12 Unique Experiences You Can Only Have in Singapore

You might think you know Singapore. Sure, it’s got futuristic skyscrapers, lush gardens, and a tapestry of cultures coexisting in a symphony of sights and sounds. But are you aware of the exclusive treats that only the Lion City can offer? Buckle up as we zoom through seven unique experiences you can only savour in Singapore. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, food aficionado, or culture enthusiast, Singapore has something extraordinary for you.

1. Meet the merlions: The myths and mouths of Singapore

We start with a creature that you won’t find roaming in any other urban jungle: the merlion! Half lion, half fish, this mythical creature isn’t just an icon; it’s a storyteller. Besides the main Merlion statue at Marina Bay, seek out the lesser-known Merlions sprinkled across the island. Each has its own unique tale to tell about Singapore’s heritage.

2. Order ice cream sandwiches, literally

Who needs a cookie when you can have a slice of bread? In Singapore, the traditional ice cream sandwich is an actual sandwich. Street vendors offer scoops of colourful ice cream enveloped in multi-coloured bread. Flavors? How about sweetcorn, red beans, or even durian? You can’t leave Singapore without biting into one of these frozen treats.

3. Navigate the mangroves on a kayak

Step aside, regular beaches and mainstream water sports; it’s time to get intimate with nature. Paddle your way through the mangrove forests in Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. The dense maze of roots and trees might make you forget that you’re just a stone’s throw away from a bustling city. Observe mudskippers, monitor lizards, and even crocodiles in their natural habitat. It’s a biology class you’ll actually enjoy!

4. Ride the world’s tallest duelling roller coasters

The Battlestar Galactica: Human vs. Cylon at Universal Studios Singapore holds the title for the world’s tallest duelling roller coasters. Pick your side—Human or Cylon—and scream your lungs out as you zoom past each other in a twisted tangle of exhilaration. Perfect for adrenaline junkies, this experience is a roller coaster lover’s dream come true.

5. Explore a WWII bunker by night

Experience history like never before by exploring the Battlebox, a former WWII British underground command center. However, the twist here is that you can opt for a night tour. Traverse the maze of corridors and rooms with just a flashlight as you discover secrets and stories hidden in the dark. It’s a history lesson with a dash of adventure.

6. Take a trishaw ride through cultural heritage

Discover Singapore’s cultural tapestry by taking a trishaw tour through Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam. An experienced “Trishaw Uncle” will pedal you through historical landmarks and hidden cultural gems as you listen to stories narrated via a Bluetooth speaker. Add a dash of nostalgia, and you’ve got yourself a uniquely Singaporean ride.

7. Walk the Southern Ridges canopy walk

Singapore is the ultimate concrete jungle, but it has actual jungles too! The Southern Ridges Canopy Walk is an elevated bridge that lets you stroll among the treetops. Catch glimpses of exotic birds, enjoy panoramic views of the city, and even spot a cruise ship or two as you walk in the sky. Where else can you feel like Tarzan and a cosmopolitan citizen, all at the same time?

8. Play it up at the ArtScience Museum’s digital installations

While you might have been to art museums and science centres before, have you ever seen them blend so seamlessly into one another? At the ArtScience Museum, cutting-edge technology meets artistic vision, resulting in jaw-dropping digital installations. Walk through fields of digital flowers, experience virtual rain, or create your very own virtual sea creature. You interact, and the art reacts. Now, that’s a conversation worth having!

9. Whiff and sniff at the Fragrance Workshop

Get personal with your senses at a fragrance workshop—another unique Singaporean experience. While the city-state itself is a blend of diverse cultures and traditions, why not blend something of your own? Create your very own perfume from a variety of fragrant oils, guided by skilled perfumers. Capture the essence of your trip to Singapore in a bottle—a perfect keepsake to remember your unique journey.

10. Take a bite of Singapore's Michelin-Grade hawker food

You can find Michelin-starred restaurants in several cities around the world, but Michelin-graded hawker food? That’s something you’ll only find in Singapore. Treat your taste buds to world-class cuisine without breaking the bank at Hawker Chan’s Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle stall or Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle. Both stalls have received one Michelin star, making them must-visit destinations for foodies looking for a unique gastronomic experience.

11. Catch the sunset at Pulau Ubin

Pulau Ubin is a small island located in the northeast of Singapore. Unlike the city’s iconic skyline, Pulau Ubin offers a taste of Singapore’s more rustic past. Rent a bicycle and explore the island, pedalling through mangroves, coconut palms, and serene lakes. Time your visit right, and you can catch a breathtaking sunset at Chek Jawa Wetlands. Witness the sky morph through shades of orange, pink, and purple as the sun dips below the horizon—this is pure, unadulterated nature at its finest.

12. Spice up your life with Peranakan cuisine cooking classes

Add a dash of authenticity to your Singaporean experience by participating in a Peranakan cuisine cooking class. Dive into the unique blend of Chinese, Malay, and Indonesian culinary traditions and learn how to cook traditional dishes like “Laksa,” “Ayam Buah Keluak,” and “Babi Pongteh.” With the guidance of skilled chefs, you’ll master intricate flavours and techniques that you can take back home as a delicious memory of Singapore.

Exclusive, Exotic, and Elusive — Uncover it all with DEI

There you have it—12 experiences so Singaporean, you’ll want to jump on the next flight out just to taste, feel, and live each one. The island city-state is a treasure trove of unique activities that embrace its multi-cultural, futuristic, and natural facets.

However, Singapore is not a one-trick pony; it constantly evolves. DEI (Discover Explore Inspire) is your go-to resource for the latest trends, guides, and tips on what Singapore has to offer. From uncovering foodie paradises to guiding you through historical landmarks, DEI keeps its finger on the pulse of what’s hip and happening in Singapore. Whether you’re planning your first trip or your tenth, we have an experience that’s as unique as the 12 wonders we’ve explored today.

So why wait? Ignite your wanderlust and get ready to discover, explore, and inspire in Singapore’s best. Your next unforgettable adventure is just a click away!

Happy travels!