The Gen XY Lifestyle
5 Things To Do This F1 Weekend
Not into jostling with the crowds this F1 weekend? We round up five things you can do to escape the hustle.
While everyone is getting hyped up over the adrenaline-pumping activities happening this Singapore Grand Prix weekend (16 to 18 September), we present five alternative activities to help you beat the crowd.
- Check out the Chinatown Mid-Autumn Festival
Go back to your Chinese roots this weekend by immersing yourself in the Mid-Autumn festivities taking place at Chinatown. Be enchanted by the flower-themed decorations along the streets of Chinatown and admire the colourful LED lanterns of varying shapes and sizes. Some festival highlights include a Festive Bazaar & Carnival as well as nightly stage shows at Kreta Ayer Square. The Chinatown Mid-Autumn Festival is available till 30 September 2016.
Location: Chinatown Point,133 New Bridge Road, Singapore 059413
Opening Hours: 9am to 10pm
Admission: Free
- Explore Haw Par Villa’s 10 Courts of Hell
For a little adventure over the weekend, head over to Haw Par Villa and discover the many electric statues and dioramas as you brave through the 10 courts of hell. Known for its gruesome depictions of Hell in Chinese mythology & Buddhism, expect to find iconic characters from Journey to the West, the laughing Buddha, as well as the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac along the way. Expect a few brow-raising moments on this fascinating tour.
Location: 262 Pasir Panjang Road, Singapore 118628
Opening Hours: 9am to 6pm
Admission: Free
- Embrace nature at Coney Island Park
Photo Credit: Coney Island website
Take some time off this weekend to do something active – like walking or cycling through the historically-rich Coney Island Park. Located just beside Punggol Promenade Walk, Coney Island is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna as well as some critically endangered species. The perfect spot for bird-watching, try camouflaging in the bird hides or waiting patiently from the forested trails for a glimpse of the beautiful migratory birds. Break away from city life and enjoy what nature has to offer!
Location: 500m walk from Punggol Promenade Walk
Opening Hours: 7am to 7pm
Admission: Free
- Take a day trip to Pulau Ubin
Known as the last “kampung” in Singapore, take a day trip to Pulau Ubin and be taken back to the good old times. You can choose to either rent a bicycle or take a leisurely trail walk through the island while taking in the beautiful scenery. Be sure to visit Chek Jawa Wetlands, the largest intertidal flat in northern Singapore that is filled with coral reefs. Discover the extensive marine wildlife there including cuttlefish, sea hares, octopuses, sea squirts, and starfish.
Location: Take a bumboat from Changi Point Ferry Terminal to get to Pulau Ubin
To get to Chek Jawa, hire a van at Ubin Jetty and walk there from Punai Hut
Opening Hours: 8:30am to 6pm (Chek Jawa)
Admission: Bumboat ride to Pulau Ubin is priced at SGD 3 per person
Van ride to Chek Jawa is priced at SGD 2 per person (for 12 persons)
- Get a relaxing dip in Sembawang Hot Spring
As the only natural hot spring in Singapore, the elusive Sembawang Hot Spring is located between Woodlands Avenue 12 and Sembawang Road. Due to its high mineral content, the spring water is slightly alkaline and is said to have healing properties for rheumatism, arthritis and skin problems such as acne and psoriasis. Drop by the Sembawang Hot Spring this weekend to experience some of that spring water goodness right in our homeland.
Location: Gambas Avenue
Opening Hours: 7am to 7pm
Admission: Free
