20 Wildly Fun Outing Activities In Singapore Under S$19 – Most Are Free!
Singapore is a small country, and it’s certainly not boring. It just means that you have to look harder. More often than not, it’s about entertaining yourself in the place you live in. If you prefer not to spend too much money to travel across another continent, Discover SG’s got you covered.
1. Go hiking at The Southern Ridges
[caption id="attachment_2936" align="aligncenter" width="700"]Free admission
Ditch your pumps and Birkenstock, and opt for a pair of sensible footwear to have a stab at hiking down The Southern Ridges. At 10km long, it’s the hot new favourite place for history aficionados, nature lovers and selfie buffs.
2. Volunteer at SPCA
[caption id="attachment_2937" align="alignnone" width="700"]Free admission
SPCA is always on the lookout for helpers and dog walkers to advocate their animal welfare cause. If you’re an animal lover, consider volunteering at the shelter to make a pup’s day. You’re going to go home with a sense of accomplishment.
3. Marvel at the flowers in Singapore Botanic Gardens
[caption id="attachment_2938" align="alignnone" width="700"]Free admission
Here’s something you probably haven’t heard of: picnics are back in fashion. They’re so popular that there are companies here selling packed baskets! If your money is a wee tight, treat it as a DIY project. Set a time, pick a shady spot and I guarantee you’ll have butt-loads of fun.
4. Window-shop at Haji Lane
[caption id="attachment_2940" align="alignnone" width="700"]Free admission
There’s something about Haji Lane. The quirky knick-knacks, the timeless fashion apparels, the aesthetically pleasing little shops. It’s a must-visit for every Singaporean (and tourist). Get a sneak peek at the charming town and its must-visit stores here.
5. Make googly eyes at the fishes at Qian Hu Fish Farm
[caption id="attachment_2941" align="alignnone" width="700"]Free admission
If you don’t know who Kenny Yap is, I, well, let’s leave it at that. Qian Hu, famous for its Dragon fishes, has been around the block since the late nineties. The fish farm may not be as glitzy as Orchard Road, but it still has its own rustic charm.
6. Watch a free movie outdoors
[caption id="attachment_2942" align="alignnone" width="700"]Free admission
A free outdoors drive-in movie screening? It certainly beats shivering uncontrollably in the cinema. Movie Mob was launched in 2009 and seven years later, it’s still going strong. Join their mailing list to get the first deets.
also read: We’ve oohed and ahhed while we were in the Singapore Flyer capsule, but how many of us have actually experienced the Tiger Sky Tower? Not many of us, I’d presume. It’s not too late to have a go. Tickets cost S$18 for adults and S$10 for children. Estimated cost: >S$4.50 Ice-cream waffles? Nah, I’ll take unconventional local cuisine any day. Here are some recommendations to get you started on your foodie trip: Free admission Get away from the hustle and bustle, and escape to Singapore’s first ASEAN Heritage Park to rewind. The rich biodiversity is something to behold. I wouldn’t be surprised if you stop to smell the flowers. Oh yeah, that Komodo dragon that’s staring at you like food? Don’t worry, it won’t kill you. It’s a water monitor lizard. also read: Free admission (duh) Say whatever you want about Stephenie Meyer (Twilight series), but you’ve got to admit it, she’s made reading cool again. If you’re looking for quality me-time, get on the bus and head to the library. Design fanatics can’t go wrong with Library@Orchard or Jurong Regional Library, and YA (young adult fiction) buffs should not miss Queenstown Public Library for its impressive collection. Depends You don’t have to spend a bomb at Gardens by the Bay. You can enjoy free admission for most of the sights. Take The World of Plants, Dragonfly and Kingfishers Lakes, Heritage Gardens and Sun Pavilion for instance. They’re enough to keep you entertained. Free admission If you appreciate casual dining and low-maintenance relaxation, look no further than Farmart Centre. You can have a prawning contest with your mates or feed the farm animals. Price: free, unless you end up going home with a puppy. Free admission Any children — or adult — will want to try this out. If playgrounds aren’t your cup of tea, grab your bikes, skateboards or fishing rods. What’s interesting about Woodlands Waterfront Park is that there’s a restaurant located at the jetty. Who knew? Cost: >S$8 Create art with a cotton swab and toothpick! An activity like this will hit you with the nostalgia bomb. If you can’t stand art, grab your pals and head down to the arcade (price varies). It’s much more satisfying than being cooped up alone in home playing Call Of Duty on your Xbox 360. Well, I don’t know if there are coconuts at the farm, but the name ‘Bollywood’ certainly brings the fruit to mind. The lush greenery is a marvel and reminds us to take a step back from our fast-paced, urban lifestyle. Entrance fee costs S$2. Admission is free for kids under 12 and seniors over 60. also read: Free admission Alexandra Canal Linear Park is like a pearl oyster. At first glance, there’s not much to look at. Look further and you’d feel like you’ve been had. If you spend ample time at the park, you’d see that there’s a rope playground and a scaled-down skate park for skateboarding enthusiasts. Free admission The Animal Resort is another lesser-known place in Singapore. Think of it as a mini zoo. You get to feed the animals, see what it’s like for a pet to get a haircut, and witness a dog training ground. Not much is known about The Library, except that it’s as secretive as hosting an underground supper club. What makes the bar so intriguing is that it’s by appointment only and guarded by a secret pass code. One writer at Popspoken recommends the Wonky Donkey ($17). Free admission To any acrophobic, attempting the Treetop Walk is as frightening as walking down the Yuntaishan glass walkway. Think carefully before you embark on this exhilarating mission. Get a friend you trust to come along with you and whatever you do, don’t look down! Cost: varies, depends on your resourcefulness Here are some ideas to get you started. You could play dodgeball at the basketball field. You could create your own name tag from scratch. Notice the acupuncture stones you often see at your HDB block? Use it. Skip on it. Run on it. Just make sure it’s not occupied by some elderly. Please, only proceed if you don’t mind getting weird looks. With these 20 wildly fun activities to do in Singapore for the cheap, we hope you’ll never complain of being bored! Adventure belongs to those to seek it. So go forth and have an adventure! Note: Price does not include parking fees and transport fares. Image credit: Mind Blowing Trip[/caption]
8. Forget hipster cafes, dine at hawker centres instead
[caption id="attachment_2944" align="alignnone" width="700"] Image credit: Northern Sights[/caption]
9. Test your endurance at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
[caption id="attachment_2945" align="alignnone" width="700"] Image credit: Angie and James Do Stuff[/caption]
Image credit: Today Online[/caption]
11. Admire the greenery at Gardens by the Bay
[caption id="attachment_2947" align="alignnone" width="700"] Image credit: Wikipedia[/caption]
12. Rub shoulders with animals at Farmart Centre
[caption id="attachment_2948" align="alignnone" width="700"] Image credit: Farmart Centre[/caption]
13. Attempt the humongous climbing structure at Woodlands Waterfront Park
[caption id="attachment_2949" align="alignnone" width="700"] Image credit: White as Milk[/caption]
14. Turn back the hands of time at Creative Art Corner (or Timezone)
[caption id="attachment_2950" align="alignnone" width="700"] Image credit: 许恩熙[/caption]
15. Dance with coconuts at Bollywood Veggies
[caption id="attachment_2951" align="alignnone" width="700"] Image credit: Bollywood Veggies[/caption]
Image credit: National Parks[/caption]
17. Feed the animals at The Animal Resort
[caption id="attachment_2953" align="alignnone" width="700"] Image credit: Tuan-min.com[/caption]
18. Sneak into The Library & have a drink
[caption id="attachment_2954" align="alignnone" width="700"] Image credit: Popspoken[/caption]
19. Get over your fear of heights at the Treetop Walk
[caption id="attachment_2961" align="alignnone" width="700"] Image credit: National Parks[/caption]
20. Or better yet, go Sparta! with Running Man
[caption id="attachment_2962" align="alignnone" width="700"] Image credit: Soompi[/caption]
Featured image credit: Gardens by the Bay YouTube screen grab
Top 5 Most Underrated Places In Singapore To Escape The City Life This Weekend!
The alarm goes off every day at 7. Squeezed into peak hour trains like canned sardines. Tons of paperwork and emails piled up. Before you know it, you’re in bed by 9 after a tiresome day of work.
Rinse. Recycle. Repeat.
Singaporeans, we get it. More often than not, we work too hard for our own good. Sometimes, we just need to escape all the craziness of a bustling metropolitan life. Desperate times call for desperate solitude. Instead of the usual getaway spots, these 5 rather clandestine and less well-known locations each offers a totally new experience that will leave you totally refreshed and relaxed.
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Library@Orchard
Nestled in the heart of Singapore’s lively shopping district, Library@Orchard is perhaps one of the lesser-known libraries due to its rather obscure location. Decked with white sleek shelves, colourful arrays of books, and a rich rustic smell of wooden floors and chairs, it is the ideal location for bookworms and jaded workers. Lose yourself in the realms of literature in this little oasis of peace.
Location: 277 Orchard Road, #03-12 and #04-11, Orchard Gateway, Singapore 238858
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The Projector
Originally an ambitious project on crowdfunding website Indiegogo, The Projector is now a newly established independent cinema that sets out to revive the old-school nostalgic feelings of yesteryear. Showing a selection of arthouse, classic, and cult films, The Projector is a cavernous paradise for cinephiles and of course, a perfect getaway spot to immerse yourself in the crazy world of film (without the explosions).
Location: 6001 Beach Road, #05-00, Golden Mile Tower, Singapore 199589
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Farmart Centre
https://www.instagram.com/p/_1ZA-PPmX7/
https://www.instagram.com/p/9jB1ICODxd/
Truly a brilliant showcase of the best of both worlds, Farmart Centre is tucked in a pastoral and tranquil part of Singapore. During the day, get up-close with adorable farm animals and witness the production of the freshest fruits and vegetables. During the night, take your feet off the gas and tuck into a wide variety of delicious food, and perhaps, have a drink or two. Relive the good vibes of the kampong spirit!
Location: 67 Sungei Tengah Road, Singapore 699008
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HortPark Garden
Although there are arguably better parks in Singapore, this is the perfect place to absorb the quaint surroundings of nature. Aesthetically pleasing, HortPark Garden greets you with a collection of well-manicured gardens and a luscious landscape of greenery. Whether for a picnic or a gentle stroll, this park is a one-stop hub for your recreational escapades. Highlights include the Butterfly Garden and the Flora Walk.
Location: 33 Hyderabad Road, Singapore 119578
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Mr Punch Public House
No list is a complete list if it doesn’t include a place to get your drink on. A retro gastropub that shares the same location as the charming Mint Toy Museum, Mr Punch Public House is a hotspot decorated with vintage architecture and home to a quirky and capricious atmosphere. At reasonable prices, Mr Punch also offers a range of delectable dishes and drinks. This cozy little establishment is the quintessence for a quiet and enjoyable nights out.
Location: 26 Seah Street, Mint Museum, Singapore 188382
What are your underrated places to escape the city life?
This article is written by Moses Xiao.
