Post by Admin on Dec 27, 2015 1:11:29 GMT
1. See WILD dolphins at the Sisters Islands Marine Park
The warm water here is blue. You heard me, blue. Not murky like what we’re used to seeing at East Coast Park. That makes this place perfect for snorkeling especially since it is teeming with biodiversity. Some of Singapore’s richest coral reefs reside here.
Besides snorkelling and swimming in clean waters, visitors can picnic under shady palm trees or even apply for a camp permit here! Additionally, NParks has designed Sisters Islands to be a marine park as of July 2014, which means there will be free guided tours here. Do not miss this out as dolphins(!!!) have been sighted here!
2. Visit the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
The exterior of this temple projects sheer majestic elegance inspired by the Tang dynasty. It's still a place of worship, so you'll be in for a cultural experience as you get to see devotees chanting in the large hall on the ground level. The head monks pay no attention to you as they lead their procession. It's almost as if you've put on an invisibility cloak and sneaked inside their secret world.
Buddha’s Tooth Temple draws Buddhist devotees from all over the world because it houses an alleged tooth from Siddharta Gautama, the founder of Buddhism, located at the top level. Simple vegetarian fare is served for free here too, although donations are welcomed.
3. Go Hiking at Mount Faber
Be rewarded with gorgeous views of the flora, fauna, and cityscape as you start trekking upwards from the foot of Mount Faber. Bits and pieces of Singapore and her history come to life at the stretch of copper-tooled murals beneath the summit’s platform. Trudge on a little more and brace yourself for a breathtaking bird’s eye view of Singapore’s skyline at the peak! Mental note to self: Stop procrastinating and start some intense leg work already.
4. Free Movies Under the Stars and Clouds
Movie Mob gives you the best old-school outdoor movie experience you can dream of. The drive-in concept and picnic events are popular among those in the community.
Screenings take place at different locations all across Singapore. Plus, you get to vote for the movie you want to watch! I say this beats having to shell out about $12 for a weekend movie ticket at the cinema.
5. Go Biking at Bukit Timah Mountain Bike Trail
Get your adrenaline pumping as you mountain-bike your way through 6km of fun and thrills. The Bukit Timah Mountain Bike Trail has recently undergone restoration works so it is now much safer for bikers to embark on their adventure. With vigorous climbs and downhill slopes, this trail is perfect for the more experienced bikers.
6. Step Back in Time at 4-Digit Post Code Kampong Lorong Buangkok
Be awestruck as thoughts like ‘how do they survive here?’, ‘OMG, does rainwater get into their homes?’ and ‘here got wifi anot?’ dance around your head once you set foot in Kampong Lorong Buangkok. This is the kind of space that young Singaporeans have never seen.
7. Explore the first ever HDB town at Toa Payoh Heritage Trail
Toa Payoh is a town worth exploring for its super rich history - it’s the first town developed by the HDB! Did you know the 1973 South East Asian Peninsular Games was hosted in Toa Payoh Sports Complex?
Being a 90s kid, I’m serious when I tell you how much I miss those soft sand in playgrounds. Well, I grew up playing in that sort of playgrounds, not having my eyes glued to iPads! Head down here to reminisce happy childhood memories.
This dragon playground is ironically the last standing one in Singapore despite Toa Payoh touting many firsts.
8. Volunteer Some Time with Furry Little Ones
Spread some love to the furry friends at S.P.C.A. or Animal Lovers League! These organizations could do with more hands and love. Do take note that this is no easy task as it requires a whole lot of commitment, hard work, love, and passion for caring for animals.
As an animal lover, this cause is close to my heart because it pains me whenever I hear about cases of helpless or abandoned animals. These furry little ones have feelings just like us, but they don't always have the support they need.
9. See Singapore at incredible heights to the 55th level of ION Orchard
ION Orchard a gazillion times but have never headed to its 56th storey, you need to check it out now. Surprise your next date the next time you're here with this hidden gem in the middle of town! - See more at: thesmartlocal.com/read/free-things-to-do#sthash.o3wyAnzA.dpuf
10. Host A Couchsurfer
f you ever wondered what it’s like being the owner of a hostel, this is your chance to experience all the cultural exchanges that are going to happen in the comfort of your own home. Basically, you create a website on Couchsurfing, then do your homework and make sure your couchsurfers are trustworthy before you welcome them into your home with an open mind. You then provide the couchsurfers with a couch or spare mattress to sleep on.
If you’re not that adventurous, Couchsurfing gives you the option of hosting couchsurfers just for a drink or a meal - still allowing you to meet people from all over the world without the risk of inviting them into your home.
Read about our writer Cherie's couchsurfing experience here, where she spent just $200 on accommodation over 2 months travelling across Europe.
Address: Your home.
The warm water here is blue. You heard me, blue. Not murky like what we’re used to seeing at East Coast Park. That makes this place perfect for snorkeling especially since it is teeming with biodiversity. Some of Singapore’s richest coral reefs reside here.
Besides snorkelling and swimming in clean waters, visitors can picnic under shady palm trees or even apply for a camp permit here! Additionally, NParks has designed Sisters Islands to be a marine park as of July 2014, which means there will be free guided tours here. Do not miss this out as dolphins(!!!) have been sighted here!
2. Visit the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
The exterior of this temple projects sheer majestic elegance inspired by the Tang dynasty. It's still a place of worship, so you'll be in for a cultural experience as you get to see devotees chanting in the large hall on the ground level. The head monks pay no attention to you as they lead their procession. It's almost as if you've put on an invisibility cloak and sneaked inside their secret world.
Buddha’s Tooth Temple draws Buddhist devotees from all over the world because it houses an alleged tooth from Siddharta Gautama, the founder of Buddhism, located at the top level. Simple vegetarian fare is served for free here too, although donations are welcomed.
3. Go Hiking at Mount Faber
Be rewarded with gorgeous views of the flora, fauna, and cityscape as you start trekking upwards from the foot of Mount Faber. Bits and pieces of Singapore and her history come to life at the stretch of copper-tooled murals beneath the summit’s platform. Trudge on a little more and brace yourself for a breathtaking bird’s eye view of Singapore’s skyline at the peak! Mental note to self: Stop procrastinating and start some intense leg work already.
4. Free Movies Under the Stars and Clouds
Movie Mob gives you the best old-school outdoor movie experience you can dream of. The drive-in concept and picnic events are popular among those in the community.
Screenings take place at different locations all across Singapore. Plus, you get to vote for the movie you want to watch! I say this beats having to shell out about $12 for a weekend movie ticket at the cinema.
5. Go Biking at Bukit Timah Mountain Bike Trail
Get your adrenaline pumping as you mountain-bike your way through 6km of fun and thrills. The Bukit Timah Mountain Bike Trail has recently undergone restoration works so it is now much safer for bikers to embark on their adventure. With vigorous climbs and downhill slopes, this trail is perfect for the more experienced bikers.
6. Step Back in Time at 4-Digit Post Code Kampong Lorong Buangkok
Be awestruck as thoughts like ‘how do they survive here?’, ‘OMG, does rainwater get into their homes?’ and ‘here got wifi anot?’ dance around your head once you set foot in Kampong Lorong Buangkok. This is the kind of space that young Singaporeans have never seen.
7. Explore the first ever HDB town at Toa Payoh Heritage Trail
Toa Payoh is a town worth exploring for its super rich history - it’s the first town developed by the HDB! Did you know the 1973 South East Asian Peninsular Games was hosted in Toa Payoh Sports Complex?
Being a 90s kid, I’m serious when I tell you how much I miss those soft sand in playgrounds. Well, I grew up playing in that sort of playgrounds, not having my eyes glued to iPads! Head down here to reminisce happy childhood memories.
This dragon playground is ironically the last standing one in Singapore despite Toa Payoh touting many firsts.
8. Volunteer Some Time with Furry Little Ones
Spread some love to the furry friends at S.P.C.A. or Animal Lovers League! These organizations could do with more hands and love. Do take note that this is no easy task as it requires a whole lot of commitment, hard work, love, and passion for caring for animals.
As an animal lover, this cause is close to my heart because it pains me whenever I hear about cases of helpless or abandoned animals. These furry little ones have feelings just like us, but they don't always have the support they need.
9. See Singapore at incredible heights to the 55th level of ION Orchard
ION Orchard a gazillion times but have never headed to its 56th storey, you need to check it out now. Surprise your next date the next time you're here with this hidden gem in the middle of town! - See more at: thesmartlocal.com/read/free-things-to-do#sthash.o3wyAnzA.dpuf
10. Host A Couchsurfer
f you ever wondered what it’s like being the owner of a hostel, this is your chance to experience all the cultural exchanges that are going to happen in the comfort of your own home. Basically, you create a website on Couchsurfing, then do your homework and make sure your couchsurfers are trustworthy before you welcome them into your home with an open mind. You then provide the couchsurfers with a couch or spare mattress to sleep on.
If you’re not that adventurous, Couchsurfing gives you the option of hosting couchsurfers just for a drink or a meal - still allowing you to meet people from all over the world without the risk of inviting them into your home.
Read about our writer Cherie's couchsurfing experience here, where she spent just $200 on accommodation over 2 months travelling across Europe.
Address: Your home.