Most people visit Singapore for attractions like Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay, which is understandable, but there’s much more to see. These are some of the hidden gems worth visiting especially if you’re planning your itinerary with the help of a reliable travel and tour agency in Singapore to uncover places beyond the usual tourist spots.
Pulau Ubin
Pulau Ubin makes you feel as though you’ve stepped back in time. This rural area is a pleasant change from all the city noise. Only about 15 minutes from Changi Point Ferry Terminal, it’s home to unpaved roads, wooden dwellings, and lots of open space.
Rent a bike at the jetty and ride through jungle trails, beach paths, and quiet villages – the best way to explore Pulau Ubin. Along the way, look out for wildlife such as wild boars, macaques, monitor lizards, and the Oriental Pied Hornbill. With a bit of luck, you might even spot a mousedeer.
For sweeping views, hike up Puaka Hill – the short 20-minute climb rewards you with panoramas of the quarry and the sea. Nature lovers shouldn’t miss the Chek Jawa Wetlands, where boardwalks at low tide reveal mangroves, seagrass lagoons, and a fascinating world of marine life.
If you want something more serene, Lalang Field is the perfect place to have a picnic. Pulau Ubin is one of the remaining real kampongs in Singapore. It offers you a peek at history and reminds of a time when life in Singapore was much simpler.
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
Not the kind of attraction that’s often touted around, but Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is a breath of fresh air – both figuratively and literally. This huge nature reserve is one of Singapore’s best-kept secrets. Located in the northwest of the island, it’s a great place to get away from it all among lush foliage.
Here, elevated boardwalks wind through mangrove woods, taking you deep into a habitat full of life. During your walk, be on the lookout for mudskippers, monitor lizards, otters, and even estuarine crocodiles that may be hiding in the water. Birdwatchers love the reserve, too. Migratory species like herons and sandpipers come here from as far away as Siberia. The ever-changing scenery and backdrops keep visitors on their toes. For the best experience, join a guided bird-watching tour or a canoeing trip.
If you’re interested in accommodation nearby, check out PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering, Singapore. It’s about 30 minutes away, five-star hotel near Raffles City.
Haw Par Villa
Located along Pasir Panjang Road is a theme park. The highlight is the Ten Courts of Hell, a set of dioramas that demonstrate how those who commit sins are punished after they die. It is unlike anything else in Singapore and quite unforgettable – not necessarily in a good way, though.
The park also features more than 1,000 statues and sceneries from famous Chinese stories including Journey to the West and Madam White Snake.
Haw Par Villa is more than just a place to see unusual things; it’s a cultural trip to learn about Confucian principles, Buddhist teachings, and ancient stories.
The Intan Museum
Located in the tranquil Joo Chiat district, the Intan is one of Singapore’s most delightful hidden jewels. This private home-turned-cultural sanctuary is different from other museums. It brings you an intimate, immersive look into the world of the Peranakans.
The Intan, which was founded by collector Alvin Yapp, is full of beautiful antiques, detailed beading, and relics that convey stories about family and ancestry. Everywhere you look, there’s something unique, from exquisite kasut manek (beaded slippers) to hand-painted enamelware and wedding decorations.
Book an appointment to visit, and the tour is usually led by Alvin himself.
Yunnan Garden
Another serene getaway awaits you in Yunnan Garden in Singapore’s far west. The garden combines nature, culture, and history. With numerous plants, ponds, and beautiful architecture, the garden is the definitive example of traditional Chinese gardens.
The highlight of the garden is the 5.6-meter waterfall. To view it better, head to the viewing deck. Bring your camera too; you don’t want to miss out on photo opportunities.
Yunnan Garden promises more than just beautiful views. Its walking trails boast numerous medicinal plants. Nantah Arch is another unmissable attraction in Yunnan Garden. It’s a monument that celebrates the memory of Nanyang University, Singapore’s first Chinese-language university.
Your visit to Yunnan Garden will be one filled with beautiful memories. The garden is a celebration of culture, history, and nature, and a visit is a must. The fact that it doesn’t feature in top attraction lists means that it’s less crowded and more peaceful – an incentive for any nature lover.
