What to expect
Katong sits between the Peranakan shophouses inland and the coast, though the sea it was named for is now a kilometre away behind reclaimed land. It is primarily a food district, known for a particular style of laksa that several long-standing shops claim with varying degrees of seriousness. Beyond eating, it is a comfortable residential area to walk through, and the coastal park is close enough to make an afternoon of it.
Getting there
Marine Parade on the Thomson-East Coast line is the closest, and the line's opening changed access to this area considerably - it used to be a bus trip. Paya Lebar works for the northern end.
When to go
Lunchtime, and be prepared to queue at the better known places. Late afternoon works if you want to eat and then walk to the coast for sunset, which is the combination locals actually do.
What a resident would tell you
The stretch between Katong and the coast is unremarkable to walk and takes fifteen minutes in full sun. A short bus ride covers it and leaves you with the energy to enjoy the park.
Worth knowing
The laksa rivalry between neighbouring shops is a long-running and mostly good-natured local joke. Nobody agrees, the argument is part of the fun, and any of them will feed you well.
If it rains. Shops are sheltered; the walk to the park is not.