The Best 3 spots to Unwind and Enjoy a Quieter Side of Singapore

Living in Singapore can get a little overwhelming sometimes, especially when you’re neck-deep in the pace of life here. And let’s be real, we could all use a little break from it every now and then.

While it can seem hard to find a place to unwind and chill out in a concrete jungle as bustling as Singapore’s, all you really need to do is to take a step back and look at our beautiful green city from a different lens, and you’ll find little pockets of spaces to relax.

So where’s the best place to loosen up? In nature of course; and perhaps somewhere with a good view. We’ve compiled our top 3 recommendations from Singaporeans who swear by these places.

Sunset view painted over the Singapore River

Image Credit: Bahari Bin Haron

“This astounding sunset view painted over the Singapore River, best viewed from Fullerton Hotel’s swimming pool.” – Bahari Bin Haron

To the uninitiated, the Singapore River is a 3.2km-long waterway that has been the city's lifeline for more than 200 years. Historically, its mouth was once the old Port where it functioned as the city’s bustling centre of trade, commerce and finance; which then led to its inevitable pollution. The river cleanup is still an on-going work-in-progress, but its inherent glow-up today is one to be in awe of. For a full historical experience, catch the sunset over the River at the Fullerton Hotel, which in its own right has a colourful heritage as well.

Picnic at Upper Seletar Reservoir

Image Credit: Michael Clarence

“Having a morning picnic with my wife and child was a relaxing experience at this peaceful location.” – Michael Clarence

There’s no denying that there’s something very serene about a singular tree in the middle of a park. We may not have the Punggol Lone Tree anymore, but this popular Casuarina tree at Upper Seletar Reservoir will more than suffice. If you’re looking for a less crowded spot to have a picnic or spend quality time with your peeps, this is the place. Fun fact: this historic site was built in 1920 and later officially opened by Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra, The Honourable Lady Ogilvy in 1969.

Hike and cycle at Pulau Ubin

Image Credit: Siow Rui Min

“I love this scenic spot atop Pukua Hill when I went there recently. Love the peaceful vibes of nature.“ – Siow Rui Min

Not many people know this, but Singapore has 64 offshore islands surrounding the mainland. One notable island that remains close to the hearts of many locals is Pulau Ubin. Apart from taking a walk on the Sensory Trail or having a seafood feast by the sea, cycling, hiking and even kayaking around the island are crowd-favourite activities here. If you’re up for it, you might want to check out Puaka Hill, the island’s highest point, which stands at 74-metres, or half the height of Bukit Timah. Here, you’ll be able to soak in a panoramic view of Ubin Quarry, mainland Singapore and even Malaysia.

Find more exciting things to do on our sunny island as recommended by our local insiders like independent multi-faceted photographer Yafiq Yusman and The Travel Intern, as well as amazing local deals for attractions, staycations, dining and retail.