Our city-state brims with concrete views and vibrant city life, but is there more to Singapore than meets the eye? The indisputable answer is… yes!
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From power-packed sports experiences to tranquil nature, there’s something for every type of traveller. Some of these are so unique that even most of us locals aren’t aware of them! But one thing’s for sure – they’re spearheaded by passionate and hard-driven talents. It’s high time we hop off the Singapore city bus and check out what hidden gems our lovely community has in store for everyone.
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Arts & Craft
Starting off the list, these experiences introduce you to the culture shapers of Singapore – the artists, craftsmen, and more – who have truly given our country the vibrant local arts scene we have today. Here are two activities that will be perfect for all you travellers looking to immerse in our culture and bring out your artistic side!
1. Art Jamming at My Art Space SG
Thought you could only jam musically? ? Sign yourself up for an Art Jam package at My Art Space Singapore for two and a half hours, which includes a free flow of acrylic paints, a 16 x 20-inch canvas and art tools such as paintbrushes and palettes. Let your creativity flow freely at this beautiful glass studio in Istana Park, where plenty of refreshing sunlight shines in. In this tranquil enclave, anyone could become an artist.
Credit: @myartspacesg on Instagram
Just as the name suggests, you’ll get in touch with your artistic roots and paint the day away alongside other painters and fellow art-loving travellers. You might find yourself admiring their work, but don’t be afraid to strike a conversation! Here you can forge bonds with fellow dedicated culture shapers over your shared interests. ?
Credit: @myartspacesg on Instagram
Part of the building stands atop a fountain! Through the transparent glass floors, be inspired by the streams of water beneath as you let your hands take the lead in expressing your emotions. The best part of it all? You get to bring home your very own masterpiece!
Be the first 3 to walk in early and enjoy the art jam package for only SGD$42 per pax! It’s true what they say – the early bird catches the worm.
#HHWT Tip: There are also plenty of halal food options in Plaza Singapura and a prayer space nearby at the Rendezvous Hotel, just a walking distance away from Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station! Find out more here.
Price: SGD$55 per person
Address: 31 Orchard Road, Singapore 238888
Directions: Exit by Exit C from Dhoby Ghaut Station.
Timing Slots:
Tue, Thur and Fri: 11.30AM to 8PM (any 2.5hrs slot)
Sun and Mon: 11.30AM-2PM, 2.30PM-5PM
Sat: 10:30AM-1PM, 3PM-5.30PM
Contact number: +65 6222 1662*
E-mail: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Instagram
*Studio visit by appointment only
2. Make your own souvenirs at Talking Textiles
Surround yourself with colourful icons of Singapore’s history and culture by booking a silkscreen printing workshop with Talking Textiles. In an artsy studio along Lavender Street, you’ll experience the process of silkscreen printing and learn from the knowledgeable artist and founder herself, Deborah McKellar.
Credit: Talking Textiles on Facebook
South African-born Deborah McKellar graduated from LASALLE-SIA College Of The Arts with a BA in Fine Arts, followed by a Textiles major in the Master of Design at the UNSW, Sydney. Upon moving to Singapore as a 20-year-old, she was so inspired and fascinated by the Asian culture that she founded Talking Textiles, with artwork featuring the incredible contrasts in Singapore’s historical and modern cultural elements.
Credit: Talking Textiles on Facebook
The best part about her 2-hour eye-opening workshop is you get to bring home a souvenir you’ve made with your own two hands! You’ll be given two pieces of white cotton cloth to turn into artistic tea towels as a memento of your visit. This will truly give you a taste of what it’s like to dabble in an artistic venture, with the guidance of the experienced teacher herself.
#HHWT Tip: Workshops will only run with a minimum of 4 pax, so we highly recommend asking your friends along when signing up. ?
Credit: @talkingtextiles on Instagram
Talking Textiles’ studio is just a 10-minute bus ride away from Angullia Mosque so you won’t have to worry about missing your prayers! The famous halal Yi Zun Beef Noodles stall is also a walking distance away from the mosque, so be sure to stop by for a meal. ?
Price: SGD$125 per person
Address: 203D Lavender Street, Singapore 338763
Email: [email protected] (For registration & enquiries)
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Sports/Games
Credit: Superfly Monkey Dragons on Facebook
Moving on to something louder and power-packed, Singapore will also appease the sports and games fanatic in you! Try these activities to get your heart pumping while learning more about the inspiration behind the founding of these ventures.
3. Enter a different realm with Zero Latency VR Experience
Craving for a rush of adrenaline? Zero Latency’s virtual reality (VR) gaming experience is just the fix you need with themes ranging from Zombie Survival to a journey into space.
Tomorrow Entertainment, the same team behind BOUNCE Trampoline Park, brought Zero Latency from Australia into Singapore with its state-of-the-art technology and motion tracking to share their love for games. Put on a pair of VR headsets and be transported into a different realm while still in Singapore’s Suntec City!
Credit: @zerolatencysg on Instagram
Along with a maximum of 7 other friends in a warehouse-sized play area, this free-roaming and high-tech activity will definitely give you a new perspective of what Singapore has to offer.
#HHWT Tip: Halal restaurants and a prayer space are available in Suntec City! Simply head over to the staircase at Level B1’s smoke stop lobby. Remember to bring your own compass, prayer mat and attire as these are not provided. ?
Book here!
Price: SGD$59 per person
Address: 3 Temasek Boulevard, #03-346/347, Suntec City, Singapore 038983
Opening hours: 11AM-10PM (Ends at 11PM on Friday & Saturday)
Contact number: +65 6931 0331
E-mail: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Instagram
5. Ice-skate at Singapore’s biggest ice-skating rink
If you’re looking for something less heart-pumping and more leisurely, Singapore has an array of ice-skating rinks worth checking out! Among them is The Rink in JCube, the only Olympic-sized one in Singapore.
Credit: The Rink on Facebook
Join in on their public skating sessions and skate to the music being played for everyone to enjoy. If you’ve never skated on ice before, don’t fret! It’s a safe environment for beginners to slowly pick up a new skill. While you’re at it, keep your eyes peeled for the graceful skaters around – you’re sure to find some of them honing their skills or simply enjoying a leisurely skate.
Credit: @therinksg on Instagram
Be it for a date, a learning experience or just a relaxing activity with friends, ice-skating is perfect for almost any occasion. ? JCube and the surrounding malls also have plenty of Halal-certified restaurants, so you can easily refuel your energy after a day of skating!
#HHWT Tip: A musollah is available in JCube at the staircase landing next to the lift on the 4th floor. Be sure to have your own set of prayer mat and attire as the musollah does not provide these. Alternatively, there’s a prayer space at the basement carpark in Big Box, a shopping mall just beside JEM!
Book here!
Price (2-hour sessions*): SGD$14 (Adult); SGD$12 (Child)
*Not inclusive of gloves
Address: 2 Jurong East Central 1, #03-11, JCube, Singapore 609731
Opening hours: Check out their updated schedule here!
E-mail: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Instagram
5. Strengthen your mind and body by learning parkour!
Credit: @kusagaathletic on Instagram
Calling all action seekers out there – who says you can’t have some fun in the city? Condition your body and defy gravity by taking a parkour class from Singapore’s talented instructors! You’ll be surprised to find out how the parkour philosophy can change your spiritual outlook in life, just as it has for the founders behind this fascinating activity.
Credit: Superfly Monkey Dragons on Facebook
A2 Movements and Superfly Monkey Dragons are parkour academies that provide lessons for all age groups. The founders cultivated their individual love for parkour and its spiritual and physical benefits into some of the island’s most notable academies today. With their help and investment, age is but a number when it comes to testing your own limits and making the surroundings your own canvas for growth. ?
Credit: Parkour Singapore: ADAM 2.0 (Parkour and Freerunning Agency) on Facebook
Both offer trial classes at SGD$25 per 1.5-hour and 1-hour sessions respectively. Don’t worry if this is unfamiliar territory – you’ll be in the safe hands of the experienced and patient instructors ?
#HHWT Tip: Looking for an adventure? Find out about many more heart-pumping activities Singapore has to offer here! The list is endless!
Book classes online now! (A2 Movements | Superfly Monkey Dragons)
Contact number: +65 9184 9744; +65 8511 5510
A2 Movements:Website | Facebook | YouTube
Superfly Monkey Dragons: Website | Facebook | Instagram
Nature
Not many people would expect this, but besides Gardens by the Bay, Singapore also has her fair share of captivating islands and awesome nature trails! Known as the ‘City in a Garden’, almost a third of Singapore is covered by luscious greenery. ?
6. Cycle around the picturesque Coney Island
If you’d like to see a different side to Singapore, Coney Island is truly the place to be. Its history dates all the way back to the 1930s, when it was a mere 13-hectare plot of land on which the Haw Par Beach Villa was built by two brothers.
It was then developed in the 1950s into a recreational spot which unfortunately, fell short on profits. Now, the 50-hectare island is an ecologically sustainable park with no running water and electricity, and where timber from trees have been recycled as signages, benches and boardwalks! With its iconic entrance, this picturesque escape from the concrete jungle provides visitors with a pleasant path to cycle along and plenty of photo opportunities to ramp up your Instagram game.
Credit: @pixelinmotion on Instagram
Some of the prominent photo stops in Coney Island include this bike trail, Beach Area A with its seaside sidewalk, and a Lalang field at Shelter 2! You can also easily rent a bicycle near the park’s entrance to get to these IG-worthy spots. It’s the perfect day out for all you explorers who are keen to go off the beaten path!
Credit: @rasyidsani on Instagram
Coney Island is also home to plenty of animal species so keep your eyes peeled ? Navigate your way around the forest, explore the mangrove habitats and walk along the boardwalk to find your way to the beach. Doesn’t it sound perfect for an adventurous day out?
Credit: Joleen-Darth Lee Stanley on Facebook
But before setting out for your adventure, be sure to fill your tummies or stock up on your own food to snack on as the island is quite a distance away from halal-certified restaurants! Alternatively, you can stop by Kampong Chai Chee Restaurant along The Punggol Settlement for a feast of tze char, seafood and Western cuisine.
If you’re taking the train to Punggol MRT station, Waterway Point has a space near the fire hydrant in Basement 2 which you could use for prayers. Don’t forget to bring along your prayer mats and attire! ?
#HHWT Tip: You’ll only have access to one toilet deep within the park so be sure to come prepared! We also highly recommend bringing your own bottle of water, wearing long pants with covered shoes, and using insect repellent to avoid insect bites.
Address: Punggol Promenade Nature Walk, 829325
Directions: From Punggol interchange, take bus 84 to Punggol Point Park/Punggol Settlement. Walk about 500m east along the Punggol Promenade Nature Walk to get to Coney Island Park West Entrance.
Opening hours: 7AM-7PM
E-mail: [email protected]
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7. Have a relaxing picnic on tranquil Lazarus Island
Escape the crowds and let a boat ride whisk you away to this uninhabited island with pristine white beaches and gorgeous blue seas. Yes, there’s such a place in Singapore! ?
Credit: Shreya Ranka on Facebook
Put on your holiday sun hat and bring along your picnic basket, because Lazarus island is perfect for that relaxing time away from work and all else. This getaway is simply perfect for all you nature lovers and if you’re game for escaping the crowd and exploring a hidden gem. If you’re a cat lover, be sure to also bring some cat food along to befriend the felines who’ve made Lazarus Island their home.
Credit: @myprettylittlereviews on Instagram
#HHWT Tip: Planning to buy food for a picnic on Lazarus Island? Make a stop at Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 3 near Marina Bay Station! The Foodfare Food Court there offers Halal-certified Indonesian and Korean cuisine that you can buy as takeaways for a scrumptious picnic.
To perform prayers, the nearest prayer space available is in Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Center on Level 3. Follow the signs leading you there, and you’ll find a musollah equipped with prayer mats and slippers. Ablution can be taken in the toilets nearby.
Directions: From Marina South Pier MRT Station, take Exit B to Marina South Pier terminal. As there are no direct boats to Lazarus Island, you have to purchase ferry tickets to St. John’s Island, from which Lazarus Island is a 10-minute walk away.
Ferry timings: 10AM from Marina South Pier, 2.45PM from St. John’s Island (Weekdays)
Find out more here.
Food
Credit: @visit_singapore on Instagram
You’re probably shaking with anticipation to know what hidden halal eats reside in Singapore. Foodies rejoice! You can expect no less from our oft-labelled food paradise of Southeast Asia! Here’s your inside scoop to some of the unique dishes you can find ?
8. Slurp up halal authentic hand-pulled Yi Zun Beef Noodle
Yi Zun Beef Noodle was only recently opened by Mdm Aishah, a Chinese Muslim from Qinghai, China. She opened this simple diner to give Muslims a taste of authentic Chinese cuisine, which is different from the existing ones in Singapore! Choose between beef or chicken, or opt for the Beef Hotplate and Assorted Meat Stew if you’re dining in a group.
Credit: Noraini Abdullah on Facebook
You can even try out authentic tze char (Chinese home-styled cuisine) with Sichuan dishes served right here in Singapore! From chicken infused with Xinjiang and Sichuan spices to spicy tempura eggplant, this eatery will satisfy your cravings for authentic Chinese food.
#HHWT Tip: Yi Zun Beef Noodles is just a walking distance away from Angullia Mosque, so you can make a stop there to perform your prayers. ?
Address: 45 Sam Leong Road Singapore 207935
Operating hours: 11AM – 10PM
Contact number: +65 6291 6616
9. Savour Tong Fong Fatt’s famous Hainanese Chicken Rice
Your trip to Singapore won’t be complete without trying the classic local pick of Hainanese Chicken Rice! Tong Fong Fatt is a famous chicken rice brand and they have a halal outlet in Bedok Corner, a food haven to many of the residents in the surrounding neighbourhood. In fact, even Singaporeans living in the West would make the trip down for a delectable meal there!
Credit: @makanwarrior on Instagram
A family-run business, the owners of the stall have been refining their recipe to cater to the evolving tastes of the generation. A basic (but oh, so delicious!) fare of chicken, rice and quintessential chilli can cost you only as little as SGD$2.50, but the additional ingredients you might want to try will definitely be worth the splurge.
Credit: @sheeatshsucooks on Instagram
#HHWT Tip: The Al-Taqua Mosque is just a 5-minute walk away from Bedok Food Centre if you need to perform your prayers ?
Address: Bedok Food Centre, #01-28, 1 Bedok Road Singapore 469572
Opening hours: Thursday-Tuesday; 11AM-9PM (Closed on Wednesdays)
BONUS #1: Haji Kadir Sup Tulang at Beach Road
The Sup Tulang (mutton bone marrow soup) at Beach Road is so popular among locals, but we’re listing this in because it’s a must-visit! With a recipe that was passed down in the 1950s, Haji Kadir’s Sup Tulang never fails to satisfy – any local will tell you that it’s the best you can find in Singapore!
Credit: @genduttapihepi on Instagram
Get ready to dirty your hands because this sensational dish is worth digging into for an authentic Singaporean experience! Drenched in thick red gravy is a mass of mutton bones with juicy meat and marrow inside. Do as us locals do – knock or use a straw to suck the marrow out of the bones to savour your Sup Tulang to its last bits.
Credit: @yansensetiawan on Instagram
You’re more than welcome to simply use your mouth too – the mess afterwards is nothing as compared to the blissful meal ?
Address: 505 Beach Road, #B1-13/15, Golden Mile Food Centre, Singapore 199583
Operating hours: 12.30PM-01.30AM (Daily)
BONUS #2: Murtabak & Briyani at Zam Zam
Yet another popular dish among the locals is Zam Zam’s murtabak, a fluffy egg prata wrapped around your choice of beef, mutton, chicken or deer meat. We highly recommend going for the mutton variation and dipping it in their curry gravy for the full glorious experience.
Credit: @farhank88 on Instagram
Zam Zam has been around since 1908, never failing to trigger pangs of hunger with their tantalising display and unmistakable fragrance of Indian-Muslim cuisine. Their briyani will delight your tastebuds with its strong blend of spices and tender meat served alongside a curry gravy. It sounds like a lot of calories but you definitely won’t regret this feast ?
Credit: @iman_azman on Instagram
#HHWT Tip: The majestic Sultan Mosque is just opposite Zam Zam and a short 10-minute walk from Golden Mile Food Centre! We highly recommend visiting the mosque for your prayers. ?
Address: 697 North Bridge Rd, Singapore 198675
Contact: +65 6298 6320
Operating hours: 8AM-11PM (Daily)
Sightseeing
Credit: @rchns on Instagram
Another way of experiencing all that Singapore has to offer is to delve into her more aesthetically pleasing side. Our island’s culture shapers have given the streets a uniquely Singaporean flair enjoyable to the explorers and collectors out there who’ll love to discover more about Singapore’s history and heritage, and also bring home some trinkets! ?
10. Take artsy shots at Tiong Bahru!
Credit: Song Koon on Flickr
Tiong Bahru may seem like any other old neighbourhood in Singapore, but it’s actually the first public housing estate before the Housing Development Board (HDB) flats. Now, it’s home to a myriad of murals and hidden, gorgeous gems. More than just awesome photo ops, the street art scattered around are nostalgic pieces on the typical Singaporean life in the past – some of which still strike a chord in many locals’ hearts today.
Credit: @booksactually on Instagram
We highly recommend strolling down Yong Siak Street, lined with quaint bookshops, cafes and art galleries. A notable stop you must make is Books Actually, an independent book store opened in 2005 in support of local poetry, literature and many other books that depict the Singaporean lifestyle perfectly.
Credit: @trevorwong93 on Instagram
Established by founder Kenny Leck, Books Actually went through a rough patch despite all the hard work and money he invested into it. However, fuelled by his love for books passed down by his late mother, the bookstore has managed to sustain itself and build a fanbase.
It’s also home to 3 adorable cats, so you can already tell that a visit to this literary haven will be therapeutic. You might also end up walking out with a local read or perhaps a tote bag to remember your trip with!
Address: 9 Yong Siak Street, Singapore 168645
Opening hours: 10AM-8PM (Closes at 6PM on Monday and Sunday)
Contact number: +65 6222 9195
E-mail: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Feast your eyes on more magnificent works of art in the Art Blue Studio. The art pieces here were made by contemporary Southeast Asian artists who use innovative materials to provide you a refreshing insight to art.
Credit: @an.1025xxx on Instagram
#HHWT Tip: Getting hungry from marvelling at the art pieces around Tiong Bahru? Head over to Tiong Bahru Plaza for halal eats ranging from Hainanese buns from Bun Times to Korean fried chicken at 4 Fingers. There’s also a musollah with prayer mats and attire on Level 3, Block E.
Address: 23 Yong Siak Street, Tiong Bahru, Singapore 168652
Opening hours: 10AM-7PM (Wednesday to Sunday)
11. Find out more about Art From the Streets at the ArtScience Museum
Credit: @stanley_chee on Instagram
From the museum that crowded our Instagram feeds with dazzling illuminations, exhibitions on the history and development of Street Art* will be on display. Discover a world of creativity that’s often misunderstood despite being a crucial part of understanding society. Interested in delving further into the culture? There are plenty of workshops to try your hand at Graffiti Stylewriting, drawing, and many more! Prices range from SGD$5 to SGD$15 per participant.
*The exhibition will only be open from 13 January to 3 June 2018.
For halal meals, we highly recommend going for local food at 1983 – A Taste Of Nanyang, located in Basement 1 of The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands. Open from 7AM to 10PM daily, this halal-certified hawker centre offers a wide range of dishes from Nasi Lemak to Yong Tau Foo, and even Korean cuisine!
#HHWT Tip: The ArtScience Museum is a 5-min walk from Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre, where you can find a room especially dedicated to prayers. Simply follow the signs leading you there on Level 3.
Credit: @bryantan.insta on Instagram
Marvel at the talents of artists from all over Southeast Asia and you’ll be impressed by how impactful they are! Some of the exhibition pieces are also spilled out onto the streets, like this ‘Chromodynamica for Singapore’ by Felipe Pantone. One thing’s for sure – the Art on the Streets have more than just backdrop potential for #OOTD enthusiasts ?
Discover where the other Art On The Streets are here!
Address: 6 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018974
Opening hours: 10AM-7PM (Daily; Last admission at 6PM)
Admission fee: SGD$16 (Adult); SGD$11 (Child)
Note: Unfortunately, this event has ended :(
11. Discover what The Parkview Museum has to offer!
There’s a ‘Gotham City Building’ just a stone’s throw away from Bugis MRT Station. If you ask a local about it, they’ll probably be just as clueless about what’s inside.
Credit: @dee_eye_en on Instagram
This majestic building is Parkview Square and situated within it is The Parkview Museum! The museum features mainly contemporary art pieces from the Parkview Group’s extensive collection and admission is free. With exhibitions reining from award-winning artists across the globe, a trip down to Parkview Museum will surely be a delightful treat for the art enthusiast in you ?
Credit: @parkviewmuseumsg on Instagram
#HHWT Tip: Parkview Square is just a 5-minute walk away from Sultan Mosque and Haji Lane! You can perform your prayers here and explore the line of colourful shophouses with plenty of halal food choices nearby ?
Address: 600 North Bridge Road, Parkview Square, Level 3 Singapore 188778
Opening hours: 12PM-7PM (Mondays to Saturdays)
Contact number: +65 6799 6971
E-mail: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Instagram
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From the awe-inspiring artwork by our locals to the passionate strive of sports enthusiasts, we bet you didn’t know Singapore had so much to offer! Now you’re ready to see the many different sides that even locals may not know of. With so much to discover and experience, this Lion City has something for every type of traveller and is guaranteed to make your travels here so shiok (awesome)! ?
This article is brought to you by the Singapore Tourism Board.