8 Secret Places in Singapore That Travel Guides Won’t Tell You About

Singapore is often on the top of every traveller’s bucket list, and it is safe to say that this city is a perennial favourite among people with varied travel preferences and budgets. But, how about skipping the usual tourist-y spots this time and exploring the lesser known side of Singapore? The number of things you can do in Singapore are innumerable, so why not explore the Lion City’s offbeat attractions and embark on some new activities?

So whether you are with your family or travelling solo, here is a list of exciting lesser-known places in Singapore that you need to visit if you want to discover a whole new dimension to the city.

1. NOX–Dine in the Dark

Get ready for a multi-sensory dining experience as you step into NOX – a unique fine dining restaurant that strips you of your sight, so that you can enjoy your meal using your other senses. You’ll be served by visually-impaired servers who are specially trained to guide you through your meal. With a creative cuisine and an innovative concept, this is one meal you will never forget.

2. Ce La Vie at Marina Bay Sands

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If you enjoy partying, then head to Ce La Vie at Marina Bay Sands! Soaring above the city at the 57^th storey, Ce La Vie is known for its fabulous music played by celebrity DJs, exclusive champagne, gourmet meals and stunning views of Marina Bay. Spread out over 40,000 square feet, Ce La Vie comprises The Restaurant, which serves world-class cuisine; The Club Lounge, which is a cosy banquette area; and The Sky Deck, which has an infinity pool where you can swim and enjoy refreshing cocktails too.

3. Holey Moley: The mini-golf cocktail bar in Clarke Quay

If you’ve always wanted to try your hand at golf, but took a step back thinking it’s a game for professionals, think again! Holey Moley in Singapore has transformed golf into a fun sport that everybody can enjoy. Even if your hand-eye coordination is a bit questionable, you can still enjoy a drink (or two) here and play a round of golf. And yes, the fun Insta-worthy setups are just perfect to click your next favourite picture after you conquer 27 wacky themed holes. You can expect to have a blast here!

4. Mandai Mangrove

Don’t miss an opportunity to go kayaking in the beautiful Mandai Mangrove – the largest mangrove forest in mainland Singapore. It is known for its rich biodiversity, hosting the largest Horseshoe Crab concentration in the world, along with more than 112 species of migratory birds. Indeed a delight for nature lovers, bird watchers and photographers!

5. Tiong Bahru Wet Market

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A bustling market offering the freshest produce and all kinds of local food products, the famous Tiong Bahru Wet Market is a favourite among locals and expats alike. This traditional market is stocked to the gills with vegetables, tropical fruits, fish, shellfish, meats, tofu, spices, dry goods and cheese. You can even find beautiful orchids at the flower stalls. With modern shopping facilities, broad walkways and friendly shopkeepers, this is a great place to get acquainted to the Singaporean way of life.

6. HeadRock VR: VR theme park in Sentosa

Singapore’s first VR theme park, HeadRock VR, offers high-tech games and rides for all thrill-seekers. Save yourself from the demon spirits, fire bullets at your enemies, balance yourself on the edge of a high-rise building, and survive the apocalypse by killing zombies; sounds exciting, doesn’t it? You can do all this and much more at HeadRock VR. This larger-than-life experience would definitely bring out the adventurer in you!

7. MINT Museum of Toys

Whether you’re visiting the MINT museum with kids or on your own, the vast collection of over 50,000 vintage toys is sure to leave a lasting impression on you. With displays spread across six levels comprising various themes, the MINT Museum of Toys showcases childhood memorabilia from more than 40 countries. With some toys that are over a 100 years old, this museum is believed to have the largest collection of its kind in Southeast Asia.

8. Singapore Island Cruise

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Island-hopping has to be one of the most fun activities to do in Singapore, and yet one of the most underrated. Catch the Singapore Island Cruise right above the Marina South Pier MRT station, and sail to southern islands like Kusu Island and St John’s Island, where you can relax at the beach and soak in the sun. Kusu Island has a Tortoise Sanctuary, which is a must-visit for animal and nature enthusiasts.

9. The Library Bar

For something one of a kind, visit the Library Bar—a cosy 55-seater hidden bar inspired by the prohibition era, that serves fun and whimsical cocktails. Guarded by a daily changing password that you can retrieve from The Study, the restaurant next door, The Library offers you everything you would expect from a secret bar. Once through, you’ll be ushered into a mirrored holding room that opens into a dimly-lit seating area with a battered counter. With drinks named after personalities like Andy Warhol and Marilyn Monroe, served with spectacle frames and books for coasters, you’re sure to have a rollicking time here. And yeah – the chips and burgers are great too.

10. The Live Turtle & Tortoise Museum Singapore

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It’s rare to find an entire museum dedicated to turtles and tortoises, and this place in Singapore brings together over 200 of them from 60 different species. From the majestic Radiated Tortoise to the red-eyed Elongata, and Thailand’s Golden Temple Turtle, you’ll find the rarest and most exotic varieties living in this museum. If you’re lucky, you might even be able to witness eggs hatching right in front of you! Check out their souvenirs’ shop for ornaments, toys, tableware, and even pieces of furniture created in the shape of these adorable shelled creatures.

If you know of any other new and unknown places in Singapore, do tell us about them in the comment section below. We’d love to hear from you!

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