The Central Region has more to offer than you think.
Singapore’s Central Region covers 22 planning areas including the city centre and neighbourhoods like Bukit Timah and Toa Payoh. While it boasts many popular attractions like Bugis Street and Chinatown street markets, there are also several lesser-known places that are well worth a visit.
1. Vintage Camera Museum
Image from Vintage Camera Museum
A stone’s throw away from Victoria Street, the Vintage Camera Museum is a comprehensive showcase of the device’s history. You can’t miss the eye-catching facade of the museum, which is shaped like a gigantic camera. It is home to over 1,000 vintage cameras in perfect condition. Visitors can even try using some of the cameras on display. With smartphones fast taking over the role of cameras, it’s interesting to understand how photography has evolved over the years.
Address: 8C Jln Kledek, Singapore 199263


2. Projector X: Picturehouse
Image from The Projector
Unleash your inner cinephile at Projector X: Picturehouse. The indie pop-up cinema that took over the historic Cathay movie theatre in Dhoby Ghaut screens a mix of cult classics, Academy Award buzz generators and arthouse offerings. Besides a bar and good food that add to the big-screen experience, Projector X is also known to host special events, such as stand-up comedy shows and Halloween parties.
Address: 2 Handy Rd, #05-01, Singapore 229233
3. Pearl’s Hill City Park
Image from NParks
This lush 9-hectare park tucked away on a hill in Chinatown offers a welcome respite from the bustling city crowd. Featuring a lotus pond and sturdy Tembusu trees, the green oasis is built around one of Singapore’s oldest surviving service reservoirs, which is still the main source of freshwater for Chinatown.
Address: Chin Swee Road & Pearl’s Hill Rd, 169879


4. The Intan Peranakan House Museum
Image from Klook
Immerse yourself in Peranakan culture at The Intan, a Joo Chiat Terrace home museum that is a treasure trove of cultural artefacts, from furniture to tiffin carriers to beaded shoes. Owner Alvin Yap personally conducts tours for visitors, where he shares both nuggets about his heritage and culture as well as homemade traditional Peranakan snacks. Visits are by appointment only.
Address: 69 Joo Chiat Terrace, Singapore 427231
5. Tanjong Rimau
Image by hikenseesg on Instagram
Touted as Sentosa’s best-kept secret, Tanjong Rimau is located at the western tip of the getaway island. With just a few lookout points and beacons along the shore, this rocky stretch – also known as Siloso Headland – might seem dull compared to the popular Palawan, Siloso and Tanjong beaches on Sentosa. But the hidden gem is well worth exploring for its various nature spots, such as tidal pools and caves. Sign up for a guided tour to learn more about its ecosystem and the variety of marine wildlife found here.
Address: Western tip of Sentosa Island
