Spot crocodiles in the wild, go snowboarding in the tropics, and smash things with our list of unique things to do in Singapore.
Bored of the usual weekend brunch and trips to the beach? Or tired of showing your visiting buds the same old Merlion-and-Marina-Bay routine? Abandon your comfort zone and leap into the unknown with these fun and wacky activities. Who says there aren’t any unusual and unique things to do in Singapore? We’re veering off the beaten track for this one…
27 unique things to do in Singapore
1. Dine at a floating seafood kelong
From a fish farm to a modern kelong to Singapore’s first floating seafood restaurant, Smith Marine has come a long way. Ready for a rustic dining experience? This is where farm-to-table comes alive. Sail off the waters of Pulau Ubin to tuck into a feast of fresh fish, lobster, crab, and more. Afterwards, hang around to play a leisurely round of board games and admire the tranquil turquoise waters all around you.
2. Find crocodiles in the wild
It might be a bit of a hassle to get to Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, but that’s what makes it a great adventure! As Singapore’s first Asean Heritage Park, the nature hangout is an ideal place to spot monitor lizards, smooth-coated otters, migratory birds, and the famous estuarine crocodiles. Stroll along the mangrove boardwalk, climb up the Aerie Tower for panoramic sights, and admire the sea views from pods scattered along the Coastal Trail.
3. Surf, snowboard and skate – all in one location
You don’t have to leave our little island to soak in the thrill of surfing epic waves or snowboarding on icy slopes. At Trifecta Singapore, your next adrenaline rush awaits right smack in the middle of Orchard. Check out the Ski Simulator, dry slope Freestyle Park, skate bowl, and Citywave surf pool for endless fun.
4. Investigate a murder mystery
Yep, you read that right. Something shady just went down in Chinatown, and it’s up to you to catch the baddies. Grab your pals, put on your detective hats, and join the Chinatown Murders Game Tour for an exhilarating interactive experience. You’ll encounter colourful characters along the way, pick up interesting tidbits about the history of Chinatown, and solve clues to nab the serial killer by the end of the trail.
5. Float your worries away
If you’re bored of the usual rub-downs and facials, allow your worries to sink while you float at Palm Ave Float Club at Kampong Bugis. Here, you’ll be immersed in your very own private pod filled with Epsom salt. Drift away and enter a deep, meditative state that will help you improve mental clarity. Besides being one of the more unique things to do in Singapore, it’s also extremely relaxing.
6. Experience snow in the tropics
Living on a tropical island can be paradise, but when the sun’s scorching rays get to you, beat the heat at Snow City. It’s Singapore’s first permanent indoor snow centre, a family-friendly spot that takes you to the North Pole without hopping on a plane. Cool down quickly at the Arctic snow playground, slide down the snow slope and saddle up in bumper cars to drift on ice.
7. Make your own rug
Bored with your usual craft workshops? Ditch the candle-making or floral arrangement classes and try rug tufting instead. We’ve got plenty of studios in Singapore that offer this, including Tuft Club and WeTuft. Just grab a friend and head over on the weekend to spend the afternoon creating your very own custom design.
8. Zoom off to the races
For a high-intensity adrenaline rush, grab your pals and head to the new HyperDrive at The Palawan @ Sentosa for oodles of fun. Battle it out to see who’s the fastest, and don’t worry, everything’s safe – even for novices. It’s got an indoor three-level race track that will satisfy your need for speed.
9. Smash your frustrations away
The only place where your tantrums will be entertained, The Fragment Room is perfect for all you ill-tempered souls out there. It’s definitely one of the most unique things to do in Singapore! Release all your frustrations with a bat and some very fragile items. Simply choose a preferred playlist, put on your safety gear and brace yourself for some rage-fueled destruction. It can be therapeutic if that’s your sort of thing. Plus, not having to clean up after yourself just makes your stress melt away instantly.
10. Try a cool photoshoot
Love getting in front of the camera? Forget the usual Instagram-worthy places and try unconventional photography concepts instead. We’re talking about underwater experiences, sensuous boudoir sessions, body profile photography and more.
11. Sleep with the fishes
No doubt, we’ve got great hotels in Singapore – from boutique ones to five-star stays. But for something truly unique, book the Equarius Ocean Suites at Resorts World Sentosa, where you’ll enjoy stunning sights of the marine creatures of S.E.A. Aquarium. Whether you’re with your boo or your fam, you’ll luxuriate in a two-storey townhouse housing an outdoor patio and jacuzzi, and a bedroom with an unparalleled view of the fishes.
12. Throw a yacht party
The ocean beckons! Round up the fam and take to the seas – just rent a yacht in Singapore for fun times on the water. From birthday parties to proposals to team bonding events, the options are endless. You can find pet-friendly yachts, have BBQ sessions on board or try water activities for amped-up fun.
13. Strap on those skates
This one’s a neat throwback to 80s nostalgia with funky disco roller skating vibes. Swing by indoor skating rink Hi Roller and lace up your skates to show off any tricks you have up your sleeve. Psst: the place hosts themed nights and takes song requests as well!
14. Visit a kooky theme park
So you’d like a tour of Haw Par Villa? Welcome to hell. This theme park might make you feel more uncomfortable than excited, but it’s thrilling nonetheless. Revolving around Chinese folklore and mythology, Haw Par Villa is home to intricately hand-painted statues and sculptures – some even displaying bloody and decapitated figurines. If that doesn’t freak you out yet, visit the iconic Ten Courts of Hell attraction in Hell’s Museum for a nightmare to remember. You may not want to come here alone, just sayin’.
15. Experience free-fall with indoor skydiving
If you’ve always wanted to try skydiving but never worked up the courage to do it, this is the next best thing. Head to iFly Singapore, one of the world’s largest indoor skydiving wind tunnels, to feel true free-fall conditions. Everyone’s welcome, from first-timers to companies on team-building activities to couples looking for a thrilling date. Don’t worry, you’ll be guided by the pros from start to end!
16. Ready, take aim, throw!
For target practice with a twist, head to Axe Factor at Sentosa and throw your frustrations away by aiming for the bullseye with your axe. Whether you’re here for some friendly competition, a birthday party or a hen’s night, you’re looking at fun times ahead.
17. Who’s up for an unusual dining experience?
Looking for a meal to remember? We’ve got plenty of unique dining experiences in Singapore. Discover the hiding place of The Dragon Chamber, enjoy an immersive dinner theatre with Andsoforth, dine in the dark at Nox, check out themed restos and loads more. You can even sail the high seas on a sunset dinner cruise with Royal Albatross for romantic vibes!
18. Kayak through the coasts
Whether you’re a water sports junkie or just looking for some fun, Fever Kayak’s packages have you covered with the most exciting adventures. Go hands-free as you speed through the water, where you can experience a thrilling ride as you make a big catch. Yes, we’re talking about a fishing and kayaking trip all in one session with the Big Boat Small Boat tour or The Playground tour. Plus, your fishing guide will be taking professional photos for you to share, so you don’t have to fret about missing that cool shot of your catch.
19. Curl up with the cats
Calling all cat lovers! Cosy up with the felines at cat cafes in Singapore for some pet therapy. From NekoTown on Geylang Road to The Cat Cafe in Bugis and The Rail Mall, you’ve got plenty of options to choose from.
20. Make a date with quirky museums
We’ve got amazing museums and galleries in Singapore for you to get your culture fix. But if you’re thinking of the unconventional, skip your regular date with the National Gallery and try out a new experience. For instance, The Intan collects all things Peranakan and displays them gorgeously in a home setting. Each tour includes a dive into the culture’s history, heritage and traditions, complemented by tea and Nyonya light bites.
Oh, and did you know we’re home to The Gem Museum? You’re welcome to step into the world of gemstones, rocks and minerals at this space. Other intriguing spots include the Singapore Chinese Opera Museum and The Vintage Cameras Museum.
21. Try a spot of prawning
For a quiet and relaxing day out, head outdoors for an afternoon of fishing or prawning. All you need is a dash of patience, loads of sunscreen, and the proper gear. From nature parks to reservoirs to alfresco areas, you’re free to take your pick.
22. Sweat it out, but not at the gym
Who else hates the treadmill? We’re totally with you. It’s not for everyone. To get your heart pumping – and have loads of fun at the same time – opt for alternative fitness workouts instead. Besides aqua spinning, trampolining and surfboard yoga, you can also try aerial yoga, pole dancing and even combat saber sessions, Star Wars-style, by The Saber Authority.
23. Listen to a choir of… exotic birds
At Kebun Baru Birdsinging Club in Ang Mo Kio, you’ll watch exotic birds chirping beautiful melodies all at once – something relatively unheard of in Singapore. Perched on the foot of Ang Mo Kio Town Garden and Block 159, the popular (and largest!) songbird display in Singapore is quite a delight to the eyes and ears. Admire these songbirds in uniquely crafted cages hoisted 20ft up on poles as they showcase their tunes at this quiet, hidden heartland gem.
24. Get spooked
Stranger Things alert! Singapore’s home to spooky spots, that we all know. But have you explored ‘em all? To get you started on your ghostly adventures, our list of haunted places will come in handy. Spine-tingling, spooky spots include Bedok Reservoir, Old Changi Hospital, Caldecott Hill (yup, the former Mediacorp headquarters) and Woodneuk House. Go get your freak on!
25. Explore a countryside farm
We’re not all skyscrapers and modern architecture here. Take a break from Singapore’s cityscapes and feast your eyes on lush greenery. We’ve got several farms in our countryside to visit, including Gallop Kranji Farm Resort (for rustic stays) and Hay Dairies (for goat milk). One of our faves? Bollywood Farms, which is basically paradise on earth in Kranji.
26. Get your feet nibbled on by fishes
Looking for a fishy form of foot therapy after all that walking around the island? Pop by Qian Hu Fish Farm along Jalan Lekar and check out its fish spa. All you have to do is persevere through the tickles while these Garra Rufa fish devour the dead skin off your feet! It’s natural exfoliation at its best – and a great stress reliever ‘cause you’ll be busy giggling out loud with your friends and fam.
27. Experience a taste of kampong life
Do you find yourself yearning for a simple life? You might be surprised to find there are remnants of kampong houses still standing on our mainland. Kampong Lorong Buangkok is a relic where time seems frozen, giving you a glimpse of the 60s with cats, dogs and chickens roaming freely, and dirt roads connecting houses mainly made out of wood and zinc roofs. Just keep in mind not to disturb the residents if you’re visiting.
Done exploring all the unique activities in Singapore? Next stop: Free things to do!