What are the best non-touristy things to do in Singapore?

There are a number of alternate activities that you can do in Singapore while staying away from the tourist crowds. Below is a short list of my most recommended non-touristy things to do in Singapore.

Explore an offshore island

Singapore is made up of more than 60 islands and you should visit one of them if you have time to spend. I am not talking about Sentosa Island, which is as touristy as it can get. Hop on a bumboat to Pulau Ubin, where you can find one of Singapore’s last villages or kampongs. While there, make sure to visit the Chek Jawa Wetlands,   one of Singapore’s richest ecosystems where you can find a sandy beach, a rocky beach, a seagrass lagoon, coral rubble, mangroves and a coastal forest!

Shop at a fish port

You may be familiar with the famous Tsukiji Market in Japan. Singapore has its own version at Senoko Fishery Port. If you don’t mind waking up very early, or staying up until early dawn, then you can catch the flurry of activities at the market as early as 3 oçlock in the morning. You can find quality seafood here, which is also supplied to local wet markets, restaurants, and food courts. The best part is you can buy them at wholesale prices!

Browse through a local bookstore

Reading books is a dying hobby in this age of computers and mobile phones. If you are one of those booklovers who get a high from the smell of fresh pages, check out any of Singapore’s local bookstores. I personally recommend BooksActually for its extensive collection of Western and Singaporean literature. If you have kids, there are also good bookstores that carry children’s titles.

Experience farm life at the countryside

If you want to get away from it all, you might want to escape to the Kranji countryside where you can go farm hopping and buy local produce. Drink fresh goat’s milk at Hay Dairies, learn about koi raising at Max Koi Farm, try pond fishing at Hausmann Aquarium, or savor farm-to-table fresh meals at GardenAsia or Bollywood Veggies. There is a quarterly farmer’s market at Kranji so check your schedule if you want to time it with your visit. If you feel a bit more adventurous, you can also go on a self-guided tour through the Kranji Heritage Trail.