Fun international experiences you can have in Singapore

Kampong Lorong Buangkok is Singapore's last remaining village of its kind. This historic slice of land has narrowly avoided redevelopment once, but its future remains uncertain. While it's still around, take an afternoon off to experience life as it was before HDB blocks were introduced. You're unlikely to find the usual modern trappings, and residents here keep their doors wide open as a sign of the trust and community we know as 'kampong spirit'. Don't miss the Muslim prayer hall and an old sign with Kampong Buangkok's old four-digit postal code. The 30 families that live there now are used to curious visitors so you're free to walk the streets – just make sure not to pry into their private properties. 

If you’re missing that tranquil waterfront experience, head to Keppel Bay. A passage for ships from the Strait of Malacca to the South China Sea since the 13^th century, it is today a modern residential, shopping and lifestyle destination. On the marina, the sight of luxury yachts floating on clear peaceful waters brings to mind favourite port cities like Fremantle in Australia. Their sleek, white bodies and towering masts also make for a pretty picture against clear skies and calm waters. Don’t forget to photograph the Keppel Bay Bridge, enjoy the breeze as you take a leisurely stroll along the promenade, and tuck into a delicious meal at one of the many restaurants along the waterfront.

This reserve is unlike any other nature park in Singapore, and a far cry from the usual urban jungle. Here you find mangrove swamps, ponds and secondary forest that's home to a plethora of indigenous plants, birds and insects. It's a wonderland for birdwatchers too, as Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is a major stopover for thousands of migratory birds escaping winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Sign up for NParks' free guided walk that happens every Saturday morning, or take a jaunt by yourself on the mangrove boardwalks to marvel at the weird and wonderful mangrove trees, mudskippers, climbing crabs and even crocodiles.

Learn more about Javanese and Balinese heritage at the nine historical gardens in Fort Canning Park. Launched in 2019, these parks will take you back to the 14th century, where kings such as the Palembang prince Sang Nila Utama lived in luxurious palaces surrounded by lush greenery. The garden named after him welcomes visitors with Javanese split gates, recalling the famous Bali Gates of Heaven and other classical gateway entrances in Indonesia. To immerse yourself further, swing by Pancur Larangan (Forbidden Spring), a freshwater feature that brings to mind holy springs in Bali.  If you’re a plant enthusiast, drop by the Farquhar Garden, where you can find giant ‘living paintings’ of plant species native to the Malay Peninsula.

There are many amazing things to do in Japan, but relaxing in a traditional onsen nears the top of the list. Recreate the experience at Ikeda Spa’s Clarke Quay and Bukit Timah outlets, which are designed to transport you straight to Japan. Hinoki (Japanese cypress) baths are set in wood-furnished rooms, complete with tatami mats and blinds, decorative bamboo leaves and Japanese prints to conjure the feel of a ryokan. Ikeda’s relaxing massages and facial treatments also employ Japanese techniques and traditional beauty products to pamper you. If you’re still cautious about being touched, Ikeda Spa is running a contactless treatment promotion, which includes a Hinoki onsen and the popular Ganbanyoku hot stone detox therapy (from $180).

Get schooled on French culture right here in Singapore at the non-profit cultural centre Alliance Française. The in-house cinema has reopened with an array of the latest French films. Catch Whatever Happened to My Revolution ($10), a cheeky comedy about a frustrated teenage activist who decides to visit her estranged mother, or A Prince’s Journey ($10), a fantasy animation piece about a lost prince who is taken into a strange new society. If that’s not enough French cultural immersion for you, visit Alliance Française’s library, where you can browse its extensive collection of books for hours.

You don’t have to travel to climbing meccas like America, Greece or even Thailand to get your outdoor rock climbing fix. The sport is alive and well in Singapore, and the most adventurous have taken to Dairy Farm quarry to flex their skills. Routes have intriguing names like “Lost World”, “Razor’s Edge” and “Boring and Meaningless” – they are not the most challenging, but present enough variation to interest climbers of any experience level. It’s free to enter, but just be sure to read up on safety protocols beforehand and to bring an experienced friend along with you.

There’s no better way to leave the city behind than to paddle away on a boat. Ola Beach Club on Sentosa Island rents out single ($25/hour) and double kayaks ($35/hour) so you can pretend you’re on an idyllic beach holiday. You can also test your balance on a stand-up paddleboard ($35/hour), or perhaps strap on a jetpack ($198) if you want something to get your heart racing. To complete the fantasy, enjoy the breeze on Siloso beach while snacking on Hawaiian-inspired mains and finger food at Ola’s gastrobar.

We can’t go to the Grand Canyon but we can enjoy Singapore’s version of it at Gardens by the Bay. Designed by master architect Jun-Ichi Inada, the attraction showcases towering sculptural rocks sourced from Shandong, China. The rocks are arranged along an easy 400 metre long dragon-shaped trail, set against a desert-like landscape populated with 200 plant species unique to arid regions. Try to spot the tapered, powder-blue leaves of the Beaked Yucca, or the fluorescent red flowers of the Cockspur Coral Tree as you go.

Shop like you’re in Bangkok at Golden Mile Complex, often referred to as Singapore’s Little Thailand. After fueling up at Diandin Leluk Thai Restaurant or Cheese Story Mookata Buffet, visit Thai Supermarket for hard-to-find Thai brands and products. This ranges from beauty products like shampoos, serums and scrubs, to herbal medicines. If you’re looking to stock up your kitchen, you can easily find sauces and gravies to up your Thai cooking game, or else, indulge in unique snacks like the popular Cornae, larb Pretz and sweet basil Lays chips.

The small southern city of Guilin, China is famous for its picturesque limestone mountains and formations. While Xiao Guilin at Bukit Batok Town Park can’t compare to the grandiosity and scale of the real thing, it will still give you a much-needed sense of serenity. Created from a disused rock quarry that eventually filled up with rainwater, Xiao Guilin is just a stone’s throw from Bukit Gombak MRT and easily admired from conveniently placed lookout points.

There’s no need to travel to the great outdoors of Australia or New Zealand to try horseback riding. You can simply trot around the Singapore countryside with Gallop Stable’s horses and ponies. From humble beginnings at Pasir Ris, the school has since expanded to Bukit Timah, where they run tours and classes for adults and kids. Those who are set on becoming riding pros can sign up for Gallop Stable’s advanced lessons promotional package, going at $900 for 10 weekday lessons. If you just want to meet some friendly horses, it also has a special $50 package that includes a stable tour, horse feeding, joy ride and photo-taking session.

Founded in 2017 by husband and wife team Tony and Kellie, Hygge – meaning ‘cosiness’ and ‘comfort’ in Danish – has a distinctly Scandinavian vibe. The glass storefront on Haji Lane artfully frames its knickknacks that are displayed on every wall and surface. Pick up some charming decorative items such as framed motivational quotes and illustrated art, cute figurines, kitchenware, planters, tote bags and more. You can even get jewellery that has been handcrafted by the owners.