OUR LITTLE ISLAND IS TURNING UP the heat again. But while
many take off for cooler temperatures in faraway destinations, a small handful stay
put due to work and family obligations. So for those staying in the tropics, we
have the ideal getaway for you and your other half.
Tucked away in the northeast of Singapore is the sleepy neighbourhood of Jalan Kayu.
Located just off Yio Chu Kang, this locale may be a little inconvenient, but trust
us, its hotspots are worth the added effort. From a kampong-style menagerie, to
an aerospace park and an open-kitchen bar, Jalan Kayu is the must-visit destination
for food, fun, adventure and some shade from the sun.
Zootopia
You know of the Singapore Zoo, River Safari and Jurong Bird Park, but have you heard
of The Animal Resort? Animal lovers, rejoice! This is one experience you will definitely
want to take part in. Head off the beaten track to Seletar West Farmway — a stone’s
throw away from Sengkang — for an afternoon spent in the company of furry and feathered
friends.
The Animal Resort is the Singapore Zoo with a kampong twist, offering visitors a
chance to get up close and personal with exotic birds, rabbits and guinea pigs in
a rural setting. With free admission, visitors can wander around and interact with
the animals. Test your bird-spotting skills by identifying 11 free-roaming bird
species, which include rarities such as the majestic Crown Crane and the imposing
Marabou Stork.
Looking to cuddle up to a bunny or two? Make for the small shack next to the compound’s
main hut. Here you will find rabbits, guinea pigs and skinny pigs (hairless cousins
of guinea pigs), which you can pet and feed.
Space Oddity
Take off on a romantic space voyage from your very own rocket ship in the middle
of Upper Seletar Reservoir Park. While there is no actual rocket ship in the park,
there is the next closest thing — a rocket ship-shaped tower piloted by your imagination.
Pack a lunch and ascend the steps of this lookout for a stunning view of the Seletar
Reservoir. The reservoir is often pristine and devoid of any wThe park is also a
great spot for nature lovers who seek lush, verdant greenery and some shade from
the mid-year heat. If the heat doesn’t bother you and you prefer to get active,
throw on some running gear and race your partner around the park. Alternatively,
take a leisurely stroll and admire the beauty of nature of the surrounding flora
and fauna.
Farm-To-Table Fun
Feeling famished? Make The Oval @ Seletar Aerospace Park your next stop. Nestled
within The Oval is The Summerhouse, a beautiful two-storey conservation bungalow
that houses a countryside-inspired restaurant, and Wildseed, a cocktail bar-cum-café.
Tuck into farm-to-table dishes at The Summerhouse, which include garden recipes
like raspberry-pickled beetroot and panzanella with eggplant caviar. For a post-meal
tipple, hit up the Wildseed Bar on the first floor, which serves up delicious cocktails
with a local spin — think kaya martini and beetroot hibiscus sling. If your date
prefers a non-alcoholic pick-me-up, head into the Wildseed Café, just a few metres
away from the bar. The breezy open-concept café specialises in cold brews and freshly
baked pastries, ideal for a casual date for two.ater sports enthusiasts, making
for the perfect private getaway.
This article was first published on DUET magazine.