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

Most visitors to Singapore come for a whirlwind 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 glitzy and glamorous Southeast Asian city.

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 set 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. That being said, 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. The list of interesting things to do on Pulau Ubin goes on and on.  

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. Meander 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, you'll want to 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, we suggest local favourite 328 Katong Laksa.

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. We always suggest walking around and trying whatever stands out to you. However, 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, just 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.  

If you're truly dedicated to discovering the best hidden gems in Singapore, we suggest taking a tour with Offbeat Singapore. What we appreciate about this indie tour company is that each and every one of their tours is curated by locals to give visitors a glimpse into the "lesser-known sides of Singapore."

Their "Singapore Uncut" tour takes the attention off of the modern and polished Singapore and shifts the focus to the nitty-gritty of the city's past and present. During this walking tour, your local guide will lead you into the back alleys and tell you raw and unfiltered stories of the real Singapore and its inhabitants. This tour allows you to look past Singapore's flashy facade to see what life is really like.

Singapore is just brimming with incredible green spaces and MacRitchie Reservoir Park is one of our favourites. 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. Don't worry 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 should be 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, so don't be surprised if you have to queue. But it's absolutely worth it for this unique Singaporean experience. 

These are just a few of the many hidden gems in Singapore. Whether you're itching to escape the city and experience Singapore's natural side or you want to get a better understanding of the country's complex history, you're going to have a fantastic time diving beneath the surface and unearthing the "real" 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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.