Monograms provides travelers access to a Local Host®, so you will have someone on hand to answer those vacation questions pertaining to Singapore. No waiting in line at the concierge desk or trying to ask your waitress at breakfast directions to the shopping district. Simply ask your Local Host® about Singapore and you'll be on your way in no time. Plus, your Local Host® will share local Singapore insights and share suggestions for getting off the beaten path, leaving you more time to create lasting vacation memories that are yours alone.

Meet a Local Host®

I am a local Chinese Singapore citizen. I am very friendly and communicate well with Monograms' clients. I am a very experienced guide, holding an STB (Singapore Tourism Board) license since 1980. I started guiding when I was 26 years old. I also converse well in Italian and hold a license for Italian-speaking. I am married with two children.

Singapore Sling at Raffles Hotel

Stop at Long Bar at the Raffles, where the Singapore Sling was born sometime between 1910 and 1915. The original recipe was lost, so this traditional cocktail has been modified through the years. Today it includes gin, cherry brandy, Benedictine, grenadine, Cointreau, pineapple and lime juice, a dash of angostura bitters, and fruit to garnish. The dress code is relaxed, so women should wear a casual dress or skirt, and men should wear a sports shirt, slacks or Bermuda shorts, and appropriate footwear.

Lau Pat Sat

Housed in the largest Victorian cast-iron structure left in Southeast Asia, this once thriving market is now a popular food destination for Singaporean locals. Here you will find a vast array of Asian foods to fit any taste. At night, Boon Tat Street is closed to traffic, and the food stalls move to the street, where you can watch street musicians perform.

Orchard Road

This ultra-fashionable shopping area of Singapore is popular for both tourists and locals alike. From the latest fashions to intriguing antiques, it is the place to shop and people watch. If shopping is not your thing, the National Museum of Singapore is well worth a visit. Located on the east end where Orchard Road turns into Bras Basah Road, the museum uses a storytelling approach that allows you to choose your own path into the past. The events path outlines the events and characters important to Singapore’s history, and the personal path tells stories through the eyes of the man on the street.

East Coast Road

Laksa, Katong Laksa in particular, is arguably the national dish of Singapore. Laksa can vary but typically consists of noodles in coconut curry with shrimp, tofu, and cockles. The Katong variety differs slightly, as the noodles are cut into smaller pieces, so it can be eaten with a spoon only—no need for a fork or chopsticks. All along East Coast Road, you will find stalls that claim to serve the original and best Katong Laksa. Visit stalls 47, 49, 57, and 328 and then decide for yourself who should win the “Laksa Wars!”

Wala Wala

This laid-back bar is the perfect place to spend the night after a long day. Live music is featured nightly and more often than not, patrons find themselves singing back-up vocals on several pop classics. For dinner, they serve up some great western food including pizza and chicken wings.

Singapore Flyer

Discover Singapore on top of Asia's most iconic architectural and engineering marvel. From sunrise until sunset, experience the breathtaking views of Singapore and beyond from this giant observation wheel. See the magnificent Marina Bay, towering skyscrapers, tropical greenery, the bright lights, and non-stop action against the beautiful skies.

Chin Mee Chin Confectionery

With a décor and atmosphere reminiscent of a 1950s coffee shop, Chin Mee Chin, known as CMC, is a local favorite. As you enter, the smell of fresh coffee (roasted on site) and confections will bring a smile to your face. They offer a variety of baked goods—from Swiss rolls to cream puffs—but the real star is the Kaya toast. Kaya is a traditional jam made from eggs, sugar, and coconut milk. Stop by for a bite to eat and a cup of coffee served the old school way—in a cup and saucer—and you may never view coffee shops in the same light.

Magical Makansutra Food Safari

If you aren’t comfortable sampling the local street food on your own, this food safari is a great option. Lasting about three hours, each safari introduces you to some of Singapore’s best street foods, including Bak Kut Teh (pork ribs in tea soup) and Roti Prata (Indian pancakes).

Kampong Glam and Arab Street

Nothing in Singapore beats Arab Street for bazaar-style shopping with true ethnic character. The street itself is a riot of colorful textiles from all over Asia, sold at very low prices. Here you can browse through hole-in-the-wall shops; haggle to your heart's content and come away with the most delightful purchases at bargain prices. The little streets in this area form the historical focal point of Muslim life in Singapore.