Discover Singapore’s hidden gems beyond Marina Bay Sands and Orchard Road

Singapore had 16.9 million international visitors in 2025, a hefty number for a city that is only 745 sq km (288 square miles) in size, but many headed primarily for Orchard Road, Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay, leaving plenty of other attractions to discover for those visiting for a second, third or fourth time.

Rainforest growth

Despite its futuristic cityscape, Singapore is one of the world’s most verdant cities, with more than 40 per cent of its land area covered in greenery. And two recent openings have further sharpened the city’s focus on ecotourism.

Launched in March 2025, Rainforest Wild Asia is the fifth attraction to open in the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, alongside Bird Paradise, Night Safari, River Wonders and the Singapore Zoo. Half zoo, half adventure park, Rainforest Wild Asia directs visitors along jungle-shrouded paths, through the forest canopy on elevated walkways and on guided climbs. A walking trail pierces a 220 metre-long (722 feet-long) recreation of Lang Cave, in Borneo’s Mulu National Park. Throughout, visitors can safely spy on tigers, tapirs, langurs and sun bears – animals that rest and frolic in lush habitats.

Next door and also opened last year is the Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree, with two restaurants and 338 guest rooms, each offering views of either the Mandai Wildlife Reserve or the similarly attractive Upper Seletar Reservoir Park.

Museum to a small yet powerful community