5 hidden gems in Singapore offering the most unique activities, such as an exclusive lighthouse tour, stargazing, dining at our only floating restaurant and more

by Sheree Chua

Think fast! When you hear the question, “What to do in Singapore?” dining and shopping are most likely the first things to come to mind.

I won’t blame you as our country’s size is on the smaller side but you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the amount of exciting hidden gems and unique activities scattered across Singapore.

Whether you’re planning to go off-the-beaten-track or simply looking for one-of-a-kind things to do to impress your friends, these unique activities in Singapore are sure to be unforgettable!

1. Dine at Smith Marine Floating Restaurant

Unique Activities in Singapore
Photo: Ziyan Wang/google images

Singapore boasts a fair share of restaurants (let’s be honest, this is an understatement) but a floating one? That’s a rarity.

Smith Marine Floating Restaurant sits on an offshore platform, otherwise traditionally called a ‘kelong’, just out at sea near Pulau Ubin. As you might expect, getting here can be a hassle but it’s all worth it for the seafood you’ll be gulping down later.

Photo: Smith Marine – First Floating Restaurant in Singapore/facebook

So, how exactly do you get here? You’ve to hop on a bumboat from Changi Point Ferry Terminal before enjoying a 15-minute boat ride. There are two ferries every half an hour, with the last ferry departing around 4.30pm.

Photo: D C/google images

Food-wise, look forward to local favourites like Chilli or Black Pepper Crab, Lala Beehoon, Cereal Squids, Seafood Fried Rice, and many more.

You’ll also be glad to know that Smith Marine Floating Restaurant has no GST and service charge, and is halal-certified.

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📍51 Lorong Bekukong, Singapore 499172
🕐 10am–7pm (Daily)

2. Stargaze at Woodlands Galaxy CC Observatory

Unique Activities in Singapore
Photo: Vincent Chua/facebook

I don’t know about you but I love stargazing. There’s just something about looking up at the stars that feels so serene and magical (and definitely belongs in the list of unique activities in Singapore!).

Due to our light pollution, this hobby isn’t the most accessible but Woodlands Galaxy CC Observatory is here to change that — being the only CC to have their very own observatory.

Photo: The Galaxy CC Observatory/facebook

The compound houses an ultra-cool telescope, allowing stargazers and avid astronomers to get a close-up (or, as close as possible!) view of planets, stars and constellations in our universe.

Entry costs just S$1 per person but do note that viewing sessions are only held on Fridays and depend entirely on weather.

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📍31 Woodlands Avenue 6, Singapore 738991
🕐 7.30pm–9.30pm (Fri)

3. Glamping with the Penguins at Bird Paradise

Unique Activities in Singapore
Photo by Bird Paradise

I guess it’s time to take our glamping (it’s essentially luxury camping) up a notch by unwinding with penguins.

Bird Paradise has made this a reality with their Glamping with the Penguins experience, where you’ll get to sleep and party it up in an air-conditioned tent with aquatic creatures.

Photo by Bird Paradise

The programme spans two days and one night, offering a jam-packed itinerary full of exciting activities. Some highlights include the Wings of the World presentation, meet-and-greets with animals, an exclusive Southern Lights showcase, and many more.

Photo by Bird Paradise

Each tent is priced at S$1,699 for up to 4 participants and comes with park admissions to Bird Paradise, guided tours and bird interactions, and lunch at Crimson Restaurant.

Currently, no dates have been announced for Glamping with the Penguins, but there’s a good chance they’ll be available in December!

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📍20 Mandai Lake Road Singapore 729825
🕐 4pm–2pm (the next day)

4. Take a tour of the Raffles Lighthouse

Unique Activities in Singapore
Photo by Lion Heartlanders

We all know about the famous Raffles Marina Lighthouse at Tuas. You know, the one where everyone has photoshoots at?

What if I were to tell you there’s another Raffles Lighthouse in Singapore — tucked away in our southernmost waters? It’s out-of-bounds to the public, so don’t worry if you’ve never heard of it!

Photo by Lion Heartlanders

Looks like luck’s on our side as Raffles Lighthouse is opening to the public, thanks to Lion Heartlanders — the only official tour operator by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).

The 5-hour Raffles Lighthouse Tour includes a guided visit to the Singapore Maritime Gallery, plus activities like a ferry ride around the Southern islands and even our only landfill at Pulau Semakau.

You’ll also have the chance to see a range of ships and vessels up close — great for maritime enthusiasts and a real eye-opener for everyone else!

Photo by Lion Heartlanders

You’ll eventually find yourself face-to-face with the Raffles Lighthouse, where a tour guide will take you through the Heritage Gallery as well. Fun fact: the Raffles Lighthouse was built in 1855, making it one of our oldest operating lighthouses.

The Raffles Lighthouse Tour is happening on just three dates: 28 September, 12 October, and 26 October 2024, with limited slots each month. So, keep your eyes peeled and act fast!

Photo by Lion Heartlanders

Heads up! Adventurers must be 12 years old or older to join the Raffles Lighthouse Tour, and if you’re under 18, you’ll need to bring an adult along for the ride.

Tickets can be purchased here.

The Raffles Lighthouse Tour is part of Lion Heartlanders’ Singapore Maritime Discoveries, which includes five other tours: Singapore Maritime Gallery, Maritime Heritage Tour, Maritime Evolution Trail, Sea Exploration Tour, and Maritime Discovery Expeditions.

Find out more about the programme here.

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📍31 Marina Coastal Drive, Singapore 018988
🕐 12pm–5pm

5. Ski, snowboard, surf, and skate at TRIFECTA

Unique Activities in Singapore
Photo: Trifecta Singapore/facebook

Who says we can’t ski or snowboard in Singapore? We’ve no snow but we can always invent it.

At TRIFECTA, you can hop on their cutting-edge Ski Simulator and feel like you’re cruising down mountain slopes — without the altitude sickness, of course!

Photo: Trifecta Singapore/facebook

And, don’t worry. Their Snowboard Classes are divided into Beginner and Intermediate levels, ensuring you’ll be in the expert hands of a professional.

Photo: Trifecta Singapore/facebook

With their massive facility, TRIFECTA also provides other activities like surfing and skating. The former is performed using their Citywave deep-water stationary surf pool, while the latter is held at their Californian-inspired outdoor skate park.

The best part? TRIFECTA offers flexible ticket pricing. If you’re not ready to commit, opt for their singles pass (from S$60). For those looking to sharpen their skills over the long term, consider their credit packs (from S$390 for a month) or season passes (from S$1080).

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📍10A Exeter Road, #01-01, Singapore 239958
🕐 8am–11pm (Daily)

All these unique activities in Singapore offer thrills, relaxation, or a little bit of both, so they’re perfect for both adventurous and chill folks.

Which adventure will you dive into first?

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This post contains partial partnership content.

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