5 Unique Places in Singapore That Even Some Locals Don’t Know About

Singapore’s got it all – Iconic skyscrapers, stunning shopping malls, and food that could win hearts across continents. But hey, let’s peel back that shiny, glossy surface and explore a whole different side of the Lion City. Behind the mega-malls and glitzy tourist spots, there are some truly quirky and mysterious places that even some locals may not know about! Ready to go on an adventure filled with surprises, weirdness, and a little bit of history? Buckle up – This is going to be one wild ride through Singapore’s best-kept secrets!

Also read: Top 35 Fun Things to Do in Singapore — Including Free Activities!

1. Tuas Lamp Post 1: The Stickered Shrine to Cyclists

Picture this: You’re cycling through the quiet streets of Tuas, on the western edge of Singapore, when you spot a lamp post plastered with stickers. Seems like just another random pole, right? Wrong! This unassuming street lamp has become the ultimate symbol of joy for Singapore’s cycling community, a perfect example of how a tiny act of rebellion can spark something way bigger than anyone could have imagined.

Let’s rewind to 2014 when a group of cyclists decided to slap a sticker reading “Pedal Until Shiok” (translation: blissful happiness) on this very lamp post. Of course, Singapore being Singapore, they were immediately breaking the law under the Vandalism Act of 1966. Uh-oh. But rather than scrubbing it off, something magical happened: More and more cyclists started flocking to the lamp post to leave their own stickers, marking the end of their long, tiring rides. And guess what? The authorities didn’t rip the stickers off. They let it stay!

By 2021, it had become an official, legalised monument – Singapore’s first lamp post with a personality. Now, cyclists regularly stop by, take photos, and, yes, leave their own stickers (legally, of course). It’s a quirky little slice of rebellion turned into public art, giving the humble lamppost a whole new meaning!

2. Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle: Home of Singapore’s Last “Dragon” Kiln

You know what’s cooler than modern kilns? A dragon kiln. That’s right, a dragon… kiln. This family-run pottery shop near the Nanyang Technological University is home to the last operational dragon kiln in the country, and it’s straight-up fiery.

Dating back to the 1940s, the Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle houses the granddaddy of all kilns – A 27-metre long dragon that hisses and roars like a mythical beast as it reaches temperatures hotter than a dragon’s breath (we’re talking 1,500°C, people!). This kiln was hand-built, brick by brick, to resemble a dragon. It’s so steep that the fire at its head roars with intensity and powers the heat to the back like an unstoppable fiery beast. Talk about a cool way to fire pottery, right?

The kiln is fired up a few times a year for special clay artists and curious visitors who get to witness the beast in action. When it’s not “breathing fire,” the pottery jungle is open for workshops and tours. Trust us, it’s not your typical museum visit. Between learning about the kiln’s history, watching artists at work, and soaking in the funky vibes of their ceramic collection, you’ll feel like you’re in a whole new world. It’s definitely a little ceramic jungle with a LOT of character!

3. The Live Turtle Museum: A Reptilian Wonderland

Move over, cats and dogs – There’s a new pet in town, and it’s… well, it’s turtles. If you thought they were just slow, hard-shelled creatures, you clearly haven’t visited the Live Turtle Museum in Singapore, which hosts over 800 of these slow but steady animals.

This quirky museum nestled in the Yishun neigbourhood is an absolute treasure trove of turtle goodness, featuring over 50 species ranging from the majestic golden soft-shelled turtles to the wonderfully weird mata-mata. If you’re lucky enough, you might even get to feed them – Though don’t be surprised if one nibbles your fingers instead of the veggies you’re offering. No biggie. Turtles gotta eat too!

But here’s the kicker: the museum also boasts thousands of turtle-themed knick-knacks, from ceramic turtles to turtle furniture. If you’ve ever wanted to live in a turtle-filled wonderland, this is the place to be. And since turtles are believed to bring long life and good fortune, who knows? A quick visit might add a few more years to your lifespan!

4. The German Girl Shrine: A Mysterious Tale of Faith and Folklore

Now, let’s talk mystery. On the quiet, grassy island of Pulau Ubin, there lies a mysterious shrine to a German girl whose life story sounds like it came straight out of a spooky folklore book. The German Girl Shrine is located in a tiny yellow hut, where a doll inside a glass case sits surrounded by offerings like nail polish, lipstick, and brushes. Strange, right? But wait – There’s more.

The German girl’s story goes back to the World War I era, when she tragically died on the island. But here’s the twist – She didn’t just remain a forgotten soul. Over the years, locals began to worship her as a Taoist deity, despite the fact she was likely Roman Catholic when she was alive. And what’s even weirder? People from across Southeast Asia make offerings at her shrine, hoping for luck and health.

Though her remains were stolen in the 1970s, her legend lives on. Many locals still believe her spiritual presence is very much alive. Whether you come for the history, the mystery, or the bizarre worship of a foreign girl-turned-deity, the German Girl Shrine is a place full of intriguing, quirky energy that’s bound to make you scratch your head and raise your eyebrows.

5. The Berlin Wall in Singapore: A Piece of History on a Quiet Hill

Yes, you read that right. There’s a piece of the Berlin Wall in Singapore. And no, it’s not a weird replica. It’s the real deal – Two slabs of the original wall, brought here as a gift from Germany to commemorate 50 years of diplomatic ties. These slabs sit quietly at the National University of Singapore, away from the hustle and bustle, on a secluded hillock.

Getting there is an adventure in itself – There are no signs pointing the way, so you’ll need to hunt it down. But when you do find it, the sight of those graffiti-covered slabs is poignant. They’re a quiet reminder of the cost of division, the pain of separation, and the preciousness of freedom. The slabs are covered in pebbles, which might be a tribute to those who lost their lives trying to escape across the wall.

This isn’t your typical touristy spot – It’s a place for quiet reflection, an unexpected meeting of the old world and the new, and a reminder of the powerful stories that shape our global history.

Singapore’s Quirky Side Awaits

So, there you have it! From sticker-covered lamp posts that become monuments to fiery dragon kilns and a German girl turned Taoist deity, Singapore is a treasure trove of quirky spots that will make you smile, scratch your head, and maybe even pedal until you’re shiok yourself. These hidden gems (yes, we’re going to use the term because, let’s face it, they are) are proof that there’s more to Singapore than meets the eye. 

Also read: 25 Super Cool Buildings in Singapore You Might Not Know About

Next time you’re in the Lion City, put down the shopping bags and take a detour – Who knows what bizarre, magical, or historical wonder you’ll stumble upon?

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