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2025 marks Singapore's 60th anniversary of independence, and it's a great time to explore the hidden beauty of this island nation. From lush green rainforests to traditional village streets, Singapore offers unique experiences. Beyond familiar destinations like Orchard Road, visitors can find charming, secluded corners. Below are some of the most worthwhile activities to experience in Singapore in 2025.
1. Explore Geylang
Geylang was once known as one of Singapore's most vibrant and culturally rich areas. At its heart is Geylang Serai, home to the largest Malay community food market. It's the perfect place to enjoy goreng pisang (fried bananas) and other traditional dishes. The Soon Thian Keing Temple, dating back to the late 18th century with its magnificent golden tiled roof, is also a fascinating destination for culture enthusiasts. Geylang is further enhanced by its colorful shophouses along Lorong 24A, one of Singapore's oldest streets showcasing traditional architecture. In the evenings, the area comes alive with enticing aromas from its street food stalls.
2. Cycling on the Rail Corridor
The Rail Corridor is a 24-kilometer route stretching from Spooner Road (south of Singapore) to Kranji MRT station near the Malaysian border. It's an ideal route for those who enjoy walking or cycling through nature. Along the way, visitors will encounter Bukit Timah station – a 1932 structure that still retains its nostalgic charm with its train shift levers. Additionally, the route passes through several nature reserves, offering visitors the chance to admire rich vegetation and spot wildlife such as monitor lizards and kingfishers.
3. Visit Bukit Brown Cemetery
Established in 1922, Bukit Brown was the first cemetery for the Chinese community in Singapore. Spanning over 200 hectares, it served as the final resting place for over 100,000 people before closing in 1973. Here, visitors can admire the magnificent tombs of wealthy merchants from the past. Particularly impressive is the tomb of Ong Sam Leong, guarded by statues of Indian guards. More than just a historical site, Bukit Brown is also an "open-air museum" of tombstone sculpture, featuring numerous carvings of dragons, phoenixes, stone lions, and ancient calligraphic inscriptions on tombstones.
4. Take a stroll around Orchard Road
More than just a bustling shopping center, Orchard Road is also an open-air art gallery featuring numerous giant sculptures. Of particular note is the enormous nutmeg sculpture by artist Kumari Nahappan – a symbol reminiscent of the nutmeg plantations of yesteryear. For those seeking a challenge, Trifecta, a newly opened sports complex, offers a wave pool, ski slopes, and skateboarding areas.
5. Explore Pulau Ubin Island
Just a 15-minute ferry ride from the mainland, Pulau Ubin is a pristine island boasting lush primary forests and abundant wetlands. It's also the only remaining kampong (traditional village) in Singapore. Visitors can rent bicycles to explore the island, stroll through Pekan Quarry – a former quarry now a finch sanctuary – or visit Chek Jawa Wetlands, home to many rare animal species.
6. Encounter nature at the Mandai Wildlife Sanctuary
Mandai Wildlife Sanctuary is an ideal destination for the whole family, where you can discover over 21,000 animals belonging to nearly 1,000 different species. Here, visitors can participate in conversations with the sanctuary staff, watch performances, and experience feeding the animals, providing opportunities to get up close and learn more about animal life. Another highlight of the sanctuary is the Mandai Boardwalk, specially designed to be a refuge for native wildlife. Here, you might spot white-bellied falcons, Eastern tree pythons, or Malayan water lizards.
7. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Singapore Grand Prix.
The Singapore Grand Prix is one of the world's most exciting Formula 1 races, taking place on the streets of Singapore. Drivers can lose up to 4kg of body weight due to the harsh weather conditions. If you can't attend in September, you can still stroll or cycle along the legendary race routes, especially the section through City Hall and Marina Bay.
8. Enjoy street food at hawker centers.
Singapore is famous for its hawker centers – food courts filled with numerous stalls offering cheap food and a diverse range of dishes from various cuisines, especially Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Peranakan. These are an important part of Singapore's culinary culture. Besides Newton Food Centre, which was featured in the popular Asian-themed film "Crazy Rich Asians," visitors can visit Seah Im Food Centre to try nasi goreng tom yum, or Lau Pa Sat – a food court located in a heritage building near Marina Bay. A little tip: Place a pack of napkins on the table to reserve your seat, following the Singaporean custom of "choping."
9. Enjoy Peranakan cuisine
Peranakan cuisine is a blend of Chinese and Southeast Asian culinary traditions, particularly popular in Singapore and Malaysia. Characterized by its rich, spicy flavors and elaborate preparation methods, Peranakan cuisine features dishes that reflect the local culture, such as laksa (spicy coconut noodle soup), ayam buah keluak (chicken stewed with buah keluak seeds), and kueh (traditional sweets). Candlenut Restaurant on Dempsey Road, the first Peranakan restaurant to receive a Michelin star, is renowned for its babi buah keluak – a flavorful Iberico pork stew with buah keluak seeds.
10. Explore history at the National Museum of Singapore
As one of Singapore's oldest museums, the National Museum of Singapore is housed in a Neo-Palladian building dating back to 1882. Visitors can learn about the region's history, from prehistoric tools discovered on Pulau Ubin island to colonial-era cultural heritage. A highlight is the "Wings of a Rich Manoeuvre" artwork in the Glass Atrium, with its Swarovski crystal chandeliers that move in sync with the light.
