Ever wanted to venture off the beaten path? Consider undertaking a few of these immersive and one of a kind experiences during your next stay in Singapore. These sometimes lesser known, yet unique things to do in Singapore tend to fly under the radar for most visitors. However, you will make lifelong memories by exploring these one of a kind excursions. Plus about a third of these adventures are free of charge, while the majority are more affordable (or not, you’ll see). Let this be a starting guide to your out of the ordinary Singapore vacation. I hope you find some inspiration as you scroll through this list of unique things to do in Singapore!
1. Book a unique dining experience
Experience a different take on dining by considering one of the many Singapore-specific dining adventures outlined below. Take advantage of the one of a kind dining experiences that Singapore has to offer! When it comes to dining, there is no shortage of unique things to do in Singapore, however, these highlights really stand out. These alternative dinner ideas are great for celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, a graduation, a holiday, or just because, hey, you’re in Singapore, why not! Now or never! The four dining experiences outlined below are mostly fine dining; for a more casual setting, read the final note at the end of this section. Please note: if you have sinus problems/issues clearing your ears through elevation changes, some of these unique things to do in Singapore may not be best suitable for you (Cable Car Sky Dining and dining at the SG Flyer, in particular).
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- Cable Car Sky Dining through Mount Faber Leisure will allow you to dine while you are served a multi-course meal. Most of the dining packages offer a European-style menu, though a Savour Singapore package is available. We tried the Singapore package on Christmas Day and it was phenomenal; they even gave us extra dessert on the house which included a mulled wine jell-o cup. Not to mention, the views are absolutely breath-taking, especially at sunset time. You will get to see Sentosa from above (to include sharks and dolphins at the aquarium), the harbor and its many ships, Reflections at Keppel Bay, the VivoCity Boardwalk/Promenade, and the jungle around the Southern Ridges. This was hands down one of my favorite and very unique things to do in Singapore, plus the staff really ensures you are comfortable and informed of what will happen during your breathtaking dining experience. I mean come on, where else will I ever get to have a fine dining experience on a cable car? This would be such a great surprise for your loved ones.
- Know before you go:
- Get there early; arrive about 30-45 minutes prior to your reservation time (especially if it is in the evening). You will be waiting in line (outside) for sometime since regular cable car services are ongoing and only a dozen or so of the cable cars are outfitted with the dining set up; therefor the staff has to wait for your car to come around from as far as Sentosa Island. Not to mention, you will not be the only one making a booking. The cars are not air-conditioned, bring a small fan if you need to. If you get car sick, I recommend sitting on the forward facing bench. The staff will take pictures upon boarding your cable car that will be available for purchase after. Check in and boarding are done at Mount Faber Station located at 109 Mount Faber Rd, Faber Peak. This location is only reachable by car, cab, walking, or the cable car. No MRT/public buses run here.
- You will likely be making 3-4 rotations from Mount Faber to Sentosa Island, each rotation takes about 30 minutes. You will start with your appetizer, then each course will be served upon each rotation back to Mount Faber Station. This is important to note as the official website says that you will have your welcome drink and appetizer inside Arbora Cafe, but this is no longer the case (at least as of December 2023).
- When you book, this is your only chance to add/modify your dining plan. So if you need to add wine, soda, kid’s meals, and other add-ons, indicate this in your booking. You cannot add for extras upon arrival.
- There are no restrooms inside the cable cars nor will there be any intermission; I highly recommend getting there early to get yourself situated before hand. Expect a full duration 2.5 hours. Dining will last about 90 minutes. Most options for booking are in the late afternoon/evening.
- Seasonal happenings: During your visit, the cable cars may be decorated with a temporary exterior wrap for a promotion or celebration; the seating inside may also match the theme. This decor could impede the view for children, depending on how it is wrapped. During our visit, the cable cars were covered in a Pokemon theme.
- Pricing: This will vary depending on the package; the Savour Singapore package is the most affordable at S$78 per person, with the most expensive package starting at S$268. Kid’s meals are capped at S$38 for children ages 4-12 years.
- Know before you go:
- Cable Car Sky Dining through Mount Faber Leisure will allow you to dine while you are served a multi-course meal. Most of the dining packages offer a European-style menu, though a Savour Singapore package is available. We tried the Singapore package on Christmas Day and it was phenomenal; they even gave us extra dessert on the house which included a mulled wine jell-o cup. Not to mention, the views are absolutely breath-taking, especially at sunset time. You will get to see Sentosa from above (to include sharks and dolphins at the aquarium), the harbor and its many ships, Reflections at Keppel Bay, the VivoCity Boardwalk/Promenade, and the jungle around the Southern Ridges. This was hands down one of my favorite and very unique things to do in Singapore, plus the staff really ensures you are comfortable and informed of what will happen during your breathtaking dining experience. I mean come on, where else will I ever get to have a fine dining experience on a cable car? This would be such a great surprise for your loved ones.
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- The Sunset in the Sky at the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark Observation Deck is your chance to enjoy the famous view from the SkyPark Observation Deck paired with a bite to eat. Heavy emphasis on the views; the ticket is not a a full meal. You will have seating, chocolates, champagne or cocktails, and a personalized photo book. All additional food and drink items will have to be ordered a la carte and it is not included in your ticket price. If that is not your vibe, I would consider this more of a dessert only experience. The MBS has a number of dining options downstairs or at Cé La Vi in Tower 3. So think of this as a luxurious upgrade to the standard view of the MBS SkyPark Observation Deck. This is one of those unique things to do in Singapore for newlyweds and couples in general.
- Know before you go:
- Bookings are only available Thursday-Sunday at 6pm and requires a date/time slot online reservation. Though there is no mention of a strict dress code, wear something on the more formal side but something that would also be comfortable enough to be worn outdoors.
- It can get windy up here, despite the glass protection. Please know that tripods are not permitted, although I had no issue with my small 12 inch tripod. The SkyPark located in Tower 1 of the MBS, located at 10 Bayfront Ave.
- Duration: Reservations are usually 6pm-9pm, with final admission at 7:30pm (2-3 hours).
- Pricing: Starts at S$108 per pax (for non-members).
- Learn more about the SkyPark Observation Deck and how to get a free/cheaper view from the MBS here.
- Know before you go:
- The Sunset in the Sky at the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark Observation Deck is your chance to enjoy the famous view from the SkyPark Observation Deck paired with a bite to eat. Heavy emphasis on the views; the ticket is not a a full meal. You will have seating, chocolates, champagne or cocktails, and a personalized photo book. All additional food and drink items will have to be ordered a la carte and it is not included in your ticket price. If that is not your vibe, I would consider this more of a dessert only experience. The MBS has a number of dining options downstairs or at Cé La Vi in Tower 3. So think of this as a luxurious upgrade to the standard view of the MBS SkyPark Observation Deck. This is one of those unique things to do in Singapore for newlyweds and couples in general.
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- 165 Sky Dining at the Singapore Flyer offers a four course dinner inside the capsule while you enjoy a 165 meter/541ft view onto Singapore’s famous Marina Bay. This package includes free admission to the time capsule exhibit as well all as a souvenir. You will also get a glimpse of both the Garden Rhapsody Light and Music Show at the SuperTree Grove (7:45pm) and the Spectra Light and Water Show at the MBS Promenade (8pm). The Singapore Flyer is located at 30 Raffles Avenue.
- Know before you go:
- This experience is a shared experience, unless you are a group of 5+ or have children under 7, in which case you will have to book a private capsule. Dietary restrictions must be provided to the team 3 day before the event. Unlike the Cable Car Dining, the capsules are indeed air conditioned and the glass is tinted.
- No outside food/drink unless you bring your own bottle of wine or other beverage (corkage fee will be applied). Consider bringing appropriate blazer to wear overtop smart casual or formal wear – shorts, flip flops, sandals, and slippers are not permitted. Rescheduling due to inclement weather is possible.
- Duration: Expect ~90 minutes of dining time (3 full rotations); this offer is available daily at 7pm, with arrival to the VIP lounge at 6:30. This will allow you to skip the line and go directly to your designated capsule.
- Pricing and other offers: Everyone ages 7 and older will pay for the full ticket price of S$520 per couple. Private capsules start at S$1,500, private capsule with canapés or champagne start at S$2,000, and a private Singapore Sling capsule starts at S$1,800. There are also private capsule events available for corporate outings, wedding and proposal packages, and floral arrangement dining capsules for couples for S$2,000+. This experience, however, is one of the unique things to do in Singapore that is quite pricey. If you’d like to visit the Singapore Flyer without a dinner package for a much cheaper price, click here for more information.
- Know before you go:
- 165 Sky Dining at the Singapore Flyer offers a four course dinner inside the capsule while you enjoy a 165 meter/541ft view onto Singapore’s famous Marina Bay. This package includes free admission to the time capsule exhibit as well all as a souvenir. You will also get a glimpse of both the Garden Rhapsody Light and Music Show at the SuperTree Grove (7:45pm) and the Spectra Light and Water Show at the MBS Promenade (8pm). The Singapore Flyer is located at 30 Raffles Avenue.
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- Ocean Restaurant at Sentosa’s Resorts World allows you to enjoy your meal inside a luxurious dining hall surrounded by shark and manta ray tanks. This European-style seafood restaurant also offers one private room for up to 6 pax. Reservations have to be made in advance though seating near or directly by the tanks is not guaranteed.
- Know before you go:
- Although this unique experience is fun for all ages, especially kids, there is no kid’s menu and all meals will be provided and charged at the full price.
- Dress code is smart casual to formal; no flip flops, slippers, bermudas, shorts, or sleeveless tops (for men).
- Hours and Duration: Lunch hours are 11:30am-3pm (last order at 2pm); dinner hours are 6:30pm-10:30pm (last order at 9pm). This restaurant is open daily and located inside the Equarius Hotel on Sentosa Island. Expect to spend about two hours at this dining experience.
- Pricing: Menus rotate seasonally, though four or six course lunch packages start at S$148 per person, without beverages. Dining options consist of a six or an eight course menu starting at S$248, without beverages. Card payments only.
- Know before you go:
- Ocean Restaurant at Sentosa’s Resorts World allows you to enjoy your meal inside a luxurious dining hall surrounded by shark and manta ray tanks. This European-style seafood restaurant also offers one private room for up to 6 pax. Reservations have to be made in advance though seating near or directly by the tanks is not guaranteed.
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- For a more casual but unique dining experience, consider the following restaurants:
- Cafe Monochrome (several locations around Singapore)
- Nox Dine in the Dark
- Absurdities
- The Dragon Chamber
- Smith Marine Floating Restautant
- Andsoforth
- Riverboat Dining (Singapore River Cruise)
- Bonus – Take a dinner cruise on the Royal Albatross (19th century-style sailing yacht *considered fine dining)
- For a more casual but unique dining experience, consider the following restaurants:
2. Visit one of Singapore’s many animal cafes
Don’t have these where you’re from? Don’t fret – this experience among this list of unique things to do in Singapore will fulfill your feline therapy craving. And there surely is no shortage of cat cafes in the city! Please note that most of these cafes require a reservation. Reservations are usually for 90 minutes to 2 hours. This is not a comprehensive list of pet cafes, it is just a few. I have found one cafe that is only pugs! So if you are more of a dog person, check out What the Pug. Otherwise, order your koppi or chai, and take in the feel good vibes that made my list of unique things to do in Singapore. This experience is great for a rainy day, and of course, for kids!
- The Cat Cafe at Bugis and Rail Mall (Bukit Batok), is open Monday 3pm-9pm, weekdays 10am-9pm, and 10am-10pm on weekends, PHs, and school holidays (for both locations); 241B Victoria Street for Bugis, 392 Upper Bukit Timah Road for Bukit Batok location.
- Meomi Cat Cafe in Kampong Glam; hours vary and reservations are made via Instagram DMs @meomicatcafe; 668 North Bridge Road.
- What the Pug in Kampong Glam, reservations based on day of the week; 80 Haji Lane.
- Neko Town Cat Cafe in Geylang, walk ins welcome but reservations are also available via WhatsApp; open daily 11am-9pm, open until 10pm on weekends; 658 Geylang Road (Lor 40).
- Four Paws Pet Shop & Cafe in Toh Tuck, hours not provided; 144 Upper Bukit Timah Road, #04-12 Beauty World Centre.
- Wildflower Studio – painting with cats! Open weekdays 10am-7pm and weekends 10am-8pm with a daily nap time of 12pm-2pm; 58A Niven Road.
- Me Cafe and Games is an entertainment hub with cats! From video to board games, or camping out with a book, you will be surely entertained by a fluffy friend! There are two locations, one on Orchard and the other in Tanjong Pagar.
- Tanjong Pagar: Level 3, 77B Tanjong Pagar Road, 088498, open daily – staffed daily from 12pm-11pm, but opens early at 11 pm and closes late at midnight
- Orchard Central: #04-12, Orchard Gateway, 238858; open daily 11am-11pm.
3. Try a one of a kind workshop
Commemorate your stay in Singapore with a one of a kind souvenir – a unique experience at a workshop with a memorable keepsake. This list is not all inclusive; be sure to check out the culinary section for a chocolate workshop and cooking classes. Don’t let your international travels deter you! Remember that even if to doesn’t fit in your suitcase, you can mail these items back home, or surprise someone! With the many unique things to do in Singapore, you will want to book yourself an experience you’ll remember. From making decorative tiles to frame back home, to crafting your signature fragrance, a workshop will also give you the chance to mingle with locals and meet new people! At the very least, many of these workshops will result in a personalized gift!
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- Gin-making: Distill your own gin at Gin Lion Distillery, Asia’s first Gin School! This 3-4 hour session will allow you to pick your own aromas; you can also opt for a tour or a tasting session.
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- Peranakan Pottery Painting: Get crafty by painting your own set of sneakers, Peranakan tiles, or Tingkat – a traditional stacked lunchbox – at Pei Lin’s shop. Weekday & weekend sessions are available, with each session lasting about 3 hours.
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- Japanese Pottery & Incense: Restore your own unique piece of pottery at Kintsugi Art Studio (all materials provided)! This ancient tradition comes to life as you learn to mend porcelain pieces together while enjoying Japanese drinks and snacks. Mosaic design and crafting, incense making, lattice work, traditional Japanese gift wrapping, and tea ceremonies are also available if you want to pass on pottery. But if you love love love pottery consider checking out ↓↓↓
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- Making Pottery from Clay: Try your luck with a pottery wheel and fresh clay at Am I Addicted Korean Pottery Studio! What makes this experience unique is that the clay is imported from Korea, and you can choose between hand-building, wheel-throwing, and painting!
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- Bouquet Design for One: Learn to make a unique floral arrangement at Wren’s Floral Studio. If you are a bride to be, consider this a chance to be inspired by the bouquet you’d like to hold while walking down the aisle on your wedding day.
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- Jewelry Making: Cast your own unique pieces from earrings, necklaces, or bracelets at The Imperial Smithster.
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- Rug Designing & Making: You have probably seen this online, but this workshop allows you to design and make your own rug with a tufting gun! You can even make your own small patches if that is more your vibe. Hueplay Studios offers this workshop.
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- Leather making: Craft your own wallet or handbag at Crafune on Haji Lane or at the New Bahru location.
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- Soap & Perfume Making: There are several places around Singapore that offer this sensual experience of soap, perfume, and/or candle making. Businesses that offer such services include Scentopia, Endnote, Soap Art, and Vcube Scenting.
More activities and various other workshops are outlined below for true Singapore hidden gems!
4. Take a tasting tour through Singapore’s famous Hawker Centers
Take Hawker Centre Food Tour to get a taste of Singapore’s most iconic dishes. These tours are usually done on foot in Singapore’s Chinatown, take anywhere from 2-4 hours and also includes a tour of a temple. Hawker Centers can be quite overwhelming to some Westerners, so why not savor Singapore by booking a unique experience with a tour guide who is able to explain the Merlion City’s most iconic dishes.
This is one of the truly unique things to do in Singapore, as the city’s Hawker culture is considered a significant piece of cultural heritage in SG by UNESCO. The city boasts over 110 hawker centers with over 13,000 licensed stalls! Hawker culture is a way of life here, giving many people their purpose and income, a means to preserve the unique cultural blend of the city, and it allows locals to keep the cost of living low by enjoying fresh and cheap eats. Singaporeans are very proud of their hawkers.
You can expect to enjoy delights like carrot cake, hokkien mee, chili crab, laska, fish balls, and much more. Pictures above, you can see Maxwell Hawker Center where the chicken rice is from (top left; Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice), accompanied by dosa and curry from Tekka Centre; below it is a serving of popiah. You can book your private or group tour via With Locals, Context Travel, Klook, Tripadvisor, Secret Food Tours, Viator, or City Unscripted.
Want to guide yourself through this immersive experience? Among the most famous hawker centers are Lau Pa Sat, Maxwell, Newton, Tekka Center, Amoy, and Chinatown Complex, though I encourage you to check out small local stalls as well. You will not need to speak Malay, Mandarin, or Tamil to be able to order. The most they will ask you is the size of your order and if it is for here or to-go/take-away, though most people eat at the center.
5. Take it to the next level by taking a culinary class!
Want to take the flavors of Singapore with you? Consider taking a cooking class in the city! Prices range from S$85-S$300+; some sessions are private while others are group activities. This is your chance to ask your chef which ingredients you need to purchase in Singapore before your return. If you are already intimately familiar with the cuisines in Singapore, there are pastry and Western courses you can indulge in. Among the many unique things to do in Singapore, cooking local dishes will get you the most authentic perspective and experience when it comes to the flavors of Malay, Southern Indian, and Southern Chinese dishes. Reservations can be made through each establishment’s website as well as via Tripadvisor or Viator:
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- Palate Sensations is a culinary school that offers both Western and Asian cooking classes.
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- Cookery Magic offers authentic Singaporean cuisine, with options to even cook outside on Pulau Ubin, one of Singapore’s western (and more wild and austere) islands.
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- Food Playground highlights the taste of Singapore through its weekly rotation of South Indian, Southern Chinese, and Malaysian specialties. This one is a fan favorite on Tripadvisor.
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- The SSA Culinary Institute is Singapore’s largest halal culinary school, offering a variety of courses to include Peranakan, Chinese, Indian, Malay, as well as Western dishes – oh and also, breads and pastries.
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- Every wanted to try chocolate making? Bean to bar workshops are offered at several locations around the city, including the famous Janice Wong workshop, the Bucket Chocolaterie, and the ever so popular Sundowner. In fact, Janice Wong planted 40 cacao trees back in 2021 at a school in Singapore, in hopes to bring local cacao to her workshops and businesses in the next few years after the plants mature.
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- Try your luck with a Dim Sum Workshop at Chinatown’s Yum Cha (halal options available!).
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- Let’s Yori Cooking Studio and Nicky’s Kitchen offer a Korean culinary experience.
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- Have more of a sweet tooth? Consider booking your session at the ABC Cooking Studio!
For more culinary adventures, check out my guide below:
6. Zip line across the jungle and Siloso Beach on Sentosa Island!
MegaAdventure offers a 450 meter/1,476 ft tandem zip line across the jungle on Imbiah Hill and Siloso Beach. Your journey will start at the Siloso Beach MegaAdventure Beach Entrance (10A Siloso Beach Walk); from here a golf cart will take you uphill where you will be harnessed and taken to the platform. Pictures and videos will be taken for you and available for purchase. This unique experience is so nice you will want to do it twice – book yourself the Double Zip! The MegaZip is especially beautiful in the evening hours. Among all the unique things to do in Singapore, this excursion was beyond memorable! Zipping over the tree canopy and the beach will leave you speechless. Zip with a friend, a child, or your other half! Also, shoutout to the staff at MegaAdventure, and really all across Sentosa, as they are very friendly and enthusiastic.
Know before you go: Children under 30kg/66 lbs are able to zip tandem with a parent (not on the other zip line, but together). Maximum weight for the zip line is 140kg/408 lbs. Expect this unique excursion to take 30-60 minutes. You can even take a small bag of belongings on the zip with you, but locker rentals for also available. Pricing varies based on the type of booking, but MegaZip starts at S$66 per person; an obstacle course (MegaClimb) and bungee jumping (MegaJump) are also available on Siloso Beach. MegaAdventure is open daily 11am-6pm. Card payments only – I would recommend booking your zip ahead of time online.
7. Try some unique fruits local to Southeast Asia
Especially for Westerners, Southeast Asia boasts many popular local fruit to include jackfruit, mangosteen, lychee, rambutan, longan, coconuts, wax apples, and of course, the durian. Fruit can be purchased at local grocers and wet markets, specifically at Chinatown Street Market and Chinatown Complex, where you will also find a variety of durian. You can also enjoy meals made with locally grown produce at Bollywood Farms in northern Singapore. PS – Durian popsicles are also quite popular as well as a refreshing treat. Some of the finest and most expensive durian can be purchased from Golden Moments at 110 Lor 23 Geylang, Victory Centre, #07-13. Don’t let this be the one of the many unique things to do in Singapore that you decide to pass on…you may just miss out on discovering new flavors and your new favorite fruit. Don’t just take it form just me, but jackfruit tastes like candy! You also truly haven’t experienced Singapore if you haven’t had a freshly squeezed sugar cane drink or a lychee refresher from a street or hawker stall. Just sayin’.
8. Go on an immersive hike in the Southeast Asian Jungle
Singapore is proud of being a city in a jungle, having no shortage of nature reserves, public parks, and many green spaces built into their architecture. The National Parks Board has done a phenomenal job paving hiking paths, building raised walkways, providing boardwalks across many of the city’s green spaces, some of which are even wheelchair accessible. Not to mention, many of these parks have picturesque walkways and architecture – as well as wildlife. Of all the unique things to do in Singapore, these trails are truly off the beaten path, except maybe Fort Canning, but you get the idea. Don’t forget your bug repellent, water, and umbrella when venturing into the jungle! Consider taking an escape from the city by visiting one or more of the following parks:
Little Guilin/Bukit Batok Town Park features rock formations behind a lake. View park map here.
The Clementi Forest Trail is known for its picturesque old railway corridor & tunnel. Check out this video for more.
The Kranji Marshes are the largest freshwater marshes in Singapore. These wetlands are perfect for bird watching or watching crocodiles. The park also boasts a 15 meter/49 foot spiral look-out tower with the best views, especially at dusk. View a map of the park and its trails here.
Dover Forest consists of two divisions, east and west, with an MRT Station EW22 in between. It is a 50+ year old sanctuary for local endangered species. It boasts a tall tree canopy, especially in its underdeveloped western patch.
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is a shoreside series of trails that features docks, raised boardwalks, as well as beautifully designed lookout pods, pictured above in the top left. View a map of all trails here.
Fort Canning Park is located in the city centre and is known for its Bali-inspired gardens, Raffles Garden, the Tree Tunnel. It also has a fort gate and a free heritage centre. This park is breathtaking and just a short walk from Clarke Quay and the Merlion. It also features a few cafes and a playground, making it great for kids. Learn more here, and view park map here. It is pictured above on the right.
The Southern Ridges is a more modern park, with many roads and popular attractions throughout. Faber Peak and Faber Point can be reached on foot, via a taxi or Grab, or via the Mount Faber Cable Car. Though this park, or rather, series of parks is not as immersive in most areas, it boasts a series of beautiful architecture and statues – not to mention the many breathtaking views. For more details on the park’s attractions (canopy walks, Henderson Waves…), click here. For a map of the park, click here. The Merlion pictured in unique thing to do #11 (left) is located on Faber Point! There are also some highlights pictured in #10. This park is massive and exploring it will take all day – there are many stairs and slopes!
The Singapore Botanic Gardens can entertain nature enthusiasts all day. From the Nation Orchid Garden to the Heritage Trees, there is no shortage of stunning sights at Asia’s first and only tropical botanic gardens and UNESCO World Heritage Site. But do be prepared for lots of stairs and slopes. Learn more about the gardens here, and view the park map here.
The MacRitchie TreeTop Walk is the famous 250m/820 ft long suspended bridge that stretches across the jungle; you will see monkeys on your hike. There is a small catch to visiting this bridge as well as certain hours of operation; find out more here. View map of Windsor Nature Park here. It is pictured above on the bottom left.
The Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is known for rock formations paired with quarries along its hiking trails. The following three parks have beautiful viewpoints of serene scenery tucked away in the jungle.
Rifle Range Nature Park inside the southern end of the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve has a number of boardwalks and lookout points. Be prepared for lots of stairs and slopes! View map of trail here.
Hindhede Nature Park has much shorter hiking trails than Rifle Range. View map of the trail here.
Dairy Farm Nature Park features a wide clearing and a beautifully exposed rocky cliffside. View map here.
Check out more wilderness adventures and stunning Singapore parks below! ⬇️⬇️⬇️
9. Check out Hell on Earth at Haw Par Villa
Also known as Hell’s Museum and once known as Tiger Balm Garden, is a rather unique experience in Singapore. Haw Par Villa is an outdoor gallery featuring traditional East Asian architecture and statues that display rather un-heavenly scenes. This experience is not recommended for children ages 9 and under. You are also able to reserve a spot in a mosaic tile making workshop or take the weekly twilight tour around the property. A visit to this hidden gem can be completed in under 2 hours.
Located at 262 Pasir Panjang Road, the Museum is open daily 10am-6pm and closed on Mondays except for PHs. Tickets for adults are S$20 and S$10 for children above the age of 7. This place is truly one of a kind and surely not what you had in mind when thinking about unique things to do in Singapore. However, it is Singapore’s first theme park! Though I don’t want to reveal too much in this blog post, I hope the pictures have intrigued you to consider hopping over to Haw Par Villa. After all, it is actually hell on earth.
10. Go sightseeing around the city for its unique architecture
The Merlion City is home to some breathtaking architecture that are so worth checking out. Though most are located in the city centre, some are scattered throughout Singapore. They are beautifully designed and very instagramable. This unique experience will likely take you all day! Please note that many of these architectural works are residential and therefore have particular visitation hours, if any at all. Some are places you may have to hike to; this is a real life scavenger hunt for big and small. And out of all the unique things to do in Singapore, this experience can be customized to your travel desires. Not to mention that everything is way better in person than in the pictures. If you’d like to know more, consider checking out the Singapore City Gallery, a free attraction on the edge of Chinatown (right beside Maxwell Hawker Centre!) that boasts a 3D rendering of Singapore’s city centre. Learn more about the City Gallery here. If you’d like to view a more comprehensive list of architectural works, click here. Anyways, here are a number of popular structures to check out:
- The Hive
- The Marina Barrage and the Marina Bay Sands
- Marina One Tower
- The Mill The Duo and Parkview Square
- EDEN Singapore
- Tan Teng Niah
- Park Royal Collection Pickering
- Reflections at Keppel Bay
- Bugis+ Mall
- Seletar Rocket Tower
- Selegie Arts Center
- CapitaSpring
- Pan Pacific Orchard
- Potato Head
- Old Hill St Police Station
- People’s Park Complex
- Oasia Downtown Hotel
- Pinnacle at Duxton
- Yunnan Gardens
- Jurong Lake Gardens
- The Alexandra Arch (partially pictured above on the left – this image was taken on the arch)
- The Henderson Waves (as pictured above, top right)
- The Sultan Mosque and Middle Eastern Archways (as pictured above, left side, in the middle)
- The Interlace (as pictured above, left)
11. Go on a scavenger hunt!
Speaking of truly unique things to do in Singapore…if you would like to see the some of Singapore’s most iconic green spaces through the lens of a scavenger hunter, you can do just that by looking for the park’s statues. Also, if traveling across the city to see its stunning architecture wasn’t enough for you, consider this a level up. This unique experience is great for adults and children alike. Don’t get me wrong, I love indulging in the tourist-forward attractions that Singapore has to offer. And Gardens by the Bay is up there! But why not take it in from a different perspective…otherwise allowing you view what you may have otherwise missed. The small details do bring our favorite places to light. I will not spoil the locations of what is pictured above – it is up to you to find them!
- For Gardens by the Bay, you can use this list of sculptures and this map to aid in your search.
- For the Botanic Gardens, you are able to use this list of statues and the park map.
- For architectural works all around the city centre, click here.
- For architecture in central Singapore, click here.
- You can also opt for a more traditional scavenger hunt with teams by booking via Tripadvisor.
12. Visit Singapore’s last Kampong
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Kampong Lorong Buangkok is the city’s last old-school/traditional village from the 1950s. Going here will make you forget that you are within a city of nearly 6 million, especially once you see the chickens. It also highlights how Singapore has become the bustling international city it is today through only a few generations. Visiting Kampong Lorong Buangkok will make it seem like you time traveled. Today, about 25 families still reside in this Kampong, and it is located near Buangkok Square Mall in northeastern Singapore. Since this land is private, it is recommended that you take a private tour via LetsGoTour or Klook. This is hands down one of the most unique things to do in Singapore, if not the most unique, so if this sounds interesting to you, give it a go.
13. Go see a Light and Water Show
If there is one reoccurring theme regarding Singapore, it is light, music, and/or water shows. Many of these shows last between 10-20 minutes and are usually free. Therefore, a short show is a very brief but beautiful way to spend your evening when comparing it to other unique things to do in Singapore (i.e. scavenger hunts and hiking in the jungle). You truly haven’t been to Singapore if you have not partaken in at least one of these unique experiences. These shows may be sensually overstimulating for some.
- Jewel Changi Airport offers a nightly Light & Sound Show at the HSBC Rain Vortex; Monday-Thursday 8pm & 9pm//Friday-Sunday/PHs/Eve of PHs 8pm, 9pm & 10pm. This is in the public, not transient area, inside the Jewel, so everyone can enjoy this show.
- Light Spectra at the Promenade at the Shoppes @MBS and is held Sunday-Thursday at 8pm & 9pm & Friday/Saturday at 8pm, 9pm, and 10pm! Please note changing or additional showtimes on the official homepage.
- Garden Rhapsody at the Gardens by the Bay’s SuperTree Grove is held nightly at 7:45pm & 8:45pm and consists of a 15 minute light and music show involving the Supertrees themselves!
- Sentosa Musical Fountain is a series of daily 5-minute water and music shows located at the stage arena behind the Central Beach Bazar on Sentosa Island. Showings are daily starting at 4pm, every half hour, with the last showing at 6pm.
- Wings of Time is at the same location as Sentosa Musical Fountain. This water, light, sound, and pyrotechnic show does require tickets (S$19 per person) occurring nightly at 7:40pm and 8:40pm
14. Enjoy some bird singing!
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There are a couple of spots around Singapore where you can enjoy the singing of caged birds. This tradition dates back to kampong culture and is therefore most popular amongst retirees. Bird singing was started in efforts to keep endangered species thriving. The Kebun Baru Bird Singing Club is amongst the most popular, located between Mayflower Market and Food Centre & Ang Mo Kio Town Gardens West. Although birds are brought out almost daily, especially when it isn’t raining, the most popular day for chirping is on Sundays. There is also a smaller bird singing corner at Hougang Neighborhood Park as well as a bird singing hangout pavilion located at 430 Clementi Avenue 3, across from Celemnti 488 Market and Food Centre. This one may have even beat Hell’s Museum (Haw Par Villa) in terms of out of the box activities. It is one of the few unique things to do in Singapore that dates back generations and can be enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.
15. Visit an old Southeast Asian cemetery
Western cemeteries are quite different from what you can find in Singapore (though you will find Western/Christian graveyards also). If you have never seen one, I highly recommend taking stroll to take a look at how the dead are buried in Southeast Asia. Near Masjid Malabar in Kampong Glam, you will find Jalan Kubor Cemetery, an old Muslim-Malay cemetery. You will find another one beside the entry point of Marang Trail on the Southern Ridges. Bukit Brown, at south of the MacRitchie Reservoir, contains a tomb and old stone markers to indicate burial sites. Finally, Japanese Cemetery Park dates back to the 1890s, and is quite picturesque with its floral archways, pristine lawns, and stone pillars and markers. This one stands out amongst the many unique things to do in Singapore; especially if you like it spooky, consider walking past an old graveyard after dusk.
16. Be entertained at the Esplanade
The Esplanade Theatres on the Bay are the famous Durian-shaped buildings on the Marina Bay, near the Merlion. The theater features a variety of visual arts, music, comedy shows, plays, dance, small concerts, festivals, and storytelling-type of shows and exhibits. There is a little bit here for everyone. Ticket prices are quite affordable, starting at around S$28 per person while some shows are actually free. Fun fact: the Esplanade was actually not intentionally designed to resemble the durian – its iconic spikes were meant to block out the sun whilst also letting enough light enter the theaters. It was by pure coincidence that it resembles the king of fruit in a country that consumes around 12 million durians annually. There are many unique things to do in Singapore, but if you love and appreciate performing arts, pay the Esplanade a visit; it is located at 1 Esplanade Drive.
17. Go on a Kayaking adventure
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There are many beautiful locations around Singapore where you can make the best of your kayaking experience. From Pulau Ubin, the Southern Islands, Sentosa Island, through a mangrove forest, or on one of Singapore’s many reservoirs, there are many options for immersive natural sightseeing on water. You can even opt for kayaking in the Marina Bay and on the Singapore River! Though these kayaking tours are not amongst the truly unique things to do in Singapore, as you can kayak mostly anywhere else, it will allow you to get in touch with nature while enjoying a serene scene on the water. Plus its a great upper body workout! Bookings can be made on Tripadvisor or Klook.
18. Visit Sembawang Hot Springs
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You read that correctly – Singapore is home to one natural hot spring! The water flows at a toasty 70C/158F and is a foot soaking experience only. There is also a spot for water collection and boiling eggs as well as an education zone for kids. The park is great for bird watching and enjoying the nature trail that features fruit trees and flowers; the park is open daily, with brief maintenance closures every Thursday. You can find this unique experience at Along, Gambas Avenue in northeastern Singapore. I never imagined that a hot spring would be on a list of unique things to do in Singapore, however, if you have never seen a natural spring, why not check it out. It is located somewhat near the Zoo/Mandai Wildlife Reserve, so why not rest your feet after a long day of monkey business.
19. Read to Your Heart’s Content
Chances are that as a tourist, you will not be checking out a book at this iconic library…But you can still hide away for some quiet time or to take a break from shopping at the Library on Orchard. This library offers books in several languages as well as open seating and private booths. Picking out a book to read on your flight home should be fun, so why wouldn’t there be way to experience this…this hidden gem has landed a spot on my list of unique things to do in Singapore. Check out this book shop:
- Just down the road from the Library on Orchard, inside Far East Plaza on the 5th floor, you will find Ana Book Store – known for its unique collection of second hand books, mostly in English. From fiction to nonfiction, travel guides to children’s books, this tiny store is small but mighty and has been in business for several decades. It is open Mondays-Saturdays 12pm-8pm and 1st/2nd Sunday of the month & Public Holidays 1pm-6pm. Give this one a go! By the way, who else was surprised that the Library on Orchard was located inside a mall?
20. Taste the Signature Drinks of Singapore
Drink connoisseur? Try the original Singapore Sling at Long Bar inside Raffles Singapore (328 North Bridge Road); open Sunday-Wednesday 11am-10:30pm and Thursday-Saturday 11am-11:30pm.
More of a beer drinker? Consider trying Singapore’s only domestic beer, the Tiger Beer. Despite of what Trip Advisor will tell you, tours at the Tiger Beer factory are no longer being offered as of December 2023. I hope they bring this Singapore hidden gem back one day!
This is another way to take in the taste and flavors of Singapore. Whether you want to try the Singapore Sling at Long Bar or enjoyed a Tiger Beer, I guarantee you that your friends will scratch their heads when you tell them you had a local beer in Singapore. Did you know Heung Min Son is one of the official ambassadors for Singapore’s Tiger Beer. They did release a Soju infused version of the beer too!
21. Visit the Southernmost Point of Continental Asia
This experience is factually one of a kind – it is of course, continental Asia’s southernmost point. Located on Palawan Beach on Sentosa Island, this attraction is reached via a pedestrian draw bridge, where there are two lookout points, a lush beach, and a 90 degree palm tree. Many people enjoy taking photos and having picnics here. You may also see a monitor lizard. If you are already on Sentosa Island, why not mark this off your list of unique things to do in Singapore. For some, this is probably a bucket list item.
I actually had no idea that this place (Palawan Beach) was known as the southernmost point in Asia…I happen to have seen it on my trip while browsing Google Maps, and I had always seen it being described as a lush beach cove on Sentosa Island in many Instagram posts. Also, is it truly the southern most point of “continental” Asia if this is a small island off of an island off the main island of Singapore? I’m not so sure but let that sink in. I think Johor Bahru got its “rightful” title taken, perhaps. I can’t be certain what is considered part of the actual continental part of Asia or not but it makes for a great flex when you’ve been here as well as to Key West. Now that makes two out of how many southern most points on earth…?
Summary and Final Thoughts
I hope that my list of the 21 unique things to do in Singapore has provided some insight to planning your next trip to the Merlion City. I hope you get the chance to try new flavors, hike the jungle, and see the city’s breathtaking architecture. Singapore really is eye candy and an endless adventure for anyone who loves to explore and so sight seeing. Although I mentioned that I will not provide any spoilers to some of the locations in the pictures, you are welcome to DM me on Instagram @strictlysingapore. PS…the featured picture at the top was taken at the entrance of the New Eden Exhibit at the ArtScience Museum; this exhibition is no longer being offered.
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