11 Things to Do in Singapore for Bored Tourists

You’ve booked your flight to Singapore, ready for the iconic skyline, the mouthwatering hawker fare, and those dazzling Supertree photos. But what happens when the initial excitement fades, and you’re left wondering, ‘What’s next?’ Honestly, even the most meticulously planned trips can hit a lull. You might find yourself staring at a map, feeling like you’ve ticked off all the must-sees, and a creeping sense of ‘been there, done that’ starts to settle in.

Don’t let that happen! Singapore is a city that constantly reinvents itself, offering a surprising depth beyond the well-trodden tourist paths. We’re not just talking about another stroll through Gardens by the Bay or snapping the classic Merlion selfie (though those are great!). We’re diving into the heart of Singapore, uncovering 11 unique experiences that will ignite your sense of adventure and leave you with stories to tell.

From hidden neighborhoods brimming with local charm to unexpected activities that’ll have you saying, ‘I didn’t know Singapore had this!’, this list is your antidote to tourist boredom. Get ready to ditch the guidebook clichés and discover a side of Singapore that most visitors miss

1. Exploring The Nature Reserve And Parks

If you find it boring, one of the best things to do in Singapore is troll nature reserves and parks. You will probably hear of the famous gardens by the bay, but there are still many different ones to choose from, so you can find one that suits your interests.

For example, if you are interested in birdwatching, you can visit the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. If you want to see some of the rarest orchid plants in the world, you can visit the Singapore Botanic Gardens.

If you are looking for something a bit more adventurous, there are also several hiking trails that you can explore. One of the most popular ones is the MacRitchie Reservoir Trail, which takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery in Singapore.

Those who enjoy the sea can also walk along East Coast Park to get a taste of the beach life in Singapore.

No matter what your interests are, there is sure to be a nature reserve or park that you will enjoy exploring. 

Almost all parks are free for the public to enter except for some.

2. Walking Along The Park Connector Network

The park connector network is a series of green spaces connected by pedestrian and cycling paths. In Singapore, there are over 300km of park connectors.

If you’re bored and restless, go for a walk and see where the park connector takes you. You might find yourself in a beautiful and serene spot that you never knew existed.

You can start from any park and explore the different routes. Along the way, you will see various landmarks and attractions.

One of the more challenging routes in the Southern Ridges connector linking Mount Faber Park to Kent Ridge Park. The route takes you through the forest, HortPark, Telok Blangah Hill Park, and Alexandra Arch.

For a more leisurely walk, you can try the Coastal Park Connector, which starts from East Coast Park and ends at Changi Beach Park.

All the Park Connectors are free to enter.

3. Cycling Around Singapore

Singapore is a relatively small city, so it’s very doable to explore by bicycle. You can cycle around Marina Bay, through the parks, the park connector, or the river, or around the city.
Cycling is a great way to explore Singapore if you’re bored of the usual tourist attractions. It’s also an excellent way to exercise, especially if you’ve been sitting around all day.
There are many different routes to take, and you can go at your own pace. It’s a great way to see the sights and get fresh air.
If you’re not up for a long cycle, you can always rent a bike for an hour or two. Many rental companies are around Singapore, so you can find one near you.

4. Walk Around The Singapore Neighborhoods

There’s nothing quite like a leisurely walk around the neighborhood to get to know a place. And in Singapore, there’s no shortage of neighborhoods to explore.

Each neighborhood has a unique character and charm, from the bustling downtown core to the tranquil suburban enclaves.

I recommend walking around the Singapore neighborhoods if you want to get a gist of how the locals live their daily lives.

Singapore neighborhoods are not always the most exciting places to explore, but they can be if you take the time to walk around and discover all they offer.

From heritage buildings and quaint shops to hidden gardens and local eateries, there is much to see and do if you stroll off the beaten path.

You can explore old and new neighborhoods. For example, Punggol is a new neighborhood with many new malls and facilities, and young families enjoy living there.

Neighborhoods Popular for Tourists

• Tiong Bahru
• Joo Chiat/Katong:
• Tanjong Pagar
• Holland Village

5. Visiting the Heritage Sites

Most people think of Singapore as a dull and sterile country. However, another side of Singapore that is often overlooked is its rich history and culture.

Singapore is a young country with much history and culture to discover. One way to learn more about Singapore’s heritage is to visit some of the many heritage sites around the island.

The Chinatown Heritage Centre is a great place to start, as it tells the story of how Chinese immigrants came to Singapore and how they have contributed to the country.

Other heritage sites include the Little India Heritage Centre, which tells the story of Indian immigrants in Singapore, and the Malay Heritage Centre, which tells the story of the Malays in Singapore.

Visiting these heritage centers is a great way to learn more about Singapore and its history.

The Singapore National Heritage Board website contains a list of all the Historic Sites and National Monuments for you to discover. 

For those planning to visit the Malay Heritage Centre, you will see the amazing street of Haji Lane within walking distance. Many colorful buildings have beautiful wall art and boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants along the street. In the evenings, Haji Lane turns into a funky street with the pub music starting to bang. 

6. Speed Up With Some Go-Kart Racing

Karting in Singapore is an experience like no other. You can race with your friends or family to see who is on top. There are different tracks to choose from, so you can go as fast or slow as you want.
There are races for all levels, so whether you’re a beginner or a pro, you’ll be able to find a race that’s perfect for you.
It is a great way to relieve some boredom and has some fun. It’s also a great workout, so you can burn calories while at it. This is something to consider if you’re looking for things with more excitement.
Karting is relatively expensive, so it might not be suitable if you’re on a budget. Nevertheless, it is still an experience worth trying; karting is a great way to relieve boredom.

• The Karting Arena
• KF1 Karting

7. Try Out the Indoor Sky Diving

Have you always wanted to go skydiving? Whether it’s your first time or just a refresher, iFly Singapore has something for everyone.

Located on Sentosa Island, iFly Singapore, a patented wind tunnel, is one of the world’s largest indoor skydiving wind tunnels. They provide an Indoor Skydiving facility suitable for children as young as seven years old to enjoy the thrill of flying.

With their affordable yet premium indoor experience, they can accommodate anyone from the fear-of-height lover who wants a new perspective.

For first-timers, iFLY Singapore offers a variety of introductory packages that come with professional guidance. You can even take a group lesson if you’re flying with friends.

So if you’re ever feeling bored in Singapore, don’t forget to check out iFly Singapore. They might be able to give you the thrill of a lifetime.

8. Experience Bungee Jumping or Slingshot

If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, why not try bungee jumping in Singapore? You’ll get the same feeling of exhilaration without leaving the city.

Slingshot is an incredible experience for individuals of all ages. It offers a new way to experience, with the straps fitted around your body while on land and then catapulted skyward at high speed 70 meters into the air.

The ride lasts approximately two minutes, and you’ll get some great views of the cityscape while you’re at it.

If you’re looking for the traditional bungee jumping experience, there’s also AJ Hackett over at Sentosa. Do note that the height is 47 meters for this activity.

No experience is necessary, and you’ll be given a briefing on safety procedures before the activity.

9. Island Hopping Around Singapore

Though Singapore is an island, plenty of smaller ones surround the city-state. Most people will probably have heard of the well-known Sentosa, built mainly as a tourist attraction. However, there are still plenty of others to explore.

Just a short boat ride away from the hustle and bustle of mainland Singapore, you can find yourself on a serene and beautiful Pulau Ubin. Go for a leisurely stroll and explore the many nature trails it offers.

Suppose you’re looking for something a little more adventurous. In that case, you can consider visiting Lazarus Island, where you can find some lovely beaches. It is located off the southern coast of Singapore.

St. John island, adjacent to Lazarus, can be reached via a tiny stretch of land linking both.

Some others for exploring include Kusu Island and Pulau Hantu; both have a variety of activities you can do in a group with your family or friends.

10. Catch a Glimpse of the Rare Giant Panda

These creatures are native to China and are one of the world’s most endangered animals. There are only about 600 giant pandas left in the wild. So when you visit Singapore, don’t miss the chance to see the giant pandas over at the River Wonders, part of Mandai Wildlife Reserve.

The 2 adult Pandas Kai Kai (Male) and Jia Jia (Female), arrived in Singapore in 2012 and have lived here since. The giant panda is a notoriously difficult animal to breed. After numerous attempts, Jia Jia gave birth to a little Panda Le Le on 14 August 2021. Le Le has since made a journey back to China in January 2024 to join the conservation program for his species.

Next to River Wonders is the world’s first nocturnal zoo, Night Safari. So do check out this place if you have free time. 

Night Safari is a wholly enclosed nocturnal zoo that is only open when dark. They are different from conventional nocturnal habitats, which reverse the day-night cycle of animals to make them more active during the day.

11. Enjoy Live Music Performances At Esplanade

If you’re looking for something to do in Singapore that doesn’t involve the visit of boring old shopping streets or tourist traps, head down to Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay.

The Esplanade is a great place to enjoy live music performances. This performing arts center is located at Marina Bay. It has a massive range of live music performances happening all year. There is something for everyone in town, from jazz to classical and even pop music.

As the performers give the feeling of passion and energy as they give it, they’re all on stage. There is no better way to spend an evening than enjoying some great live music.