Exotic, futurist and cosmopolitan — these are among the best words that describe Singapore. This tiny nation is packed with surprises. While rooted in tradition, the country is always looking far ahead into the future. People are disciplined, places are clean and the culture is fascinating. These are the very reasons the country receives thousands and millions of tourists every year. If you have been to the country, chances are you have already visited the staples, such as the Merlion Park, Sentosa Island, Marina Bay Sands and the shopping mecca that is the Orchard Road. But there are many other places that you may want to visit this country.
Singapore has a lot of hidden gems and places that are not usually visited by tourists. First-time visitors can even squeeze these destinations into their itinerary if possible. So if you have already booked a room in one of the hotels in Robertson Quay or a fancy hostel downtown, here are some of the other places you may want to visit in Singapore:
Kampong Glam
A testament to the cosmopolitan vibe of the country, Kampong Glam is one place you should not miss out if you are into partying and shopping. The eclectic village is full of people from different nations, and you will never run out of places to shop or eat in. Everywhere is colourful, as seen in the giant murals and painted walls. Among the popular spots here are Arab Street and Haji Lane.
The Southern Ridges Trail
If you are into nature walks and breeze escape, you can visit the Southern Ridges. It is composed of 10 kilometres of trails that connect three parks along the southern part of Singapore. Lush trees surround the trail, and in some spots, you may get a good view of the city. If you are planning to take on the full trail, you may want to wear comfortable shoes and light clothing.
Fort Canning
At the heart of the city, you will find another large park that is a remnant of Singapore’s past: Fort Canning. You can take a breather here and walk around the area to discover how the park was used during ancient times. Fort Canning is also close to the Old Hill Street Police Station, which is popular because of its colourful window frames, and the Central Fire Station. Clarke Quay is also a few minutes’ walk from Fort Canning.
Chinatown
Singapore’s Chinatown is as vibrant as the people who live here. You might have already visited the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum, but there’s a lot of other places to check out. Shoppers can go to Tanjong Pagar Plaza and Chinatown Complex. If you want to enjoy the quaint side of the neighbourhood, go the streets with shophouses. The facades are charming and pretty to look at!
The little nation of Singapore has a lot of big and great things to offer. While some of them are already popular tourist destinations, there remain a lot of places that you still need to visit. These hidden gems may show you the other side of Singapore, which will even help you appreciate the country even more. So before you go, make sure that these spots are in your itinerary.