Come somewhat nearer as we uncover the town’s secrets and techniques in our information to Singapore’s quirky and enjoyable information.
Our love for Singapore is aware of no limits, which is why we’re immensely happy with the whole lot our little island has to supply. From implausible eating places and cocktail bars to lush inexperienced areas and cultural enclaves, we’ve bought bucketloads to discover. For those who haven’t wandered by way of each nook, cranny and alleyway of the town, let this intensive record be your information. Behold, all of the mind-blowing enjoyable information it is best to know in regards to the hidden aspect of Singapore earlier than you’ll be able to say: that is house, actually.
Uncommon enjoyable information about Singapore you by no means knew
1. Public transport in Singapore is stellar. The perfect half? We’ve bought lovely MRT stations – like Redhill and Gardens by the Bay – with fascinating backstories. Go forward and train-hop throughout the island!
2. You’ve heard spine-chilling tales of otherworldly encounters in Singapore. However have you ever been on a ghost tour? Yup, you’ll be able to really embark on a journey round Singapore with a information who will regale you with creepy tales…
3. An deserted inexperienced area in Singapore? Yep, that’s Keppel Hill Reservoir. This century-old spot makes for fairly the unconventional trek for all you climbing buffs on the market.
4. Road performers brighten up our island with slick vocals, circus acts and extra. You’ll find buskers throughout Singapore, together with open areas round heartland neighbourhoods, outdoors MRT stations and in entrance of malls.
5. Nationwide Service is one thing each Singaporean Son (and second-gen PR males) has to undergo. After all, we’ve bought ideas on it. Listed below are the NS life classes we learnt…
6. Our waterfalls are pure and man-made. Apparently, the primary one was constructed within the former Jurong Chicken Park in 1971 and stood tall at a top of 30 metres. After all, there’s additionally the plush waterfall on the Cloud Forest in Gardens by the Bay and the world’s highest indoor one at Jewel Changi Airport.
7. Our Night time Safari is definitely the world’s first nocturnal zoo – it opened in 1994. Since then, it’s been providing guests a glimpse into the lives of animals of their pure habitat after sundown.
8. Singapore’s a effective metropolis in each sense of the phrase. Everybody is aware of about our ‘no chewing gum’ rule. However different unusual legal guidelines you’ll want to know embrace no nudity in sight (even at house!), flush public bathrooms or threat getting slapped with a effective, and no feeding of untamed animals.
9. The Chijmes landmark of immediately, with its plethora of eating places and bars, was once a women’ faculty. Established in 1854, the place previously housed an orphanage for deserted infants, nuns’ quarters and a chapel.
10. Take a day journey to Jurong West and discover the final dragon kiln in Singapore. You may even hearth it up and make your individual ceramic pottery at Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle.
11. Wish to go treasure looking for classic finds and native knick-knacks? Sift by way of all types of cool stuff at Tong Mern Sern at Craig Highway for a day of secondhand buying – it’s house to candy old-fashioned gems.
12. So that you assume you’ve coated your complete island? Suppose once more. We’ve bought secret spots throughout the nation, from a hidden lighthouse to hilltop forts, which are simply ready to be found!
13. Perhaps you’ve walked previous this mysterious Muslim tomb within the Duxton space. The shrine is devoted to Sharifah Rogayah, believed to be the granddaughter of Habib Noh, a direct descendant of Prophet Mohammad and Singapore’s most well-known Muslim. Nonetheless, nobody actually is aware of a lot else about her…
14. Singapore could be a cosmo metropolis, however should you look past the towering skyscrapers and gargantuan malls, you’ll discover a handful of countryside farms. Escape the town in a sizzling minute and soak within the easy life with cute goats at Hay Dairies or replenish on the freshest produce at Bollywood Veggies.
15. Hid beneath the hip ‘hood of Tiong Bahru lies an air raid shelter from the times of World Battle II. Not like its fellow underground bunkers, the brick-built one at 78 Guan Chuan Road has not been demolished. The general public isn’t allowed into the area, which might maintain an estimated 1,600 folks, but it surely has opened every so often for occasions and excursions. Within the meantime, go to the conflict heritage website to learn up on its previous from data boards on the partitions by the automobile park.
16. The vacationer hotspot that’s Sentosa additionally homes an out-of-sight army compound. Intrigued? Be a part of us on our journey to Fort Siloso and uncover underground tunnels, historical past museums and wartime relics.
17. For those who’ve at all times been curious in regards to the supernatural, maybe you’d prefer to set out on an eerie journey. We’ve bought no lack of haunted homes and former cemeteries for courageous souls. Talking of juicy ghost tales, right here’s a have a look at true-life encounters that’ll provide you with main goosebumps.
18. Do you know there’s an attractive pure seaside at Sembawang Park? The underrated spot might not be as common because the sandy shores of East Coast, Pasir Ris or Sentosa, but it surely makes for a tranquil beachside stroll up north. When you’re there, pay a go to to historic websites just like the Sembawang Memorial, Sembawang Shipyard and Seletar Pier.
19. Nature fanatics, this one’s for you. After you’ve combed by way of hotspots just like the Botanic Gardens and Gardens by the Bay, discover your calm within the metropolis’s hidden inexperienced areas and secret parks.
20. Sure, we love our otters in Singapore. Hold tabs on the group web page Otter Watch to be taught in regards to the completely different households and watch them in motion at rivers across the island – simply bear in mind to respect their area.
21. Take house a slice of Singapore at cool indie shops chock filled with native style and sweetness manufacturers, books, homeware and quirky knick-knacks.
22. Discover the provincial life at Kampong Lorong Buangkok, the final surviving village in Singapore.
23. Transfer away from the crowded Singapore River to the Punggol East riverside scene the place container bistros with no-nonsense grub and craft beer await.
24. On a keto weight loss program? There’s a native model of bulletproof espresso! Ask the kopi uncle for a kopi gu you (the Hokkien phrase actually interprets to “espresso butter”) and watch him sock filter a cuppa and add an enormous slab of butter. Yum.
25. Orchard Highway could also be well-known as a buying stretch, but it surely’s bought a secret previous, too. Oh, and have you ever explored the historical past and heritage of Emerald Hill? It’s a lot extra than simply bars and eating places!
26. On the fringe of Shangri-La’s Rasa Sentosa Resort & Spa lies Tanjong Rimau, a uncooked gem on a totally reconstructed island. Singapore’s western tip boasts mangrove trails, massive rocks and even secret, tiny caves that may be accessed through a rocky slope down the seaside.
27. Perched on the foot of Ang Mo Kio City Backyard and block 159, Kebun Baru Birdsinging Membership is the preferred and largest songbird show space in Singapore. Watch uniquely crafted cages hoisted 20ft up on poles by hobbyists and benefit from the calming tunes of birds in track.
28. Suppose you already know all of the ‘hoods in Singapore? Head north-east to Seletar, which was once Singapore’s first airbase, and discover a slew of cafes and eating places amidst lush greenery and colonial bungalows.
29. Are you able to guess the tallest constructing in Singapore? It’s Guoco Tower! At a top of 283.7m, the skyscraper towers over CapitaSpring, UOB Plaza One and extra.
30. Enjoyable reality: A pure sizzling spring really exists in Singapore. Sembawang Scorching Spring Park encompasses a floral stroll, cascading pool and cafe. You may dip your toes into the water right here for onsen vibes or attempt your hand at soft-boiling an egg.
31. Coney Island in Punggol is the proper place for “escaping” Singapore – however persist with exploring within the morning earlier than the afternoon solar hits you onerous!
32. Dairy Farm Nature Park’s Wallace Path isn’t as achieved up as different pathways in Singapore. Muddy and excellent for mountain bikers, it takes you previous fruit timber, an previous kampung and native wildlife.
33. Useless uninterested in cultural precincts and want a change of scene? A self-guided stroll round Bukit Brown Cemetery, one of many largest and last-remaining graveyards, would possibly liven issues up for you.
34. We’re house to loads of picture ops: from enjoyable self-photo studios to distinctive picture shoot ideas like underwater images.
35. For those who’re not shopping for into the cafe hype, Colbar is one no-frills eatery you’ll be able to add to your record. It’s a great spot for beer, a basic fry-up and western meals. Plus, it comes with a little bit of a historical past lesson.
36. Unfamiliar with the coastal ‘hood of Pasir Ris? Maybe it’s time you pay it a go to. A few of its not-so-well-known options embrace a terrazzo elephant-shaped playground, the nation’s sole business saltwater fishing pond and one of many solely two protected mangrove forests in Singapore.
37. Singlish phrases have really made it into the Oxford English Dictionary! The record contains blur, lepak, shiok, sabo king and wah.
38. Want a quiet place within the metropolis? Pearl’s Hill Metropolis Park close to Outram MRT would possibly simply be your spot. Trek as much as this tranquil inexperienced patch that additionally encompasses a pretty pond. Close by, Ann Siang Hill Park is one other peaceable retreat behind the buzzing bars on the stretch.
39. We discovered fire-breathing creatures in Singapore! Mom of Dragons, we ain’t, however we’ve bought the following smartest thing: Not one however two old-fashioned dragon playgrounds tucked away within the quaint neighbourhood of Toa Payoh.
40. You haven’t had the actual Singapore buying expertise till you’ve rummaged by way of pre-loved objects in Fortunate Plaza on Orchard Highway. You’ll uncover inexpensive cosmetics, fragrance knock-offs, souvenirs, electronics, secondhand attire and hundreds extra.
41. Recognise the scent? Medicated oils and ointments like Tiger Balm and Axe Oil are a godsend in Asian households, curing the whole lot from throbbing complications to pesky mosquito bites. Enjoyable reality: do you know that Haw Par Villa, Singapore’s kookiest theme park, is the brainchild of Tiger Balm proprietor Aw Boon Haw? The eclectic area depicts legends and myths that mix components of Buddhism, Taoism, Chinese language historical past and mythology – probably the most well-known being the Ten Courts of Hell.
42. For those who’re new to Singapore, it may be an uphill activity navigating by way of numerous stalls for one of the best renditions of native meals. Fret not – simply arm your self with our helpful information to high hawker centres throughout the town.
43. For a special kind of retail expertise, head to Far East Plaza, Orchard Highway’s most underrated mall, for pocket-friendly eats and native boutiques. Or go additional afield to one of many many outlet malls in Singapore for premium manufacturers at discounted costs.
44. Do you know we’re house to loads of secret museums? These area of interest spots function the whole lot from music to films to historical past.
45. For those who’re somebody who’s explicit about bathrooms, our recommendation is to go as much as greater flooring in malls and different buildings for, effectively, cleaner areas.
46. We’ve really modified our time zones six instances since 1905. After WWII, our clocks lastly synced up with Malaysia’s in 1982.
47. Pulau Semakau, also referred to as the landfill island, is the one place in Singapore the place the Milky Approach is seen from the bottom. To proceed your island-hopping journey, set sail to offshore spots like St John’s Island and Lazarus Island.
48. You could have handed by a mural or two within the metropolis, however our avenue artwork scene is a lot greater than that. From Chinatown and Everton Park to Keong Saik and Haji Lane, there’s a lot to discover.
49. Wish to jazz up your IG feed? Scour the island for distinctive, Instagram-worthy locations and snap away.
50. Crikey! See crocs within the wild at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.
51. Positive, you’ll be able to eat durian au naturel. However to make issues additional enjoyable, attempt the smelly fruit in candy, savoury and unusual flavours at locations like Goodwood Park Resort. We dare you.
52. Yeah, we’ve all seen our fair proportion of HDB flats. However these aren’t any run-of-the-mill buildings. We discovered ones with fascinating structure, cool designs and vibrant murals!
53. Reality be instructed, Yishun actually isn’t as dangerous as its notorious rep suggests. Take a stroll within the ‘hood and discover out for your self.
54. Cafes are aplenty, however quiet ones that aren’t perpetually full of brunch crowds? We’d head deep into the heartlands for them. Add hidden cafes to your meals bucket record for good grub which you could savour in peace.
55. Swing by Hougang to take a look at the largest Japanese cemetery in Southeast Asia. Inbuilt 1891, the park is prettier than it’s spooky, with pink floral archways which are harking back to sakura season in Japan. Serving as a burial floor for practically 1,000 Japanese civilians and troopers from the pre-war years, this place has, unusually sufficient, changed into an IG-friendly spot.
56. Wish to catch killer views of Singapore’s majestic cityscape… free of charge? Hop on over to [email protected], a towering HDB property in Queenstown, and head 47 storeys as much as the rooftop backyard for an alfresco dangle.
57. Sundry shops, extra fondly referred to as “mama outlets”, are nice for inexpensive snacks, drinks and different random objects like old-fashioned toys. Finest place to seek out ‘em? Void decks of HDB flats within the heartlands.
58. Drop by your neighbourhood magnificence salons for eyebrow threading for less than $5. From Hougang to Woodlands, there’s at all times a very good deal.
59. Marina at Keppel Bay isn’t solely Asia’s first fish-friendly marina by the Marina Industries Affiliation requirements. You may really discover a wholesome coral reef ecosystem below Keppel Bay!
60. Do you know: in-built 1869, Cavenagh Bridge is the oldest surviving bridge throughout the Singapore River. It’s named after William Orfeur Cavenagh, who was the ultimate governor of the Straits Settlements below British India rule. The construction was gazetted as a nationwide monument along with Elgin Bridge and Anderson Bridge in 2019.
61. Our skyline isn’t simply made up of Marina Bay Sands and the Singapore Flyer. They’re iconic, however they’re additionally simply two of the numerous fascinating architectural landmarks on the island. Lesser-known constructions embrace Assyafaah Mosque within the north and The Colonnade in Orchard.
62. Solely bought $20 in your pocket? Inexpensive adventures are in every single place – you simply have to know the place to look. From museums and thrift shops to climbing trails and free music performances, there’s an abundance of leisure.
63. Can’t appear to seek out retro tidbits today? Pop by old-fashioned snack shops when the munchies hit.
64. Looking for a speakeasy is far more enjoyable than cosying up in an everyday ol’ ingesting joint. Questioning the place to begin? Let our information to secret bars assist you out.
65. Our island is house to hundreds of bus stops. Suppose fashionable ones sitting aspect by aspect with old-fashioned constructions. For a blast to the previous, cruise alongside the roads to seek out retro bus stops at locations like Lim Chu Kang Highway and Tanjong Pagar Highway.
Uncover the good bits of Singapore with our record of fascinating enjoyable information! And when you have any to share, hit us up @Honeycombers.