Attractions

Guide To A Countryside Getaway In Singapore: 6 Rural Gems Accessible By $5 Shuttle

Countryside getaway in Singapore


Maybe you’ve used up all your AL for the year but you still want a trip out of the city. Good thing there are local alternatives like a rustic countryside getaway, that might just be the ideal proposition to those not keen on leaving the country.

From feeding hungry goats to having a staycay in a farm villa, you can enjoy the serene side of life at these countryside getaway spots in Singapore. And there’s a $5 shuttle service set to take you to any of the locations you wish to visit, so yay to not walking under the hot sun.


1. Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve – Embark on scenic walking trails



Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve’s Visitor Centre.
Image credit: NParks

Gear up for an ecological trek at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, where you can feast your eyes on flora and fauna as you explore the reserve’s 4 trails. The Forest Trail (1.1km) surrounds you with a host of plants and intersects with the Mid-Canopy Walk (0.15km), a path across a suspension bridge that’s perfect for those IG story moments.


Eagle Point at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.
Image credit: NParks

As its name suggests, the Coastal Trail (3.2km) takes you on a breezy jaunt down Singapore’s coastline. Observation pods are scattered all around the park to provide unobstructed views of the reserve, and the Coastal Trail leads you to one of them. Eagle Point is where you’ll be treated to a sight for sore eyes.

Birdwatchers can opt for the Migratory Bird Trail (2.3km), which has promising spots to sight rare birds. Along the path, 5 shelters let you rest and recharge while letting you take refuge in the case of inclement weather.

Young Nautilus organises monthly Nature Walks through the wetlands for little ones. Keep a lookout for announcements on new dates on the Young Nautilus Instagram page.

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
Address
301 Neo Tiew Crescent, Singapore 718925
Opening Hours:
Saturday 07:00 AM - 07:00 PM Show More Timings

2. Gardenasia Bistro – Dine on fresh farm-to-table meals



Image credit: Gardenasia

All in the name of nature, Gardenasia Bistro offers a slew of countryside activities to keep your mind off the stressful things in life. From Wednesdays to Fridays, you can grab a set lunch ($23.80), which comes with your choice of mains like fish & chips or seafood aglio olio. This comes with soup of the day and an ice lemon tea. 

You’ll even get a scoop of gelato made with locally-sourced vegetables at Bistro by Gardenasia. Try unique flavours like Arugula Oat, Round Spinach, and Kale Coconut. 

Image credit: Junjie Teo via Google Maps  

While much of the space aside from the bistro is used as a greenhouse that sells potted plants, the owners also have a collection of vintage vehicles for visitors to admire on the premises. 


One of the villas is pet-friendly, so you can even have a staycay with your fur baby.
Image credit: Gardenasia

There’re even 3 colonial houses that you can book for a staycay from $380/night. It even comes with breakfast for 2 and vouchers for use at Gardenasia Bistro. Facilities includes a pool and tennis court for leisure activities while you’re here.

Bistro by Gardenasia
Google Reviews
4
(704)
Address
240 Neo Tiew Cres, Singapore 718898
Opening Hours:
Saturday 10:30 AM - 09:45 PM Show More Timings
Contact Information

3. Kranji Marshes – Spot migratory birds from a 3-storey tall tower



Image credit: NParks

For shutterbugs and bird aficionados, Kranji Marshes is the place to be. Their 3-storey-tall Raptor Tower is a vantage point that’ll let you grant you a 360° panoramic view of the freshwater marshland and the sight of rare animals – 2 hallmarks of a prime photography spot.

 The marshes are home to over 250 species of birds, butterflies and dragonflies, so you’re bound to spot some of these unique critters fluttering about.

Fun fact: There’ve been almost 200 different birds spotted in this area – there’s a checklist of the different species so you know what to expect when you’re there.

Kranji Marshes
Google Reviews
4
(444)
Address
11 Neo Tiew Lane 2, Singapore 718814
Opening Hours:
Saturday 07:00 AM - 07:00 PM Show More Timings
Contact Information

4. Bollywood FarmsKampong-style eats & farm tours


At Bollywood Farms, forget towering offices, banks, and infrastructure – you’ll be admiring the multiple plots of lush flora scattered throughout the 10-acre space instead. If you’re coming with some friends, take your time to saunter around free-and-easy. Large groups can embark on guided farm tours where they’ll get to see all the different varieties of fruits and veggies, and maybe taste a few along the way.

With an abundance of vibrant flowers, fruits and trees providing ample photo ops, you’ll be able to fill your gallery with Insta-worthy pics while embracing the serenity of the farm.


December’s platter features banana curry, laksa chicken, sambal belimbing, and pickled greens.
Image credit: Bollywood Farms via Facebook

Head on down to their Poison Ivy Bistro to relish some farm-to-table fare after you’ve sauntered down the various plots. The menu is rife with delicious offerings like their famous Monthly Kampong Platters ($30 for 2 pax) that has a generous serving of ingredients.  

All you have to do is to sit back and satiate your rumbling tummies after a tiring walk.  

Bollywood Farms
Google Reviews
4.2
(1,591)
Address
100 Neo Tiew Road, Singapore 719026
Opening Hours:
Saturday 07:00 AM - 06:00 PM Show More Timings

5. Hay Dairies – Feed goats & purchase their fresh milk


Get up close and personal with herds of goats at Hay Dairies where you can pick up a pack of alfalfa hay ($5) and instantly attract a drove of hungry goats. 

Early birds can also seize the chance to watch a live goat milking sesh that takes place from 9am-11am every morning.

Round off your visit by indulging in some fresh goat milk that’s available in both original and chocolate flavour. Get the 200ml bottle ($2.70) if you’re looking to just have a taste, while a 2-800ml-bottle bundle ($17) would be perfect to take home to share some dairy goodness with the fam.

They even have goat milk popsicles ($3.80) that’ll be ideal for the hot weather we frequently experience. These come in 3 flavours – original, chocolate, and strawberry. 

Hay Dairies
Address
250 Neo Tiew Crescent, Singapore 719866
Opening Hours:
Saturday 09:00 AM - 04:00 PM Show More Timings

6. Auntie’s Fishing Pond At Neo Tiew Cres – Rustic kampong fishing



Image credit: Auntie’s Fishing Pond At Neo Tiew Cres via Facebook

If you love fishing on the weekends, Auntie’s Fishing Pond is a breakaway from the usual jetties and public fishing spots. A little further down the road from Hay Diaries, this anglers-only private fishing spot is a quaint and quiet spot for amateur fishermen to reel in snappers, pomfrets, and barramundi. 


Image credit: Auntie’s Fishing Pond At Neo Tiew Cres via Facebook

They’ll provide nets, buckets, clean water, and even aerator pumps if you’re using live bait. It’s very much like fishing at a kelong with the Buloh Besar River so close by.    

Recreational Fishing Pond (Auntie’s Pond)
Google Reviews
3.8
(40)
Address
291 Neo Tiew Cres, Singapore 718903
Opening Hours:
Saturday 08:00 AM - 10:00 PM Show More Timings
Contact Information

Bonus: Gallop Kranji Farm Resort – Relax in a countryside villa with farm tours



Image credit: Gallop Kranji Farm Resort

If a full-out farm staycay is something you’ve been considering, then the villas at Gallop Kranji Farm Resort will truly give you the countryside vibes you’ve been craving for. As you breathe in country air on the far side of Singapore, take advantage of the many farm-based facilities and activities in the vicinity to take your staycay to the next level.

The resort even organises day-trips to the nearby Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Kranji Marshes, Hay Diaries, Bollywood Farms, and Gardenasia for guests to check out what these spots on the outskirts of the mainland have to offer. 

Kranji Sanctuary Resort
Admission Fee
Reach out to them on their website
Google Reviews
3.6
(656)
Address
10 Neo Tiew Lane 2, #01-09, Singapore 718813
Opening Hours:
Saturday Open 24 Hours Show More Timings

(Closed) Jurong Frog Farm


Frogs aren’t the most endearing animals out there – we’d rather just munch on their cooked legs and stay miles away from their squirmy, live counterparts. At Jurong Frog Farm though, you’ll get to face your fears and try your hand at picking one up with your bare hands.

Take it from me – I’m not much of a thrillseeker myself, but it was pretty satisfying picking one of these delicate amphibians up.

You can also feed them from a safe distance if you’d rather stay away from the frogs.


Access these countryside attractions with a $5 shuttle


The best part about this countryside getaway is that all seven locations are easily accessible via the Kranji Farms shuttle service. A one-day pass ($5) takes you to each destination on the list except Gallop Kranji Farm Resort. 

Bus intervals do tend to run on the long side, with 1 bus arriving approximately every hour and a lunch break for drivers. Since the shuttle service is only active on the weekends and public holidays, make sure to keep tabs on the bus timetable so you can plan your trip accordingly. 

You can hop on and hop off the shuttle as many times as you’d like throughout the day – just make sure you don’t let any pesky goats eat your tickets. 


Unwind from the daily hustle with a countryside getaway in Singapore


We’ve been toiling hard at work in Singaporean fashion for most of the year – that’s why we need some respite from the hectic madness now more than ever.

With these 7 destinations providing a convenient countryside getaway on our little red dot, it’s high time we took a break and escaped our intensive workloads – even if it’s just for a day.

For more nature park guides, check out:


Photography by Nadia Loewito.
A portion of this content may contain referral links to products. Our opinions remain our own.
First published on 6th November 2020 by Benjamin Wellesley. Last updated by Nicholas Ong on 15th December 2023.

 

Benjamin Wellesley

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