With the economy opening up, we are still quite weary about hitting the main spots in Singapore where most of the crowds are. So in the meantime, we will still be hanging out at secluded spots away from humans. If you are like us, then you might want to check out these hidden spots.
While at it, do stay safe and have fun!
1. Soek Seng 1954 Bicycle Cafe
Who would have thought there’s a bike cafe hidden at Seletar airport, and if you do not know, yes we have two airports in Singapore, but Seletar Airport now operates as a general aviation airport, mainly for chartered flights, private aircraft operations and training purposes.
If you are looking out for ulu cafes to check out, add Seok Seng 1954 Bicycle Cafe to your list now. This cafe is a hidden gem that is situated far away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
You might even catch a good sunset or planes taking off or landing if you are lucky enough. For drivers, parking there is extremely easy.
Address: 80 #01-01 MAJ Aviation Building, Seletar Aerospace View, S797563
2. Bollywood Veggies
This sanctuary, set up by Lim Ho Seng and Ivy Singh-Lim, is set in the rustic environment of the northwest Kranji Countryside, so if you are living in the east, you will be looking at the other end of Singapore away from the bustle of the little red dot. Bollywood Veggies specialises in growing healthy local produce without using chemical fertilisers, pesticides and growth hormones. There’s also the Poison Ivy Bistro which serves up healthy meals with farm fresh produce that you want to check out when you are there.
If you think Singapore is boring, add Bollwood Veggies to your list of go-to places, and you might change your mind after.
Address: 100 Neo Tiew Rd, Singapore 719026
3. Kampong Lorong Buangkok
Built in 1956, this is also Singapore’s last surviving kampong which houses an approximately 30 families, a mix of Malay and Chinese. Stepping foot into Kampong Lorong Buangkok was definitely an eye opener for us, you can immediately feel how modernisation has totally taken over the cityscape of Singapore. It’s actually quite refreshing to step away from the high-rise skyscrapers and mega highways, and just taking some time to enjoy the simple pleasures of kampong life.
If you are there, just remember to be respectful and avoid taking photographs of private homes, they are a residential area after all.
4. Smith Marine Floating Restaurant
After hitting Kampong Buangkok, why not check out a modern kelong, floating on the waters between Pulau Ubin and Changi Point Ferry Terminal, to keep the vibes balanced. This area was built in 2006, where it started off as a fishing kelong, located off Pulau Ubin, and in 2011, construction of the restaurant started, and 2015 saw its business opened.
This restaurant allows you to fish and dine in the sunset out at sea, or you can even fish for your own Snapper and Sea Bass and have the chefs cook for you after.
Getting there:
They are located off Changi and Pulua Ubin.
GPS Coordinates: 01'23'52"N - 103'57'42"E
For Reservations, you may reach them via WhatsApp/SMS @+65 9792 7609
5. Marsiling WWII Tunnel & Naval Base
If you are adventurous enough, you can check out this military underground tunnel that was built by the British and left abandoned after WWII. Be prepared to get down and dirty while exploring this area.
This underground storage facility was used to supply oil for the British Navy but this stopped after Singapore gained independence in 1865. The way in? There’s a rope at the entrance of the tunnel to help you get in or out of the tunnel, we are not kidding!
Still up for this?
Address: Admiralty Road West, Singapore
6. Wessex Estate
This area holds a cluster of historical colonial-style black and white houses which were mostly built in the 1930s and 1940s, and is made up of 26 blocks of walk-up apartments and 58 semi-detached houses along Woking Road, Westbourne Road, Whitchurch Road, Weyhill Close and Wilton Close. These names were named after towns and villages in England.
While you are there, be sure to check out Cafe Colbar located in the Portsdown area, an old school kopitiam that’s located within this ulu vicinity. A fun fact which we thought was pretty cool too: Colbar once served as a canteen for the huge military complex, and the area was a British army barracks site in the 1900s.
Be warned, there is no air-conditioning here.
Address: Wessex Estate Blk 2, Portsdown Rd Singapore
7. Bincho at Hua Bee
This place is also known to be the filming set of Mee Pok Man by Eric Khoo. In the day, Hua Bee is just another kopitiam selling Bak Chor Mee, but the minute the sun sets, Bincho takes over with Chef Asai Masashi, inspired by yakitori-ya (traditional grilling stalls) in Osaka.
Address: Bincho at Hua Bee, #01-19, 78 Moh Guan Terrace, S162078
