6 under-the-radar experiences to try in Singapore

There’s no shortage of things to do and see in Singapore despite its compact size, especially when it comes to exploring its rich heritage and enjoying the finer things in life. Whether you’re looking to cook up a storm, savour an adrenaline rush or learn about the local flora and fauna, there’s something for everyone on the Little Red Dot. Here are seven things to try:

There’s no better place to learn about the country’s national flower – the elegant Vanda Miss Joaquim – than at Singapore Botanic Gardens. Feast your eyes on the city-state’s largest collection of orchid species at the National Orchid Garden. It houses over 700 species and 3,000 hybrids from all across the tropics, some of which are named for iconic personalities such as Nelson Mandela and Princess Diana. There, you’ll learn all about how the Vanda Miss Joaquim was discovered and how it came to be the nation’s heritage icon. There’s also a guided tour of the National Orchid Garden on the third Saturday of every month.

While you’re at the Botanic Gardens, check out the new Botanical Art Gallery, Singapoe’s first permanent display of botanical art, or head to COMO Adventure Grove, a kid-friendly playground inspired by nature.

Join Ruqxana Vasanwala’s popular cooking classes to learn how to whip up some of Singapore’s most beloved delicacies such as Hainanese chicken rice, Nonya mee siam (rice vermicelli in a spicy and sour gravy) and Assam prawns. The choice of dishes depends on the day of your lesson, which you can explore on the Cookery Magic website. Book a class with a group of friends or opt for private lessons and choose up to three dishes that you’d like to learn.

Seafood doesn’t get any fresher than this. Fish for your own dinner at Smith Marine Floating Restaurant, a local kelong (overwater aquaculture farms found in parts of Southeast Asia) located off Pulau Ubin island. It’s accessible by a 15-minute bumboat road from Changi Point Ferry Terminal at the far eastern stretch of mainland Singapore. Try your luck at baiting a fish, typically a snapper or sea bass, at the indoor pond. The chef will cook your catch for you in a variety of styles.

Turn your dinner into a full spread with the restaurant’s other notable dishes like the sambal mussels and deep-fried lobster with shredded potatoes. Alternatively, you can also opt for a seven-course set menu for five diners that includes some of the restaurants classic dishes, as well as a two-way ferry ride.

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Get a bird’s-eye view of the resort island of Sentosa as you whizz past its jungle canopy and Siloso Beach on Mega Adventure’s 450m Megazip flying fox. And if soaring 72m above sea level is not thrilling enough, explore the treetops by tackling the nearby Megaclimb, an aerial obstacle course that includes wobbly bridges, swaying tightropes and airy cargo nets, all set at dizzying heights.

If skydiving is your thing, try it indoors at the wind tunnel at iFly Singapore. You’ll receive guidance from a professional instructor before you go in for the actual experience, which comes with unparalleled views of the South China Sea and Siloso Beach.

Looking for a more placid way of experiencing Sentosa’s skies? Check out the recently unveiled SkyOrb Cabins, a special spherical cable car cabin with glass-bottomed floors that allow you to view the world beneath as you make your ascent. The SkyOrb cabins service the Mount Faber Line, which connects guests between Mount Faber Peak and Sentosa.

While you’re on the island, check out other recent openings like The Palawan @ Sentosa, a sprawling entertainment destination that includes Singapore’s only 18-hole beachside mini golf course, a gamified indoor-go-kart circuit and a family beach club with towering waterslides. For food, check out the Gourmet Park at Resorts World Sentosa for 14 food stands styled after a food truck park – they serve a mix of local favourites and international classics. Party the night away at one of Sentosa’s many beach clubs, including the newly opened Tipsy Unicorn, a dazzling pastel pink-hued beach club that offers a vibrant array of events including live DJ gigs starring local and international artists.

You don’t need an excuse to enjoy a romantic breezy sunset dinner on a superyacht. The Royal Albatross is a great way to experience an unforgettable, luxurious dinner cruise experience off the coast of Singapore. There is a variety of cruise packages to choose from, including a City Lights Cruise for a picture-perfect nighttime view of Singapore’s iconic skyline. Dinner options vary based on the cruise selected, with optional additions for beverages, wine and whisky pairings.

The many smaller islands surrounding Singapore provide a tranquil respite from the bustling city state, and are well worth a visit. Kusu Island, also known as Tortoise Island, is among the many lesser-known islands to visit and is the perfect place for a day trip. Visit sacred sites like the Da Bo Gong Temple, which was built in 1923 and dedicated to the Chinese God of Prosperity, as well as the Malay keramat (shrine) atop a steep hill. Go snorkelling to see hundreds of tortoises or simply visit the island’s Tortoise Sanctuary. To get to Kusu Island, take a ferry from Marina South Pier.

Other islands to consider hopping to include St John’s Island and Lazarus Island, both of which make idyllic beach escapades. Looking for a longer stay and an off-the-beaten-path experience? Check out Tiny Away Escape @ Lazarus Island, eco-friendly trailer-like homes where you can stay the night on the otherwise uninhabited island.

For our full list of things to try and places to see in Singapore, check out our Singapore City Guide.
For more information on Singapore Airlines flights to Singapore, visit the official website. 

This article was originally published by Singapore Press Holdings on 4 August 2016 and updated on 21 April 2021. It was further updated on 25 Apr 2024 by Dinesh Ajith.