Where To Explore In Singapore If You’re Sticking Around For Christmas

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When the VTLs were announced, many of us started planning trips to see family and friends, or just to feel the thrill of the plane lifting off the tarmac after so long.

But as Omicron took hold, some routes were cancelled, while more testing or quarantine requirements were added to others. The extra steps became more than many of us were able to go through for a holiday, so we found ourselves grounded in Singapore over the Christmas break.

Looking on the bright side, Singapore does an amazing job of getting into the festive spirit, with the lights on Orchard Road and the Christmas Wonderland at Gardens by the Bay, Christmas special menus at many restaurants and big Christmas tree displays in every hotel and mall lobby. 

And as we’ve shared on our blog over the past two years, there are so many things to do and places to explore on the island that make for a memorable holiday at home. Here are some of of the things we’re planning:

A Day In The Countryside

For an activity that feels more wholesome and sustainable after all the pre-Christmas mall-hopping and indulging, hire a car for a day and drive out to the Kranji countryside to Poison Ivy Bistro, the restaurant at Bollywood Veggies. Its healthy farm-to-table fare is all grown organically on site, with some of the highlights being banana bread, tapioca, sweet potato chips, sambal and kaya.

Address: 100 Neo Tiew Road (Kranji), Singapore 719026

Opening hours: 7.30 am to 5 pm, Thursday to Friday and 7.30 am to 7 pm, Saturday to Sunday

Escape With Lesser-Known Hiking Trails

The Green Corridor, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and Macritchie trails are typically rammed in the holidays, so you might have a better chance of finding solitude on one of the island’s lesser known trails, like Fort Serapong, on Sentosa. 

The entrance is not listed on Google Maps, but if you take the Sentosa bus 3 at Beach Station and walk along Cove Ave into Woolwhich Road, you’ll spot a sign that says ‘Serapong Hill Road’. Head down there, and you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into a post-apocalyptic world with abandoned bunkers, batteries, and structures that you can explore. Take your torch!

Address: 54 Lakeshore View (Sentosa), Singapore 098441

Blow Out The Cobwebs With A Cycle

You can’t drive over the causeway to Malaysia, but you can ride to a place that feels even further away from the hustle and bustle of Singapore: Coney Island. The green and rustic nature reserve connects to the mainland via the famous Lor Halaus Red Bridge.

You can rent bicycles from Bikes @ Waterway, located at Punggol’s SAFRA, then head over to the many unpaved cycling trails that allow you to soak in the rich biodiversity (beware the macaques!). When you’re done exploring, pop back across the bridge for a cold can of 100 Plus and an ice cream.

Bikes @ Waterway address: 9 Sentul Crescent, SAFRA Punggol Lvl 1, Singapore 828654

We share more of our favourite cycling routes on the island and where to hire bikes, here. 

Hit The Tourist Spots While There Are (Hopefully) Less Tourists

Usually we stay away from the tourism hot spots around the holidays, but thanks to Omicron, the streets of Chinatown could be less crowded this Christmas break. Show the store owners some love by stocking up on essentials like masks, hand held fans and some trinkets for your home, and indulge in some authentic or modern Chinese food. We share some of our favourite places to eat and drink in the area here.

Haji Lane, which is also popular with tourists, is an oasis of art and culture and all things hip in the middle of high rise buildings, and is conveniently located within walking distance of Accela client ATLAS in Parkview Square, where you can pretend you’re in the Great Gatsby, or one of the grand lobbies of a New York or European hotel.

Address: 1600 North Bridge Rd, Parkview Square, Singapore 188778

Opening hours: Monday-Friday 10am-10:30pm, Saturday 12-10:30pm, closed Sunday

The Ultimate In Warm Fuzzies 

Is there anything that can do more to lift your mood than patting a friendly cat or dog? Nestle into the cozy Meomi Cat Cafe on Haji Lane with some tea and treats and get to know their resident Munchkins, Maine Coons and Singapore Specials. Note that children must be over the age of six.

Address: Meomi Cat Cafe, 668 North Bridge Rd, Singapore 188801

Opening hours: Mon - Sun: 11:00am – 10:00pm

Down the road, on Victoria Street is Singapore’s first dog-petting cafe, We are the Furballs (WTF), where from $10 - $13 you can enjoy 90 minutes of doggy playtime and a standard drink. Children must be over the age of 10.

Address: 201 Victoria Street, #07-07 Bugis +, Singapore 188067

Opening hours: Sun – Thurs: 1 pm-10 pm 

We share more ideas for outings for animal lovers here.