Joanna James
Singapore, known for its gleaming skyscrapers and bustling city life, also has some lesser-known treasures well worth visiting. Travellers seeking the road less travelled are in for a treat (sometimes quite literally too!) at these hidden attractions that you should add to your itinerary.
Tucked away in the vibrant enclave of Dempsey, the Museum of Ice Cream is a whimsical wonderland to explore and get amazing pictures for the ‘Gram’. As you step inside this space set amidst converted colonial barracks, you'll find yourself immersed in a kaleidoscope of colours and allures at 14 fascinating installations. Highlights include the Dragon Playground which will offer a dose of nostalgia, Banana Jungle, and the huge Sprinkle Pool; every corner promises a sweet surprise! Of course, there’s also a cafe here so you can satisfy those ice cream cravings which are bound to get activated.
One of the most Instagrammable places in Singapore, the Fort Canning Tree Tunnel should not be missed for that quintessential selfie. Easy to reach via a subterranean tunnel from the Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station, this spot features a spiral staircase leading up to a green oasis. The view looking up from the base of the stairs to a tree at the top with sunlight streaming through is truly spellbinding and makes the perfect backdrop for your pictures. The best time for photography is from around 9:00am to 10:00am though get there early since word has gotten out and it’s not as much a ‘secret’ as it once was!
While many tourists flock to Singapore's Michelin-starred restaurants, the Old Airport Road Food Centre remains a hidden gem cherished by locals. This unassuming hawker centre, within easy reach for those based in Geylang at properties like Hotel 81 Joy, is a paradise for foodies, offering a wide array of authentic Singaporean dishes at wallet-friendly prices. It’s open early in the morning too which is why you will see crowds heading here even at around 7:00am. Char kway teow, chee cheong fun, fried oyster, lor mee and kway chap are amongst the popular dishes to try on a culinary journey of discovery at this food centre.
Located in the eastern part of the Central Region, Katong is where you can experience Peranakan heritage and laidback coastal charm. Easily accessible from hotels in Geylang area, Singapore, this residential neighbourhood is home to historical buildings and vibrant shophouses that take one back to a different era; a great way to learn more about this period is to visit the Eurasian Heritage Centre. One of the key locales here is Joo Chiat with its many cafes and eateries where you can look forward to dining on authentic Nyonya culinary creations like Katong laksa.
Step off the beaten path and onto the Rail Corridor which stretches for around 24 km creating an enchanting lush green corridor; interestingly, this area was once part of a railway line that linked up with Malaysia. Today, it has been transformed into a captivating outdoor space perfect for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Wander through serene forests, cross rustic bridges, and admire the old railway stations that harken back to Singapore's colonial past. Some of the key attractions here include the Dairy Farm Nature Park, Upper Bukit Timah Truss Bridge, Singapore Quarry, and the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, while you can expect to spot diverse bird and butterfly species too.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
