Ever wondered what’s best in the West? More than just the bustling malls of JEM or IMM, here’s a list to check off some of the best activities in West Singapore. From wholesome, outdoors activities to some great food spots, these are all places and activities that your kids are sure to enoy.
Time to spice up your weekends!
1. Trek Through Nature Reserves of the Wild Wild West
With the West being situated away from the density of our populated city, it is no surprise that land is a little more in abundance here.
If you’re looking to start a weekend morning fresh, feel free to trek through the lush greenery of Bukit Timah, Labrador Nature Reserve or Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. While Bukit Timah’s trail offers a well-paved nature trek which can lead to Little Guilin, Labrador will stun you with their vast biodiversity and seaside landscape. Conversely, if you’re looking to bird-watch, Sungei Buloh might be the stopover for you.
2. Visit the Farm Life
If you’re looking for unique activities to in West Singapore, taking a peek into the farm life might be an enthralling experience for your kids (…and you!)
Here, you can visit the Jurong Frog Farm for hands-on activities such as frog-feeding, frog-catching and even… frog-feasting (yes, you can enjoy their farm fresh menu on site!). However, if frogs don’t excite you, perhaps goats might. Over at Hay Dairies, your kids will get to feed and milk their resident goats! To reminisce the kampong days, all it takes is a quick journey to experience some of these fun activities do in our Western farms.
3. Get Crafty at Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle
The street of 85 Lorong Tawas is home to Singapore’s oldest dragon kiln since 1965. Here, you get to understand the art of pottery and wood-firing through their workshops which are held for the public. While it might be challenging to master being an expert Potter at first, it’s been said by many that it’s a slow burn towards satisfaction – patience, trial and error, and more patience. Sounds like a therapeutic family activity!
4. Visit the Newly-Reopened Haw Par Villa
Now it might not sound like fun visiting the 18 levels of (literal) hell, but we are sure it will be more educational than scary at Haw Par Villa. Now rebranded as the Hell’s Museum, you can consider a cultural tour for one of the activities to in West Singapore.
Today, they offer tours and trails to explain the concepts of enlightenment and zodiac signs, alongside photo spots featuring Chinese architecture. If you need some time to decompress, the culture courtyard is an open space with pavilions wide enough for your kids to be gallivanting around.
5. Pig Out at Beauty World Food Centre
Can’t make up your mind for lunch? Head to Beauty World Food Centre and you’re good to go. A landmine for hidden gems, enjoy a good weekend sun atop the open-aired rooftop food centre. From the renowned Top One Handmade Noodles and Penang Homemade Beef Ball to Wok-Hei Char Kway Teow and rich Chendol, the only qualm is to be prepared to queue during peak hours.
If there’s something that would make it to the list for activities to in West Singapore, it has to be food. Not just anywhere – but here.
6. Spend a Day at West Coast Park
West Coast Park is definitely no stranger for anyone who’s grown up in the West. Parents – if you’re looking for a place to expend your kids’ energy for the day, these playgrounds at West Coast will do the job for you. In Area 3, there are a repertoire of play zones – a pyramid play zone, zip line play area and viking ship playground. There is also a Grand Lawn area for those who want to soak up some sun kite-flying and picnicking!
7. Kayak in Jurong Lake Gardens
For some fun under the sun, kayaking in Jurong Lake Gardens might be one of the considerably fresh activities to in West Singapore. Beginners are all welcome and no certification is required! Rental hours are from 9am to 6pm – but do avoid Mondays and PHs as the rental booth will be closed then.
Now all you have to do is slap on some sunscreen and paddle up.
8. Take a #ThrowbackThursday To Bukit Timah Railway
For parents who long to reminisce old-school transport, you can now catapult into a nostalgic throwback with the recent reopening of the Bukit Timah Railway. Here, you get to take a peek into the wistfulness of the golden 60’s era – old staff quarters, the original ticketing window, as well as a heritage museum.
Even better? You can also chill out and have a nice cuppa at the newly-opened 1932 Story cafe selling pastries, local delights, ice cream and beverages.
9. Chill out at The Rail Mall for Dinner
If hitting the overcrowded malls sounds like something you’d want to stray away from, The Rail Mall might be a pretty good pit stop for the kids to get their fill of yummy food. With a more laid back atmosphere with eateries and bars, this place will keep your hunger pangs satiated with chicken rice balls, good old prata, Mala or pasta. Plus – Cold Storage’s open 24 hours for you to get your groceries stocked up for the week.
Singapore may be small, but it doesn’t mean it has to be boring. Here’s to hoping you’ll make the best memories with your little kiddos with this ‘Best in the West’ list. One worthy mention is Bukit Gombak Park, which you can read all about here!
Keep your eyes peeled as we continue covering more hot spots across the island!
