Off the Beaten Path: Unique Tours Around Singapore

12 February 2026

When you think of Singapore, images of Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, and Sentosa Island probably come to mind. These iconic spots are definitely worth visiting, but if you're someone who craves offbeat experiences, you’re in for a treat.

Beyond the glittering skyline and bustling tourist hotspots, Singapore hides a treasure trove of unique tour experiences. From secret food trails to eerie ghost walks, let’s dive into some of the most fascinating ways to explore Singapore—beyond the usual tourist track.

1. Hawker Food Safari – A Culinary Adventure

Singapore is a foodie’s paradise, but the best eats aren’t always in shiny restaurants. A hawker food safari takes you deep into the heart of local food culture, where generations-old stalls serve up mouthwatering dishes at unbeatable prices.

What to Expect?

- A guided tour through hidden hawker centers
- Tasting local delicacies like Hainanese chicken rice, laksa, and sambal stingray
- Meeting hawker legends who have been cooking for decades

These tours aren't just about eating; they’re a history lesson wrapped in delicious flavors. Whether you’re slurping on a bowl of bak chor mee (minced meat noodles) or crunching into a crispy roti prata, every bite tells a story of Singapore’s rich culinary heritage.

2. Kampong Lorong Buangkok – Singapore’s Last Rural Village

Ever wondered what Singapore looked like before it became a concrete jungle? Kampong Lorong Buangkok is the last standing kampong (village) in the country, offering a rare glimpse into rustic life.

Why It's Special?

- Wooden houses and gravel paths transport you back in time
- A chance to interact with residents who still live a simple village life
- An experience that feels worlds away from the modern cityscape

Guides often share personal stories of the kampong’s history and its fight for survival amidst rapid urbanization. If you want a dose of nostalgia and authenticity, this tour is a must.

3. Pulau Ubin Cycling Tour – Wild and Untamed Singapore

Pulau Ubin is an island paradise that feels untouched by time. Home to lush forests, mangroves, and abundant wildlife, it's a stark contrast to Singapore’s urban landscape.

What Makes It Unique?

- Cycling through charming kampongs and abandoned quarries
- Spotting hornbills, wild boars, and monitor lizards
- Exploring Chek Jawa Wetlands, a biodiversity haven

If you love the outdoors, this trip is a breath of fresh air—literally! It’s like stepping into Singapore’s past, where nature thrives and time slows down.

4. Ghost and Mythology Night Tour – Singapore’s Spooky Side

Think Singapore is all about modernity? Think again. Beneath its orderly streets lie haunted sites, eerie legends, and chilling ghost stories waiting to be uncovered.

What Will You Experience?

- A spine-tingling walk through haunted locations like Old Changi Hospital
- Stories of supernatural encounters and urban myths
- Insights into Singaporean folklore, including tales of the Pontianak (a vengeful female ghost)

This tour isn’t just about scaring you silly; it delves into the cultural beliefs that shape Singapore’s supernatural scene. Who knows? You might just feel a ghostly presence along the way.

5. Kayaking Through Mangroves – A Different Kind of Water Adventure

Forget river cruises and flashy boat rides—how about paddling your way through secret mangroves? The northern coast of Singapore is home to hidden waterways that reveal a different side of the island.

Highlights of the Tour

- Peaceful kayak routes through untouched mangroves
- Getting up close with wildlife like kingfishers and mudskippers
- Learning about Singapore’s fragile ecosystem from expert guides

It’s a workout and an adventure rolled into one. Plus, there's something magical about gliding through still waters, surrounded by nothing but nature’s whispers.

6. Street Art & Heritage Walk – Singapore’s Colorful Secrets

Singapore’s modern image often overshadows its artistic side, but hidden alleyways and back streets tell a different story. A street art and heritage tour lets you peel back the layers of history in vibrant ways.

What’s in Store?

- Walking through neighborhoods like Tiong Bahru and Haji Lane, where murals burst with creativity
- Learning about cultural enclaves—Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam
- Hearing fascinating stories of early immigrants and how they shaped modern Singapore

It’s an Instagram-worthy experience with substance. Whether you’re admiring bold graffiti or century-old shophouses, every corner has a tale to tell.

7. Jurong Fishery Port – A Midnight Seafood Adventure

Waking up at 2 AM for seafood might sound crazy, but at Jurong Fishery Port, it’s a way of life. This is where Singapore’s freshest seafood arrives before sunrise, and a night tour takes you right into the action.

Why You Should Go?

- Witness fishermen unload their catch of the day—everything from giant prawns to exotic fish
- Get a behind-the-scenes look at how seafood is traded in high-energy auctions
- Enjoy a super fresh seafood breakfast at a nearby hawker stall

It’s an eye-opening experience, especially if you’ve never seen what happens before seafood reaches your plate.

8. Hidden Bunkers and War Relics Tour – Singapore’s Forgotten Past

Beyond its modern shine, Singapore has a deeply entrenched war history. This tour uncovers abandoned bunkers, secret tunnels, and hidden war relics from World War II.

What’s Thrilling About It?

- Exploring underground bunkers that few people know about
- Learning how Singapore defended itself during the Japanese Occupation
- Walking through forgotten military structures hidden in the jungle

This journey is part history lesson, part adventure, and fully fascinating. If you love wartime stories and secret places, this tour is right up your alley.

Final Thoughts

Singapore isn’t just a city of skyscrapers and shopping malls. Beneath its polished surface lies a world of hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a history buff, or just someone who loves a good food adventure, there’s something off the beaten path for you. So the next time you visit Singapore, step away from the usual and dive into a side of the city most tourists never see.