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Where in Singapore do you go to escape the city’s hustle and find creative inspiration?
JC: I like to ride the cable car to Sentosa and take a slow hike around the island, without a predetermined route. Before the causeway was built, the only way to get to Sentosa was by cable car or ferry, and the panoramic views from that height really helps me to disconnect from the city. Although the island is a little busier now, it still has pockets of quiet and green sanctuaries that offer a refreshing escape, and allows my mind to wander and find new inspirations. Another form of escapism for me is the theatre. I will try my best to catch local productions by Wild Rice and Checkpoint Theatre whenever I am back.
What’s a part of Singapore’s history or urban landscape that you find particularly inspiring as a creative?
JC: I personally find the Singapore River walk starting from around 5:30pm an inspiring and calming journey. It is not a space that directly stimulates me creatively in the conventional sense, but rather, it places me in a deeply reflective mood. As I walk from Raffles MRT station, past Boat Quay and Clarke Quay, I find myself panning through memories of Singapore. Each step along the riverbank steers me to reconsider my place as an artist in this country.
No two walks are ever quite the same. Each brings different nuances, moods, and atmospheres that invite contemplation. I believe the most profound creative stimulation is one that encourages internal reflection. For me, this walk does exactly that.
High-low: What’s your favourite ‘high-end’ experience in Singapore that’s worth the splurge, and conversely, what’s a ‘low-end’ experience that’s just as satisfying?
JC: If I were splurging in Singapore, I’d book myself and my wife Elin into a treetop villa at Mandai Rainforest Resort.
Walking is free! And Singapore is a city pretty much built for walking regardless of the weather. I love to take a leisurely stroll through the Katong area, along the sheltered five-foot ways of the Peranakan shophouses. There are new cafes and independent shops to discover and familiar favourites to revisit. Each time I am in the area, I will make a pit stop for coffee at the Micro Bakery Red House (their bakes are one of the best!) or kopi and kaya toast at Chin Mee Chin Confectionery.
Where are your favorite places to eat that we won’t find in guide books?
JC: As I am based in New York, I always make it a point to hit some (if not all!) of my favourite local food spots in Singapore on my annual trips here. Our food courts and hawker centres serve food of very high standards. These are my favourites, some of which may not have appeared in guide books.
I can’t resist my favourite King Grouper fish soup at Food Republic in Wisma Atria. While digesting that, I’ll walk over to Li Xin Teochew fishball noodles at Food Opera in ION Orchard for a bowl. I often make a trip to the basement food court at Toa Payoh HDB Hub just to eat the famous Soon Heng rojak and Hougang 6 Mile muah chee. This is also a great spot to soak in the local heartland vibe.
Another must-visit is Beach Road Prawn Noodle House (not on Beach Road but on East Coast Road!). This one is absolutely non-negotiable, it’s that good! A real hidden gem is Madam Lim’s Nasi Lemak at Holland Drive Food Centre, run by a former Singapore Airlines flight attendant.
And when I’m in the mood to treat myself and the family for a fine Chinese meal, I’ll book a table at 三叔功 (San Shu Gong) at New Bahru.
What’s your favourite hidden corner of Singapore that most tourists (or even locals) might not know about?
JC: There’s a hidden rooftop spot at Bras Basah Complex, just across from the Raffles Hotel, it offers a little respite right in the heart of the city. It’s the perfect place to be alone while still staying close to everything.
ART SG 2026 City Guides: The Art of Living Locally invites gallerists, artists, and cultural insiders to spotlight Singapore’s most compelling destinations from a local perspective. Created for collectors, fair guests, and art enthusiasts alike, the guide offers an insider’s look at the city’s creative energy and cultural rhythm beyond the fair.