​​​activities to do during school holidays singapore

So your exams are over and the much awaited school holidays are finally here. It's time to refer to the list of activities you've been building since the start of the school term.

This holiday, aside from catching a movie or shopping with friends, why not get active and go on an adventure close to nature? Fresh air, green pastures, and a spotless sky unblocked by tall buildings await you.

You'll find that there's a lot to Singapore you have yet to discover!

1. Kusu Island

where to go during school holidays: Kusu Island

Kusu Island, also known as Tortoise Island, is a reclaimed island that's a 15-minute ferry ride away from the South of Singapore. It is famous for housing the Da Ba Gong Temple, as well as Malay shrines (a.k.a Keramats).

The swimming lagoons, the pristine beaches, and the serene environment of Kusu Island will make for a chill day out with your friends or family.

The island is also bordered by coral reefs with abundant marine life. You can join the Blue Water Volunteers guided reef walk to see and discover more about the reefs and its inhabitants, including clown anemone fishes, anemone shrimps, and giant clams!

2. Pulau Ubin

where to go during school holidays: Pulau UbinDid you know that Pulau Ubin is the second largest offshore island of Singapore, after the well-known Sentosa Island? Just a 10-minute bumboat ride away from Changi Jetty, Pulau Ubin is the last ‘kampung’ you can find in Singapore.

There are plenty of fun things to do on this island. You can rent a bike and spend the day cycling around the island on its rustic roads under swaying coconut palms or join one of the guided walks available.

The most popular attraction on Pulau Ubin is Chek Jawa, a one-hectare intertidal flats with seagrasses, sand flats, and coral rubble surrounded by coastal forest and mangroves.

You can explore all these different ecosystems along the 1.1km boardwalk or up the 20m Jejawi Tower!


 3. Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

where to go during school holidays: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve 

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is located within the Kranji Countryside, easily reachable via a 10-minute express bus ride from Kranji MRT.

The mangroves and freshwater wetlands are home to an amazing diversity of flora and fauna.

You can take any of the multiple walking trails or the boardwalk, all of which will bring you closer to nature and the inhabitants of these wetlands.

If you're lucky, you may even see the family of otters and the lonesome crocodile living there!

4. MacRitchie Tree Top Walk

where to go during school holidays: MacRitchie Tree Top Walk 

Even if you aren't a fan of heights, the view on the MacRitchie Tree Top Walk is well worth challenging your fears!

The MacRitchie Tree Top Walk is a 250m long suspension bridge that spans across the two highest points in MacRitchie, at 25m from the ground!

Walking on the bridge will bring you closer than you can ever get to the canopy of the forest. Some 80 species of birds and 18 rare trees have been spotted in the forest. You'll get a better view of the forest birds, flying lemurs, and even monkeys!

To get there, you can hike from MacRitchie Reservoir Park via the MacRitchie Nature Trail. Challenge your friends to complete the hike together and be rewarded with the magnificent views from the Tree Top Walk!

No matter which places you pick, you are bound to have an exciting time. So why not have a picnic at the same time, it would also be a fun activity for you and your friends.
 


Here's what you could pack to recharge yourself midway through your adventures:​​​​

  • Lots of water – You're going to sweat loads, so drink up!
  • Edamame – A Japanese favourite, these beans make a delicious snack on the go and it is also a great source of dietary fibre and antioxidants.
  • Sandwich – Obviously, since they are simple to make and fuss-free to eat!
    Use wholegrain bread (instead of white), put in some grilled chicken breast (instead of ham), a slice of cheese and fresh vegetables such as lettuce, tomato and onions to add crunch to your sandwich. Finally, use guacamole or hummus as dressing (instead of mayonnaise/ butter which will spoil easily in the heat!).
  • Fruits – Pack fresh fruits like apples, oranges and bananas to round off your picnic meal.​