An Asian getaway to visit Singapore, the “garden city”? Here are the best areas to stay in Singapore!
A Southeast Asian city-state, Singapore is a republic extending over an archipelago of 63 islands with a total area of 719 km². With a population of 5,535,000, it can be difficult to find accommodation locally, especially as Singapore holds the top spot on the podium of the world’s most expensive cities. Having forged its global reputation on its economic prosperity, Singapore has one of the highest standards of living on the planet.
Located in the south of Pulau Ujong Island, Singapore is very densely populated, yet the lush equatorial vegetation and the many parks and botanical gardens that dot the city are like little havens of peace in the middle of the megalopolis. Here’s a mini-guide to help you decide where to stay in Singapore.
GOOD TO KNOW
Airbnb and other short term rentals are not legal in Singapore. While you will not be prosecuted for renting an apartment, (the host might though), you are likely to be turned down or prevented from entering the building by building security and might have to change your plans at the last minute. These laws are likely to change in the next few months but right now, we recommends sticking to hotels.
Singapore Center and Marina Bay
Photo credit: Flickr – Etienne Valois
No waste, no graffiti, no chewing gums: the cleanliness of the streets of Singapore will surprise you. Yet Singapore has more to offer than just the sparkling facades and the beautiful sidewalks: the city-state is a melting-pot of Chinese, Malaysian, Indian, and Western cultures that blend in a wealth of cuisine, music, and fashion. If you only stay a few nights, staying in in the center of Singapore is definitely your most convenient option. Close to the center, it will be hard to miss the Marina Bay Sands hotel, whose iconic silhouette has become a symbol of the city-state. It includes a world-famous infinity pool, a 24/7 casino and a luxurious shopping center.
Little India
Photo credit: Flickr – julajp (A while busy)
Little India is a neighborhood described as a world apart. Located in the south of Singapore, near Kallang, Little India is home to the exotic, non-westernized Singapore, home to the Indian community. Saris, curry aromas, fabric stores, flower stalls, and spice shops punctuate the shopping life of the neighborhood. An inexpensive area served by the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), Little India is a colorful quarter filled with olden-day colonial buildings daubed with bright hues including ochers, yellows, blues, reds and greens. Travelling on a limited budget? Choose this area to stay in Singapore: you will find cheap dormitory options in youth hostels… or even a capsule!
China Town
Photo credit: Flickr – Jabid Ishtiaque
Chinatown is the largest neighborhood in Singapore. Home to a Buddhist temple, a Hindu temple – Sri Mariamman – and the mosque, the area offers a genuine mix of religions and cultures, and is therefore very cosmopolitan. Chinatown’s nightlife is very lively, especially on Duxton Hill and Club Street. To meet Singapore’s locals, there is no better way than to go out in Chinatown: the area houses a myriad of trendy bars and great restaurants.
Geylang
Photo credit: Flickr – G’z
Located south of the city center, Geylang is the favorite district of the local expat community: lively and vibrant, the area is particularly favoured for flat-sharing – a good option if you stay for a while – and if you want to stay in Singapore without being troubled by the language barrier. In Asia, you don’t have to worry about having to cook food: the district of Geylang features an array of food courts where you can eat for cheap.
Holland Village
Photo credit: Flickr – Andrew
Holland Village is the island’s historic district of the island, popular with both locals and tourists. Singapore’s hip and bohemian neighborhood, Holland Village is packed with an ample supply of accommodation, from houses to hotels, as well as apartments and hostels. Nearby, the Botanical Garden – listed as UNESCO World Heritage -, offers pleasant walks. You’ll find many cool cafes and restaurants adjacent to this central and multicultural district and British colonization remains still visible, especially in architecture. Holland Village is an ideal area to stay in Singapore, especially if you’re looking to stay in a village-like atmosphere.
Serangoon
Photo credit: Flickr – Jean
Further north of the city center is another of the expatriate community’ favorite district: Serangoon. Singapore is home to the largest French community in Asia, and this area was built to house British officers, so it’s safe to say that Serangoon has been one of the more westernized areas of the city for a while now. It is a rather expensive neighborhood to stay in Singapore and as one of the more traditional expat neighborhoods, it tends to appeal to people looking for elegant and quiet surroundings. Serangoon is also renowned for its booming food scene though, as the iconic Chomp Chomp food court is located there. If you’re looking for a place that is perhaps less selfie worthy and isn’t as trendy, the underrated Serangoon Garden Market offers great food as well, for slightly cheaper prices and in a more quiet environment.
Main photo credit : Flickr – Kai Lehmann
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Jabid Ishtiaque Le 10/06/2019 à 6h52
It’s great to see my photo being featured in such an wonderful article. Well done and Thanks!