Kampong Lorong Buongkok

This is the only active traditional Malay village on the main island, and it really shows you a different world altogether. There are no gleaming skyscrapers here, just a group of wooden homes, free-roaming chickens and gardens full of fruit trees. The communities here are tight-knit and are more than happy to welcome you into their world for a glimpse of life away from the bright city lights. 

Haw Par Villa

Singapore’s city centre has plenty of cultural highlights, but this open-air theme park stands out for its truly eccentric displays of scenes from Chinese folklore and mythology. There are over 1000 statues and dioramas, but the main highlight is the “10 Courts of Hell” – a series of cave dioramas that depict various punishments that await transgressors in the afterlife. It’s definitely worth a short drive if you’re staying at places like Hotel 81 Geylang. 

Wessex Estate

Located in the Queenstown area, not far from even a hotel in Geylang, this estate of 1930s, black-and-white colonial bungalows is home to a small community of creatives and artists, a series of art studios and the legendary Colbar Cafe known for its vintage decor and simple Western food. Safe to say that spending a few hours at Wessex Estate can make you forget you’re in Singapore!

Lazarus Island

It might sound a little mysterious, but if you want to escape the crowds and enjoy a laid-back beach escape, Lazarus Island is actually a great place. Just a 30-minute ferry ride away from the Marina South Pier, the island gives you exactly what you see – remote beaches, turquoise waters and nothing else. Anything else you’ll need to bring with you because this is truly a bare-minimum escape that rivals the extravagance of the main city.