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From Grab to Instagram: 5 apps you simply cannot live without when travelling in Southeast Asia

Augmented reality provides useful marketing information via the smartphone to shoppers and visitors.
Augmented reality provides useful marketing information via the smartphone to shoppers and visitors.
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Did you know that Instagram is handy for ordering food? Or that Grab is a great substitute when Uber isn’t available? These are five travel apps to download before visiting Southeast Asia, from Malaysia and Singapore to the Philippines

Recently, I attended a family reunion in the Philippines where my parents, both ethnic Chinese, were born and raised. Before smartphones, visiting the Philippines – despite being one of Asia’s most English-friendly countries – often required the help of locals to get around, arrange meetings and see the sights. At least, that was its reputation.

Having never been there before, but eager to learn about my heritage, I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was, but I was also aware of how limited I’d be without some key apps.

These are five essential apps you should download before travelling around Southeast Asia.

Grab

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Hailed by millions: Grab
Hailed by millions: Grab

I can’t tell you how convenient it is to get around when you’ve got Grab on your phone. Uber is popular in Hong Kong but it’s not available in countries like Singapore and Malaysia, so you’ll need Grab. I felt completely safe using Grab – whether in the Philippines, Singapore or Thailand – and it’s a real convenience when the queues for taxis seem miles long.

Instagram

It’s a search engine, too: Instagram
It’s a search engine, too: Instagram

While Instagram doesn’t rate a mention on Google search as a top travel app, I absolutely believe it is a lifesaver. A lot of the older generation – by whom I mean people aged 30 and above who still use Facebook – don’t realise that Instagram is not just a social media app, but a powerful search engine.

Instagram is useful on food expeditions.
Instagram is useful on food expeditions.

Want to find which restaurant serves the best Hainanese chicken in Singapore? Just type “hainanese chicken singapore” in the search tab and you’ll be directed to different locations along with maps and other details. Dive deeper to see the photos associated with each location.