Top 10 Most Overrated Attractions in Singapore

Overrated Attractions in Singapore

As with most countries, there are certain attractions are just not worth the hype, either being expensive or boring or just not worth your time. We list out the top 10 most overrated attractions that you might want to cut out from your trip to Singapore if you don't have enough time to visit them all.

Supertree Grove structures rising above lush tropical gardens in Singapore at low sun

The Infinity Pool on top of MBS

I know the Marina Bay Sands is amazing and I also know that the swimming pool (otherwise known as the infinity pool) on top of it gives the million dollar view and showcases that you are able to afford that luxury and flex on your social media following. However, beyond that 1 photo or bucket list type, I would not recommend it. First of all, you can only access the pool if you are a hotel guest, which means you have to splurge to get that million dollar shot (and while the hotel is nice, there are other hotels which are comparable and are more easy on your wallet). Next, the pool is really crowded because you are likely not the only one wanting to chill or take that million dollar shot for the gram. All in all, its really not worth it. Trust me - only go if you are willing to spend.

woman in black bikini top sitting on swimming pool during daytime

Singapore Flyer

Like most ferris wheels around the world, it isn't worth it to spend money just to be stuck in a wheel for about an hour. The view gets boring after awhile and you can likely get better views in certain rooftop bars and skydecks. Further, because of the glass, you can only enjoy the view in person and likely the photos might not do you justice due to the lighting and reflection. If you want to enjoy it, please be reminded that you cannot leave or use the washroom during the ride.

Ferris Wheel beside high-rise building during daytime

Universal Studios Singapore

I might get a lot of hate from people that enjoy theme parks but Universal Studios Singapore does not live up to its name at all. Due to the space constraint, the area is small which means that rides and attractions are limited which also means that rides typically have a long queue. I have had foreign friends who have told me that USS is the disappointment of the brand and I can understand why.

If you really want to go, please visit early and hopefully be able to sit the popular attractions first so that you do not have to queue in the late morning or afternoon heat which can be brutal.

Museum of Ice Cream

Do not let the name of this museum fool you. It is not really a museum and while you can get ice cream there, most people feel that they can get better ice cream elsewhere. You can probably spend your time and money better elsewhere as it looks appealing online but typically does not meet expectations.

A pink hallway with archways and neon lighting

Sentosa Beaches

Don't get me wrong - I love Sentosa. However, the man made beaches there are not really the nicest. You cannot surf there and you cannot find many seashells there, giving the impression that it is just a sandy place for you to suntan along the coastline. Further, the waters around Singapore are quite murky and dirty so I would also not recommend swimming there. I would say however, that it is a good place to relax if you just want a place to chill and hear the ocean noises or even play a bit of beach sports (as there are some infrastructure to support these sports and games) but sadly it lacks the environment of a true beach. I would recommend visiting our south east asian neighbours if you want to experience a more serene beach.

a sandy beach with palm trees and umbrellas

Haji Lane

I would not say that Haji Lane is overrated as much as to say that it is basically that it is probably not worth your effort if you are not around the area. It is a bunch of alleys that sell primarily food / clothes and other unique stuff and is known to be a more vibe-y part of town that might appeal to those that like a more hipster vibe instead of the grey corporate environment that is around the area. You can probably walk Haji Lane finish within an hour or so if you are quick and it might be worth a visit if you are looking to visit the Bugis area. If not, your time is better spent elsewhere.

Newton Circus Food Centre / Lau Pa Sat

The Newton Circus Food Centre and Lau Pa Sat are probably 2 of the most touristy hawker centres out there in Singapore. As such, they have earned a little bit of a bad reputation which does not do justice to hawker centre culture. However, this is not to say that all the stalls there are bad, expensive and not worth trying, but you need to be aware of certain stalls that might deal in predatory pricing, tout behaviour or might scam you of your money.

The biggest red flags that stand out are if certain folks 'reserve' a table for you to patronise their stall, which is outside the norm as hawker centres are meant for free sitting. Predatory pricing where the stall only lists items without prices or refuse to tell you the price upfront are also signs that you should avoid them. Although some of these practices have been cleared up, and Lau Pa Sat does have a nice "feel" due to its environment and infrastructure, it is not all bad but if you have visit other hawker centres, my preference would be to avoid these 2 and if you are there, to watch out so that your foodie experience isn't ruined.

People dining at an outdoor night market with city buildings

Singapore Sling

This is not really an attraction per se, but foreign friends always tell me that they are always disappointed after trying our famous local 'alcoholic drink' otherwise known as the Singapore Sling. In particular, the Singapore Sling consists of gin as the base, Benedictine, Grand Marnier, Heering cherry liqueur, pineapple juice, lime juice, Angostura bitters and Club soda with a garnish of orange and a cherry. As a more fruity drink, it is typically more suited for females and does not really give anything more than a mild fruity flavoured gin.

Given the prices that you pay for alcohol in Singapore, I would not recommend paying an extravagant amount for this drink and from what i hear, you can probably pass on it.

River Safari

I am a big fan of the Singapore Zoo, its bird park (otherwise known as Bird Paradise) and its Night Safari. However, its sister safari, known as the river safari is a disappointment. The key attractions of the river safari are the pandas (yes even the cute red pandas) and the boat ride. However, if you are going to splash that amount of money and the effort (as it is all the way in Mandai which is situated far away from town), only visit this attraction if you are visiting the zoo, bird paradise or night safari together. If not, do not visit this attraction in isolation because you will be disappointed and it pales in comparison with the rest.

orange and white 4-legged animal standing on stone

Clarke Quay

Clarke Quay used to be a bustling place with late night bars, pubs and clubs both for our local and foreign friends to enjoy a good evening. However, post-COVID, the place is now a shadow of what it used to be. Although you can still find good food and drinks around the area, the environment is not what it used to be, with your typical Friday night crowd dissipating earlier than usual now. That being said, it is still probably one of the places to be late at night, and if you are around town and need a drink, it can still be nice to sit around and chill along the Singapore river. Just do be careful not to drop in and also be prepared to pay a premium due to the alcohol tax in Singapore.

red and brown boat on river during night time

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