When you think of Singapore, what comes to mind? Probably the infinity pool at Marina Bay Sands, the futuristic Supertrees, or the luxury shopping malls of Orchard Road. It’s the land of Crazy Rich Asians, right?
Well, yes and no.
While the glittering skyline is impressive, there is a completely different side to the Lion City that most tourists never see. I’m talking about untouched islands with white sand, surreal theme parks that feel like a fever dream, and rustic villages that look like they belong in the 1950s.
If you are tired of fighting crowds at the Merlion and want to see the real city, you need to get off the beaten path. Here are my favorite hidden gems in Singapore that will make you rethink everything you know about this modern metropolis.
1. Haw Par Villa: The Weirdest Theme Park You’ll Ever Visit
If you want “unique,” forget Universal Studios. Haw Par Villa is easily one of the strangest and most fascinating hidden gems in Singapore. Built in 1937 by the brothers who created Tiger Balm, this park is a technicolor journey through Chinese mythology.
But this isn’t Disney. The main attraction here is the infamous “Ten Courts of Hell.” It is a dimly lit tunnel that features graphic dioramas depicting punishments for various sins according to Chinese folklore. It’s gruesome, bizarre, and absolutely unmissable.
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Why go: It’s free, it’s Instagrammable (in a creepy way), and you will definitely have stories to tell. Insider Tip: Bring mosquito repellent. The park is built on a hill with plenty of trees, and the mosquitoes here are as vicious as the demons in the dioramas.
2. Lazarus Island: The Secret Beach Paradise
Most people heading for a beach day in Singapore go straight to Sentosa. The result? Crowded sands and expensive beach clubs.
For a true escape, take a ferry from Marina South Pier to St. John’s Island and walk across the causeway to Lazarus Island. There are no shops, no vending machines, and no hotels here. Just a pristine crescent of white sand and turquoise water that looks more like the Maldives than Singapore. It is widely considered one of the best hidden gems in Singapore for those who crave silence and nature.
Why go: It is the cleanest, quietest beach in the country. Insider Tip: Pack everything you need, including water and food. There are literally no facilities on the island, which is exactly why it stays so peaceful.
3. Kampong Lorong Buangkok: The Last Surviving Village
Singapore moved from third-world to first-world in a single generation, replacing wooden huts with high-rise HDB flats. But one single village (or “Kampong”) refused to change.
Kampong Lorong Buangkok is the last surviving traditional village on Singapore’s mainland. Visiting here feels like stepping into a time machine. You’ll see zinc-roofed wooden houses, roaming chickens, and fruit trees, all shadowed by the modern skyscrapers in the distance. It is a living, breathing museum of what life used to be like.
Why go: To see the “old spirit” of the community before it eventually disappears. Insider Tip: Remember that real people live here. Be respectful, keep your voice down, and don’t walk into private yards without permission.
4. Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve: The Wild Side
Singapore is often called a “Garden City,” which implies manicured lawns and pruned hedges. But if you want to see raw, untamed jungle, head to the northwest corner of the island to Sungei Buloh.
This ecological jewel is a stopover point for migratory birds flying from Siberia to Australia. But the real thrill? The crocodiles. Yes, wild saltwater crocodiles roam the waters here. Spotting an Estuarine Crocodile sunbathing on the mudflats is a heart-pounding reminder that nature is still in charge here.
Why go: It’s a photographer’s dream and a total contrast to the concrete jungle of the CBD. Insider Tip: Visit during low tide. That’s when the mudflats are exposed, and the crocodiles and monitor lizards come out to hunt and sunbathe.
5. Japanese Cemetery Park: The “Sakura” Experience
This might sound morbid, but the Japanese Cemetery Park in Hougang is one of the most beautiful and photogenic spots in the country. Founded in 1891, it is the final resting place for the Japanese community in Singapore.
The park is famous for its floral archways lined with pink Bougainvillea. When they are in full bloom, they look strikingly similar to Japanese Cherry Blossoms (Sakura). It is quiet, respectful, and incredibly scenic—a true sanctuary in the suburbs.
Why go: For a peaceful walk and some of the most aesthetic photos you can take in Singapore. Insider Tip: It’s a residential area, so keep the noise to a minimum. It’s perfect for a solo morning walk with a coffee.
Final Thoughts
Singapore is so much more than just a stopover destination or a shopping hub. Whether you are hunting for ghosts at Haw Par Villa or sunbathing on Lazarus Island, these hidden gems in Singapore prove that the best travel experiences are often found where the tour buses don’t go.
So, pack your EZ-Link card, grab a bottle of water, and go get lost. You might just find your new favorite spot.