How to take a break from Singapore's city scene and venture out like a local
There’s more to the island state than Orchard Road, Marina Bay Sands and Sentosa Island. Bookmark this if you’re looking to see the Lion City in a different light
Explore the great outdoors
Yes, the urban jungle does have a few nature reserves and trails all round the island despite having more than 4,500 completed high-rise buildings – and no, Gardens by The Bay is not considered an outdoor nature area. Head over to the 12-hectare MacRitchie Reservoir – it is Singapore’s oldest reservoir having been completed in 1867 – and you can enjoy a stroll on either one of its two boardwalks or take a hike up to challenge yourself at the 250-metre-long suspension bridge known as HSBC TreeTop Walk. There’s also a designated catch-and-release fishing ground on the eastern part of the park.
If you fancy a bicycle ride, cycle along East Coast Park and hang out by the beach after – this 185-hectare park is popular even among the locals. Other options that are great for nature lovers or folks with a hankering for fresh air include the Mandai mangroves, Punggol Waterway Park, and the 10km Southern Ridges trail that weaves through the lush treetops of Mount Faber all the way to Labrador Nature Reserve.
Discover one of Singapore’s rare farms
Continuing on the greenery theme, Bollywood Veggies is yet another pleasant surprise found on the third most densely populated country in the world. Founded by retired couple Ivy Singh-Lim and Lim Ho Seng in 2000, this 10-acre (4-hectare) plot of agricultural land nestled in the Kranji countryside supplies local organic produce and has a cafe called Poison Ivy, a culinary school and a museum that only opened several years after the farm’s inception. Guided farm tours aside, you can also participate in other various activities such as plant treasure hunt, rice farming and potting classes.
Be mesmerised by a choir of exotic birds
Located in the town of Ang Mo Kio, Kebun Baru Birdsinging Club is the largest bird-singing and display area of its kind in Southeast Asia, where bird owners bring out their pet birds as early as six o’clock in the morning, hoisting them up 20 feet (6.1 metres) high for sunshine and fresh air while competing to be the best singer. This majestic display of exotic birds chirping beautiful melodies is a sight not to be missed even if you’re not an avian lover.