Esther YueSome days, we just wish to do things alone. Maybe we’re introverted, single, or craving some quality time spent in our own company.
No matter the reason, doing things alone can be surprisingly refreshing. But sometimes, it can feel awkward doing so, especially when we go out and find ourselves in a sea of families, couples, and groups of friends. We can empathise because we’ve experienced this, too! And so, this article lists some of the best things to do in Singapore alone that are truly enjoyable and not-so-awkward for introverts, singles, and solo travellers exploring the Lion City!
Also read: 15 Best Study Spots in Singapore, From Cafes to Libraries
Best things to do in Singapore alone
1. Hang out with adorable cats at a cat cafe
If you consider yourself a mega introvert who prefers the company of animals to the company of people, hanging out with adorable cats at Singapore’s cat cafes is truly one of the best things to do in Singapore alone. Most cats are quite content with being alone and still appreciate affection from humans — which means you can enjoy a good deal of personal space at a cat cafe and also have fun playing with cute kitties! Cats make purr-fect companions for introverts.
You can head to NekoTown Cat Cafe, which is one of the most affordable cat cafes in Singapore. Here, you can play with the friendly cats, or chill in a corner while the curious kitties approach you every now and then!
Another introvert-friendly cat cafe in Singapore is Meownistry of Meow, which is a really cool co-working space with cats! You can work, read or study here with moral support from the cute cats roaming around you. Warning: the adorable kitties may be a major distraction!
Also read: 12 Best Themed Cafes in Singapore Worth Exploring
2. Enjoy a relaxing visit to the Asian Civilisations Museum
Image credit: Andrey Khrobostov via Canva Pro
If you’re interested in history and culture, the Asian Civilisations Museum is seriously one of the best places to visit alone in Singapore. This museum is a wonderfully informative place to gain a deeper understanding of Southeast Asian history and culture. Moreover, for architecture enthusiasts, you’ll be enthralled by the museum’s grand and well-maintained interior.
Introverts and solo travellers will absolutely love the Asian Civilisations Museum because the environment here is calm and quiet. Embark on a therapeutic solo exploration of the museum’s grand exhibits, and immerse yourself in the diversity of Southeast Asia!
TripZilla Tip: There is a cool, vintage-style Motala platform lift you can take inside the Asian Civilisations Museum. See if you can find it!
Also read: 10 Best Art Museums and Galleries to Visit in Singapore
3. Read, recharge, and relax in a tranquil cafe
Image credit: The Book Cafe Facebook Official Page
In busy Singapore, we might sometimes feel burnt out and in need of alone time so that we can recharge. This makes reading one of the most therapeutic things to do in Singapore alone. Never underestimate the power of reading a good book alone while enjoying a drink in a calming cafe environment — this is sure to replenish your energy.
For a quiet, undisturbed time of reading and relaxing, try out The Book Cafe, which is a highly-rated cafe in Singapore known for its beautiful interior design, delicious food, and ultra-comfortable reading environment.
Image credit: The Glasshouse Facebook Official Page
Another good spot to try is Glasshouse @ CHIJMES. This cafe is seriously beautiful — natural sunlight illuminates the woody interior, making the environment perfect for solo reading.
Note: These cafes can get crowded on weekends, so it’s highly recommended that you make a reservation!
Also read: 6 Best Cafes in Singapore to Visit for a Rejuvenating Getaway
4. Embark on a photography trip at Gardens By The Bay
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If you’re looking for a beautiful spot for solo travel, or if photography is one of your favourite solo activities, the iconic Gardens By The Bay is one of the best places to go alone in Singapore!
While there may be lots of people around, you won’t feel awkward by yourself. Stroll around unhurried at your own pace with your camera and soak in the beautiful views. It’s not uncommon to spot locals and tourists relaxing alone at Gardens By The Bay!
You’re guaranteed stunning photos here. Gardens By The Bay is home to the gorgeous Flower Dome, which is home to nine beautiful gardens featuring flora and fauna from nearly every continent. There’s also Cloud Forest, which boasts the famous 35-metre-tall indoor waterfall. For aesthetic, misty photos, we highly recommend you walk along the Cloud Walk and the Tree Top Walk.
5. Keep fit with a session of rock climbing
Image credit: Climb Central Singapore Instagram Official Page
Looking for a fun sporty activity that can be done alone? If you’ve never tried rock climbing before, we highly recommend you give it a shot, because it’s one of the most fun sporty things to do in Singapore alone! Rock climbing is really therapeutic and fun to do by yourself as you can channel all your focus and energy towards conquering the rock wall in front of you, without needing to talk to anyone!
Not sure where to rock-climb? Consider heading to Climb Central, an indoor climbing gym in Singapore that has many accessible outlets. Climb Central’s gyms offer a very good range of rock walls that cater to both beginners and advanced climbers.
If you’re afraid of falling off the wall and getting injured, try the auto-belay walls — this involves climbing a rock wall while secured by an automatic safety harness, so you won’t free-fall even if you slip! Best of all, you don’t even need a partner to climb the auto-belay walls, so you can work out and enjoy your alone time in peace.
Note: If it’s your first time climbing, don’t be afraid to approach the friendly staff for climbing tips or assistance with your safety harness!
6. Do some shopping at Singapore’s best malls
Image credit: VivoCity Official Website
Solo shopping is underrated. Sometimes, when we shop with others, we spend a lot of time walking around trying to find everything on everyone’s shopping lists. But shopping alone allows you to make the best use of your time outside to buy exactly what you’re looking for, making it one of the best things to do in Singapore alone!
Singapore has many amazing shopping malls you can choose from. For solo shoppers, we’ll recommend VivoCity. Ask any local, and they’ll tell you that VivoCity offers a fantastic range of retail stores. Furthermore, VivoCity is right next to Sentosa Harbour, so you can exit the mall and admire the gorgeous view if you get tired of shopping!
Image credit: Singapore Tourism Board Official Website
Another good mall for solo shopping is JEWEL Changi Airport, which stands out as a vibrant, fun place to go alone in Singapore. On top of a wide selection of retail stores, JEWEL is full of aesthetic attractions and gorgeous photo-taking spots that you can enjoy even without a companion, which makes it an amazing spot for solo travel in Singapore. If you need a break from shopping, head to the beautiful HSBC Rain Vortex — you can sit here and enjoy the cool mist coming from the waterfall!
7. Enjoy some window shopping at The Shoppes @ Marina Bay Sands
Image credit: Chris Putnam via Canva Pro
If you don’t have anything to buy in particular and just want to admire items on display, window shopping is a great solo activity to relax. In Singapore, one of the best places to do so is The Shoppes @ Marina Bay Sands.
This mall is a major tourist attraction and is also popular amongst locals. The building boasts an exceptionally cool design — natural light flows in from the roof, and there’s a crystal-blue indoor canal that people can cruise on by taking a sampan ride! Apart from the stunning interior design, The Shoppes @ Marina Bay Sands is also home to a huge range of luxury retail boutiques, so you’ll have lots of pretty items to admire.
Fun Fact: People rave about the amazing smell inside The Shoppes @ Marina Bay Sands, which is scented with a unique perfume! Your nose will be surely blessed here.
8. Get lost in nature at Pasir Ris Park
Image credit: Catherine Poh Huay Tan
If you’re an adventurous soul who loves beaches, trees, and wild animals, exploring Pasir Ris Park is one of the best things to do in Singapore alone. Here, you can walk along the sandy shoreline of Pasir Ris Beach. There’s also an exciting nature trail that will lead you through the Mangrove Forest, Kitchen Garden, and Butterfly Garden.
Pasir Ris Park is overflowing with wildlife. At the mangrove area, look closely and you’re likely to spot the giant mudskipper. The park is also a popular bird-watching site. If you’re patient enough, you’ll find the white-collared kingfisher and the hornbill!
While Singapore has lots of flourishing green spaces, Pasir Ris Park is especially outstanding for solo visitors. Because it’s located in the far eastern region of Singapore, it’s quieter and less crowded than many other local parks. So, don’t worry about running into a lot of loved-up couples and rowdy tourists. You’ll get to explore the lush grounds peacefully while enjoying your own company.
9. Watch a movie in Singapore’s cinemas
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Ever watched a movie with your family and got tired of having to entertain their questions about the plot every five minutes? If you’ve experienced this, you might want to try watching a movie alone. It’s a rather underrated activity that everyone should try at least once in their lives!
While it’s fun to watch movies with companions, there are also many perks to watching a movie solo. You can fully immerse yourself in the plot without getting your main character moment interrupted by comments from your over-excited movie buddies. And watching a movie doesn’t require you to talk to anyone. Thus, watching a movie solo is one of the best things to do in Singapore for singles.
10. Treat yourself to a superb meal
Image credit: City Hot Pot Official Website
Eating alone is a hugely underrated solo activity. It’s an amazing activity for anyone to do alone because it’s so therapeutic. If you’re a picky eater, you can choose the food place that you really like. Alternatively, if you’re a slow eater, you can eat at your own pace without needing to speed up!
If you do wish to eat alone but feel intimidated to do so because you’re worried about receiving curious glances from other patrons dining with their friends, don’t worry. The two food places we’re about to recommend are some of the best places to go alone in Singapore for a comfortable time of solo dining.
If you’re craving some delicious hotpot, head to City Hot Pot. City Hot Pot is an extremely solo diner-friendly hotpot joint as it provides many bar counter seats, where you can sit for maximum privacy. Here, you won’t have to deal with the prying eyes of your fellow patrons while enjoying your hotpot!
Image credit: Yakiniku Like Facebook Official Page
For fans of Japanese-style grilled meat, Yakiniku Like is one of the best places to go for some grilled meat alone in Singapore. This joint prides itself for being a “one-person barbecue” that’s perfect for introverted solo diners. Indeed, the entire layout of Yakiniku-Like outlets specially caters to solo diners. You’ll get to enjoy a good deal of privacy dining alone here!
Also read: 14 Free Attractions in Singapore for Budget Travellers
With these amazing things to do in Singapore alone, your next solo outing will be a fantastic time of relaxing, refreshing, and recharging!
Featured image credit: ibreakstock via Canva Pro
