17 Bucket List Challenges Every Singaporean Must Try Before They Die

There’s something about being Singaporean that goes beyond our love for kopi and complaining about the heat. It’s in the way we queue without knowing what’s at the end, how we bargain at pasar malams like it’s an Olympic sport, and how we turn bubble tea into a lifestyle.

Whether you’re looking to rediscover the city through fresh eyes or prove your credentials as a true blue Singaporean, here are 25 fun, meaningful, and sometimes bizarre Singaporean challenges you must try at least once in your life.

1. Ride the G-MAX and GX-5

Whether or not you’re the adrenaline-loving type, ride the G-MAX reverse bungy AND GX-5 extreme swing at least once before you die. If you’re confused about which is which, the G-MAX is the one that catapults you 60 metres high in the air, reaching the speeds up to 100 km/hour, while the GX-5 extreme swing requires a push on a button before releasing the capsule from 50 metres, reaching speeds over 120 km/hour.

It’s one of those Singaporean bucket list challenges where fear meets fun and bragging rights are guaranteed.

2. Volunteer to help our migrant workers

If you grew up attending public school in Singapore, chances are you’ve participated in a CIP (Community Involvement Programme) or VIA (Values in Action) activity. But volunteering shouldn’t end when school does. One meaningful way to continue giving back is by supporting our migrant worker community — an essential part of Singapore’s backbone.

ItsRainingRaincoats (IRR), a local initiative that aims to improve the lives of migrant workers, runs inspIRRe, a welcoming physical space located at 217 Henderson Road. It’s a one-of-a-kind free store where migrant workers can pick up essential items with dignity with no cash or payment required. Volunteers help to manage the store, assist workers during their visits, receive donations, water plants, and lend a listening ear.

3. Complete the Southern Ridges walk

The Southern Ridges trail stretches 9 kilometres, through Mount Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park, HortPark, Kent Ridge Park and Labrador Nature Reserve. It comes as a surprise that some Singaporeans don’t even know the existence of this awesome nature trail! Highlights of the Southern Ridges Walk include panoramic views from Henderson Waves as well as the Forest Walk and Canopy Walk.

TripZilla Tip: When you get to Kent Ridge Park, drop by Reflections at Bukit Chandu, an interpretative centre that commemorates the heroism of those who fought the last major battle in Singapore during WWII.

4. Stay a night at Marina Bay Sands

Though this challenge on the bucket list isn’t exactly pocket-friendly, it is going to be worth every cent. Spending a night in the luxurious Marina Bay Sands will help you understand why it’s every tourist’ favourite. Atop the three hotel towers is its infinity pool which doubles as an amazing sightseeing spot for a breathtaking view of Singapore’s skyline.

5. Strike a genuine conversation with your taxi driver

Most taxi drivers in Singapore make great companions – if you don’t fend off their attempts at making a conversation, that is. Instead of plugging in your headphones or dozing off to sleep, try actively engaging in a conversation with your taxi driver during your next taxi ride.

They’ve got the best recommendations, wildest stories, and surprising insights. You might just get a better story than any tour could offer.

6. Survive a night at Old Changi Hospital

Once a hotspot for ghost hunters, the former Old Changi Hospital is now largely inaccessible — but if you ever find yourself on a heritage trail in the area, the eerie vibes alone are worth a day visit. Just don’t go trespassing!

7. Go island-hopping from Marina South Pier

Island hopping… in Singapore? Yup, you don’t need to bring your passport!

Spend a day island hopping from and discover St. John’s Island, Lazarus Island, Kusu Island and the newly reopened Big Sister Island. Lazarus island is connected to St. John’s island by a bridge and believe it or not, the beaches in Lazarus are pretty gorgeous. Kusu island also has tranquil beaches great for swimming. Other activity options on Kusu island include visiting Malay shrines and a Chinese temple, or even the Tortoise Sanctuary.

Also read: New Things to Do on Big Sister’s Island: Singapore’s Hidden Gem

8. Learn about the afterlife with a visit to Haw Par Villa

Haw Par Villa is hands down the most bizarre park in Singapore. It has over 1000 sculptures, which revolve around depicting absolutely mind-boggling and explicit mythological scenes from Chinese history. The main attraction at Haw Par Villa is its 10 Courts of Hell, showcasing scenes of how reincarnation and retribution were practised based on Buddhist beliefs. A visit to this morbid park is definitely going to leave you horrified yet extremely intrigued at the same time.

9. Watch a Singapore-league soccer match

There’s something incredibly heartwarming about being in a stadium surrounded by fellow Singaporeans, waving flags and belting out chants as our home teams take to the field. Whether it’s a Singapore Premier League match or a fixture featuring our Lionesses, showing up to support local football is a meaningful (and fun!) way to display your national pride.

So grab a friend, put on your red tee, and cheer your lungs out!

10. Kayak through a mangrove forest in Pulau Ubin

Kayaking over 8 km through the mangroves of Sungei Jelutong is bound to bring you to a new level of closeness with Singapore’s wilderness. If you’re lucky enough, you may even spot an otter family along your way! This adventurous challenge will also be an exciting way for you to learn about nature conservation and its importance.

11. Relive kampong days at Kampong Buangkok

The good ol’ kampong days are long gone and it’s a pity many of us Gen Z kids didn’t get a chance to experience living in such a carefree and modest environment. The closest we can get is to make a trip down to Kampong Buangkok, the last authentic village in Singapore that hasn’t been demolished. Bring along your parents or grandparents and take them on a stroll down memory lane.

Also read: 6 Rustic Places in Singapore to Relive the Kampong Days

12. Go Trick or Treat-ing at Woodlands

Woodlands Woodgrove neighbourhood is probably the only neighbourhood in Singapore that celebrates Halloween in such an elaborate and traditional manner. There are many international families residing in this generous estate. Annually, they voluntarily pool their money together and fund necessary permits and candy supplies in order to ensure a successful, fun-filled Trick or Treat party.

13. Bargain at a pasar malam

We all know the prices are flexible. Hone your haggling skills and score that Ramly burger or LED phone case for a steal. Just don’t try it at Orchard Road.

14. Have a staycation at a cool boutique hotel

From Duxton’s modern gems to Joo Chiat’s heritage shophouses, Singapore is full of boutique hotels in Instagram-worthy neighbourhoods. Perfect for a romantic night or just to treat yourself!

Also read: 17 Coolest Staycation Ideas in Singapore

15. Dance the night away at the Siloso Beach Party

You’re never too old to stop partying! Singapore might not be known as a party capital, but we know how to throw one when the time’s right. ZoukOut and the Siloso Beach Party are iconic events worth dancing your flip-flops off for. After all, there is no better way to usher in a new year than with a BANG!

16. Consume an entire durian by yourself in one seating

This is the ultimate challenge for durian lovers. One fruit, one person, one sitting. Don’t call yourself a fan of the King of Fruits until you consume an entire durian, by yourself, in one seating.

Pro tip: brush your teeth immediately after unless you want to clear out a train carriage.

17. Join a random long queue

See a queue? Join it.

Only in Singapore do we see a queue and trust that it’s worth it. Whether it’s for free food, Hello Kitty toys, or a new bubble tea outlet, this is a cultural phenomenon you have to experience firsthand.

Also Read: 21 Things Singaporeans Will Never Experience If They Don’t Travel

Whether you’re born and bred here or a long-time resident, these experiences capture the heart, humour, and hustle of what it means to live in Singapore. So go on — tick off a few, snap a pic, and share the spirit.