While Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bayย are stunning, thereโs a different side of Singaporeโone filled with rustic nature, vibrant street art, and local traditions that give you a deeper, more authentic taste of the city.
From cycling through Pulau Ubinโs untouched wilderness to stargazing at the Science Centre Observatory, from hunting street art in Kampong Glam to zip-lining over Sentosaโs jungle.
If you love hidden gems, cultural discoveries, and outdoor adventures, youโll find plenty of inspiration here.
Whether you want to kayak around deserted islands, watch a movie under the stars, or sip kopi like a local, these experiences prove that Singapore is so much more than just a modern metropolis.
1. Wander Pulau Ubinโs Rustic Wilderness
Pulau Ubin feels like a portal to Singaporeโs past, a granite island northeast of the mainland where time slows down.
Spanning 1,020 hectares, itโs one of the last bastions of kampong (village) life, with wooden stilt houses, unpaved trails, and dense jungle.
To get there, head to Changi Point Ferry Terminal (51 Lorong Bekukong, Singapore 499172).
Bumboats depart when 12 passengers gather, with no fixed schedule, so arrive early (boats run 6 AM to 7 PM).
The ride costs S$4 per person each way, plus S$2 extra if you bring a bike.
Once on the island, rent a bicycle near the jetty for S$8โS$15 depending on the conditionโcash only, so plan ahead.
Pedal to Chek Jawa Wetlands (eastern tip), a coastal gem with mangroves, coral rubble, and a 1-kilometer boardwalk.
Look out for mudskippers, crabs, and the occasional hornbill.
For a panoramic view, climb the 20-meter Jejawi Tower.
Bring water and snacks; the islandโs few eateries (like Ubin First Stop Restaurant) are basic and cash-only too.
Itโs a raw, unpolished escapeโjust 10 minutes from the city but a world apart.
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2. Hunt Street Art in Kampong Glam
Kampong Glam, Singaporeโs historic Muslim Quarter, blends heritage with hipster flair.
Centered around Arab Street (starting at 1 Arab St, Singapore 199801), itโs a maze of 19th-century shophouses turned boutiques and cafes.
The real draw?
Vibrant street art. Haji Lane, a narrow alley off North Bridge Road, bursts with muralsโthink neon tigers, abstract faces, and Arabic calligraphy sprawling across walls.
Nearby, Muscat Street hosts Gelam Gallery, an open-air art space with works by local talents like Yip Yew Chong.
Snap photos, then duck into the Sultan Mosque (3 Muscat St, Singapore 198833)โits golden dome and minarets are stunning (free entry, dress modestly).
Most cafes here are affordable; a Turkish coffee or teh tarik at a spot like I Am Cafรฉ (674 North Bridge Rd) runs S$2โS$4.
Wander during the day for quiet exploration or at night when the area lights up with a youthful buzz. Itโs a feast for the eyes and a slice of Singaporeโs multicultural heartbeat.
More Tips
- Best for photos early morning.
- Shop for Persian carpets, and Turkish lamps.
- Try Swiss rolls at Rich and Good Cake Shop.
- Free self-guided heritage trail available.
- Limited parkingโtake public transport.
3. Sip Kopi with Locals at a Hawker Centre
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Hawker centres are where Singaporeโs food culture thrives, and theyโre far more authentic than air-conditioned restaurants.
Tiong Bahru Market (30 Seng Poh Rd, Singapore 168898) is a standout, a two-story hub in a retro neighborhood.
Downstairs, stalls dish out kopi (robust local coffee, S$1.20โS$1.50) and kaya toast (bread with coconut jam and butter, S$1.50โS$2).
Order from a veteran like Tiong Bahru Hainanese Chicken Rice stall and watch the chaos of sizzling woks and clattering trays.
Itโs loud, humid, and crowdedโpeak times are breakfast (7โ10 AM) and lunch (12โ2 PM)โbut thatโs the charm. Bring cash; most stalls donโt take cards.
For variety, try Maxwell Food Centre (1 Kadayanallur St, Singapore 069184) near Chinatown, famous for Tian Tian Hainan Chicken Rice (S$5โS$6).
Sit shoulder-to-shoulder with locals, soak in the chatter, and taste why UNESCO added Singaporeโs hawker culture to its heritage list.
More Tips
- Try kopi variations: kopi c, kopi o kosong.
- Bring tissuesโused as seat reservations.
- Peak times = long queues but fresher food.
- Some stalls close by 2 PM, go early.
- Opt for sharing tablesโlocals do it too.
4. Stargaze at the Science Centre Observatory
Tucked in Jurong, the Science Centre Observatory (15 Science Centre Rd, Singapore 609081) offers a cosmic escape from Singaporeโs urban glare.
Every Friday from 7:45 PM to 10 PM, itโs free to peer through powerful telescopes at planets like Saturn or Jupiterโno booking needed, just show up.
Volunteers from the Singapore Astronomical Society guide you, pointing out constellations visible near the equator, a perk of the cityโs location.
The setupโs modest but the experience is magical, especially when the sky clears (check the weather; clouds can spoil it).
Pair it with a visit to the Science Centre itself (S$12 for adults, S$8 for kids) if youโre there earlier.
Itโs a quiet, nerdy delightโperfect for families or anyone craving a break from the cityโs pace.
More Tips
- Best viewed on clear, moonless nights.
- Telescopes change weeklyโask volunteers.
- Bring insect repellent for outdoor viewing.
- Free seating but limited spotsโarrive early.
- No food is allowed inside the observatory area.
5. Explore the Southern Ridges on Foot
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The Southern Ridges is a 10-kilometer network of trails stitching together parks and hills in southern Singapore.
Start at HarbourFront MRT and head to Henderson Waves (access via Henderson Rd, Singapore 159557), a 274-meter pedestrian bridge with a surreal, wave-like designโSingaporeโs highest at 36 meters.
The views stretch across the city and Sentosa, especially at sunset.
Keep going to Telok Blangah Hill Park, where monkeys might scamper past, then hit Mount Faber Peak (109 Mount Faber Rd) for a lookout tower.
Itโs free, though wear good shoesโsome stretches are steep.
The full hike takes 3โ4 hours, but you can dip in for shorter loops. Bring water; thereโs little shade.
More Tips
- Spot monkeys, but donโt feed them.
- Best sunset views at Henderson Waves.
- Toilets only at key checkpoints.
- Limited shadeโbring a hat and water.
- Shorter loops available for casual walkers.
6. Get Lost in the Peranakan Past at The Intan
The Intan (69 Joo Chiat Terrace, Singapore 427231) is a shophouse museum celebrating Peranakan cultureโa blend of Chinese, Malay, and European influences.
Owner Alvin Yappโs private collection fills the space: think beaded slippers, intricate porcelain, and vintage furniture.
Tours (S$60 per adult, by appointment only via theintan.com) last 1.5 hours and include tea with nyonya kuih (sweet snacks).
Alvinโs storytelling brings the artifacts to lifeโtales of weddings, recipes, and family quirks.
Itโs small, intimate, and books out fast, so plan ahead. Joo Chiatโs colorful shophouses nearby add to the vibe.
More Tips
- Tours must be booked in advance.
- No walk-ins allowedโprivate residence.
- Alvin Yapp often shares personal stories.
- Nearby Joo Chiat is great for Peranakan food.
- Photography inside is limitedโask first.
7. Zip-Line Over Sentosaโs Jungle at Mega Adventure Park
@advnrd My sister wanted to do her first ziplining, why not do that over the beautiful Sentosa jungle and beach in Singapore ๐ .. .. #ziplining #singapore #megazip #travel #bucketlist @megaadventuresg โฌ Swing Lynn – Harmless
Sentosaโs touristy, but Mega Adventure Park (10A Siloso Beach Walk, Singapore 099008) offers a thrill worth the detour.
The MegaZip, a 450-meter zip-line, sends you soaring over jungle and sea from Imbiah Hill to Siloso Beach.
Tickets are S$55 for adults, S$45 for kids (book online at megaadventure.com for discounts).
Youโll hit speeds up to 60 km/hโheart-pounding stuff.
Itโs open daily 11 AMโ6 PM, and the view of Sentosaโs coastline is unreal. Pair it with their climbing walls (S$25 extra) if youโre feeling brave.
Not cheap, but the rush and scenery make it a standout.
More Tips
- Weight limit: 30kgโ140kg per rider.
- No loose itemsโlockers available.
- Best experience at sunset for views.
- Wear sports shoes; sandals not allowed.
- Staff offer GoPro rentals for action shots.
8. Visit Bollywood Veggies for Farm Life
Bollywood Veggies (100 Neo Tiew Rd, Singapore 719026) in Kranji is a rustic retreat run by Ivy Singh-Lim, a local legend.
This pesticide-free farm grows bananas, spices, and more. Entryโs free; wander the trails, feed goats, and dodge cheeky chickens.
The Poison Ivy Bistro serves farm-to-table dishesโcurry with rice is S$12โS$15, juices S$5.
Take a bus (925 from Kranji MRT) or drive; itโs 45 minutes from downtown.
Open WednesdayโSunday, 9 AMโ6 PM. Ivy might chat you upโsheโs blunt and hilarious.
More Tips
- Farm is pesticide-freeโgood for kids.
- Ivy Singh-Lim is outspoken and fun to chat with.
- No air-conditioningโdress light.
- Local produce is sold at the farm shop.
- Take insect repellent for mosquito-prone areas.
9. Kayak Around the Southern Islands
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The Southern IslandsโSt. Johnโs, Lazarus, and Kusuโoffer a serene paddle away from the city.
Kayak tours launch from Sentosaโs Tanjong Beach (book via kayaksingapore.com or similar; S$80โS$100 per person).
A 4-hour trip covers turquoise waters, empty beaches, and wildlife like hornbills and sea eagles.
Tours include gear and guides; no experience needed, though youโll get sweaty.
Stops let you swim or laze on Lazarus Islandโs sands. Itโs pricier, but the tranquility and views are unmatched. Book earlyโweekends fill fast.
More Tips
- No experience neededโguides assist.
- Best during calm tidesโcheck weather.
- Dry bags provided for phones and valuables.
- Some tours include snorkeling stops.
- Bring sunscreenโminimal shade on water.
Bottom Line
Singapore isnโt just about skyscrapers and tourist spots. Thereโs a whole other sideโraw, local, and full of character. Whether itโs cycling through Pulau Ubin, finding street art in Kampong Glam, or stargazing in Jurong, these experiences show a different side of the city.
If youโre up for something beyond the usual, thereโs plenty to see and do. Eat where the locals eat, explore places most tourists miss, and take in Singapore in a way that actually feels real.