This is the typical image of Singapore that is seen on postcards: glassy skyscrapers and post-modern malls, interspersed with colonial landmarks and ethnic architecture, a sterile playground for the wealthy. It defies the expectations of the backpacker in Southeast Asia who is used to rustic towns, dense tropical forests and undeveloped beaches.


#Singapore #cityscape #skyscrapers by @bargeboards

Such sights can still be found in Singapore though, albeit in corners that only intrepid visitors would seek out. Given the country’s small size, they have been developed more than their counterparts elsewhere, but if one finds the right angle, pictures that look like they were taken in other countries are the result.

A village in Indonesia?

typical singapore


I can finally say I’ve been here, but change is afoot. by @bargeboards

No, it’s Kampung Lorong Buangkok. It is the last traditional village on the main island – and development is fast closing in on it. The residents may own shiny cars but their fences are low and they welcome curious visitors to their backyards, which are full of free trees and herbs.

One of the ways to get there is to take bus no. 103 from the Serangoon bus interchange (just above the MRT station of the same name), get off at the 13th stop (after a church and before a Shell pump station), cross the street and the canal, turn left and follow the road for about 100 metres.

The beach of a Thai resort?

typical singapore

Not quite, Lazarus Island is a short $18 ferry trip from the Marina South Pier. The trip also takes in St John’s Island (which is connected to Lazarus Island) and Kusu island. There are many similar islands that are even less frequently visited off the south coast. Not all can be visited but the likes of Pulau Hantu also boast pristine beaches and even coral reefs. You won’t find a single shop on these islands, let alone a beach bar – there’s Sentosa for that sort of thing.

Are we in Taman Negara?

Singapore treetop walk

The MacRitchie treetop walk looks like a mini version, doesn’t it? The trail takes visitors through the forest around the water catchment areas of the city. It’s fine for people who want a ‘lite’ version of jungle trekking that they can complete in a day. The gravel-lined paths and frequent signposts make it feel safe, even sanitised, but it’s about as wild as a legal trail gets.

There is a 2-hour loop and a longer 5-hour route which overlaps the former; Marymount is the closest MRT station to the start of both – take a bus to Venus Drive to get to the short loop.

*Check thisfor the less-than-legal trails. Leech-free experiences not guaranteed.

Another cool place in Singapore, eh?


#nofilter necessary. #kayaking #macritchie #igsg #singapore by @bargeboards

Not really. This is just another part of the treetop walk, at the start of the long loop.

This unsealed road leads to the village, doesn’t it?

Green corridor Singapore
The Green Corridor. Who says #Singapore is all concrete and glass? #greencorridor #igsg #nofilter #nature by @bargeboards

Not quite. The Green Corridor is what is left after the old railway tracks running from Tanjong Pagar to Bukit Timah were removed: nearly 20km of unsealed trails, perfect for uninterrupted runs and bicycle rides. Entry points can be found all along the route, though they are rarely marked. Use this list to find a suitable one for your visit.

Looks like your uncle’s orchard in Malaysia, doesn’t it?


The fifth and final day of the #blackandwhite challenge: The Kranji countryside will soon be inaccessible to ordinary people. Go while you still can. by @bargeboards

It’s really Bollywood Veggies, a farm that is part of a cluster tucked in the northwestern corner of Singapore. It’s not the most accessible place (the cheapest way to get there is to take a $3 shuttle minibus from the Kranji MRT station) but an excellent restaurant on the grounds makes it completely worthwhile. Don’t dilly-dally however, the farm has to move out in a few years to make way for military training grounds.

Poison Ivy Bistro

The dessert platter from Poison Ivy, featuring sweet potato, casava and banana puddings.

Lastly, a trip back to the Old Continent.

St Joseph's Tridentine
I find myself attending the Mass in extraordinary form more often lately. It’s hard not to be drawn by the chanting, the incense, the history and the mystery. by @bargeboards

The Extraordinary Form of the Catholic Mass is also celebrated on Sunday afternoons at the St Joseph’s Church in downtown Singapore. It feels like a trip back in time, to the years before the Vatican II Council. Beautiful hand sewn vestments, women in veils, the sweet smell of incense and the chanted prayers all evoke an atmosphere of reverence.

Follow me @bargeboards on Instagram for more photos like these as I explore Singapore.