Searching for secret places in Singapore? Tucked between futuristic skylines and glossy malls, there’s a quieter side of the city-state built up of secret rooftop gardens, forgotten cemeteries, colourful backstreets, quiet temples, and plenty of other hidden gems waiting to be explored. From lush jungle trails in tucked-away parks to sleepy housing estates with a storied past…these under-the-radar spots away from the crowds offer a sense of discovery in Singapore. Here are 17 top secret places in Singapore.
1. Seletar Rocket Tower
The Seletar Rocket Tower, also known as the Upper Seletar Reservoir Lookout Tower, is an 18-metre-tall, rocket-shaped observation deck built in 1969. Perched on a small hill by the water, it is reached via spiral staircase that leads to a circular viewing deck offering panoramic views of the reservoir, surrounding greenery, and nearby attractions such as Singapore Zoo. Certainly, one of the best hidden gems in Singapore.
📍Upper Seletar Reservoir Park, Mandai Rd Track 7, Singapore
2. Jurong Rock Caverns
Jurong Rock Caverns, is an immense underground oil and petrochemical storage facility, buried over 100 metres beneath Jurong Island. In fact, it’s the first underground rock oil cavern in Southeast Asa. The hidden gem sits deep below the seabed and lies within restricted-access areas of Jurong Island—therefore it’s a secret spot most people never knew existed. Unfortunately, you can’t visit this secret place, but now you know it’s there.
3. Singapore’s last Hakka Cemetery
Singapore’s last Hakka cemetery, is hidden between a busy MRT station and high-rise buildings, at Shuang Long Shan Wu Shu Hall in Holland Close. Established in 1887, it is a compact hilltop burial ground known as the oldest Hakka resting place for Hakka migrants from five districts in Guangdong. Today, only a fraction of the original graves remain, with mosaic-clad tombstones, and a small ancestral temple framed dramatically by surrounding HDB blocks. Indeed, it feels like time has stood still in parts of the ancient cemetery.
📍7B Commonwealth Ave, Singapore 142007
4. Yunnan Garden
Looking for a secret park to explore? Located within Nanyang Technological University (NTU) campus, 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
5. Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery
This majestic Buddhist monastery, known as the Bright Hill Temple, is one of the biggest Buddhist temples in Singapore. Guests can explore the temple to discover art and culture in a colourful setting, along with learning a century worth of history. Plus, it’s one of the best temples to visit in Singapore.
📍88 Bright Hill Rd, Singapore 574117
6. Sijori Wondergolf
Did you know there’s an abandoned mini golf park from the 1990s hidden in the jungles of Sentosa? Sijori Wondergolf features overgrown fairways, mossy artificial greens, and quirky mini-golf obstacles like volcano and wave-themed holes slowly being reclaimed by nature. The eerie destination is perfect for urban explorers who love offbeat places and ruin aesthetics. Definitely, one of the best secret places to explore in Singapore.
📍Siloso Rd, Singapore
7. 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
8. 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
9. The World’s First Salmon ATM
The world’s first Salmon ATM is another top secret spot in Singapore. These discreet machines are tucked away in local heartland malls such as Wisteria Mall. Customers get 24/7 access to premium Norwegian salmon fillets at the tap of their credit card. Indeed, a top off-grid experience in Singapore.
10. Starbucks @ Mandai Wildlife West
There’s 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
11. Japanese Cemetery Park
Japanese Cemetery Park, offers a tranquil escape hidden in the Hougang heartlands, with stunning bougainvillea arches and striking old gravestones that tell forgotten stories from the island’s past Japanese community. The serene spot offers photogenic flowered paths, a peaceful atmosphere, and a unique blend of history and nature. Additionally, it’s one of the most instagrammable places in Singapore.
📍 22 Chuan Hoe Ave, Singapore 549854
12. 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. Certainly, one of the best hidden gems in Singapore.
📍Between Changi and Pulau Ubin, Singapore
13. Istana Woodneuk
Another top secret place in Singapore is this abandoned royal palace hidden deep within an overgrown forest near the Botanic Gardens. Istana Woodneuk is an eerie mansion, dating back to the 19th century, invisible from main roads. Now, the graffiti-lined site sits behind thick greenery, police tape, and no entry signs. Definitely, a thrilling off-limits place to explore. Plus, some claim that it is haunted because more than 700 people died there during WWII.
📍766 Tyersall Ave, Singapore 257699
14. Secret bars & speakeasies
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
15. 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
16. 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
17. 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 owned a coffee plantation on the island and they were sent to POW camps back on mainland Singapore. And following this, a group of Chinese workers gave the girl a proper burial atop the hill.
📍Ketam Mountain Bike Park, Pulau Ubin, Singapore