4 best-kept secrets in Singapore that only locals know of

Experience Singapore with these lesser-known experiences
4 best-kept secrets in Singapore that only locals know of
Photograph: Shutterstock/Jo Panuwat D
Time Out Singapore in partnership with Kris+ by Singapore Airlines
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Singapore is teeming with hidden gems that only locals know about. Even if you consider this vibrant city your playground, there's always something new to discover. It doesn't matter if you’re a first-time visitor or seasoned explorer – these four best-kept secrets will let you experience Singapore like never before. 

And here's an insider tip: they're all available with Kris+, the lifestyle rewards app by Singapore Airlines. With more than 1,500 perks available across local restaurants, retail shops, and attractions, Kris+ is a nifty way to uncover some of the country's lesser-known experiences. You can also conveniently use your own KrisFlyer miles to pay for these experiences, or even earn up to nine miles per dollar spent when you pay with Google Pay or Apple Pay via Kris+.

Best-kept secrets in Singapore

1. Immerse yourself in Peranakan culture

Peranakan culture is a beautiful mishmash of Chinese, Malay, and Indian influences. To best experience it, sit down to a satisfying Peranakan meal at heritage restaurant True Blue Cuisine. It’s a fine showcase of Peranakan cuisine with beef rendang (braised beef in a spicy coconut sauce) and ayam buah keluak (braised chicken in a spicy tamarind gravy). With comforting Peranakan fare and a nod to traditions of yesteryear, it's easy to see how this restaurant has claimed a Michelin Bib Gourmand for many consecutive years.

Dine at True Blue Cuisine with Kris+ to get a tourist-exclusive 30 percent off the special set menu for two.

You'll also want to taste traditional rice dumplings from decades-old heritage shop Kim Choo Kueh Chang. As a popular bak chang (rice dumpling) shop, they now have two outlets: the original along Joo Chiat Road and another at East Coast Road. There's also a range of colourful kuehs (glutinous rice cakes) and old-school snacks to try.

Spend a minimum of $50 at Kim Choo Kueh Chang with Kris+ for a tourist-exclusive 15 percent off the total bill.

2. Savour local food with a twist

Singapore is often referred to as a foodie nation and it's easy to see why. Head down to Enjoy Eating House and Bar at Stevens Road to try local fare – here, it’s served with an unexpected twist. As a modern zi char joint, the norm is to order several dishes to share. You'll want to try the black pepper Angus beef tenderloin ($36) or the ngoh hiang ($17), a traditional Hokkien dish that's been elevated with kurobuta pork and crab meat.

Dine at Enjoy Eating House and Bar with Kris+ for 10 percent off the total bill.

Make sure to also swing by Old Seng Choong, a traditional bakery that first became a household name for its butter cakes. On top of their old-school favourites, they also cleverly infuse their bakes with distinctly Singaporean flavours. Cookies come in unique flavours like hae bee hiam (dried shrimp), cereal prawn, and satay.

Spend a minimum of $50 at Old Seng Choong with Kris+ for a tourist-exclusive 20 percent off the total bill.

3. Enjoy a sky-high dining experience

With towering skyscrapers around every corner, it goes without saying that Singapore is filled with architectural wonders. For a memorable dining experience, take the chance to enjoy a meal at one of these sky-high buildings. At sleek rooftop bar and restaurant LeVeL33, admire the panoramic views of the iconic Marina Bay skyline while unwinding with a refreshing pint. All beers are brewed from their in-house microbrewery and served fresh from tank to tap.

Spend a minimum of $100 at LeVeL33 with Kris+ to enjoy a free glass of 0.5l craft beer. 

Despite being perched on the 55th floor of centrally located ION Orchard, Japanese-Peruvian restaurant FLNT is a rooftop destination that's relatively under-the-radar for tourists. With floor-to-ceiling windows, it overlooks the entire city. With Nikkei-influenced dishes and a binchotan charcoal grill, you're in for a tasty treat.

Spend a minimum of $100 at FLNT with Kris+ to enjoy a complimentary dessert of the day.

4. Go on a shopping spree

Doesn't quite sound like a best-kept secret? Wrong. While Singapore has its fair share of international stores and luxury brands, it's also home to a variety of local labels and Made With Passion brands. For timeless wear, head over to IN GOOD COMPANY to load up on quality wardrobe staples for all.

Shop at IN GOOD COMPANY with Kris+ for 10 percent off womenswear, menswear, and accessories.

Don't forget the kids though. Whether you're looking for a newborn-sized jumpsuit or matching outfits with your six-year-old, Le Petit Society has an extensive range of children's clothing. They also offer pieces made from 100 percent organic cotton, suitable for your child's sensitive skin.

Shop at Le Petit Society with Kris+ for 10 percent off regular priced brand items.

Explore Singapore with Kris+

Here's one secret that many locals rely on: using the Kris+ app while exploring Singapore. You'll uncover the best-kept secrets of Singapore – all while keeping to your travel budget while going around local neighbourhoods like Katong-Joo Chiat, Chinatown, Orchard Road, and Bugis.

On top of enjoying the perks from over 1,500 partner outlets spanning dining, retail, wellness and even attractions, you can also use your own KrisFlyer miles to pay for these experiences. 150 KrisFlyer miles can be converted to $1 on Kris+, helping offset your spend at any Kris+ partner merchant. That's especially convenient if you flew to Singapore using Singapore Airlines. Say you flew one-way from Sydney on Economy Class – that gives you up to 3,912 KrisFlyer miles, which can be converted to $26.

If you're already playing the miles game, then you can also earn up to nine KrisPay miles per dollar spent simply by shopping, dining, and exploring when you pay with Google Pay or Apply Pay via Kris+. With Kris+, it’s time for you to explore Singapore like never before.

Download the Kris+ app with promo code “KPEXPERIENCESG24” to get $8 off your Kris+ spend. Valid for new users only.

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