Singapore is one of the greatest cities in the world. Known for an ever-evolving myriad of art and culture, from museums to gastronomy, and more. But did you know there’s a variety of places buried in Singapore where time has almost stood still? These hidden gems are the perfect places to explore on a boring day. Here’s 20 of the best secret places in Singapore.
1. Seletar Rocket Tower
Constructed in 1969, this 19-metre tall rocket tower is the perfect place to explore. Atop the tower, you’ll be treated to impressive vistas of the reservoir, greenland, and even Singapore Zoo in the distance.
📍Upper Seletar Reservoir Park, Mandai Rd Track 7, Singapore
2. Louis Vuitton Chocolate Shop
Did you know the first-ever Louis Vuitton Chocolaterie outside France is in Singapore? Le Chocolat Maxime Frédéric is a chocolate shop hidden inside Louis Vuitton Island Maison at Marina Bay Sands. It opened in early 2024 and serves highly exclusive chocolate for takeaway to chocolate enthusiasts. From coated hazelnuts to chocolate bars, luxurious spreads, and more…you’ll be in your element at this secret chocolate shop.
📍Louis Vuitton Island Maison, 2 Bayfront Avenue B1, Marina Bay Sands Shop 36, Singapore
3. Yunnan Garden
Singaporeans have dubbed this hidden gem, located within Nanyang Technological University (NTU) campus, one of the most underrated parks in Singapore. The sprawling Yunnan Garden was first built in the 1950s before being revamped in 2020. Highlights include pavilions, bridges, a huge 10-foot manmade waterfall, wildlife, a family-friendly playground, picnic spots, a peaceful lake, and more. Definitely, one of the lesser-known destinations in Singapore.
📍Nanyang Technological University, 12 Nanyang Dr, Singapore 637721
4. Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery
Known as the Bright Hill Temple, it’s a majestic Buddhist monastery and one of the biggest Buddhist’s temples in Singapore. In fact, you can discover art and culture in this beautiful colourful setting while learning about a century worth of the history at this exotic temple. Additionally, it’s one of the best temples in Singapore.
📍88 Bright Hill Rd, Singapore 574117
5. Tanjong Rimau
Explore hidden caves and uncover unique marine life at this secret coastal spot on Sentosa Island. Tanjong Rimau, otherwise known as Siloso Headland, is a treasure trove of untouched beauty in Singapore. The rocky shoreline is home to rich corals, crabs, seagrass, lush greenery, and panoramic views of the mainland. The best time to visit is during low tide when tidal pools form along the shore. Certainly, one of the best secret places in Singapore and a lesser-known part of Sentosa Island just a short walk from Siloso Station.
📍Sentosa Island
6. Little Guilin
Bukit Batok Town Park is a hidden gem resembling the city of Guilin in Southern China. The pretty park is a true treasure to make you feel as if you’re strolling through an exotic forest in China, with granite rock formations, a beautiful lake, and striking landscape. Many people don’t even if it exists. Learn more about Little Guilin.
📍Along Bukit Batok East Ave 5, Singapore 659761
7. Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
Wander through these unknown award-winning wetlands and mangrove forest at Singapore’s first ASEAN Heritage Park. Known for rare birds and exotic wildlife, exotic mangroves, ponds, forests, mudflats, and more along Kranji Way…it’s the perfect place for a secret hike. Plus, it boasts a cool viewing tower, shaped like a bird cage, and other hidden viewing towers among the forest.
📍60 Kranji Way, #01-00, Singapore 739453
8. Starbucks @ Bird Paradise
The new Bird Paradise unveiled a stunning new Starbucks hidden at Mandai Wildlife West to grab your next coffee while exploring the park. The eco-friendly sanctuary, is made from sustainable materials, and features rustic furniture, quirky artwork, outdoor and indoor seating, and more – it’s almost like you’re deep in the jungle.
📍80 Mandai Lake Rd, River Wonders, Singapore 729826
9. Japanese Cemetery Park
Many people are not familiar with the alluring Japanese Cemetery Park in Singapore. Stroll through a cherry blossom wonderland with stunning Japanese architecture and floral archways. Additionally, it’s one of the most instagrammable places in Singapore.
📍 22 Chuan Hoe Ave, Singapore 549854
10. Smith Marine Floating Kelong Restaurant
Located at Johor Strait, this epic floating eatery is built on a former wooden fishing port. Wonderfully, it offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience where guests can fish for their own meals and the chefs cook it. Plus, it’s one of the most unique dining places in Singapore.
📍Between Changi and Pulau Ubin, Singapore
11. German Girl Shrine
The German Girl Shrine is hidden on the island of Pulau Ubin. It marks the location of an unknown 18-year-old German girl who died in 1914, after falling from a clifftop, while fleeing from the British forces. Allegedly, her family own a coffee plantation on the island and they were sent to POW camps back on mainland Singapore. A group of Chinese workers gave the girl a proper burial atop the hill.
📍Ketam Mountain Bike Park, Pulau Ubin, Singapore
12. Jurong Hill Park Lookout
People forget about the surreal lookout tower atop of Jurong Hill Park. It seems a little spooky at first, but the tower offers 360-degree views of Singapore and the surroundings. Definitely, photographers will appreciate this one and it’s one of the best secret places to visit in Singapore.
📍60 Jurong Hill, Singapore 628926
13. The Last Hakka Cemetery
Between a busy MRT station and high-rise buildings discover Holland Close Graveyard. The ancient cemetery dates back to the 1800s and features around 3,000 carefully arranged tombstones. Time has stood still at the last Hakka Cemetery for sure!
📍7B Commonwealth Ave, Singapore 142007
14. Bollywood Veggies
Escape the bustling city and switch off at this farming collective in the rural countryside of Kranji. Surely, one of the greatest secret places in Singapore to connect with earth, eat real wholefoods and nurture your mind, body and soul.
📍100 Neo Tiew Rd, Singapore 719026
15. Everton Road Street Art
With a stunning collection of wall murals across Everton Road…you’ll be truly mesmerised. Each painting represents a diverse theme and tells a different story. For instance, one depicts old Peranakan shophouses. Definitely, one of the greatest hidden secret places in Singapore, and an art trail is an excellent idea to do solo.
📍Everton Road, Singapore
16. The World’s First Salmon ATM
Bizarrely, an ATM machine was invented at Wisteria Mall that serves 200g of frozen Norwegian Salmon for under $6. Consequently, it was the world’s first-ever Salmon ATM machine. Recently, they are popping up in various locations.
📍Various Locations
17. Istana Woodneuk
Hidden in grassland, this two-story palace dates back to the 19th century. Therefore, it’s the perfect secret exploration of ruins, dipped in modern day vandalism, with a eerie touch. Interestingly, some claim it is haunted because more than 700 people died there during WWII.
📍766 Tyersall Ave, Singapore 257699
18. Secret Bars
Discover some of the best secret speakeasies and bars in Singapore. For instance, there’s popular Chinese restaurants The Dragon Chamber in Chinatown, concealed behind a fridge door, and the likes of Taylor Adam, hidden behind a fitting room, boasting old-world secret society vibes. Get the full list of secret bars in Singapore.
📍 2 Circular Rd, Singapore 049358
19. Clementi Forest
Get your hiking gear on for a wander through the undiscovered trails of the historic Clementi Forest. There, you’ll find a range of underground tunnels, green corridors, muddy pathways, secret landmarks, abandoned railway tracks, and more on this 24km route. Certainly, it feels like another world where time has stood still.
📍Clementi Forest, Singapore
20. The Southernmost Point Of Asia
Located off Palawan Beach on Sentosa Island, this secret place features two viewing platform towers with iconic views of the South China Sea. Additionally, it is only accessible via suspension bridge. Plus, it’s one of the most instagrammable places to discover in Singapore.
📍Palawan Beach, Sentosa Island, Singapore