Joanna James
Planning a trip to Singapore again? It’s no wonder you’re going back; it’s such a wonderful destination. Here are five hidden gems you’ll want to visit that you likely missed during your first trip.
Chances are, you didn’t visit Coney Island when you were last in Singapore. Your second trip is an excellent opportunity to explore this beautiful, hidden gem. Where is it located? It is in the far northeast part of Singapore and was part of the Punggol 21 Plan, which aimed to create an eco-friendly area by the water. To get there, take the train to the city of Punggol. It takes about an hour to reach, but it’s a fun journey. From Punggol MRT station, walk to the bus interchange and take bus 84. Then, get off at the last stop. The island is home to trees and quiet spots where you can relax. You also get views of Malaysia and Pulau Ubin from the island.
This might not be a hidden spot, but you can easily miss it if you’re more focused on famous tourist attractions in Singapore. Located just a short walk from Newton MRT station, this open-air hawker centre is a great place to try Singaporean food. Prices are reasonable, too. You’ll find all the classic Singaporean dishes here, from satay and chilli crab to Hokkien mee and BBQ stingray. It’s a bit more polished than other hawker centres, but it’s set up in the classic Singaporean hawker centre style. From Orchard Hotel Singapore, which is a five-star hotel on Orchard Road, Singapore, Newton Food Centre is about a six to eight-minute drive.
If you head to the far north of Singapore, you can see the lighthouse at Raffles Marina. The 12-metre-tall lighthouse is found at the end of the breakwater. In front is the Tuas Second Link bridge. It’s a working lighthouse that guides yachts in and out of the marina. Enjoy the view and the sea breeze. Afterwards, take a walk along the promenade at Raffles Marina Club. You might also see some large yachts docked there.
Another place you might have missed is Fort Canning Park, a large green space between Orchard and Chinatown. The park features various walking trails, some of which can be a bit challenging. It’s smaller than other parks in Singapore, but it offers easy access to other points of interest like Boat Quay. Nearby attractions include the Singapore Philatelic Museum and the National Museum.
Could it be that you missed Joo Chiat Road? Regardless, make time to visit during your second trip. It’s a vibrant little neighbourhood that showcases Singapore’s diverse ethnic identity. Known for its Peranakan shophouses, it’s a great place to try a variety of local food. Your food choices aren’t limited to Singapore cuisine; you can also find more familiar Western flavours, reflecting the diverse communities that live there. One reason people forget to visit Joo Chiat Road is that it’s not an obvious attraction. Plus, it’s not located close to the city centre. Getting there involves a longer bus journey, but it’s worth it.
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.
