Singapore is often seen as a modern city filled with sleek skyscrapers, luxury shopping malls, and pristine gardens, but there’s also a quirky side to the city-state that makes it stand out. From hidden spots with unusual themes to offbeat experiences, Singapore has plenty of unusual attractions that offer something beyond the typical tourist destinations. If you’re looking to add a little eccentricity to your Singapore adventure, here’s a guide to some of the quirkiest spots in the city.
1. Haw Par Villa
Often referred to as “the most unusual theme park in Singapore,” Haw Par Villa is a fascinating, surreal place that explores Chinese mythology, folklore, and traditional beliefs. Built in 1937 by the creators of Tiger Balm, the park is home to more than 1,000 statues and dioramas, many of which are brightly colored and often eerie.
- What to Expect: The most famous part of the park is the Ten Courts of Hell, a series of life-sized dioramas that depict various punishments for sinners in the afterlife. It’s certainly not for the faint of heart, but it’s a fascinating glimpse into Chinese religious views and cultural history.
- Why It’s Quirky: The vivid and sometimes macabre statues, combined with the out-of-place feel of the park, make it one of Singapore’s most bizarre and unique attractions.
2. The Kinetic Garden at ArtScience Museum
While the ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands is known for its innovative exhibitions, its Kinetic Garden is a hidden treasure that’s especially quirky. This outdoor space features large-scale sculptures that move in response to the environment—wind, sound, and even human interaction.
- What to Expect: The garden is home to sculptures such as the “Solar Wind”, which responds to the movement of the wind. The interactive sculptures are a great example of how art can merge with technology and nature in surprising ways.
- Why It’s Quirky: Unlike most gardens that focus solely on plant life, the Kinetic Garden turns the concept of outdoor spaces on its head by introducing motion and sound to the landscape.
3. The Singapore Flyer – “Wheel of Fortune” Experience
The Singapore Flyer is one of the world’s largest observation wheels, offering spectacular views of the city. But did you know you can book a “Wheel of Fortune” experience, which adds a quirky twist to your ride? For an additional fee, you can have a private “fortune teller” in your cabin, offering you predictions and insights as you soar above the city.
- What to Expect: The experience combines a regular trip around the wheel with a unique fortune-telling session, where a feng shui expert or astrologer reads your fate based on your birth details. It’s a quirky blend of modernity and tradition.
- Why It’s Quirky: The idea of combining a high-tech observation wheel with an ancient practice like fortune-telling is undeniably fun and a little eccentric!
4. The Cat Museum, Singapore (Singapore’s First Cat Museum)
If you’re a cat lover, the Cat Museum in Singapore is a quirky place to visit. Though it started in 2013 as a non-profit organization dedicated to the welfare of cats, it also features exhibits on the history, culture, and symbolism of felines.
- What to Expect: The museum features exhibits about famous cats, art inspired by cats, and even a few live cats from local adoption agencies. You can enjoy artwork, sculptures, and a variety of cat-themed memorabilia.
- Why It’s Quirky: From giant cat murals to the chance to hang out with actual adoptable cats, it’s a playful and endearing museum that’s perfect for cat fans.
**5. Little India’s The Tan Teng Niah House
Among the colorful streets of Little India lies the eccentric and vibrant Tan Teng Niah House, one of the last remaining Chinese villas in the area. Known for its striking rainbow-colored facade, this house stands out in contrast to the traditional architecture around it.
- What to Expect: The house is a visual delight with its bright, contrasting colors. While it’s not open to the public for tours, you can still marvel at its design from the outside, especially if you’re strolling through the area.
- Why It’s Quirky: The vibrant, playful colors of the house make it one of the most Instagrammable spots in Singapore. It’s a quirky, offbeat piece of history tucked away in Little India’s bustling streets.
Conclusion
From eerie ghost tours and strange museums to historic bars and hidden theme parks, Singapore is filled with quirky attractions that are perfect for the adventurous traveler. Whether you’re interested in oddball architecture, supernatural stories, or just a touch of the unusual, these attractions offer something completely different from the typical sightseeing fare. So, if you’re looking for a side of Singapore that’s offbeat and fun, these quirky spots are a must-see!
