Jumping off from Singapore – Travels Abroad Part 1: Indonesia

One of the reasons many people choose Singapore as a travel destination is that it’s a great place to sample Asia but with zero hassle. All the transport works, English speakers don’t face a language barrier and prices are still very reasonable compared to Western countries. All that plus its strategic location makes it the perfect jumping off point for other countries in the area.

The closest part of Indonesia to Singapore is Batam. At only around 40 minutes boat ride from Singapore, this is one of the most popular weekend destinations for Singaporeans. The island of Batam is roughly the same size as Singapore but with about 4 million less people. One of Indonesia’s big attractions is that it’s cheap. If the nightlife in Singapore is destroying your bank balance, a night out in Batam could be the answer. With cheap hotels and food you can have a huge night and not go broke. If a night on the town is your objective then head to Nagoya where bars, clubs, restaurants and small hotels are abundant. If you’re after something a little more wholesome, on Batam you’ll have the opportunity to partake in any water sport you can think of.  Or if you prefer dry land how about a round of golf at Talvas Golf and Country Club. One thing you have to do in Batam is try some seafood. Caught daily in the surrounding waters, all the prawns, lobsters and local fish are fresh as can be.

If you have a bit more money to spend and feel like just kicking your feet up in a lush resort then Bintan Island is the place to go. A 45-50 minute boat ride from Singapore will get you to the northwest of the island, where beachfront resorts abound. At different times during its long history, Bintan has been ruled by the Portuguese, the Dutch, the Arabs, and the British. Although the culture left behind by these foreign powers has left its mark; Bintan is more of a relaxation destination than a cultural one. Another main attraction however, is the local fauna. Out of the seven species of sea turtle in the world, six of them can be found in Indonesia, with many frequenting Bintan. Also living on the island are eagles, kites and monkeys. As mentioned most people come to Bintan to relax in one of the many resorts.  Although probably considered not too expensive by world standards, most of the resorts aren’t cheap. However they do provide world class luxury in a beautiful setting. So if you’re in Singapore and really feel like treating yourself, a little bit of decadence is only a short boat trip away.

These are the two closest locations in Indonesia to Singapore. But getting to other places is hardly a stretch. With many budget airlines it’s cheap and easy to get to most places. In fact Jakarta is only a three hour flight from Singapore making a visit to the Indonesian capital very feasible. Just remember to carry a US$10 note when arriving anywhere in Indonesia as you’ll need that for your visa. Of course that’s subject to change and there are different rules for different nationalities so you should of course read up on all that stuff before you head off.

Boats to Batam leave Singapore from HarbourFront while boats to Bintan leave from Changi. 

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Escaping the Heat

The first thing you’ll notice when leaving Changi Airport is that Singapore is hot. Really hot. At only one degree above the equator, Singapore has a hot and humid temperature 365 days a year. The average temperature is between 25 and 31 degrees Celsius with humidity between 70% and 80%. So while you’re here, chances are you’ll want to cool down.

Although everywhere indoors in Singapore is more than adequately air-conditioned, you’ll definitely feel like a swim while you’re here. For backpackers who don’t have access to a hotel pool, a very cheap option is one of the dozens of public swimming pools scattered across Singapore. Although a mission into the heartlands is required, entry to public pools is almost guaranteed to be under $2. There’s also the beach, with East Coast being the most popular. Sentosa also has three beaches with much nicer surroundings but visiting the island does cost money, even if you walk you’ll be stopped to pay a toll. Although Singapore is an island, ocean swimming isn’t that popular here, the surprising lack of beaches and the busy shipping lanes not far from shore being a possible reason.

For access to the most stunning swimming pool in Singapore, you’ll need to book yourself a room at Marina Bay Sands. On the roof, in what they call the SkyPark, is the world’s longest infinity pool. There’s a good chance you won’t find a pool with a better view anywhere in the world. Lounge right on the edge of infinity and relax while taking in the spectacular view of Marina Bay and the Singapore CBD, all at over 650ft above ground.

Those that can’t afford the high-flying luxury of Marina Bay Sands but still want a thrill; Singapore has two large waterparks where you can easily spend a day. Out on the east coast is the original; Wild Wild Wet. Located in Pasir Ris, Wild Wild Wet won the World Water Park Innovation Award in 2004 for its creative design and technology. Wild Wild Wet is more geared towards families, with award winning family orientated facilities and an emphasis on “gentler” water-rides. Also its location right near Pasir Ris MRT station so is very easy to get to.

For the new and closer (but more expensive) Adventure Cove Waterpark, head down to Resorts World Sentosa. Adventure Cove really ups the ante. One of the attractions is South-East Asia’s first hydro-magnetic coaster. Part waterslide, part roller coaster, this slide works by magnets inside the slide and inside the mat you sit on. The magnets work to pull you through a 225m track in just 40 seconds. Other attractions include a wave pool and snorkeling with 20,000 fish. Adventure Cove is actually part of the new aquarium at Resorts World Sentosa, meaning at one point during a gentle tube ride, you’ll travel beneath an aquarium making you feel like you’re underwater.

No matter how hot you get in Singapore, there’s always an easy way to cool down. Whether you just want to kick back in the public pool with the locals or hurtle down giant plastic slides, remember to always wear sunscreen as the humid and sometimes overcast nature of Singapore can be deceiving. Whatever you do while you’re here, just remember to try and stay cool.  

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Kranji Countryside

About 22 kilometres (13 miles) north-west of Singapore City is the Kranji countryside. Some of the last remaining countryside in Singapore, in 2005 The Kranji Countryside Association (KCA) was created by a group of farmers who wanted to preserve this important area and way of life. Livestock, vegetables, ornamental flowers and lots of fish are all farmed at Kranji.

Another reason the KCA was formed was to share the process of farming with the community. With so many Singaporeans growing up in a city and urban environment, the founders of the KCA wanted people to have a better understanding of where their food comes from.

The Kranji area has dedicated a lot of its existence to eco-tourism, or as the call it “agri-tainment”. All the farms are open for people to explore. You can visit the 800 goats that make up Singapore’s only livestock. These goats are raised for their milk and you can see them being milked in the mornings between 9:00 and 11:00. You can also visit one of the many fish farms but for something a bit more unique, stop by the Jurong Frog Farm. It’s here that thousands of American bullfrogs are raised before heading straight to the dinner table. You can even grab some frozen frogs legs while you’re there. One of the most popular farms in Kranji is Bollywood Veggies. This vegetable farm does not use any chemical fertilisers, pesticides or growth hormones. Make sure you sample the produce at their restaurant. As the farmers live here, this is technically a home-cooked meal. And what’s better for you than a home-cooked veggie meal.

If you really feel like getting away from the city for longer than a day, then you can actually stay at D’Kranji Farm Resort. Stay in your own villa with a balcony overlooking fruit and vegetable plantations. One of the main activities here is prawn fishing. Catch some prawns and then cook then cook them straight away for that ultra-fresh taste. D’Kranji Farm Resort also has a seafood restaurants and beer garden with live music.

As it’s the countryside, getting to Kranji Farms is not that simple without a car. As the Kranji MRT station is across the reservoir, your best option is to go to Bukit Gombak MRT and then getting a taxi from there. Kranji is pretty much on the other side of the island from the city and main tourist centres but if you want to try something completely different while you’re here, a trip to the Kranji countryside might be just the ticket. 

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Food with a View

With eating being a major pastime in Singapore, it’s only natural that there are some amazing places to do it. If you’re travelling on a budget, you’ve picked a great place to visit as some of the cheapest food in Singapore is the best. But, if you’re travelling on a budget, you might want to stop reading now. The following is a list of the four best places in Singapore to get a great meal with a great view. It’s fine dining at its finest with unique and astonishing surroundings. The following was written with dinner in mind, as that’s when the best food is rolled out with the glittering lights so the city in the background. If you want something a little less expensive all the places are open for lunch as well.

Stellar at 1-Altidue

1-Altitude is the world’s highest alfresco bar. Located on the 63^rd floor of 1 Raffles Place, it offers one of the world’s best views to accompany a cocktail. One floor below sits Stellar. At over 250 metres (820ft) above the ground, try not to get vertigo as you feast on European style dishes, tonnes of fish and seafood and meat straight from the wood-fired grill. Also available is an amazing array of fresh sushi and sashimi. If you can’t decide what to eat from the extensive menu, never fear as you can design your own 4, 5 or 6 course ‘tasting menu’. This is a great way to sample as many dishes as possible.

Ku Dé Ta at Marina Bay Sands

Ku Dé Ta is the main bar, club and restaurant on top of the infamous Marina Bay Sands hotel and casino. If you’re only in Singapore for a short time, this is the place to visit, as your friends at home who are familiar with Singapore will definitely ask you about it. The restaurant serves what’s best described as Asian fusion. Apart from the sushi and sashimi, a lot of the dishes have a very European feel, but with added tinges of Asian flavour. If you feel like going all out, you need to try the signature steak. Specially imported from Takara Ranch in central Kansai in Japan, this is genuine wagu beef. Do not expect to pay anything less than $200 for this amazing beef.

Equinox Restaurant at Swissotel The Stamford

Located on the 70^th floor of Swissotel The Stamford, enjoy views of nearby Indonesia and Malaysia while feasting on upscale European cuisine.  The most traditional restaurant on the list, the room itself uses lots of wood and even mother of pearl making for an elegant but welcoming atmosphere. No sushi to be found here, just English and European favourites from pork with Scotch egg, prunes and whisky sauce to gnocchi with baby carrots, fennel and turnips. If you’re from that part of the world, this is definitely the place to go if you’re missing a taste of home.

Singapore Flyer Sky Dining

We’ve saved the best till last. While all the other places on the list do have incredible views, they are just standard restaurants. In order to take it to the next level, you need to book a capsule on the Singapore Flyer for you next meal. Dining in the world’s largest Ferris wheel is one of the most memorable dining experience you’ll have anywhere in the world. With uninterrupted spectacular views, the finest food and personal butler-style service, Singapore Flyer Sky Dining is the ultimate dining destination. It’s not cheap but it’s something you’ll never forget and perfect for special occasions like anniversaries and Valentine’s Day.   

Just like the locals, you will spend a lot of time eating while in Singapore. All the options above are a chance to dine somewhere that shows off the city of Singapore. A few things to keep in mind; bookings are essential for all four places. Also extra important, with the exception of the Singapore Flyer, is that not all tables in these restaurants are by the window. When booking a table you should definitely try and reserve a window seat to get the full effect of the restaurants selling point. If you do miss out on a window seat, all the restaurants have bars as well which give a lot more freedom in terms of getting a good view. Have a nice meal and enjoy the view!

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Labrador Nature Reserve

Also known as Labrador Park, this nature reserve on the southern edge of Singapore has a very rich history. Construction of a fort was first started by the British as early as 1864. The extensive complex of concrete bunkers and tunnels were completed in 1878, its primary objective to defend Singapore’s waters. The strategic history of this part of the coast actually goes back a little further. In 1842 Admiral Sir Henry Keppel led a successful campaign against the pirates that had been attacking merchant ships in the area. Anchoring his boat off Labrador Park proved to be the perfect vantage point for defeating the pirate menace. A few years later when it came to building new defences against threats from European powers in the area, Labrador Park was an obvious choice. And so work on Fort Pasir Panjang was commenced. The fort also saw some action during World War 2. Although the Japanese surprised the British by invading over land from the north, the guns at Fort Pasir Panjang were used to try and supress the Japanese army once they were in Singapore. However as the guns weren’t designed to be anti-infantry, they had little effect on the advancing army so in February 1942, Fort Pasir Panjang fell. Its remains however, can still be visited today.

After the war, Labrador Park briefly housed an oil refinery.  The long wharf is the only evidence remaining of its existence. In 1951, Labrador Park was established as a nature reserve.

Today Labrador Park is one of the many parks Singapore prides itself on. What makes it unique however is it’s designation as a nature reserve and a coastal park. This leads to not only an abundance of birds but also shore-dwelling sea creatures, like horseshoe crabs and the common hairy crab. Because of the location of the park, coastal walks are very popular here. The main attraction though is still Fort Pasir Panjang. Its strong walls have survived 135 years of weather and as such provide a haunting view into the past. The World War 2 era guns are still standing which gives a good understanding of how the battle went down. Perhaps the most amazing bit of preservation is that the network of underground tunnels still exists. These are sporadically open to the public so if you’re lucky you’ll get to explore them and imagine what it must have been like running back carrying live ammunition.

Another more modern reason for visiting Labrador Park is for the recently opened Eco Gourmet Café. This beautifully constructed restaurant lacks outside walls making you feel like you’re immersed in nature while retaining the comfort of an upscale restaurant. Brunch and lunch are quite casual meaning it’s a good place to stop if going on a nature walk, while dinner is rather more at the fine dining end of the spectrum, but with a backdrop of the sights and sounds of nature at night.

For a walking day the best way to visit Labrador Park is via the newly built Labrador Park MRT station, not exactly on the edge of the park but still very walkable. If you’re visiting just for a meal at the Eco Gourmet Café then driving or getting a taxi is probably your best option.

There are many parks in Singapore but for history and great ocean views without the crowds of nearby Sentosa Island, Labrador Nature Reserve is one of the best options.  

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Tampines Eco Green

Visitors to Singapore are constantly taken aback by how green the country is. Expecting nothing but city, they’re always surprised by the amount of trees and parks throughout the island. So for a new park in Tampines, the council decided to do something different. Instead of creating a nice area just for human enjoyment, Tampines Eco Green was designed with nature and conservation as a primary concern. That’s not to say people have been left out of the picture completely, viewing platforms for bird watching, a running track, a nature trail and eco toilets have all been provided. That’s right; this waterless, odourless amenity turns all human waste into compost using special bacteria and wood shavings. The eco-friendly aspect of the park covers all aspects of the park with all signage and furniture made of fully recycled material.

One of the main attractions at Tampines Eco Green is the bird watching.  With so much new habitat grown, birds have literally flocked to the new area to make their home. 70 different species of birds now call the park home providing a perfect subject for all the photographers who make the journey here. The 12 species of butterflies also make for great photos, while the 13 species of dragonflies and 32 species of spider keep the birds well fed.

Tampines Eco Green is located 20 minutes’ walk south of Pasir Ris MRT station or 10 minutes from the bus stop at Tampines Regional Library. The park is also connected to the Tampines Biking Trail so it makes for a nice break in a day of cycling. Riding bikes in the Eco Green itself is not encouraged so jump off your bike and enjoy the nature. You can also continue on through to Sun Plaza Park.

At 36.5 hectares, Tampines Eco Green is quite a large area, but to prove the dedication is to nature, only 2.5 hectares is developed for public use. It’s these 34 hectares that has led to different species thriving in this otherwise urban environment. The park also contains no lights. Not only does this provide a more natural environment for the animals living here but also cuts down on the materials normally used in the building of public parks. Of course this makes it not very suitable for night visits.

If you’re a keen photographer in Singapore or if you just feel after a while in the city-state that you need a dose of nature, Tampines Eco Green might be the perfect place for you.   

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Universal Studios Singapore

Although we briefly covered Universal Studios Singapore (or USS as it’s known to the locals), the attraction is one of the most popular destinations in Singapore and as such should be given a closer look.

Officially opening its doors on the 28^th of May 2011, USS changed the face of Singapore. For a year people travelling to Sentosa Island could see a mysterious large castle on the horizon, now they had the chance to explore it first-hand.

The best way to get to USS is via the Sentosa Monorail. Literally around the corner from the station, the first sign that you have reached your destination will be the famous Universal Globe. Seeing a larger than life version of the iconic globe you’ve been seeing at the start of movies your entire life will fill you with excitement and have you running to the gates. No matter how old you are, you’ll feel like a kid in a candy shop while at USS. Of course you can make the metaphor a reality by popping into the massive Hershey’s store next to the globe. It’s probably a better idea to leave that until the end of the day though, for what’s in store might be best done on a not-so-full stomach.

Walking through the gates you’ll come across Hollywood. Modelled after the Hollywood Boulevard circa 1970, you’ll walk past shops and restaurants reminiscent of a long lost time. Expect lots of art deco and palm trees.

Getting to the intersection you’ll see an American-style 1950s diner in front of you, New York City to your right and to your left a life-size cargo ship. The entire theme park is built around a lake and the proper way around is anti-clockwise, so head right onto the streets of New York. Replicating the classic New York we all know from the movies, this is the place for food and live shows. As you’re in New York make sure you try the pizza.

After the New York Public Library you’ll follow the path to the left and go from the past straight into the future. This is Sci-Fi City. Opposite the shop selling personal helper robots is one of the newest rides in the park: Transformers: The Ride. This ride could very much be the future of theme park rides. Part roller coaster, part 3D movie, this thrilling adventure puts you in the driver’s seat for a robot battle through a city. With giant wrap around HD screens and the fact the vehicle you’re in is actually moving will create an unprecedented level of immersion. Although at one point you will feel like you’re falling from a building, the lack of actual dips and speed found on a traditional roller coaster means that this ride is appropriate for most people. Definitely appropriate for everyone is the Accelerator, which is a teacup ride with a sci-fi makeover. Next to that however, is something not for everyone. The main attraction of the park, the world’s tallest duelling roller coaster, Battlestar Galactica: Human vs. Cylon. This epic roller coaster based on the television show Battlestar Galactica is split into two sections, one representing the humans and one their robot enemies, the Cylons.  Both launch at the same time creating a “race”. With high speed loops and corkscrews, this is a thrilling roller coaster that will leave you breathless.

After Sci-Fi City jump far back in time to Ancient Egypt. This zone is inspired by the second wave of Egyptomania that took place during the early 20^th century. For the young kids there’s the Treasure Hunters ride. Sit back in your in your vintage Jeep and be driven around a classic Egyptian archaeological dig site. For something a bit faster head into the giant pyramid for Revenge of the Mummy. Based on the Mummy movies, this is an indoor roller coaster that takes place almost entirely in the dark. This really creates a unique sensory experience. After the first stage of the ride, with smoke, flames so close you can feel the heat and reverse sections that will make you scream, the car spirals down and down in complete darkness. Occasionally there will be a flash of light to give you a very quick glimpse of your surroundings, which is just a deep dark carven. This darkness makes the photos you can buy at the end especially funny as the lack of light makes you forget anyone is watching.

The next zone on your journey is The Lost World. Based on the classic Jurassic Park movies, the centrepiece of The Lost World is the rapids ride. Starting out as gentle ride through Jurassic Park, you’ll pass through different dinosaur enclosures before a flood breaks out. You’ll find you and your boat hurtling through buildings, up an elevator shaft to waiting raptors before plummeting back down with a mighty splash. It might be a good idea to leave you valuables in a locker for this one. Afterwards you can dry out on the Canopy Flyer. This four-seat ride takes you slowly above the tree-tops of The Lost World giving you a great view of the entire Universal Studios. More fun for the young ones here thanks to the Dino-Soarin’ ride. The same spinning ride you see at every theme park and fun fair, this one is different in that you can manually control the height at which your vehicle, in this case a pterodactyl, flies. Take the long path to your right just after The Lost World and you will find Waterworld. An action packed stage show that is common to most theme parks, except this one is set on a floating stage and uses the water as a main set piece. Expect stunts, splashes and jaw-dropping pyrotechnics.

After The Lost World, walk across the bridge to Far Far and Away. You’ll actually feel like you’ve walked straight into the world of the Shrek movies, with the main street lined with shops straight from the movies. The main thing you’ll notice however is the 40 metre (131ft) castle. Venture inside to find the 4D cinema. Playing is an original short Shrek film which not only displays in 3D but also treats you to sprays of water, moving seats and other physical effects that will make you feel like you’re in the movie. Far Far and Away is also home to a more child-friendly roller coaster. Enchanted Airways is based on an airport complete with ticket booths and departure and arrival information with all locations from Shrek getting mentioned. The roller coaster train itself is designed to look like Dragon who will fly you around without filling you with as much fear as the Battlestar Galactica roller coaster.

The final zone is based on the Madagascar films. The two rides here are relaxing and child-friendly to fit with the theme of the movie, one a simple carousel with characters from the movie and a boat ride which takes place inside the hull of a full sized cargo ship. State of the art animatronics, projections and high-tech sound make this a great and relaxing way to end a long day of rides and adrenalin.

Eating at USS is an adventure of its own.  Besides Sci-Fi City which only has an ice-cream store, every other zone has somewhere to eat, each based on the theme of the zone. From Middle Eastern inspired food in Ancient Egypt to New York favourites in the New York zone. Just time it right as the zero-g inversions of the Battlestar Galactica roller coaster do not mix with food!

Universal Studios Singapore is open every day; expect long queues on weekends and public holidays. If going on these days it’s a good idea to buy your tickets online. If you’re visiting during the week then just show up any time and get your tickets before you go in. All rides are included in the ticket price and crowds are always quite low during the week so you can go on your favourite rides a few times with minimal waiting time.

Built for the young and the young at heart, Universal Studios is a must-stop destination for anyone visiting Singapore. 

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