This quiet area west of downtown Singapore is popular with nature and exercise fanatics who enjoy the popular 10 km (6 mi) Southern Ridges Trail. Dig deeper and you’ll find plenty more to explore, like the city’s first gin distillery, art galleries, a food mecca in a reimagined military camp and a slightly different cultural park. Some places have MRT stations, but taxis are more convenient.
Brass Lion Distillery
In Singapore’s first micro gin distillery, magic happens in a sparkling copper pot still handcrafted in Germany. The Singapore Dry Gin features herbs and spices that represent Singapore, while the Butterfly Pea Gin surprises with its changing colour. Tours are available.
Haw Par Villa
The brainchild of Aw Boon Haw, the founder of Tiger Balm ointment, this park is filled with colorful dioramas depicting scenes from Chinese legends and myths. The most famous and macabre is the “Ten Courts of Hell”.
Propeller
This panoramic rooftop bar overlooks picturesque Keppel Bay and Sentosa. Drinks are significantly cheaper than downtown rooftop bars.
Gillman Barracks
You could easily spend an entire day wandering the 11 galleries dotted around this abandoned barracks. Come hungry, for this lush land is also home to delicious food. Don’t miss The Naked Finn, the seafood giant, but for a good time head to Handlebar, Singapore’s only cyclist bar.
Bayswater Kitchen
Savvy locals who love fresh seafood and cool breezes frequent this spot on the marina. Happy hour runs from 4pm to 8pm.