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Beyond Merlion and Marina, Singapore offers rich cultural experiences for the curious traveler
Planning your revenge travel after over two years of being unable to visit destinations due to the pandemic?
If you are looking at somewhere within the region, consider Singapore among your options. If you think all it has to offer is the Merlion Park and Marina Bay Sands, think again. Singapore, just like the Philippines, is where the East and West melt together into one unique culture.
Like the Philippines, Singapore has a strategic location that made it attractive to colonial powers. As an island located at the southern tip of the Malay peninsula, it is ideal as a maritime trading post, which remains true today.
A short history review: before the British colonized the island, it used to be ruled by the Dutch-allied Sultan of Johor. In the 19th century, Chinese workers also came in search of work and eventually settled in the island. With the British came the Indians, and this is why Singapore has four official languages: English, Chinese, Malay, and Tamil.
All of these cultural influences can be found when you visit Singapore—from buildings, neighborhoods, food, clothing, religion, and festivals.
Architecture
While Manila has Spanish-style buildings and streets, Singapore has neighborhoods whose architecture clearly has some European influence. In Chinatown, Katong, and Kampong Glam, the shophouses lined beside each other are narrow, just like in the canals in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
The design emerged due to taxes imposed on properties—the wider the facade, the higher the tax, so the Dutch built their houses vertically rather than horizontally. While the shophouses in Singapore aren't as tall those in Amsterdam, they are brightly colored and make for really nice background in photos.
One of the most Instagrammable spots in Singapore is the Koon Seng Road, which boasts of lined colorful two-storey terrace houses on both sides. The style combines Chinese, Malay, and Western influences known as Straits Eclectic architecture.
Food
Singapore's famous Kaya Toast is the country's own twist to the English breakfast. Served with coffee, soft-boiled eggs, and butter, it consists of two slices of toast with Kaya spread, a type of coconut jam.
The eggs are usually served on the shell, so you have to crack it yourself on the table. Mixed with soy sauce and a dash of white pepper, it is a savory dip for the Kaya Toast. For a sweet flavor, the Kaya Toast also pairs well when dipped in coffee. It can also be served with tea.
One of the must-try Kaya Toast places in Singapore is the Chin Mee Chin Confectionery in Katong. The shop has been serving the beloved breakfast dish since 1925, enjoying many regular customers and tourists alike. Their Kaya is handmade every day, and they also serve other pastries and sweets.
Fashion
Just like the Philippines' baro't saya, Singapore has its own traditional clothing: the sarong kebaya. The sarong is a Southeast Asian garment with printed patterns wrapped around the body, while the kebaya is a blouse said to be inspired by the abaya, a robe worn by Muslim women.
Worn on special occasions like weddings and other celebrations, the sarong kebaya combines the different cultural influences in Singapore. Its embroideries were from the Chinese, the use of lace from the West, and the fabric is usually Indian.
The Rumah Kim Choo boutique store in Joo Chiat Road makes exquisite sarong kebaya pieces. They also make the traditional beaded shoes to complete the outfit. The kebaya takes three weeks to finish, while the shoes take around three months.
Travel to Singapore
These are only a few of the cultural experiences Singapore has to offer. Now that the country is once again open to tourists, get your passports ready and book a three-hour flight from Manila to see more of Singapore's multicultural identity.
To help you avoid the mainstream tourist spots, watch out for more guides from GMA News Online and embrace the road-less traveled as you explore this vibrant port city-state at the heart of Southeast Asia.
READ: 5 shops to visit in Singapore for your sweet tooth cravings
READ: Meet Zoo Zoo, the cutest 'meownager' in Singapore's Cat Socrates
This story was produced through a familiarization trip sponsored by the Singapore Tourism Board.
—JCB, GMA News
