Singapore might be just 50KM across, but its two halves each offer a unique range of food, activities and attractions. From a cascading waterfall to a hidden archery range, these 23 things to do in the West of Singapore might just prove the west side best side once and for all – and even win over our easterly brethren too.
West Singapore is known for large swaths of farmland and apart from your run of the mill veggie and poultry farms, the area’s also home to more unique enterprises like Jurong Frog Farm. There, you’ll find tours and activities for the whole family, including Frog Feeding Frenzy ($2) and Catch-A-Frog ($10) where you’ll attempt to snag a croaker with your bare hands.
Kids will also enjoy the Frog Quest Explorer Kit ($18) which will unleash them across the farm in search of tasks to win a mystery gift. There’s also a gift shop offering up novelties like Jumping Frog toys ($1) and Froggy Door Stoppers ($19.25).
Of course – frogs are a delicacy on our shores, and you’ll be able to grab a 300G pack of frozen American bullfrog legs ($12.60) to take home or order a plate of Cajun Buttermilk Fried Frog Legs ($15) to tuck into on the spot.
Address: 56 Lim Chu Kang Lane 6, Singapore 719164
Opening hours: Sat-Sun 9AM-5.30PM (Closed on weekdays)
Telephone: 6791 7229
Check out our full guide to Jurong Frog Farm
Image credit: @thehighpantherssg
Affectionately named LP1 by the vibrant local cycling community, Tuas Lamp Post 1 is as close to a pilgrimage as cycling routes come in Singapore. Located on the furthest reaches of Tuas a full 10KM from the nearest MRT station at Tuas West Road, and will be a gruelling ride for even experienced cyclists.
But apart from being probably the most ulu lamp post in Singapore, Tuas Lamp Post 1 is the only one you’re allowed to stick stickers on. Before you grab your favourite stickers and head down, be sure to plan ahead with ample water, repair and first aid supplies as it’s a long way from the nearest bike shop.
Note: Tuas is an active industrial zone with many heavy vehicles. For safety, only experienced cyclists should attempt this route during well-lit hours of the day, and during off-peak periods like weekends.
Image credit: @kennyyoucn
Kranji War Memorial is dedicated to the men and women from the British Commonwealth who died defending Singapore from the Japanese in World War II.
It’s home to the graves of 4,458 graves of individuals hailing from India, Australia, Canada and beyond, and also hosts the graves of 69 Chinese WWII servicemen at the Chinese Memorial. At the Singapore Memorial on the hilltop terrace, you’ll also view the names of 24,346 Allied soldiers and airmen killed in Southeast Asia who have no known grave.
Each year, the memorial hosts Remembrance Day on the Sunday closest to 11th November, where servicemen from the Commonwealth visit to pay their respects to the noble dead. Nearby at the Singapore State Cemetery, you’ll also find the graves of dignitaries including our first and second presidents, Yusof Ishak and Benjamin Sheares.
SAF Military Police mount guard each year during Remembrance Day, standing in front of the columns inscribed the names of 24,346 allied personnel.
Image credit: Huaiwei via Wikimedia Commons
Image credit: @therinksg
Get some respite from our humidity at The Rink, Singapore’s biggest ice skating rink located within JCube. And if the words “ice skating” terrify you, don’t worry as you’ll be able to rent cute seal, penguin, or snowman supports (from $11) to help navigate your way across the ice.
Relive your childhood as you try to imitate your favourite Disney on Ice characters… or laugh at your friends as they do their best impressions of Dumbo the elephant on ice. Admission starts at $14/adult for a 2-hour session.
Address: 2 Jurong East Central 1, Level 3, Singapore 609731
Opening Hours: Please refer here
Check out our full guide to The Rink
Image credit: ZOVB Singapore
If you’ve ever secretly wondered how it would feel to run in a gigantic human hamster ball, the West has got you sorted out with ZOVB Singapore.
Have a ball of a time hydro-zorbing, harness-zorbing and free-form zorbing at the large open field along Old Holland Road, with prices starting from $35 for students to $50 for adults.
You’ll have to make advanced bookings before coming down – find out more details on their website here.
Address: 785 Old Holland Road
With its lush forests on the coastline dotted by HDB flats and even regal pagodas, Jurong Lake is a lovely place to kayak. Newly renovated, the park features PAssion WaVe, the only water sports centre in the West. Those looking for a sweat fest can head over to the ActiveSG Park nearby that features a lap pool, gym and fitness corner.
Check out our full guide to Jurong Lake Gardens
7. Stroll through the Chinese-themed Yunnan Garden
Image credit: Google Maps
Pulau NTU might be best known for being tucked away in the westernmost parts of our island, but the new Yunnan Garden on its grounds is a stunning Chinese-themed spot of greenery in the area. Lining the Nanyang Lake, you’ll find boardwalks, luscious trees, and even a 5.6-metre tall cascading waterfall at its centre.
Image credit: @gl245
Image credit: Jesstini Rays
Tuas might be known for the Second Link and its dense rows of factories, but it’s also home to Raffles Marina Lighthouse, one of the few remaining lighthouses in Singapore. Though it’s located within a private yacht club Raffles Marina Club, the lighthouse is accessible to the public and is situated on the tip of a breakwater.
It’s a popular site for wedding photoshoots, but you’ll have to check with the club management before your shoot. Otherwise, you’re free to head down at dusk to catch beautiful sunsets there. Sort out your dinner plans at the Marina Bistro or the Captain’s Table located on club grounds, and you can even book a staycation at the Raffles Marina Hotel.
Check out our full guide to Raffles Marina Lighthouse
Image credit: @sweetiepea77
Science Centre Singapore is one of the most popular excursion destinations during our Primary school days, but its long list of novel experiences makes it one of the most unique destinations for dates, too.
On Fridays from 7-10PM, the Science Centre holds stargazing sessions that include a lineup of 45-minute long sessions, consisting of the Live Planetarium Show, DIY Galileo Telescope session, a VR Experience of the Apollo 11 Mission and Private Stargazing session.
Image credit: @sweetiepea77
You can check for availability and purchase your tickets on the Science Centre website.
Note: Reflections at Bukit Chandu is scheduled to reopen in late 2021.
Reflections at Bukit Chandu houses exhibits and interactive showcases in a colonial building located near the battle site
Image credit: Visit Singapore
Reflections at Bukit Chandu honours the 1,400 Malay Regiment soldiers who stood up against the 13,000-strong Japanese Army in the Battle of Pasir Panjang. In particular, the museum focuses on the actions of Second Lieutenant Adnan bin Saidi and the men of the Malay Regiment as they fought bravely to halt the advance of Japanese troops toward key facilities in Alexandra.
The serenity of this place makes it almost impossible to believe that one of the fiercest battles in Singapore history took place in the area. The reality of the horrific violence and low regard for human life will slowly sink in as you explore the compound and feed your knowledge, making this place ideal for reflection and inspiration.
Image credit: Capitaland
Even with the swath of new malls nearby like JCube, Westgate and JEM, Jurong East’s OG shopping destination IMM is a must-have mainstay for deal hunters in the area.
With close to 60 outlet stores offering discounts of up to 80%, you’ll find sports brands like Nike, Adidas, New Balance and Puma, alongside high fashion picks from Coach, Kate Spade and Micheal Kors and streetwear options from Converse, Timberland and Onitsuka Tiger.
Image credit: Capitaland
Address: 2 Jurong East Street 21, Singapore 609601
Apart from a whole retinue of watersports and other activities, Jurong Lake Gardens is also home to a swath of scenic boardwalks to soak in nature and get close to wildlife. Pick from the Jurong Lake boardwalk, or meander along Rasau Walk that will bring you through marshland habitats and past waterfront views.
At Lakeside Garden, there’s no shortage of IG-worthy spots like the Lone Tree at the lallang-filled Grasslands and the Logs Trail. Those with kids can head over to Forest Ramble which features 13 play zones and even has wheelchair-friendly play facilities.
The Lone Tree isn’t actually a real tree – it’s a durable structure made from recycled iron.
Check out our full guide to Lakeside Garden
You can also get a guided Fun Shoot ($35/1-hour session) with an instructor
Located under West Coast Highway, Salt & Light Archery is a hidden spot perfect if you’re an aspiring Katniss Everdeen or Legolas. From just $5/H, you’ll get to try your hand at Olympic-standard distances of 70M at their 16-lane range.
Sheltered from the rain, you’ll be able to fire away rain or shine. Young ones can even try out shorter target ranges from 5M to dip their toes, too.
If you’ve got the arms for a smooth draw for hours on hand, you can also snag a full-day booking at $25/day for certified archers. You’ll also be able to rent a full set of equipment including bow, finger protector, arm guard, arrows and quiver from $10/day.
Check out our full guide to Salt & Light Archery
Image credit: @playpointasia
Built way back in 1859, the Singapore Botanic Gardens might be best known for its impeccably-maintained lawn perfect for picnics, but there’s more to see and do with the new Gallop Extension. From a supersized playground for kids to a botanical art gallery, there’s also a hidden trail to a 40M-tall summit overlooking the gardens.
Apart from that, the Botanic Gardens is home to a swan lake, themed gardens like ones teeming with orchids and bamboo groves to transport you to Japan.
Check out our full guide to the Singapore Botanic Gardens
Things to do in West Singapore – Clementi Forest
Image credit: @louisamayfung
For the rough-and-ready, Clementi Forest is a lush jungle located just off the Rail Corridor for those looking for an adventure. Reminiscent of Jurassic Park, this dense 85-hectare jungle packs over 250 native species and will be a treat for nature lovers to unleash their inner Bear Grylls.
Offering up breathtaking views and with plenty of opportunities to go off the beaten path, it’ll also be an upgrade for MacRitchie and Pulau Ubin trekkers alike. Just be sure to come prepared with grippy boots as the terrain can get slick and muddy – especially after wet weather.
Things to do in West Singapore – Former Ford Factory
Image credit: Roots
Built as Ford’s first car assembly plant in Southeast Asia, the Former Ford Factory now gives us a glimpse into the lives of pre-war Singaporeans. It’s also the very place where the British surrendered to the Japanese on 15 February 1942, and you’ll get to view snippets of our wartime history at the World War II exhibition gallery.
Things to do in West Singapore – Tiger Brewery Tour
A permanent fixture at bars and kopitiams islandwide, Tiger Beer is a homegrown brand that has been around since the 30s. For beer lovers and aficionados alike, the Tiger Brewery Tour offers a 45-minute brewery tour where you’ll get to walk through the brewing and manufacturing process.
You’ll end off your tour with a trip down memory lane bottles and packaging designs from the past, and get a complimentary pint of Tiger Beer at the Tiger Tavern. There’s also a tasting flight of five other beers: ABC Extra Stout, Anchor Smooth, Baron’s Strong Brew, Guinness Draught, and Heineken.
Winners of a pop quiz will also get to try their hand at pouring their own pint of Tiger Beer
Book a session at the Tiger Brewery Tour.
Address: 459 Jalan Ahmad Ibrahim, Singapore 639934
Opening hours: Sat & Sun 1PM-7PM (Closed from Mondays to Fridays)
Telephone: 6860 3005
Check out our full guide to the Tiger Brewery Tour
Image credit: @thebrompnotgirl
Taking the place of the railway tracks connecting Malaysia to the southernmost parts of mainland Singapore, the Green Corridor is a 24KM-long stretch dedicated for cyclists, joggers and hikers. Snaking through Woodlands, Bukit Timah, Buona Vista to Tanjong Pagar, the route offers plenty of entrances for makan breaks and opportunities to explore the surrounding towns.
Check out our full guide to the Green Corridor
Image credit: @supclubasia
With a giant wave pool, a snaking lazy river, a jacuzzi, a bubble jet station and thrilling slides every colour of the rainbow, Jurong East Swimming Complex is the West’s answer to Wild Wild Wet in the East or Adventure Cove in Sentosa.
Wait, it gets better – the tickets are a fraction of the cost, starting from $1.50/adult and $0.80 for children and senior citizens on weekdays, topping out at $2/adult and $1/child or senior citizen on weekends.
Things to do in West Singapore – visit an affordable waterpark in Jurong
Image credit: @sgswimmingpools
ECP might be the go-to for cyclists seeking a coastal route, but West Coast Park offers up a fair share of unique things to do. From sprawling outdoor playgrounds to a free public dog run, there’s even the Marshland Boardwalk that will take you deeper into the natural habitat of some of our wild friends, including hornbills and the Striated Heron.
Otherwise, grab a munch at La Pizzeria within the Singapore Yacht Club, with options like Ravioli ($25) and fire-baked pizzas (from $14). West Coast Park also features a sprawling Grand Lawn for frisbee, kite-flying and a range of other outdoor activities. Just nearby at the Promenade Lookout Jetty, you can also catch glorious views of the setting sun.
Check out our full guide to West Coast Park
Things to do in West Singapore – explore Wessex Estate
Image credit: @pohcrastinator
Towering condominium blocks and rows of terrace houses are some of the most luxurious residences in Singapore. For a spot of old-world charm, Wessex Estate in Queensway offers up quaint vibes of monochrome colonial houses surrounded by a sea of greenery.
Constructed in the 1930s by the British as a residential area for non-commissioned officers, you’ll find all manner of infrastructure available for its inhabitants. Grab a bite at Colbar – the former canteen, or make your way up the abandoned water tower for an interesting photo op.
Image credit: @pohcrastinator
Check out our full guide to Wessex Estate
Take a stroll along abandoned railway tracks near Clementi Arcade near Sunset Way
Image credit: GF Hu
Easily accessible via the Green Corridor, the tracks at the old Bukit Timah Railway Station are probably the best-known part of our former rail network. But for a touch of the unexplored, the head on down to the Jurong Railway Line, which once connected Bukit Timah to Jurong in the 1900s.
Trains that carried iron and steel travelled about 19KM from industrial areas in Jurong to the main railway at Bukit Timah before carrying on to Tanjong Pagar in the south, or northward toward Malaysia. The route traverses through three tunnels, eight bridges and 22 culverts – many of which still exist amid thick vegetation today.
The railway tunnel is accessible from the bus stop near Maju Camp
Image credit: @jerry711724
One of the best spots to view these remnants of the past is at Sunset Way in Clementi – where you can get closer to the abandoned tunnel near Maju Camp and the truss bridge over the Ulu Pandan park connector.
This truss bridge over the Ulu Pandan Park connector is now closed, but can still be viewed from the walkway underneath.
Image credit: @richardntnch
Check out our full guide to the Jurong Railway Line
Image credit: @instascram_sg
From ION Sky to the Singapore Flyer, our bustling city is in no shortage of vantage points with stunning CBD views. But for something a little further afield, Jurong Hill features its very own observation tower that’s freely accessible by all – if you can muster enough willpower to climb to the top.
Things to do in West Singapore – Jurong Hill Observation Tower
Image credit: @inmjstn
The tower features a spiralling ramp all the way to the top, giving you plenty of opportunities to get creative with angles for the ‘gram. The peak of Jurong Hill is also home to the Garden of Fame, where foreign dignitaries such as Queen Elizabeth II, Ferdinand E. Marcos, Suharto, and Deng Xiaoping planted trees that still remain today.
With a long list of unique activities and attractions, Westies will never find themselves complaining about the lack of things to do in your neighbourhood again. With these 23 things to do in west Singapore – whether you’re a history buff, a thrill-seeker, avid explorer or a foodie, there’s plenty of hidden spots and other secrets for you to discover.
Cover image credit: @wttw2010 , TheSmartLocal, GF Hu
Originally published by Alfreda Lee on 13 Jul 2015. Last updated by Ian Ling on 30th Jun 2021.
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