10 Lesser Known Experiences for your next Singapore Holiday
The tropical island country of Singapore, that is such a hot favorite with Indian travellers, is a destination that is pretty well trodden by tourists across the world. But, that doesn’t mean that it is devoid of those hidden or lesser known experiences that can make your Singapore holiday more fulfilling. From mangrove forests to late night parties, from markets to food centers and from islands to museums, there are quite a few off beat experiences to be had in Singapore.
Here are 10 of my favorite off-beat experiences and that you can definitely look to add to your Singapore holiday itinerary.
Experience a Gastronomic Journey at Tiong Bahru Market and Food Centre
Singapore and food go hand in hand. Such is the strong connection that life in Singapore revolves around its food scene rather than its business hubs. From traditional Hokkien Chinese food to Indian and other cuisines, the food scene at Tiong Bahru is amazing. Add to it the wet market and the live catches and you have a gastronomic discovery right in the center of Singapore. Chwee kueh (vegetarian), deep fried shark fritters, the traditional cakes of Tiong Bahru Teochew Kueh, the vegetarian delicacies of Ru Yi Vegetarian stall and the kopi (coffee) are my personal favorites.
Dance to the Beat at Zouk
What used to be three old warehouses built along the Singapore river is arguably Singapore’s best cosmopolitan bar and dance club. Among the more recognized dance clubs in the world, Singapore’s Zouk is a place where you can groove and dance to the beats of some of the most well known DJs the world over. Head here for those adrenaline packed late night parties. And while you there and taking a break from the dance floor, you can try Singapore Sling, the iconic drink of Singapore that was created at the Raffles Bar.
Go Birdwatching at Jurong Bird Park
Managed and run by the Wildlife Reserves Singapore, the Jurong Bird Park is a fantastic family getaway. Loved by visitors of all ages, this place is a birdwatcher’s paradise. From penguins to cassowaries, owls and snowy owls to pelicans and from flamingos to lorikeets, one can sight a great number of bird species from all over the world. The African waterfall aviary, the Lory Loft, the nocturnal path called the world of darkness and the wings of Asia are my personal favorites. The Jurong Bird Park also packs in entertaining shows with the birds that are extremely educational for young kids.
Kayak through Mandai Mangroves
A biodiversity hotspot and the largest remnant of mangrove forest and mangrove swamp on mainland Singapore, the Mandai Mangroves is paradise for nature lovers. From terrestrial to migratory birds and from mangrove horseshoe crabs to reptiles and amphibians, this tract of mangrove forest is great to watch and study all kinds of animal species. The best way to experience all of this is from a kayak as you slowly float in the shallow waters.
Watch a Movie under the stars at Marina Bay
.jpg "Singapore Marina Bay Sands at night")
A hot favorite with the locals, the Movie Mob is an initiative where one can drive in and watch a movie under the stars with hundreds of Singaporeans at the famous Marina Bay location. Hosted one or twice every month during the weekends, this is an ideal way to live the Singaporean way of life in a spectacular environment where you are under the stars and surrounded by the shining high rises and attractions of Singapore. Entry is free, but online check in is required and one can also vote for movie choices here.
Enjoy the Aerial Views from the Singapore Cable Car
Connecting Mount Faber with Sentosa island, the Singapore cable car gondola lift is a great way to soak in the views of Singapore’s lush green forests, spectacular cityscape and the gorgeous ocean all in one panoramic view. The icing on the cake is the ability to enjoy a private dinner while you enjoy the rich visuals.
The Singapore Cable Car is definitely one of the best ways to experience the new and different Singapore.
Dine in the Dark at Nox
Blind dining seems to be quite the rage these days and Singapore seems to have its own dine in the dark restaurant at Nox where one can surrender their taste buds and visually perceptive minds to dining in total darkness. A unique dining experience where you are assisted by visually impaired individuals, Nox - Dine in the Dark offers a food, wine and cocktail selection that is bound to whet your palate and leave you totally full and happy.
Stroll through Singapore’s last village – Pulau Ubin
If I were to tell you that there exists in the vastly urban Singapore swaying coconut palms, lush rubber plantations, rustic trails, secluded beaches, mangrove forests, hornbills and other exotic bird species, a virtually unspoilt coral reef and lush green countryside all on one small island, you would think that I am possibly joking. But, there does exist one such island called Pulau Ubin that seems to have been untouched by time. Considered to be Singapore’s last village (Kampong), this island is perfect for nature lovers, bird watchers, mountain bikers and for those who love a quieter way of life.
Walk along a lifestyle destination called Dempsey Hill
Located real close to the bustling Orchard road is the lesser known Dempsey hill, one of Singapore’s most hip and quaint neighbourhoods. With over 150 years of history in this place, the best way to experience this lifestyle destination is by checking out its various walking trails that take you through restaurants and celebrity restaurants, cafes and brew shops, designer shops, art studios, pet hotels, apothecary spa and so much more.
Rediscover Childhood at MINT – The Museum of Toys
If you have a child hidden inside of you, you will definitely fall in love with this place. Moment of Imagination and Nostalgia with Toys or MINT Museum of Toys is a place that showcases a private collection of vintage toys. Spread across 6 levels and hosting over 50,000 items, the highlights of a visit to MINT museum has to be the enamel sign gallery, the Alice Doll by Farnell, the Mickey Mouse Hurdy Gurdy and a whole bunch of other characters, childhood favorites and collectables. Ideal for people of all ages, MINT is a great place to take your kids on their Singapore holiday.
I hope these 10 lesser known attractions of Singapore offer enough food for thought for your next upcoming holiday. In fact, you can even avail some exciting offers on MakeMyTrip and Airbnb with your Citi Cards to book your flights and accommodation for your Singapore Trip. Experience the New Singapore like never before. #WhatsNewThisVacation.
Note: Some of these pictures have been borrowed from wikipedia.org under the Creative Commons License. Each picture has been linked to its respective page on wikipedia.
