Nothing sucks the living joy out of a perfect day than having to be in a place filled with tourists.
Pushing through throngs of people armed with selfie sticks that never fail to jab you whenever you get too close and perpetual ‘OOTD’ stops that seem to hold up massive crowds is a living nightmare.
For something less chaotic but still guarantee a good time, here are 12 Non-Touristy Places & Activities In Singapore.
#1 Have A Hearty Breakfast At Chin Mee Chin Confectionary
Begin the day proper with a traditional Singaporean breakfast at Chin Mee Chin Confectionary.
Consisting of half-boiled eggs, Kaya toast, some of their house-baked confectionary delights and a cup of good old coffeeshop-style coffee, you would have a rough idea of how we Singaporeans greet the day.
Chin Mee Chin Confectionary
204 East Coast Road
Tel: +65 6345 0419
Tue to Sun: 8.30am – 3.30pm
Nearest Station: Eunos
Photo Credit: www.thydowager.com
#2 Savour Breathtaking Views At The Pinnacle @ Duxton
For a shot of adrenaline and a view to die for, make your way up 50 floors at The Pinnacle at Duxton; a pretty romantic location to bring a date too if you ask us. Great view and the breeze kissing your faces, what more can you ask for?
Entry fee is priced at (S$5) and can be paid using an EZ-link card. Simply tap your card against the electronic lock and you may proceed to marvel at the breathtaking view!
The Pinnacle @ Duxton
Blk 1G Cantonment Rd
Daily: 9am – 9.45pm
Nearest Station: Outram
#3 Experience True Serenity At The MacRitchie Tree-Top Walk
Be one with nature and experience true serenity away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
This trail, which begins at Venus Drive, takes you to the TreeTop Walk, a 250 metre-long freestanding suspension bridge between the two highest points in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve. People with a fear of heights need not be afraid because the bridge is extremely safe and secure.
This is probably the fastest, easiest way to get a bird’s eye view of Singapore’s forest and wildlife. We suggest going there bright and early in the morning, so you will not have to deal with the midday heat. Just keep a look out for cheeky monkeys!
Tree-Top Walk
601 Island Club Rd
Tue to Fri: 9am – 5pm
Sat to Sun: 8.30am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Marymount
#4 Explore Tiong Bahru Estate—One Of Singapore’s Oldest Neighbourhoods
Take a tour in one of Singapore’s oldest neighbourhoods—Tiong Bahru. Many of the shops have been converted to hipster cafes and the likes but the architecture still remains unchanged. What’s also a plus point is that the building’s white exterior makes for a really attractive backdrop for #OOTDs as well.
Tiong Bahru Estate
9A Boon Tiong Road
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru
Photo Credit: www.cnn.com
#5 Chill And Listen To Live Music Along Haji Lane
People often have the misconception that Haji Lane is a shady place at night with its numerous dark alleys. Contrary to popular understanding, it is actually not like that at all. In fact, it is a place brimming with culture and attitude.
We really enjoy the night vibes along Haji Lane. Get yourself a seat at any one of the bars there and allow street musicians to serenade you with their acoustic numbers. Pop open a couple of beers, share a few laughs and that right there is a perfect night.
Nearest Station: Bugis
#6 Get Your Adrenaline Pumping At The G-MAX Reverse Bungy
Being Singapore’s first and only reverse bungee, G-MAX has attracted hundreds of people who either watch or ride it every night. Offering an adrenaline rush at the highest level, expect to be catapulted up to a height of 60 metres, at a speed of 200 kilometres per hour.
A definite must-see and must-do for all you brave souls out there.
G-MAX Reverse Bungy
3E River Valley Rd
Clarke Quay
Daily: 2pm – 12pm
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay
#7 Soak Up Some History At The MINT Museum Of Toys
The MINT Museum of Toys is sure to delight both adults and kids with their vast collection of vintage toys and memorabilia from around the world. These toys tell a story of the era that they were created in, providing a more enriching experience besides just staring at old toys.
Believed to be the largest collection of its kind in Southeast Asia, the vast range of collectibles—from Batman figurines to vintage teddy bears—will intrigue both adults and children alike.
MINT Museum of Toys
26 Seah Street
Tel: +65 6339 0660
Daily: 9.30am – 6.30pm
Nearest Station: City Hall
Photo Credit: www.softrockliving.com
#8 Catch An Award-winning Film At The Projector
The projector is not your average cineplex. It is one of Singapore’s hidden gems that finds itself tucked away within Golden Mile Tower. Expect to find old cinema chairs and bean bags in this hipster-certified space.
Despite its shabby interior, there is a certain rustic charm to it that keeps people coming back aside from their range of specially curated movies, encompassing indie, foreign, classics, horror, local and even cult genres.
A major plus point is their free seating policy and the fact that you can order and bring booze into the cinema. Just remember to be considerate during the movie!
The Projector
6001 Beach Road, #05-00
Golden Mile Tower
Nearest Station: Nicoll Highway
#9 Play With Doggos at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park
If you own a pup of your own, take it to make some new friends at the Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park. Within the park lies spacious enclosures where dogs and their owners can freely roam and play.
The park also includes a second and slightly smaller enclosure that is meant for smaller dogs to play in, just in case owners are worried their small-sized pups getting bullied by the bigger and more aggressive dogs.
Whatever activity you choose to do, our little island is sure to have something for everyone, so whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local craving for some adventure, we have no doubt that you will leave with memories worth sharing!
Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park
Ang Mo Kio Ave 1
Nearest Station: Ang Mo Kio
#10 VISIT LIBRARY@ORCHARD AND INDULGE IN A BOOK
A mention of the word ‘library’ and you would probably imagine plain wooden shelves, dusty stacks of books, and a quiet, closed-up space that does not necessarily spell ‘fun’. We know, but trust us on this one.
library@orchard is one of the most beautiful libraries in Singapore, complete with wavy bookshelves, comfortable leather seats, and ceiling-high windows that let in plenty of light. Browse the range of reading materials available, find a comfortable nook, and read the afternoon away.
library@orchard
277 Orchard Road
#03-12/ #04-11, Orchard Gateway
Singapore 238858
Tel: +6 6332 3255
Daily: 11am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Somerset
#11 TRY YOUR HANDS AT PRAWNING
Prawning has became an activitity that Singaporeans have grown to love, simply because you get experience a little bit of the slower life. Free time is, after all, meant for chatting with friends, and leisurely waiting for a good catch.
There are two Hai Bin outlets in Singapore, but we recommend going to the one at Sembawang. This particular outlet has a Beer Garden located right beside the ponds, so you can also chug tall glasses of beer while you prawn. You can even grill the crustaceans you catch on site!
Hai Bin Sembawang
#01-08, 301 Canberra Road
Singapore 759774
Tel: +65 6261 7226
Daily: 24 hours
Nearest Station: Sembawang
#12 Supper At Simpang Bedok
Simpang Bedok is a hipster-style food centre, complete with interesting shophouse-looking exteriors for the different stalls. Even the cuisines served at Simpang beat that of any other ordinary food court you will find in Singapore.
Food options include some local-style wanton noodles, mookata, prata and even a Taiwanese-style sweet potato porridge. Get a taste of a plethora of flavours, all in one place.
Simpang Bedok
288A, Bedok Road
Singapore 469445
Nearest Station: Tanah Merah
For more recommendations, read our guide on 45 things to do in Singapore.