Discover more secrets of the city!

Explore Singapore with Part 2 of ANZA’s Executive Committee’s recommendations. From chilled dining spots to family outings and hidden corners, their personal picks highlight the places that make the Lion City such a great place to call home. Add the below to our exec tips from Part 1 and you’ve got yourself a very exciting to-do list!

“The Mid-Autumn Festival is a beautiful reminder of heritage, community, and togetherness”

Manish Kumar, Treasurer

Manish with wife Charu with sons Vijal and Viraaj

Which SG spot gives you a “Wow!” feeling?
Gardens by the Bay – especially during the Supertree Grove light and sound show, Garden Rhapsody. As the towering Supertrees light up in sync with music, and the Marina Bay Sands skyline glows in the background, it’s breathtaking.

You’ve got a friend in town for 24 hours … go!
I’d take them to Tiong Bahru, the charming, low-rise neighbourhood filled with heritage, pre-war architecture, and a great mix of cafes, boutiques, and bookstores. We’d explore the streets, grab a coffee, visit the market, and enjoy a quieter, more local side of Singapore life without the crowds.

What’s your go-to hawker stall order?
Hainanese Chicken Rice from Tian Tian at Maxwell Food Centre. As for chope-ing a table, I’d say I’m an intermediate. I’ve had success with the tissue packet trick, though peak hours still feel like a competitive sport!

Which local celebration should everyone experience at least once?
The Mid-Autumn Festival is a must. Seeing colourful lanterns light up the night, and families gathering with mooncakes and tea, it’s a beautiful reminder of heritage, community, and togetherness. Plus, who can say no to a mooncake?

Favourite bar and why?
Atlas. The stunning art deco interior makes you feel like you’ve stepped into another era, and the gin collection is world-class.

“Looking out across the bay at Marina Bay Sands from the city side is spectacular”

Don Northey, Committee Member

You’ve got a friend in town for 24 hours … go!
I’d take them straight to Singapore’s heartlands –Toa Payoh or Ang Mo Kio. These neighbourhoods give a true sense of how most Singaporeans live. You won’t find many tourists there, but you’ll see local life in full swing.

Which SG spot gives you a “Wow!” feeling?
Looking out across the bay at Marina Bay Sands and the surrounding skyline from the city side – especially as day turns into night. The way the city lights come to life is spectacular.

Where do you go to unwind?
I cycle to Lower Peirce Reservoir and take a stroll along the boardwalk through the jungle. Walking around the arms of the reservoir is very grounding and great for clearing the mind.

From left: Don with Noel Ng from Goodwins, and ANZA President Toph

What one local experience makes you feel more connected to Singapore?
Queuing to get through customs at the Malaysian border! It’s a rite of passage and always makes me appreciate being back in Singapore!

Which local custom should everyone experience?
Ordering a dish at a hawker centre or coffee shop. You quickly learn to drop the “may I
please have”!

“Hawker fare is such a rich reflection of Singapore’s history and diversity”

Rowena Cannane, Membership Secretary

Rowena, top left.

Where do you go to unwind?
I’m a huge fan of the somewhat painful – but strangely rewarding – foot massage! As a mad walker, I make regular visits to Mr Lim’s at People’s Park Complex in Chinatown. I squirm through the session, but my legs always thank me afterwards.

Your go-to hawker stall order?
I love Chee Cheong Fun for breakfast –especially with prawns (not shrimp, I’m an Aussie!). Despite being a classic, it can be tricky to find a good one as it requires real skill to prepare.

Which local celebration do you think everyone should experience?
Thaipusam, the Hindu festival, is an incredible cultural experience. Devotees enter a trance-like state – some with their bodies pierced – before walking 4km between temples while carrying elaborately decorated kavadis. It’s powerful, moving, and offers deep insight into a part of Singapore’s spiritual landscape.

On my morning walks, I often catch the sun rising behind Marina Bay Sands. The skyline looks incredible bathed in early light, and when I stroll along the riverfront, I’m reminded of how iconic these buildings are.

Son Nicholas and husband Andrew

What’s one local experience that’s helped you feel more connected to Singapore?
I love hawker fare – it’s such a rich reflection of Singapore’s history, religions, and cultural diversity. I’m also enjoying the wave of new-generation hawkers offering Vietnamese, Thai, and specialty coffee concepts. It’s a great example of innovation meeting tradition, and feels uniquely Singaporean.