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5 Local Hidden Gems in Singapore That Most Tourists Don't Know About

From forest canopy walks to pastel-painted streets, here are five hidden gems in Singapore you won’t find in the guidebooks

Most visitors to Singapore come for a quick trip, leaving only enough time to tick off the country's most famous activities and attractions. Sure, everyone should spend time exploring the Gardens by the Bay, shopping on Orchard Road, and eating their way through Singapore's Chinatown and Little India, but take some time to delve beneath the surface and you'll find plenty of bucket list-worthy hidden gems in Singapore. 

 

Whether you're a first-timer or a frequent visitor, this local's guide is all about highlighting the country's off-the-tourist-track destinations. From stepping back in time on a nearby island to dining with locals at a hawker centre and learning about Peranakan culture and history in a residential neighbourhood, you're going to love getting a more local experience of this glamorous Southeast Asian city.

Hidden gems in Singapore at a glance

  • Best hidden gem for nature: Pulau Ubin
  • Best hidden gem for local culture: Katong
  • Best hidden gem for food lovers: Old Airport Road Food Centre
  • Best hidden gem for history buffs: Offbeat Singapore walking tours
  • Best hidden gem for outdoor adventures: MacRitchie Reservoir Park

Take a day trip to Pulau Ubin

Best for: Nature lovers, cyclists, and history buffs

Did you know that Singapore is surrounded by over 60 small islands? If you're looking to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city centre, then taking a little trip to the rustic island of Pulau Ubin is like travelling back in time. Whether you're interested in nature, history, or culture, there's something on this off-the-beaten-path island for you.

Pulau Ubin is located right off the northeast coast of Singapore. To get here, you'll take a cheap, 15-minute bumboat ride from the Changi Point Ferry Terminal (near Changi Village). Once you arrive, take your pick of all the unique activities and attractions this island has to offer.

One of the best ways to explore Pulau Ubin is to rent a bike at one of the rental shops near the pier and cruise around the many well-marked nature trails. You can also go kayaking through mangroves, spot wildlife on the hiking trails, see native fruits growing on the "Sensory Trail," chat with the locals in Kampung Ubin (one of the last traditional Malay villages in Singapore), or get cultured at Wei Tuo Fa Gong Temple.

  • Location: Northeast of Singapore, off Changi Point
  • Getting there: 15-minute bumboat ride from Changi Point Ferry Terminal
  • Time needed: Half day to full day
  • Don't miss: Cycling the island, Kampung Ubin, Chek Jawa Wetlands, and the Sensory Trail

Live like an expat in Katong

Best for: Local culture, food, photography, and architecture

When it comes to street art and colourful shophouses, Haji Lane gets all of the attention. But for a more local vibe, make your way to the Katong neighbourhood, which is just eight kilometres from the tourist hub of Marina Bay. 

Be sure to take a stroll along Joo Chiat Road and Koon Seng Road to check out the area's pastel-painted Peranakan shophouses. These beautifully preserved houses are reminiscent of the "Painted Ladies" in San Francisco and are true hidden gems in Singapore. 

Picture-perfect shophouses aside, you'll find plenty of other unique attractions in Katong. Wander around the alleyways surrounding Joo Chiat Road, and you'll spot some of the best street art murals in the city, many of which pay homage to Peranakan culture and history.

This area is also popular amongst expats who come here to shop at indie boutiques, tap into Peranakan culture in the antique homes and museums, and wine and dine at some of Singapore's best bars, cafes, and restaurants. For a true taste of the local cuisine, savour at least one bowl of Katong laksa. You'll find plenty of places serving up this unique version of Singaporean laksa. But if you're not sure where to go, try local favourite 328 Katong Laksa.

  • Location: Eastern Singapore, around Joo Chiat Road and Koon Seng Road
  • Time needed: 2-4 hours
  • Don't miss: Peranakan shophouses, street art, boutique shops, and Katong laksa
  • Local tip: Visit in the morning for quieter streets and better photo opportunities

Sample street eats at the Old Airport Road Food Centre

Best for: Local food experiences

When it comes to visiting Singapore's famous hawker centres, most visitors flock to places like Maxwell Food Centre and Newton Food Centre. But for something less touristy and more local, why not spend some time eating your way through the Old Airport Road Food Centre?

Like all good Singaporean hawker centres, this place features vendors selling all of the must-try local street foods. But because it's a bit removed from Singapore's main tourist areas, this hawker centre caters to a more local crowd.

You'll find over 150 food stalls here. Some top picks are the chicken cutlet with garlic sauce at Western Barbecue (#01-53), the lor mee with fried codfish at Xin Mei Xiang (#01-116), and the handmade curry puffs at Wang Wang Crispy Curry Puff (#01-126).

When in doubt, do as the locals do and seek out the longest queue. You never know; it might just be Singapore's next Michelin-starred hawker stall.  

  • Location: Kallang, eastern Singapore
  • Time needed: 1-2 hours
  • Don't miss: Lor mee, curry puffs, and classic Singaporean hawker dishes
  • Local tip: With more that 150 stalls to choose from, joining the longest queues are often worth it.

Discover the myths and legends of Haw Par Villa

Best for: Culture lovers, history buffs, and curious travellers

If you're searching for unusual places to visit in Singapore, few attractions are as fascinating as Haw Par Villa. Tucked away on a hillside overlooking Pasir Panjang, this open-air cultural park is home to more than 1,000 statues and 150 giant dioramas inspired by Chinese folklore, legends, and traditional beliefs.

Originally built in the 1930s by the brothers behind Tiger Balm, Haw Par Villa offers a completely different side of Singapore. Instead of futuristic skyscrapers and luxury shopping malls, you'll find winding pathways lined with colourful sculptures depicting mythical creatures, historical figures, and scenes from Chinese mythology.

The park's most famous attraction is the Ten Courts of Hell, a series of detailed displays illustrating traditional beliefs about the afterlife. While some exhibits are surprisingly graphic, they offer a fascinating insight into Chinese culture and moral teachings. Beyond the headline attraction, you'll discover hidden corners filled with dragons, tigers, immortals, and larger-than-life characters that make Haw Par Villa one of the city's most memorable photography spots.

  • Location: Pasir Panjang, southwest Singapore
  • Time needed: 2-3 hours
  • Don't miss: The Ten Courts of Hell, colourful mythology sculptures, and panoramic hilltop views
  • Local tip: Visit in the morning to avoid the heat and enjoy quieter pathways

Go on a guided walking tour of Singapore’s hidden gems

Best for: History lovers and curious travellers

Singapore's skyline and headline attractions are often the drawcard for visitors, but some of the city's most interesting stories can be found in its lesser-known neighbourhoods. A guided walking tour is a great way to explore beyond the main tourist areas, uncovering local history, cultural traditions, and everyday life in the city.

Many tours venture into backstreets, heritage districts, and community spaces, offering a different perspective on Singapore's past and present. They're ideal if you'd like a deeper understanding of the city beyond its iconic landmarks.

  • Location: Various neighbourhoods across Singapore
  • Time needed: Around two to three hours
  • Don't miss: Tours that explore heritage districts and local communities
  • Why go: Discover lesser-known stories and gain insight into Singapore's diverse cultural heritage

Get your nature fix at MacRitchie Reservoir Park

Best for: Hiking, wildlife spotting, and outdoor adventures

Singapore is filled with incredible green spaces like MacRitchie Reservoir Park. This 12-hectare park is a popular spot for locals to get out in nature on the weekends. You're likely going to be accompanied by plenty of cheeky monkeys during your visit, too.

MacRitchie Reservoir Park is located roughly 30 minutes from downtown Singapore. If you don't have a car, the park is well-connected by the city's efficient MRT and bus systems, so getting here from your Singapore hotel is easy. 

Lace up your hiking boots and hit the many tree-shaded trails, or rent a kayak or canoe and get out on the water at MacRitchie Reservoir. However, no visit to MacRitchie Reservoir Park is complete without doing the TreeTop Walk, one of the coolest hidden gems in Singapore.

This 250-metre-long suspension bridge allows you to walk along the treetops for unreal views of the forest canopy and the local wildlife, including over 100 bird species. This bridge is popular, especially on weekends, and long queues are common. . But it's absolutely worth it for this unique Singaporean experience. 

  • Location: Central Singapore
  • Time needed: Half day
  • Don't miss: The 250-metre TreeTop Walk
  • Wildlife: Long-tailed macaques, monitor lizards, and native birdlife
  • Local tip: Visit on weekday mornings to avoid the busiest periods

Where to stay in Singapore for easy access to hidden gems

From the heritage streets of Katong to the rainforest trails of MacRitchie Reservoir Park, Singapore's hidden gems are spread across the city. Staying in a well-connected neighbourhood makes it easier to explore both the city's famous landmarks and its lesser-known local treasures.

Mercure Singapore Tyrwhitt offers a convenient base for discovering a more local side of Singapore. Located in the character-filled Jalan Besar district, you'll be close to independent cafés, heritage streets, and excellent public transport connections that put attractions such as Katong, Haw Par Villa, Old Airport Road Food Centre, and Pulau Ubin within easy reach.

Book directly on Mercure.com or via the ALL.com app for the best available rates. Not a member yet? Join the free ALL Accor loyalty programme to enjoy member rates, exclusive offers, and Reward points on eligible stays.

Hidden gems in Singapore: your questions answered

What are some lesser-known places to visit in Singapore?

Some lesser-known places to visit in Singapore are the rugged island of Pulau Ubin and the jungle-clad MacRitchie Reservoir Park on the outskirts of the city. For more hidden gems in Singapore, be sure to eat your way through the less-touristy Old Airport Road Food Centre or take a tour with Offbeat Singapore to see a less glamorous side of the city.

Where can I find hidden cafes or local food spots in Singapore?

If you're wondering where to find hidden cafes or local food spots in Singapore, go outside of the tourist hubs. There are many gems in residential neighbourhoods like Katong and hawker centres like Old Airport Road Food Centre. You'll also find cool cafes and restaurants inside shophouses, on rooftops, and down unassuming alleyways.

Does Singapore have any hidden art installations or street art locations?

Looking for hidden art installations or street art locations in Singapore? Haji Lane is where you'll find some of the best street art in Singapore. Other hubs for street art are Little India, Chinatown, Tanjong Pagar, and Telok Ayer.

What are some unique experiences away from the tourist crowds in Singapore?

Some unique experiences away from the tourist crowds in Singapore are doing the TreeTop Walk in MacRitchie Reservoir Park, cycling around Pulau Ubin, spotting colourful Peranakan shophouses in Katong, and eating lor mee with locals at the Old Airport Road Food Centre, to name a few options.

Are there any secret gardens or parks in Singapore?

When it comes to secret gardens or parks in Singapore, you'll have a range of options. In the city centre, you'll have places like Fort Canning Park and East Coast Park. Explore a little further afield and you'll find Singapore Botanic Gardens, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, and MacRitchie Reservoir Park. 

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207569 Singapore

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