Haw Par Villa, the Cat Cafe, haunted houses and more
While Singapore’s got its fair share of tourist attractions that visitors simply have to see – MBS, Raffles, the Botanic Gardens and so on – there are a few extra things to do that may get overlooked. But it doesn’t mean they’ll be any less fun! Take having a coffee with a cat draped across your shoulders, for example, or staring at over 1,000 mildly disturbing statues from Chinese folklore. Worth an afternoon, we reckon. Presenting some of Singapore’s weirdest and wonderful(est?) things to see and do…
Haw Par Villa
One of the most unique places in Singapore (or, dare we say, the world!), Haw Par Villa has over 1,000 statues, not to mention 150 dioramas, that dramatise and bring to life Chinese legends and folklore. You’ll wander past figures such as Fu Lu Shou, Confucius and the Laughing Buddha, and experience the Ten Courts of Hell and numerous other exhibits. In short, it’s an exploration of ancient times, complete with blood, gore and, er, human crabs. Open daily from 9am-8pm (last admission at 7.30pm) with free admission; Hell’s Museum is open from 10am to 6pm (last admission at 5pm) on Tuesdays to Sundays.
262 Pasir Panjang Road | 6872 2780
Cat Café
This spot is just like any other cute café, except it’s filled with cats. Lots of cats. Enjoy a coffee or bite to eat while friendly cats roam freely around, looking for a cuddle or play. All of the cats here are rescues from local animal shelters. Both outlets of the cafe also offer art sessions where you can unwind and do some painting – the cats are perfect models!
241B Victoria Street Level 3; 392 Upper Bukit Timah Road. 63386815
Planet by Marc Quinn in Gardens By the Bay
This giant sculpture of a floating baby was created by the internationally recognised artist Marc Quinn and was donated to the Gardens for permanent display. It’s a recreation of the artist’s infant son. Why not, for a unique photo opportunity?
31 Marina Park
Syonan Jinja shrine
During the occupation of Singapore during World War II, the Japanese Imperial Army built a Shinto Shrine, the Syonan Jinja, in the forest around MacRitchie Reservoir. It was destroyed by the British forces, but the ruins remain and it was declared a historic site in 2002.
Check out the video above for more info on tracking it down, but be aware that the site is officially closed to the public.
Haunted sites
Fancy a good old fashioned scarefest? Check out one of these haunted sites around town…
The Red House: This house currently remains abandoned and empty and does admittedly look pretty eerie, even in daylight. It’s said that a doll was sighted swinging on a rocking chair, alone in the house. It’s also believed that a pair of stone lions guard the house and stare at whoever attempts to sneak into the compound.
Around Loyang Drive 4
Matilda House: The house is currently fenced up and outfitted with CCTVs. The home, abandoned in the seventies, is said to be occupied by evil spirits, who try to see off anyone who attempts to enter.
21 Punggol Way
Hillview Mansion: Located at the top of Hillview Hill and also known as the Green House. The previous owners were killed in a fire and renovations were never fully completed, due to the belief that evil spirits were lurking in the house. It was demolished in 2004, with only an old gate and a pile of rocks left behind.
Jalan Dermawan
Old Changi Hospital: One of the most popular locations for bold ghost-seeking types. The most famous tale associated with this place is that screams and shadows could be seen and heard around some of the wards. It’s rumoured to be because the Japanese had used these rooms as torture chambers.
Netheravon Road
View Road Hospital: This was a mental hospital in Woodlands that has since been converted into a foreign workers’ dormitory. Some believe that the spirits of the patients trapped here were never able to escape.
Admiralty Road West
For more tips, head to our Living in Singapore section or read about the best things to do in Singapore.
