Travel

Family-Friendly Singapore Attraction: Explore Real Dinosaur Bones at Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum

Guys! I just discovered a very unique museum in Singapore that you should explore too. Thanks to my brother in-law for bringing me there during my last trip. So if you’re planning your next trip to Singapore and want to explore something beyond shopping and food, here’s one of my favourite finds — the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum. Located inside the National University of Singapore (NUS), this is the country’s first and only natural history museum, and it’s an absolute must-visit if you love science, history, or simply want a unique experience in Singapore.

Walking in, I was immediately drawn to the dinosaur exhibition in Singapore. The museum houses three massive sauropod skeletons, and here’s the exciting part — these are not replicas, but real dinosaur bones that are more than 150 million years old. Two of them even still have their skulls, which is extremely rare. Standing underneath them, I felt like I had stepped straight into a Jurassic era. Another jaw-dropping highlight is the sperm whale skeleton, measuring 10.6 metres long. This whale was discovered off Jurong Island in 2015, and it’s Singapore’s first recorded sperm whale.

But the museum isn’t just about giant creatures. The Heritage Gallery gives you a fascinating look into Singapore’s natural history research, dating back to the days of the old Raffles Museum. Beyond that, the Biodiversity Gallery is packed with specimens of plants, corals, insects, reptiles, and marine life — a true showcase of Southeast Asia’s incredible biodiversity.

For practical details, here’s what you need to know before visiting. The Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM – 6 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM) and is closed on Mondays. Tickets are priced at S$18 for Singapore residents (adult) and S$27 for non-residents (adult), while children, students, and senior citizens enjoy discounted rates. Kids under three enter free, and NUS students and staff get free admission. Entry is based on time slots (10 AM, 1 PM, and 4 PM), but once inside, you can take your time exploring.

What’s exciting right now is the museum’s special exhibition — “A Decade of Discovery” (2025–2026), celebrating its 10th anniversary. It features rare historic collections, a stunning coral specimen from Pulau Hantu, and a commemorative book that dives deep into Singapore’s natural heritage. The museum also hosts fun programs like scavenger hunts, open houses, and even after-hours events where you solve mysteries in the galleries.

If you’re looking for things to do in Singapore with kids, a family-friendly attraction in Singapore, or simply want to see real dinosaur bones in Singapore, the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum should be at the top of your list. It’s educational, fun, and one of the most unique experiences you can have in Singapore.