Editorial note: This is a guest post contribution.

Singapore is famous for many things. Its enormous garden complexes, slurpable food, and tech-smart skyscraper cities make it beautiful. All in an Asian weekend. Singapore is all skyscrapers, upscale shopping, skyscraper-tall Instagram-worthy skyscrapers. But Marina Bay Sands and Sentosa are just the tip of the iceberg, and that’s life outside them. The offbeat life of museums, secret beaches, abandoned reservoirs, and plain old neighbourhoods.

Uncovering Secret Spots in Singapore

The image of Singapore for many people is beyond imagination. The vision of loveliness, preceded by the grandeur of being beheld against the Marina Bay Sands. Or snapshots of super-tech green-towered Gardens by the Bay complexes. Singapore’s got much more going on than the stereotypical things we see on social media. It’s also a city of secrets, and those that will unveil more of its off-the-beaten-path magic. This makes it the perfect destination for your next Singapore holiday, especially for travelers coming from the UK who want to explore beyond the usual tourist spots.

To keep Singapore off the beaten track, use this guidebook to choose hidden gems.

Katong Village

Katong was a fishing village. It has been urbanised into a housing town with layers of Peranakan heritage. The 1970s-urbanisation and shop houses irregularly placed offer such a laid-back atmosphere. 

From all that urban chaos, for the majority of Singapore. If you are looking for off-the-beaten-path activities to do in Singapore, then go to Katong. Be sure to check out the famous Katong Laksa here! It’s Singapore’s aboriginal traditional soup noodle meal. To have a more familiarisation with the Katong heritage and way of life, do visit the Eurasian Heritage Centre. Kim Choo Gallery, The Artiste Residency, and The Intan are other less touristy sites of interest.

East Coast Park

East Coast Park is also one of my favourites in Singapore! What a beautiful place to have a beautiful picnic. Something interesting to do outside always occurs. These include water sports, cycling, and beach volleyball. In the evening, there is always some event happening like barbeques, concerts, and hawker food street stalls. This is not crowded, as a rule of thumb. So it’s an acceptable outdoor activity if you don’t mind forgoing crowds.

Holland Village

Holland Village is where East meets West. It is one of the Central Region’s suburbs of Singapore with a deep heritage. This village was originally founded during the early 1900s by the Dutch community of Singapore.

It was later owned by the British Army. Its design has some remnants of European architecture. Presently, it is famous for its free-spirited bohemian art culture, along with sidewalk restaurants and cafes, and European food. Holland Village is the pet of Singapore’s youth population, an artists’ favourite hangout. The most charming aspect of Holland Village is how convenient it is to go to the Botanic Gardens. Singapore’s best-kept secret for those who wish to forget the city’s evils of urban life.

Serangoon Gardens

Singapore’s oldest estate, the Serangoon Gardens, also has some of the best-kept secrets. Because it is a residential town, it is not as much of the most touristy area of Singapore. The off-the-beaten-path, not-touristy gems. 

This place often offers the hotspots themselves! Serangoon Garden Market & Food Centre is one of Singapore’s best places to eat. Everyone goes to this hawker centre searching for trendy-looking restaurants and cafes. They don’t even realise what they are missing!. The best place to sample some of Singapore’s street food classics! Another thing to do here is to view a free film at the rooftop cinema of myVillage – one of Singapore’s best secrets!

Ann Siang Hill

Ann Siang is a small hill in Chinatown, Singapore. The precinct is totally cool with the young crowd, alternative and cool cafes, and chic bars. Its local character will have you never lacking for what to do here! Ann Siang nightlife is the cream of the crop. 

Find below the hippest speakeasy bars and restaurants to go out in Singapore. Some of these places were Native, a bar that designs its cocktails creatively. They design them with creativity and locally derived ingredients. These ingredients are jasmine flowers and Operation Dagger. The Speakeasy Bar, below British bar, Oxwell & Co, and Gem Bar, Chinatown’s secret gem.

Street art walking tour

Art lovers would be in paradise in Singapore! Walking around all the galleries and museums in the city can keep one occupied for days. One thing that makes Singapore art distinctive is the stunning street graffiti, along with the public art that can be seen completely for free. Downtown Singapore is where one heads to experience the lively street art. It provides you with new photo opportunities. Haji Lane, Victoria Street, Somerset Skate Park, and Tekka Centre. These streets are just a few of the streets known for street art.

Tip: The Public Art Trust was initiated by the National Arts Council. They have been conducting walking tours on the last Sunday of each month for free. Coldest weekend activity to do in Singapore!

Final Thoughts

Singapore is not a small city or skyscraper sprawl. It’s an adventure waiting to take you by surprise, a heritage, and a culture. Step away from the tourist path and discover a different Singapore that even locals tend to miss. Off-the-radar Singapore gems give you not just your dose of Instagram photo ops. It also gives you authentic experiences that lead you to its true heart.

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