Top 10 Hidden Places in Singapore You Didn’t Know
Singapore is a densely populated island country located off the southern tip of Malaysia. The country has a population of over 5.5 million people, making it one of the most densely populated countries in the world. Singapore is also one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world, with a highly developed economy and impressive infrastructure. Despite its size and population, there are still some hidden places and attractions you never knew existed. Here’s ten interesting ones for you to discover.
Table of Contents
- No Time to Read? Here’s a Snappy Summary of This Article
- #1 – Raffles Marina Lighthouse
- #2 – Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
- #3 – Pearl’s Hill City Park
- #4 – Wessex Estate
- #5 – Kampong Lorong Buangkok
- #6 – Japanese Cemetery Park
- #7 – Smith Marine Floating Kelong Restaurant
- #8 – Hampstead Wetlands Park
- #9 – Marsiling WWII Tunnel & Naval Base
- #10 – Istana Woodneuk
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Have a Place to Recommend?
- Meanwhile, Check out Tropika Club’s Ecosystem of Websites
No Time to Read? Here’s a Snappy Summary of This Article
Discover Serene Escapes: Uncover tranquil spots like the Japanese Cemetery Park and serene Southern Ridges.
Historical Charm: Explore the hidden colonial architecture of Bukit Brown Cemetery and discover its unique historical significance.
Nature’s Haven: Walk through the lush greenery of Windsor Nature Park and marvel at its biodiversity.
Artistic Delights: Admire the vibrant street art and murals in Kampong Glam, a hidden gem for art enthusiasts.
Secret Beaches: Relax on the quiet shores of Lazarus Island, a secluded paradise away from the crowds.
Hidden Trails: Hike the lesser-known trails of MacRitchie Reservoir for a peaceful nature escape.
#1 – Raffles Marina Lighthouse
Introduction:
Located at the tip of our Club’s breakwater is Raffles Marina’s own lighthouse. Built in 1994 and overlooking the Tuas Second Link – Singapore’s second causeway to Malaysia, this 12 metres high icon flashes every 10 seconds with a beam that reaches 15 metres. The lighthouse is maintained by the Club and is the only lighthouse not owned and operated by the Maritime Port Authority of Singapore.
The beacon is a popular spot for photography groups. The lighthouse, together with the marina, has been featured on wedding and lifestyle websites and blogs. It has been described as one of the most ideal and unique venues among couples for wedding photography and nautical themed weddings.
About
- Check out the Megayacht – The Asean Lady
- Gazing at the Border of Singapore & Malaysia
- Fishing At The Jetty
- Dining & Drinking at Raffles Marina
Location: Raffles Marina
Opening Hours:
- Open daily from 8 am to 10 pm
Price of Admission:
- Is free to visit
- Wedding Filming/ Photoshoot: $350/ 3hrs
Location & Address: 10 Tuas West Drive, Singapore 638404
Contact: 6861 8000
Website: Website Link Here
#2 – Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
Introduction:
Discover the beauty and wonders of nature at Singapore’s first ASEAN Heritage Park. Uncover a world filled with rich biodiversity as you wander through the wetlands with an extensive mangrove forest of Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.
Sungei Buloh was first opened as a Nature Park in 1993. In 2002, 130 hectares were officially gazetted as a Nature Reserve and renamed Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve to better reflect its status. In the same year, it was recognised as a site of international importance for migratory birds and awarded a certificate by Wetlands International, marking the reserve’s formal entry into the East Asian Australasian Shorebird Site Network, which includes Australia’s Kakadu National Park, China’s Mai Po – Inner Deep Bay and Japan’s Yatsu Tidal Flats.
About
- Nature Trails
- Mangrove Boardwalk
- Coastal Boardwalk
- Mud Experience
- Mid-canopy Walk
- Pods
Location: Kranji
Opening Hours:
- Monday – Saturday: 7:30am to 7:00pm
- Sunday / Public Holidays: 7:00am to 7:00pm
Price of Admission:
- $3 for adults
- $1 for students and senior citizens
Location & Address: 301 Neo TiewCres, Singapore 718925
Contact: +65-67941401
Website: Website Link Here
#3 – Pearl’s Hill City Park
Introduction:
Tucked away in a corner of Chinatown, Pearl’s Hill City Park is a hidden oasis of peace and tranquillity. Built around a reservoir on top of a hill, the park is a great place to take a brief respite from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Visitors can look forward to enjoying the wooded ambiance provided by the mature Tembusu trees while basking in the serenity of the park. Alternatively, sit back and relax by the pond and admire the beautiful lotus plants. When in full bloom, the lotus plants provide a brilliant splash of colour across the pond’s still waters.
Pearl’s Hill City Park is located behind Outram Park MRT Station and can be accessed from Pearl Bank, Pearl’s Hill Terrance, Pearl’s Hill Road, and Chin Swee Road.
About
- Hill climbing
- Fishing
- Independent park tours
- Nature walks
- Hiking
Location: Chinatown
Opening Hours:
- Open Daily from 7 am to 7 pm
Price of Admission: Entrance Fees are Free
Location & Address: Pearl’s Hill City Park, Pearl’s Hill Terrace, Singapore, Singapore
Contact: +65 1800 471 7300
Website: Website Link Here
#4 – Wessex Estate
Introduction: Built in the 1940s, the Wessex estate provides an idyllic housing option for one-north’s working population. Nestled amid lush greenery off Portsdown Road, the quaint residential estate offers nature at your doorstep. It is made up of 26 blocks of walk-up apartments and 58 semi-detached houses dotted around Westbourne Road, Weyhill Close, Whitchurch Road, Wilton Close, and Woking Road. Adding to the laidback charm of Wessex is the Colbar Café, a restaurant full of retro vibes which is just minutes away by foot.
About
- Explore the neighborhood’s abandoned water tank
- Craft workshop and an Arts Walk
- Colbar Cafe
Location: Queenstown
Opening Hours:
- Monday to Friday open 24-Hours
- Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Price of Admission: Walking Tours from $80.00 per adult (price varies by group size).
Location & Address: 4 Woking Rd, Singapore 138703
Contact: 6873 0411
Website: Website Link Here
#5 – Kampong Lorong Buangkok
Introduction: Kampong Lorong Buangkok is Singapore’s last remaining kampong in Singapore. The kampong is a private property located off Yio Chu Kang.
The land on which Kampong Lorong Buangkok sits was originally swampland. It is owned by Madam Sng Mui Hong, who inherited it from her father who originally purchased it in 1956.
Even today, the kampong spirit is strong in the village. There are currently families staying in the kampong. Madam Sng rents out the various homes which can be found at Kampong Lorong Buangkok to her tenants, many of which are descendants of first-generation residents.
About
- Home Visit
- Walking tour
- Educational tour
Location: Sengkang
Opening Hours:
- Tuesday -Saturday: 7:30 am – 8 pm
- Sunday: 7:30 am – 7:30 pm
- Monday: Closed
Price of Admission: Entry is free of cost
Location & Address: 7 Lorong Buangkok, Singapore 547557
Website: Website Link Here
#6 – Japanese Cemetery Park
Introduction:
A quiet residential neighborhood in Hougang holds an important legacy of the Japanese in Singapore.
The sprawling 30,000-square-metre Japanese Cemetery Park contains nearly 1,000 graves of Japanese civilians in Singapore and soldiers mostly from the early 20th century.
Founded by three Japanese brothel-keepers, the cemetery was built in 1891 as a burial ground for karayuki-san, or Japanese women brought here for prostitution, many of whom died poor and destitute.
Over the years, other Japanese civilians were buried here, mostly during the pre-war years. The cemetery was a burial ground until 1947 and became a memorial park in 1987. The Japanese Association of Singapore oversees its upkeep.
About
- Memorials and graves of Japanese individuals
- Photoshoot
Location: Hougang
Opening Hours:
- Monday – Sunday: 7 am to 7 pm
Price of Admission: Entry is free
Location & Address: 825B Chuan Hoe Ave, Singapore 549854
Contact: 6468 0066
Website: Website Link Here
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Read Also:
Top 10 Things to See and Do at Orchard Road, Singapore
#7 – Smith Marine Floating Kelong Restaurant
Introduction: Smith Marine started off in 2006 as a fish farm. In remembrance to our past as a humble fishing port, we created a modern kelong using a steel pontoon. In 2014, our modern kelong has transformed into the first Floating Seafood Restaurant in Singapore with the aim of bringing live and fresh catch from our farm to our esteemed diners.
Located just off the coastal waters of Pulau Ubin, our rustic restaurant provides a unique dining experience without the hustle of having to carry your passport with you.
About
- Floating Seafood Restaurant
- Fishing
- Bumboat ride
Location: Pulau Ubin
Opening Hours:
- Monday – Sunday: 10 am to 7 pm
Price of Admission: Ferry to restaurant 2 ways is $100, can take up to maximum of 12pax.
Location & Address: 95B Pulau Ubin FC97E Pulau Ubin Coastal Area, Singapore 508325
Contact: 9792 7609
Website: Website Link Here
#8 – Hampstead Wetlands Park
Introduction:
Developed by JTC and NParks, the 3.23 hectare Hampstead Wetlands Park is a green sanctuary and a place for rest and recreation for the surrounding community of Seletar Aerospace Park.
This park provides a conducive environment for plants, birds, and other wildlife that inhabit freshwater ecosystems. Snags and the habitat islands are essential parts of the wetland’s ecology, providing birds and other wildlife with shelter, nesting spots, and resting grounds away from human disturbances and predators. The habitat islands also provide additional surface area for wetland plants to colonise. Wetlands help to remove sediments from surface run-off when it rains, thus acting as a natural filter.
About
- Nature Photography
- Hiking and Nature Appreciation
- Explore the Boardwalks
- Plane Spotting At Seletar Airport
Location: Seletar Aerospace Park
Opening Hours:
- Monday – Sunday: Open 24-Hours
Price of Admission: Free
Location & Address: 1 Baker St, Singapore 799977
Website: Website Link Here
#9 – Marsiling WWII Tunnel & Naval Base
Introduction:
Tons of theories and rumors surround the Marsiling Tunnels. Some speculate that it was a torture chamber, or that it was a secret passage that led to a former mental hospital.
What is for sure is that the Marsiling Tunnels are part of a Royal Air Force fuel reserve depot built in 1942. Today, it is one of many abandoned historical sites in Singapore open for exploration — if you’re adventurous enough, that is.
Start your journey at Woodlands Waterfront Carpark. From there, make your way to Marsiling Crescent. Upon reaching, you’ll see a field.
Behind those trees is a semi-established trail that will lead you to the Marsiling Tunnel’s entrance. There are supposedly four entrances but they’re all concealed apart from the South Entrance.
About
- Hiking/Exploring the Abandoned Tunnel
- Adventures
Location: Marsiling Crescent
Opening Hours:
- No time restrictions
Price of Admission: Free of Charge
Location & Address: Admiralty Road West, Singapore, Singapore
Contact: +65 6736 6622
Website: Website Link Here
#10 – Istana Woodneuk
Introduction: Easily one of Singapore’s largest private residences in the late 19th century and early 20th century, Istana Woodneuk was one of the two royal palaces owned by Johor Sultan Abu Bakar ibni Daing Ibrahim (1833-1895), 21st Sultan of Johor and was well-known as “The Father of Modern Johor”. Friendly to both British Empire and Qing Empire, Sultan Abu Bakar was credited for the development of Johor towards the end of the 19th century.
Istana Woodneuk is located on a small hill bounded by present-day Holland Road and Tyersall Road. After a century of abandonment, its surroundings are covered by thick vegetation; the house itself is in ruins. As if living in a lost world of its own, the place is out of bounds to outsiders and is not charted on any modern maps.
About
- Adventures
- Nature Photography
- Historic Walking Areas
Location: Holland Road
Opening Hours:
- Monday – Sunday: Open 24-Hours
Price of Admission: Free
Location & Address: 766 Tyersall Ave, Singapore 257699
Website: Website Link Here
Conclusion
As the editor of Tropika Club Magazine, I often explore the lesser-known corners of Singapore. This vibrant city has many hidden gems. From serene escapes to historical spots, Singapore has much to offer beyond its famous landmarks.
I hope this guide has inspired you to discover these hidden places. Exploring them can give you a fresh perspective on our bustling city. Whether you seek tranquility or a unique adventure, these spots offer something special. So, grab your walking shoes and start your journey. You might find a new favorite spot in this city we call home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are some off-the-beaten-path attractions in Singapore?
A: Some off-the-beaten-path attractions include the Japanese Cemetery Park and Lazarus Island, offering unique and tranquil experiences away from the main tourist spots.
Q: Where can I find hidden historical sites in Singapore?
A: Bukit Brown Cemetery is a hidden historical site in Singapore, known for its rich colonial heritage and unique architecture.
Q: What is a peaceful nature escape in Singapore?
A: Windsor Nature Park offers a peaceful escape with lush greenery and diverse wildlife, perfect for nature lovers seeking tranquility.
Q: Are there any secret art spots in Singapore?
A: Kampong Glam is a hidden gem for art enthusiasts, featuring vibrant street art and murals that showcase the area’s cultural heritage.
Q: Which hidden trails are recommended for hiking in Singapore?
A: The lesser-known trails of MacRitchie Reservoir provide a serene hiking experience, ideal for those looking to explore Singapore’s natural beauty.
Q: How can I visit a secluded beach in Singapore?
A: Lazarus Island is a secluded beach destination in Singapore, offering a quiet retreat away from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Have a Place to Recommend?
Your contribution is valuable to us! Are there any outstanding businesses that you believe should be added to our list? If so, please send your recommendations to us at [email protected]. Tropika Club will review your suggestions and update the list accordingly. Thank you for your help in making our list of businesses as comprehensive and accurate as possible.
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