10 fun places to check out in South Singapore
PUBLISHED ONJanuary 07, 2016 1:00 AMByDenise Bay
This article was originally on GET.com at: 10 Fun Places To Check Out In South Singapore
Singapore may be one of the world's most expensive cities to live in, and it is arguably just a red dot in this vast world, but if you think there's not much to explore here, think again.
We at GET.com have sussed out amazing places which you can explore in the south of Singapore!
Here we will show you 10 fun places in the southern part of Singapore which we think you should seriously make some time for.
1. Singapore Sports Museum
Here's one unorthodox museum that you can visit for free if you are a Singaporean or PR. As its name suggests, the Singapore Sports Museum is dedicated to the sporting history and developments of Singapore, hence its relevance to the public, sports training academics as well as international sporting organizations.
Be ready to delve into the world of exciting sports as it promises to keep you on the edge with its range of riveting and interactive exhibitions. Here they showcase everything from invaluable Olympic medals won by Singaporeans to even swimming trunks.
Word has it that the museum is often swamped with visitors on weekends, so you might want to plan a visit on a weekday instead, since there's quite a bit to explore.
Address:
6 Stadium Walk
Singapore 397698
Opening hours:
Monday-Friday: 10:00am to 8:00pm
Weekends, eve of public holidays and public holidays: 10:00am to 9:00pm
2. Singapore Maritime Gallery
We all know the importance of Singapore's maritime industry in contributing to our flourishing nation.
But did you know that a gallery documenting Singapore's transformation into one of the world's cardinal International Maritime Centres has been built and is open to the public at no charge? Why, you're welcome!
Learn how Singapore transformed, see one of the world's busiest ports in action and explore the sea of possibilities over at the Singapore Maritime Gallery.
I am pretty sure I'll chope one of my weekends and spend a fruitful day experiencing and learning, because one's never too old to learn!
Address:
Marina South Pier
31 Marina Coastal Drive
Singapore 018988
Opening hours:
Tuesday-Sunday: 9:00am to 5:30pm
Closed on Monday (except for public holidays)
3. Gillman Barracks
Gillman Barracks is akin to paradise for the artsy individuals out there who appreciate contemporary art.
This former military camp is a lovely contemporary art cluster consisting of a multitude of art galleries, restaurants, cafes, bars, and the NTU Centre for Contemporary Art.
If you must know, these galleries feature exhibitions from both emerging as well as established artists!
You can explore it on your own or, if you prefer, join the complimentary guided tours and walks around the compound, conducted by volunteers from Friends of the Museums.
I'd pick the latter just because it never hurts to get a fuss-free crash-course on fancy art!
Address:
9 Lock Road
Singapore 108937
Galleries' opening hours: Monday and public holidays: closed Tuesday - Sunday: Please refer to individual gallery pages for opening hours
4. Labrador Nature Reserve
What's not to love when you get to explore prime foliage coupled with a picturesque view of the sea at this oasis of tranquility teeming with rich biodiversity?
Activities that you could partake in include picnicking, bird watching, strolling along nature trails, sightseeing and exercising.
But did you know that you can also book a BBQ pit at a price of $12 to truly bask in nature's best with your group of treasured humans while wolfing down wings charred to perfection?
Nature-loving photographers might even catch the mighty white-bellied sea eagle in action on a good day.
Those who are sensitive to cigarette smoke or dislike it will be ecstatic to know that this is a smoke-free park!
Address:
Labrador Villa Road
Singapore 119187
Park lighting hours:
7:00pm to 7:00am daily
*Berlayer Creek lights are turned off from 12:00am to 5:00am daily
5. Henderson Waves
The Henderson Waves bridge, perched at 36 metres above ground, is the highest pedestrian bridge in Singapore.
Its unique and iconic shape is peppered with hidden recesses and shell-like niches, here users can take in all that the lush green jungle has to offer, rest or even enjoy a picnic.
It is a popular spot (especially on weekends) with couples, families with children and joggers.
The Henderson Waves bridge evokes even more grandness when dusk falls, as it is illuminated to fairy-like effects by LED lighting from 7:00pm to 2:00am every night.
Address:
It is the part connecting Telok Blangah Hill Park and Mount Faber Park.
Lighting hours:
7:00pm to 2:00am daily
6. Marina At Keppel Bay
This hidden enclave that houses the ultra rich in Singapore isn't completely inaccessible to normal people like you and me.
We may not be able to afford the luxurious multi-million dollar residences and cars that these privileged people own, but we sure can explore the Marina at Keppel Bay and indulge in the the sights and sounds at this opulent waterfront area.
Besides watching the docked white yachts bob in the serene waters (and snapping great photos), this precinct has several food and beverage options that you can head to if you intend to dine there.
For those who want to surprise their sweethearts with a dazzling romantic night out, you're in luck! This place looks even more stunning at night and I can only imagine how romantic it'll be when couples stroll down the boardwalk hand-in-hand, enjoying each other's company.
Address:
2 Keppel Bay Vista
Singapore 098382
7. Conquering Mount Faber By Foot
The breathtaking bird's eye view of Singapore's skyline at the peak of Mount Faber is one that I'd love to experience for myself sometime soon.
For amateurs or those who are less physically fit it may sound daunting to trek upwards to a height of about 105m. But this isn't a race, so feel free to move at your own pace.
On top of the flora, fauna and lush greenery that you'll be up close with, snippets of Singapore and her history come to life at the stretch of copper-tooled murals just beneath the summit's platform.
If you're driving, it's recommended to park along Mount Faber Loop. From there, you can take a scenic walk up to Faber Peak Singapore.
For directions by foot, head on to the official website.
Address:
Junction of Kampong Bahru Road and Telok Blangah Road
8. Sentosa
The walk is extremely manageable for children and seniors alike.
If your lazy mode is on, you can let the stretch of slow-moving travellators transport you, although you still have to do some walking.
In case you didn't know, the normal admission via the Sentosa Boardwalk will only set you back at $1.
You can then walk towards Universal Studios Singapore to take the monorail for free and head to your desired destination in Sentosa accordingly. A fun beach day with friends sounds good to me!
Address:
Sentosa
Singapore 099081
9. Tanjong Pagar Railway Station
You must have come across pictures of people posing at the iconic Tanjong Pagar Railway Station on your social media feeds. If you haven't, I don't know where you've been living all this time.
Anyhow, Tanjong Pagar Railway Station operations ceased functioning on 1 July, 2011. The now-defunct railway station is full of rustic charm and historical significance, considering Singapore's brief union with then-Malaya. The Tanjong Pagar Railway Station has since been gazetted as a national monument.
Even though trains no longer chug, some of the tracks, including those on the two significant steel bridges at Dunearn Road and Upper Bukit Timah Road, have been preserved.
Note that the now-defunct railway station is only open to the public on public holidays!
Address:
30 Keppel Road
Singapore 089059
10. Red Dot Design Museum
The Red Dot Design Museum stands on Maxwell Road. It is impossible to miss this crimson-red building. This quirky museum is at the forefront of creativity given its four cores: design exhibitions, design district, design shopping and design market.
It houses winners of the Red Dot Design including product design awards. It showcases extremely innovative entries by designers who conceptualise, and bring to life, great and functional products.
Take note that admission to the museum is chargeable on all days except on one Friday night of each month, so aim for that Friday!
The museum hosts a monthly event MAAD (Market of Artists And Designers), a flea market for the creative community to showcase their ideas, works and talents. It is here that you'll find offbeat designs that cannot be found elsewhere.
You can find out when MAAD is held on Red Dot Design Museum's Facebook page.
*Free admission to the museum during MAAD (Market of Artists And Designers) from 5:00pm to 12:00am
Address:
Ground Floor
28 Maxwell Road
Red Dot Traffic Building
Museum's opening hours:
Weekdays: 11:00am to 6:00pm
Weekends: 11:00am to 8:00pm
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