Whilst we all rejoice at our newfound freedom thanks to phase 2, we are still, in fact, confined within our small country. With what seems like a fully explored island with no new things to do in Singapore, frequent travellers and adventurous alike, are left stuck in Singapore, only to reminisce about their various travels.
However, this may not necessarily be the case as there are still quite a few experiences to be had here in Singapore. So why not leave your passports behind, save your reminiscing for another day, and travel the world within Singapore with these places that remind us of overseas? (while practicing social distancing and proper personal hygiene of course).
Fort Canning Park
Reminds us of: Bali
Dreaming of a holiday in Bali? Why not visit Fort Canning Park in Singapore, an iconic hilltop landmark that has witnessed many of Singapore’s historical milestones. The hill that was once sited the palaces of the 14th-century kings and served as headquarters of the Far East Command Centre and British Army Barracks is now a park that contains nine distinctive historical gardens. Namely, the Pancur Larangan, Artisan’s Garden, Sang Nila Utama Garden, Jubilee Park, Raffles Garden, First Botanic Garden, Farquhar Garden, Spice Garden and Armenian Street Park.
If the goal is wanting to feel like you’re in Bali, then the Sang Nila Utama Garden is the park for you. With a series of Javanese split gates, resembling the gates of heaven In Bali, and a reflective pool reminding you of the Tirta Empul Temple near Ubud, it feels as if you’re transported to the history-filled and tranquil Bali.
Entrance to the Fort Canning Park is completely free, so there isn’t a reason not to give it a visit and have a taste of Bali right here in Singapore.
How To Get To Fort Canning Park
To get to Fort Canning Park, visitors can make use of the covered escalators from Fort Canning MRT station and Bras Basah MRT station to get to the top of Fort Canning Park.
Little Guilin
Reminds us of: China
Ever wanted to visit the majestic Guilin granite formations in China? You can sort of do that right here in Singapore. Little Guilin, aka Xiao Guilin, is a giant granite rock sitting within a calm and still lake, resembling its massive counterpart in Guilin, China.
In addition, there is a park around Little Guilin that is beautifully landscaped enabling you to walk along the banks on the lake, giving you ample time to appreciate and take in the majesty that is Little Guilin.
All in all, if you are a big fan of sightseeing, or just love the scent of fresh air, Little Guilin is the place to be.
How To Go To Little Guilin
To get to Little Guilin, visitors may alight at Bukit Gombak Station and walk to Bukit Batok Town Park.
Seletar North Link
Reminds us of: Canada
Perfect for pictures and a quick getaway from civilisation, Seletar North Link is a large scenic lake, surrounded by the wilderness that resides in the northern region of Singapore.
With its peaceful and tranquil demeanour, Seletar North Link reminds us of the ever-popular Liard River in Canada. Alike the Liard River, its beauty makes it a perfect venue for photoshoots due to its scenic and stunning background.
If you’re not much of a fan of sightseeing, fret not as there are lots of fun-filled and engaging activities in the area, ranging from unwinding at Singapore’s first recreational park to going on a kayaking adventure through the reservoir.
Tucked away and hidden from civilisation, Seletar North Link is the ideal place to visit if you want to get away from all the hustle and bustle of mundane city life and want to experience nature at its purest.
How To Go To Seletar North Link
Alight at Nibong LRT station, visitors would have to either rent a bicycle to cycle or walk towards the hidden lake.
Chinese Garden
Reminds us of: China & Taiwan
Fond of traditional Chinese architecture? If so, boy, do we have the place for you. Modelled after the northern Chinese imperial style of architecture during the Song dynasty (960–1279 CE) and the Summer Palace in Beijing, the Chinese Garden comprises of 13.5 hectares of striking architecture with vibrant colours. It is representative of the imperial gardens after the Han Dynasty where emperors lay and rest to renew their energy. The design concept plan for the Chinese Garden was prepared by Yu Yuen Chen, a Taiwanese expert on Chinese gardens.
This, in turn, added a Taiwanese touch to the stunning representation of historical Chinese architecture, reminiscent to the Kaohsiung Temple in Taiwan. Unfortunately, we will currently be unable to visit the stunning Chinese Garden as it is closed from 31 May 2019 to the end of 2021 for redevelopment works. But judging from the new garden features of the Chinese Garden, we can’t wait to visit!
How To Go To Chinese Garden
The Chinese Garden is easily accessible from Lakeside MRT station, and also by bus services 49 and 154 from Jurong East or Boon Lay Interchange. Note: Closed from 31 May 2019 to End of 2021
Japanese Garden
Reminds us of: Japan
Linked to the aforementioned Chinese Garden, is the Japanese Garden, a joint project by both the Singapore and Japanese governments. The garden was modelled after the aesthetics of Japanese gardens in the Muromachi period (1392-1568) and the Momoyama period (1568-1615).
This featured many of Japans attractions such as the tranquil ponds, arched bridges, Torii gates and stone lanterns. If you are searching for a specific place in Singapore that resembles the beauty that is Japan, it’d be the Japanese Garden. Unfortunately, it’s a shame that we won’t be able to visit this gorgeous site due to redevelopment works till the end of 2021.
How To Go To The Japanese Gardens
The Japanese Garden is easily accessible from Lakeside MRT station, and also by bus services 49 and 154 from Jurong East or Boon Lay Interchange. Note: Closed from 31 May 2019 to End of 2021
Raffles Marina Lighthouse
Reminds us of: Australia
Built in 1994 and looming over Singapore’s second causeway to Malaysia lies a gentle giant, also known as Raffles Marina Lighthouse. This is also the only lighthouse that is not owned and operated by the Maritime Port Authority of Singapore.
The lighthouse stands 12 meters tall, dispensing a ray of light, spanning 15 meters from its source.
Resembling the Cape Otway Lighthouse along the Great Ocean Road, the Raffles Lighthouse has an elegant and minimalistic design. Due to its simple and elegant design, the lighthouse has become a beacon of scenic beauty that is popular amongst varying communities such as cyclists, leisure photographers and bloggers.
Fun fact, there are in total, 5 lighthouses in Singapore and 2 with the term “Raffles” in its name, the first, is the aforementioned Raffles Marina Lighthouse, and second, is the Raffles Lighthouse, which is located on another island. Sadly, visitors would be unable to visit the Raffles Lighthouse as and when they please as the government has restricted the access to the island. Hence, the only way you’d be able to view the Raffles Lighthouse would be through the annual tours hosted by the Maritime Port Authority of Singapore.
So, if the sight of magnificent architecture coupled with the cool and gentle breeze of the ocean falls right up your alley, Raffles Marina Lighthouse is one place ought not to be missed.
How To Get To The Raffles Marina Lighthouse
Visitors may take buses 192, 193, TS6 or alight at Tuas Link and walk to Raffles Marina Lighthouse.
Central Perk Café
Reminds us of: New York
What started as a dream soon became a reality for Jit Min, when his idea of establishing Central Perk Café, a fully functional café acting as a tribute to the popular sitcom F.R.I.E.N.D.S., received overwhelming crowdfunding response on Indiegogo.
The interior design of Central Perk Café in Singapore is made up of the show’s recognizable alfresco dining space with a whole multitude of iconic memorabilia, such as the orange couch where the show’s characters are usually seen hanging out.
In addition to the various memorabilia, the ambience of the café, the neon signs, high table-chairs, warm lighting, and the brick walls, would make fans of the TV show be absolutely hit with a sense of nostalgia like no other.
On the whole, Central Perk Café is an absolute must go for every F.R.I.E.N.D.S. fanatic or anyone who wants to have a classic New York coffee shop experience.
How To Go To Central Perk Café
Visitors may take the buses (123, 147, 174, 186, 2, 51) or alight at Pasir Ris, Downtown or Punggol MRT station and walk to the café.
Whilst we have no choice but to patiently wait for the Covid-19 situation in Singapore to come to pass, why not go on unique adventures within our beloved island. Did we miss out on anything? Tell us what other places within Singapore reminds you of your various travels outside of our borders.
Make sure to wear a mask, practise social distancing and proper personal hygiene when out and about. Avoid going out and visit the doctor should you have a fever, flu, or cough.
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