3 activities to help you get away from the F1 this weekend

Why watch a bunch of cars race when you can have so much more fun?

Tsiuwen Yeo | September 17, 2016, 09:51 AM

Yes, the F1 Grand Prix is exciting and all, but if you don't have tickets and aren't a fan, let's be honest. It's a plain nuisance that brings hordes of people to your favourite downtown hangout areas on a weekend.

So what to do this weekend without being caught in a mosh pit?

If you want to avoid the crowds, hiding at home isn't the only choice you have -- Singapore's small, but not that small, okay.

Here are some ideas for you.

1. Take a hike

You've been putting off that weekend hike in favour of hiding in a shopping mall for the longest time. This weekend, it's time for you to give the mall a miss and head outdoors.

For those who would like a hike that's as close as possible to an actual hiking experience (come on, it's Singapore), attempt the trail up to Singapore's tallest hill at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. For a rugged hiking trail, head over to Diary Farm Nature Park or Bukit Batok Nature Park, which has lookout points more than 10 stories high that overlook the old granite quarry.

For family friendly routes, visit the Southern Ridges, a 10km stretch which features iconic structures like the Henderson Wave and the elevated Forest Walk. You could also take on Puaka Hill on Pulau Ubin, a steep but short hike that should stop your children midway in their complaining when they see the awesome scenery from the top.

2. Go farm-hopping

We bet Malaysia was the first thing that came to your mind. But digression aside, yes, farm-hopping is something  you can actually do in Singapore.

Perhaps unknown to many locals, the stretch of farms known as Kranji Countryside that has dotted the north-western corner of Singapore was recently recognised as a tourist attraction.

With at least 16 farms that offer tours, it's easy to spend an entire day here, from watching goats get milked in the morning to taking a walk at Kranji Marshes. You could even do a farmstay if you want to.

When was the last time you explored the little corners of our island? Just don't forget the insect repellent.

Alternatively, you could take a trip to Malaysia... if you want to.

3. Get artsy. Or pretend to be.

Even if you'd prefer not to venture into the outdoors this weekend, no worries.

There are lots of art and cultural activities that are held in Singapore all year round, but no weekend is better than this weekend to go appreciate some art. Why? Because art exhibitions are usually quiet. And air-conditioned. Not a bad way to get away from the crowds outside.

If you're a photography buff, you might be interested in the Singapore International Photography Festival, a biennial event that showcases works from various South-East Asian artists.

If you know how to appreciate performances, Singapore International Festival of Arts is offering a range of dance, theatre and musical shows till this Saturday (Sept. 17). For a foreign film experience, the Japanese Film Festival is hosting various free and paid movie screenings till Sunday (Sept. 18).

And if you're a music kind of person, our favourite free music fest Noise Singapore is back this year, held at the Capitol Theatre from now till Sept. 30. Did we say free music? Quite contrary from its name, Noise Singapore is anything but a nuisance -- you'd get anything but that shrill, head-pounding, ear-cracking sound of race cars tearing through the streets.

 

Top image from TYMJEAN 

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