Sara AmiraIf you don’t know about the opening of Jewel Changi Airport, you must be living under a rock. Jewel, with its whimsical Shiseido Forest Valley and majestic HSBC Rain Vortex, has drawn crowds from all corners of the globe. However, other attractions at Jewel’s Canopy Park on level five is only scheduled to open on 10 June 2019.
Also read: Jewel Changi Airport 2019: Indoor Waterfalls, Treetop Walks, Sky Nets & More
Whether you want to avoid the crowds or waiting for Jewel Changi Airport’s full slew of attractions to open, check out these seven other new attractions in Singapore that you might have not even known about:
1. Jurong Lakeside Garden
Image credit: NParks
The Lakeside transformation plans were first unveiled during the National Day Rally in 2014. After five years of waiting, Jurong Lakeside Garden finally opened to the public on 27 April this year! This 53-hectare garden is only the first phase to the 90-hectare Jurong Lake Gardens, with two more in the works. Here are some highlights of Singapore’s third national gardens you can’t miss.
Take a leisurely scenic walk along Rasau Walk. The 300-metre long boardwalk takes you around the wetlands and close to the edge of Jurong Lake. Other than enjoying over 50 plant species, you can try to spot a variety of wetland creatures and birds.
Image credit: NParks
Prance around in the aesthetically pleasing Grasslands, a vast plot of land blanketed by tall grasses. If you’re an avid social media user, this grassy area will surely be the perfect backdrop for a whimsical Instagram post. While you’re here, look out for a variety of small birds that frequent the area for food and shelter.
Located just a short stroll away from Lakeside MRT station, head down to Jurong Lakeside Garden for a brief escape from the city!
Address: 104 Yuan Ching Rd, Singapore 618665
Also read: Here’s What to Expect at Lakeside Gardens, Singapore’s Newest National Park
2. Floral Fantasy
Image credit: Gardens by the Bay
Joining Garden by the Bay’s lineup of attractions is Floral Fantasy. Opened on April 14, Floral Fantasy is located inside the also newly opened Bayfront Plaza. Just as its name suggests, this floral extravaganza blends nature and technology to transport visitors to a whimsical dreamland! You can even embark on a simulated journey with a dragonfly on the ‘Flight of the Dragonfly’ 4D Ride at the Fantasy Theatre.
Image credit: Gardens by the Bay
Floral Fantasy features four different garden landscapes; Dance, Float, Waltz and Drift. With moving floral arrangements, streams, waterfalls and caves, each section will evoke a different delightful feeling as you walk through this capricious land. Throughout the four landscapes, more than 150 species of plants from all around the world will be on display. Keep your eyes peeled for peculiar looking flowers, with one type said to resemble fried eggs!
Address: 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
Opening hours: 9 am – 9 pm daily
Ticket prices: Standard Rate: S$20 for adults, S$12 for children (3 to 12 years) | Singapore Resident Rate: S$12 for adults, S$8 for children (3 to 12 years) and senior citizens (above 60 years) | View the opening month promotional rates (14 April to 13 May 2019) here
3. Coast-to-Coast Trail
Image credit: NParks
Challenge yourself by trekking across Singapore on the new Coast-to-Coast Trail! Launched on 30 March by NParks, the 36-kilometre trail begins at Jurong Lake Gardens and ends at Coney Island Park. Although it is quite a long trek, you will hit both gorgeous natural spots and excellent urban areas to keep things interesting.
Image credit: NParks
There are a total of ten checkpoints on the Coast-to-Coast Trail. Some of the checkpoints include nature lovers’ favourite parks such as Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park and Punggol Waterway Park. Take a break and keep yourselves hydrated at these checkpoints!
Image credit: NParks
For a wholesome journey, learn a thing or two about the biodiversity around you via NPark’s C2C mobile app. Together with your cute in-app guide Phil the leaf, augmented reality enabled animals will come to life and share interesting facts with you. You can also take part in games and hunt for hidden fruit characters to earn rewards. What a wonderful marriage of technology and nature!
4. Deliveroo Food Market
Image credit: Deliveroo Singapore
If you’re a foodie, you will definitely love the Deliveroo Food Market! Yes, it is run by the same online food delivery company that we all know and love. Instead of ordering from the Deliveroo app, you can now come in and dine in this 40-seater space. Opened on 12 March this year, the Deliveroo Food Market gives off a minimalistic, futuristic vibe while being decked out in Deliveroo’s signature teal colour.
Image credit: Deliveroo Singapore
You will notice a lack of frontline staff when you walk in. This is because its ordering system is fully automated! First, you can order and make your payment at one of the kiosks available. Then, look out for your name on the digital board to keep up with the status of your order. When your food is ready for collection, simply double tap the digital screen with your name on it, and voila, your food is served.
Address: Alice@Mediapolis, 29 Media Circle #01-02/03, Singapore 138565
Opening hours: 11 am – 2.30 pm, 4.30 pm – 9.30 pm daily
5. Museum@My Queenstown
Image credit: My Queenstown
Did you know that Queenstown was Singapore’s first satellite town? A satellite town simply refers to a smaller metropolitan area which is located close to a larger metropolitan area. Built in 1953, it is no wonder that Queenstown is teeming with history. However, the neighbourhood is going through many redevelopment programmes nowadays and old buildings are being demolished. The residents love their neighbourhood’s history so much that they want to preserve the essence of old Queenstown. Hence, Museum@My Queenstown was born on 23 February.
Image credit: My Queenstown
This quaint museum is tucked in one of Queenstown’s many shophouses. What makes this museum endearing is that it is fully funded and curated by Queenstown residents themselves! Take a walk down memory lane as you look at memorabilia and artefacts that date back to the 1970s. Some of the items housed in the museum include iconic signages, old school technology and nostalgia-evoking music. Both the young and old are bound to enjoy this charming museum.
Address: 463 Commonwealth Dr, Singapore 140463
Opening hours: Wednesdays, Thursdays, Sundays: 9.30 am – 2.30 pm | Fridays & Saturdays: 9.30 am – 2.30 pm, 5.30 pm – 8.30 pm | Closed on Mondays & Tuesdays
Ticket prices: Free admission
6. Design Orchard
Image credit: VisitSingapore
It is no secret that Orchard Road is Singapore’s number one shopping paradise. With huge malls filled with a plethora of international brands lining the street, Design Orchard offers something different. Opened on 25 January, this open-design mall serves three primary purposes; a retail, incubation and events space.
Image credit: VisitSingapore
Other than enjoying the building’s cool minimalistic architecture, indulge in a one of a kind shopping experience. Design Orchard exclusively stocks local brands. From fashion to home decor, you can purchase a Singapore-branded product according to your needs. Some of the 60 home-grown brands that Design Orchard carries are Onlewo, Ginlee Studio and Gnome & Bow. Be sure to head down to Design Orchard to support local!
Address: 250 Orchard Road, Singapore 238905
Opening hours: 10.30 am – 9.30 pm daily
7. Holey Moley
Image credit: Holey Moley Golf Club Singapore
Holey Moley is the newest hangout place on everybody’s to-visit list! Opened late last year on 6 December, Holey Moley is no ordinary mini golf course. When you walk in, you will be greeted by a riot of bright colours, dance music and neon lights! While trying to get a hole-in-one, don’t forget to snap some pictures for the ‘gram at the themed holes! Some featured pop culture references include the Simpsons, Game of Thrones and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Image credit: Holey Moley Golf Club Singapore
If you’re feeling peckish, the in-house Caddyshack Bar will be there to satisfy your hunger pangs. This two-in-one bar and gourmet kitchen serves up a whole slew of alcoholic drinks and scrumptious food. From one-metre-long pizzas to colourful burgers, you will definitely be spoilt for choice. Gather your friends and get ready to par-tee!
Address: 3B River Valley Road, Singapore 179024
Opening hours: Mondays to Wednesdays: 12 pm – 1 am | Thursdays to Saturdays: 12 pm – 2 am | Sundays: 10 am – 10 pm
Ticket prices: Check out the pricing here
Seems like Jewel Changi Airport is not the only gem that opened on this little red dot. Whether it’s spending time with your kids or hanging out with your friends, there’s at least one new attraction in Singapore you can visit this weekend!
