Travel the most beautiful places in the world

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. Step into Singapore’s Swinging 1960s

Go back in time with gorgeous theatrical sets

Imagine stepping onto a theater set, but instead of actors, you’ve got headphones, and instead of a stage, the whole city unfolds! This is Singapore like you’ve never experienced it: evocative sounds, hidden alleys transformed, and a ’60s love story that unfolds as you walk the streets. If you love photography and art, you’d love this alternative art experience.

2. Visit Singapore’s Last Kampong

See 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.

3. Visit Quirky Haw Par Villa

Super quirky Haw Par Villa theme park, where gory things happen to children who don’t study

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. Discover Singapore’s Gritty Past with Ex-Gang Member

Support a social enterprise and learn Singapore’s gritty past

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 Haunted Stories of Singapore

See abandoned sites that have captured Singapore’s imagination

This spooky adventure delves into the real spine-tingling stories of Changi. Your guide, a local history buff with a flair for the dramatic, will weave together chilling tales of hauntings with fascinating tidbits about Singapore’s past. Prepare to hear about everything from restless spirits of war to local folklore creatures like the pontianak (get ready to Google that one!).

This isn’t just about jump scares – it’s a mind-blowing exploration of Singapore’s unique blend of Asian supernatural beliefs and the island’s rich history. And with these areas planned for redevelopment, this experience might not be around for long, making it even more unique.

6. Make Singapore Your Giant Game Board

See Singapore with fresh eyes when playing detective!

Turn Singapore’s streets into your gigantic game board! Crack a Chinatown murder case, battle a virus on St. John’s Island, or unlock hidden treats at Marina Bay Sands – all through outdoor escape games or puzzle hunts. Choose your adventure and explore the city like never before!

7. Learn the Disappearing Art of Traditional Pastry Making

Learn the secrets of this disappearing trade from an award-winning traditional baker

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 Little India, CHIJMES & More

Cycle along iconic spots in Singapore

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. See the Skyline at a Hidden Rooftop

See the skyline with the Supreme Court and MBS at a hidden rooftop.

Not many people know this but the top of Funan Mall is one of the best places to see Singapore’s skyline! It’s only accessible from the lift at Lobby B – and when you take the lift to the top you’ll find a roof garden overlooking the spaceship-like Supreme Court, Marina Bay Sands, Esplanade, the Singapore Flyer etc!

10. Discover Singapore’s Hidden Bars with an Insider

Uncover seriously hidden bars like this one! Can you spot it?

Even if you’re a regular to Singapore’s bar scene, this bar-hopping adventure will take you beyond your usual haunts. Uncover hidden speakeasies with an insider who knows everyone, and every cool new bar. Expect expertly crafted cocktails, insider access to all the coolest bars, explore quirky themed bars you never knew existed, and get a true taste of Singapore’s vibrant nightlife.

Art & Culture

Meet local artisans passionate about sharing their art and see a vibrant side of Singapore.

11. Try a Quirky Creative Workshop

Make your own camera!

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!

12. Learn Leather Crafting

Learn the art of leather making with local artisans in Singapore.

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!

13. Watch a Local Play

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!

14. Batik Painting with Local Artist

Batik is the traditional art form of applying wax to create intricate patterns on clothing

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.

15. Vandalise Freely!

Unleash your creativity at this cool hidden warehouse

While actual public space graffiti remains a no-no in Singapore, there IS a tucked-away hideout (located in a super cool warehouse location!) for you to blow off some steam by vandalising as you’d wish. Hidden warehouse, check. Otherwise illegal activity, check. It’s a seriously cool thing to do in this most straight-laced of cities!

16. Art of Film Photography

Have fun learning film photography and doing a vintage photoshoot!

Step back in time! Ditch the filters, discover the art of film photography, and channel your inner retro star with a vintage-inspired photoshoot. Get those old-school vibes flowing and make memories that stand out. It’s a really fun way to spend the afternoon for anyone who is curious about film photography, or just wants a fun nostalgic photoshoot!

17. Paint Tingkat with a Nyonya Artist

Gorgeous painted tingkats in Singapore

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.

Outdoors & Nature

Uncover Singapore’s incredible rainforest and amazing biodiversity (even locals will be surprised!).

18. Go Back in Time at Pulau Ubin

Ubin is one of our favourite places in Singapore, where life is simpler.

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!

19. Explore Sentosa’s Hidden Rainforest

See wildlife with a naturalist guide in Sentosa’s hidden rainforests

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!

20. Explore Sentosa’s Hidden Fort

Deep in the Sentosa rainforest is an ancient fort, that’s been reclaimed by the jungle

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!

21. Cycle Around Coney Island

Rent a bike and cycle amidst the towering Casuarina trees in 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.

22. Discover Secret WW2 Bunkers

Duck crawl into gigantic WW2 underground 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!

23. Hike the Rail Corridor!

See the iconic train tunnel off the Rail corridor, by Clementi Forest

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!

24. Uncover Hidden Marine Life in Singapore’s Intertidal Zones

Spot hidden marine life in our intertidal zones with a marine biologist!

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 yo