Experience the forgotten tales and hidden gems of Singapore through an interactive outdoor game called Hidden.sg, which combines tech and local archives to create a unique adventure.
Have you ever imagined navigating Singapore’s diverse neighbourhoods not for the mundane routine, but in pursuit of hidden stories and gems? Thanks to Lim Yee Hung, creator of Hidden.sg, this made-up fantasy could be your next real weekend plan.
This innovation is not just an ordinary outdoor game. Born from the aspiration of rediscovering Singapore’s forgotten tales, Hidden.sg combines the novelty of technology and tales form the National Archives to give you a unique, self-guided tour around neighbourhoods like Tiong Bahru, Dakota, and Toa Payoh.
This outdoor game in Singapore uses WhatsApp messages and an AI chatbot to guide you on your adventurous trail, opening up forgotten worlds and charming local businesses right in the heart of the Lion City. Not only does it lead to an immersive and informative gaming experience, but it also offers a splendid opportunity for tourists and locals alike to interact with local businesses and catch a glimpse of the city’s hidden gems.
As thrilling as it is, the game also entails significant economic benefits. The company behind Hidden.sg, Move Technologies, doesn’t simply feature local businesses within the app, but in many cases, they bulk-buy products from these establishments. This innovative dimension of the game contributes significantly to supporting local businesses.
One of the beneficiaries is Tea Chapter, a traditional Chinese teahouse in Tanjong Pagar. According to its director, Mr Lee Fund, the game has significantly increased the visibility and patronage of his teahouse. Tea Chapter experiences around thirty redemptions for teabags and tea eggs from players on a good day.
Ever since its launch in May 2022, Hidden.sg has attracted over 15,000 participants, both locals and tourists. Besides, it’s not just your ordinary recreational game; it’s also a popular choice for companies seeking novel team-building activities.
The game spans across ten intriguing locations including Holland Village, Toa Payoh, Chinatown, and Tanjong Pagar, providing a well-rounded outdoor game experience in Singapore. And the appeal doesn’t stop there; plans are in place to add more areas like One-North, Bras Basah, and Marina Central to Hidden.sg’s vibrant itinerary.
To suit varying preferences, some locations like Seletar Aerospace and the Tiong Bahru-Redhill trail are free to play, while others require a minimum of two participants with a fee of S$25 per person. This thoughtful touch ensures Hidden.sg has something for everyone, regardless of their budget.
And the horizon is looking bright for Hidden.sg and Move Technologies, as they plan to internationalise their concept, envisioning launching similar outdoor game activities in cities like London and Perth.
User reviews about the game are overwhelmingly positive. As one participant expressed on Tripadvisor, “The game is great whether you’re a tourist in Singapore for the first time or you’re a local looking to rediscover the area. I was surprised by cool facts I never knew and hidden gems I never knew existed… occasionally with complimentary gifts too.
Given the success and vast potential of Hidden.sg, it’s evident that digital interaction, mixed with real-life elements, is becoming an integral part of outdoor recreation games in Singapore. The project serves as an impressive model for similar sustainable tourism and economic initiatives elsewhere.
Will you be joining in the next adventure with Hidden.sg? Share with us your favourite outdoor games to play in Singapore.
