The El Camino Travel Guide to Singapore
Written by Emma Brode
Source: The Warehouse Hotel
Singapore is a city of contrasts: Old meets new, East meets West, hawker centers meet Michelin-starred rooftop restaurants. Located on the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, this city-state has transformed from a humble fishing village into a sprawling modern metropolis that spans over sixty islands and islets. As a former British Colony and trading outpost, Singapore was largely settled by immigrants from China, Indonesia, and Malaysia during the 19th century, creating a rich convergence of cultures, languages, and cuisines.
Previously known as a popular (albeit brief) stopover en route to Southeast Asian capital cities, Singapore has become a must-visit destination in its own right. Today, the city boasts a booming economy, jaw-dropping green urban developments, and a growing class of creatives and entrepreneurs. Its safety, squeaky-clean streets, and slick public transportation system only add to its visitor appeal.
Go beyond the typical tourist stops to discover this dynamic destination on a deeper level. We’ve worked with local residents and friends of ECT, beauty tech entrepreneur, Widelia Liu, food and drink media expert, Ivy Woo, and Junior The Pocket Bar co-founder and bartender, Hazel Long, plus ECT Clubhouse members Cathy L, Kelsey D, Jenna T, and Natasha L to curate a list of local favorites for eating, drinking, shopping and sightseeing your way through Singapore.
Stay
Keep close to the action at The Warehouse Hotel. Across the water from Robertson Quay—a foodie’s paradise of riverside restaurants and cocktail bars—the former colonial warehouse offers 37 bedrooms in a repurposed industrial space. Think smoothed concrete, black iron beams, and exposed brick walls. The Lobby Bar is warm and inviting, and the adjacent restaurant Po serves up dishes inspired by Singapore’s hearty, home-cooked food traditions.
Also included in the guide:
A marvel of modern architecture that hovers several stories above the city
A contemporary boutique hotel on a quiet residential street that offers sleek rooms and an intimate garden
A converted shophouse that features a swish rooftop bar and its own infinity pool
Source: Candlenut
Shop
Find your new favorite handbag at concept store and multidisciplinary design studio Beyond the Vines, recommends beauty tech entrepreneur Widelia Liu. “This is one of my favorite local brands for more casual and simplistic designs,” she says. With multiple storefronts around the city, the brand offers colorful apparel and cute, casual accessories like the perfectly slouchy Poofy bag and Dumpling bag families.
Also included in the guide:
A boutique that’s well-loved by locals for its colorful and feminine frocks
A pottery studio has something for every budget and suitcase size, “from small trinkets and tiny teacups to gigantic vases and beautiful Peranakan pieces
Join the ECT Clubhouse—our digital community of well-traveled experts and women—to access the full guide. Get a two-week free trial to get inside and start exploring right away.
Source: The Warehouse Hotel
Eat
Treat yourself to a memorable gastronomic experience at Candlenut, recommends Cathy. Located in Singapore’s leafy green Tanglin neighborhood and an easy walk from the Botanic Gardens, Malcolm Lee’s Michelin-starred restaurant presents refined Peranakan cuisine that’s both authentic and inventive. “Reservations are a must,” advises Cathy.
Also included in the guide:
A Wes Anderson Indian restaurant with fun cocktails and sharing plates
A no-frills noodle shop has been serving up bowls of steaming prawn mee since 1978
An expert recommended spot to savor Chinese clay pot rice, a traditional dish made up of chicken, Chinese lap cheong sausage, salted fish, vegetables, a dash of Shaoxing wine, and house-blended dark sauce
Source: Beyond The Vines