Hidden Gems In Singapore
The Lion City is renowned for its state-of-the-art glitz, high-end eateries and things to do in Singapore.
Yet, what unfolds when you dig deeper than the highways, ancient forts and glitzy-skyline?
The un-spoilt and underexposed parts of the Singapore experience – these lesser-known spots offer a refreshing alternative to the beaten track in the bustling South Asian financial hub.
Best Hidden Gems In Singapore
Historical and Cultural Sites
1. Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery
Take Bright Hill Road, and you’ll find this monastery tucked away from the noise of the city, with its signs, its crowded highways and neatly manicured lawns. Its gorgeous architecture reflects its traditionally Buddhist nature, and tourists are welcome to visit its extensive grounds and educational programs and find refuge in its traditional void-like calm.
2. Fort Serapong
Out of view on Sentosa, there’s Fort Serapong, a Second World War-era sea fort with hundreds of metres of tunnels and bunkers. It’s a great place for history buffs, with some hidden gems off the beaten tourist track. But unlike Fort Siloso, the bigger and better-known island sea fort, the prettily decayed buildings of Fort Serapong have a ghostly feel.
3. Japanese Cemetery Park
Located in Hougang, the cemetery is one of the largest Japanese cemeteries in Southeast Asia, and a blend of historical and floral elements create a place of tranquility.
Nature and Scenic Spots
4. Pearl’s Hill City Park
Within the pulsing inner city, there’s a gem of a park in Chinatown, close to the MRT station of the same name. Pearl’s Hill City Park – spread out over a reservoir with lots of colonial ruins – is one of those places where you can walk along serenely without elbows making it into unwanted contact sports.
5. Hampstead Wetlands Park
One of Singapore’s largest and most important wetlands, this park sits on the western boarder of the city-state and is home to more than 100 species of birds. It’s a great place for ornithologists to unwind.
6. Coney Island
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Coney Island is a small, bucolic island available to the public via Punggol and is home to secluded beaches and indigenous plants. The deserted isle and empty paths make Coney Island the ideal place for cycling and picnicking.
Unique Architectural Marvels
7. Raffles Marina Lighthouse
This lighthouse is situated in Tuas. It has an amazing marina view, it is also a great place for photo capturing especially when you see the gorgeous lighthouse alongside the setting sun.
8. Former Queen’s Theatre
Once the Queen’s Theatre, this building on Guillemard Road is one of many reminders of an older Singapore that has almost disappeared. The theatre is closed, but its facade is a picturesque sight, a slice of the island’s past.
Quaint Neighborhoods and Streets
9. Wessex Estate
Sitting on Woking Road, nestled into a pleasant neighbourhood of black-and-white colonial houses (most of which have been redone), as well as a cluster of studios for local artists, Wessex Estate is an absolute, if rather serene, popular date spot. Art-lovers and history buffs devour the ambience.
10. Kampong Lorong Buangkok
In this village, the last Sengkang kampong (redolent with memories) in Sengkang East Avenue, we find today Singaporean lifestyle and experiences of everyday life contrasted against the real-time dynamics of the headlong drive towards city urbanisation.
Hidden Gardens and Parks
11. Yunnan Garden
Surrounding Nanyang Technological University, Yunnan Garden is a scenic area with pavilions surrounded by ponds and interconnected by elegantly curved stone bridges. A quiet stroll, while having a seat by the pond and enjoying the mindful happiness of another day is a typical way to spend some recreation time.
12. Istana Woodneuk
Tucked away behind Holland Road, Istana Woodneuk is an abandoned mansion steeped in history. Overgrown, crumbling and almost surreally beautiful, the former palace welcomes history enthusiasts and urbexers.
Secret Dining Spots
13. Smith Marine Floating Kelong Restaurant
Located off the coast of Pulau Ubin, between itself and Changi Point, this restaurant has a boat moored in the water that gives it the feel of literally dining on the sea. It serves seafood the way they catch it: fresh.
14. Bollywood Farms
Located in Kranji, the vibrant Bollywood Farms mix farm-to-table dining and organic farm tours. Patrons can opt to eat organic local food while learning farming tips.
Hidden Gems In Singapore
In discovering a host of historical monuments, nature sanctuaries, undulating bridges, artful gratuities and parks – among other lesser-known places – tourists could experience the pulsating dynamics of this city-state beyond the sanctified tourist traps. In this fast-growing and increasingly complex city-state, intrepid tourists could get to the heart of this hybrid Leviathan.
On your next visit to Singapore, steer away from the usual tourist attractions and thronging tour groups. Instead, adopt a more locally immersive approach to delve into the rich treasures of this dynamic and cosmopolitan city.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If you have any questions about hidden gems in Singapore, you can refer to the frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the best Hidden Gems in Singapore below:
What are hidden gems?
Unofficial and unspoken, they are places that do not feature prominently in the official tourist guidebooks, but can be found by digging a little deeper. For the experienced traveller, they provide a special experience and can be destinations in themselves without having to travel far. A hidden gem is often less touristy than a main attraction and it is for this reason that it might be regarded as a little special.
How can I find hidden gems in Singapore?
If you want to try getting off the beaten track in Singapore, here’s what you should do: thoroughly research within travel blogs, forums, and sites where travelers are actively spreading the news of their adventures; talk to locals for their recommendations on secret spots that they cherish; also, be willing to spend time exploring in less popular areas and branch out your wanderings past those typical touristy areas and discover some hidden gems.
Are hidden gems in Singapore safe to visit?
Landmarks in Singapore’s nature are generally OK to visit, Singapore is a low crime country with high standards of cleanliness and order though you do need to use common sense, visiting in daylight hours, keeping aware of surroundings and definitely having a means of communication should you need help.
What should I bring when exploring hidden gems?
To start, first be sure you are prepared for the adventure by carrying water and snacks with you and wearing a comfortable pair of shoes. This will ensure that you are hydrated and well-nourished and your feet do not get worn out by walking on uneven surfaces. Use a map or a GPS to orient yourself if you are unfamiliar with the area, and be sure to pack a small first-aid kit and a fully-charged phone.
Can I visit hidden gems with family?
Of course! A lot of these can be very family-friendly and offer a chance for visitors of all ages to have an engaging experience while they explore. If you choose a quiet park for example, or a historic site, or even a cool neighbourhood you can still learn something along the way, kick back and relax, and get to have some fun with your family members.
