For those who want a real taste of Singapore, head to the suburban areas of Singapore. Each has its own flavour. Shopping is often cheaper and of as high quality as in Orchard road. Of particular interest is Toa Payoh, one of the oldest housing estates. Besides your usual Hong Kong chains of Giordano, Bossini etc., Toa Payoh also features quaint little shops selling an assortment of goods, always cheaper than Orchard. Look out for the tree which is made into a temple, the "chess tournament area" for seniors, and the new shopping area near the Interchange. For clean toilets, visit the HDB Centre, which happens to be the place where Singaporeans buy their flats (public housing).

Visitors will want to head to Tampines, the housing estate with the largest selection of modern shopping malls. Just 15 minutes from Changi Airport, Tampines features electronics mega retailers Courts and Best Denki, along with Japanese food chains Sushi Tei, Yoshinoya, Sakae Sushi, etc. housed in three glittering megamalls - Tampines Mall, Century Square, and the newly opened Tampines 1 (in 2009), all selling a multitude of hip merchandise. Join the Singaporean national past time of movie watching at the Golden Village cineplex featuring most top Asian and Hollywood shows, and try local delicacies and people watch at the basement food courts which offer clean, superb dining at 4-5 SGD which is often tastier than hotel fare. Other interesting suburban areas include (WEST) Jurong East or Jurong West, (EAST) Marine Parade and (NORTH) Yishun. 

These HDB areas are easily accessible by bus or MRT. Remember to get the Singapore Tourist Pass (http://www.thesingaporetouristpass.com), which enables you to travel unlimited rides on the public transport system.