The Summer Escape (no passport required)

Ditch the crowds at your usual weekend spots and go off the grid. You’d never guess these places were in Singapore.

Portrait of Tammy Strobel
Ditch the crowds at your usual weekend spots and go off the grid. You’d never guess these places were in Singapore. 
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LAZARUS ISLAND

Hidden far out at sea, Lazarus Island is easily Singapore’s most underrated beach. Connected to St John’s Island, Lazarus Island promises an extensive bed of white sand and clear blue waters. The island can be accessed by a ferry ride from Marina South Pier MRT station, which will set you back $18 per round trip.

DO: Bring insect repellent, sunscreen, a trash bag, water and food supplies

DO NOT: Kidnap the resident cats

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KRANJI COUNTRYSIDE

Apart from their quarterly Kranji Countryside Farmers Market, Kranji Countryside is a great place to venture for a break from the crowds. Befriend farm animals at Farmart, or weave through the crops of Bollywood Veggies. If you’re feeling a little adventurous, you can get a taste of fresh goat milk at Hay Dairies.

DO: Book tours in advance if you’d like an in-depth experience

DO NOT: Expect aircon

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LORONG KAMPONG BUANGKOK

Home to approximately 30 families, Lorong Kampong Buangkok is the last kampong in mainland Singapore. Take a walk down memory lane through this complex, which features houses that were built in 1956. Peculiar sights include utility poles and telephone lines soaring from the ground, towering over homes made of wood and zinc.

DO: Say hello to the residents you meet

DO NOT: Make too much noise – people live here!

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CHESTNUT NATURE PARK
Opened earlier this year, the national park is the first of its kind – with different trails designated for either hiking or mountainbiking. Even finding the park has proven to be quite an adventure, with an access point from Chestnut Avenue taking you under the Bukit Timah Expressway.
DO: Bring insect repellent
DO NOT: Bring pets 
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GREEN CORRIDOR

Formerly a 24km stretch of rail track, the Green Corridor is a refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city. While it’s, unsurprisingly, mostly green, flanks of forest meet with black trestle bridges at Upper Bukit Timah and Rail Mall. The trail can be accessed from multiple points, including Holland Road, Bukit Timah MRT Station, Rail Mall and Buona Vista.

DO: Drink lots of water

DO NOT: Wear flip-flops

The Not-to-miss List

OUTDOOR

DBS MARINA REGATTA

Returning to The Promontory@Marina Bay, Singapore’s biggest bay festival has loads to do. Kick back at Potato Head Club’s Coconut Beach Bar or put your fitness to the test in a water-based inflatable obstacle course. There will also be yoga classes by Lululemon, so bring a yoga mat and an open mind.

WHEN: 1 – 4 JUNE 2017

WHERE: THE PROMONTORY@MARINA BAY

ADMISSION: FREE

ART / FILM

YAYOI KUSAMA: LIFE IS THE HEART OF A RAINBOW

Discover the influential artist’s vision through an extensive collection of paintings, sculptures, videos and installations, including works that have never been shown before. Step into her infinity mirror rooms, explore the development of her iconic dot and pumpkin motifs, and behold her new paintings in her first major exhibit in Southeast Asia.

WHEN: 9 JUNE – 3 SEPTEMBER 2017

WHERE: NATIONAL GALLERY SINGAPORE

ADMISSION: $15 FOR SINGAPOREANS/PRS

BEING HARESH SHARMA

With over 100 plays under his belt, Singapore’s own Haresh Sharma’s works have been staged all over the globe. In his new play, he digs deep into three decades of his writings, to ask what it really means to live in Singapore.

WHEN: 29 JUNE – 2 JULY 2017

WHERE: DRAMA CENTRE THEATRE, NATIONAL LIBRARY LEVEL 3

ADMISSION: FROM $28 AT WWW.SISTIC.COM.SG

MUSIC

ULTRA SINGAPORE

Back for the second year running, ULTRA Singapore is the outdoor electronic festival you won’t want to miss. Expect big names like Tiesto, Hardwell, Showtek and Steve Aoki alongside live acts like Pendulum.

WHEN: 10 & 11 JUNE 2017

WHERE: ULTRA PARK, 1 BAYFRONT AVENUE

ADMISSION: FROM USD$105 AT WWW.ULTRASINGAPORE.COM

THE MAINE: LIVE IN SINGAPORE

Since they last performed in Singapore over a year ago, The Maine has released their new album Lovely Little Lonely. They’re known for catchy songs with pop, alternative, rock and emo influences, but have no plans to stick to genre stereotypes.

WHEN: 23 JUNE 2017

WHERE: MILLIAN, ST JAMES POWER STATION

ADMISSION: FROM $79 AT WWW.UPSURGEPRODUCTIONS.COM

INTERNATIONAL PIANO FESTIVAL

The theme of the 24th Singapore International Piano Festival is “Fantasies & Memories”, celebrating both whimsical and classical interpretations of great compositions. Expect acclaimed pianists like Joseph Moog, Wong Chiyan, Hüseyin Sermet and Stephen Kovacevich to take you through a musical journey of nostalgia.

WHEN: 1 – 5 JUNE 2017

WHERE: VICTORIA CONCERT HALL

ADMISSION: FROM $19 AT WWW.SISTIC.COM.SG

Images 123RF.com Text Ruiyi Yap.