'You’re more S’porean than me’: American TikToker recommends ‘legit’ tips for tourists in S’pore

Follow us on Whatsapp for the latest updates Follow us on Telegram for the latest updates

American TikToker suggests Singaporean-approved recommendations for tourists

Last month, an American TikToker shocked Singaporean netizens with his “passable” recommendations for tourists visiting Singapore.

The content creator, who goes by ‘Andre’ on social media, listed three tips in a TikTok video titled “What not to do in Singapore”.

@ke.yingan

EDIT: They’re monitor lizards NOT komodo dragons! 😅 No, these aren’t rules you have to follow, but yes, I personally think following these suggestions would help with your Singaporean experience 🇸🇬🙌🏽 🍚 Looking for more Hawker Centre recs? Here you go: • Alexandra Village • Old Airport Road (closed for renovations until Sept/Oct) • Maxwell • People’s Park Food Centre 🍃 And how about more outdoor adventure suggestions: • MacRitchie Reservoir • Lower Seletar Reservoir • Chek Jawa Wetlands • Bukit Timah Nature Reserve Oh, and one more thing NOT to do is pay full price for attractions! We already know Singapore is expensive, so save yourself a buck or two and book your next activity or accommodation using @klooktravel using my promo codes: ANDREXKLOOK / ANDREHOTEL Majulah, Singapura 🦁 這些建議你不必跟著這麼做，但我個人認為，遵循這些建議會讓你在新加坡的體驗更佳 🇸🇬🙌🏽 🍚 想要更多小販中心推薦嗎？這些地方不容錯過： – 亞力山大村 – 舊機場（整修中暫時停業至九月/十月） – 麥士威 – 珍珠坊熟食中心 🍃 還有更多戶外冒險建議： – 麥里芝蓄水庫 – 實里達蓄水庫 – 仄爪哇濕地 – 武吉知馬自然保護區改正：它們是monitor lizards 而不是科莫多龍！對不起 😅 哦，還有一件事是千萬不要做的，就是為景點支付全額票價！我們都知道新加坡很貴，所以省下一些錢，使用 @klooktravel 和我的優惠代碼預訂你的下一個活動或住宿：ANDREXKLOOK / ANDREHOTEL 前進吧, 新加坡 🦁 — #thingstodoinsingapore #visitsingapore #singaporetravels #singapore #natureinsingapore #singaporetraveltips #singaporehiddengems

♬ original sound – andre – andre

“No, these aren’t rules you have to follow, but yes, I personally think following these suggestions would help with your Singaporean experience,” the accompanying caption read.

Advised visiting other hawker centres besides Lau Pa Sat

Andre began by urging tourists to try out other hawker centres in Singapore besides the famous Lau Pa Sat located at Raffles Place.

“What you’re not gonna do though is only go to Lau Pa Sat and think you’re getting an authentic hawker experience,” he said.

Source: @ke.yingan on TikTok

He noted that Lau Pa Sat resembled “mall food court eateries instead of family-owned shops”. Instead, he provided a list of authentic hawker centres “where the locals are”:

Tiong Bahru Market
Golden Mile Food Centre
Serangoon Garden Market
Old Airport Road Food Centre
Maxwell Food Centre
People’s Park Food Centre

Source: @ke.yingan on TikTok

Do not use EZ-Link card for public transport

Andre’s second tip was to refrain from purchasing an EZ-Link card for public transport.

Source: @ke.yingan on TikTok

Despite noting that it was a “cute souvenir”, he said the card is not required as Singapore’s public transport system allows travellers to use debit and credit cards, as well as mobile payment options to commute.

“This will save you the time it takes to top up your EZ-Link card, as well as guarantee you’re not left with leftover funds in your card,” Andre said.

Source: @ke.yingan on TikTok

However, he says an EZ-Link card remains “the way to go” for tourists without debit or credit cards.

Explore Singapore’s nature reserves

Andre’s final recommendation was for tourists to venture out of the city area and explore Singapore’s flora and fauna.

“Don’t just stay in the city centre and then get confused on where all the ‘nature’ is. It’s called the city centre for a reason,” he said.

Source: @ke.yingan on TikTok

Andre noted Singapore’s lack of “mountainous landscapes” and “crystal clear blue waters” but highlighted the country’s distinct nature reserves, including Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and MacRitchie Reservoir.

“Don’t forget to visit Pulau Ubin either where you can kayak through Singapore’s mangrove backyard,” he added.