Seems like the travel restrictions are not going to be lifted anytime soon, which is a bummer for many of us. But that also means that it's a good time to explore more of Singapore and its hidden gems! Did you know that there are places that might trick you into thinking you're in Europe or Bali, without having to spend a dime on flight tickets?
Without further ado, here are some places you can visit over the weekend to ease your travel itch!
Fort Canning Park
Dreaming of a holiday in Bali? The Pancur Larangan (Forbidden Spring) in Fort Canning Park bears a resemblance to Bali's Tirta Empul Temple. The famous temple in Bali is famed for its holy spring water and tourists from far and wide visit for the temple's cleansing and purifying rituals. The only difference with Singapore's is that you can’t step into the recreated 14th-century Javanese-inspired pool!
Bukit Timah Saddle Club
Pretend you’re in the countryside of a European country at Bukit Timah Saddle Club. Learn how to ride a horse and get on the off-road track trail rides to see a different sight of Singapore’s greenland! Right now lessons have only been resumed for club members, but stay tuned to their Facebook page for updates on their beginner and public riding courses.
Seletar North Link
Upper Seletar Reservoir is home to the Casuarina tree, a famous tree that’s seen in many wedding photoshoots. Seletar North Link also offers the view of a dreamy lake that could remind you of New Zealand (unfortunately we can't do anything about the heat). If you’re visiting Upper Seletar, do also check out other hidden gems in the area such as the Seletar Aerospace Park.
Merci Marcel
Get a taste of the Parisian cafe culture at Merci Marcel, a cafe by day and resto cum wine bar by night. You’ll find touches of France all over the establishment, from its menu to the rattan-made bistro chairs and earth tone interiors. We especially love the garden terrace at the back of the compound of its Tiong Bahru branch, where you can feel as if you are dining in a quaint restaurant in the back alley of France.
Punggol Beach
Looking for somewhere to catch the sunset and clear your head? Head down to Punggol Beach on an evening with clear skies. The dramatic sunset over the horizon and large rocks that are lined along the shore will transport you to a place far far away.
Bright Hill Temple
Bright Hill Temple is a religious enclave that exudes grandeur in the various architecture of its different halls, where you’ll find plenty of sculptures and paintings depicting Buddhism. Make sure to drop by the Hall of no Form, which houses a giant bronze statue of Buddha. Weighing over 55 tons, the statue is one of the largest in Asia!
Little Guilin
Get a little glimpse of China's limestone karst hills at Little Guilin, which offers a tranquil picturesque view with still waters and ample foliage. It’s hard to fathom how this seemingly piece of untouched nature can exist next to our concrete jungle. You won't get a boat tour here, but you sure can throw yourself a picnic under a tree!
Chelsea Lodge
Designed to mimic the row-style houses in Europe, take a walk down along the gate-sized stairwells at Chelsea Lodge and pretend you're away on a holiday. A photo here might even trick friends that you haven't met in years that you've uprooted to live the high life!
Ion Sky
Taipei has Taipei 101, South Korea has the Lotte Tower, Shanghai has the Pearl Tower, and here in Singapore, we have the Ion Sky. if you’re looking for a place to have a 360-degree view of the city from above. Located on level 56 of Ion Orchard, the observation deck is the perfect place to have a 360-degree view of the city. Simply spend $20 per person at the mall to redeem a ticket.