Categories > Guides and Tips
The Best Criminally Underrated Off-the-Beaten-Path Attractions in Singapore You (Really) Should Visit
- Ann Siang Hill Park
- Kelong Walk
- Istana Woodneuk
- Keppel Hill Reservoir
- Alexandra Woodland
- Seletar Rocket Tower
- Skyville @ Dawson
- Ng Teng Fong Roof Garden
- Yunnan Garden
- Seletar Fishing Village
- Pearl’s Hill City Park
- Bukit Timah Railway Station
- Clementi Forest
- Raffles Marina Lighthouse
- Hampstead Wetlands Park
- Coney Island
- Bollywood Farms
I once posted a photo of me hiking through a trail in Singapore, and my friends from all over the world asked me “Where in the world is that?” They were surprised to find out that it’s within tiny Singapore!
As an avid traveller, I get excited when people get curious about the lesser-known spots I visit, and there are a number of hidden gems on the island. There are parks, reserves, farms, and even fishing villages that I feel deserve more attention.
Out of all the off-the-beaten-path attractions in Singapore I’ve visited, I compiled the very best of them here. I secretly hope they stay hidden but, alas, they’re too pretty to keep a secret!
Ann Siang Hill Park
– from vins_bearface
Address: 78 Club Street (Google Maps)
Contact Details: +65 1800 471 7300
Operating Hours: Open 24/7
When people hear “Ann Siang Hill,” the first thing that pops into their heads is Club Street. For me, however, Ann Siang Hill means so much more than a nightly bar enclave.
One of my favourite spots to unwind, relax, and take a quiet walk on Club Street is Ann Siang Hill Park. This park is hidden within the hill and traverses through rows of colonial shophouses.
It’s a fairly short trail but with slopes, so prepare for some uphill climbs here. Not a lot of people know about Ann Siang Hill Park, and I secretly hope it remains that way for a long time.
| Tip: The best way to reach Ann Siang Hill Park is to enter via Amoy Street because the nearest car park is located there. You can park your car there or use the car park as a landmark to find Ann Siang Hill Park within the busy streets of Chinatown. |
Kelong Walk
– From angleronfire
Address: Changi Boardwalk (Google Maps)
Opening Hours: Open 24/7
Tucked away in Changi Boardwalk is a hidden gem segmented into six distinct sections. For a secret seaside haven, Kelong Walk is the prime spot because it extends to the sea and away from the crowds along the boardwalk.
At Kelong Walk, the deeper waters offer an exciting opportunity to catch a variety of saltwater fish, including catfish. You don’t have to fish here, though, because some people pop by just to take in the views and enjoy the quiet surroundings.
Though weekends can draw a crowd, I still find solace in the two spacious shelters along Kelong Walk. Whether you’re waiting for your turn to fish or escaping the scorching sun, these shelters provide a comfortable retreat for any visitor.
| Tips: Feel free to bring your own bait to Changi Boardwalk. If you happen to run out, a small tackle shop on Changi Village Road, just east of the boardwalk, can replenish your supplies. Fishing is still allowed during rain, but be cautious, as high tides can make the boardwalk hazardous for pedestrians and anglers. |
Istana Woodneuk
– From singaporeheritage
Address: 766 Tyersall Ave (Google Maps)
Opening Hours: Open 24/7
Istana Woodneuk is an off-the-beaten-path attraction in Singapore that mainly fans of horror or Halloween know about. Dubbed as one of the most haunted places on the island, the abandoned mansion used to be the palace of Sultan Ibrahim of Johor.
Today, its dilapidated remnants stand tall near the Singapore Botanic Gardens. It’s a little hard to spot when you’re there, but if you can whip up your navigation skills, you can easily find it on any online map of Singapore!
Exercise caution when exploring the area, as it lies in the heart of a dense forest. The Istana Woodneuk remains mostly undisturbed, perhaps due to the eerie encounters reported by visitors—but I believe these stories only add to its charm and character!
| Tips: To reach Istana Woodneuk, you have to go through a small pathway down Tyersall Road near Holland Road. There are no clear signs that lead you down the path towards the abandoned Istana, so stick to the noticeable pathway on the ground. You should be able to see the Istana Woodneuk once you walk through the trees. Wear long pants when venturing into the woods. The grass isn’t maintained here, so you may get scratched if you don’t wear protective clothing! |
Keppel Hill Reservoir
– From botanygeek
Address: Keppel Hill (Google Maps)
Opening Hours: Open 24/7
Another spot that requires a little detour from the main roads of Singapore is Keppel Hill Reservoir, an abandoned reservoir that can be accessed through a rough jungle track between Mount Faber Park and Seah Im Road.
Little is known about the history of Keppel Hill Reservoir, but I’ve always heard about supernatural encounters that many brave hikers witnessed growing up. I’m not usually brave enough to traverse haunted places on my own, but I did visit it with some friends!
Luckily, I didn’t spot any ghosts on the way there or within the premises. It’s a pretty easy hike towards the reservoir, so long as you stay on track and keep your focus on reaching it (because it’s easy to get lost here if you’re not careful!).
| Tips: You can reach Keppel Hill Reservoir by entering a small opening from the Seah Im Car Park. There’s a heritage Kapok tree located on the northwestern end of the parking lot that marks the entrance to Keppel Hill’s woods. Just slip through the opening and follow the path upwards! There’s an abandoned air raid shelter just a few steps away from the heritage Kapok tree. Make sure to stop by and take pictures there before making your way up towards the abandoned reservoir (I don’t recommend venturing inside the shelter, though). |
Alexandra Woodland
– From bollywoodfarms_sg
Address: Jln Hang Jebat (Google Maps)
Opening Hours: Open 24/7
Alexandra Woodland may be one of the most underrated green spaces in Singapore, especially if you’re looking for a spot that even locals don’t know much about. It’s pretty easy to find, too (which makes its “under the radar” rep a bit confusing for me).
Sitting between the Alexandra Hospital and the Rail Corridor, Alexandra Woodland is accessible through many entry points within the western end of the Alexandra District. The most popular landmark, though, is the Hang Jebat Mosque.
This small patch of greenery features the “Lost Ark”, a structure made of fallen trees made to look like a wooden boat or ark. The deck made of foraged wooden planks from fallen trees was constructed by hikers who frequented the area.
| Tips: While Alexandra Woodlands is surrounded by buildings, the forest area isn’t actually lit at night. There are no lamps to guide you in or out of the area, so I highly recommend only visiting this place during the day and leaving before it gets dark! Scared of getting lost? Look for Warwick Road and the colonial houses along it from a distance. It’s only a stone’s throw away from the Lost Ark! |
Seletar Rocket Tower
– From singaporeglobalnetwork
Address: Mandai Road Track 7 (Google Maps)
Opening Hours: Open 24/7
Open-air eateries and bars offer a delightful setting for unwinding under the night sky, but for stargazing enthusiasts, the Seletar Rocket Tower at the Upper Seletar Reservoir is the ultimate spot.
This 18-metre-tall observation tower, which resembles a rocket ship, is a secret spot for couples who want to spend a romantic evening under the stars. It’s fairly quiet here, save for the sounds of people eating nearby, but still peaceful.
You can actually climb up the rocket tower to catch scenic views of the reservoir, but if you prefer to stay on the ground, that’s fine as well. Just make sure to stay long enough to see the sunset and the night sky unfold (the stars just look better from there!).
| Tips: You might get better views when stargazing from the ground, as the white light projecting from the top of the Seletar Rocket Tower might interfere with the view. If you bring a telescope with you, however, you might get better chances! Bring along a star chart or download a stargazing app to assist in identifying constellations and stars in the night sky. |
Skyville @ Dawson
– From pinnacleatduxton
Address: Cantonment Rd, #1G (Google Maps)
Contact Details: +65 1800 225 5432
Operating Hours: Open 24/7
Rooftop gardens are no secret in Singapore, but the sky gardens at Pinnacle@Duxton are among the lesser-known ones within the Central Business District. This off-the-beaten-path attraction in Singapore sits 50 storeys above ground, by the way!
If you’re not too queasy with towering heights, then a visit to this sky garden is a must. You get to marvel at the city skyline and enjoy sunset views from one of the tallest buildings in the city.
All you have to do is pay a $6 entrance fee, ride an elevator up to the 50th floor of the building, and enjoy some peace and quiet literally away from the city’s hustle and bustle. Pay a visit before more people find out about it (but you heard it from us!).
| Tips: Remember to bring your MRT card or pass, as you’ll need it to access the building’s elevators and to pay the entrance fee for the sky garden. For safety reasons, Pinnacle@Duxton’s management limits each sky garden to 1,000 guests. If you have a friend living at Pinnacle@Duxton, you can register as their guest and gain free access to the sky gardens. |
Ng Teng Fong Roof Garden
Address: 1 St Andrew’s Rd, #05-01, National Gallery Singapore (Google Maps)
Contact Details: +65 6271 7000
Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday, 10:00 am to 7:00 pm, Friday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
No trip to the National Gallery of Singapore is complete without exploring the Ng Teng Fong Roof Garden. This secret space is mostly reserved for private events, but you can still access it as a paying visitor at the National Gallery Singapore!
Even if you’re not an art lover, you can still enjoy the view by relaxing on the benches and watching the city skyline light up. You can reach the garden by taking the lift to the top-most floor of the gallery (or ask a staff member).
Additionally, if you’re in Singapore during the Formula 1 Grand Prix, the Ng Teng Fong Roof Garden provides an excellent vantage point for the race. Be sure to arrive early to secure a good spot!
| Tip: Entrance to the National Gallery Singapore starts at $20 for adult tourists. Tours are already included in the admission fee, as well as access to the Ng Teng Fong Roof Garden. Sometimes, the area may be closed off for private events, so make sure to check out this page for more info and updates before your visit! |
Yunnan Garden
– From sassymamasg
Address: 12 Nanyang Dr, Nanyang Technological University (Google Maps)
Contact Details: +65 6791 1744
Operating Hours: Open 24/7
Nestled within Nanyang Technological University is Yunnan Garden, a fairly well-kept secret garden among students and locals who frequent the area for a few moments of peace.
Unbeknownst to most people, you can actually enter the garden without being a student at the university. It was first built in the 1950s and is designed with Chinese-style gazebos, pavilions, lush foliage, and a manmade waterfall.
There’s also a replica of the Jurong West Nantah arch, which is designed in old-school Chinese architecture. It’s meant to symbolise the university’s humble beginnings back in the 1950s (it also makes for a great backdrop for your photos!).
| Tips: The Yunnan Garden is connected to the Chinese Heritage Centre, a centre dedicated to preserving Chinese historical artefacts, artworks, and more. It also hosts events related to Chinese culture, so if you’re in the area, make sure to pay the centre a visit! While it’s not strictly forbidden, please avoid walking off the designated pathways in the garden. Straying from the paths can cause grass erosion, which is already an issue in some areas. Help preserve the garden by staying on the trails! |
Seletar Fishing Village
– From nature_run_shoot
Address: Seletar North Link (Google Maps)
Seletar Fishing Village is one of my dad’s favourite spots in Singapore, not just because he’s an avid angler, but because he loves the quiet vibes and the fewer crowds in the area. It’s also known as Singapore’s last fishing village, so it’s worth a detour!
Seletar Fishing Village is more than just a fishing spot, in my opinion. I actually like that it’s a lesser-known place to catch sunset views and unwind with nature (but hopefully you visit it after reading this).
You’ll find mostly anglers spending whole mornings and afternoons by the sea, waiting for fish to catch their bait. If you’re not into fishing, you can bring a small stool or chair, sit back, relax, and enjoy the views without the crowds!
| Tip: Seletar Fishing Village is home to the Jenal Jetty, a historical jetty where fishermen built wooden huts and boardwalks on stilts. You can’t access the jetty, unfortunately, but you can still view it from the Yishun Dam or Rower’s Bay Park. |
Pearl’s Hill City Park
– From stayvillage
Address: Chin Swee Road &, Pearl’s Hill Rd (Google Maps)
Contact Details: +65 1800 471 7300
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 7:00 am to 7:00 pm
Pearl’s Hill City Park is a hidden hilltop park in Chinatown, built around a reservoir and plantation owned by Chinese immigrants in the early 1800s. After 1822, the hill was bought by Captain Pearl and eventually turned into his home.
The park isn’t popular among locals in the Outram area, but I think its off-beaten-path reputation adds to its charm. It’s a small park, but it offers residents in Pearl’s Hill a respite from the bustling city streets of Chinatown below.
The park is also home to one of Singapore’s most unique tree species called the Tembusu. They grow up to 30 metres in height, providing ample shade to anyone who wants to relax and unwind in this quaint hilltop park!
| Tips: The best time to visit Pearl’s Hill City Park is on Sunday afternoons. This is when crowds are minimal. Note that because Pearl’s Hill City Park is located on top of a hill, you’ll have to climb sets of stairs to reach it. Thus, it’s not the most wheelchair-friendly place to visit. You can, however, bring your pets with you! |
Bukit Timah Railway Station
Address: #1 Railway Station, Bukit Timah Railway Station Community Node (Google Maps)
Operating Hours: Open 24/7
Bukit Timah Railway Station is a gem of an attraction within the 24-kilometre Rail Corridor. In case you didn’t know, the Rail Corridor is a long green buffer that stretches north to south of Singapore, and avid hikers take this path for a long hike.
Along the trail is the Bukit Timah Railway Station, an abandoned station that used to be a bustling hub for trains connecting Singapore to Malaysia. It’s now defunct, but the station is beautifully preserved and free to visit for anyone who braves the trail.
Since you can start the Rail Corridor from multiple entry points, I suggest using the Bukit Timah Railway Station as your starting point. Take as many pictures here, or spend some time taking a leisurely walk around the complex before exploring elsewhere.
| Tips: While the Bukit Timah Railway Station is open 24/7, there is no lighting elsewhere within the Rail Corridor. It’s not safe to traverse the trail at night, so I highly recommend coming by anytime before 7:00 pm. There’s also a small cafe located within the Bukit Timah Railway Station in case you want to grab drinks! |
Clementi Forest
– From timeoutsg
Address: Clementi Forest (Google Maps)
Operating Hours: Open 24/7
Another off-the-beaten-path attraction that shoots from the Rail Corridor is the Clementi Forest. The forest is relatively untouched and sits just 10 minutes away from the Bukit Timah Railway Station, so if you’re in the area, this should be your next stop.
You’ll need to go a little off-trail to find this lush forest and walk through muddy paths. If you’re down to go on a short adventure, make sure to wear proper hiking boots and gear to keep yourself protected from scratches or dirt.
Clementi Forest features an abandoned rail connected to the Bukit Timah Railway, complete with a tunnel and tracks covered in foliage. Visit with a hiking buddy. Two is always better when exploring untouched forests!
| Tips: I mean it when I say to wear protective gear and waterproof shoes. The paths here are muddy and some areas are submerged in water, so getting through the forest means getting wet and dirty. Some paths can get slippery even without rain, so tread carefully. Moreover, consider skipping the forest when it rains. The puddles can go deeper than you think! |
Raffles Marina Lighthouse
Address: 10 Tuas West Dr (Google Maps)
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 8:00 am to 10:00 pm
Looking for a romantic spot that not a lot of people know about? Head over to the Raffles Marina Lighthouse for romantic sunset and seaside views while boats rock along with the steady tides of the water.
This spot was built in 1994 and features a 12-metre-high lighthouse that guides fishermen to safety from the seas. Today, many rich Singaporeans dock their private boats and yachts here, but visitors are also allowed to visit the pier.
Honestly, I consider this place one of the most private and romantic spots to propose (in case you’re thinking of doing one). Otherwise, you’re free to enjoy the views, pretend to live the luxury sailing life, and just relax as the sun goes down and the beacon lights up.
| Tips: You can reach the Raffles Marina Lighthouse from the Tuas Link MRT Station. I’d say the best time to visit this spot is around 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm, just when the sun goes down. The views during those hours are divine! You’re not allowed to climb the lighthouse. You still get awesome views from the ground, though! |
Hampstead Wetlands Park
– From thecyclestartup
Address: 1 Baker St (Google Maps)
Operating Hours: Open 24/7
Another lesser-known park within the city is Hampstead Wetlands Park. This small green space in an industrial area has been transformed from a marshland into a lush English garden-like setting with a pond and lily pads.
I recommend taking your date to this park if you want to go on a romantic stroll after dining out at the restaurants nearby. The park features a short trail that goes around a small pond where you can catch a bunch of animals such as a hornbill and turtles.
Birdwatchers come to this spot to catch sight of birds, and it’s impressive that there are a lot of them despite the park’s small size. If you’re not into birds, at least you’ll enjoy the quiet surroundings with your date!
| Tips: While the park is a great spot to visit after having dinner at the nearby Oval, I actually recommend coming by here in the morning, just before sunrise. The views are fantastic and the surroundings are even more serene. Plus, you might even be the only one there! If you come by at night, I recommend visiting around 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. These hours are usually when the owls come out. |
Coney Island
– From nature_run_shoot
Address: Coney Walk, Coney Island Stream (Google Maps)
Contact Details: +65 1800 471 7300
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 7:00 am to 7:00 pm
A trip to Singapore’s Coney Island takes “off-the-beaten-path” quite literally because in order to reach it, you’ll have to cross either the SErangoon East Dam or the Coney Island Bridge to get to this small island sitting off the coast of Punggol.
Coney Island isn’t the same as the one in New York. You won’t find a theme park or carnival games here, but instead, you’ll find lots of nature, trees, hiking trails, and lesser-known sandy beaches.
Since the island is inhabited and pretty secluded from mainland Singapore, you won’t find a lot of people here. You can explore the island’s lush coastal forests, cycle through the grassy trails, or unwind by the beach and get views of Malaysia right across.
| Tips: The best way to reach the island is by cycling. There are no public transit systems that take you directly to the island since most of its roads are small and underdeveloped. You’ll need to cycle across either the Coney Island Bridge or the Serangoon East Dam to reach it. If you don’t have a bike, you can rent one from the rental kiosk at Punggol Point Park. I recommend bringing a picnic basket filled with snacks and drinks if you plan on spending a few hours here. There are no food and drink stalls on the island, so bring some with you in case you get parched! |
Bollywood Farms
– From bollywoodfarms_sg
Address: 100 Neo Tiew Rd (Google Maps)
Contact Details: +65 6898 5001
Operating Hours: Monday, 7:– am to 6:00 pm, Thursday to Friday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday, 7:00 am to 6:00 pm
Got a penchant for gardening and farming? Then a trip to Bollywood Farms, a hidden heritage farm dedicated to growing organic produce using eco-friendly practices, should be on your travel itinerary.
Bollywood Farms was founded in 2000 by husband-and-wife duo Ivy Singh and Lim Ho Seng. They created Bollywood Farms as a way to teach locals and tourists about sustainable farming and lobby for more organic produce to reach dining tables.
The farm is located all the way in Kranji, considered Singapore’s “countryside”, so getting there is quite a way away from the city centre. The reward for making the trip, though, is a rustic farm with lots of greenery and a seat at their restaurant!
| Tips: There are no public transit systems that take you directly to Bollywood Farms. That said, you’re better off booking a taxi or driving there. You can, however, take the train and alight at Kranji MRT. From there, book a taxi! Their restaurant, the Poison Ivy Bistro, encourages reservations. If you’re dining here with a large group, it’s best to contact them directly so that the staff can make table arrangements for you. |
