Singapore: The Wild Edition. Get Down & Dirty With These 6 Hidden Nature Activities!

What?! Singapore has a wild side? Before thoughts of living like Bear Grylls start creeping into your mind, we are referring to living on the wild(er) side in Singapore – nature activities catered for the adventurous, nature-loving enthusiasts.

Sounds like your type of thing? Step out of your comfort zone with these hidden nature activities. Start living on the wild side – Singapore edition.

1. Hike to the Wetlands of Chek Jawa

Venture to this unknown nature wonderland hidden off the mainland of Singapore – Chek Jawa’s Wetlands.

[caption id="attachment_16087" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Credit: fryap.wordpress[/caption]

This is perhaps your only chance to touch and see this ancient-mariner which happens to be as old as dinosaurs!

Volunteers are trained to properly handle these fascinating creatures. You’ll learn to measure their length, identify their gender and breeding status before releasing them back into the mudflats. A science lesson like no other! This activity occurs once a month so do remember to register online beforehand.

Horseshoe Crab Project
For more information, visit the website here.

3. Explore Jurong’s Abandoned Railway Line

Surprisingly, Jurong’s abandoned railway line has yet to be declared as out-of-bounds by the Government, so feel free to go on this one-of-a-kind jungle and tunnel walk.

[caption id="attachment_16090" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] Credit: Credit: Website

5. Cycle and Trek Pulau Ubin

Just a short bumboat ride away, Pulau Ubin is set to whet your appetite for adventure!

[caption id="attachment_16651" align="aligncenter" width="1698"] Credit: Credit: Credit: here.

Escape the hustle and bustle of Singapore’s city life with these wild activities you never knew Singapore had! Get muddy and dirty with Singapore’s wild side. Get your trusty shoes on and get ready to take on Singapore’s wild side!

(Header image credit: 15 Must Eat, Must Drink And Must Try Spots In Singapore!

15 Must Eat, Must Drink And Must Try Spots In Singapore!

Singapore is jam packed with amazing restaurants, cafes, bars and local attractions. Let’s be honest, Singapore has such a wide variety of attractions that it can actually be pretty difficult to choose which to do. Do not fret. We’ve sourced 15 places in Singapore you MUST add to your Singapore bucket list!

PSA: This bucket list is strictly for Singaporeans, so don’t expect places like the Singapore Zoo on here. Even though we must admit our national zoo is really amazing.

MUST TRY

1. Take A Hike @ MacRitchie Reservoir’s TreeTop Walk

Located in MacRitchie Reservoir, the TreeTop Walk (TTW) is first free-standing bridge in Singapore and in the region.  Connecting the two highest points (Bukit Peirce and Bukit Kalang) in MacRitchie, the TTW offers a bird’s eye view of the sprawling rainforest below! The total length of the walkway is about 250 m with the highest point at 25 m!

Get your hiking shoes ready because there are 2 main routes that will get you to the TTW. Both of which are moderately difficult to tackle. The shorter of the two route spans 7km and will take about you about 3-4 hours. Starting from Venus Drive, this route will take you through the northern and north-western part of MacRitchie Reservoir. The longer route spans an astounding 10km and will take you about 5 hours to tackle! However it’s the best route if you want to take in the whole MacRitchie as it takes you from the eastern side of MacRitchie right up to TTW!

A perfect weekend date if you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the TreeTopWalk lets you truly experience the natural wonder of Singapore’s rainforest! Best part? It’s free!

TreeTopWalk
601 Island Club Rd, S578775
Opening Hours: Mon: Closed; Tuesday – Friday: 9am – 5pm; Weekends & Public Holidays: 8.30 am – 5pm
Contact: 1800-471 7300 (Toll-free)

2. Bungee Jump @ AJ Hackett Sentosa

Great news for all adrenaline junkies out there, Sentosa is now home to Singapore’s first bungee tower! The bungee tower is part of AJ Hackett Sentosa. Set up by AJ Hackett International, this heart pounding recreational site is a 2,500 sq m adventure playground!

Standing at 14 storeys high with two high jump decks and a 40m long sky bridge, this bungee tower is not just about bungee jumping! There’s the Vertical Skywalk where you can scale the down the main tower’s shaft and the Giant Swings, which will have you flying through the air at 100km/h!

Not open until March 2017, AJ Hackett Sentosa will definitely be a must visit on our Singapore bucket list!

AJ Hackett Sentosa
General inquiries: [email protected]

Find out more: Sentosa Is Now Home To Singapore’s FIRST Bungee Tower – 47 Meters Above Ground!

3. Take A Supercar For A Spin @ Ultimate Drive

[caption id="attachment_15589" align="alignnone" width="1024"] 5. Lounge By Marina Bay Sand’s Infinity Pool

[caption id="attachment_15590" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Marina Bay Sands Infinity Pool
Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Avenue, S018956
Opening Hours: 6am – 11pm
Contact: +65 6688 8888

MUST EAT

1. Enjoy A Unique View @ Ocean Restaurant By Cat Cora

2. Have Lunch @ Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle

[caption id="attachment_15596" align="alignnone" width="960"] burpple[/caption]

One of the first cafes in Singapore to jump on the “freakshake” bandwagon, Benjamin Brown is constantly coming up with new “freakshake” creations! The newest line of freakshakes at Benjamin Brown is their Cerealsly Crunch Shakes, their most decadent? The Fruity Pebbles of course! Served in a jar, this milkshake is topped with our favourite childhood treats! Not only is it seriously eye catching and decadent it’s also a blast from our past!

While other eateries have adopted the “freakshake” trend, Benjamin Browns is always evolving its dessert menu! A must visit on our Singapore bucket list, Benjamin Brown is one decadent eatery!

Benjamin Brown
Forum The Shopping Mall
583 Orchard Road, #01-20/21, S238884
Opening Hours: 10.30am – 9pm
Contact: 68874117

4. Treat Yourself @ Restaurant Andre

Standing at #32 in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, awarded 2 Michelin stars and clinching the #1 spot as the Best Restaurant in Singapore is Restaurant Andre.

Offering up French dishes with a slight Taiwanese influence, Restaurant Andre embraces an Octaphilosophy. Incorporating 8 elements (unique,pure, texture, memory, salt, south,artisan. terroir) into his dishes, Chef Andre crafts an all round gastronomical experience for the restaurant’s patrons.

There’s no fixed menu, so you know you’re in for a pleasant surprise when dinner gets served! We recommend you book way in advance as the restaurant closes every time Chef Andre travels!

6534 8880

5. Experience A Whole New Side To Food @ Nox Dine In The Dark

MUST DRINK

1. Sip On A Singapore Sling @ The Long Bar

[caption id="attachment_15602" align="alignnone" width="820"]
Raffles Hotel
1 Beach Rd, S189673
Opening Hours: Mon – Thu: 11am – 12.30am; Fri – Sat: 11am -1.30am; Sun: 11am – 1.30am
Contact: 6337 1886

2. Nutmeg & Clove

[caption id="attachment_15603" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
10A Ann Siang Hill, S069878
Opening Hours: Mon – Thu 6pm – 1am; Fri – Sat 6pm – 2am
Contact: +65 9389 9301

Spanning 16,000 square feet across three levels, 1-Altitude is multi-concept eatery and bar. Located in the heart of the Central Business District, 1 -Altitude has a  cafe, restaurant and bar!

However the main reason why locals love 1- Altitude is their Gallery & Bar. Perched at 282 metres above sea level, 1-Altitude Gallery & Bar is the highest alfresco bar in the world!  Boasting a spectacular 360-degree view of Singapore, 1-Altitude Gallery & Bar is a must go for anyone looking to kickback and relax!

6438 0410

5. The Library

[caption id="attachment_15614" align="alignnone" width="640"] burpple[/caption]

Just getting into this speakeasy bar is a monumental feat. At first glance The Library just seems to be an empty space filled with bookshelves, but this misleading facade is just step one into gaining entrance into The Library.

Guests then have to get the secret password before making their way into the actual bar! The password changes daily so you’ll either have to check their Facebook or head down to the adjunct restaurant, The Study to get it!

With drinks named after famous personalities like Marilyn Monroe and their drinks served to you in little bathtubs with little rubber ducks. It’s pretty hard not to love The Library!

The Library
47 Keong Saik Road
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri 6pm – 1.30am; Weekend Closed

So if you’re looking to spice up your weekend or if you’re looking for a place to indulge in amazing eats and unique drinks, you’re bound to find something you love at these 15 one-of-a-kind local spots!

(feature image:Ambassador Highlights #2: Ultra 2016, Ellysage Launch & Against The Current!

8 Enchanting & Secret Photography Spots You Never Knew Existed

As a dense and developed country full of skyscrapers and shopping malls lining the city, it can be difficult to find the perfect spot for your pre-wedding shoots. Choosing a pre-wedding shoot can be just as hard as deciding where the wedding ceremony will be held. Of course, you can fly elsewhere to popular romantic destinations with gorgeous backdrops and views but why break the bank when Singapore actually has secret photography spots that are not only enchanting, but also romantic.

If your type of pre-wedding photography includes the sea, sand, landscape and the sun in a serene, private spot, here’s our ultimate guide for secret photography spots you never knew existed! These secret photography spots are definitely great for lovers of lush greenery and sandy beaches.

1. Coney Island

Known as one of Singapore’s last unspoilt beaches, Lazarus Island has grown in popularity with young Singaporeans eager for a quiet hideaway far from the crowd. Easy to reach with a 15 minutes boat ride from Marina South Pier, this is the place to get your beach photoshoots. Do note that this place may be a little troublesome as there are no toilets or shelters available on the island.

Location
[googlemaps https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d7977.819635283424!2d103.85015952597641!3d1.2227352228474975!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x31da1ee8b3f07ab9%3A0x734f010b626b98ce!2sLazarus+Island!5e0!3m2!1sen!2ssg!4v1465799589355&w=600&h=450]

3. Upper Seletar Reservoir

Missed Punggol’s ‘Instagram tree’? Fret not, you can find another version nestled at Upper Seletar Reservoir. The vast open spaces, often silhouetted against the backdrop of a pastel-hued sunset and gorgeous body of water make this lesser-known location great for nature-inspired photos.

Another pretty spot to take around Upper Seletar Reservoir is the jetty to the left of the tree along the reservoir.

Location
[googlemaps https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d31909.030199932127!2d103.77518006716436!3d1.3991438346916807!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x31da1163d63d11f9%3A0x19ffc2ae6d8b54!2sUpper+Seletar+Reservoir!5e0!3m2!1sen!2ssg!4v1465738915301&w=600&h=450]

4. Upper Pierce Reservoir Park

If you’re a fan of rivers, lakes and oceans, Upper Pierce Reservoir Park makes a wonderful pre-wedding shoot location. With its vast body of water, beautiful forest and serene environment, you’ll feel like you’re in another country. This reservoir is a great location for sunset wedding shoots or a morning sunrise shoot. With its large open spaces allowing room for creativity, get your props ready for a fun shoot.

Location
[googlemaps https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d31909.23437974174!2d103.78144443581687!3d1.3840519355919687!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x31da11195b1b4335%3A0xdf820adeeba937f9!2sUpper+Peirce+Reservoir!5e0!3m2!1sen!2ssg!4v1465797597084&w=600&h=450]

5. Tuas Lalang Fields

Unknown to many, this hidden gem in the deserted South-West of Singapore offers a vast vacant field where lalang grows aplenty. The setting is gorgeous for warm, summery photos where you need not worry about pesky onlookers. With such a quiet, private and peaceful location, this is a great spot for a magical and romantic shoot.

Location
[googlemaps https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d89502.72651519121!2d103.6192369474954!3d1.2948407802062707!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x0%3A0x0!2zMcKwMTUnNTQuOCJOIDEwM8KwMzcnMTIuNyJF!5e0!3m2!1sen!2ssg!4v1465739893611&w=600&h=450]

6. Punggol Lalang Field

The best time to visit the lalang fields is definitely during the evening as the setting sun provides a soft touch to images with warmth and nostalgia. Although the lalang fields in Punggol are longer, and the lalangs taller, than the ones in Tuas, they are similar looking, with the exact same type of grass.

Location
[googlemaps https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m14!1m8!1m3!1d15954.516170654355!2d103.9220498!3d1.3989864!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x0%3A0x32dec7137830afd8!2sPunggol+Lalang+Field!5e0!3m2!1sen!2ssg!4v1465552441049&w=600&h=450]

7. Sunset Way Railway Tracks

The abandoned railway track is a popular photo-taking spot for many couples. There is a rugged, nostalgic, vintage feel to the iconic cast iron bridge. Apart from the track, the train station and rusted overarching structures provide a photogenic backdrop. Besides the railway tracks at Sunset Way, there are also alternatives at Tanjong Pagar and Bukit Timah (along Rifle Range Road). Do take extra care when venturing onto any abandoned tracks as you’ll have to climb hilly terrains and walk between the planks on the track. This may be a tedious location to get to, but you’ll get to capture lovely photos.

Location
[googlemaps https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d3988.7562596548696!2d103.76552331521637!3d1.3220423620312827!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x0%3A0x0!2zMcKwMTknMTkuMyJOIDEwM8KwNDYnMDMuOCJF!5e0!3m2!1sen!2ssg!4v1465799307650&w=600&h=450]

8. Changi Boardwalk

Not just the perfect place for plane spotting, Changi Boardwalk is also a lovely spot surrounded by natural beauty. This spot has heaps of natural landscapes for photographers to work with and is also popular for its vast sunset sky. The combination of water, wood, stones and trees evoke a poetic and serene feel.

Location
[googlemaps https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d3988.641430661716!2d103.97308681521609!3d1.3916807618261555!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x31da3c3b2c0ce347%3A0xfb7eb15e79b52e28!2sChangi+Boardwalk!5e0!3m2!1sen!2ssg!4v1465794491128&w=600&h=450]

With such secret photography spots in Singapore, why settle for indoor studio shoots? Venture out and capture your pre-wedding shots with nature as your backdrop. Tip: do plan your day in advance, scout the area first, schedule your photographer and make-up artist, and prepare your props!

(Header image credit: 5 Spots in SG To Catch The Sunrise Of Your Lifetime!