10 Unique Things to Do in Singapore to Experience the Real City

While most visitors associate Singapore with stunning attractions like Marina Bay Sands, futuristic shopping malls, and impressive modern skyscrapers, there’s much more hiding beneath the surface. The Lion City is full of offbeat adventures, hidden gems, and enriching cultural experiences that go beyond typical sightseeing.

So if you’re looking for unique things to do in Singapore, this list is your ticket to uncovering the city’s quirkiest corners, lesser-known parks, and hyper-local eats — all easy to access via public transport and close to nearest MRT stations.

1. Explore Haw Par Villa: A Surreal Mythological Park

Unlike anything else in South East Asia, Haw Par Villa is a one-of-a-kind outdoor park showcasing Chinese mythology, history, and spiritual beliefs.

• Famous for its graphic "Ten Courts of Hell"
• Rich in sculptures reflecting traditional Chinese values
• Offers insight into Singapore’s past and legends

This former amusement theme park is deeply rooted in Singapore's history and stands as a cultural oddity and visual spectacle.

2. Take a Rustic Bum Boat to Pulau Ubin

Take a rustic bum boat from Changi Point Ferry Terminal to Pulau Ubin, one of Singapore’s last remaining rural islands. This tranquil escape is a haven for nature lovers and curious explorers.

• Enjoy off-road cycling or hiking trails
• Spot wildlife in mangroves and abandoned quarries
• Experience a glimpse of Singapore’s past away from the central business district

For anyone visiting Singapore who wants something untouched by modernity, Pulau Ubin is perfect.

3. Walk the Southern Ridges and Henderson Waves Bridge

Stretching across Mount Faber, Telok Blangah, and Kent Ridge Park, the Southern Ridges walking trail is a dream for hikers and photographers.

• Don’t miss the iconic Henderson Waves Bridge
• Stunning views of the city skyline and green canopy
• Great for early-morning or sunset strolls

Unlike tourist-heavy zones like Orchard Road, this is one of those hidden gems with plenty of breathing space.

4. Catch the Garden Rhapsody at Gardens by the Bay

No list of unique things to do in Singapore is complete without the dazzling Garden Rhapsody light and sound show at Gardens by the Bay.

• Held nightly at the Supertree Grove
• Beautiful blend of music, lights, and architecture
• Located within walking distance from Marina Bay Sands and the Singapore Flyer

Be sure to also explore the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome, which offer one of the best nature-meets-technology experiences in all of Southeast Asia.

5. Visit a Rooftop Farm in the Heart of the City

Singapore is a global leader in urban farming, and you can witness this first-hand at a rooftop farm like the one at Funan Mall.

• Located in the central business district
• Learn how herbs and veggies are grown sustainably
• Join a workshop or urban gardening session

This mix of agriculture and tech is a highlight of modern Singapore and a rare find amid the city’s shopping malls.

6. Explore Little India & Arab Street

Colorful, chaotic, and deeply cultural — Little India and Arab Street are some of the most photogenic and flavorful parts of the city.

• Try spicy street food and fragrant biryani
• Shop for textiles and handmade goods
• Visit religious sites like mosques and temples

Don’t forget to stop at the Sri Mariamman Temple or walk to Pagoda Street for a deeper dive into multicultural Singapore.

7. Experience Wildlife at Night Safari

The Night Safari isn’t just another zoo. It’s the world’s first nocturnal wildlife park — and still one of the best.

• Tram and walking trail options
• See animals like tigers, civets, and owls in action
• Great alternative to Sentosa Island for families

Pair this with a day at the Singapore Zoo for a complete nature experience that’s far from typical theme parks.

8. Admire Orchids at the National Orchid Garden

Tucked inside the Singapore Botanic Gardens, the National Orchid Garden showcases over 1,000 orchid species in lush, themed displays.

• Part of the UNESCO-listed Botanic Gardens
• Easily accessible by public transport
• Ideal for plant lovers and peaceful explorers

If you're seeking floral beauty away from the buzz of Marina Bay, this is your tranquil spot.

9.Taste Authentic Flavors at Maxwell Food Center

Among the best places for local food, Maxwell Food Center near City Hall is a treasure trove of street food and local favorites.

Try:

• Hainanese chicken rice
• Oyster cakes
• Local sugarcane juice from vibrant food stalls

Nearby, you can also explore Chinatown and pop into the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple — a peaceful retreat filled with gold relics and ornate architecture.

10. Explore Fort Canning Park's Underground History

Once a military base and royal garden, Fort Canning Park is now a historical and cultural space in the city center.

• Discover WWII bunkers, spice gardens, and the Battlebox
• Join walking tours to learn about Singapore’s history
• A unique combo of greenery and storytelling

This area is perfect for those wanting something beyond museums or shopping malls while still staying in the heart of modern Singapore.

Bonus: Navigating the City Made Easy

Singapore is exceptionally well-connected. Whether you’re heading to Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, or Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, the nearest MRT stations and efficient public transport system make all the places listed above accessible, safe, and affordable.

FAQs

What to do in Singapore is unusual?

• Visit Haw Par Villa to explore bizarre sculptures based on traditional Chinese values.
• Take a rustic bum boat from Changi Point Ferry Terminal to Pulau Ubin for a rural island escape.
• Join an urban farming workshop at a rooftop farm in Funan Mall.
• Hike the Southern Ridges and cross the Henderson Waves Bridge for great views.
• Discover Par Villa and lesser-known trails at Bukit Timah Hill.

What is the most interesting thing in Singapore?

• Watch the Garden Rhapsody light show at Gardens by the Bay.
• Explore the mist-filled Cloud Forest and floral displays at the Flower Dome.
• Walk through Fort Canning Park and join historic walking tours.
• Eat at hawker centers like Maxwell Food Center for authentic local food.
• Take a boat to Lazarus Island for a quiet beach not known by most visitors.

What to do in Singapore not touristy?

• Hike at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve or Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.
• Explore Chinatown on foot and visit the Sri Mariamman Temple.
• Learn about Singapore’s history at the National Museum and old Supreme Court.
• Take a walking tour around City Hall and colonial sites.
• Ride a rustic bum boat to the southern islands for off-the-grid adventure.

What is the number one attraction in Singapore?

• Marina Bay Sands is the top attraction for most visitors.
• Nearby, Gardens by the Bay features the Cloud Forest, Garden Rhapsody, and Flower Dome.
• The skyline view from Marina Bay is iconic for photos of modern Singapore.
• Visit Raffles Hotel for a classic Singapore Sling experience.
• The Singapore Zoo and Sentosa Island also remain family favorites.

Where can families find fun activities in Singapore?

• Spend a full day at Universal Studios on Sentosa Island for blockbuster rides, live shows, and meet-and-greets.
• Return in the evening for the after-dark Universal Studios events, then watch fireworks sparkle over the Singapore skyline.
• Take a sunset cruise on the Singapore River to see landmarks light up and snap photos without the usual crowd.
• Refuel at nearby food courts in VivoCity or Resorts World for budget-friendly bites and plenty of local food choices.

Where can I enjoy art, history, and science in Singapore?

• The National Museum tells an interesting story of nation-building through multimedia galleries.
• Head to the Science Centre’s observatory for hands-on exhibits on space exploration and stargazing sessions.
• Explore cutting-edge modern art at Gillman Barracks, or catch digital installations inside the ArtScience Museum.
• During a Chinatown walk, step into Sri Mariamman Temple to admire its vibrant gopuram and ongoing rituals.

Final Thoughts

From Supertree light shows and rooftop farms to quiet islands and vibrant food halls, these unique things to do in Singapore offer something refreshing for every type of traveler. They blend nature, culture, food, and innovation — all within this small but mighty South East Asia destination.

Whether you're diving into hawker culture at Maxwell Food Center, escaping into the Singapore Botanic Gardens, or hopping a free tour through Chinatown, one thing’s clear: the Lion City is full of surprises — far beyond the usual attractions.

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