Hidden Gems in Singapore: Places That You Must Add To Your Travel Bucket List
June 27, 2025
By Roy Tells Tales
Singapore, often perceived as a city of futuristic skyscrapers and manicured gardens, holds a treasure trove of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Beyond the well-trodden tourist paths, these unique spots offer a deeper dive into the island nation's diverse culture, history, and natural beauty. Prepare to uncover the surprising and offbeat side of Singapore!
1. Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve: A Haven for Nature Lovers 🌿🐦
Escape the urban bustle at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore's first ASEAN Heritage Park. This ecological gem is a sanctuary for migratory birds and offers boardwalks through mangroves, mudflats, and forests. It's a fantastic spot for birdwatching and connecting with nature.
2. Pulau Ubin: Singapore's Last Kampong 🚲🏡
Take a short bumboat ride to Pulau Ubin, a rustic island that feels like a step back in time. Explore this "last kampong" (village) by renting a bicycle and cycling through lush greenery, traditional villages, and scenic quarries. Hike to Puaka Hill for panoramic views.
3. Haw Par Villa: Surreal and Underrated 👹🐲
Prepare for a unique and somewhat bizarre experience at Haw Par Villa. This theme park is filled with over 1,000 statues and dioramas depicting scenes from Chinese mythology, folklore, and moral lessons (most famously, the Ten Courts of Hell). It's a fascinating, if sometimes unsettling, cultural journey.
4. The Intan Museum: A Glimpse into Peranakan Culture 🏠🏺
Tucked away in the Joo Chiat neighborhood,The Intan is a private home museum offering an intimate and beautifully curated glimpse into Peranakan heritage. This hidden gem, visited by appointment, showcases a stunning collection of Peranakan artifacts and provides insights into this unique culture.
5. Yunnan Garden: A Hidden Oasis with a Waterfall 🌳💦
Nestled within Nanyang Technological University,Yunnan Garden is a tranquil escape that blends nature, history, and culture. It features a beautiful waterfall, Chinese-inspired landscaping, and various trails showcasing edible plants and literary elements. Perfect for a peaceful stroll.
6. Nanyang Old Coffee: A Taste of Kopitiam Heritage ☕🥐
Experience authentic Singaporean coffee culture at Nanyang Old Coffee. This traditional kopitiam (coffee shop) offers a taste of heritage with its robust local brews and classic breakfast sets. It's a small, authentic spot often overlooked by tourists.
7. Explore the Art-Filled Laneways of Everton Park and Tiong Bahru 🎨🏘️
Beyond the major art galleries, discover vibrant street art and charming murals hidden in the residential neighborhoods of Everton Park and Tiong Bahru. These areas also boast unique cafes and boutique shops.
8. Kusu Island: Myth, Temples & Tortoises 🐢🙏
Accessible by ferry,Kusu Island is steeped in local myth. It's a pretty spot popular for its beaches, a Malay kramat (shrine), a Chinese temple, and a Tortoise Sanctuary. A serene getaway from the mainland.
9. Lazarus Island & The Southern Islands: Secluded Beach Getaways 🏖️🛥️
For true tranquility, hire a luxury yacht or take a ferry to Singapore's Southern Islands, like Lazarus Island. These quiet islands offer secluded, pristine beaches and clear blue waters, often considered Singapore's best-kept secret for beach lovers.
10. Fort Canning Park: History & Green Spaces 📜🌳
This historical park in the heart of the city holds significant historical relics, including an 18th-century gateway and colonial-era structures. It's a beautiful green space for peaceful walks and exploring Singapore's past.