From the Marina Bay Sands infinity pool and Cloud Forest in Gardens by the Bay to Haji Lane and the Raffles Hotel, there are plenty of Instagrammable moments to be had in Singapore. Fear not though, once you’ve snapped all of the obvious, there are still a slew of stunning spots to scope out. Cameras at the ready, here’s the ‘Grammer’s guide to Singapore’s most photogenic hidden spots.
Museum Of Ice Cream
Singapore’s Museum of Ice Cream was made for the ‘Gram. The bubblegum pink wonderland is home to more than 14 multisensory installations, but the pièce de résistance is the Sprinkle Pool. Effectively a ball pit that replaces balls with giant sprinkles, you can jump in and feel like a human sundae as sprinkles rain down on you. There are plenty of photo ops everywhere you turn, but be warned, you’ll work up a hefty appetite but at least you can refuel with the unlimited servings of ice cream that comes with your ticket.
Central Perk Singapore
Even your most cynical mate won’t be able to resist liking any shots you nab at Central Perk, because let’s face it, there’s an inner-Friends aficionado in all of us. An extremely well-done recreation of the cafe we all know, love and wish was our local, you’ll want to plonk yourself down on the orange tufted couch and give the camera your best Joey impression before ordering up Ross’s Thanksgiving sandwich and Monica’s lasagne and stuffing yourself silly. From giving your best rendition of Smelly Cat behind Phoebe’s keyboard to having a deep and meaningful Rachel and Monica style conversation outside by the Central Perk window, there are loads of other photo ops to check out.
Fort Canning Tree Tunnel
Situated on the edge of Fort Canning Park, the Fort Canning Tree Tunnel is well worth tracking down. For the most dramatic entrance, you’ll want to get there via the subterranean tunnel leading from Dhoby Ghaut Station. You’ll know you’ve arrived when you see a spiral staircase leading up to a waterfall of greenery, with sunlight streaming through tree branches. Once you’re done, spend some time exploring the beautiful nature and history-filled park.
Haw Par Villa
Colourful Instagram backdrops are aplenty at Haw Par Villa, once known as Tiger Balm Gardens. The strange and kooky park was created by millionaire philanthropist and the inventor of Tiger Balm, Aw Boon Haw. Home to over 1,000 statues and 150 dioramas steeped in Asian culture, philosophy, religion and history, the park is perfect for the Gram. It is also home to the world’s first Hell’s Museum. Morbid? Maybe. Gramworthy? For sure!
Former House Of Tan Teng Niah
Tucked away in Little India, the former house of Tan Teng Niah provides a backdrop that’s bursting with cheery colours. Built in the 1900s and restored in the 1980s in its signature red, yellow and green walls, the villa boasts plenty of interesting architectural features. You can create an entire photo gallery here because the house is photogenic from just about any angle; get creative. While you’re in the area, venture through Little India for even more colour—not to mention tasty food.
Joo Chiat And Katong
Hands down one of Singapore’s most iconic and ‘grammable spots, Koon Seng Road in Katong showcases Singapore’s rich Peranakan culture—people who descended from marriages between Chinese or Indian men and Malay or Indonesian women from the Malay Archipelago. This proudly pastel-hued and vibrant neighbourhood is brimming with Peranakan antiques, embroidered and colourful clothing, and mouthwatering Peranakan cuisine. Be sure to make a stop at one of the welcoming boutiques like Rumah Bebe and relish the intricate, passionate handcrafts.
The Rail Corridor
If you’re looking for something different on your next hiking adventure, The Rail Corridor (also known as The Green Corridor) delivers 24 kilometres in its entirety from Tanjong Pagar Railway Station to Woodlands Train Checkpoint. The central section of the track has recently had a facelift and reopened to the public. Stretching four kilometres between two restored truss bridges on Bukit Timah and Upper Bukit Timah roads, the abandoned railway was once a connection between Singapore and the Malay peninsula and careful work has been done to ensure its heritage remains. From the trail you can easily access Singapore Quarry, Dairy Farm Nature Park and Bukit Timah Nature Reserve.
Gardens By The Bay
Before you roll your eyes, hear us out. While Gardens By The Bay might be one of the most popular places to visit in Singapore (and for good reason), there’s a lesser-known secret tucked inside this wonderland of nature-meets-architecture. In the shadow of the Golden Garden, near the Sun Pavilion, you’ll find Victoria Lily Pond which provides the perfect vantage point for a shot of yours truly with the Marina Bay Sands bursting out of the majestic gardens in the background.
Selegie Arts Centre
The Selegie Arts Centre wasn’t always so striking, but these days the bright white building has taken a drastic Instagrammable turn. Adorned with colourful shutters in hues of salmon pink, teal, sunny yellow, royal blue and magenta, the curvaceous building is now home to the Photographic Society Of Singapore. Go figure. For the best shot aim your camera low and shoot from the curved edge.
St John’s and Kusu Islands
If you didn’t think Singapore was the kind of place you could go island hopping, think again. Southern Singapore is dotted with several stunning islands like Lazarus Island, Sisters’ Island, Pulau Hantu, Pulau Tekukor and Pulau Seringat with St John’s and Kusu Island the absolute standouts. Jump aboard a ferry and spend a calming day at sea—flanked by crystal, turquoise waters, it’s the perfect place to bliss out and bank some snaps to your camera roll.
If you're looking for lifelong memories that pack a punch on your ‘gram, be sure to whip out your camera and check out some of the above places. For more info, head to Singapore Tourism.
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