Top Things to Do in Singapore with Insider Tips

Let’s be honest—as Singaporeans, we don’t usually think of our own city as somewhere to “explore.” We’re always chasing flights out, not realising there’s actually a lot left to rediscover right here at home.

Yes, the weather is still humid (we’ve all made peace with it), but there’s something about finding a breezy hidden café or catching golden hour at MacRitchie that makes you appreciate it all over again.

And honestly, if you’re wondering about the best time to visit Singapore for cooler walks or outdoor plans—it’s between December and early March.

Also if you’ve been looking for new things to do with friends, the kids, or even on your own—you’ll be surprised how many offbeat gems are waiting just a Grab ride away.

So if you’re in the mood to reimagine weekends, celebrate differently, or just do something fresh, here’s my personal list of things to do in Singapore—tailored for us, the locals.

1. Celebrate a Birthday with Sharks at S.E.A. Aquarium

If you’ve ever had to plan a kid’s birthday and thought, “Please, not another McDonald’s party,” this one’s for you.

Imagine the look on your child’s face when they walk into an underwater world—surrounded by giant manta rays, reef sharks, and swirling schools of fish.

No balloons needed—the ocean backdrop is the decoration.

The birthday package at S.E.A. Aquarium comes with a guided tour, games, party food, and an exclusive storytelling session.

And yes, there’s cake—served right next to the Open Ocean Habitat. It’s educational, exciting, and honestly… even the adults will be low-key impressed.

📖 What Makes This Birthday Experience Special?

It’s not every day you get to say, “I blew out my candles in front of a shark.” This is a next-level birthday idea that’s fun, fuss-free, and way cooler than the usual indoor playground party.

Perfect for kids who love marine life—or parents who want to do something memorable (without cleaning up confetti at home).

📅 Best time to book: Book 2–3 weeks in advance, especially during school holidays or popular weekends.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Is It Family-Friendly? Definitely. Great for kids aged 3–12. There's space for parents to chill while the kids go wild (in an educational way).

🔥 Pro Tips

✅ Add on the exclusive "Shark Encounter" for an extra wow factor (for older kids or teens).

✅ Parents— if you have, use your RWS Invites discount.

✅ Combine the party with a staycay at Sentosa to make it a full weekend adventure.

2. Glamp in Style at East Coast Park

You know how we always say we want to "get away" but never have time to plan a proper trip?

Glamping at East Coast Park is the answer.

I booked one of those bell tents with fairy lights, proper mattresses, fans, and even a mini table setup—and I’m not exaggerating when I say it felt like a staycay meets beach holiday.

The sea breeze, the sound of waves, the occasional BBQ scent floating by… it was bliss.

In the evening, we played cards under string lights and walked to the nearby lagoon for satay and teh peng.

It had all the charm of camping, minus the actual hassle.

📖 What Makes Glamping Special?

This isn’t your old-school, pitch-your-own-tent kind of deal. Glamping at East Coast Park gives you the “nature escape” vibe with real comfort.

It's perfect for a birthday celebration, a chill couple’s weekend, or even a small family adventure—no passport required.

📅 Best time to book: Cooler months from December to March; book at least 2 weeks in advance for weekends or holidays.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Is It Family-Friendly? Yes—kids love the novelty, and there’s plenty of space to run around. Great for couples too.

🔥 Pro Tips

✅ Bring your own picnic or BBQ gear to level up the evening.

✅ Book a sunrise slot for next-morning kayaking or cycling—it’s gorgeous.

✅ Some setups come with movie screening add-ons—great for special occasions.

3. Walk Above the Jungle on the MacRitchie TreeTop Walk

The moment I stepped onto the narrow suspension bridge, my heart skipped a beat—not from fear, but from awe.

Beneath me, a sea of treetops stretched endlessly, the dense green canopy swaying gently in the breeze.

I could hear the rustle of leaves, distant bird calls, and the occasional monkey chattering nearby.

The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and forest, cool and refreshing compared to the city heat.

The walkway gently bounced underfoot as I moved along, giving a thrilling sense of height.

Up here, it felt like I was floating above a secret side of Singapore—lush, wild, and completely untouched by skyscrapers or traffic.

📖 What Makes MacRitchie TreeTop Walk Unique?

The MacRitchie TreeTop Walk is a hidden gem in Singapore’s urban jungle.

This 250-meter suspension bridge links the two highest points in MacRitchie Reservoir and offers a rare bird’s-eye view of primary rainforest—a one-of-a-kind experience for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts.

📅 Best time to do this: Early morning (before 10 AM) or late afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds. Closed Mondays.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Is It Family-Friendly? Suitable for older kids and active adults. Not stroller or wheelchair-friendly due to steep and uneven paths.

🔥 Pro Tips

✅ Wear proper footwear—the terrain is uneven and hilly.

✅ Bring water, sunscreen, and insect repellent.

✅ Go on weekdays for a more peaceful, less crowded experience.

4. Explore Rustic Singapore on a Pulau Ubin Cycling Adventure

As soon as I stepped off the bumboat, I felt like I had time-travelled.

Gone were the glass towers and traffic buzz—instead, I was greeted by the creak of bicycle chains, rustling palm trees, and the sound of cicadas echoing through the kampong air.

I hopped on a rental bike and pedaled through gravel trails, past wooden houses on stilts, sleepy dogs lounging in the shade, and bright red hibiscus blooming by the roadside.

The pace was slow, peaceful. At Chek Jawa Wetlands,

I parked and walked along the boardwalk, spotting mudskippers and wild boars.

The salty breeze, the muddy mangroves, the calls of distant hornbills—it was raw, untouched, and beautiful.

📖 What Makes Pulau Ubin Cycling Experience Unique?

Pulau Ubin is one of the last places where you can see what Singapore was like in the 1960s.

It’s a true escape from the city, offering a rare look into rural life, nature, and rustic charm—just 10 minutes from the mainland. A true hidden gem in Singapore few tourists venture to.

📅 Best time to do this: Morning to early afternoon on weekdays for cooler weather and fewer crowds.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Is It Family-Friendly? Yes—for older kids and active families. Younger children and elderly visitors can rent tandem bikes or explore on foot near the jetty.

🔥 Pro Tips

✅ Bring mosquito repellent and lots of water—it gets humid.

✅ Wear proper shoes for gravel and muddy paths.

✅ Ask locals for directions to the German Girl Shrine or abandoned quarries for a deeper adventure.

5. Paint with Pendulums at Motion Art Space

I didn’t expect to feel so zen flinging paint around—but here we are.

At Motion Art Space in Arab Street, I traded paintbrushes for a swinging pendulum and let gravity do the work.

It’s part science, part art, and completely therapeutic. You choose your colours, set up your canvas, and release the pendulum—it spins, swirls, and splashes out something totally abstract but somehow still you.

There's also spinning canvases, syringes, and blow-drying techniques if you're feeling extra. No art skills needed, just a willingness to let go (and maybe get a little messy).

Plus, the space is Insta-friendly with minimalist white walls and dried florals—it’s part workshop, part chill-out zone.

📖 What Makes Painting With Pendulums Special?

This is not your average art jamming session.

It’s physics meets expression, and honestly, a pretty fun way to destress after work or bond with friends.

You’ll leave with a one-of-a-kind artwork and a whole lot of unexpected joy.

📅 Best time to go: Weekday evenings for smaller crowds or weekend afternoons for group energy.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Is It Family-Friendly? Yes—for older kids, teens, and creative adults. Not ideal for toddlers due to moving parts and small tools.

🔥 Pro Tips

✅ Wear clothes you don’t mind getting splashed—or use the poncho provided.

✅ Upgrade to glow-in-the-dark paint for an extra trippy effect.

✅ Book the duo package for couples—it makes a surprisingly great date.

6. Kayak Through Hidden Mangroves in Singapore

I used to think kayaking in Singapore meant MacRitchie or maybe Kallang Basin—but this mangrove trail totally changed that.

Tucked away in the quieter corners of Pulau Ubin, the adventure starts with a short ferry ride, then a safety briefing before you paddle off into calm, winding waterways surrounded by untouched mangrove forests.

The water was smooth, the air was earthy and salty, and all I could hear was the splash of paddles and the occasional call of a kingfisher.

We spotted tiny mudskippers along the banks and even a monitor lizard sunbathing on a branch.

It felt nothing like city life—more like a secret National Geographic moment just 30 minutes from home.

📖 What Makes Kayaking Through Mangroves Special?

This is one of those “I can’t believe this is Singapore” experiences.

No concrete, no traffic—just you, your kayak, and the quiet heartbeat of the mangrove forest.

It’s peaceful, eye-opening, and surprisingly accessible even for first-time kayakers.

📅 Best time to go: Morning sessions are best—cooler weather, calmer water, and higher chances of wildlife sightings.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Is It Family-Friendly? Suitable for older kids (ages 8+) and active adults. Not recommended for toddlers or elderly with mobility concerns.

🔥 Pro Tips

✅ Wear water shoes and quick-dry clothes—you will get wet.

✅ Bring a waterproof pouch for your phone or camera.

✅ Book weekday slots for a more peaceful paddle and fewer kayaks in the water.

7. Say Hello to Goats (and More) at Hay Dairies

The last time I saw a goat up close was probably in a picture book—so imagine my surprise when I found myself face to face with one at Hay Dairies in Kranji.

The farm is quiet, charming, and surprisingly therapeutic. We arrived early to catch the milking session (yes, it’s a thing!), then grabbed a pack of alfalfa hay to feed the goats.

They’re cheeky but gentle, and kids absolutely love it.

After that, we browsed the mini farm shop for fresh goat’s milk—available in original and chocolate (the chocolate one is addictive).

The surrounding area has other small farms and garden cafes too, so you can easily make it a full half-day outing.

📖 About Hay Dairies

Hay Dairies is Singapore’s only goat farm—and it feels like stepping into a different world.

It’s educational, hands-on, and a wholesome throwback to kampong life.

Perfect for kids, animal lovers, or anyone needing a break from malls and screens.

📅 Best time to go: Mornings before 10:30 AM to catch the milking session and avoid the heat.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Is It Family-Friendly? Very! Great for young children, families, and school groups. Stroller and elderly-friendly too.

🔥 Pro Tips

✅ Bring a cooler bag if you plan to buy fresh milk—it's not available in supermarkets.

✅ Wear covered shoes (some areas are grassy and muddy).

✅ Check their website for closures before heading down—they’re closed on Tuesdays.

8. Drift Indoors at HyperDrive’s Electric Go-Kart Arena

If you’ve ever dreamed of being in Fast & Furious (minus the traffic police), HyperDrive at Sentosa is your new playground.

It’s Singapore’s first-ever indoor electric go-kart arena—and not gonna lie, it’s seriously cool.

The track has neon lights, sleek turns, and a second-level loop that makes you feel like you're racing in a video game.

I signed up for a few rounds with friends, and within minutes, we were zipping through the course, trying to out-drift each other Mario Kart–style.

The karts are fully electric, so there’s no petrol smell—just clean, silent speed.

Plus, the race data gets emailed to you after, so you can brag about your lap times later.

📖 What Makes Electric Go-Karting Special?

It’s not just about speed—it’s about style. With electric go-karts, LED-lit tracks, and a multi-level layout, HyperDrive brings next-level adrenaline to indoor racing.

And yes, it’s air-conditioned.

📅 Best time to go: Weekdays for shorter wait times; evenings for more energetic vibes

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Is It Family-Friendly? Great for teens and adults. Minimum age is 9 years old and height of 140cm. Not suitable for toddlers or elderly.

🔥 Pro Tips

✅ Wear covered shoes—they’re required to race.

✅ Book online in advance, especially on weekends—it gets crowded.

✅ Use your race stats to track improvement (or trash talk your friends later).

9. Escape to the Countryside at Kranji Sanctuary Resort

If you’ve ever wanted to wake up to birdsong instead of alarms, Kranji Sanctuary Resort is the reset button you didn’t know you needed.

Tucked away in the quiet northwest of Singapore, this rustic retreat is surrounded by farms, greenery, and actual silence (no MRT rumbling, no neighbour karaoke).

I stayed in one of their wooden chalets—simple but cozy, with a front porch where you can sip kopi and just… breathe.

There’s a small koi pond, BBQ pits, and even a track for short strolls.

Best part?

It’s walking distance from Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and just a short ride to spots like Bollywood Veggies or Hay Dairies. It really feels like a mini overseas getaway—without customs.

📖 About Kranji Sanctuary Resort

It’s one of the rare places in Singapore where nature sets the pace. If your idea of a break is quiet mornings, slow walks, and falling asleep to the sound of crickets, this is it.

📅 Best time to go: Weekends for a full staycay vibe; weekdays if you want total peace and fewer guests

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Is It Family-Friendly? Yes—great for couples, families, and even solo staycayers. Just don’t expect city-style luxury

🔥 Pro Tips

✅ Bring your own snacks or meals—nearest eateries are a short drive away.

✅ Visit nearby farms or Sungei Buloh in the morning before it gets hot.

✅ Ideal for short digital detoxes—signal can be patchy, but maybe that’s the point.

10. Experience Art Deco Elegance at Atlas Bar

Walking into Atlas Bar felt like I’d stepped straight into the pages of The Great Gatsby.

The soaring ceilings, gilded Art Deco details, and velvet drapes immediately set the tone—opulent, timeless, and a little surreal.

At the centre of it all was the iconic gin tower, stretching floor to ceiling, stocked with over a thousand bottles glinting in the soft amber light.

I settled into a plush leather seat and ordered their signature Atlas Martini—smooth, crisp, and perfectly balanced.

Soft jazz played in the background, waitstaff moved gracefully between tables, and the room glowed with the warmth of golden lighting and quiet conversation.

It was more than a bar—it was an atmosphere, a performance, an experience I didn’t want to end.

📖 About Atlas Bar

Atlas Bar is a world-renowned gin destination set in one of Singapore’s most visually stunning interiors.

The towering gin library, thoughtful mixology, and Art Deco grandeur make it one of the most iconic and elegant bars in Asia.

📅 Best time to go: Weekday evenings for a quieter vibe; arrive before 7 PM to skip the crowd.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Is It Family-Friendly? No—this is a refined, adults-only venue focused on craft cocktails and quiet elegance.

🔥 Pro Tips

✅ Make a reservation, especially on Fridays and weekends—walk-ins are rarely seated.

✅ Ask the staff for gin recommendations based on your taste—they’re incredibly knowledgeable.

✅ Don’t rush—this is a place to sip slowly and soak in the atmosphere.

Small Island, Big Adventures

Singapore may be small, but the ways to enjoy it—especially as a local—keep expanding.

From drifting in neon-lit go-karts at Sentosa to feeding goats in Kranji, or painting with pendulums in Arab Street to glamping under the stars at East Coast, there’s something deeply refreshing about slowing down and seeing familiar spaces with new eyes.

These aren’t your usual tourist stops—they’re experiences that help us reconnect, recharge, and remember that we live in a city full of hidden gems.

Whether you’re craving a nature escape without a passport, planning a memorable birthday for the kids, or just looking for a new way to spend the weekend, there’s never been a better time to explore your own backyard.