No need for pushing and squeezing.
Singapore’s population density is a staggering 7,797 people per square kilometre, putting us at third place in the entire world, right behind Macau and Monaco. It’s something we frequently complain about, evidenced by the first Artbox market in Singapore, which drew in such a huge crowd that some people could not even stop to browse the stalls.
Many were disgruntled about the disruptive experience as they left with both empty stomachs and hands, much as the event was spread across 50,000 square feet at Bayfront Event Space beside Marina Bay Sands:
But, for those of us who value personal space above anything else, it’s not exactly a lost cause on our crowded island. You can still find tranquility in corners of Singapore—if you know where to look. We list five of them below so you can beat the crowd for a truly relaxing weekend, void of any frustration or perspiration.
1. Esplanade Park
Esplanade Park is one of the oldest among Singapore’s heritage parks. There, many monuments stand tall that we often take for granted, such as the Lim Bo Seng Memorial, the Cenotaph, and most strikingly, the blue-and-white Tan Kim Seng Fountain that’s drizzled with Victorian elegance.
This tranquil spot is perfect for sightseeing, a meaningful walk in the park and sometimes, yoga.
2. Seletar Aerospace Park
Seletar Aerospace Park is an industrial park far away from the hustle and bustle, but that doesn’t mean it’s only reserved for the aerospace engineers. You’ll be pleasantly taken aback by the café enclave within—also known as The Oval—where colonial bungalows have been transformed into cool eateries.
One of them is Wildseed Cafe, which serves Magic Potions that glitter like river under the moonlight. You’ll be so enchanted that you won’t be able to resist taking a swig out of it.
Fans of Wheeler’s Yard might take more interest in Wheeler’s Estate, upgraded and upsized so you can enjoy heartier dishes in a cosier setting.
3. Kranji Countryside
Want to get in touch with the farming life? At Kranji Countryside, a newly minted tourist attraction, you will find the crowd spread thin over 400 hectares worth of area and more than 100 farms to explore.
Hop over to Jurong Frog Farm, where a $12 tour will let you interact with frogs and sample a fresh produce platter that includes: cajun buttermilk frog meat, crispy frog skin chicharróns and a traditional royal hashima dessert—a delicacy made from dried fatty tissue found near in a the frog’s fallopian tube.
Or, gallop trot over to Hay Dairies, Singapore’s only goat farm where you can see goats being milked every morning for free, as well as feed the goats. You will also be able to sample goat’s milk, a healthier alternative to cow’s milk as it is certified free of antibiotics, preservatives and growth hormones.
Even if you arrive at Kranji Countryside without a booked tour, you can still go farm-hopping (instead of the orthodox café-hopping) and pick up fresh produce along the way, or enjoy a farm-to-table meal at any of the farms with a food and beverage outlet.
4. Marina Square/Millenia Walk
For those of us who simply can’t tear ourselves away from the comfort of an air-conditioned environment, Marina Square has been dubbed the best mall in Singapore for anyone who despises the crowds.
Perhaps the crowd started dwindling when SuperBowl closed down in 2014, or when Golden Village cinema moved to Suntec City, or when the mall was diagnosed with a rat problem.
All that is behind Marina Square now, which underwent a S$95 million revamp and introduced Emporium Shokuhin, a Japanese emporium taking up space in a new wing of the mall, as well as a slate of other restaurants in its relatively new food enclave, The Dining Edition.
However, if the rat infestation is still the ultimate concern that’s deterring you from visiting the empty mall, you can always head over to Millenia Walk for food—just a stone’s throw away and equally sparse.
5. Lazarus Island
Given our population density, one might think the idea of a private beach in Singapore is quixotic. Well, it’s not—head down to Lazarus Island to explore Singapore’s hidden gem, peacefully tucked away in one of the Southern Islands in Singapore.
Other than the fact that is it is uninhabited and is a 30-minute ferry ride away (you can check the ferry timings here), the sandy stretch might not be a popular spot due to its lack of facilities. However, with a picturesque panorama and pristine, untainted waters to cool down in, it’s unquestionably worth a visit—just don’t forget to pack your own food and drinks!
