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Singaporeans are constantly travelling and finding alternative ways to spend time in our little red dot. We want a getaway that brings us out of our daily routines and give our eyes new sights to savour that we don’t normally get in our concrete jungle. I desperately want to get out of this island, so you can imagine the joy I had discovering these 10 gems – these are places I can take refuge in to escape from reality.
Be amazed by the foreign and whimsical feel you will get stepping into these places. Do not underestimate the wonders this little dot hides. And remember to get your cameras ready, whether you decide to go with a bunch of your close pals or by yourself for some alone time!
Unlike the National Museum of Singapore, Singapore Art Museum or the Art Science Museum, Gillman Barracks is an uncharted art space. Lock Road, where Gillman Barracks is located, and Malan Road, which leads up to it, look as pretty as the delectable artwork in them. I adore the idea of how, when discovered by a wider audience, this will be another hang out spot for art lovers.
Gillman Barracks is a contemporary art enclave. It is home to 17 international art galleries, 3 restaurants and the Centre for Contemporary Art (CCA). The exhibitions are all housed in conserved colonial barracks with brick walls, giving it a colonial feel.
After being enchanted by collections of world-renowned artists, fill your tummies at acclaimed seafood grill The Naked Finn. An alternative would be to head to the French-influenced restaurant Masons, or kick back and relish the performances at beloved local live music bar Timbre.
There are seasonal events and art galleries held here, so be sure not to miss out on them! Check out their website for more details.
Venue: 9 Lock Road, Singapore 108937
The architecture of this bridge is like none other I have seen before. It takes on a distinctive wave-like structure consisting of a series of undulating curved “ribs” that looks like a skeleton of a 274-metre long gigantic snake. There is more to the “ribs”construction than merely design – it doubles up as an enclosed shelter for visitors.
At 36 metres above Henderson Road, Henderson Waves is the highest pedestrian bridge in Singapore. It links Mount Faber Park to Telok Blangah Hill Par, and is a good location for jogging.
This place is most beautiful when dusk falls and the bridge takes on a different look – the bridge is illuminated with attractive LED light from 7pm to 2am daily. Joggers, couples, and families with children come here during the weekends. It is also shouldn’t come as a surprise that this has become a popular place for wedding photoshoots in the recent months.
Calling all insta-heads, this is a place not just for good food and good ambience – the whole space is Instagram-worthy. It has a whimsical look that you can snap away at to beautify your Instagram feed, tricking your followers into thinking you are overseas. The reason for its distinctly not-local interior and exterior designs is that they are designed by renowned Australian artist David Bromley.
The inside of Potato Head Folk looks like a scene from Alice in Wonderland. It has a dreamy peculiar ambience with kitsch-y sculptures and walls painted with butterflies, birds and flowers.
After you are done with the indoor tour, climb the stairs to the roof. As the sky turns dark, fairy lights and candles illuminate the rooftop, making it look truly magical. There are also potted plants lining the sides, adding a touch of greenery.
The rooftop chill-out garden of Potato Head Folk is a fantastic venue to watch the sunset with your loved ones over a glass of wine.
Venue: 36 Keong Saik Road Singapore 089143 (Chinatown MRT)
Opening Hours: 11am – 12am
The first time I visited the Punggol Waterway Park was because of a charity run that was located there. For most of us, this might be a little out of the way because it’s situated in quite an ulu part of Singapore.
Other than jogging and cycling, this space has facilities for the public to take part in various recreational activities around the promenade. In order to cater to residents of all ages, Punggol Waterway Park was designed with 4 major themes in mind:
Green Gallery: Visitors can take a leisurely stroll while admiring Mother Nature, with flora and fauna lining the sides of the pavement.
Recreation Zone: This spot is a hit among families because of the water and sand play areas. There is also a fitness corner that caters to the fitness buffs.
Heritage Zone: Walk down the heritage road and appreciate the mature trees and interesting wildlife. Punggol Waterway was once a fishing village and this route will bring back nostalgic memories for the older generation.
Nature Cove: Here, visitors can enjoy the panoramic view of the splendid waterfront scenery and lush green environment.
Punggol Waterway Park is a step away from city life. You can relax in natural surroundings and breath in fresh oxygen here.
It seems like time stopped in 1956 in Kampong Lorong Buangkok. Hidden away in the north-eastern suburbs off Yio Chu Kang Road, Kampong Lorong Buangkok is an area of residence for less than 30 families, mostly Chinese and Malay.
It reminds me of Pulau Ubin, with dingy-looking alleys, mould-infested fences and rusted roofs. In spite of its run-down facade, there is a sense of peacefulness about Kampong Lorong Buangkok. You don’t see anyone rushing here – it is a tranquil break from the usual fast paced urban life.
For old souls and those of us labelled hipster who are looking for a hideout , this could just be it. I would also like to encourage the younger generation to visit this kampong, to be a part of living history and have a feel of how your grandparents lived.
This picture makes me feel like I am stuck in a capsule of yesteryear, looking out to the new world. The residents that live here go about their routine in traditional ways, hanging their clothes on the line to dry.
Kampong Lorong Buangkok is the last village of its kind in Singapore, and rumours that it is due for demolition are constantly circulating. Pay a visit to it while you can, but be respectful towards the residents – remember to ask for permission respectfully and not stuff your camera in their faces.
Whenever I am overseas, I admire the locals who have farmers’ markets around the corner. Farmers’ markets are happening places, filled with young and old alike. With chatters of people bargaining, your eyes will delight in admiring the variety of fresh seafood, meat, dairy, wines and beers on sale.
The opening of Pasarbella, Singapore’s first farmers’ market – made me jump for joy. I had to check it out for myself whether it live up to my expectations of a farmers’ market. While it is abuzz and teeming with people on weekends, foot traffic is significantly lower on weekdays. I went there on a weekday, so I got quality service, not having to fight for the stall owners’ attention.
The traders at Pasarbella display an abundance of unique products that can only be found here and one of them is The Cheese Ark.
It is a must-visit for those who go gaga over cheese. You can find rare cheese here, some of which will no longer be made soon. Former ad executive Syu Ai Ming owns The Cheese Ark. Her passion for cheese is commendable and infectious – she holds nightly hour-long workshops from Mondays to Thursdays.
However here’s a warning: be prepared for the pungent smells that escape the ark. You will need some time to get used to it and to appreciate these artisanal cheese.
Pasarbella is inaccessible if you take public transport because it’s a long walk in to The Grandstand. Alternatively, you can wait for shuttle buses at Clementi, Botanic Gardens, Toa Payoh MRT stations, or Bukit Timah Road. Here is a more detailed look at the schedule for the shuttle bus services. If you drive, Pasarbella makes for a good mini road trip destination.
Address: PasarBella @ The Grandstand Bukit Timah, 200 Turf Club Road, Singapore 287994
Opening Hours: Stalls: 9.30am – 7pm | Restaurants: 10am – 10pm
Greenwich V is located in the Seletar Hills residential estate. It is a one-stop mall, offering F&B choices from coffee houses and restaurants of various cuisine, grocery shopping at Cold Storage, and even services like pet grooming.
When I chanced upon Greenwich V, I didn’t know it was a mall till I looked closer. The architecture of the place looks rustic, with a combination of wood, water, and greens from the coconut tree. Greenwich V is proof that malls in Singapore can be more avant garde, rather than the conventional cement with neutral dull colors.
I am a sucker for anything arty farty, so I really dig the statues in the fountains. The two children running in the waters add a whimsical touch to the construction of the mall. I also enjoy how reticent and relaxing the whole surrounding is.
There is a misconception that golf is boring. I went golfing once and all I can say is that you should not bash it if you haven’t tried it. Golfing isn’t just about the golf – an upside to golf is the intimacy of the game. It is a great way to cement friendships and partnerships – there are long moments of pauses when you could catch up and just talk.
I took a screenshot of Instagram user earthtohyli‘s comments thread after posting a picture of Changi Golf Club – even Singaporeans are surprised that this is in Singapore! The golf field feels foreign without the typical HDB flats, skyscrapers and MRT tracks. With the addition of mini “hills” and a stream running between them, Changi Golf Club looks like a piece of the Shire come to South East Asia.
Pictures don’t do this place justice. The first few times I passed by this area, I reminisced about my times in Austria. It is the land of The Sound Of Music and I can imagine the von Trapp family living in one of these houses.
Tudor Court Shopping Gallery is always overlooked by the more attractive neighboring Orchard Road district and Tanglin Mall. I don’t frequent the shops here as well because the antique furniture and carpets inside the shops look too lavish, but it feels pleasant to just walk by it. I wish that the row stretches a bit longer so that walking down the stretch keeps me feeling that I’m back in Austria for that bit longer
Often when I scroll through my Tumblr feed, the picture of Marina Bay Sands Infinity Pool will appear, accompanied by comments from fellow Singaporeans surprised that this is a place in Singapore. Although I know of the MBS Infinity Pool, its beauty still causes me to take a double take at times.
The stunning Infinity Pool sits atop of one of the tallest buildings in Singapore, 57 storeys above ground. It offers the best city skyline view from a 5-star hotel, with pictures of it showing reflections of the sky, giving you the illusion that you can touch it.
If you have a fear of heights, it might not be wise to venture to the edge of the pool. But if you are a thrill seeker, you’re in for a treat! I have not been to the Infinity Pool myself, but I’ve heard rave reviews about it – it would be a pity to be a Singaporean and not go there at least once.
Ladies and gents, get your swimsuits ready and dip into a piece of the sky! If you don’t want to get wet, grab a book and chill on those in vogue beach chairs.
Why spend money to get out of Singapore when you can feel out of Singapore right at these places? When you explore unfamiliar areas, you will also have a different perspective of your country and learn to appreciate more of it. At the same time, it can help cure your wanderlust too. So give these places a try and experience a little over the seas adventure without a passport or plane.
Before you head out, leave a comment if you have places that you think do not look like Singapore!
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