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3 Ways to Experience Singapore Differently

Have you visited all the main attractions in Singapore and can navigate the MRT lines like a pro? Can you rattle off a list of your favourite local dishes and the best places to find them? Think that that is all you need to see and do in Singapore? You might be mistaken! 

Even if it’s your third, fourth, fifth or even tenth time to Singapore – here are 3 ways to experience Singapore differently! 

1. Explore the ends of the island

Bumboats docked at Changi Ferry Terminal

And we really mean allll the way to the end! Reaching the edges of the island takes at most two hours by public transport, making it easy to really explore every inch of what this country has to offer.

Head North to Coney Island and rent a bike for a day of leisure bike riding in the rustic outdoors. Or go West with your kids for an educational day at the Singapore Discovery Centre. In the South-West, there is Haw Par Villa – a park built in 1937 based on Chinese folklore and mythology. Or go East and take an old school bumboat to Pulau Ubin, a local island reminiscent of Singapore from the 1960s.

2. Head to the residential neighbourhoods 

Residential buildings in Singapore (Source: TIH) 

Hop on a train and head out to the suburbs where the majority of Singaporeans live. This is where you can fully immerse yourself in the Singaporean culture and really live like a local. Go early in the morning to explore and you might find a local wet market selling fresh fish and meat or elderly men and women practicing tai-chi in the parks.

Roam the neighbourhood and visit one of the hawker centres or smaller food centres (colloquially known as ‘coffee shops’) for a meal. Some neighbourhoods to check out are Jurong East, Toa Payoh, Ang Mo Kio, Bedok, Punggol – all easily accessible by MRT.

3. Visit the school campuses 

Unique architecture on campus (Source: LASALLE College of the Arts)

Singapore’s local campuses are often a sight to behold with interesting designs and beautiful greenery. Relive your school days and soak in the vibrant youthful vibe by visiting the public areas of some local campuses.

Visit LASALLE College of the Arts, Singapore Management University, National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University to check out the unique architecture of their buildings that also make great backdrops for an Instagram photo.

However, do not enter restricted areas and refrain from disrupting students or researchers doing work in these public areas.

Thinking of where to stay on your next trip? Check out our range of hotels all over the island!