Singapore is widely known for its many towering skyscrapers, apartment blocks, hefty price tags and city buzz. It is so densely populated that the government has resorted to literally increase the size of the island. But the north-western corner of this island nation remains refreshingly untouched with barely a high-rise building in sight.
The Kranji Countryside offers a wealth of nature and almost feels like you are in another country altogether. It is home to sprawling animals, nature reserves and hidden restaurants offering authentic farm-to-table experience that you would not want to miss. If you are planning to spend the new year differently, swapping the city life for the country life is a great way to do so. Rent a car and spend time with farm animals, spot some wildlife and be one with nature.
Check out these five places for a more authentic, fun ‘kampung’ life experience and get in touch with your countryside.
Photo Credits: Jaclynn Seah/The Occasional Traveller
Located around Kranji Reservoir, Kranji Marshes is one of the largest freshwater farmlands on the island. It was created when the reservoir was dammed in the 1970s, forming terrains such as marshland, grassland and secondary forests. This nature reserve stands at 57-hectares with a diverse range of natural and green habitats. It is also home to 170 species of birds, 54 types of butterflies and 33 different kinds of dragonflies.
At 10.65-metre, the Raptor Tower offers a panoramic view of the surrounding marshes and flying birds. Furthermore, educational boards are placed around the open-air observatory deck of the tower. It essentially helps the eagle-eyed visitors to identify birds and spot landmarks in the distance. From November to March, avid bird watchers can catch sight of the raptor birds or more commonly known as birds of prey. This includes migratory visiting species such as the Black Baza and Japanese Sparrowhawk.
However, the public can only access a small area of the park. If you wish to explore some of the restricted conservation areas, you are highly encouraged to join a guided tour. For the bird and nature lovers out there, check out Neo Tiew Woods. This forest stretched with tall trees often attracts the likes of hawks and eagles. West March is another spot you would definitely want to visit as marsh birds and reptiles can be seen wading around the shallows.
Location: 11 Neo Tiew Lane 2, Singapore
Opening Hours: 7am – 7pm (Opens daily)
Contact: +65 6794 1401
2. Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
Photo Credits: Marklin Ang/Singapore Tourism Board
Singapore’s first ASEAN heritage park, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is adored by many travellers and is home to a diverse environment of flora and fauna. This wetland reserve of mangrove swamps, ponds and secondary forest is home to 140 species of birds. It is undoubtedly heaven on earth for bird watchers. So best to bring or rent your own binoculars and take a spot at the observation hides. But make sure to be wary of your surroundings and the warning signs about estuarine crocodiles, which are known to lurk around the area.
From September to March, the nature reserve is a prime area to spot migratory birds that come from as far as Australia and Siberia. Keep a look out for shorebirds, hornbills and kingfishers and other fauna such as mudskippers, monitor lizards and of course, crocodiles. Fear not, the boardwalks are well-maintained with specially designed bluffs that let you observe these creatures at a safe distance.
Opening Hours: 7am – 7pm (Opens daily)
Contact: +65 6794 1401
Photo Credits: Singapore Tourism Board
Established in 1988, Hay Dairies is the only goat farm in Singapore, with over 800 mixed breed goats on the premises. Every goat here chews on hay shipped straight from the US and special feed flown in from Australia. This is probably what makes their goat milk so much better in comparison to off-the-shelf-brands.
In the morning, you will be able to watch the staff going about their daily goat milking session. If you see an educational tour being conducted, we highly recommend sticking around to learn more about the process of goat milking. At only $5, you can buy a packet of Alfalfa Hay to feed the goats. But try not to get too carried away with feeding the first few rows of goats as there are more behind. Also, do take note that the goats can be a little bit curious to get a taste of your bags and clothes. So be careful not to get too distracted with your selfies or they may take a playful nibble.
After feeding, you can purchase their fresh goat’s milk in small bottles of original or chocolate flavours. The milks are preservative-free and are meant to be consumed as soon as possible. If you are planning to carry them around with you, we suggest bringing along a refrigerated box.
Location: 3 Lim Chu Kang Lane 4, Singapore 718859
Opening Hours: 9am – 4pm (Wed – Mon), Closed on Tues
Contact: +65 6792 0931
Photo Credits: Thong Hup Gardens/Facebook
Thong Hup Gardens was founded by Mr Toh Thong Hup in the 1980s. It started out as a humble business and has grown into one of the largest turf and landscape suppliers in Singapore. In 1997, they expanded into landscape implementation and is now the island’s most reputable one-stop-shop for turf, landscape and plants.
Whether you are looking for cow grass, carpet grass or pearl grass for your garden, you will find a variety here. If you have time or space to spare, bag some plants like bonsai, frangipani, orchids and potted plants. Indulge yourself in the beauty of nature and grab a few gardening materials to keep your green thumbs busy.
Location: 70 Lim Chu Kang Lane 1, Singapore 718910
Opening Hours: 8am – 5pm (Opens daily)
Contact: +65 6454 5055
Khai Seng Trading & Fish Farm was first established in 1997. The 23-year-old fish farm aims to provide fresh seafood to Singaporeans through sustainable farming methods. Apart from looking into how our food is reared, you will be able to bring home freshwater fishes such as Patin (Pangasius) and Catfish.
The farm also imports live products including Toman (Snakehead), Bullfrog and Freshwater Eel from Malaysia and Taiwan. Seawater products such as Grouper, Tiger Prawns and Sea Bass are also available based on seasonal demands. Drop by for plenty more species that are fresher than the ones you will find at your neighbourhood wet market.
Location: 181 Neo Tiew Road, Singapore 719023
Opening Hours: 8am – 1pm, 3pm – 5pm (Mon – Fri), 8am – 5 pm (Sat & Sun)
Contact: +65 6793 7789
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