I’m a firm believer that AI can and will take over the world and let’s just say the latest hooha in town feeds the terror. You may have heard of ChatGPT. It’s an extremely clever AI writing tool that churns out articles freakishly fast.
ChatGPT first entered my peripherals via a colleague’s Instagram story, with a caption that AI will take over our humble editorial jobs. But can it really churn out an article fit for a TSL byline? We put it to the test below with a basic “X things to do in Singapore” assignment, complete with AI generated images – just because.
The prompt: Suggest 10 lesser-known things to do in Singapore for date ideas and family-friendly outings.
A disclaimer: Zero human editing was done and not everything below is factually accurate.
Singapore may be a small city-state, but it’s packed with endless things to see and do. While the usual tourist attractions like Gardens by the Bay and the Singapore Flyer may be at the top of your list, there are also plenty of lesser-known, local-approved activities to check out. Here are 10 unique and exciting ideas for things to do in Singapore:
Image credit: Nightcafe
Singapore Quarry is a hidden gem located in the western part of the city, offering a peaceful and serene escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Visitors can take a refreshing dip in the quarry’s beautiful blue waters or leisurely stroll along its trails, where they can marvel at the diverse flora and fauna that call the area home.
The quarry also has a children’s playground, making it an ideal spot for families to spend a relaxing afternoon. In addition, there are plenty of picnic tables and benches scattered throughout the quarry, providing the perfect spot to enjoy a leisurely lunch in nature. Overall, Singapore Quarry is a great destination for those looking to escape the city and connect with nature.
Image credit: Nightcafe
The Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is a must-visit destination for nature lovers in Singapore, offering a chance to observe over 300 species of birds in their natural habitats. The reserve also offers guided tours led by trained naturalists, providing insights into the different ecosystems and species found within the reserve.
In addition to its abundant birdlife, the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is home to a variety of plants, including mangroves, grasslands, and secondary forests. A leisurely walk along the reserve’s boardwalk is a great way to appreciate the beauty and diversity of Singapore’s natural environment.
Image credit: Nightcafe
Jurong Bird Park is a top destination for bird lovers in Singapore, offering a chance to observe over 5,000 birds representing more than 380 species in their natural habitats. The park also hosts daily bird shows and feedings, and offers interactive exhibits like the African Waterfall Aviary, where visitors can get up close with tropical birds. In addition, the park has an aerial walkway providing a bird’s eye view of the park. Jurong Bird Park is a must-visit destination for those looking to experience the beauty and diversity of Singapore’s avian life.
Image credit: Nightcafe
Changi Boardwalk is a popular destination for those looking to relax and enjoy the beauty of Singapore’s natural surroundings. Located in the eastern part of the city, the boardwalk offers stunning views of the sea and a chance to spot a variety of marine life.
Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the boardwalk and enjoy the sea breeze, or rent a bike and explore the area at a faster pace. In addition, the boardwalk has a number of food and drink stalls, providing the perfect spot to grab a bite to eat or refreshment. Overall, Changi Boardwalk is a great destination for those looking to enjoy a leisurely day by the sea.
Image credit: Nightcafe
Tiong Bahru Estate is a popular destination for those looking to experience the unique charm and character of Singapore’s neighbourhoods. Located in the central part of the city, the estate is home to a number of independent shops, cafes, and restaurants, making it a great spot to explore and discover local favourites.
Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the estate’s streets and admire the colourful pre-war shophouses, or visit the Tiong Bahru Market and Food Centre to try local dishes and snacks. In addition, the estate has a number of green spaces and parks, providing a chance to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Overall, Tiong Bahru Estate is a great destination for those looking to experience the unique character and charm of Singapore’s neighbourhoods.
Image credit: Nightcafe
The Singapore Zoo is a top destination for animal lovers visiting Singapore. Located in the western part of the city, the zoo is home to over 2,800 animals representing over 300 species. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the zoo’s lush gardens and observe the animals in their natural habitats. The zoo also offers a variety of interactive exhibits, including the chance to feed and interact with some of the animals.
In addition, the zoo hosts daily animal shows and feedings, providing an opportunity to learn more about the animals and their behaviours. Overall, the Singapore Zoo is a must-visit destination for those looking to experience the beauty and diversity of Singapore’s animal kingdom.
Image credit: Nightcafe
The Peranakan Museum is a top destination for those interested in Singapore’s cultural history and heritage. Located in the central part of the city, the museum offers a fascinating look at the Peranakan culture, a unique blend of Chinese, Malay, and other Southeast Asian influences. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the museum’s galleries and marvel at the intricate Peranakan artefacts, including ceramics, jewellery, and textiles.
The museum also hosts a variety of educational programs and events, providing an opportunity to learn more about the Peranakan culture. Overall, the Peranakan Museum is a must-visit destination for those looking to learn more about Singapore’s rich cultural history and heritage.
Image credit: Nightcafe
The Singapore Botanic Garden is a top destination for nature lovers visiting Singapore. Located in the central part of the city, the garden is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, including over 10,000 species of plants. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the garden’s lush landscapes and marvel at the variety of plants and flowers on display.
The garden also offers a variety of educational programs and events, providing an opportunity to learn more about the natural world. In addition, the garden has a number of food and drink stalls, providing the perfect spot to grab a bite to eat or refreshment. Overall, the Singapore Botanic Garden is a must-visit destination for those looking to experience the beauty and diversity of Singapore’s natural environment.
Image credit: Nightcafe
A Singapore food tour is a must-do activity for foodies visiting the city. There are a variety of food tours available, offering the chance to sample a wide range of local delicacies and dishes. From savoury hawker centre favourites like chilli crab and Hainanese chicken rice, to sweet treats like kueh lapis and ice kachang, a food tour is a great way to discover the diverse flavours of Singapore.
Many food tours also provide insights into the local culture and food history, making it a unique and educational experience. Overall, a Singapore food tour is a delicious way to explore the city and discover its culinary delights.
Image credit: Nightcafe
The Singapore Art Museum is a top destination for art lovers visiting the city. Located in the central part of Singapore, the museum is home to a wide range of contemporary artworks by artists from Singapore and the region. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the museum’s galleries and admire the variety of paintings, sculptures, and installations on display.
The museum also hosts a variety of educational programs and events, providing an opportunity to learn more about the art and the artists. In addition, the museum has a number of food and drink stalls, providing the perfect spot to grab a bite to eat or refreshment. Overall, the Singapore Art Museum is a must-visit destination for those looking to experience the vibrant art scene of Singapore.
Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly outing or a romantic date idea, there are plenty of things to do in Singapore that are off the beaten path. So next time you’re looking for something to do, consider one of these lesser-known local attractions.
Hell, nah.
Remember seeing your classmate in school submitting his examination paper in no time at all? This feels like that but worse. Like an AI super-intern on steroids, this birthed an article right before my eyes. We ran the article through ChatGPT twice – once to get the outline and then another to get fleshed out details for each activity. Overall, the article was completed in 15 minutes, tops.
Were we impressed? We need new jaws ‘cuz ours dropped to the floor and ran away.
Thank goodness there’s a hint of solace – where it excels in speed, ChatGPT gets a mediocre “good effort” in quality. After taking 4 tries to find the right prompts to finally produce a decent list of activities, the final piece was still short on being the bot’s magnum opus.
AI generated vs actual Singapore Quarry.
Image credit: Nightcafe, @ellenarium
While the points listed were okay, they weren’t mind blowing. Granted, the Singapore Quarry was a decent recommendation, but the rest were pretty “touristy” considering the prompt for lesser-known activity ideas. The factual accuracy left much to be desired as well, seeing as the Night Safari isn’t quite in the Singapore Zoo. Hello POFMA?
One line horror story: A hand crawls out of a faceless orang utan’s mouth.
Image adapted from: Nightcafe, Nightcafe
As for the images, let’s just say some of them are as cursed as an Ah Meng with no face. AI is scary after all.
Rating:
Creativity: 6/10
Originality: 6//10
Speed: 10/10
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