A handpicked selection of the finest things to buy, fab places to try and fun things to do in Singapore

Peace & Quiet

Secret spots in Singapore

31 August 2010
changi board Walk380.jpg

With nearly five million people squished on this sunny little island, sometimes you just need some solace. If you're feeling the need for wide open spaces, or just to get away from the madding crowd, you need to find a hideaway. Here are some of our favourites...But ssshhh...don't tell anyone.

Salute the Sun
Start your morning on a tranquil note with your Sun Salutation at Changi Boardwalk, while taking in the soothing sea breeze and the sight of bumboats putting their way to the offshore islands. At sunset, leave your corporate soldier in the office while you strike your Warrior pose at the majestic terraces of Telok Blangah Hill Park. You'll be ready and recharged to take on another day.

Quiet Coffee
Can't get a table at a bistro in town? Head down to Little India and the friendly proprietors at Countryside Cafe will welcome you with open arms and a homely Beef Goulash. If it's an awesome beer selection you're after, be impressed by the variety of Belgian Trappist ales at the retro-chic Little Part 1 Cafe, discreetly tucked off Upper Thomson Road.

Green Escape
On the weekend, take in a little slice of country life at the D'Kranji Farm Resort. Known as Singapore's only "Agri-tainment" farm, check into a lifestyle villa, stroll along the fruit and vegetable plantations and breathe in the country air. If that isn't authentic enough for you, hop on a boat to the Chek Jawa Wetlands on Pulau Ubin for a day of hiking, exploring and flora-and-fauna-spotting. Leave the high heels at home!

Mind Time
Bone up on Singapore-centric literature and music at the Earshot Cafe at The Arts House. Sip on a cuppa, as you browse through their collection of close to 1,000 books and CDs. For a more personal touch, Kenny and Karen at Books Actually count many customers as their friends, who keep going back for their eclectic literature, and to play with Cake, possibly the only bookstore cat in Singapore!

Peace & Quiet   |   31 Aug 2010 at 09:58 AM
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Bryan Norman | March 8, 2011 4:46 PM | Reply

True, the crowds certainly seem to be everywhere nowadays. The numbers have increased very quickly in the past few years, it seems. It's good to know that there are still some nice "ulu" places dotted around Singapore, though. I live in Bedok, I'm definitely goingto try your Changi suggestion. Thanks for that.

By the way, if you crave a hefty dose of deafening silence or just some time away from the ever-present throngs, then let's not forget that Malaysia is only a short hop across Woodlands away.

Malaysia boasts seemingly endless landscapes and seascapes that will simply take your breath away. Best of all, there are plenty of locations to take your kids to enjoy your favorite beach activity or some outdoors fun.

Try visiting The East Coast for example. The areas north and south of Mersing will definitely have you coming back for more. Desaru, Air Papan, Tanjung Resang are all stunning capes with lots of wildernis and plenty of opportunities for good old-fashioned fun in the sun. Sailing, kite-surfing, windsurfing, stand up paddling, or just snorkeling or jungle-trekking.

Give it a go.

Bryan Norman

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