Weird facts about Singapore that even some locals don’t know about

How much do you really know about Singapore — beyond the Merlion and the Vanda Miss Joaquim? For example, did you know that used to have fast food establishments such as Wendy’s and Taco Bell? Or that Abercrombie & Fitch used to occupy a prime spot in Orchard Road? Or that we used to hang out in record stores like HMV and bookstores like Borders? Ah, the good ‘ol days.

From natural hot spring parks to vending machines that dispense gold bars, here are 15 peculiar facts about Singapore that just might surprise you.

Sembawang Hot Spring Park

Did you know that Singapore has a natural hot spring, tucked away in Sembawang? The Sembawang hot spring park has a peaceful, kampung-like setting surrounded by greenery that allows you to reconnect with nature.

Here, you can soak your feet in a 45°C cascading footbath, or collect hot spring water in your own bucket to cook eggs at a designated station for the real kampung experience. A hidden gem that proves: sometimes, the best way to beat the heat is with more heat.

Waffles in Singapore — and North Korea?

You would never guess that the one thing North Korea and Singapore share would be fried chicken. Waffletown, the spot that serves old-school fried chicken, waffles, and ice cream (plus some local rice dishes now too) at West Coast, has a franchise right in the heart of North Korea too.

To personally taste-test the menu, North Korean representatives even flew into Singapore and went down to Waffletown themselves. So if you’ve ever wanted to try a meal that’s been diplomatically approved by North Korea, head over to Waffletown at NEWest on West Coast Drive.

The fortune behind the Singapore Flyer

More than just a skyline icon, the Singapore Flyer was re-engineered in 2008 to rotate in the opposite direction — based on feng shui advice to bring wealth into the city.

With 28 capsules, each carrying 28 passengers and measuring 280 sq ft, the recurring number “28” symbolises double prosperity in Chinese tradition.

Chewing gum is legal with a medical prescription

Most know gum is banned in Singapore in an effort to keep Singapore clean, but fewer realise that it’s technically legal — with a catch. Certain therapeutic gum brands, like nicotine gum or those for digestive health, can be obtained via prescription from licensed medical professionals and are often sold in pharmacies.

With that said, chewing gum technically is legal — medicinally.

Yakult’s flavours are exclusive to Singapore

Think Yakult is the same everywhere? Not quite. In Singapore, we have exclusive flavours like grape, apple, and orange — a special edition pack of five not available in other countries.

Singapore used to be in a different time zone

Although Singapore geographically falls closer to GMT+7, we follow GMT+8, in sync with Malaysia after a decision to sync clocks in 1982.

This one-hour shift makes early mornings feel darker and tougher, which might explain why waking up for school or work at 7AM can feel especially punishing. A small adjustment with ripple effects, it’s one of the Singaporean quirks that subtly shapes everyday life in the city.

The ‘Lion City’ without lions

Despite being called ‘The Lion City,’ Singapore never had lions roaming its land. Legend has it that Sang Nila Utama mistook a Malayan tiger for a lion, thus naming the island Singapore the ‘Lion City’.

The creature may have been misidentified, but the name stuck as a cherished and remarkable name. Nonetheless, it symbolises Singapore’s strength, pride, and resilience.

National anthem on our $1000 note

Of all places, the entire national anthem is weirdly inscribed on the back of Singapore’s $1000 note — a bill most of us rarely get our hands on.

So the next time you find yourself splurging on something extravagant, you can feel extra patriotic while spending that cash.

Nudity is normal at home

Have you ever dropped by your relative’s place for a planned visit, only to be greeted by your uncle casually lounging around shirtless? A classic Singaporean experience, where the heat can make you question your life choices, home nudity, especially for men, is basically a natural habit.

Whether it’s your dad, your uncle, or a neighbour who always leaves the gate wide open, chances are someone’s walking around in nothing but boxers. Fighting the heat with pure skin-to-air contact, it’s safe to say that they’re fearless against Singapore’s extreme heat.

Did you know you can be reported for being naked — even in your own home? If one’s nudity is visible from a public space, it may be considered an offence. Under the law, being naked in a private place but still in public view can lead to fines of up to $2,000 and imprisonment for up to 3 months.

Long hair was banned for males in the 1970s

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Forget mullets or man buns — in 1970s Singapore, long hair on men was absolutely banned. Spooked by the rise of ‘hippie’ culture, often consisting of long hair, beards, baggy clothes in vibrant colours, the government feared it would lead to drugs, rebellion, and a rupture in society.

To keep things neat and “morally upright,” men with long hair were deemed unrespectable. Men with long hair were treated differently, being denied entry into the country or had their passports confiscated at immigration. The infamous “long-hair policy” was so strict, even international pop acts cancelled concerts in Singapore out of fear for their luscious long hair being sniped.

The backstory of Dhoby Ghaut

Back in the 1930s, Dhoby Ghaut was home to Indian washermen, known as “Dhobis” in Hindi, who were brought over by the British along with Indian soldiers. “Ghat” refers to a riverbank area used for bathing or washing — and thus, the name Dhoby Ghaut was born. Their first settlement was right where Dhoby Ghaut MRT stands today, working tirelessly along a freshwater stream.

So the next time you’re on a shopping spree at Plaza Singapura, remember: this bustling spot was once all about soap and sweat.

Cleaning Ears in Public

It might raise a few eyebrows elsewhere, but in Singapore, it’s totally normal to spot uncles and aunties multitasking in public with cotton buds. Whether on the bus, at hawker centres, or even in the office.

Whipping out the cotton bud is as routine as checking your phone. Sometimes, people even use their bare fingers. If you think that’s all, look down and you might just spot discarded cotton buds in dustbins or scattered on the floor.

Littering feels like a major crime

Try dropping a tissue on the ground in Singapore and watch the gasps roll in — complete with dirty stares sharp enough to cut glass. With dustbins at every corner and a $300 fine imposed, littering here feels like committing a capital offense.

In Singapore, keeping the city spotless isn’t just encouraged, it’s practically enforced by the power of guilt and the fear of being caught. If you’re a dirty fella, litter at your own risk. The locals are watching.

Buy gold bars from vending machines

Forget snacks or drinks — some malls in Singapore feature “Gold ATMs” where you can buy actual gold bars and coins on the spot. Whether you’re looking for a flashy gift or just feeling spontaneous, these vending machines make owning a piece of gold as easy as grabbing a soda.

From fear to F1, the history behind Anderson Bridge

Before becoming part of the world-renowned Singapore F1 Street Circuit, Anderson Bridge had a much darker role during the Japanese Occupation. The bridge was used by Japanese soldiers as a site to display acts of violence, using it as an act of intimidation and control over the local population.

Since then, the bridge has undergone a dramatic transformation. Today, the roar of F1 cars replaces the echoes of wartime, as the Anderson Bridge plays a key role in the electrifying atmosphere of the Singapore Grand Prix.