The year-end holidays are upon us and I’m sure we’re all ready to celebrate! … except this year, we can’t do the things we usually like to do - travel overseas.
But don't fret just yet! Just because we can't travel to other countries doesn’t mean we’re missing out. In fact, there are plenty of activities to do in Singapore that will make you feel like you’re overseas. We’ve listed down 7 unique things to do (some of which you probably didn’t even realise you could do in Singapore) to make up for the lack of air travel. (And hey, after this, you might realise you don’t have to go overseas to experience new adventures after all!)
Grab a few travel deprived friends and get ready to go on local adventures!
1. Island Hopping
Credits: TallyPress
Island hopping is a popular activity in Bali and Polynesia, known for being paradise resorts. However, did you know that Singapore too has its own paradise resort? Besides Sentosa and Pulau Ubin, Singapore is surrounded by several other small islands that boast of their own nature trails, wildlife, and heritage.
Credits: Scarlet Scribbles
Credits: Marine Insight
For just $15, you can travel to Kusu, St. John’s, Lazarus, and Sister’s Islands with unlimited ferry transfers between the islands. Do the things you look forward to when you’re in Bali or Polynesia - beach picnic, snorkeling, surveying its flora and fauna. You’d be surprised at how much Singapore islands have to offer!
More information at https://www.klook.com/en-SG/blog/southern-islands-guide-singapore
2. Pottery @ Thow Kang Pottery Jungle
Credits: Wine and Dine
If pottery-making is your jam, you definitely have to check out Thow Kang Pottery Jungle. Boasting 55 years of history, Thow Kang is the only place left that uses a traditional dragon kiln firing technique! That is rarely seen in Singapore now due to infrastructural limitations.
Credits: Trip Advisor
A look inside the famed dragon’s kiln. The owners awaken this dragon two to three times a year – imagine the pottery-filled kiln ignited in flames, what a sight to behold!
Within this pottery jungle, you can attend their workshops or simply drop by to purchase a few handicrafts and take a look around this cultural heritage. Making pottery in a cottage-style shop surrounded by the jungle greenery is something I never thought I’ll experience in Singapore!
Address: 85 Lor Tawas, Singapore 639823
Opening Hours: 9am – 5pm daily
More information at https://www.potteryjungle.com
3. Kayak in Pulau Ubin’s Mangrove
Credit: The Honeycombers
Kayaking is one of our top water sports. But the places to kayak in Singapore are few and standard - MacRitchie Reservoir, Singapore Sports Hub, and Pasir Ris Park... If you want a real adventure, take a boat out to Pulau Ubin and sign up for their mangrove kayaking! Row through throngs of low-hanging branches and contend with the tropical wildlife as you make your way across the rivers. The fresh greenery and water will be a welcomed getaway from the daily hustle and bustle of city life.
Address: 34 Pulau Ubin, Singapore 508287
More information at https://www.adventures.network/mangrovekayaking
4. Keppel Hill Reservoir
Credits: The Honeycombers
Speaking of adventures, try hiking down a hidden path to the forgotten reservoir in Keppel Hill. This reservoir was dubbed “the forgotten reservoir” because it disappeared off local maps until rediscovered again in 2014. By then, a shroud of greenery had grown over the waters and only remnants of mouldy, rusty diving board and stairs remain.
Thrill-seekers looking for alternative hiking trails should definitely attempt to find this reservoir, hidden in Mount Faber/Keppel Hill Road. Take note: It is not for the faint-hearted. There are no pavements nor signages to direct you to the reservoir. You can only rely on the path made through the woods by previous trekkers and your own instinct.
Address: Keppel Hill Road (and let your sixth sense lead you on)
For directions towards the forgotten reservoir, visit https://thehoneycombers.com/singapore/keppel-hill-reservoir-abandoned-swimming-pool-trekking-hiking
5. Tour of Kampong Lorong Buangkok
Credits: Wikipedia
Singapore is known for its iconic cityscape – the silhouettes of skyscrapers in our flourishing business district. But a remnant of Singapore has escaped the ongoing urbanization – that is Kampong Lorong Buangkok. You wouldn’t believe that this peaceful kampong is part of Singapore, located just mere metres away from the towering HDB estates! Traditional attap houses, reared chickens and camaraderie between neighbours are very much part of the lives of its residents.
Credits: The Straits Times
If you want to experience the ‘kampong spirit’ of the past, take a tour around Kampong Lorong Buangkok to see how our forefathers live!
Address: Kampong Lorong Buangkok
More information at https://www.letsgotoursingapore.com/kampong-experience
6. Stargazing at The Rocket Tower (Upper Seletar Reservoir Park)
Credits: DiscoverSG
One of the things I always marvel at while overseas is the magnificent night sky, twinkling with thousands of stars. That’s a sight I don’t often get to behold in Singapore because of its dense city lights and high-rise buildings. However, there are a few places in Singapore where you can catch a breath-taking view of the night sky – one of them being the Rocket Tower at Upper Seletar Reservoir Park. This 18-metre rocket tower is a vantage point for stargazing as it remains a distance away from populated towering buildings and their lights.
Just lay some mats down at the balcony area and relax in the serene night under the gaze of twinkling stars. There’s just something soothing and tranquil about stargazing in the open air that takes me to the beaches in Bali!
Address: Seletar Rocket Tower, Mandai Rd Track 7
7. Jewel’s Glampicnic in the Clouds
Credits: CNA Lifestyle
To end this list, we bring to you Changi Airport’s newest experience – Glampicnic in the Clouds. Even though travelling overseas is still set in the undetermined future, we can enjoy a unique experience of Glampicnic in the clouds, as though we’re overseas!
Just huddle with your friends in the fully-furnished tents and enjoy some food amidst Jewel’s indoor greenery. Rain or shine, you can still picnic away!
Credits: Changi Airport
This package comes fully stocked with all you need for an enjoyable picnic experience – disposable cutlery, plates, and wine glasses, cushion seats, and even a cooler box with ice to keep your drinks cool. All you need to bring is the food!
Address: Jewel Changi Airport, Cloud9 Piazza, Level 5
More information at https://www.changiairport.com/en/discover/The-Changi-Festive-Village/Glamping.html
Want to Glamp it up at Jewel with your friends? Head over to Poly Parcel's instagram page to enter in our mega giveaway! Stand a chance to win Glampicnic in the Clouds and other attractive prizes when you participate in our giveaway till 24 Dec 2020, 2359.
(Pssst this is a non-sponsored post! We just want to be your local tour guide and help you get over your need for food, fun and adventure.)
