The most memorable trips are no longer defined by ticking off a checklist of destinations or attractions, but by how deeply we can connect with a place and its people. To truly experience a destination and create meaningful memories, we need to immerse ourselves in local rituals, local flavours and feel the rhythm and culture that shape its character.

In Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines, these moments can be found in local streets and communities. From heritage enclaves in Singapore to the storied streets of Penang and the creative pulse of Quezon City, we explore how you can experience each city like a local – through where you go, what you eat, and where you choose to stay.

Heritage in Colour at Katong and Joo Chiat

Located among the residential areas along the East Coast, Katong and Joo Chiat offer an immersive experience of the Peranakan culture and heritage. Rows of colourful shophouses and preserved buildings line the streets, forming a vibrant scene. The neighbourhood is ideal for those who are drawn to culture and heritage, where a visit to the Singapore Peranakan Mansion and The Intan reveals the stories of Peranakan culture through artefacts, food and clothing.

Beyond local eateries that serve traditional food like Laksa and Nonya Kueh, the area continues to evolve with the emergence of hipster cafes, contemporary restaurants, and independent lifestyle stores, which add a modern charm to the neighbourhood.

Feasting at Hawker Centres

To eat like a local is to dine at hawker centres. Recognised by UNESCO on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, these open-air food centres are where generations of culinary craft converge and daily life unfolds. Housing a variety of dishes from Chinese, Malay, Indian and Eurasian traditions to Peranakan and modern influences, hawker centres reflect the multicultural social fabric of Singapore.

They also serve as communal spaces, where familiar faces, long-standing stallholders and shared tables create a sense of belonging. Local favourites such as the Chinatown Complex Hawker Centre, Maxwell Food Centre and Tekka Centre are definitely worth a visit, where stalls offer affordable and high-quality food, with some even awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand.

Where to Stay in Singapore

Located near the Chinatown precinct, Ann Siang House by The Unlimited Collection offers a design-led stay that complements a heritage-focused itinerary. Set within a conserved building, the hotel offers unique room layouts and interiors that weave Singapore’s history with contemporary design. The property also places you within convenient reach of Joo Chiat via the Thomson-East Coast train line to Marine Parade Station. 

Ascott Raffles Place Singapore offers a stay within a restored Art Deco landmark in the heart of the Central Business District. Housed in the former Asia Insurance Building, the serviced residence blends heritage charm with modern city living and places guests within reach of cultural enclaves and local dining spots across the city, making it an ideal base to experience Singapore like a local.

Discover George Town, Where Heritage Lives On

In George Town, the city reveals itself in quiet rhythms. The clatter of coffee cups at dawn, bicycles weaving through heritage streets, and wok hei lingering in the air. Here, history is not only preserved but woven into daily life. Restoration and revitalisation efforts played a key role in shaping the city’s current identity by preserving shophouses, revitalising public spaces and supporting local communities, earning its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Penang.

This balance between preservation and progress defines George Town. Along Armenian Street, you can explore well-preserved shophouses, vibrant street art, heritage boutiques and traditional craft shops. A short walk away, Hin Bus Depot offers a contrasting energy – a repurposed bus depot now home to contemporary art exhibitions, weekend markets, and local creative vendors, reflecting the evolving cultural scene. The heritage lanes invite slow exploration, where hidden cafés, courtyards, and everyday moments unfold naturally. 

Eat and Explore Like a Local

To truly live like a local in Penang is to follow its rhythm. Begin your day with Kopi, Kaya Toast and soft-boiled eggs. By midday, explore hawker stalls serving local favourites such as Char Kway Teow, Assam Laksa and Nasi Kandar.

Beyond food, the best way to experience George Town is on foot, allowing for spontaneous discoveries along the way. For longer distances, ride-hailing services offer convenience, while a ferry ride between the island and mainland provides a simple, local perspective of Penang beyond its historic core.

Where to Stay in George Town

For those drawn to George Town’s history and are looking for heritage stays in Penang, 1926 Heritage Hotel Penang by The Unlimited Collection offers a stay that feels intrinsically connected to its surroundings. Housed within a restored colonial residence, the property reflects the same preservation ethos that defines George Town. Much like the revitalised streets and conserved shophouses, the hotel is part of a broader narrative where heritage is not only protected but lived in. Located close to key heritage streets, it allows guests to experience the city not as visitors, but as part of its ongoing story.

To experience Penang beyond its historic core, Citadines Connect Bertam George Town Penang offers a natural transition into the island’s more contemporary, local rhythm. Located within a row of restored shophouses along Lorong Bertam, the property integrates heritage architecture with modern design, reflecting Penang’s evolving urban landscape. Just minutes from KOMTAR and key attractions, the property is surrounded by a mix of retail, dining and cultural experiences. Designed for modern travellers, it provides a convenient and well-connected base to explore the city.

The Fabric of Quezon City: Stitching Together Heritage, Craft and Local Life

To experience Quezon City like a local is to move through its neighbourhoods with intention, where craftsmanship, food and creative expression intersect.

In Kamuning, often known as the “Savile Row of Manila”, generations of craftsmen continue the tradition of bespoke tailoring and craftsmanship where garments are measured, cut and constructed by hand. In the atelier district, rows of ateliers line the street – from traditional barong weaves to modern suiting fabrics. Select ateliers offer private consultations, allowing visitors to engage directly with craftsmen and create bespoke pieces.

Beyond tailoring, the neighbourhood reveals layers of local life. Nearby dining spots, including those recognised by the Michelin Guide, offer cuisines from refined local dishes to regional flavours. Creative spaces such as independent craft stores and pottery studios provide opportunities to engage with local artistry, while neighbourhood cafés offer moments of pause amid the day’s exploration.

Just beyond Kamuning, areas like Tomas Morato, Maginhawa and the Quezon Memorial Circle reflect the city’s everyday rhythm – from casual dining streets to community parks where locals gather, exercise and unwind.

Where to Stay in Quezon City

Located near Kamuning, Citadines Roces Quezon City places guests at the centre of the city’s creative and cultural districts. The serviced apartment offers seamless access to Kamuning’s atelier neighbourhoods, the lively dining scene, and nearby retail destinations. From daytime exploration to evening social spots, it serves as a well-connected base to experience Quezon City’s evolving local rhythm.

For those looking to extend their exploration, lyf Malate Manila is within easy reach via a short drive or train ride. Set within one of Manila’s most vibrant districts, it offers access to historic enclaves such as Escolta and Binondo. Designed as a bold social living hub, the property connects guests not only to the city’s heritage and creative scenes but also to a dynamic community through its shared spaces and experience-led environment.

To live like a local is not about replicating routine, but about stepping into the rhythms that define a place – its neighbourhoods, people, and everyday rituals. Where you stay shapes how you experience it all.

The Ascott Limited’s properties offer not just a place to rest, but a starting point to discover the city authentically, as the locals do. Discover your next stay through the Ascott Star Rewards (ASR) website and sign up to unlock member-only benefits today.