2. Pulau Ubin: Originally known as Pulau Batu Jubin meaning Granite Stone Island in Malay is an excellent place to unwind in the lap of nature away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The Island got its name from the granite quarries which once provided stone for many eminent structures of the country. The Island has a rustic charm and tranquil demeanor and you can get a glimpse of the ancient past of Singapore then known as Temasek, which was a fishing village. This is Singapore’s last remaining Kampong (traditional village). Attap or thatched roof and zinc roofed wooden houses on stilts, sampans or wooden fishing boats line the beaches. Just a 15 mins bumboat ride from Changi Point Ferry Terminal will take you to this serene island teeming with wildlife. The journey costs $3 SGD per ride. The Chek Jawa wetlands one of the main attractions of Pulau Ubin is home to diverse habitats including coastal forests, rocky beaches and a mangrove swamp. Varieties of flora and fauna can be spotted here and it is undoubtedly a paradise for the nature lovers. You can rent a bicycle for just $7 – 10 for the whole day to explore this emerald island with breathtaking coastline and sceneries. You can also explore the luxuriant mangrove renting a kayak. The expeditions are conducted by Adventures by Asian Detours, If you plan to camp here no permit is required but don’t forget to get enough supplies to last the night.
Did you know?
According to myth, a frog, a pig and an elephant challenged each other to race to Johor. The losers would turn to stone. All three didn’t make it. The elephant and pig turned into Pulau Ubin. The frog became Pulau Sekudu or Frog Island.
3. Jurong Bird Park: This sprawling 20.2 hectares park is the Asia’s largest aviary. You can spend the whole day marveling at the 5,000 birds from 400 species or you can squeeze out 2 to 3 hrs. from your trip to enjoy some of the choiciest part of the park. You will encounter some of the prettiest and rarest species of birds closely in this sanctuary which simulate their natural habitat. Visitors get to enjoy close interaction with the feathered residents at daily feeding sessions or while enjoying Asian buffet lunch in company of Parrots. There are a number of exciting bird shows to choose from. Be sure to visit waterfall aviary which houses one of the world’s tallest man-made, indoor waterfalls and more than 600 birds. There is also a bird themed water playground for kids to enjoy.
4. East Coast Park: East Coast Park is one of the most beautiful beaches of Singapore. It is most popular urban getaway to enjoy the sun and the pleasing sea breeze. Normally weekends are super busy with local and tourists flocking to the park to sit back and relax or have a picnic in the picturesque beach beautified by coconut palms, Casuarinas and Ketapangs trees. So, if you want to avoid the crowd visit in a weekday. There is plethora of outdoor activities to enjoy like cable ski at Wake Park, Xtreme Skate at Xtreme Skatepark, angling at Bedok Jetty, cycling. You can bring your own bike or get one from a kiosk. There is also a Cyclist Park a new cycling destination at East Coast Park with two different circuits for cyclists of different skill levels. Aloha Sea Sports Centre offers various sea sports like windsurfing and stand-up paddling. There are plenty of fun activities for kids to enjoy too .They can enjoy at Marine Cove Children’s Playground, swing by the red swings at Raintree Cove, enjoy at Coastal PlayGrove a water play area, nature play garden and dining outlets to cater to everyone, explore the road safety park When it is not being used by schools for road safety training. East coast park is also a popular destination for dining and there are ample of Choices at the nearby hawker center or restaurants. There is hawker food at East Coast Lagoon, casual dining outlets at Marine Cove and Parkland Green and restaurant-style seafood at the East Coast Seafood Centre to name a few. Alternatively, you can book a barbeque pit at East Coast Park and have a feast while enjoying the sea. There is option of camping as well. You can set up your own tent or rent a glamping suite.
5. St John, Lazarus, Kusu Islands: If you are an adventure seeker and relish the outdoors you can go for island hoping trip from Singapore Mainland. Marina South Ferries and Island Cruise have ferries at scheduled time to the islands from 9am to 6pm.You can explore St John’s Island and Kusu Island on a single day in that case you won’t be able to cover all the spots in each Island or you can choose to explore one Island at a time. Formerly known as Pulau Sekijang Bendara and spanning 39 hectares, St John’s Island has served various purposes during various span of time sometimes as quarantine center , drug rehabilitation center to sometimes house political detainees and ringleaders of secret societies. It is a now a desired destination for Island retreat. The island pristine scenic island has remnant of coastal forests, natural rocky shores and mangroves housing diverse flora and fauna. The beach is safe lagoon protected with sea barrier rock. Look out for wild cats that wander round the island. If you want to stay amidst exquisite nature, you can book St John’s Island Lodge or book a campsite. The facility is provided with a kitchen where you can cook your food or you can use a BBQ pit if you prefer to grill. You can explore the John’s Island National Marine Laboratory which exhibits marina biodiversity and conservation in Singapore’s waters. St John’s Island is connected to Lazarus Island via causeway. Lazarus has a soft sand and turquoise water beach where you can enjoy a picnic. You can also go to various open nature trails available or explore the Seringat island and Kias Island which is connected to Lazarus Island via reclaimed land.
Apart from pristine blue beaches and lagoons Kusu Island has two most important place of Pilgrimage. Tua Pek Kong Taoist Temple which is dedicated to the patron saint of merchants and there is a Malay shrine of Keramat Kusu where devotee required to climb 122 steps up a steep hill to reach the shrine. There is a famous wishing well on the path leading to the Tua Pek Kong temple. According to legend Kusu Island was a Turtle which turned itself to a land to save two shipwrecked sailors one Malay and one Chinese hence it is also popularly known as Turtle Island.
6. Haw Par Villa: Previously known as the Tiger Park Garden, Haw Par Villa is a 8.5 hectare Asian Culture Park. It is a treasure trove for history buffs and those who loves delving into folklore, legend and mythology. Established by the Aw brothers this theme park is based on Chinese legends and myths and aims to teach traditional value. There are over 1000 statues, tablets and dioramas depicting mythical creatures and narrating tales from Chinese folklore. The Ten Court of Hell section is the most popular section portraying the punishments for human sins.
Did you know?
Aw Boon Haw of the Aw brothers was the founder the famous ointment Tiger Balm