Singapore may be one of the world’s most expensive cities, but there are plenty of free activities to enjoy. Here’s an updated list of 100 free things to do, organized by region (North, West, Central, East). We’ve removed outdated spots and added new ones for 2025. Whether you love nature, culture, family fun or unique experiences, this list has you covered – perfect for locals and tourists on a budget!
North, Singapore (1-25)
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve – Explore mangrove boardwalks and observe wildlife at Singapore’s first ASEAN Heritage Park. Keep an eye out for wild estuarine crocodiles and migratory birds like herons and sandpipers hunting in the mudflats at low tide.
Kranji Marshes – A tranquil marshland in northwestern Singapore. Take the rustic trail to the Raptor Tower for panoramic views of the wetlands – it’s especially rewarding at sunrise when mist hangs over the marsh. Bird enthusiasts will love spotting marsh birds and raptors here.
Sembawang Hot Spring Park – Soak your feet for free in the only natural hot spring on Singapore’s mainland. This park features cascading pools of geothermal water at different temperatures. Fun fact: you can bring eggs to cook in the hot spring water at the egg-cooking station!
Woodlands Waterfront Park – A coastal park with a 400-meter jetty, one of the longest in Singapore. Stroll along the jetty for a panoramic view of the Johor Strait – you can even see Malaysia just across the water. It’s a peaceful spot for fishing or watching sunset.
Admiralty Park – Known for having 26 slides in its playground (the most in any Singapore park), from wide family slides to long curving tube slides. This hilly park in Woodlands also has nature trails through mangroves and along a river – a great mix of adventure and scenery for kids and adults.
Admiralty Park | Nicole Ang Sembawang Park – A quiet beachside park rich in naval heritage. Check out the old jetty and battleship-themed playground (complete with climbing structures shaped like a warship). The park’s Beaulieu House (a historic 1910 colonial bungalow) and the calm beach make this a quaint spot to unwind.
Lower Seletar Reservoir Park – A peaceful waterfront park in Yishun. Take a walk on the Heritage Bridge or out onto the zigzag jetty that stretches into the reservoir – popular with joggers in the evening and photogenic at sunrise. There’s a small water play area for kids and informative panels about the area’s fishing village past.
Upper Seletar Reservoir Park – This park boasts a retro Rocket Tower lookout that offers a bird’s-eye view of the tranquil reservoir surrounded by lush forest. It’s a quiet escape where you can sit by the water and possibly spot long-tailed macaques. (The iconic rocket-shaped tower has even been featured in wedding photoshoots!)
Coney Island Park – An untouched island accessible by a short footbridge from Punggol. Expect a rustic experience: casuarina woods, hidden beach coves, and maybe the sight of coastal birds and otters. Tip: the east and west beach areas are beautiful spots for a breezy picnic or sketching if you don’t mind the resident sandflies – cover up or use repellent.
Punggol Waterway Park – A scenic park built along a man-made waterway in Punggol. Four themed zones offer something for everyone: a playground for kids, fitness stations, a picturesque bridge for couples (especially lovely lit up at night), and plenty of lush landscaping. Perfect for an evening stroll or biking (bring your own or rent).
Lorong Halus Wetland – Once a landfill, now an eco-wetland next to Serangoon River. Stroll the gravel paths and boardwalks to see how this area naturally filters water. It’s a serene spot with reeds, ponds, and birds – and it connects to the bright red Lorong Halus Bridge, which links to Punggol Waterway Park across the river.
Punggol Point Park – Head to the Punggol Promenade at the northeastern tip of Singapore. This park has a sea-facing lookout deck and a small beach where you can dip your toes. It’s an idyllic place to watch the sunset over Coney Island and perhaps spot kelongs (traditional fishing stakes) out at sea.
Sengkang Riverside Park – A green lung in the heartlands featuring a constructed wetland. Don’t miss the Sengkang Floating Wetland – a boardwalk that lets you walk over the water amidst aquatic plants. Look out for water birds like purple herons and little egrets. There’s also a fruit tree trail showcasing tropical fruits like starfruit and chiku.
Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park – One of Singapore’s largest urban parks, famous for its naturalized river. Formerly a concrete canal, it was redesigned into a winding stream with gentle sloping banks – you might spot otters frolicking in it! Enjoy open lawns, a duck pond, and two big playgrounds. On weekends, you’ll see families flying kites and practicing tai chi here.
Thomson Nature Park – This newer nature park sits on the site of a former Hainanese village abandoned in the 1980s. Walk the Ruins & Figs Trail to see remnants of old houses and wells being slowly reclaimed by fig vines. The forest here is also a sanctuary for the endangered Raffles’ banded langur (a shy black-and-white monkey) – keep quiet and you might just spot one in the trees.
Thompson Nature Park | hikingthegreenisle.com Lower Peirce Reservoir Trail – Experience an intimate boardwalk trek through mature secondary rainforest. The shaded 900m trail snakes along the edge of Lower Peirce Reservoir and offers views of the calm waters. Look down to see monitor lizards or pond turtles near the water’s edge and listen for the loud cries of cicadas – a refreshing dose of nature.
Upper Peirce Reservoir – A bit off the beaten path, Upper Peirce is worth the detour for its untouched tranquility. The reservoir is accessed via a long road through the forest (popular with cyclists). At the end, you’re greeted by a vast peaceful lake. There are no shops or man-made attractions – just benches to sit and enjoy the breeze, and sometimes monkeys wandering about.
Springleaf Nature Park – A small, charming park along the Upper Thomson area. It’s great for birdwatching – you might see kingfishers, bulbuls, or even colugos gliding between trees. The park has trails through wooded areas and along a stream. History nugget: it’s near the site of the old Springleaf village and part of the former Railway from Malaysia.
Kampong Lorong Buangkok – Step back in time by wandering through Singapore’s last surviving kampong (traditional village). About 25 families still live in wooden houses with zinc roofs here. There’s no admission – it’s a living residential area, so be respectful and stick to walking the main footpaths.
Seletar Aerospace Park Playground – In the Seletar area (once a British RAF base, now an aerospace hub), you’ll find a unique airplane-themed playground dubbed “The Oval.” Kids can clamber on a model propeller plane and control tower slides. The surrounding area is lined with beautifully restored black-and-white colonial bungalows (now restaurants) and open lawns.
Hampstead Wetlands Park – A hidden gem near Seletar Aerospace Park. Tucked behind some industrial buildings, this petite wetlands has a pond bustling with lotus plants and terrapins. A short boardwalk lets you observe dragonflies, kingfishers, and other pond life. There are benches and a bird-hide styled like a small hut.
Yishun Dam – Also known as Seletar Dam, this causeway links Yishun to Seletar. It’s essentially a road, but locals love to park by the dam to enjoy the scenery. On one side, you have the open waters of the Johor Strait; on the other, the calm Seletar Reservoir.
Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery – Singapore’s largest Buddhist temple complex, often called Bright Hill Temple. Wander the grand halls adorned with golden Buddha statues and intricate carvings. The highlight is the 4-story Pagoda of 10,000 Buddhas, which houses a giant Buddha tooth relic stupa and thousands of tiny Buddha images lining the walls.
Japanese Cemetery Park – A serene, historical cemetery in Hougang that holds the graves of early Japanese settlers, WWII civilians, and soldiers in Singapore. It’s surprisingly picturesque – quiet pathways, flowering shrubs, and the iconic arches draped in pink bougainvillea blooms (especially vibrant around April).
Kranji War Memorial – A moving WWII memorial honoring the Allied servicemen who died defending Singapore and Malaya. On the hillside are over 4,400 white headstones perfectly aligned, and the Memorial Walls bear over 24,000 names of those with no known grave.
The Kranji War Cemetery | Janice Loo
West, Singapore (26-50)
Jurong Lake Gardens – Stroll the scenic lakeside boardwalks and tranquil grasslands, then let the kids loose at Forest Ramble, a huge nature playground with 13 different adventure zones (think suspension bridges, climbing webs and slides).
West Coast Park – A favorite among local families in the West. It’s dubbed the “Play Centre of the West” for its mega playground – there’s a pirate ship structure, climbing pyramids, swings, balance beams, and more for various ages. Beyond play, enjoy sea breezes along the park’s beachfront path. Open fields invite kite flying (on weekends you’ll see many colorful kites in the sky).
Haw Par Villa – Arguably the quirkiest park in Singapore, and definitely unique. This outdoor sculpture park (originally called Tiger Balm Garden) has over 1,000 statues and tableaux depicting Chinese mythology, folklore, and moral tales. It’s famed (and maybe a bit infamous) for the “Ten Courts of Hell” diorama which graphically illustrates punishments in the afterlife.
The Green Rail Corridor – Start at the restored Bukit Timah Railway Station (a lovely heritage site with an old platform and a cafe) and head either north or south through lush stretches of nature. Along the way, you’ll encounter the landmark Bukit Timah truss bridge (great for photos) and walk through stretches of secondary forest right in the middle of the city.
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve – Trek to the highest natural point in Singapore! At 163m, Bukit Timah Hill isn’t very tall, but the surrounding nature reserve is a treasure trove of biodiversity – one of the few patches of primary rainforest left. The main path is a steep paved incline (good workout), but you can also take dirt trails that wind past massive heritage trees and even a small cave bunker.
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve | STB Dairy Farm Nature Park – Adjacent to Bukit Timah, this park offers easier trails and a look into Singapore’s past. The Wallace Trail leads you through a forest and past a fenced-off shale quarry that now resembles a cliffside waterfall in wet weather. It’s named after Alfred Russel Wallace, a famous naturalist who worked in the region.
Singapore Quarry – At the far end of Dairy Farm Nature Park, you’ll find a viewing platform overlooking this former granite quarry turned wetlands habitat. Tall cliffs plunge into a deep lake, and you might see turtles surfacing or hear frogs croaking. It’s hard to imagine this peaceful spot was an active quarry up till the 1980s.
Bukit Batok Nature Park – Another old quarry site given a second life. This park in Bukit Batok has a picturesque pond at the base of a quarry cliff – a favorite backdrop for wedding shoots. Well-paved paths meander through secondary forest and up to a lookout point on the ridge.
Little Guilin (Bukit Batok Town Park) – Just a short walk from Bukit Gombak MRT, this park is nicknamed “Little Guilin” for its resemblance to the famous Guilin karst scenery in China. A towering granite rock sits dramatically in a lake, left from when this was a granite quarry.
Clementi Forest (unofficial hiking trail) – Adventurous explorers can venture into Clementi Forest, a sprawling green valley between Bukit Timah and Bukit Batok. It’s not an official park (so enter at your own risk and be prepared for muddy terrain), but it became famous after hauntingly beautiful photos circulated online.
Kent Ridge Park & Canopy Walk – This park played a role in WWII (Battle of Pasir Panjang) – there are informational signs and a small pond where Malay Regiment soldiers made a last stand. Today it’s a peaceful park on a hill with lookout points over the city and sea.
Gillman Barracks – A former British military camp from the 1930s, now transformed into a contemporary arts cluster. The white colonial barrack buildings are now free art galleries showcasing works by local and international artists (galleries usually open afternoons till evening).
Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle – Tucked in Lim Chu Kang, Thow Kwang is home to Singapore’s oldest dragon kiln, one of only two surviving. This long brick kiln (shaped like a dragon’s body) is used a few times a year to fire pottery.
Jurong Eco-Garden – A unique feature is the skygarden tower that gives a nice overview of the surroundings. Because it’s slightly hidden, it’s often very quiet – a little green sanctuary for Westies.
Hay Dairies Goat Farm – Yes, Singapore has a goat farm! Located in the far northwest (Kranji countryside), Hay Dairies is free to visit. Come in the morning (9am – 10:30am) to watch the goats being milked in the milking barn. You can also see and pet the goats in their pens – they have over 800 goats of mixed breeds.
Hay Dairies Goat Farm | pelago.com Chestnut Nature Park – Singapore’s largest nature park, covering 81 hectares on the eastern end of the Western Catchment. It’s split into North and South sections, both open to the public for free. Hike or bike on its well-marked trails – the park is actually the first in Singapore to have separate mountain biking trails (with varying difficulty levels) and hiking trails.
Jurong Central Park – A unique family park across from Jurong Bird Park’s former site. It’s known for its giant board game sculptures – there’s a life-sized Snakes & Ladders playground and a Ludo Garden. Kids can literally hop along numbered board game squares and climb snake structures.
Taman Jurong Art Murals – Explore Singapore’s first residential “Art Gallery in the Housing Estate” at Taman Jurong. Over the years, artists and residents have painted numerous murals on HDB blocks and community spaces here.
Raffles Marina Lighthouse – Visit a real lighthouse in Singapore (yes, we have a few!). At the far western edge in Tuas, Raffles Marina (a country club & marina) has a 12-m tall white lighthouse at the end of their pier. It’s open to the public daily from 8am to 10pm – just let security know you’re heading to the lighthouse.
Pasir Panjang Park (Port Trail) – Opened in 2022, this new park connector runs along the southern coastline where the old Pasir Panjang port used to be. Walk or cycle past maritime-themed installations like old container-esque playgrounds and crane-inspired fitness stations.
HortPark – A 9-hectare gardening hub that’s part of the Southern Ridges. HortPark is essentially a one-stop spot for garden lovers: it has themed gardens you can wander (think edible garden, butterfly garden, vertical greenery displays), and you might catch gardening workshops or community plant sales on some weekends.
Westgate Wonderland – Located on Level 4 of Westgate Mall (next to Jurong East MRT), this is the largest rooftop mall playground in Singapore. It’s free to access during mall hours. The playground’s design is enchanted garden-themed – there’s a huge 10-meter tall treehouse with bridges and slides, giant fake flowers and insects, and a water play zone with jets (bring swimwear or a change for kids).
Chinese Heritage Centre (at Nanyang Technological University) – Venture to NTU in the far west to find this historical gem. Housed in the elegant former Administration Building of old Nanyang University (a national monument), the Chinese Heritage Centre includes a small museum about Chinese diaspora culture.
Science Centre Observatory (Stargazing) – Every Friday night (weather permitting), the Science Centre Singapore in Jurong runs free stargazing sessions. You don’t need a Science Centre ticket – just head to the Omni-Theatre building where the observatory dome is. From 7:30pm to 10pm on those Fridays, volunteers set up powerful telescopes for the public.
Qian Hu Fish Farm – An interesting offbeat attraction in Sungei Tengah (near Choa Chu Kang). Qian Hu is one of Singapore’s largest tropical ornamental fish farms, and it welcomes visitors (with free entry and even a free shuttle bus from Choa Chu Kang on weekends).
Qian Hu Fish Farm
Central, Singapore (51-75)
Merlion Park – Visit the iconic Merlion statue, Singapore’s national symbol – a mythical half-lion, half-fish creature spouting water into Marina Bay. It’s free to visit this park anytime, and you get a fantastic view of the bay area (Marina Bay Sands, the Esplanade, etc.).
Looking guide to make your day easier? Be wowed by impressive views as you tour within Gardens by the Bay and the highlights of the Marina Bay walk that surrounds the dazzling waterfront promenade.
Spectra Light & Water Show – Every night outside Marina Bay Sands is Spectra, a free outdoor light and water performance. Expect fountains spraying 15 meters high, lasers and projections creating floating visual stories, all synchronized to an orchestral soundtrack against the backdrop of the Singapore skyline.
Gardens by the Bay (Outdoor Gardens & Supertree Grove) – While the enclosed Flower Dome and Cloud Forest conservatories require tickets, entry to most of Gardens by the Bay is free. Roam the Bay South outdoor gardens – visit themed sections like the Malay Garden, Chinese Garden, and the cool hidden Web of Life animal topiaries.
Singapore Botanic Gardens – This 163-year-old garden is a lush sanctuary in the city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and it’s completely free to enter. Walk through the Rainforest Trail among 250-year-old trees, visit Swan Lake to spot elegant swans and turtles, and explore the Evolution Garden to travel through plant history.
Fort Canning Park – A historic hill in the heart of the city that’s now a beautiful park loaded with history and art. Paths will lead you to artifacts like the 14th-century Keramat Iskandar Shah (a mysterious old tomb), remnants of a British fort gate, and the underground Battlebox museum bunker (entry to Battlebox is paid, but the park around it is free).
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Fort Canning Park | NParks Mount Faber Park – One of Singapore’s oldest parks, offering sweeping views of the city, harbor, and Southern Islands. Hike up the hill via Marang Trail (stairs starting near HarbourFront MRT) or take a road/trail from the Henderson Waves side. At the top (Faber Peak), ring the Polish Bells of Happiness or take a photo with the mural wall that tells Singapore’s history.
Henderson Waves – This stunning bridge is actually part of the Southern Ridges trail connecting Mount Faber Park to Telok Blangah Hill Park. Henderson Waves is the highest pedestrian bridge in Singapore at 36m above ground, and its wave-like structure made of steel and wood is an architectural marvel.
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum – A majestic four-story Buddhist temple in Chinatown built in the Tang dynasty style. It’s free to enter (just dress modestly). Inside, marvel at the grand hall with a giant Buddha statue and hundreds of smaller Buddhas lining the walls.
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Sri Mariamman Temple – Located just a block away from the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple (in the heart of Chinatown), this is Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple, founded in 1827. Entry is free (remove your shoes). The temple is dedicated to the goddess Mariamman, known for curing illnesses.
Thian Hock Keng Temple – A beautifully restored Hokkien Chinese temple along Telok Ayer Street, and one of the oldest Chinese temples in Singapore (built in 1840). Thian Hock Keng was built without nails, and its architecture – from the stone carvings of dragons to the green tiled roof with phoenix statues – is stunning.
Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple – In the heart of Little India on Serangoon Road, this temple is hard to miss: its entrance gopuram is a riot of color with hundreds of deities, and the interior is equally vibrant. This temple is dedicated to Kali, the Fearsome Goddess (a form of Sri Veeramakaliamman), and many Hindu devotees come to offer prayers.
You can join our Free Walking Tour Little India, start from visiting food stall, temple, and others interesting attractions! Explore a revered Hindu temple, gaining insights into the religion and observing sacred rites. Delve into the heart of the precinct, where the most colourful and exciting festivals are held and sample authentic Indian snacks and sweets.
Sultan Mosque (Masjid Sultan) – The grand mosque of Kampong Glam, with its massive golden domes and four minarets, is an important landmark and center of Singapore’s Muslim community. Non-worshippers can visit outside of prayer times – there are friendly guides who may show you around for free.
Haji Lane & Kampong Glam Street Art – Kampong Glam’s hippest alley, Haji Lane, is completely free to explore (though you might end up tempted by the indie boutiques!). It’s famous for vibrant street art murals on building walls. Look out for the giant psychedelic mural on the side of the Mexican bar, the colorful abstract on Pizza Fabbrica’s wall, or the Arabic calligraphy-influenced pieces near the Malay Heritage Centre.
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Orchard Road Heritage Trail – Orchard Road isn’t just shopping – it has hidden heritage if you look! This self-guided trail (maps available online or via QR codes on informational panels along Orchard) will point out spots like the last pepper farm wall (a remnant from when Orchard was plantations), the site of the original Tiger Balm building, and the history behind landmarks like Orchard Fountain Corner.
Singapore River Walk (Boat Quay to Clarke Quay) – A lovely way to spend an evening (or day) is walking along the Singapore River. Start from the Raffles Landing Site (where Sir Stamford Raffles is said to have first landed – there’s a white statue of him) near the Asian Civilisations Museum, then go upriver.
Singapore River Tiong Bahru Heritage Trail – Tiong Bahru is one of Singapore’s oldest residential estates, built in the 1930s, and wandering here feels like stepping back in time. The low-rise Streamline Moderne (Art Deco) flats with curving balconies and spiral staircases are very distinctive.
Marina Barrage – A modern engineering feat turned recreational area. The Marina Barrage is a dam built at Marina Channel to form Singapore’s first freshwater reservoir in the city. Check out the sustainable Singapore Gallery on the ground floor – a small free gallery explaining water management and sustainability.
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay – Nicknamed “the Durian” for its spiky twin domes, the Esplanade isn’t just a performing arts venue – it also offers plenty of free art to soak in. Step inside the main foyer: there are often free art exhibitions in the Esplanade Concourse or Gallery spaces. But the big draw is the free performances under the Esplanade’s Roof and in the Concourse.
Orchard Central Rooftop Garden – Amidst the shopping madness of Orchard Road, this rooftop garden is a peaceful escape. Take the elevator to Level 11 of Orchard Central mall and then escalators up to Level 12. You’ll find the Urban Garden – pockets of greenery, a small koi pond, and an art installation or two.
Skyville @ Dawson Sky Garden – Skyville @ Dawson is an HDB (public housing) development in Queenstown that garnered architectural awards. On the 47th floor, it has a public Sky Garden that offers one of the best 360-degree views of Singapore – and it’s completely free. Take the elevator to the top, follow signs to the sky garden, and you’ll step out onto a landscaped rooftop with different viewing corners.
MacRitchie Reservoir Park & TreeTop Walk – MacRitchie is the oldest reservoir in Singapore and a very popular nature park. The reservoir park itself has a nice promenade – you can walk out over the water on a zig-zag bridge near the Amenities Centre and spot huge fish (pacus) or terrapins near the surface.
CHIJMES – Once a Catholic convent and girls’ school in the 19th century, CHIJMES (pronounced “chimes”) is now a dining and entertainment complex – but much of its beautiful architecture and peaceful courtyards remain, freely open to the public. The highlight is the CHIJMES Hall: the former chapel, a gorgeous Gothic-style church building with stained-glass windows and flying buttresses.
Sentosa Island – Free Attractions – Sentosa isn’t all expensive attractions; you can enjoy a good number of things without paying a cent (especially since you can enter Sentosa for free on foot via the boardwalk or by cycling in). Once on the island, head to Fort Siloso: Singapore’s only preserved coastal fort. Entry to the Fort Siloso Skywalk (an 11-storey-high elevated bridge through the treetops) and the fort’s grounds/museum is completely free.
St Andrew’s Cathedral – Located right beside City Hall MRT, this is Singapore’s largest and oldest Anglican cathedral (original structure completed in 1861). It’s an all-white Gothic Revival style building with a tall spire – quite stunning against blue skies. The cathedral welcomes visitors freely when services aren’t going on.
Fountain of Wealth (Suntec City) – Once listed by Guinness as the world’s largest fountain, the Fountain of Wealth is a huge bronze ring supported by four legs, located in Suntec City’s open-air plaza. It’s free to view and has some fun customs associated with it. During the day (at certain times usually in morning and afternoon), the fountain is turned down to a smaller jet, and visitors can walk around the mini-fountain at the center three times while touching the water for good luck.
Fountain of Wealth | Alex Lux
East, Singapore (76-100)
East Coast Park – Singapore’s favorite playground by the sea, stretching over 15km from Marina East to Changi. The park is free and always bustling with activity. You can cycle or skate along the dedicated paths (bring your own wheels or rent from bike shops), set up a picnic under the casuarina trees, or just relax on the sandy beach.
Coastal PlayGrove (at East Coast Park) – This is ECP’s newest star attraction for families, on the former Big Splash site. Opened in 2021, it sports a 4-story vertical playground structure that is Singapore’s tallest outdoor play feature. Kids can climb up netted towers (resembling a kelong structure), then whoosh down long tube slides – the longest slide is on the 4th floor and only for those 1.3m and taller.
Changi Beach Park – One of Singapore’s oldest coastal parks, Changi Beach has kept a more kampong vibe compared to East Coast Park. It’s simpler and quieter, with a long stretch of beach lined by coconut palms and BBQ pits. You can plane-spot here: the approach path to Changi Airport goes right overhead, so every few minutes a jet roars by quite low – thrilling for airplane enthusiasts (the best area for this is near the park’s northern end, around Carpark 1).
Pasir Ris Park – A gem in the East, Pasir Ris Park offers a mix of everything. There’s a huge playground at Area 3 with sections for toddlers and older kids – think castle-like climbing structures, multiple swings, and rope obstacles. The park runs alongside Pasir Ris Beach, which is usually calm; at low tide, sometimes you can see interesting marine critters like starfish or sand dollars on the flats.
Pasir Ris Mangrove Boardwalk – Within Pasir Ris Park (Area 1) lies this tranquil mangrove sanctuary. The boardwalk loops through the mangrove swamp, with sections over water and mud. It’s open to the public anytime. As you wander, you’ll see mangrove trees with their stilt roots, and might encounter wildlife: mudskippers skipping on the mud, crabs (look for the colorful pincers of male fiddler crabs waving around), monitor lizards basking, and plenty of birds.
Pasir Ris Mangrove Boardwalk | Nparks Changi Jurassic Mile – This is Singapore’s largest permanent outdoor dinosaur display, opened in late 2020 as part of the new Park Connector from East Coast to Changi. Along a 1-km stretch, you’ll encounter over 20 life-sized dinosaur statues in a fenced path – from a towering Brachiosaurus peeking over the fence (visible from the nearby airport road, amusing drivers) to a Tyrannosaurus rex breaking through the fence.
Jewel Changi Airport Rain Vortex – Often cited as a must-visit, the Rain Vortex is the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, and yes, it’s free to view. Located in Jewel (the retail complex linked to Changi Airport terminals), the waterfall cascades 40 meters from the oculus of the glass dome down to the basement. By day, natural light creates rainbows in the mist; by night (from 7.30pm hourly), it transforms into a canvas for a light & sound show, with projections and colored lights dancing on the falling water.
Changi Airport Public Viewing Galleries – Aviation enthusiasts or families with young kids might enjoy the simple thrill of watching planes for free at Changi. In the public (landside) areas of the airport, each terminal has viewing galleries. For example, Terminal 1 Level 3 has a Viewing Mall overlooking some gates – you get a close view of aircraft parking and the runway in the distance. Terminal 3 has a viewing area near the food court with large glass panels facing the runway.
Katong & Joo Chiat Heritage Walk – Take a walk through one of Singapore’s most vibrant heritage neighborhoods, rich in Peranakan culture. Stroll down Koon Seng Road to marvel at the famous Peranakan terrace houses – a row of two-storey shophouses painted in an array of pastel colors with ornate tiles and intricate facades.
Tampines Eco Green – This eco-park is a hidden haven between Tampines Ave 9 and 12, not far from Tampines town. What’s unique: it’s designed to be as natural as possible – there are no lights (so it’s only open 7am to 7pm), no pavements (only grass paths and dirt trails), and even the benches are made from recycled materials. Wander the trails through different habitats: there’s secondary rainforest, a marshland with viewing platforms, and an open grassland.
Changi Bay Park Connector (Changi Bay PC) – One of the newest park connectors, opened in early 2022, it covers the missing link along the northeastern coast, creating a continuous coastal loop. The Changi Bay PC features a series of wooden boardwalks and lookout pavilions built over the coastal waters.
Bay East Garden (Gardens by the Bay East) – This is the quieter counterpart to the main Gardens by the Bay. Located across the Marina Reservoir, Bay East is essentially a large waterfront park with gentle bays and excellent views. The 2km waterfront promenade is perfect for cycling or strolling. The panorama of the Marina Bay Sands, Singapore Flyer, and downtown skyline from across the water is often cited as one of the best photo ops in town.
Geylang Serai Market & Cultural Precinct – For a dose of Malay culture at no cost, wander through Geylang Serai. Start at the Geylang Serai Market building – its architecture is inspired by traditional Malay kampong houses with a sweeping roof. Downstairs is a wet market (with butchers, fishmongers – visually interesting even if you don’t buy), and upstairs is a hawker centre (affordable local eats if you choose, but looking is free).
Loyang Tua Pek Kong Temple – Tua Pek Kong is a popular deity and this unique temple complex in the East (near Loyang industrial area) is fascinating because it’s multi-faith. Entry is free (donations optional). Inside, you’ll find a Chinese Taoist temple area for Tua Pek Kong (with a huge jutting roof and traditional carvings), but also within the same compound: a Thai Buddhist shrine (complete with a reclining Buddha statue and Thai design), a Hindu shrine for Ganesha and other deities, and even a small Muslim keramat (shrine) area.
Johore Battery – Tucked away near Changi (off Cosford Road) is this lesser-known WWII site. The Johore Battery was a coastal artillery battery with three massive 15-inch guns installed by the British to defend against naval attacks. The site today has a life-size replica of one of those guns – and it’s huge, the barrel alone is about 16 meters long! You can actually climb up on the platform.
Johore Battery | Heng How N Bedok Reservoir Park – Built around a converted sand quarry, Bedok Reservoir is now a pleasant park in eastern Singapore. Joggers frequent the 4.3 km gravel track encircling the reservoir, but you don’t have to run – a leisurely walk is equally enjoyable. There’s a wooden boardwalk section over the water on the west side that’s nice for photos, and several fishing decks where local anglers cast their lines (no permit needed for fishing here).
Our Tampines Hub (OTH) – This is Singapore’s first integrated community and lifestyle hub – basically a mega community center – and it’s packed with free amenities and things to do. On the rooftop, there’s a 650m running track open to public (with great views of Tampines especially at sunset). Next to it is a huge eco-community garden and even a small skypark with lawns where people chill or exercise.
Xtreme Skate Park (East Coast Park) – If you love skateboarding, blading or BMX, this is the spot to test your mettle – and it’s free for all to use. Nestled at East Coast Park’s Zone F, Xtreme Skate Park is 1.4 hectares of ramps, rails and bowls. It’s designed to international competition standards, with three areas: a combo bowl (with depths up to 3.6m for the daredevils), a street course with steps, ledges, and rails mimicking urban street skating, and a vertical bowl for those high-flying stunts.
Changi Village & Boardwalk – Time seems to slow down at Changi Village on the far eastern end. Stroll through the village: it’s a small cluster of low-rise blocks with a hawker centre, some old-school provision shops, and a laid-back vibe. The Changi Village Hawker Centre is famous for nasi lemak and goreng pisang (banana fritters) – while eating isn’t free, soaking in the local kopitiam atmosphere is.
Pulau Ubin & Chek Jawa (almost free) – For the cost of a $4 boat ride (two-way $8) from Changi Point, Pulau Ubin offers a wealth of free exploration once you’re on the island. It’s like stepping into the Singapore of the 1960s – gravel roads, village houses, coconut groves. Bring or rent a bicycle (rental ~$10, or hike which is free) and roam the island’s trails. Visit the Pekan Quarry for a picturesque lake view with herons often perched by the waters.
Tampines Quarry – Not an official park, but an adventurous free attraction for those who know. Tampines Quarry is a disused sand quarry that has flooded and become a large lake, hidden behind some forest on the edge of Tampines and Bedok Reservoir area. There’s no signboard, but you can enter via small paths from Tampines Ave 10 or Bedok Reservoir Road.
Fire Station Open House – Ever wondered what it’s like inside a fire station? Every Saturday morning, fire stations across Singapore (except the very busiest like Changi) hold Open House sessions from around 9am to 11am. It’s totally free, no sign-up needed – just walk into your neighborhood fire station during that time. The firefighters and paramedics are incredibly friendly and will show you around.
Bonus: Seasonal Festivals and Light-ups – Throughout the year, Singapore hosts various cultural festivals, many of which come with spectacular street light-ups or free shows that anyone can enjoy. For example, during Chinese New Year, Chinatown is adorned with beautiful lantern displays (each year has a zodiac theme – think huge dragon, horse, etc. lantern structures) and nightly street performances leading up to the new year.
Bonus: Public Libraries and Galleries – Singapore’s public libraries are fantastic free resources not just for books but also for unique experiences. For instance, library@orchard (in Orchard Gateway mall) is ultra-stylish with its white curvy shelves and designer decor – it’s photogenic and you can browse fashion and design books in a cool setting.
Bonus: Self-Guided Heritage Trails – Did you know the National Heritage Board has curated heritage trails for many neighborhoods? They provide free PDFs/maps online. Pick a district like Kampong Glam, Toa Payoh, Tiong Bahru, or even Jurong. Follow the trail markers (look out for brown signs or plaques on buildings).
These 100 activities prove that you don’t need to break the bank to enjoy Singapore. From green parks and beaches, to cultural temples and heritage trails, to playgrounds and free performances, there’s a wealth of experiences open to everyone. So grab this list, head out, and discover a side of Singapore that’s rich in fun and adventure – all for free!
Enjoy exploring the Lion City! 🦁🌴🎉
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