11 Best Unique Things to Do in Singapore (That Are Totally Legal!)
On my Aussie pal’s first trip here, she quickly fell in love with the city’s mix of vibrant culture, breathtaking architecture, and rich history. But what truly captured her heart were the unique and off-the-beaten paths to a different side of Singapore.
So let me take you on a journey through the most unique things to do in Singapore, perfect for tourists and first-time visitors looking to add a touch of adventure to their itinerary.
Visit a terrifying theme park
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Location: Haw Par Villa, 262 Pasir Panjang Rd
Contact: +6567730103
Hours: Daily, 9 AM–8 PM
Price:
- Park has free admission
- Hell’s Museum S$20/adult, S$10/child (7–12 years old)
This entertaining garden has been around since the 1930s and is filled with cement dioramas of mythological and Confucian stories, legends, and beliefs. Haw Par Villa is probably the only afterlife-themed park you’ll ever visit (not for the faint-hearted!).
In the museum, you’ll find wild displays of Journey to the West and War of the Immortals, along with graphic morality tales and underworld scenes. The creepy dioramas and statues feel almost life-like so it’s like a horror theme park experience.
Pro-tip: Allocate about two hours to explore the park and visit the museum.
Go on a rainforest adventure
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Location: Sentosa Island
Contact: +65 6736 8672
Hours:
- Saturdays, 5–6.30 PM
- Sundays, 8–9.30 AM
Price: Free entry
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Hiking the rainforest trail in Sentosa (one of the many exciting hiking trails on the island) is a refreshing escape from the city bustle, offering a peaceful immersion into nature. As a local, I love how this trail takes me through lush greenery and diverse tropical flora and fauna, all while listening to the sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves.
So yes, there’s a lush ecosystem in the Lion City! If this appeals to you, I suggest starting your hike early in the morning to enjoy the cooler temperatures and spot more wildlife.
Pro-tip: Don’t forget to bring water, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent to ensure a comfortable experience.
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Location: Marsiling Tunnels, Admiralty Road West
Contact: +6592700908
Hours: Open 24 hours
Price: Free entry
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For the truly adventurous, this spot is a hidden gem that isn’t easily navigable. Access to the WW2 bunkers of Marsiling Tunnels is tricky. You’ll need to climb a steep slope and navigate through some vegetation.
This former British military installation features intriguing underground tunnels and chambers filled with geckos (and other “creepy crawlies”, according to my friend). Be sure to bring a torch for exploring the tunnels.
Pro-tip: To avoid confusion, the red and white markers guide you to explore and find the wet tunnel but do not indicate direction.
Marvel at crocs and other reptiles
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Location: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, 301 Neo Tiew Crescent
Contact: [email protected]
Hours: Daily, 7 AM–7 PM
Price: Free entry
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My first visit to Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve was a nice walk with exciting sights. I spotted monitor lizards, a small snake, and even a croc from the tower! I don’t think the reptiles are bashful, so I’m sure they’ll make an appearance on your visit, too.
The park offers plenty of shade, making it enjoyable even on hot, sunny days. Bring lots of water to hydrate!
It took me a little under five hours to explore the entire reserve at a leisurely pace.
Pro-tip: You can’t eat or picnic inside the park, and there are no water stations or toilets on the trails, so go to the bathroom before heading there.
Kayak among mangroves
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Location: Pulau Ubin
Contact: [email protected]
Hours: Open 24 hours
Price: S$4–5 ferry fare each way
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Pulau Ubin is a unique, untouched gem in Singapore where modernisation has taken a backseat. The island is surrounded by a beautiful jungle, offering numerous hiking spots and camping sites for those tired of the usual touristy traps.
Try kayaking through the serene waterways surrounded by lush greenery. You’ll feel miles away from the city as you glide past mangroves teeming with wildlife, including otters, monitor lizards, and various birds.
Pro-tip: The best way to explore the island is by cycling, with mountain bikes available for rent.
Distil your own gin
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Location: Brass Lion Distillery, 40 Alexandra Terrace
Contact: +6569540602
Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday, 5–11.30 PM
- Saturday, 2–11.30 PM
- Sunday, 1–7 PM
Price: S$240 per person/gin-making session
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Attention, wannabe moonshiners: you can make your own booze in Singapore—legally! I’ve been to the “Distil Your Own Gin” experience at Brass Lion Distillery, and it was fantastic.
For around S$240, you get a 3 to 4-hour session that includes a welcome cocktail, a guided gin-making experience, and a bottle of your own custom gin creation to take home.
Pro-tip: Try the well-thought-out gin-tasting experience that showcases unique flavours and background stories.
Visit a rescued bee farm
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Location: The Sundowner Nature Experience Centre, 705A E Coast Rd
Contact: +6592495400
Hours: By appointment
Price: S$115/adult, S$85/child
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At the Sundowner Nature Experience, we learned that the staff can help rehome bees found in residences and commercial places. They handle honey bees professionally and humanely, so there’s no need to worry about the bees getting hurt.
My foreign friend and I got to taste different types of local honey and learn about the group’s work with wild bees in Singapore. The space was avant-garde yet cosy, and the rooftop garden felt like a little nature playground.
Pro-tip: You can also learn how to make a pizza from scratch at this nature centre! (Hey, maybe you’ll order from pizza restaurants less afterwards.)
Join a dragon boat race
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Location: Singapore Dragon Boat Association, 10 Stadium Lane
Contact: [email protected]
Hours: Daily, 9 AM–5 PM
Price: From S$500/team registration
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In Singapore, dragon boat racing is a big deal. We celebrate it with lots of excitement and host some major events like the Singapore Dragon Boat Festival and the DBS Marina Regatta.
Many races are open to both experienced paddlers and beginners like me. The Singapore Dragon Boat Association (SDBA) oversees many events, and you can find teams with different levels of experience to match your own.
Pro-tip: Dragon boat clubs often welcome new members and provide training sessions to help you get started and prepare for races.
Learn how it feels like to be an ice cream
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Location: Museum of Ice Cream, 100 Loewen Rd
Contact: [email protected]
Hours:
- Monday and Wednesday, 10 AM–6 PM
- Thursday to Sunday, 10 AM–9 PM
Price: S$35/general admission, S$45 with exclusive flavour and a complimentary beverage
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The Museum of Ice Cream may be a tourist attraction with branches worldwide, but I think it’s still a must-visit for locals and visitors in Singapore. It offers an engaging experience with interactive exhibits and stories showcasing the history of ice cream.
I love that I can indulge in unlimited tastings of various flavours, including unusual ones like rice! Overall, it’s a fantastic place to connect with your inner child through endless ice cream treats and learn about its history through multi-sensory installations.
Pro-tip: Dive into the museum’s exciting attractions, including a giant ice cream cone, a sprinkles pool, and oversized popsicles.
Walk through treetops
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Location: Macritchie Treetop Walk Trailhead
Contact: +6518004717300
Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday, 9 AM–5 PM
- Saturday to Sunday, 8.30 AM–5 PM
Price: Free entry
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It’s possible to squeeze in a hike even if you’re in Singapore for a short time. Thankfully the Macritchie Treetop Walk offers instant gratification by way of instant nature immersion complete with monkeys, squirrels, snakes, and lizards along its trail.
For most days, you’re likely to find the treetop trail all to yourself so it’s really a peaceful and serene experience. With the lush canopy of trees and nature calls all around, it’s easy to imagine that you’re the only person in the world.
Pro-tip: Wear comfortable hiking boots, as the trail can be muddy and slippery in some areas.
Immerse yourself in Peranakan culture
Location: Katong Antique House, 208 E Coast Rd
Contact: +6563458544
Hours: Daily, 11 AM – 4.30 PM
Price: S$15/person
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The Katong Antique House offers an amazing glimpse into the vibrant culture of the Peranakans, descendants of Chinese immigrants who married locals in Malacca and Penang. I’ve lived in Singapore all my life and was surprised to learn new stuff here!
This small museum preserves the architecture and furniture of the Peranakan style, with treasures dating back to the 1800s. Stepping inside is like entering a time capsule, with old photos of Babas and Nyonyas lining the right wall, and an altar, ornate chairs, and cabinets full of antiques.
Pro-tip: The museum is open daily, but visits are strictly by appointment for guided tours.