Kranji is worth a drive out to

Wake up early, pack some breakfast and make your way to Kranji Reservoir Park. This secluded park is where you will find one of the best spots to catch the sunrise. You might also find anglers hoping for that early morning catch in one of the two fishing grounds.

Take in the serenity and while you’re at it, reflect on the historical significance of the site. It was where the Battle of Kranji during World War II took place, which eventually led to the fall of Singapore in 1942.

A stone’s throw away from the park is Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. Singapore’s first ASEAN heritage park is home to rare mangroves and a haven for a wide range of flora and fauna.

You can easily explore the reserve using one of the many well-designed trails and boardwalks. Along the way, you might come across mangroves with mudskippers, water snakes, and monitor lizards. Be careful though if you encounter a lurking crocodile or a wild boar. Don’t provoke the wild animals; most would rather avoid than attack humans.

Sungei Buloh is also known for its importance to migratory birds. Between September and March, it is common to see seasonal flocks of shorebirds and waders joining resident birds such as herons, bitterns and kingfishers.

Dotted throughout are huts from where you can view the birds or to have a rest and respite from the sun. Bird-watching enthusiasts, however, would get in early to “chope” their favourite spots to park their cameras and tripods to capture their best shot of their feathered friends.

By now you might be a little bit thirsty, so head on to Hay Dairies as your next stop. You can buy fresh goat milk directly from the farmers at Singapore’s only goat farm to quench that thirst.

While there, check out the goat-milking session (9am-10.30am) and watch the goats queue for their turn! Or buy some alfafa hay ($5/pack) to feed them (9am-4pm). Just don’t be surprised if – amidst all that cute bleating – the goats start nibbling on your bags if you get too close!

A tour of the farm is free, so take your time to check out the 800 over goats lazing in their barns or looking hopefully at you for some feed. You can also book a guided tour (charges apply) with an experienced goat farmer.

Not as well-known as its Sungei Buloh neighbour, Kranji Marshes nonetheless offers up its own charm as one of the largest freshwater marshlands in Singapore.

It is a fairly easy trek through the marshes, but you might want to wear a cap (with the sun beating down) or carry an umbrella (in case the skies open up during the monsoon season). There are shelters along the way just in case.

As you walk along, keep your eyes peeled for the many species of birds, insects and reptiles. Signs warn of crocodiles! A great lookout point is the iconic Raptor Tower. From the top of the 10-meter tower, you get a bird’s eye (ahem) view of the marshes.

You will also notice that only a small part of Kranji Marshes is open to the public. Check out the guided tours if you would like to visit the restricted area, which is an ecologically sensitive habitat for the conservation of biodiversity.

Time for lunch! Head to Bollywood Veggies where you would find tasty local fare such as nasi lemak at its in-house café, Poison Ivy Bistro.

This vegetable farm is also the largest producer of bananas in Singapore. You might want to give their homemade banana bread a try for dessert.

When you are done filling your stomach, take in your fill of the many other interesting things the farm has to offer. You can choose to explore on your own or take the guided tour. Quirky signs guide you along the way – nudist sanctuary, seriously?! – and you also get a bit of education on the various trees and fruits on the farm.

And it’s back to the bistro for a refreshing cup of tea before you sally forth again.

How about a spot of fishing?

At Ah Lim’s Fishing Pond, you might get lucky and catch yourself some pomfret, seabass, red snapper, yellow fin, grouper or more. It costs $60 for three hours of fishing at its 1,000 sqm main pond, and you get to bring home your catches of the day – fresh fish for dinner!

Take note though that any fish you catch that weighs 6kg or more has to be released back into the pond. You get 3 hours of complimentary fishing in return. Oh well, as the saying goes, there are plenty of other fish in the sea (or in this case, pond).

Dinner time! Unless you have caught some fish and they are stewing your car, you can spend a relaxing evening at the charming Gardenasia.

It has a bistro (make a reservation as it does get crowded) beside a pond. The menu offers Western and local dishes, including fusion ones such as assam fish chowder, mee goreng pasta and slipper lobster horfun. Look for those labelled Farm Fresh as these are made with locally-sourced fresh ingredients.

Gardenasia also boasts one of the more scenic dining settings (go alfresco) with a lovely view of the sunset. Like the rustic feel around you? Book ahead for a farm stay at one of its three colonial villas.

Plan ahead for your drive

We have suggested quite a number of stops along the way for your drive around Kranji which makes for a really packed day.  Whether you are checking out the area by yourself, with friends or family, remember to pack lots of water, sunscreen, hats/caps, umbrellas and insect repellent in your car.

Some of the locations are closed on certain days of the week. Be sure to check ahead for any last-minute changes to opening hours or if dining reservations are available.

Other than that, set your GPS and have an enjoyable time out!

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Note: Information correct at the time of publication

Main photo image source: URA