Living in Singapore, it’s hard to constantly think of new places to explore around our little island. But located in the North are gems like Lower Seletar Reservoir Park as well as Seletar Aerospace Park, a hidden enclave for food and nature lovers alike.
Having served as grounds for the British Royal Air Force from 1928 to 1971, Seletar Aerospace Park features black and white colonial houses dotting the area amidst endless greenery and low-lying buildings. These have since been conserved and redeveloped into homes for restaurants, spas and shops.
Here’s what to explore at Seletar Aerospace Park:
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Sit on nearby benches – shaped like origami paper planes – to spot actual planes.
Take a stroll down the boardwalk at The Oval to spot jet planes and private jets. Although the Seletar Airport is relatively quiet with few flights going out, you might get lucky and see a plane or two take off right in front of you from the boardwalk.
If you see this huge colonial bungalow, you’re on the right track to the picnic spot.
If you’re looking for a private picnic spot to spend some time with your boo, take a walk down the road from The Summerhouse cafe to discover a secret space right in front of the parked planes in Seletar Airport.
As you make your way down, you’ll find a whole stretch of smaller, unoccupied colonial houses that have given way to slight wear and tear with age, giving them a particularly eerie vibe no matter the time of day. Do note that the bungalows cannot be accessed by the public, so just admire them from afar.
Another quiet spot that has been gaining popularity is Hyde Park Gate Garden, which is especially tranquil at night.
You’ll find folks with their own foldable chairs and mats here – the grassy patch is close to the runway for a change in the usual garden picnic views.
See a jet plane up close at Hyde Park Garden.
Surrounded by lush greenery and a refreshing break from the usual concrete jungle of Singapore, Seletar Aerospace Park is a popular brunch spot for a nice weekend respite.
Image adapted from: @wheelersestate via Instagram
Wheeler’s Estate is practically synonymous with Seletar Aerospace Park. Taking up one of the black and white colonial bungalows in the area, this place serves brunch, dinner, and cocktails at its al fresco seating area.
On the menu for brunch are classics like Colonial Breakfast ($24) – their version of a traditional English brekkie, and One-Pan ($28), a cherry tomato shakshuka served with garlic sourdough for dipping in.
One-Pan.
Image credit: @diningavenue via Instagram
Come dinner, it’s grilled meats at the forefront like its show stopping Signature Tomahawk (from $138) that’ll feed a family or more, and an Angus Burger ($28) served with sweet potato fries.
More than just a place to grab nosh, the dining establishment even has live music Tuesdays to Sundays from 7.30pm-10.30pm.
Image credit: The Summerhouse
Wildseed Cafe is a pet-friendly cafe with a bright, airy interior that’s perfect for brunch dates with family and friends.
A brunch isn’t complete without a breakfast platter, which is why Wildseed recommends having their Big Pan Breakfast ($29), which features brunch favourites such as toasted sourdough bread, portobello mushrooms, avocados, bacon, and eggs.
If you’re just there for a short break after a walk around the park, you can try some of their freshly brewed coffee, which are priced from $4 onwards. Alternatively, get a glass of refreshing ice tea or a fruit smoothie from $6.
Chow Cute Cafe is a cafe that doubles up as a doggy daycare, grooming centre and even a boarding house for dogs.
Bring your own dogs or play with the furry ones from Chow Cute Cafe’s doggy daycare.
Image credit: @xtiechan via Instagram
The cafe has a mix of indoor and al fresco dining seats, along with a lawn area for your pets to run around freely. Dogs from the doggy daycare will be taken out by the staff on walks too, so feel free to give them little pats and say hello.
The cafe offers small bites – don’t worry, they’re for human consumption – like banana cakes, croissants, and coffee and tea for you to enjoy while your doggos run freely around the open lawn.
Image adapted from: @snowiethelittle & @baileythecavapoo.sg via Instagram
Don’t fret about the furry ones being left out on the goodies – a pretty extensive pet food menu ranging from chicken meals to lamb steaks and even a doggy version of beer (bone broth) is available.
A lesser-known spot to visit besides Wildseed Cafe and the popular Wheeler’s Estate, 5 by Sans–Façon offers a rustic, home-style French food experience.
Image credit: @_iammichaelyeo_ via Instagram
The cafe is located in a lone colonial bungalow, and you’ll be able to transport yourself to the streets of Europe with their European-style interior and French-inspired food like Duck Confit and Tartine Croque Monsieur.
Previously a nutmeg plantation, the restaurant’s al fresco seating area is great for spotting planes while basking in the tranquillity of the cafe’s surroundings.
Image credit: @5bysansfacon via Instagram
Located at The Oval are 2 airplane-themed free playground structures suitable for the little ones tagging along.
Giant aeroplane chess board.
Here you’ll find fun features for kids aged anywhere between 2-12 years old, like:
After a hearty brunch, head to the nearby Hampstead Wetlands Park for a nice walk to unwind and end the day.
A former marshland area, Hampstead Wetlands Park has since been revamped with observation decks and scenic boardwalks to observe the flora and fauna it’s home to.
Perfect for bird watching and wildlife photography, hornbills, buffy fish owls, bee-eaters, and other species of birds have been spotted in the park’s vicinity. Keep your eyes peeled for these varieties of uncommon birds and other wildlife.
There aren’t any car parks located here, but you can park at 2 Park Lane and take a 5-minute walk to get here.
On the northern edge of the park is Rower’s Bay Park, which is named for its popularity with dragon-boaters and kayakers.
Image credit: Alpha Go via Google Maps
But if you’re not here to row boats, the park also features a scenic boardwalk route that leads directly to the equally picturesque Yishun Dam. The dam is among the best spots to view sunsets in Singapore, so you can probably catch a similar view at the park.
Escape from the fast-paced workdays with a trip up North to enjoy a weekend break amidst nature, cafe fare and good views.
If you’re feeling adventurous, hike or cycle through the partial Round Island Route (RIR) spanning 60km across the country. Start at Sengkang Riverside Park and walk through Rower’s Bay and Seletar Aerospace Park, and end it off at Marina Bay Sands.
For more guides on things to do in Singapore:
Photography by: Li Haiyang
Last updated by Shannon Lee on 16th August 2024.
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