We had a great time talking with Casey and Andrew on this episode. Their stories and experiences as ex-pats, having moved from California to Southeast Asia , are truly remarkable. Singapore is high on most travelers' lists, and for good reasons. Singapore is spectacularly modern, immaculately clean, and embracing all cultures.
Singapore may be relatively young as
an independent nation but it has become so advanced in its short history. There is luxury abound in the city-state, but it was nice to get a taste of the day-to-day life from our friends that live there.
Check out the recommendations covered in the episode:
Food
Hawkers Centers
Old Airport Road Hawker Center: 51 Old Airport Road, Geylang, Singapore, 390051, Singapore
Chinatown Complex Food Centre: 335 Smith Street, Outram, S, 50335, Singapore
Maxwell Food Centre: 1 Kadayanallur Street, Downtown Core, Singapore, 69184, Singapore
Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice: This famous food stall is a Michelin Star eatery located in the bustling Maxwell Hawker Center. Anthony Bourdain himself sat down for a meal at this hawker stall and it attracts massive lines of hungry adventurers. 1 Kadayanallur Street, Maxwell Food Centre #01-10/11
Hawker Chan’s Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle: Known for being the world’s least expensive Michelin Star restaurant. This now famous hawker stand has gone global with stands in every southeast asian capital. 78 Smith Street, Singapore
Must try dishes in Singapore:
XLB (Soup Dumplings) - Not sure if Andrew named the hawker stall that serves this amazing dish, but we found a good one in the Chinatown Complex Food Centre called Zhong Guo La Mian XLB.
Laksa- Laksa is a spicy noodle soup popular in the Peranakan cuisine of Southeast Asia. A famous and filling dish found across Singapore.
Prata - Simple roti flat bread but served with curry sauce. Pair it with strong dark coffee to experience this traditional Singaporean dish.
Drinks
Tippling Club - Tippling Club is a classy cocktail club that features some of Singapores best bartenders. Tippling prides with having unique drinks that push the boundaries with their ingredients. It has received many awards over the years and is definitely worth a visit. Be aware that here and at most locations in Singapore this list you might pay a little more the drinks.
38 Tg Pagar Rd, Singapore 088461
Kilo - This top notch lounge is relocating from its former home in Tanjan Pagar, still a favorite among locals and travelers. Live DJs and strong drinks.
Marquee and Avenue in MBS- These two mega clubs are located inside the Marina Bay Sands. Not dissimilar to Las Vegas nightclubs Marquee and Avenue feature some of the world’s hottest musical artists and attract big spenders and high rollers to its dance floors
Inside MBS 10 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018956
Skinny's Lounge - The handle to the bathroom is a huge black dildo, if thats not a good enough sell for a seedy US inspired dive bar, than nothing is. The Cotta Brothers love a good dive and this would probably be a must hit on a trip for them.
4923 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601
Spago - Actually this place is an extremely classy fine dining destination situated atop the Marina Bay Sands. It was founded by Wolfgang Puck, and it apparently has an unbeatable happy hour, and an even more unbeatable view. Catch a Sunset up here and get friendly with the bar staff to get a bit of a discount.
Inside MBS 10 Bayfront Avenue L57, Sands SkyPark, Hotel Tower 2, Singapore 018956
Thai disco (Expert mode) - We are not sure if we can legally condone this experience, but if you are getting bored with fancy cocktails, live music on Arab Street, and PBRs at Skinny’s than there is nothing left but to visit a Thai Disco. This strange nightlife experience is most akin to a strip club, but it is also very much nothing like a strip club. Get ready for something completely out of your comfort zone, but hey, isn’t that where the best stories are earned.
Culture
Gardens by the Bay - This famous botanical park epitomizes Singapores commitment to blurring the lines between natural and urban. The park has world renowned architecture such as the stunning super trees that keep visitors captivated for hours. Commit some time to visiting this fantastic experience.
18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953
Marina Bay Sands- This all encompassing resort is an iconic piece of the Singapore skyline. The structure features all forms of entertainment, including a casino, gourmet eateries, a one of a kind infinity pool, and gorgeous sunsets. The MBS is a feat of engineering and marvelous venue. Be mindful though, this is not all that Singapore has to offer, venture beyond MBS to see the real nation.
10 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018956
Orchard Towers - Locals call it "Four Floors of Whores," so you may do with that what you wish. It also happens to be home to some very authentic Thai food. Someone may offer you free drinks at this establishment you should decline decline because, and say it with me: “I will not accept drinks from strangers in whorehouses” (That rule is not exclusive to Singapore)
400 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238875
Nature and excursions
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve - This incredible national park is situated along the river separating Singapore and Malaysia. The park features world class bio-diversity, perfect for animal enthusiasts and nature photographers. Keep an eye out for saltwater crocodiles.
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve - This nature park sits just outside of the bustling downtown, and is one of the biggest protected jungles in the country. There are endless hiking trails and an impressive array of flora and fauna. In this reserve visitors can see rare pangolins and the alien-like Malayan Colugo. Also keep an eye out for the warring sea otter tribes (this is real, and its a sight to see!).
Neighborhoods
Tanjan Pagar - Singapore’s “Little Korea” a humming quarter with lots of Korean bars and hole in the wall noodle shops. Nightlife recommendation - hang out with a glass of soju and some snacks.
Clark Quay - This is a beautiful riverside commercial district with endless options for food and drink.
Boat Quay - Once a community dock for fishing boats, this area was transformed into a scenic river walk with waterfront restaurants.
Arab Street - Also known as Kampong Glam, travelers can venture here for access to the Sultan Mosque and the Malay Cultural center. This colorful area pays respect to the Arabic traditions that helped modernize Singapore. Casey and Andrew recommend grabbing a beer on the street and listening to some live music
Little India - A place with elaborate temples next to quirky cafes and coffee shops. Little India is still deeply connected to the residents’ homeland.
These are the spots that came up during the episode but obviously there are many more, feel free to drop us an email (cottabrostravelclub@gmail.com) or a DM (@cottabros_travelclub) to tell us your favorite place in this destination.
