Dieser Imker hat 5 Millionen Bienen gerettet und 18 Nebenjobs
Lern Clarence kennen. Bienenretter. Landschaftsgärtner. Kajak-Guide. Pizzabäcker. Unternehmergeist durch und durch.
If you spend enough time with Seek Sophie host, Clarence, you'll notice a pattern. Every chapter of his life seems to start the same way: he stumbles across something interesting, gets just a little bit obsessed, learns everything he can about it, and then turns it into something other people can experience too.
That's how one rescued beehive eventually grew into one of Singapore's most unexpected experience spaces.
It started with catching bugs
Clarence grew up in the west of Singapore in the 80s, and he was the kid who spent his afternoons poking around outdoors, fascinated by all the little creatures he came across. That curiosity about nature and how things work was something he never quite grew out of.
The same curiosity followed him into working life, just in less obvious ways. He started a business while still in school and sold it to an SGX-listed company in 2019. Then came five years landscaping at Gardens by the Bay, followed by another ten running his own landscaping company. He kept moving from one thing to another, but the pattern stayed the same: find something interesting, get stuck into it, figure out how it works.
Then he found a beehive in his shed
In 2020, a swarm moved into the shed of his rooftop farm. Everyone told him the same thing: get rid of it. Pest control took a long time to arrive. So he grabbed a jacket, a mask and a towel, and tried to move the bees himself. He had no formal training, just YouTube videos to guide him. He got stung plenty that first time, but rather than putting him off, he learnt how to do it again and again.
He learnt how bees behaved, where they liked to build their hives, how to approach a swarm without panicking it, and eventually how to relocate them safely. What started as one unexpected swarm became something he kept learning about in his spare time one relocation at a time.
And the more he understood about bees, the harder it became for him to watch them be destroyed. There was always another way to move them, save the colony and give them somewhere to go.
95% of his callers wanted the bees dead
Bees are responsible for roughly 35% of global crop production, and in Singapore, around 70% of native plants depend on them. Ecologists call them a keystone species: small and easy to overlook, but holding an entire ecosystem together.
Yet around 95% of the calls Clarence gets still start with someone wanting them dead.
Traditional extermination takes about five minutes, but it also kills the entire colony, anywhere from 5,000 to 40,000 bees at once. And Clarence knew he had to start showing up seriously.
He'd relocate the colonies himself, sometimes for free, matching whatever the exterminator would have charged out of his own pocket when his sponsor's funds allowed it. Eventually, he became the appointed bee rescuer for two town councils, called in instead of pest control whenever a resident complained about a hive.
Six years in, he's rescued more than five million bees from condominiums, letterboxes and even the engine of a grounded aeroplane!
His wife wanted a pizza oven. It became a whole business.
Every colony Clarence rescued needed a home, so he built an apiary on the rooftop of his shophouse in Siglap. Then his wife Candice wanted a pizza oven, so he built her one of those too.
When Covid hit and he lost his job as a landscaper at Gardens by the Bay, Clarence saw an opportunity. He already had the rooftop, the bees, the pizza oven, and a growing list of things he was curious about. So instead of looking for another job, he decided to turn the space into an experience centre.
Come meet the bees. Taste the honey. Make a pizza on the roof.
It started there, but of course, Clarence didn't stop there.
One rabbit hole led to another
This is where Clarence's tendency to get completely obsessed with things started working in his favour.
If he became interested in something, he wanted to learn how it worked properly. He'd find people who knew more than him, teach himself the rest, practise until he was good at it, and then think about how someone else could experience it too.
That's how the rooftop slowly grew into a collection of things that, at first glance, don't seem to have much to do with one another.
There was woodfire pizza making, then mangrove kayaking, cocktail workshops and beer brewing. Chocolate making, coffee and brunch. Mini zen gardens and mini treehouses. Rooftop movie nights. Even a magic show!
The list kept growing because Clarence kept discovering new things he was interested in.
He also became an award-winning kayak guide, learning the waterways well enough to take people on off-menu routes that end with a field-cooked lunch on a secret island.
In 2024, the Singapore Tourism Board recognised the whole operation with its Outstanding Tour Experience Award.
“Singapore is a surprisingly unexpected place if you know where to look. I just want to open up the chances for people to explore lesser-known areas, experience nature, get to know bees, and discover new things.”
Then he lost all of it
In 2025, a new landlord took over the shophouse and rent jumped by more than 130%, almost overnight.
The business had always covered its costs and not much more. There was no way to absorb an increase like that, and after five years, Clarence had to pack up everything he'd built on the roof.
He'd seen it coming though. So for two years, he'd been viewing other sites (more than 25 of them!) but none felt right. Then he walked into the Old Bukit Timah Fire Station.
A heritage building, the indoor-outdoor mix he needed, right beside a nature reserve. It was more expensive than before, but still better than what it was at the shophouse. And, by coincidence, it was in the west part of Singapore where Clarence grew up. So he decided this is where he would start again.
Then he did what he does best. Adapt. Survive.
The move cost more than $100,000, on top of rent that was 50% higher than his old place. Clarence took out bank loans and sold loyalty vouchers, and the community that had grown around his experiences bought enough of them to raise five figures towards getting him there.
Then he built the place himself, spending exactly zero dollars on an interior designer.
There are now four themed spaces, each one based on he and Candice's favourite travels: a herb garden, a tropical rainforest, a zen garden and a desert oasis.
Much of the furniture came from dumpster diving, thoroughly cleaned and restored. The planters, trellises, gazebo and even the old soil came across from the rooftop rather than being replaced.
One statement mirror would have cost $9,000 locally, so he sourced it from Malaysia for $3,000 through a glass contact from his old aquarium days, who drove it over himself to install it.
All those years of landscaping turned out to be exactly what the new space needed. Keeping a garden alive indoors under grow lights is a different job from growing one under open sky, but Clarence was figuring it out as he went.
“Last time on the roof, we'd stress every time it rained. Now, rain or shine, no stress.”
The bees love their new home!
The bees came down from the roof and onto the ground floor beside the nature reserve, where it turns out they're doing better than they ever did in Siglap.
Come visit Clarence!
If you only do one Clarence experience, we'd start with the Seek Sophie bee and farm experience.
You'll meet some of the rescued bees, learn what actually happens inside a hive and see the little urban ecosystem Clarence has built around them. Knowing that some of those bees may have arrived because someone once called asking for them to be killed makes the experience rather different.
If bees aren't your thing, there's the Seek Sophie wood-fired pizza experience that began with Candice simply asking her husband for a pizza oven, or you can head out on Clarence's Seek Sophie mangrove kayaking trip.
They're very different experiences, but that's also the point.
You aren't really visiting because Clarence decided one day to build an “experience centre”. You're stepping into all the things he became curious enough to learn properly - bees, plants, pizza, waterways, coffee, building things from scratch! And then somehow found a way to share with everyone else.
The first bee colony started the whole thing. And five million bees later, Clarence is still finding new rabbit holes.
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FAQ zu Singapore
What are the best experiences that aren’t touristy?
To skip the crowds and experience Singapore differently, try this!
✅ Instead of Marina Bay Sands SkyPark → Secret Rooftop at Funan Mall (Free, stunning skyline views without the price tag)
Most people head to Marina Bay Sands for panoramic views, but did you know you can get an amazing skyline view for free? Funan Mall’s hidden rooftop garden offers an incredible perspective of Marina Bay Sands, the Supreme Court, and the Singapore Flyer—without the crowds. Take the lift at Lobby B, and you’ll find a peaceful space perfect for photos, a quiet break, or even a picnic.
✅ Instead of touristy Sentosa → enter Sentosa’s Hidden Rainforest (Spot rare wildlife with a naturalist guide)
Sentosa is beautiful but artificial. If you want to see something real, head into Sentosa’s hidden rainforest. Most visitors don’t realise that Sentosa has patches of untouched jungle, home to rare wildlife like colugos (flying lemurs), pangolins, and exotic birds. A guided walk will take you deep into the forest, where you’ll experience the wild side of Singapore that most people miss.
✅ Instead of Chinatown → Explore Joo Chiat & Katong (Colourful shophouses, rich Peranakan heritage, and amazing local food)
Chinatown is always buzzing with tourists, but for a deeper dive into Singapore’s heritage, Joo Chiat and Katong are the places to go. These neighbourhoods are filled with beautifully preserved Peranakan shophouses, quirky boutique stores, and some of the best local eats in Singapore. Try traditional Nonya kueh, pop into a century-old coffee shop, or just wander through the colourful streets soaking in the old-meets-new charm.
✅ Instead of a River Cruise → Kayak in Mangroves (A quiet, immersive way to explore Singapore’s waters)
Singapore’s river cruises show you the city skyline, but if you want a more intimate experience on the water, go mangrove kayaking. Paddle through hidden waterways in Pulau Ubin or Khatib Bongsu, where you’ll be surrounded by lush mangroves, spot otters, and maybe even an eagle flying overhead. It’s peaceful, adventurous, and shows a completely different side of Singapore—without the boat engine noise.
✅ Instead of Clarke Quay Bars → Go on a Speakeasy Bar Hunt (Uncover hidden cocktail gems with secret entrances)
Clarke Quay is fun but predictable. If you want a more unique night out, hunt down Singapore’s hidden speakeasies. These bars are tucked away behind unmarked doors, disguised as tailor shops, or even hidden inside old Chinese medicine halls. Whether it’s a cocktail bar with a 1920s Shanghai vibe or a jazz lounge behind a fridge door, discovering these secret spots is half the fun.
✅ Instead of the Singapore Zoo → Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve (See wildlife in their natural habitat, not in enclosures)
The Singapore Zoo is world-famous, but if you want to see animals in the wild, head to Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. This sprawling mangrove forest is home to wild crocodiles, giant monitor lizards, otters, and migratory birds. Walk along raised boardwalks and keep an eye out for a massive estuarine crocodile sunbathing in the mud—it’s Singapore’s own version of a wildlife safari, and our favourite spot!
What’s worth doing in Singapore if I’ve already been before?
If you’ve visited Singapore before and feel like you’ve ticked off all the major sights, there’s still a lot more to uncover. Beyond the futuristic skyline and famous attractions, Singapore has an incredible amount of heart—driven by passionate locals who are dedicated to preserving its nature, wildlife, and disappearing traditions.
Whether it’s learning from artisans keeping old trades alive, exploring untamed pockets of wilderness, or stepping into forgotten history, these experiences will show you a side of Singapore that most visitors never get to see!
Visit a Rooftop Bee Farm and Taste Fresh Honey – A hidden green oasis in the city
Most people don’t think of Singapore as a place for beekeeping, but high above the city, a rooftop bee sanctuary is home to rescued bees that would otherwise have been exterminated. Learn about the crucial role bees play in our ecosystem, taste different varieties of raw honey, and see how urban farming is thriving in unexpected places. It’s a peaceful, eye-opening experience in the middle of the city.
Explore Pulau Ubin – Singapore’s Last Wild Island
Pulau Ubin feels like stepping into another world. There are no skyscrapers, no highways—just dirt paths, mangrove forests, and a slow village pace that’s rare in modern Singapore. Rent a bike and cycle past wooden kampong houses, kayak through tunnels of mangrove trees, and visit the Chek Jawa wetlands, where you can see horseshoe crabs and other rare marine life. If you think you know Singapore, Pulau Ubin will make you rethink everything.
Hike to a Secret WW2 Bunker – A Forgotten Chapter of History
Singapore’s World War II history is well-documented, but some of its most fascinating remnants are hidden deep in the jungle. Scattered across the island are abandoned underground bunkers that once stored ammunition and housed soldiers. Unlike Fort Canning, these bunkers are completely off-the-grid, requiring off-trail hiking, ducking through narrow tunnels, and crawling into underground rooms. If you’re looking for an adventure with real historical significance, this is one of the most intriguing places to explore.
Sightseeing Through Puzzles – Explore Singapore Like a Detective
If you’ve walked through Chinatown, Little India, or Marina Bay Sands before, you probably think you’ve seen everything these areas have to offer. But instead of just strolling through the streets, try exploring them through an interactive puzzle hunt. These games challenge you to solve mysteries while uncovering hidden details about Singapore’s history and culture. Whether you’re cracking a code at a temple, following a trail of clues through back alleys, or discovering a forgotten legend, this turns sightseeing into an adventure.
Learn a Disappearing Trade from a Traditional Baker
As Singapore modernises, many traditional trades are vanishing. One of them is the art of making old-school pastries by hand, using techniques passed down for generations. At this workshop, you’ll not only learn how to make traditional pastries, but you’ll also hear stories about how these treats were once an essential part of weddings, festivals, and daily life. It’s a rare opportunity to experience a piece of Singapore’s past before it disappears entirely.
Cycle Through Little-Known Neighbourhoods
Most visitors explore Singapore by MRT or taxi, but one of the best ways to see the city is on two wheels. Join a cycling tour through lesser-known neighbourhoods like Little India, Kampong Glam, and Jalan Besar, where you’ll find colourful street art, hidden alleys, and family-run eateries that have been around for generations. A guide will point out details you’d never notice on your own, from secret WWII bomb shelters to the backstories of old shophouses.
Even if you’ve been to Singapore before, these experiences will give you a completely new appreciation for the city’s hidden side.
Are there any off-the-beaten-path places to explore?
Yes! Despite Singapore’s reputation for being ultra-modern, there are still hidden pockets of history, nature, and forgotten places that most locals don’t even know about.
Singapore’s Last Kampong (Village) – A Window into the Past
- Most people think Singapore is all skyscrapers, but in a tiny corner of the island, Kampong Lorong Buangkok still exists. This is Singapore’s last remaining traditional village, where you’ll find wooden houses, chickens roaming freely, and a glimpse of life before the city became a global financial hub.
- Unlike heritage museums, this is a living piece of history—but it may not be around much longer as the government has plans to redevelop the land.
Marsiling WW2 Bunkers – Secret Underground Tunnels
- Deep in a forest near the Malaysian border lie abandoned World War II bunkers built by the British. These vast underground tunnels stored ammunition during the war but have since been forgotten, swallowed by the jungle.
- Exploring these bunkers feels like stepping into a real-life Indiana Jones adventure, complete with secret passageways and dark, moss-covered walls.
Disappearing Kelongs – Floating Fishing Villages That Time Forgot
- Kelongs are traditional stilted fishing villages built over water, once common across Southeast Asia.
- While they were once a vital part of Singapore’s economy, only a handful remain today as the city modernizes. Visiting a kelong lets you see how old and new Singapore exist side by side, with traditional fish farms floating next to high-tech aquaculture facilities.
Sentosa’s Hidden Fort – A Forgotten Military Site
- Sentosa is known for its resorts, but hidden in the jungle lies Fort Serapong, an abandoned British military fortress from the 1880s. It’s like Singapore’s Angkor Wat!
- Unlike Fort Siloso (which is well-preserved for tourists), this one is completely overgrown, giving it an eerie, post-apocalyptic feel. You’ll need a guide to find it—part of the adventure!
Where Can I Go Hiking in Singapore?
Although Singapore is a city-state, it has surprisingly lush and diverse hiking trails, from hidden jungles to old railway tracks.
1. Rail Corridor & Clementi Forest – A Hike Through Singapore’s Abandoned Railway
🚶 Why it's special: This trail follows an abandoned railway line that once connected Singapore to Malaysia. Since the tracks were removed in 2011, nature has taken over, creating a rare urban wilderness.
- Start from Bukit Timah Railway Station, where you’ll see an old station platform and railway bridge.
- Walk through the Clementi Forest section, a misty, overgrown jungle that feels nothing like modern Singapore.
- End at the famous green railway tunnel, one of the most photogenic spots in Singapore.
2. MacRitchie Reservoir & TreeTop Walk – Singapore’s Most Famous Jungle Hike
🌳 Why it's special: This is the oldest nature reserve in Singapore, featuring a 250m-long suspension bridge that puts you above the rainforest canopy.
- Spot long-tailed macaques, monitor lizards, and flying lemurs along the way.
- Walk around the serene boardwalk along the reservoir, where you might see turtles and fish.
- The full hike is about 10km but can be shortened with alternative routes.
3. Bukit Timah Nature Reserve – Singapore’s Highest Peak
🏔 Why it's special: Bukit Timah Hill is the highest natural point in Singapore (163m), surrounded by one of the world’s most diverse rainforests.
- The trail is steep and challenging, making it a great workout.
- You’ll pass by huge dipterocarp trees that are hundreds of years old.
- Spot rare wildlife like pangolins, colugos (flying lemurs), and Malayan blue coral snakes.
4. Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve – The Wildest Side of Singapore
🦅 Why it's special: This mangrove forest and wetland reserve is a birdwatcher’s paradise and home to wild crocodiles.
- Walk along wooden boardwalks through the mangroves, where you’ll see giant monitor lizards and otters.
- If you’re lucky, you’ll spot a wild estuarine crocodile resting in the mud.
- Best visited at sunrise or sunset when the wildlife is most active.
What are the most unique things to do in Singapore?
If you think Singapore is just skyscrapers and shopping malls, these experiences will completely change your mind.
1. Visit Singapore’s Last Kampong – A Time Capsule of Old Singapore
Instead of just visiting the National Museum to learn about Singapore’s history, actually step into it!
Singapore went from a fishing village to a global financial hub in just one generation. But Kampong Lorong Buangkok is the last remaining traditional village, where families still live in wooden houses with tin roofs. Walking through the kampong is like stepping into the past—kids play in open fields, chickens roam freely, and neighbours chat outside their homes. It’s a glimpse of a Singapore that once was. Since it’s privately owned, it’s best visited with a guide who can introduce you to the residents.
2. Explore Disappearing Kelongs – Floating Fishing Villages from the Past
Instead of just eating seafood at a fancy restaurant, visit a traditional kelong and see how it’s caught!
Before modern fish farms, Singapore’s fishermen lived in kelongs—traditional wooden houses built on stilts over the sea. These floating villages are disappearing, but you can still visit one on a boat trip. See how fishermen use age-old techniques to catch fish, and contrast it with Singapore’s modern fish farms. It’s a rare chance to see Singapore’s past and future side by side.
3. Walk with Ex-Offenders – A Gritty Look at Singapore’s Hidden Past
Instead of hearing a polished version of history, experience the real, raw stories.
Singapore is known for being safe and orderly, but in the past, gangs controlled entire neighbourhoods. On this tour, a former gang member shares real-life stories of secret societies, crime, and how he turned his life around. It’s raw, eye-opening, and gives you a deeper understanding of how Singapore became the country it is today.
4. Haw Par Villa – A Quirky, Creepy Theme Park from the 1930s
Instead of Universal Studios, visit a theme park built around ancient Chinese superstitions.!
Haw Par Villa is a one-of-a-kind cultural relic—a bizarre outdoor theme park that depicts traditional Chinese values in terrifyingly graphic ways. The “10 Courts of Hell” diorama shows what happens to people who misbehave (spoiler: it’s not pretty). It’s a weird, fun, and totally unexpected way to learn about traditional Chinese folklore.
5. Uncover Singapore’s Supernatural Side on a Ghost Tour
Instead of just walking through heritage districts, hear the spooky stories lurking behind them!
Singapore has a deep-rooted belief in spirits, and this ghost tour takes you to some of the most haunted spots in the city. You’ll hear eerie stories about restless spirits, urban legends, and the supernatural beliefs that still shape Singapore’s culture today.
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