Forget The Zoo – Make Some New Animal Friends At These Lesser Known Farms In S’pore
If your idea of paradise is to be surrounded by animals of all kinds, this one’s for you.
We all know the Zoo, the Bird Park, the Night Safari, and the River Safari. Let’s be honest, you can only visit these places so many times before you get bored of it.
Here are 7 lesser-known places in Singapore for you animal lovers to get up close and personal with some cute (and some less cute) critters. From rabbits to goats, to tortoises, you’re sure to find your spirit animal in one of these animal enclaves.
A word of warning though: some of these critters aren’t as cute and fluffy as the ones you may have in mind…
1. The Animal Resort
It seems like gone are the days when animals could run and roam freely around our homes.
The Animal Resort brings a taste of that back with its little zoo with a kampong twist!
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Image Credit: T81 Seletar West Farmway 5, Singapore 798061Opening Hours: 10am – 6pm daily
Admission: Free
Contact no.: 64821160 / 91271323
Make friends with goats at Hay Dairies!
Walking down the enclosures, these amicable and curious animals will poke their noses through the bars to nudge your hand, as if to say “hello”.
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Image Credit: No. 3 Lim Chu Kang, Agrotech Park Lane 4, Singapore 718859Opening Hours: Mon, Wed, Sun: 9am – 4pm; Farm is closed on Tuesdays
Admission: Free
Contact no.: 6792 0931
These slow and chill guys are our spirit animal for sure.
The Live Turtle & Tortoise Museum lets you enter a rare world of turtles and tortoises.
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Image Credit: Wikimedia[/caption]
You’ll be surrounded by 200 turtles and tortoises of more than 60 different species.
Be entertained by the funny antics of the Terrapins and Soft Shells roaming freely through the park. You can also pet and hand feed some of them! If you are in luck, you might even witness eggs hatching.
The founders of this museum rescue and rehabilitate the rarer species. These include “Double Happiness”, a two-headed, six-legged turtle that was nursed back to health after she was found in critical condition.
It is a common Chinese belief that turtles and tortoises represent longevity. So come soak up the good fortune with these zen creatures!
The Live Turtle & Tortoise Museum
Address: 1 Chinese Garden Road, Singapore 619795
Opening Hours: 10am – 7pm daily
Contact no.: 6268 5363
For a nature paradise and getaway from the hectic city life, try Farmart Centre!
Their simple setup and rest-and-relax activities will give you a glimpse of the kampung spirit.
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Image Credit: Adrian Video Image[/caption]
Its “Weekend Animal Corner” lets everyone interact with the small animals. Experience the feeding of goats, rabbits, bullfrogs, tortoises, and many more.
You can also sign up for one of their interesting and educational farm tours. You’ll be taken around and introduced to all the different farm animals around the Kranji area!
Don’t leave before having a good lunch of Traditional hot wok Zi Char, Hot Grilled BBQ Chicken Wings, Otah Otah and Malay Satay!
Farmart Centre
Address: 67 Sungei Tengah Road, Singapore 699008
Opening Hours: Food Outlets: Sun – Thu: 10am – 10pm; Fri, Sun, PH: 10am – 12am
Admission: Free
Contact no.: 67670070
If calming sea creatures are more your thing, the endless rows of koi ponds at Mainland Tropical Fish Farm will be a treat.
It’s a great place to indulge in a bit of fishing or fish feeding!
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Image Credit: Andrew, Shuhua, Claire[/caption]
Buy a pack of fish food from the shop and watch the pretty koi gather eagerly for a bite. Or try your hand at longkang fishing and prawn fishing.
Dip your feet at the fish spa for a ticklish, yet relaxing experience. Or simply gaze at the scores of ornamental fish on display and admire nature’s handiwork.
Should you decide to take home a finned friend, you’ll find everything you need for its well-being right here!
Mainland Tropical Fish Farm
Address: No.1 Pasir Ris Farmway 1, Singapore 519352
Opening hours: 8.30am – 7pm daily
Admission: Free
Contact no.: 62873883, 65843643, 65812550
You’ll hear them before you see them.
These outspoken creatures at Jurong Frog Farm are sure to greet you as you enter their home!
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Image Credit: 51 (Plot 56) Lim Chu Kang Lane 6 Singapore 718864Opening Hours: Tue – Fri: 9am – 6pm (reserved for booked tours and pick up of purchases); Sat, Sun, PH: 9am – 5.30pm
Admission: Free
Contact no.: 6791 7229
Don’t forget that insects are animals too!
Butterfly lovers will love Oh’ Farms Butterfly Lodge, a place that houses around 20 local butterfly species.
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Image Credit: Butterflies of Singapore[/caption]
This butterfly-friendly flight cage allows visitors to observe and enjoy the butterflies in a landscaped garden environment.
The habitats are carefully designed to allow the butterflies to fly freely and go about their daily business with as little interference as possible. Nectar collecting and flower pollinating is all very important stuff.
You’ll also learn about the ecology and conservation of butterflies, and appreciate the diversity and beauty of Singapore’s butterfly fauna.
Come marvel at the beauty of these flying jewels as they flit just by your ear!
Oh’ Farms
Address: 14A, Bah Soon Pah Road, Singapore 769970
Opening Hours: Mon – Sat: 8am – 5pm; Closed on Sundays & PH
Contact no.: 67538011
In Need Of A Happy Hour? This ‘Atas’ Food Hall In The CBD Has A Bar That Offers Drinks For Just $5
10 Activities To Do During Chinese New Year That Doesn’t Involve Empty Malls
Chinese New Year is no doubt a joyous occasion that most look forward to every year. This festive period usually encompasses several days of collecting red packets, munching on delectable new year goodies, buying new clothes and visiting friends’ and relatives’ homes for even more red packets!
However, we all know that there are only that many red packets to be collected and that many homes to visit. Additionally, most shopping malls are typically closed during Chinese New Year. This usually means watching endless re-runs of hilarious Stephen Chow’s comedies while snacking away on those love letters and pineapple tarts.
We are all too familiar with this rather “mundane” way of spending the Lunar New Year. Besides all the non-stop eating and talking, here are 10 activities to do during Chinese New Year that doesn’t involve empty malls!
1. Rooster In The New Year At Jurong Bird Park!
No better way to usher in the Year of the Rooster than at the bird paradise itself – Jurong Bird Park!
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Credit: 2. Embark On A Zoo-diac Trail At Singapore Zoo
Keen to know what is in store for you for the year ahead? Go on a zoo-diac trail at Singapore Zoo to shed some light on what to expect this Rooster Year based on your zodiac animal!
[caption id="attachment_21455" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] All the munching of delicious Chinese New Year goodies and stomach-filling steamboats are bound to leave you feeling bloated and chubby. Take this chance to burn off some of those unwanted calories by hitting the gym! [caption id="attachment_21453" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Ever wondered what goes on behind those massive iron gates of our President’s official residence, the Istana? [caption id="attachment_21456" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] Look forward to this year’s 31st edition of the River Hongbao Festival, which will feature an elaborately-decorated heart-shaped design entrance walkaway to usher in the Year of the Rooster! Furthermore, be dazzled by the spectacular lantern displays all around the area. To top it off, you can expect a delightful spectacle of fireworks and lasers shows at 9pm every night. [caption id="attachment_21457" align="aligncenter" width="4256"] We cannot guarantee that the S.E.A Aquarium will be less crowded than usual given that it will be a long weekend holiday. However, we are pretty sure that the numerous species of marine animals here as well as the massive viewing panel will certainly provide an amazing and fascinating time as opposed to simply staying at home! [caption id="attachment_21458" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Soak in the spring beauty of floral displays while enjoying the Chinese New Year festivities at Gardens By The Bay! [caption id="attachment_21574" align="aligncenter" width="2096"] Besides admiring the floral displays at the flower dome, there are also several engaging activities that you and the entire family could participate in. Their Spring Surprise 2017 offers an array of entertaining traditional performances as well as the biggest ever LED Phoenix making its debut appearance here in Singapore. If you absolutely have to stay indoors this Chinese New Year and those Stephen Chow comedies are starting to get less comical, there are still other ways to maximise this festive holidays – such as hosting a game night! [caption id="attachment_21462" align="aligncenter" width="1027"]
Credit: 3. Hit The Gym And Work Off Those CNY Goodies
Credit: , Evolve MMA, local parks and reservoirs4. Visit The Green Lawns Of The Istana
Credit: 5. Be Right At The Heart Of Festivities At River Hongbao 2017
Credit: 6. Gong SEA Fa Cai At S.E.A Aquarium
Credit: 7. Check Out The Floral Displays And Performances At Gardens By The Bay
Credit: Gardens by the Bay[/caption]
Credit: 8. Plan A Mahjong or Blackjack Night
Credit: Credit: Credit: 9 Incredible Yu Sheng To Toss So You Get Good Luck In The Year Of The Rooster
