Still haven’t made up your mind where to enjoy a relaxing day with your partner or family? Here’s a list for those who are up for a cheap thrill, away from both comfort zones and lavish, mainstream restaurants and bars.
- Marina Breakwaters Â
(PHOTO: Instagram @basicmotions)
What to expect: Just across the Marina Bridge connecting Marina Barrage to Marina Golf Course, lies the Marina Breakwaters. With its path hidden amongst trees and shrubs, this place is indistinct from the usual view of Marina Barrage. It is known to only some people, photographers in particular, as it is a dope place to catch sunset with Marina Bay included in the pictures.
What to do: While it is sparsely populated and breezy, it would be ideal to bring along your picnic essentials, liquors and cameras, and to be ready around sunset timing. As it could get quite dim at night, it will be a good idea to bring luminous items such as warm LED lights. On a good day, you may get to enjoy star-gazing too.
How to get there: Cross over Marina Barrage, and you will be able to find the spot (walk along the Tanjong Rhu walkway, away from the crowded Marina Barrage).
2. Keppel Bay
What to expect: Just as tranquil as Marina breakwaters, Keppel Bay is another one of its kind. While it is connected to Harbourfront and Labrador Park, Keppel Bay is significantly less popular in contrary. The 3.4km route offers sights of sea grass beds, crustaceans on the mudflats under the broadwalk and a good workout.
What to do: Besides having a chill-out jog or hike, you can enjoy the sea breeze as pavilions are available for visitors to sit and relax. Few cafes and eateries are available too. However, serious photography is banned as the Reflections at Keppel Bay condominium is said to be private properties and securities conduct inspections time to time nearby.
How to get there:Â The stretch connecting Labrador Park to Keppel Bay brings you along the Bukit Chermin Broadwalk and condominiums.
3. Marina South Pier
What to expect: It is truly an insta-worthy place, with comfortable rocks on seaside, and a wood-paved spacious rooftop, and of course, a good view of the sea and boats.
What to do: The place has a good access to food and drinks, with a convenient store selling freshly-made burgers, which seem to be popular among the visitors/residents. Personally, I would love to grab a book to read, while having some glimpses of the view, with classics playlist on repeat.
How to get there: The place is surprisingly accessible, by all means of transports. Take MRT red line till the end and you will be greeted by the place right away. Marina South Pier also boasts a multi-story carpark at the cruise centre.
4. Henderson Waves
What to expect: True to its name, the bridge mimics the undulating shape of a wave, curving and twisting along its entire 274-metre length. Despite being hyped, it’s never over-crowded even on a holiday. Situated right on Mount Faber at Harbourfront, the sunset view from and of Henderson Wave is simply spectacular. It’s no wonder couples pick the location for proposal and dating. After sunset, the entire place is lit with warm orange glows.
What to do: The wooden decks for sitting and relaxing are perfect places for a picnic, much more hygienic and ventilated than Fort Canning and Botanic Gardens. The pavilions are also spacious enough for you to lie down for a snooze.
How to get there: Alight at Harbourfront station Exit D and take bus service number 131, 145, 176 or 648 alight at bus stop along Henderson Road. Take the staircase up to Mount Faber Park.
5.upper seletar reservoir
What to expect: Popular pre-wedding spot, with possibly one of Singapore oldest and biggest heritage trees being located in this area. I am sure the NParks staff monitors such aged huge trees very closely. This tree is called Ordeal Tree, growing to a height of 25mm and a girth of 3.67m.
What to do: Fishing is one of the common activities, among many other things for nature lovers who yearn for a slow-paced life. It is said to have quite a few Toman (snake head fish) inhabiting the reservoir.
How to get there:Â Bus 138 brings you there from Khatib Station.