50 Unique Things to Do in Singapore [2025] - Hidden Gems Edition
Uncover hidden islands, villages lost in time, and secret hikes!
![50 Unique Things to Do in Singapore [2025] - Hidden Gems Edition](https://d18sx48tl6nre5.cloudfront.net/webp_xl_9d8428c570cbbc029594160347fdca7e.webp)
If you are looking for things to do in Singapore that are different, and more interesting - we got you! Here, you'll find hidden nature trails that could belong in Indiana Jones, fascinating heritage walks led by ex-gang members, and villages lost in time.
Want more? Check out our favourite ideas for couple activities, family-friendly activities and even team bonding activities!
Sightseeing
Learn meaningful and alternative stories of Singapore, beyond the shiny attractions.
1. Singapore's Last Kampong
We love seeing Singapore's last kampong, because it reminds us of unique the Singapore story is - from third world to first within a single generation. Back in 1956, the kampong housed over-40 families. Today, it is the last kampong in Singapore, with 26 families remaining.
We would highly recommend coming with a guide as this kampong is actually privately owned. With your guide, you'll get to chat with the residents, and learn about one of the last reminders of Singapore's past.
2. Disappearing Kelongs
Singapore's floating fish farms (kelongs) are a vanishing part of our heritage, yet they offer a window into the old ways. Witness this fading tradition alongside modern fish farms on a unique boat trip. See Singapore's past and future side-by-side, all through the lens of fish farming.
3. Haw Par Villa
Haw Par Villa is a mix of a cultural artefact, and a semi-terrifying theme park lost in time. The park is an homage of sorts to super traditional 'Chinese values' exhibited in terrifying ways! If you didn't study for your exams or if you were rude to your parents, a gory fate would befall you. It's a great off-beat place to visit to better understand traditional value systems, and it's just fun and unexpected!
4. Walk with Ex-Offenders
Singapore may be super safe now, but it has a hidden past of gangs and untold stories. Discover this lesser-known side with Alvin, a former secret society member turned guide. This social enterprise tour offers a raw, eye-opening look at Singapore's history and how people like Alvin find a path to change. If you're up for something unique and meaningful, this is definitely it!
5. Uncover Supernatural Beliefs
Explore Changi's real-life ghost stories and local folklore on this chilling tour. It's part WW2, and also a surprising glimpse into the supernatural side of Singapore's culture, hidden beneath the island's modern facade.
Learn about restless spirits, legendary creatures, and the island's history from a passionate local guide. With planned redevelopment, this unique experience may not be around for long - book now!"
6. Sightseeing through Puzzles
Turn Singapore into your playground with outdoor puzzle hunts and escape room adventures. Crack a Chinatown murder case, battle a virus on St. John's Island, or unlock hidden treats at Marina Bay Sands. These games combine sightseeing with fun and exploration, creating unforgettable memories.
7. Singapore's Disappearing Trades
As Singapore modernises, we are rapidly losing a lot of the traditional trades that our parents would take for granted. One of them is the art of traditional pastry making. Here at an award winning pastry shop, you'll get to learn the heart of this culinary tradition that is slowly fading away. You'll also gain a deep understanding of our local heritage through stories of Chinese weddings, customs, and festivals.
8. Cycle Around Iconic Spots
This colourful cycling sightseeing experience is a fun and chill way to check off ALL your sightseeing spots. Pedal to iconic spots at Little India, Chinatown, CHIJMES and find hidden spots you'd miss if you were travelling by bus/car. Your guide is also happy to make pit stops for some history-sharing, cute photo-taking sessions or a chill snack time.
9. Hidden Rooftop Views
Ditch the pricey Marina Bay Sands views! Funan Mall's rooftop garden is a hidden gem offering stunning skyline vistas. Take the lift at Lobby B to discover this secret spot, overlooking iconic landmarks like the Supreme Court, Marina Bay Sands, and the Singapore Flyer. It's the perfect place to capture that Insta-worthy shot without breaking the bank!
Art & Culture
Meet local artisans passionate about sharing their art and see a vibrant side of Singapore.
10. Craft with Artisans
In recent years, lots of really cool crafty experiences have popped up in Singapore. We love this because it's a sign of Singapore being more open and creative as a city, and Singaporeans wanting to chase their creative passions!
You name it and we have it - you can do pottery in cute backyard gardens, paint a skateboard or camera, perfume making with scent engineers and make your own plushie!
11. Leather Making
Most people don't know this but Singapore is actually home to some of the world's best leather, with a LVMH owned crocodile farm. Head to a leather making workshop to learn from Singapore's leather artisans. Craft with Hermes leather, and even use a vintage Kinsley stamping machine!
12. Local Theatre
Singapore's local theatre scene has been getting increasingly exciting in recent years, and we'd highly recommend catching a play! One of our favourite playhouses is Wild Rice - they tell uniquely Singapore stories in ways that are both moving and incredibly thought provoking. Another favourite is Pangdemonium, which has consistently great performances.
Ps: Wild Rice Theatre is based in Funan so you can check out the rooftop skyline view after the play!
13. Art of Batik
Batik looks like Southeast Asia's version of a Hawaiian shirt, but few know that it's an intricate art form that's traditionally worn for big occasions. One traditional Batik shirt can take months to make as each pattern is painstakingly painted with hot wax.
Learn this intricate wax-art form from a passionate Peranakan artist and create your own Batik masterpiece! Choose your own design or paint iconic Singapore landmarks like the Merlion. Discover the techniques, get hands-on, and leave with a beautiful piece of art infused with Singaporean spirit.
14. Tingkat Painting
To us, the humble Tingkat isn't just a practical food container - it's a window into the vibrant Peranakan heritage that defines Singapore.
In this Tingkat painting experience, you'll step into the vibrant world of Nyonya art with a passionate Peranakan painter in Singapore. In her intimate studio, you'll learn about symbolic motifs that tell stories of community and heritage. You'll create your own stunning mini-Tingkat to cherish, while gaining a deeper understanding of Singapore's unique Nyonya culture.
15. Learn Conservation with a Taxidermist
Wildlife in Singapore isn’t just about spotting otters or visiting nature reserves—this taxidermy workshop offers a whole new way to appreciate it.
Led by a zoologist and former WWF conservationist, you'll learn about the vital role butterflies play in the ecosystem before preserving your own ethically sourced specimen. Every butterfly is donated by farms and research centres, giving them a second life as art.
It’s a hands-on, eye-opening experience that blends conservation, science, and creativity. Perfect for nature lovers who want to connect with wildlife in a truly unique way—plus, you’ll leave with your own framed butterfly keepsake!
Outdoors & Nature
Uncover Singapore's incredible rainforest and amazing biodiversity (even locals will be surprised!).
16. Pulau Ubin
Pulau Ubin is one of our favourite places in Singapore. A trip into the past, the sleepy little village island has always held a special place in our hearts as an untouched paradise. To get to this tranquil little island off Singapore, you'll need to take a rustic bum boat that already feels like an adventure!
Here you can go mangrove kayaking (very Lord of the Rings vibes!), hike up to gorgeous viewpoints, and just enjoy the rustic village vibes. Spend half a day here - kayaking, fishing, then having food at a seafood shack!
17. Sentosa's Hidden Rainforest
Who knew Singapore had rainforests to explore?! Not us. If you want to see the closest thing to untouched nature in Singapore, head to Sentosa's rainforest with a naturalist guide and a pair of binoculars. Here you'll get close to Singapore's unique fauna, and if you're lucky you might catch sight of endangered wildlife!
18. Sentosa's Hidden Fort
Most of us have been to Sentosa. But did you know that deep in the forest of Sentosa is a hidden fort that’s been reclaimed by the jungle? It’s like Singapore’s very own Angkor Wat! Its location is so secret that you’re blindfolded on the way in 😯 If you're looking for an adventure, this is for you!
19. Coney Island
Need a nature escape but short on time? Swap Pulau Ubin for Coney Island. This rustic gem offers a slower pace, perfect for wandering. Keep an eye out for the resident otter family! Our favourite spots include the towering Casuarina trees (they feel so European!), the mangrove walk, and hidden beaches.
Top Tip: Rent a bike at Punggol, and and pair your Coney Island trip with nearby Pasir Ris Park or the picturesque Punggol Waterway for an extended adventure.
20. Secret WW2 Bunkers
If you love off-grid trails, head to the gigantic underground Marsiling WW2 bunkers. These bunkers were used to store ammunition during the war, and we were surprised by how vast they were. The bunkers are super hidden and in order to find them, you'll need to walk off-trail into the jungle!
21. Rail Corridor
The Rail Corridor is a 24km trail on abandoned railway tracks, and one of our fave hikes. Our fave part is the hidden tunnel – perfect for photos! To get to the tunnel, start at Greenleaf View, detour at Bukit Timah Railway Station (ask for Clementi Forest), and end at the tunnel. Grab breakfast at Springleaf Prata after. Top tip: Come early (6-7am!) to beat the crowds and snag epic shots – it's like a movie!
22. Intertidal Wildlife Walk
Did you know that along Singapore's beaches are intertidal zones that are incredibly biodiverse and teeming with hidden marine life? Going on an intertidal walk with a marine guide is as close to a wildlife safari as you'll get in Singapore. Here you'll explore Singapore's very own oceanic wildlife and see things you could've never with the naked eye! Perfect for families and wildlife lovers!
23. Nocturnal Animal Safari
Forget the night safari, go wild instead! During this wildlife night walk, head to Sentosa's little known rainforest to see Singapore's nocturnal creatures' in their natural habitat. With a small torch in your hand, you'll be venturing into the dark rainforests to spot Singapore's wildlife with your knowledgeable guides who'll be sharing about these fascinating creatures and their way of life!
24. Sungei Buloh
Sungei Buloh is our favourite nature reserve in Singapore because it's the wildest. Here you'll easily see several huuuge monitor lizards walking alongside you, crocodiles, herons, kingfishers and more. Once, we even saw a 4-metre long King Cobra here! You can explore the park on your own, but if you want to understand more about Singapore's fragile mangrove ecosystem, and spot more wildlife we'd recommend getting a naturalist guide!
Watersports and Island Hopping
Head out onto the water to get close to nature, and explore Singapore's 64 islands (yes, 64!).
25. Mangrove Kayaking
Kayaking in Singapore is hands down one of our favourite ways to get outdoors and recharge. There are a lot of really cool kayaking adventures you can head on. You can kayak through mysterious Lord of the Rings-looking mangrove trees, go kayak fishing, try night kayaking, or even visit disappearing kelongs.
Along the way you may spot wildlife like eagles, herons and otters if you're lucky!
26. E-foiling!
Watersports fans are going to love this super cool alternative to surfing - eFoiling! eFoils are battery-powered surfboards with a motor that lets you tour up to 14km - you'll feel like you're basically flying over water! It's beginner-friendly so you'll learn the ropes pretty quick 🏄
27. Fishing!
Fishing is a really chill way to spend the day in Singapore. You can try pier fishing, head out on a fishing boat with expert anglers (and BBQ your own catch onboard!) or you can even do kayak fishing. You can even pair your fishing trip with mussel harvesting - how cool is that?!
28. Southern Islands Sailing
Everyone thinks of Singapore as this tiny island, but Singapore is made up of over 64 different tropical islands! Heading to nearby islands on a yacht is one of our favourite ways to explore Singapore's nature, and see different parts of Singapore that we never knew existed. You can sail to Lazarus Island or less-known Hantu Island, and you can do water activities, karaoke and BBQ!
It is also a lot more affordable than you'd think - a yacht trip can be S$50-$100 per person for a 4 hour getaway!
Food and Drink
Find innovative twists on traditional cuisines, some of the best cocktail bars in the world and experimental private dining.
29. Private Dining
One of our favourite dining trends that has emerged is private dining. It's a really interesting, once-in-a-lifetime experience to have a passionate chef curate an experience for you in the privacy of their home. You can try a fancy pan-European omakase in a gorgeous flat in Tiong Bahru, a lovely Mediterranean feast in a historic Joo Chiat shophouse or a foraging walk with incredible Asian seafood feast.
30. Try Street Food Cocktails
Singapore food.. but in a drink?! If you're a curious foodie, you'd love this. Try locally-inspired handcrafted spirits (rojak gin, anyone?), learn about traditional techniques and get hands-on with the art of Southeast Asian spirit-making. It's a delicious crash course in Singapore's unique multicultural spirit.
31. Roast Coffee + Brunch
This is probably Singapore's first and only coffee roasting experience, where you'll experience coffee farm-to-table. See the coffee plant growing on the farm; select and roast raw coffee beans over a fire; grind them up by hand; and experiment with different brewing techniques. When you're done, you'll also get to enjoy a brunch of bagels and churros with your coffee!
32. Asia's First Gin School
When the founder of this iconic brewery realised that Singapore was famous for its Singapore Sling, but there were no local breweries that made gin, she set out to change that. She travelled around the world from farm-to-table Portland, to traditional Black Forest where she learnt tricks and techniques of gin from the master distillers in the world. Now you can learn the secrets of Gin at Asia's very first Gin school!
33. Bean to Bar Chocolate
This is Singapore's first and only live chocolate making workshop, designed for anyone who loves chocolate or who is curious about where their chocolate comes from. Explore the origins and creation of chocolate, roast raw cacao beans and slowly transform them into an edible bar of chocolate! YUM.
34. Gin Tasting
We never knew we had gin distilleries until a couple of years ago, and turns out, we actually have world-class gin in Singapore. Here at Singapore's original gin distillery, you'll get to both try out the distillery process yourself AND have your stomach's fill of gin. The venue is really chic - perfect for a date or showing around out-of-town visitors!
35. Make Dim Sum!
Sure, devouring dim sum is a national pastime in Singapore, but what about learning to craft these delicate parcels of deliciousness ourselves? Roll up our sleeves and dive into a hands-on Chinese Dim Sum Workshop. We're not just talking about eating here (though there's plenty of that too!), we're talking about transforming into dumpling artisans.
36. Make Singapore Sling
If you love the super iconic Singapore Sling, why not learn to make the Singapore Sling with local Singaporean gin no less! Here you can taste a bunch of unique local gins, and use homebrew gin to make the iconic Singapore Sling cocktail🍹
37. Traditional Kueh on a Rooftop Farm
Relive your childhood by learning how to make old-school kueh-kuehs and snacks in a unique farm-to-table kueh experience!
Start off by harvesting the freshest leaves from banana trees and pandan plants growing atop a super cute rooftop farm, and learn how to hand-make them into 3 different delicious tea-time snacks. During this session, you'll learn to make yummy Kueh lapis, Naga sari, and Putu ayu!
Urban Farms
Singapore aims to be semi-self-sufficient in food by 2030, and urban farms are key! See how we grow everything from microgreens to fish in creative spaces.
38. Rooftop Bee Farm
This whimsical rooftop farm is one of the coolest urban farms we've seen in Singapore. It's got a really interesting story - it houses bees that have been rescued from homes all around Singapore, that would otherwise have been killed as pests.
Here, the rescued bees are in paradise as they feed all-day on the plants on the rooftop and produce honey. As well as beekeeping, you'll also learn about organic farming and end your day with a honey tasting session here!
39. Bollywood Veggies
Bollywood Veggies is more than just a farm, it's a local institution. It's a place where people can learn about sustainable agriculture, connect with nature, and enjoy the simple things in life. You can head to their bistro for yummy food cooked with their fresh produce (the nasi lemak with blue butterfly pea flower rice, and chicken curry are yummy!). Come early on weekends as it does get packed at mealtimes!
Ps: This is a short drive from Sungei Buloh Nature Reserve, so you can pair this with a nature walk there!
40. Hydroponics at Vertical Farm
Singapore is tiny, so we have to be really creative with our use of space. That's why it's not surprising that Singapore is also one of the leaders in vertical farming in the world. For those curious about how it all works, checking out a high-tech vertical farm is a really fascinating way to spend the day.
You'll get to see how vertical farms cleverly use space to grow fresh, local veggies and herbs. You'll learn about cool growing methods like hydroponics, and how to grow your own organic produce. It's not just about the food though, it's about seeing the future of farming up close. It's a chance to witness how technology and innovation are changing how we eat, right here in Singapore!
Wellness
41. Forest Bathing
Forest Bathing (shinrin-yoku) is an ancient Japanese practice of 'bathing' your senses in nature and the environment around you. In a way this is the perfect thing to do in Singapore. Though in our garden city, we are surrounded by trees, we're also so plugged into our devices that we're disconnect from nature.
This forest bathing experience won the Singapore tourism award for wellness two years in a row. It takes place in a nature park in Singapore with an experienced therapist guide who will lead you into meditation in nature. You'll feel recharged, and a lot more connected with nature and your surroundings afterward - at least that's how we felt after our own session!
42. Floating Yoga with MBS Skyline
If you want to try something cool & super IG worthy, this floating yoga experience is it! It takes place on a rooftop pool - with a gorgeous backdrop of the skyline of iconic Marina Bay Sands! While yoga-on-water is new to many, there's NO need to be a pro - simply take it easy and have fun! After all, falling into the water just means more time to admire the view.
43. Cold Plunge
Ditch the heat and dive into the coolest trend in town: cold plunging under Singapore's sunny skies! It's like a wellness retreat on a rooftop, but way more fun. Picture this: you plunge into 10°C water, gasping for breath, only to emerge feeling like a superhero. And guess what? You get to feed honeybees and sip on their delicious mead!
It's not just about the thrill, though. Cold plunging reduces inflammation, improves circulation, and gives you an endorphin rush that rivals any roller coaster. Plus, you'll have the ultimate bragging rights – who else can say they conquered icy waters in the heart of the tropics?
44. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Step into the Hyperbaric Oxygen Cocoon, a futuristic chamber that feels straight out of a sci-fi film. Inside, you'll be immersed in 100% pure oxygen, a sensation that's both relaxing and strangely exhilarating. This therapy is known to boost your circulation, supercharge your immune system, and even enhance your brain function. It's like hitting the refresh button on your entire body and mind.
45. Sound Healing
If you're looking for a day of relaxation, a sound bath session is perfect for you. Head over to try this Tibetan Singing Bowl therapy 🥣 - a sound bath experience that helps your body release stress! Simply close your eyes and immerse yourself in the gentle sound waves.
Sports & Games
46. Zovb!
If you thought that you've run out of things to do in Singapore, think again. Rediscover play by rolling down a slope in a giant bubble (Zovb!), and let your adrenaline take over! Feel what it’s like to be a space traveller with the ball’s anti-gravity weightlessness 🤩
47. Laser Clay Shooting
If you've always wanted to try clay pigeon shooting - this laser clay shooting is a safer version! Here you'll use a shotgun to fire laser beams at actual targets. Unlike clay shooting, these shotguns don't have any recoil and don't cause bruising! This is a great and unexpected way to spend time with your friends - see who can get the highest score on the scoreboard!
48. Longboard at Stadium
If you're looking to try something new, try long boarding! We especially love the community vibes at the stadium where boarders beginner & experienced support each other. Under the guidance of passionate instructors, you'll learn the basic techniques of longboarding, which includes pushing, carving, and braking. Who knows, if you're a natural skater, you'll pick up a cool trick or two!
49. Underwater Spinning!
If you love spinning, why not mix it up and spin... underwater! At this unique underwater spin class, you'll find yourself spinning while partially submerged in a pool, pumping away to the energizing high tempo beats. Great for a challenge, or just a good time with friends!
50. Dragon Boating
We can't think of anything more iconically Singapore than having a dragon boat race against the gorgeous MBS skyline. Experienced trainers will share the history and stories of dragon boating, and you'll cap off the experience with a 200m race. It's fun, educational and really memorable all at the same time. You'll need at least 6 persons for this experience, so bring your friends!
Singapore FAQs
If you think Singapore is just skyscrapers and shopping malls, these experiences will completely change your mind.
1. Visit Singapore’s Last Kampong – A Time Capsule of Old Singapore
Instead of just visiting the National Museum to learn about Singapore’s history, actually step into it!
Singapore went from a fishing village to a global financial hub in just one generation. But Kampong Lorong Buangkok is the last remaining traditional village, where families still live in wooden houses with tin roofs. Walking through the kampong is like stepping into the past—kids play in open fields, chickens roam freely, and neighbours chat outside their homes. It’s a glimpse of a Singapore that once was. Since it’s privately owned, it’s best visited with a guide who can introduce you to the residents.
2. Explore Disappearing Kelongs – Floating Fishing Villages from the Past
Instead of just eating seafood at a fancy restaurant, visit a traditional kelong and see how it’s caught!
Before modern fish farms, Singapore’s fishermen lived in kelongs—traditional wooden houses built on stilts over the sea. These floating villages are disappearing, but you can still visit one on a boat trip. See how fishermen use age-old techniques to catch fish, and contrast it with Singapore’s modern fish farms. It’s a rare chance to see Singapore’s past and future side by side.
3. Walk with Ex-Offenders – A Gritty Look at Singapore’s Hidden Past
Instead of hearing a polished version of history, experience the real, raw stories.
Singapore is known for being safe and orderly, but in the past, gangs controlled entire neighbourhoods. On this tour, a former gang member shares real-life stories of secret societies, crime, and how he turned his life around. It’s raw, eye-opening, and gives you a deeper understanding of how Singapore became the country it is today.
4. Haw Par Villa – A Quirky, Creepy Theme Park from the 1930s
Instead of Universal Studios, visit a theme park built around ancient Chinese superstitions.!
Haw Par Villa is a one-of-a-kind cultural relic—a bizarre outdoor theme park that depicts traditional Chinese values in terrifyingly graphic ways. The “10 Courts of Hell” diorama shows what happens to people who misbehave (spoiler: it’s not pretty). It’s a weird, fun, and totally unexpected way to learn about traditional Chinese folklore.
5. Uncover Singapore’s Supernatural Side on a Ghost Tour
Instead of just walking through heritage districts, hear the spooky stories lurking behind them!
Singapore has a deep-rooted belief in spirits, and this ghost tour takes you to some of the most haunted spots in the city. You’ll hear eerie stories about restless spirits, urban legends, and the supernatural beliefs that still shape Singapore’s culture today.
To skip the crowds and experience Singapore differently, try this!
✅ Instead of Marina Bay Sands SkyPark → Secret Rooftop at Funan Mall (Free, stunning skyline views without the price tag)
Most people head to Marina Bay Sands for panoramic views, but did you know you can get an amazing skyline view for free? Funan Mall’s hidden rooftop garden offers an incredible perspective of Marina Bay Sands, the Supreme Court, and the Singapore Flyer—without the crowds. Take the lift at Lobby B, and you’ll find a peaceful space perfect for photos, a quiet break, or even a picnic.
✅ Instead of touristy Sentosa → enter Sentosa’s Hidden Rainforest (Spot rare wildlife with a naturalist guide)
Sentosa is beautiful but artificial. If you want to see something real, head into Sentosa’s hidden rainforest. Most visitors don’t realise that Sentosa has patches of untouched jungle, home to rare wildlife like colugos (flying lemurs), pangolins, and exotic birds. A guided walk will take you deep into the forest, where you’ll experience the wild side of Singapore that most people miss.
✅ Instead of Chinatown → Explore Joo Chiat & Katong (Colourful shophouses, rich Peranakan heritage, and amazing local food)
Chinatown is always buzzing with tourists, but for a deeper dive into Singapore’s heritage, Joo Chiat and Katong are the places to go. These neighbourhoods are filled with beautifully preserved Peranakan shophouses, quirky boutique stores, and some of the best local eats in Singapore. Try traditional Nonya kueh, pop into a century-old coffee shop, or just wander through the colourful streets soaking in the old-meets-new charm.
✅ Instead of a River Cruise → Kayak in Mangroves (A quiet, immersive way to explore Singapore’s waters)
Singapore’s river cruises show you the city skyline, but if you want a more intimate experience on the water, go mangrove kayaking. Paddle through hidden waterways in Pulau Ubin or Khatib Bongsu, where you’ll be surrounded by lush mangroves, spot otters, and maybe even an eagle flying overhead. It’s peaceful, adventurous, and shows a completely different side of Singapore—without the boat engine noise.
✅ Instead of Clarke Quay Bars → Go on a Speakeasy Bar Hunt (Uncover hidden cocktail gems with secret entrances)
Clarke Quay is fun but predictable. If you want a more unique night out, hunt down Singapore’s hidden speakeasies. These bars are tucked away behind unmarked doors, disguised as tailor shops, or even hidden inside old Chinese medicine halls. Whether it’s a cocktail bar with a 1920s Shanghai vibe or a jazz lounge behind a fridge door, discovering these secret spots is half the fun.
✅ Instead of the Singapore Zoo → Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve (See wildlife in their natural habitat, not in enclosures)
The Singapore Zoo is world-famous, but if you want to see animals in the wild, head to Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. This sprawling mangrove forest is home to wild crocodiles, giant monitor lizards, otters, and migratory birds. Walk along raised boardwalks and keep an eye out for a massive estuarine crocodile sunbathing in the mud—it’s Singapore’s own version of a wildlife safari, and our favourite spot!
If you’ve visited Singapore before and feel like you’ve ticked off all the major sights, there’s still a lot more to uncover. Beyond the futuristic skyline and famous attractions, Singapore has an incredible amount of heart—driven by passionate locals who are dedicated to preserving its nature, wildlife, and disappearing traditions.
Whether it’s learning from artisans keeping old trades alive, exploring untamed pockets of wilderness, or stepping into forgotten history, these experiences will show you a side of Singapore that most visitors never get to see!
Visit a Rooftop Bee Farm and Taste Fresh Honey – A hidden green oasis in the city
Most people don’t think of Singapore as a place for beekeeping, but high above the city, a rooftop bee sanctuary is home to rescued bees that would otherwise have been exterminated. Learn about the crucial role bees play in our ecosystem, taste different varieties of raw honey, and see how urban farming is thriving in unexpected places. It’s a peaceful, eye-opening experience in the middle of the city.
Explore Pulau Ubin – Singapore’s Last Wild Island
Pulau Ubin feels like stepping into another world. There are no skyscrapers, no highways—just dirt paths, mangrove forests, and a slow village pace that’s rare in modern Singapore. Rent a bike and cycle past wooden kampong houses, kayak through tunnels of mangrove trees, and visit the Chek Jawa wetlands, where you can see horseshoe crabs and other rare marine life. If you think you know Singapore, Pulau Ubin will make you rethink everything.
Hike to a Secret WW2 Bunker – A Forgotten Chapter of History
Singapore’s World War II history is well-documented, but some of its most fascinating remnants are hidden deep in the jungle. Scattered across the island are abandoned underground bunkers that once stored ammunition and housed soldiers. Unlike Fort Canning, these bunkers are completely off-the-grid, requiring off-trail hiking, ducking through narrow tunnels, and crawling into underground rooms. If you’re looking for an adventure with real historical significance, this is one of the most intriguing places to explore.
Sightseeing Through Puzzles – Explore Singapore Like a Detective
If you’ve walked through Chinatown, Little India, or Marina Bay Sands before, you probably think you’ve seen everything these areas have to offer. But instead of just strolling through the streets, try exploring them through an interactive puzzle hunt. These games challenge you to solve mysteries while uncovering hidden details about Singapore’s history and culture. Whether you’re cracking a code at a temple, following a trail of clues through back alleys, or discovering a forgotten legend, this turns sightseeing into an adventure.
Learn a Disappearing Trade from a Traditional Baker
As Singapore modernises, many traditional trades are vanishing. One of them is the art of making old-school pastries by hand, using techniques passed down for generations. At this workshop, you’ll not only learn how to make traditional pastries, but you’ll also hear stories about how these treats were once an essential part of weddings, festivals, and daily life. It’s a rare opportunity to experience a piece of Singapore’s past before it disappears entirely.
Cycle Through Little-Known Neighbourhoods
Most visitors explore Singapore by MRT or taxi, but one of the best ways to see the city is on two wheels. Join a cycling tour through lesser-known neighbourhoods like Little India, Kampong Glam, and Jalan Besar, where you’ll find colourful street art, hidden alleys, and family-run eateries that have been around for generations. A guide will point out details you’d never notice on your own, from secret WWII bomb shelters to the backstories of old shophouses.
Even if you’ve been to Singapore before, these experiences will give you a completely new appreciation for the city’s hidden side.
Yes! Despite Singapore’s reputation for being ultra-modern, there are still hidden pockets of history, nature, and forgotten places that most locals don’t even know about.
Singapore’s Last Kampong (Village) – A Window into the Past
- Most people think Singapore is all skyscrapers, but in a tiny corner of the island, Kampong Lorong Buangkok still exists. This is Singapore’s last remaining traditional village, where you’ll find wooden houses, chickens roaming freely, and a glimpse of life before the city became a global financial hub.
- Unlike heritage museums, this is a living piece of history—but it may not be around much longer as the government has plans to redevelop the land.
Marsiling WW2 Bunkers – Secret Underground Tunnels
- Deep in a forest near the Malaysian border lie abandoned World War II bunkers built by the British. These vast underground tunnels stored ammunition during the war but have since been forgotten, swallowed by the jungle.
- Exploring these bunkers feels like stepping into a real-life Indiana Jones adventure, complete with secret passageways and dark, moss-covered walls.
Disappearing Kelongs – Floating Fishing Villages That Time Forgot
- Kelongs are traditional stilted fishing villages built over water, once common across Southeast Asia.
- While they were once a vital part of Singapore’s economy, only a handful remain today as the city modernizes. Visiting a kelong lets you see how old and new Singapore exist side by side, with traditional fish farms floating next to high-tech aquaculture facilities.
Sentosa’s Hidden Fort – A Forgotten Military Site
- Sentosa is known for its resorts, but hidden in the jungle lies Fort Serapong, an abandoned British military fortress from the 1880s. It’s like Singapore’s Angkor Wat!
- Unlike Fort Siloso (which is well-preserved for tourists), this one is completely overgrown, giving it an eerie, post-apocalyptic feel. You’ll need a guide to find it—part of the adventure!
Although Singapore is a city-state, it has surprisingly lush and diverse hiking trails, from hidden jungles to old railway tracks.
1. Rail Corridor & Clementi Forest – A Hike Through Singapore’s Abandoned Railway
🚶 Why it's special: This trail follows an abandoned railway line that once connected Singapore to Malaysia. Since the tracks were removed in 2011, nature has taken over, creating a rare urban wilderness.
- Start from Bukit Timah Railway Station, where you’ll see an old station platform and railway bridge.
- Walk through the Clementi Forest section, a misty, overgrown jungle that feels nothing like modern Singapore.
- End at the famous green railway tunnel, one of the most photogenic spots in Singapore.
2. MacRitchie Reservoir & TreeTop Walk – Singapore’s Most Famous Jungle Hike
🌳 Why it's special: This is the oldest nature reserve in Singapore, featuring a 250m-long suspension bridge that puts you above the rainforest canopy.
- Spot long-tailed macaques, monitor lizards, and flying lemurs along the way.
- Walk around the serene boardwalk along the reservoir, where you might see turtles and fish.
- The full hike is about 10km but can be shortened with alternative routes.
3. Bukit Timah Nature Reserve – Singapore’s Highest Peak
🏔 Why it's special: Bukit Timah Hill is the highest natural point in Singapore (163m), surrounded by one of the world’s most diverse rainforests.
- The trail is steep and challenging, making it a great workout.
- You’ll pass by huge dipterocarp trees that are hundreds of years old.
- Spot rare wildlife like pangolins, colugos (flying lemurs), and Malayan blue coral snakes.
4. Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve – The Wildest Side of Singapore
🦅 Why it's special: This mangrove forest and wetland reserve is a birdwatcher’s paradise and home to wild crocodiles.
- Walk along wooden boardwalks through the mangroves, where you’ll see giant monitor lizards and otters.
- If you’re lucky, you’ll spot a wild estuarine crocodile resting in the mud.
- Best visited at sunrise or sunset when the wildlife is most active.
