When Kevin Kwan’s Crazy Rich Asians first came out in 2013, I downloaded it into my kindle and devoured the entire book in two days. For those who are unfamiliar with the book, it’s a satirical look at the filthy rich (so rich that you don’t even know their true net worth) in Singapore, and the drama that ensues when the heir to a huge fortune brings his middle class Taiwanese American girlfriend home to meet his family. The best selling book has been made into a movie and will be opening in the US and Canada on August 15, and August 22 in Singapore and other countries. Check here for when it will open in your country.

I imagine once the movie comes out, viewers from around the world will be fascinated by the island country and may mistakenly think that one needs to be uber wealthy to have a good time there. Not so! You can still have a crazy fun time in Singapore even without the crazy rich bank account! There’s the glam and glitter of course, but Singapore has plenty of places that offer low cost or free things to do in terms of culture, art, nature, and of course food. There’s too much to pack into one article so stay tuned for more!

Crazy Rich Heritage

Singapore’s history and diverse cultures are reflected on different neighborhoods throughout the island. Each area has gorgeous heritage buildings, interesting street art, quirky stores, religious sites, and most importantly, incredible food!

Chinatown

Chinatown’s Chinese name is 牛车水 (niu che shui, directly translated to ox, car, water) because in the 19^th century, all the water supply to Chinatown was transported by animal-driven carts. There are definitely touristy parts of Chinatown such as Pagoda Street for souvenir shopping and the refurbished outdoor eatery on Smith Street.

But explore further, and you will find local favorites such as Chinatown Complex, a massive structure with a fresh food market, clothing and toy shops, and a massive hawker center that features the famous Michelin-starred stall, Hawker Chan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle. The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is in the heart of Chinatown and the actual relic is housed in a giant stupa that weighs 3,500 kilograms and made from 320 kilograms of gold! Nearby Duxton Hill showcases gorgeous Peranakan pre-war shophouses that have been transformed into cafes, restaurants, bars, and even boutique hotels.

Little India

Little India is all about vibrancy! The neighborhood is alive with art, colors, spices, and beautifully delicious food. Tekka market serves up a huge array of food from vegetarian dishes to hearty meat curries. Locals also love going to Tekka to stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables, and are able to find produce that aren’t readily available in other markets. A great time to visit Little India is during Deepavali (or Diwali), the Hindu festival of lights.

The stretch along Serangoon Road will be lit up in a myriad of festive colors and the temples will be brimming with activity. Little India has many stunning temples such as Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple, Sri Vadapathira Kaliamman Temple, and Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, alongside many Buddhist temples, Christian churches, and mosques. Visitors from abroad have marveled that they’ve never seen so many different religious institutions side by side in one place.

Kampung Glam

Kampung means village in Malay and “glam” (pronounced “glum”) is linked to the gelam, a long leaved paperbark tree that was used for building boats, creating medicine, and seasoning food. In 1822, the British colonial government allotted the area to the Malay, Arab and Bugis communities and their influence has shaped the spirit and cultural identity of Kampung Glam. These days, Haji Lane, a narrow lane filled with small cafes, boutiques, and bars, is known to be the hipster hangout, but it still retains the charm and uniqueness of yesteryear. Parallel to Haji Lane is the more traditional Arab Street where you can still find stores that have been passed down generations selling textiles, carpets, and perfume. Kampung Glam is also home to Sultan Mosque, one of the most important mosques in Singapore. The mosque is very welcoming to visitors and they have greeters who will talk to you about the history of the mosque and answer any questions about Islam.

For history buffs, The Malay Heritage Center chronicles the cultural, political, and artistic contributions of the Malay community in Singapore. If hunger strikes, Kampung Glam is known for Middle Eastern and Malay restaurants, with talented street musicians serenading you through dinner.

Joo Chiat/East Coast Road

This area is about 15 to 20 minutes away from the central part of Singapore but it’s a fascinating place to visit if you love architecture and good food. Joo Chiat and East Coast Road were Peranakan enclaves in the past and the shophouses still bear the distinct design of the culture. Peranakans are descendants of early Chinese immigrants to Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia, who blended their native culture with Malay, Indian, Arab and European influences. Their homes, cutlery, attire, and cuisine were a unique fusion of all these beautiful cultures. Stroll around Joo Chiat for its gorgeous Peranakan shophouses, and visit Rumah Bebe on East Coast Road, a boutique specializing in Peranakan sarong kebayas (traditional dresses) and kuehs (desserts).

These are just the tip of the iceberg on all the crazy wonderful sides to Singapore. I’ll be introducing more places for fabulous food, nature, and culture. Stay tuned!