southeastern Asian beverage, or sweet iced dessert that I have tried in China surprisingly, but not elsewhere is known as a Cendol. Many will probably have seen it online, as it looks like a bunch of neon green strands (made of Pandan starch jellies) mixed in a mint-colored juice. An interesting concoction for sure. As we were on our way out of Haji Lane, we came across a Southeast Asian dessert and I immediately stepped in line. There are a variety of different flavors out there, but most seem to consist of Pandan jelly, sweetened coconut milk, and palm syrup sugar. One day, I’ll find the time to try and experiment with it.
Slurp a Bowl of Pork Rib Tea Noodles
If you’re a foodie, make sure to stop by and look for a bowl of Pork Rib Tea noodles. In Chinese, more specifically from the Hokkien dialect, the dish is known as 肉骨茶, or in Malaysian as “Bak kut teh.” Simmered in a broth mixed with herbs, pork ribs, and spices, Pork Rib Tea Noodles has a distinct taste and has become a popular, local Singaporean dish. Known for its warming properties, the herbs used to make the broth can now be found in a variety of Asian and Western grocery shops for people to make their own Pork Rib Tea Noodles dish at home.
While making our way through downtown Singapore, we came across the popular chain “Leong Kee (Klang) Bak Kut Teh” that makes the Pork Rib Tea dish. However, there was a lengthy line. With no time to lose in line, we went to another nearby restaurant chain that made Pork Rib Tea Noodles. Though it may not be as hip or as delicious as the other location, we were still able to test out one of Singapore’s more popular local dishes. Give it a shot if you’re undecided on what to order for lunch!
National University of Singapore
On this trip, we had a few work-related stops that we had to make, with National University of Singapore among them. A highly reputable university, the NUS has a beautifully spread out campus, with a blend of modern and older buildings. For those who enjoy checking out local campuses, NUS is easy to get around, either by walking or through public buses that have numerous tops throughout the campus.
Outram District: Roam Singapore’s Chinatown and Tintin Store
The Chinatown in Singapore, located in the Outram district, is a bustling area where you can find basically anything. Food, trinkets, clothes, electronic devices, you name it. In Singapore, Chinatown is often referred to as “牛车水”, which in Cantonese means “bullock-water-cart.” This is a reference to the 19th century when animals carried water into Chinatown to supply the area with water.
Singapore’s Chinatown is also made up of a diverse range of architectural styles. Muslim, Southeast Asian, and Chinese designs are all visible throughout. Among the more notable streets stretched throughout the busy area include Temple Street, Pagoda Street, and Mosque Street. Grab some street snacks and meander through the crowds, while taking in the different mosques and temples that are beautifully lit up at night.
Into comics as well? After munching on some delicious Korean food and sizzling hotpot, we decided to scout out the streets of Singapore’s Chinatown. I always feel like there are hidden gems to discover in each Chinatown I visit. For me, that hidden gem was the Tintin store tucked away behind the slew of endless Chinese restaurants packed around every corner. Stepping into the store felt like I was going back into my childhood, as I slowly gleamed over the countless covers of Tintin comics I had read as a kid. Limited edition posters, Singapore-only Tintin collectibles, and Tintin models of characters throughout the series decked the store’s glass shelves. I ended up snatching up a new Tintin model, as well as a difficult puzzle that we could finish and frame for our store back in Yunnan.
Downtown Singapore: Merloin Park
Last but not least, Merloin Park. Our Maximizing Your Last 48 hours in Singapore list, wouldn’t be complete without visiting the symbol of Singapore, the Merlion. After enjoying a meal downtown, we took a nice walk along by the shore to visit the always buzzing with tourists, half-lion, half-fish fountain.
So how do you think we did in maximizing our last 48 hours in Singapore? The city-state, which just feels like one large spread-out city, beckons with endless sights, endless multi-cultural dishes with distinct flavors, fascinating stories, and exciting history to learn about.
Have any recommendations to add to Maximizing Your Last 48 hours in Singapore? We would love to hear about some other local gems to uncover during our next trip to Singapore! At the same time, check out the other sites we visited during our first forty eight hours in Singapore!
Images: Anson Zong-Liscum
