A Guide to the Cozy Side of Singapore
My 5 favorite routes to experience the tranquil side of Singapore.
1. Exploring a Former School Turned Creative Hub + Riverside Walk
• Duration: About 1 hour
• Best time to visit: Morning (9–10 AM) or evening (5–6 PM)
• Starting point: New Bahru
Start your journey at New Bahru, a creative cluster that has emerged within the walls of a former high school. Wander through its corridors, browse local brand shops, and explore its community spaces and cafes. One of my favorites here is PPP Coffee, a spot run by a local coffee roaster.
There’s also a Cold Storage supermarket where you can grab a drink to take along for your riverside stroll. Exiting New Bahru, pass through Studio M Hotel, and you’ll find yourself along the Singapore River. Turn right and walk along the riverbank, taking in the views of residential buildings, cafes, and locals going about their day.
End your walk at Little Farms, or keep going further along the river if you’re up for more exploration.
2. The Botanic Gardens and a Different Orchard Road
• Duration: 1.5–2.5 hours, depending on how long you stay in the gardens
• Best time to visit: Morning (8–10 AM) or evening (6–7 PM)
• Starting point: Serene Centre
Start at Serene Centre, which offers several breakfast or coffee options. I recommend Micro Bakery, Tiong Bahru Bakery, Da Paolo Gastronomia, or any other spot that catches your eye.
From there, head toward Melati Gate, a side entrance to the Botanic Gardens. Keep an eye out — you might spot unique birds, monitor lizards, or even otters. There are several trails to explore at your own pace, but aim to end up at Tanglin Gate.
Exit the gardens here, cross the road, and head to Tanglin Mall for a cool break and a bite to eat. Options range from Paul Bakery to the familiar Little Farms.
After resting, continue past hotels like Conrad and Four Seasons, and you’ll arrive at the beautiful Pan Pacific building. You can either walk through Orchard Road or conclude your journey here.
• Duration: 1–2 hours
• Best time to visit: Morning (8–10 AM) or evening (5–6 PM)
• Starting point: Stadium MRT Station
This route begins at Stadium MRT Station (Exit A). From here, head toward the river and cross the small Tanjong Rhu Suspension Footbridge. If you’ve rented a bike using the Hello Ride app, note that you’ll need to walk your bike across the bridge.
Once across, you’ll see large residential complexes — follow the path along these buildings. Then, make your way under the large bridge near Kontiki Cafe, where you can use the restroom or grab water.
Emerging from under the bridge, you’ll be greeted by a stunning view of the bay, with the financial district, Marina Bay Sands, and Gardens by the Bay in the distance. This waterfront stretch is about 1.5 km long and leads to the dam at Marina Barrage.
Here, you can climb to the top for a picnic-worthy lawn with breathtaking views. From there, either lose yourself in the Gardens or head into the Downtown area.
4. East Coast Park: A Green Oasis Along the Sea
• Duration: Flexible, but morning or evening is most comfortable
• Starting point: Starbucks at East Coast Park
East Coast Park offers 15 km of green space along the sea, perfect for a full day of walking, cycling, or just relaxing. Start at Starbucks and head toward Changi Airport.
You can rent bikes from the park’s many rental shops (search “bicycle rental” on the map) or use Hello Ride. Along the way, you’ll find cafes, food courts, a wakeboarding station, a pier, and plenty of barbecue and camping spots (pre-booking required).
If you’re feeling fancy, I recommend dining at Fico or Stella Seaside Lounge (reservations may be required).
5. Katong: A Blend of Local Living and Trendy Cafes
• Duration: Morning or lunchtime stroll
• Starting point: Joo Chiat
Extend your walk from East Coast Park by heading north toward Joo Chiat Road. This artsy neighborhood is full of murals, atmospheric cafes, and boutique shops.
Take a detour into nearby lanes to admire the charming townhouses—each one unique. Despite their modest appearance, homes here are far from ordinary, with prices starting at SGD 4,000,000.
My cafe recommendations: Micro Bakery, Little Farms, Common Man Coffee Roasters, Merci Marcel, and La Bottega Enoteca.
Enjoy these routes and discover a different, soulful side of Singapore!
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