Whenever I meet people and tell them I used to write the food pages for a magazine, they assume that I’m a fervent foodie who spends every Friday evening at a hip new diner and every Saturday afternoon having brunch and coffee at a just-opened cafe. The truth is, I’m as boring as they come. Also, I am as cheap as they come. I don’t believe in spending money when I want to hang out outside, so here, I’m going to tell you about 9 things you can do for free in Singapore.

#1 GO FOR A HIKE

Okay, I know this isn’t the most ingenious of suggestions, but really, it’s such a great free activity. There are plenty of routes to choose from, whether you’re after only a leisurely walk or a heart-pumping, quad-burning trek. Pack food to make it a picnic and double the fun. If you’re a lone ranger looking for company, search outdoor activity groups on Meetup.com to find trekking kakis. Along the same lines of this suggestion would be visiting parks or going to the beach.

#2 GO SAMPLE “SHOPPING”

Back in Her World, I was tasked by my editor to live on $0 for a week. I failed, mostly spending money on groceries to make my own food. But one thing I realised was an easy freebie, were beauty products samples, whether from departmental stores or individual retail outlets. Obviously, this shouldn’t be the only way you get your beauty hoard because that’s just plain not nice. If you’re strapped for cash with payday not till next week and you’ve run out of moisturiser, then head to these counters to tide you over.

Here are 12 Kids Friendly Activities in Singapore! These places not only enhance parent-child bonding, but create fun experiences for the little darlings as well!

#3 ATTEND A FREE CONCERT AT THE ESPLANADE MALL

I think the Esplanade team would be really upset if you didn’t know by now that they have regular free performances held on the compound throughout the week. Stumped by the dreaded “What do you want to do now?” question and don’t have much moolah left? Enjoy some free live music with our island’s gorgeous CBD skyline in the background.

#4 GYM HOP WITH FREE TRIALS – ‘NUFF SAID

I have a friend of a friend who saves so much on exorbitant gym fees by visiting a new gym every week. Free trials – ’nuff said. Sure, it can be a hassle constantly going somewhere new but think of it as exploration. Yes, some of you may say you can go running outdoors and not spend a cent too, but seriously, if everyone was motivated like that, there wouldn’t be a multi-million dollar gym industry.

#5 PICK UP SPEEDMINTON – TENNIS AND BADMINTON

It’s a sport that combines Tennis and Badminton, using a racket similar to a Squash one. It can be played anywhere because the “court” is basically some lines you set up yourself. There’s a group that comes together to play at various parks every Sunday at 9.30am so make your way down to learn more about the game. It’s totally free and equipment is provided. If you enjoyed yourself, the group also sells the kits. Click here (link: https://www.facebook.com/SpeedmintonSingapore) for updates on location and playing schedules.

So where do you go when you’re looking to escape the city bustle, or are simply seeking pocket-friendly options for a quiet retreat? You can escape to the following 6 places in Singapore. 

#6 EAT FOR FREE

Yes, you read right. The Buddhist Lodge temple, located in the River Valley area, dishes out free vegetarian meals every day and you don’t have to be a low-income individual to enjoy it. Many Buddhist temples in Singapore offer the same service but we heard that Buddhist Lodge has the biggest spread with a buffet of several dishes (think soups, congee, noodles, vegetables and fruits). Of course, if you aren’t actually strapped for cash, do leave a donation so the temple can providing good food to those in need, at no cost.

#7 WATCH ALTERNATIVE FILMS

Tired of mainstream movies? Get clued in on the local indie art scene at the Substation. Yes, I know the place might make you wonder if you’re cool enough to be there, but don’t worry too much about that – any support for local directors and filmmakers is very much appreciated by the community. There are short films shown every first Monday of every month under their First Take programme.

Whether it’s your computer, television, or your mobile phone, I say it’s time to get unplugged, and indulge in some good old offline fun. Here are five weekend activities you can try without relying on technology:

#8 GO ON A FREE TOUR AROUND SINGAPORE

The Singapore Footprints team will take you around the Singapore River and Bugis and Bras Basah area, enthralling you with tales of the yesteryears. The tour is run by a bunch of passionate students from the Nanyang Technological University’s Tourism and Hospitality Management Club; you can leave a donation if you enjoyed yourself so they can continue providing the service for free.

Another one I recommend is a visit to Baba House, near Chinatown. It is a restored Peranakan heritage home that belonged to a rich local family in the early 20th century, accessible only by this free hour-long tour held four times a week. Email babahouse@nus.edu.sg for more information.

#9 GET OUT TO THE COUNTRYSIDE

It’s hard to fathom that we have a countryside, beyond the city skyscrapers, high-rise residential areas and industrial parks – so get out there and see it for yourself. The Kranji area is home to a wetland reserve, vegetable farms, fish farms and even a frog farm. A Kranji Countryside Express Bus service takes you from Kranji MRT station to several points of interests like Bollywood Veggies, Jurong Frog Farm and Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve (which has a free guided tour). If you are up for spending some money and want to take the experience up a notch, stay the night at D’Kranji Farm Resort. You shouldn’t expect city-slick amenities and 5-star service because then you’re missing the point. There are going to be bugs flying around – it is the countryside after all, people.

About the writer:
Ruby Tan used to write for Her World, and is now a freelance writer with a dream to travel the world. She believes that the some of best things in life don’t have to be bought. If you want to make a friend, share travel tips and advice, or even to discuss deeply about life, write to her at rubytan.work@gmail.com

While we’re best known for our rags-to-riches story, from a sleepy fishing village to a cosmopolitan metropolis today, one thing’s for sure: we’ve grown so much, it’s definitely hard to avoid the crowds in Singapore today. Honestly. Just ask any resident here, and they’ll attest to that. So where do you go when you’re looking to escape the city bustle, or are simply seeking pocket-friendly options for a quiet retreat? These places have the answers:

1. PUNNGOL WATERWAY PARK

This not-so-secret spot boasts a variety of attractions for couples and families. The up-and-coming lifestyle spot, which used to be a quiet farming area, now sees a hive of activity from young couples and families in the area, due to housing developments there.

Today, the Waterway Park features a series of fun activities designed to cater to residents of all ages, as well as picturesque surroundings for couples seeking for fun date alternatives. We like that the park pays homage to the area’s heritage with a series of mature trees and old vegetation, and offers a green respite to residents.

How to get there: You can take a few buses (including 3, 34, 82, 85, 136) from Punggol Bus Interchange. If not, you can also take a 10-15 minute-walk from the interchange, or from Punggol MRT station.

2. SUNGEI BULOH WETLAND RESERVE

Animal-lovers can consider visiting this rich spot that’s teeming with different species of animals. Tucked away in the northwest part of the country, the natural habitat covers an area of 130 hectares, and is known to be home to a large variety of birds and other animal inhabitants. More recently, crocodiles have been known to be spotted within its waters.

How to get there: You can either take 925 from Kranji MRT station or go via the Kranji Express, which operates from 8.30am to 5.45pm.

3. THE SOUTHERN ISLANDS

If you’re tired of the usual offshore options (read: Pulau Ubin and Sentosa Island), there are many others for you to consider. For pristine beaches, serene surroundings and unspoilt landscapes, you can consider the group of southern islands that are waiting to be explored. The more well-known ones include St. John’s Island and Kusu Island, but you can also look to others within the group such as Lazarus Island and Pulau Seringat and Sisters’ Islands.

How to get there: Take a cruise from the Marina South Pier, and get your tickets. The cruises cover three stops: the pier, St. John’s Island and Kusu Island. From these islands, you can cover the rest via a link bridge. Alternatively (if you’ve got the moolah, that is), you can rent a charter yacht to take you there.

4. THE ABANDONED RAILWAY TRACKS

Since the KTM Malaysian Railway closed its doors, its train tracks have been left abandoned. Today, it is known to be popular with photoshoots and hipsters looking to get Instagram-worthy shots by the tracks. You can pop by the former Bukit Timah Railway Station or places where the track runs, at Cluny Road, Newton Circus, or the ones near the Ayer Rajah Expressway, Teban Gardens and Sunset Way.

How to get there: To get to the tracks at Bukit Timah, just make your way to King Albert Park, where you can spot the old railway bridge. For the one near Teban Gardens and Clementi Avenue 4, you can head to Sunset Way and travel along the road, till you reach an underpass that leads to the tracks.

5. SEMBAWANG PARK

Head to this little gem on the northern part of the island, and you’ll be able to see things you don’t normally come across, like oil rigs, and the Johor coast. The area exudes a quaint, almost old-school charm, where you can find traces of our colonial past almost everywhere. These include the black-and-white houses nearby, as well as buildings such as the Navy Museum, Old Admiralty House and the Sembawang Memorial. Plus, if you’re seeking a quiet spot for dates, or a day out with the kids, the park boasts a variety of activities, from its sandy beaches, to fishing (at the jetty), and other play areas. While you’re there, you might want to check out the famed Sembawang Hot Springs nearby, which is the only one in Singapore.

How to get there: Its nearest MRT station is Sembawang. From there, you can take bus 882 from the interchange.

6. THE KRANJI COUNTRYSIDE

The stretch of farms around the Lim Chu Kang area may be a little difficult to get to if you don’t drive, but it’s worth a visit anyway. Whether you’re looking to relive the good old days of our agricultural past, or you’re just looking to take a break, it’s a great way to spend your weekends. And there’re lots to see: from vegetables to exotic fish, chickens and frogs. You can even choose to stay a night or two in some of the farms offering resort-style options. Just make sure you load up on the insect repellent, as those pesky mozzies are always lurking around waiting for a bite.

How to get there: The nearest MRT stations are Choa Chu Kang and Kranji. From there, you can either take a taxi or a public bus, depending on which farm you’re looking to visit. Alternatively places like Farmart offer shuttle bus services – just drop by their website to enquire.

About the writer:
Amanda Tan has written pieces for several publications, which include stories on food, lifestyle and beauty. She believes life is too short for regrets, and hopes to live in London (just for the experience). She is also a self-professed cake addict, and can never resist a slice, at any time of the day. If you’d like to share life hacks, travel tips and general advice, you can drop her a note at scented19@gmail.com.