Secret Spots in Singapore That Are Only Accessible by Car

Are you craving a driving escapade but unsure where the good spots are around Singapore? While the island is packed with soaring buildings and iconic architecture, there are still plenty of quietly undiscovered gems to find.

Whether you are after the perfect backdrop for photos or just want to escape the demands of the city, here are five secret spots in Singapore that are worth driving to.

Getting There by Car

Most of these spots sit out in the Kranji countryside, around Bukit Timah, or tucked off the main roads, and public transport reaches them slowly if at all. A self drive car rental is the simplest way to string a few of them together in a day, stopping wherever you like without waiting for a bus that runs once an hour. For a weekend of exploring, a short term car rental of a day or two keeps the cost down while giving you the run of the island.

The right vehicle depends on where you are headed. For the farm roads and rougher edges around Kranji, an SUV rental for exploration gives you a higher driving position and more comfort over uneven surfaces, with room for muddy boots, market produce, and the day’s gear.

1. TXA Pintxo Bar @ The Alkaff Mansion

Photo credits: 1-Group

Singapore’s first pintxo (pronounced pin-cho) bar, TXA (pronounced cha) focuses on Basque cuisine and is located on level one of the building. The Alkaff Mansion’s culinary team partnered with Basqvium, the self-described guardians of Basque cuisine in and outside Spain, and set up the Spanish Cuisine Development Group to keep the dishes authentic. Members include Basque chefs Marta Elvira Segalés and Silvana Pascual Romero, both graduates of the prestigious Basque Culinary Institute. Together they have gone to great lengths to give diners a true Spanish culinary experience, with menus that showcase the region’s produce, dishes, and drinks.

The décor is warm and welcoming, with dark wood that complements the romance of this majestic space. Make reservations for indoor seating to enjoy the room and its expansive pintxo bar counter in the middle, or settle into the outdoor area and order from a wide selection of beers, wines, ciders, and signature cocktails alongside the small plates.

Address: 10 Telok Blangah Green, Singapore 109178

Opening Hours: 5pm – 11pm (Tues – Sun), Closed on Mon

Contact: +65 8123 8484

2. Bollywood Veggies

Photo credits: Bollywood Veggies

Known as Paradise on Earth, Bollywood Veggies is a sanctuary in the rustic Northwest Kranji countryside. Founders Mrs Ivy Singh-Lim and Mr Lim Ho Seng both spent years in the corporate world. Rather than retire, they invested in farming to realise their vision of life on a working farm in Singapore. With the support of then Minister of State for National Development Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, the dream came together, and in 2000 their 10-acre farm opened to the public.

Bollywood Veggies has grown into a popular attraction. Over a hundred varieties of plants are grown there today, including native fruits rarely used in popular dishes. The farm runs on sustainable methods with no pesticides or fertilisers on site, which keeps it organic and planet-friendly, and it uses resource-saving techniques such as rain-collection ponds and irrigation canals.

Though small, there is more to the place than meets the eye. For a $2 entry charge, visitors get insight into the food they eat every day. If there is enough to spare, you can pick up fresh organic fruit or vegetables before you leave.

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

Opening Hours: 7am – 5.15pm (Wed – Fri), 7am – 7.30pm (Sat, Sun & PH), Closed on Mon & Tues unless PH

Contact: +65 6898 5001

3. Farmstay Villas @ Gardenasia

Photo credits: Gardenasia

Gardenasia’s Farmstay Villas sit in the Kranji countryside and make an ideal family getaway. The three villas are spread across more than two hectares of greenery and offer a taste of modern rural living.

With only a few villas, each with its own distinct style, it is a good option for anyone after a serene break from the city. The villas are designed after the colonial houses of old, each with its own walk-up staircase and direct access to the pool. For family bonding, other amenities include a tennis court, an amphitheatre, and a billiards table, plenty of reasons to put the devices down and enjoy the outdoors.

Location: 240 Neo Tiew Cres, Singapore 718898

Accommodation: From $280 per night

Contact: +65 6898 9111

4. Bukit Timah Saddle Club

Photo credits: Bukit Timah Saddle Club

If riding off into the sunset on horseback is the dream, step one is learning to ride. The Bukit Timah Saddle Club (BTSC) offers professional lessons to help you get there.

The riding school sits just off Bukit Timah Road, surrounded by lush greenery that makes a fine setting for casual leisure riding. You do not need to be a member to take part in the trail rides or the introductory horse-riding courses. It is also a hit with children at weekends: for $10, kids under 12 can try pony riding.

Location: 51 Fairways Drive (Off Eng Neo Avenue), Singapore 286965

Opening Hours: 7am – 11am, 3.30pm – 7pm (Tues – Sun), Closed on Mon

Contact: +65 6466 2782

5. The Japanese Cemetery Park

Photo credits: Visit Singapore

If you missed Japan’s cherry blossoms this year, here is an alternative much closer to home. The Japanese Cemetery Park is known for its greenery and Japanese-inspired architecture. It is also home to a long row of arches draped in bougainvillea. When the flowers are in full bloom, the archways make for a picturesque shot reminiscent of spring in temperate countries.

The Japanese Cemetery Park was first established in 1891 to serve the burial needs of Singapore’s Japanese residents. It was later closed to burials in 1973 and named a memorial park in 1987.

Today it is the largest and best-preserved Japanese cemetery in Southeast Asia, measuring around 30,000 square metres and holding over 1,000 graves. While it photographs beautifully, it remains a memorial park, so visitors should respect the significance of the ground when taking pictures there.

Location: 22 Chuan Hoe Avenue, Singapore 549854

Opening Hours: 8am – 6pm (Opens daily)

Contact: +65 6468 0066

Start Your Journey with Singapore Car Rental

Keen to explore these spots by road, or planning a longer trip soon? Singapore Car Rental is an automotive rental company that offers reliable car rental for your travel needs. Contact us today and travel in comfort throughout your trip.