Ever watched those feel-good road trip flicks where friends hit the open road, belting out cheesy pop anthems and stumbling upon hidden gems? While Singapore might not have sprawling highways, it’s packed with quirky pitstops and fun things to do that’ll make you feel like you’re starring in your own adventure—minus the jetlag. Swap distant landscapes for breezy coastal roads, nostalgic farms, and themed cafes that ooze charm. Ready to channel your inner explorer? Pack your playlist, roll down the windows, and crash at a cosy service apartment rental in Singapore to kickstart your weekend wanderlust.
1. One Kind House
Where urban farming meets grandma’s kitchen
Tucked between East Coast’s sleepy terrace houses, One Kind House feels like a portal to kampong life—if kampongs had vertical herb gardens and Instagram-worthy cooking classes. Fourth-generation owner Mummy Sohruns this hybrid urban farm, art space, and culinary school, where everything from curry leaves to banana trees grows in her backyard. Join her Airbnb-listed workshops to learn recipes passed down through decades, kneading dough and stir-frying like your Peranakan grandma taught you. Pro tip: Come hungry—the farm-to-table meals here taste like edible nostalgia. After class, linger in the art gallery showcasing local crafts or sip lemongrass tea plucked straight from the garden. It’s a rare blend of tradition and modernity that even your Gen Z cousin would approve of.
2. Handlebar
Biker vibes, killer grub, and a pool table shaped like a car
Nestled in Gillman Barracks, Handlebar is a biker-themed joint serving up All-American comfort food like Beer Butt Chicken and “Cocaine Wings” (don’t worry, it’s just a spicy rub). The alfresco area hosts live bands on weekends, but head inside to geek out over vintage motorbikes and skateboard decor. Order the Chilli Cheese Wedges; they’re a molten, meaty mess of perfection. Feeling adventurous? Try the seasonal specials—recent hits like Grilled Jumbo King Prawns prove this spot isn’t just about gimmicks.
3. Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle
Get your hands dirty at Singapore’s last dragon kiln
Hidden near Pulau NTU, Thow Kwang is home to a 1,400°C beast of a kiln that’s been firing pottery since the Shang Dynasty. Fifth-generation potters here will teach you how to shape clay into cups, bowls, or abstract blobs—no judgment. For the full experience, book the Dragon Kiln Workshop: after three hours of molding, your creation gets roasted in the ancient furnace, emerging with colours as unique as your fingerprints. The kiln’s undulating design isn’t just for show—it’s engineered to distribute heat evenly, a genius feat of ancient engineering. Leave with a wonky mug or lopsided vase, and you’ll never look at IKEA ceramics the same way again.
4. Singapore Night Safari
Where the wild things glow (kinda)
The world’s first nocturnal zoo isn’t just for tourists—it’s a Jurassic Park-level adventure minus the dinosaurs. Hop on the tram to spot lions, rhinos, and Malayan tapirs under “moonlight” (cleverly disguised LED lights). Walking trails let you creep past leopards and flying foxes, though the real thrill? Hearing the spine-tingling roar of a striped hyena in the dark. Pro tip: Skip the bug spray—the animals are the only ones allowed to bite. For extra chills, join the Creatures of the Night show, where owls swoop overhead and raccoons show off their trash-panda skills. It’s like Halloween year-round, but with fewer jump scares and more conservation facts.
5. Tiong Bahru Bakery Safari
Glamping, but with croissants
Tiong Bahru Bakery’s Dempsey outpost ditches hipster concrete for safari-chic: think rattan lamps, faux grass walls, and an open-air tent vibe that’s almost rugged—if rugged included almond croissants and iced lattes. It’s the ultimate “roughing it” experience for city folk who need Wi-Fi and aircon. Grab a matcha pastry, flip through a magazine, and pretend you’re camping in the Serengeti…with better pastries. The menu leans into the wild theme with hearty sandwiches and tropical smoothies, but let’s be real—you’re here for the kouign-amann, a caramelised butter bomb that’s worth every calorie.
6. Bukit Batok Little Guilin
Singapore’s answer to Avatar’s floating mountains
No need to fly to China—Bukit Batok’s abandoned granite quarry serves up Guilin-esque cliffs and emerald lakes right in our backyard. Wander the boardwalks at golden hour for Insta-worthy shots of jagged rock faces reflected in still water. The park’s serene vibes are perfect for a post-drive picnic, though keep an eye out for monitor lizards—they’re the unofficial guardians of the quarry. History buffs will appreciate the WWII memorial nearby, a quiet reminder of Singapore’s layered past.
7. Museum of Ice Cream
Dessert dreams in sprinkle-coated rooms
Part museum, part sugar rush, this pastel paradise is where ice cream meets imagination. Dive into pools of rainbow sprinkles, pose with giant popsicle sculptures, and sample quirky flavours like lychee-raspberry. The chilly AC is a godsend in Singapore’s heat, but fair warning: You’ll leave with sticky fingers and a newfound love for all things dairy. Don’t miss the “Unicorn Playground,” a pastel wonderland with slides and swings, or the retro ice cream truck serving soft serve with gold flakes. It’s a kid-at-heart’s paradise, though the lactose-intolerant might want to stick to the photo ops.
Conclusion
Singapore’s weekend drives aren’t about distance—they’re about detours. Whether you’re feeding cassowaries, shaping pottery, or eating wings in a biker bar, these spots prove adventure is just a tank of gas away. So crank up the tunes, hit the road, and let the island surprise you. Who needs a movie-worthy road trip when you’ve got kampong farms, glowing safaris, and croissant glamping?
After an exhilarating weekend drive discovering Singapore’s hidden gems, return to your haven at ST Residences. Our comfortable serviced apartments and short-term whole unit rentals provide the perfect retreat after a day filled with adventure and culinary delights. Unwind in style, and let your journey through Singapore continue in the comfort of your home-away-from-home. Experience the ultimate balance of exploration and relaxation with ST Residences today!
