When you’re accustomed to the tiny nation of Singapore (which measures simply 64km at its longest), it’s simple to imagine that the whole lot the Little Pink Dot has to supply will be seen in only a few days. However behind unmarked doorways, nondescript alleys and off the coast, you’ll discover that Singapore nonetheless has loads of secret spots to uncover. From secluded parks within the metropolis to jungle-swathed hideaways and alleyway pizzerias, you’re sure to search out one thing that evokes you to discover on this checklist.
1. Smith Marine Floating Kelong Restaurant
For a contemporary seafood dinner out at sea, e book your desk (and a 15-minute return bumboat experience) at Smith Marine Floating Kelong Restaurant. A brief stroll on the decks of this contemporary kelong (aquaculture farm) positioned off the north-eastern coast of Singapore permits you to see how flower crabs, lobsters, sea bass, grouper and different seafood are farmed. You’ll be able to even attempt fishing on your personal dinner; the cooks will cook dinner up your catch in quite a lot of kinds. Because the solar goes down, benefit from the sea breeze as you tuck into garlic lobster, sambal mussels, steamed squid and naturally, Singapore’s signature chilli crab.
01’23’52″N – 103’57’42″E. Nearest ferry terminal: Changi Level Ferry Terminal
2. Bollywood Veggies
Occupying a sizeable plot of land within the sprawling Kranji Countryside is the natural farm bearing pineapples, bananas, starfruit, eggplants and extra. Tour Bollywood Veggies’ farm, study native culinary historical past on the Meals Museum, then tuck right into a scrumptious meal that includes contemporary produce on the fabulous farm-to-table Poison Ivy bistro. Don’t miss the Jackfruit Lemak stew, which options chunks of candy fruit immersed in creamy coconut gravy. You can too discover ways to whip up tantalising native dishes on the on-site cooking faculty.
100 Neo Tiew Street. Taxi beneficial
Watch a video of what goes on on the Kranji countryside on the weekends…
3. Bincho @ Hua Bee
There are lots of secret spots in Singapore for a tipple, however there are none fairly like this one. By day, bowls of bak chor mee (minced meat noodles) are tossed up on this 70-year-old kopitiam (espresso store). It occurs to be the place native indie film Mee Pok Man was shot. At evening, Hua Bee’s modest little area within the hipster Tiong Bahru neighbourhood is remodeled into an ultra-cool yakitori (grilled skewers) bar. One other shock awaits at the back of the premises: a fashionably frowzy, dimly lit cocktail bar that resembles an underground bunker.
78 Moh Guan Terrace, #01-19. Nearest MRT: Tiong Bahru
4. Pearl’s Hill Metropolis Park
Simply behind the hustle and bustle of the Chinatown district lies this nine-hectare belt of greenery perched atop a 45m-tall knoll. Guests should climb flights of stairs to get to the summit, the place they’ll discover the tranquil oasis of Pearl’s Hill Metropolis Park. This fortress-like construction was inbuilt 1898 to produce ingesting water to Chinatown, which it nonetheless does as we speak. Alongside the best way, loosen up underneath the shade of mature tembusu timber and breathe within the candy fragrance from the pink and white blooms of frangipani timber. In your method again down towards Eu Tong Sen Avenue, a bit exploring will uncover extra relics from colonial occasions – like a cannon sitting alongside a five-storey blue constructing. That is one in all a pair of Neo-Classical-style conservation buildings inbuilt 1935 – the Higher and Decrease Barracks that when housed the Straits Settlements Police’s Sikh contingent.
Chin Swee Street. Nearest MRT: Outram Park, Chinatown
5. Wessex Property
As soon as residence to British officers, this elegant enclave of black-and-white colonial buildings is the place a group of native artists now stay, muse and create. You’ll be able to tour their studios on the annual ArtWalk@Wessex or make appointments with particular person artists to have a gander round their workspaces at different occasions. Whilst you’re within the neighbourhood, you may as well try Joyce Lavatory’s clay sculptures at JoyClay Studio & Gallery.
4 Woking Street. Nearest MRT: Commonwealth
6. Gardenasia
A shocking sanctuary ensconced within the Kranji Countryside, Gardenasia includes a farm, bistro and remodelled black-and-white British colonial villas unfold over two hectares of picture-perfect greenery. A calming farmstay at one of many English-, oriental- or contemporary-style villas permits you to step again in time, with their basic carved wood furnishings and uncovered timber roof beams. Rustic at first look, the interiors are fitted with luxurious marble-tiled loos and fashionable audio-visual techniques. Wander amid herb gardens and fruit timber, earlier than tucking into dishes created with freshly harvested elements at Bistro by Gardenasia. Attempt their pan-roasted lamb to accompany salad with elements of your alternative, washed down with farm-fresh roselle.
240 Neo Tiew Cres. Bus: 925m
7. Lloyd’s Inn
There’s an elegant hidden oasis in a residential space only a stone’s throw from the bustling Orchard strip. With 34 minimalistic rooms hooked up to semi-outdoor loos, this Lloyd’s Inn, which additionally has a dipping pool and a backyard patio, has a definite resort-like ambiance. Its uncovered concrete physique lends the entire place a uncooked, industrial vibe.
2 Lloyd Street. Nearest MRT: Fort Canning
8. Ann Siang Hill Park
Even the center of Singapore has secret spots which can be simple to overlook. The ever-hip Ann Siang space is understood for its cool bars and eateries tucked inside heritage shophouses, however not many individuals have ambled by means of Ann Siang Hill Park. The plush path begins at Telok Ayer Inexperienced and ends at Membership Avenue, passing by historic landmarks equivalent to Thian Hock Keng temple. Attempt to spot yellow rain, nutmeg and cinnamon timber alongside the meandering path.
78 Membership Avenue. Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer
9. Correct Slice
Only a quick stroll from Ann Siang Hill Park lies one other one of many neighbourhood’s secret spots that gives a rarity in Singapore – the common-or-garden New York-style pizza. Enterprise into the alleyway simply on the bend of Gemmill Lane and also you’ll discover an unmarked metal door beneath a maroon awning. Enter, and also you’ll be greeted by the attractive odor of freshly baked pizzas. The New York-style of pizza is distinguished by massive slices, easy elements and a delightfully skinny and floppy crust. Along with pizza, different Italian-American staples can be found just like the garlic knots, stromboli (basically a extra transportable pizza) and a candy calzone crammed with ricotta and hazelnuts.
110 Amoy Avenue, #01-02. Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer
10. Kampong Lorong Buangkok
For a style of life because it was within the ’60s (earlier than the arrival of multi-storey carparks and air-conditioned malls), head to Singapore’s final surviving kampung (village). Positioned off Gerald Drive in Yio Chu Kang, some 20 households stay on this sleepy hamlet of zinc-roofed homes related by dust paths. Right here, chickens roam freely amid gardens lined with chilli, lime and hibiscus vegetation.
Gerald Drive. Nearest MRT: Buangkok
– TEXT BY CARA YAP & MANDY LIM BEITLER
This text was initially printed by Singapore Press Holdings.
