I will never forget that I first got out of the plane at Changi Airport. I was as any other tourist with a map in my hands with the Marina Bay Sands and the Supertree Grove highlighted in red ink. And I am not saying that those places are not spectacular and worth visiting.
However, I have spent some time living in Singapore and going to all the places and corners of the country, and it has occurred to me that the true magic of Singapore is not always contained in those guidebooks. This island has its real heart which beats in its hidden places, in its back streets, and in its family shops.
In case you wish to replace the overcrowded malls with something different, you are in the right place. I am going to share with you my personal list of the hidden gems in Singapore.
Where I go with my own family during the weekend and which, nonetheless, allow me to fall in love with this city. We need to go on a quest to discover the soul of the Lion City together, forgetting about the typical tourist traps, having a day together.
Why I Started Looking for Unique Places to Visit in Singapore for Free?
I recall that I was walking with my niece and nephew through the Gardens by the Bay. It was a beautiful one, but the domes were costing us a good deal in the entry fees. I said to myself, "There must be more than just the costly ticketed entertainment in this city. That’s when my mission began.
I would begin to ask local friends, where did you go? and searching forums to seek out exclusive unique places to visit in Singapore for free. What I found amazed me. It has beaches, farms and even wetlands that would not need any fee of entry and would provide experience that could not be bought by money.
You may also read :- Luxurious Hotels for the Ultimate Singapore Lifestyle Experiences
My Morning Walk at the Rail Corridor
My first choice of ritual on a weekend is to get a coffee and go to Rail Corridor. This 24 kilometer track of vegetation is what once served as a railroad between Singapore and Malaysia. It is now a place of hikers, bikers, and nature lovers such as myself.
I enjoy taking a stroll with the old tracks and the old Bridge at Upper Bukit Truss. It is a metallic building that projects the impression of having gone back in time. The best part? It’s completely free. I usually see families with young people riding their bikes and all are ever waving and saying hi. It is a nice and open up place where you lose the idea that you are in a busy city.
Feeling Like an Explorer at Clementi Forest
You must visit Clementi Forest in case you feel like having a small adventure. And it is not a park with tarmac. It is an actual, real forest that is squeezed between neighborhoods. The initial time I visited I was like I was on treasure hunt. The tracks are sloppy, and you should have year-old sneakers!
You must creep in the bushes and over the roots. It even has a deserted railway line in its midst. It feels wild and secret. All you need to do is go with a friend and probably charge your phone with the GPS because the trails do not always have signs being displayed. It is one of those Singapore places to visit with family are somewhat older and love to explore.
Unwinding at the Quiet St John's Island
Were you aware that Singapore has 64 islands? Sentosa is the only place visited by most of the tourists. However, To get away from the crowds in Singapore, then a 30-minute ferry ride at Marina South Pier to St Johns Island will do.
One day I visited there on Tuesday, and I believe there were more monkeys than humans there. The air is so tranquil. The St Johns Island trail, approximately 2.8 kilometers long, allows walking the trail and viewing both heritage trees and possibly a rare bird. It’s perfect for a picnic.
We sat on the grass, and had a bite of sandwiches, and watched the shipping pass by the distance. I lost track of the fact that I was still in Singapore. It is a silent beauty that makes one feel miles away at the city lights.
My Top Picks for Singapore Places to Visit with Family
It is not only stressful to take kids out, but also in a big city. I have been able to learn that the Singapore places to visit with family do not necessarily have the longest queues. They are the places where children can play, touch, and pose a thousand questions without my fearing that they will be lost in the crowd of other people.
Splashing Around at the Children's Garden at Gardens by the Bay
Okay, I understand I told I was not going to those well-known places, but listen to me! The Flower Dome and Cloud Forest steal the show, but there is an amazing free area here that most people do not pay much attention to and that is the Far East Organization Children’s Garden.
I have taken my niece here, and it was the best thing in her journey. It has a massive water play area whereby fountains soar up through the ground. Children play through them screaming their eyes out. Climbing frames, treehouses and bridges are present as well. The best advice I can give you?
carry a change of clothing and a towel. It took my niece a mere five minutes to get wet and she had the most enormous smile on her face. And the best part? It’s completely free . It is an unique place to visit in Singapore for free of charge that appears to be a high-end activity.
Stepping Back in Time at Haw Par Villa
This is most likely to be the weirdest location that I will recommend. Haw Par Villa is a weird theme park which was constructed in 1937. It is not a theme park, however. It is full of colorful statues and dioramas narrating stories about the Chinese mythology and folklore.
The Ten Courts of Hell, the most renowned (and the most violent) section, is the most known. It demonstrates, in very graphic details, what happens to the souls that misbehave on earth. It is a frightening one, yet my elder nephew (10 years old) was simply enthralled.
It caused a protracted and interesting discussion on culture and morality, which would otherwise have been impossible. It is strange, it is great and it is all free. It is certainly one of the most unusual attractions in Singapore where there is a mind to roam.
Learning About Nature at the Jacob Ballas Children's Garden
Hidden somewhere within the Singapore Botanic Gardens (this is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, incidentally) is a kids-only secret garden. The Jacob Ballas Children Garden is a fairy tale place.
It trains children to learn about plants, nature and sustainability. It has treehouses, farm plots and water play areas. The regulation in this case is that no adult without a child. It puts the kids in charge. We spent hours in this place and the kids climbing and exploring.
It is a secure and confined area where they can be miniature explorers. And free entry in case of Singaporeans and residents, as well as quite cheap in the case of tourists. It is the ideal place to be included in your list of places to visit in Singapore with the family.
What is Famous to Buy in Singapore?
Okay, let’s talk souvenirs. We all would like to take home something to our dearest people (and to us!). However, what is really worth purchasing? When I arrived here, I was hopelessly confused with the options. I now understand where to go and what to seek. In case you are thinking of what to make a purchase in Singapore, forget about the keychains that are produced in large quantities and find these original treasures.
Bringing Home the Sweet Taste of Singapore with Kaya Jam
In my view, the flavor of Singapore is Kaya Jam. It is a sweet and creamy paste that is prepared using coconut milk, eggs and pandan leaves. You have it on a toast with a thick slice of cold butter, and it is all breakfast heaven.
Before they leave I always ask my friends to bring a few jars of Ya Kun Kaya Toast or even the supermarket. It is not bulky, portable and has a long shelf life. Whenever I go home and my toast, I think about my favorite coffee shop here immediately I spread it on my toast. It is an easy, tasty and well-known product to purchase in Singapore that no one will hate.
The Art of Peranakan Ceramics and Batik
My heart belongs to Peranakan culture. It is a gorgeous fusion of Chinese and Malay culture and the art that it creates is beautiful. The beautiful phoenixes and bright colors of Peranakan ceramics are a historical artifact that you can fit in your hands. These treasures are available in the stores of Joo Chiat or Katong.
Batik fabric is another beautiful discovery. You can purchase a piece of cloth, scarf or even a pre-prepared shirt. The patterns are hand drawn and stained but, therefore, no two pieces are exactly similar. You are putting on a work of art when you put on a batik shirt. It is a deeper sort of a present that demonstrates that you have taken the time to not only find something extraordinary.
Indulging in Luxury with Orchid Jewelry and TWG Tea
Something a bit fancier, orchid jewelry can be found. This is so clever. They steal real orchids, national flower of Singapore and cover them with gold or silver to make them everlasting. I have two orchid earrings, which I never cease to be complimented about. They are easy to carry, one of a kind and simply gorgeous.
And we must mention TWG Tea, of course. It is a Singapore brand that has established fame throughout the world. A visit at a TWG store is an experience. The smell is intoxicating. They are experiencing hundreds of flavors, including traditional black teas and wild ones such as Singapore Breakfast Tea. The tins are pretty and perfect gifts. It is quite an indulgence, and it is worth it on the quality and the experience.
Also read :- Explore the National Museum of Singapore
My Personal Top 10 Places to Visit in Singapore (If You Only Have a Few Days)
In case you are going on a trip, I suppose you would like to combine the best attractions with these hidden gems that I had mentioned. Therefore, I have compiled my personal top 10 places to visit Singapore. It is a list that covers everything that is an attraction but leaves room to explore.
- Gardens by the Bay (at night!): The Garden Rhapsody show is a must see where the Supertree Grove is lit. It’s free and magical .
- The Rail Corridor: To walk my morning and take a dose of green.
- Marina Bay Sands SkyPark: It is touristy, but the view of the top is truly unbeatable.
- Haw Par Villa: In need of culture and a fairy-tale.
- Singapore Botanic Gardens: National Orchid Garden. It is the only one that has an entry fee, but it is worth the cent.
- Jewel Changi Airport: Also, even when you are not flying out, visit the Rain Vortex, the tallest indoor waterfall in the world.
- St Johns Island: To spend an afternoon away.
- Chinatown Complex Food Centre: The best hawker food. Take the internationally-known Michelin starred chicken rice!
- Sentosa Island: To hang out and enjoy with the family on the beaches. The children and the Skyline Luge are fond of each other.
- Haji Lane: To visit interesting cafes, stylish shops and street art.
Your Singapore Adventure Awaits
Singapore is a city of unlimited surprises. It is where one can go and be amazed by the futuristic architecture in the morning and hike through a silent, muddy woods in the afternoon. When you go beyond the obvious, you expose yourself to a more enriched and personal traveling experience.
I hope my guide to these hidden gems in Singapore inspires you to wander off the beaten path. Take your family to the Children's Garden, pack a picnic for St John's Island, and bring home a jar of kaya jam to remember your trip by. Trust me, the Singapore you find on these quiet trails and in these family-run shops is the Singapore that will stay in your heart forever. Safe travels
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Singapore an expensive place to visit?
It can be, but it doesn't have to be! As I've shown, there are tons of unique places to visit in Singapore for free. You can save money by eating at hawker centres (where meals are delicious and cheap) and taking the MRT (subway) which is very affordable and efficient.
Are these hidden gems easy to get to by public transport?
Most of them are! Singapore's public transport is world-class. Places like the Rail Corridor and Haw Par Villa have MRT stations nearby. For St John's Island, you just need to take a ferry from Marina South Pier, which is also connected by MRT.
What should I pack for a trip to Singapore?
Light clothing because it is hot and humid year-round. But always bring a light jacket because the malls, MRT, and movie theatres are freezing! Also, pack an umbrella for sudden rain showers and good walking shoes. Trust me, you will walk a lot!
Can I buy souvenirs at the airport?
Yes, you can find most of these items at Changi Airport, especially TWG Tea and some food items like Bak Kwa. However, for unique, handcrafted items like Peranakan Ceramics or Batik, it's better to explore neighborhoods like Chinatown, Little India, or Kampong Glam to find the best selection and support local artisans .