Fiona Xie exploring the Peranakan Tiles Gallery. Credit: Supplied
Fiona Xie exploring the Peranakan Tiles Gallery. Credit: Supplied

The Crazy Rich Asians (And Aussies) Guide to Singapore

It’s been almost two years since my last visit to Singapore. That’s almost two years too long, if you ask me. While any chance of me remedying that is off the cards for a while yet, there is a way to keep the dream alive and experience a taste of the Lion City.

SingapoRevealed is a shiny new three-part series that follows glamorous actress Fiona Xie – famous for her role as Kitty Pong in the global smash Crazy Rich Asians – as she explores her home city of Singapore with some Aussie and New Zealand expats.

Crazy Rich Asians star Fiona Xie. Credit: Supplied
Crazy Rich Asians star Fiona Xie. Credit: Supplied

Though most people know Singapore for its amazing airport and glittering skyline, there’s so much more to discover. We’ve been numerous times now and still get surprised.

Each of the short videos focuses on a different side of Singaporean life, from the country’s best kept secrets to its hugely underrated green spaces and eclectic food heritage. The first video sees Xie delve into the foodie scene of Changi, Singapore’s unique Peranakan culture, and the little-known luxury sailing experiences you can have from Sentosa Island.

Kiwi expat Rebecca Assice, owner of the Escape Hunt Experience, joins Xie on a cycling tour of the Changi Village precinct. It’s a foodie paradise, with a near endless offering of delicious dishes at Changi Village Hawker Centre. If you need to rehydrate, there’s locally brewed craft beer at Little Island Brewing Company. You’ll also find Singapore’s Park Connectors, a series of pedestrian and bike friendly paths that run along the scenic waterfront, here in Changi.

Rebecca Assice and Xie explore Changi. Credit: Supplied
Rebecca Assice and Xie explore Changi. Credit: Supplied

While we’re on the subject of cycling in Singapore, check out our experience at beautiful Pulau Ubin – a small island just a short ferry ride off the coast of Changi – here.

Next up, Xie delves into Peranakan culture with professional MMA fighter and fitness instructor Kirstie Gannaway. Peranakan culture refers to people of mixed Malay, Chinese and Indian heritage and can be seen throughout the city, from the food to the architecture, tiles and clothing. Together they make their own beautiful tiles at Peranakan Tiles Gallery in Thian Hock Keng, one of the city’s oldest hokkien temples.

Last, but not least, is Aussie marine and yachting consultant Wade Pearce. He and Xie take a look at The Royal Albatross, a stunning 22-sail yacht that hosts afternoon sightseeing and dinner cruises around the dazzling southern waters of Singapore.

Wade Pearce and Xie aboard The Royal Albatross. Credit; Supplied
Wade Pearce and Xie aboard The Royal Albatross. Credit; Supplied

Take a look at the first video below:

Do you really know Singapore? Discover some of the city’s best kept secrets with Singapore actress, Fiona Xie – whom you may recognise from Hollywood blockbuster Crazy Rich Asians! From Upper Seletar Reservoir Park to the Peranakan Tiles Gallery, join Fiona and Aussie & Kiwi expats as they show us their favourite hidden gems in #VisitSingapore

Posted by VisitSingapore on Thursday, January 21, 2021

Have you been to Singapore? What do you reckon are its hidden gems?

Find out more about Singapore at visitsingapore.com

Written by
Chris Ashton

We're Chris Ashton and Simon Ceglinski, two Aussie travellers with a love of exploration and adventure, and the odd bit of luxury thrown in. We seek out street art, street food, and scuba diving wherever we go, and prefer the road less travelled over well-worn tourist paths.

View all articles
Unsupported request - method type: get
Written by Chris Ashton