Singapore is a tiny island densely populated by many beautiful buildings and iconic tourist destinations. Some of these well-known and popular tourist spots include Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, Sentosa Island and Universal Studios Singapore, and are often frequented by tourists whenever they visit. Well, you might be wondering what other attractions there might be in Singapore, so look no further, as we have compiled a few of these places, featuring hidden parts of the city that are wonderfully undiscovered or rarely visited by both tourists and locals alike. Ready to explore more hidden places in Singapore? Let’s go!
1. Pearl’s Hill City Park
Tucked away in a corner of Chinatown, Pearl’s Hill City Park is located behind Outram Park MRT Station. This park is easily accessible from Pearl Bank, Pearl’s Hill Terrace, Pearl’s Hill Road and Chin Swee Road. Here, you can enjoy a hidden oasis of peace and tranquillity in the midst of the bustling city. The park is built around a reservoir on top of a hill and is the perfect spot to get away from the busy rush of daily life.
Source : NParks Singapore
You can also enjoy the shade provided by the mature Tembusu trees while basking in the serenity of the park. Sit back, relax, and admire the beautiful lotus plants while enjoying the cool shade. In full bloom, these lotus plants provide a brilliant splash of colour across the pond. If you are longing to escape from the city's hustle and bustle, and find some peace and tranquillity, then this is definitely a great place for you to visit!
2. Japanese Cemetery Park
This park is located in Hougang and is currently the largest Japanese cemetery in Southeast Asia. The Japanese Cemetery Park is located in a quiet residential neighbourhood held by the legacy of the Japanese in Singapore. The park is 30,000 square metre containing nearly 1,000 graves of Japanese civilians in Singapore and soldiers mostly in the early 20th century.
Source : thesmartlocal.com
In this park you can enjoy the beautiful floral archways and quaint Japanese architecture with zen-like surroundings. It’s a popular spot for photos especially when the flowers are in full bloom. Bougainvilleas bloom all year round in Singapore, so a visit to this cemetery at any time of year is guaranteed to be Instagrammable! On the other side you can also learn about history and memories in this park, and learn about the hardship immigrants and war.
To reach this park, you can take bus 116 from Hougang MRT, bus 70 from Yio Chu Kang MRT or buses 103 and 109 from Serangoon MR station. Follow the road along Chuan Hoe Avenue and you’ll find the cemetery in the midst of a private housing estate.
3. Istana Woodneuk
Bored with hanging out at cafes or bars? Interested in experiencing something thrilling and new? A hot spot for thrill seekers and ghoul spotters, Istana Woodneuk is tucked away in the dense vegetation between Holland Road and Tyersall Road area, and is known to be previously owned by the Sultan of Johor. Istana Woodneuk has endured the test of time, nature and human brutality. The mansion was subject to the bombing of the Japanese in 1942, and was attacked by a fire in 2006, which burned down its roof.
Source : honeycombers.com
Whilst you are not able enter the site anymore due to it’s close surveillance and trespassing may subject you to a hefty fine, you can visit Istana Woodneuk by taking a bus and stop at the closest bus stop to the building on the opposite of Pierce Road (11209). Once you get to the bus station you need to walk in the direction of the Istana Woodneuk, into the foliage on the left. Remember to leave nothing but footprints when you visit this icon!
4. Smith Marine Floating Kelong Restaurant
Want to have another experience and escape from the hustle bustle of city life? Smith Marine Floating Kelong Restaurant is another great place for you to have a rejuvenating experience, this time while dining in the open sea. Here, you can enjoy the freshest fish straight from the ocean to your dining table.
Smith Marine Floating Kelong Restaurant has a pool table, carrom board and various board games available upon a request to entertain the guests, or you can simply just bring your own games.
Source : smithmarine.com.sg
At Smith Marine Floating Kelong Restaurant, you can catch your own food, or simply order your favourite seafood. Don’t worry about getting seasick, as Singapore waters are relatively stable, and the Kelong is located in the channel between Pulau Ubin and mainland Singapore. The water in the channel is very calm. You also can eat in the main restaurant which is relatively stable while you also can enjoy the sea breeze!
To get here you can ride a 15-minute bumboat ride from the Changi Point Ferry Terminal. You’ll be charged a flat rate of $100 or a return trip on the boat that takes up to 10 pax and the last boat leaves at 4.30pm each day. So, have you planned your weekend? If you are still wondering where to go, you can visit Smith Marine Floating Kelong Restaurant with your family and friends!
5. Former Queen’s Theatre
Queen’s Theatre located at 511 Guillemard Road and opened in the early 1930s. In its heyday, the cinema screened Malay, Indonesian and even Egyptian movies andwith the modernization of film, eventually closed in 1982. Today, the site is occupied by Grandlink Square and if you want to see the historical location of Queen’s Theatre, you can visit this place and admire its beauty. The best place to view the theatre is from Lorong 44, nearby the theatre.
Source : Roots
So are you excited to plan your next visit to Singapore and see these hidden gems in Singapore? Or, if you are a local staying in Singapore, you can plan your weekend to visit these hidden places and have a different experience of Singapore!
- Written by: Patricia Shareleen and Asahi Yip, Cayman Management Consultants
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