By: Rachael De Foe
So you’ve shopped along Orchard Road, luged on Sentosa and had a spin on the Flyer. What else is there to crack on with in Singapore aside from the normal tourist attractions? Well, heaps (otherwise this headline would have been somewhat misleading)! Read on for cool, alternative things to do around Singapore that offer a unique escape from normal city life.
Kampong Buangkok
It wasn’t so long ago that Singapore was a humble city without a skyscraper in sight. If you ask the right aunty or uncle around town, you just might get a story that recalls the Kampong villages that once made up the country’s landscape. For a trip down memory lane or a unique taste of the kampong spirit, set some time aside to walk the dirt roads of Kampong Buangkok.
7 Lorong Buangkok, 547557
Kranji Countryside
With the size of our bustling metropolis you wouldn’t expect a thriving farming community to exist within it – but, low and behold, the Kranji Countryside is here to prove us wrong! We recommend checking out Bollywood Veggies, Farmart and the Hay Dairies for a start. And if you’re keen to make a weekend of it, consider staying at the D’Kranji Farm Resort.
Pulau Ubin
For just $2.50 and a 10-minute boat ride, you can take a picturesque trip to a mini island off Singapore’s coast. Pulau Ubin is known for its peaceful nature trails, with visitors being able to walk or hire a bike to explore this hidden gem. While you’re there, make sure to add the boardwalks at Chek Jawa to your itinerary. It contains one of Singapore’s richest ecosystems filled with plants and animals.
Get to the island by boat from Changi Point Ferry Terminal
(+65) 6542 4108
Flight Experience
Fancy jumping on a plane, but don’t have time for a short break? Well, this little getaway could be the thing for you. Their amazing jet simulator will put you in the pilot’s seat so you can experience taking off and flying out into the open air. It’s so realistic that it’s even used for pilot training!
30 Raffles Ave #02-06, 039803
(+65) 6339 2737
TreeTop Walk
Channel your inner Tarzan (or Jane) and take a walk among Singapore’s beautiful greenery via the TreeTop Walk in MacRitchie Reservoir. High above the forest canopy, you’ll get to see some of the best of Singapore’s flora and fauna (and monkeys are pretty much guaranteed).
MacRitchie Reservoir (Off Lornie Road)
1800 471 7300
Fly a kite
Head over to Marina Barrage or East Coast Park on a clear sunny day to find yourself under a canopy of colourful kites. Whether you actually decide to fly one or not, this is the perfect excuse to get outdoors for a picnic on the grass. There’s even a water play area at Marina Barrage so the kids can cool off after a day of running around.
Marina Barrage
8 Marina Gardens Drive, 018951
+65 6514 5959
East Coast Park
East Coast Parkway, 449274
1800 471 7300
Forest Adventure
If you’re an adventure junkie or a nature buff, this is something you’ll want to try. Their obstacle course is set within the treetops of Bedok Reservoir and promises to be a fun time for all (well, the ones who aren’t terrified of heights). There’s even a kids course for little (or scared big) ones. This activity is weather dependent, so do check the forecast before heading out.
825 Bedok Reservoir Rd, 479244
(+65) 8100 7420
