Longing for an overseas vacation far away from home while you are doing a staycation in Singapore? Well, you have come to the right place!

While Singapore is a tiny country (20th smallest globally), it still has plenty of hidden gems — hidden pockets of nature and culture which resemble overseas destinations.

These off-the-beaten-track experiences in Singapore provide hours of momentary escape from the hustle and bustle of life in the Lion City.

The teams at our Pan Pacific, PARKROYAL COLLECTION and PARKROYAL hotels and serviced suites have curated a list of Singapore local places of interest and dining establishments that may fool you into thinking that you are overseas. Put on your hiking shoes, and get ready to explore the “international” side of Singapore!

Quayside Isle

Stroll along the boardwalk, admire the yachts under the twilight sky, and have a meal al fresco style.

Be transported to a seafarer’s paradise at the Quayside Isle. The maritime scene is especially enchanting at night, with luxury yachts and speedboats gently bobbing up and down against the twinkling night sky. Taking a stroll here magically transports you to Sydney Harbour.

Cap your night with a meal at one of the many restaurants dotting this stretch. Choose from  Spanish, Italian or Greek cuisine to complete the Mediterranean experience which this waterfront destination offers.  

Get directions to Quayside Isle

Bukit Timah Saddle Club

Wish to ride a horse on a lush, idyllic field without needing to maneuver around vehicles, bicycles or pedestrians? Yes, you can! Enjoy both a countryside atmosphere and equestrian encounter at the Bukit Timah Saddle Club.

Home to more than 40 trained horses and ponies, the sprawling estate of the club features stables, riding arenas, trail rides and grass paddocks. Here, it is easy to imagine that you are strolling in the European countryside while taking your horse out for a ride on a hot summer day.

Done riding? Settle down for a meal (and a beer) at the Riders Cafe, while you continue to soak in the greenery on display.

Get directions to Bukit Timah Saddle Club

Open Farm Community

If you enjoy basking in rustic nature, you will love dining in this facility. Hidden from the city, this tiny urban garden known as the Open Farm Community lets you dine in a charming bohemian greenhouse-style restaurant surrounded by lush foliage. Do not be surprised if you momentarily feel that you are teleported to a farmhouse in Perth.

Outside the restaurant, an edible garden, alfresco dining area, play area and retail shop provide the perfect setting for a relaxing ‘rural’ afternoon. With a farm-to-table concept, ingredients for the restaurant’s dishes are freshly harvested from their garden or sourced from local community farms. Must-try dishes here are the Sweet Potato Tortellini and the local Prawn Laksa Pappardelle. 

Get directions to Open Farm Community

Ikeda Spa

Escape to ‘Hakone, Japan’ for some much-needed zen time at the Ikeda Spa — an authentic Japanese spa experience which transports you to the Land of the Rising Sun.

With warm tatami rooms, wooden floors, and traditional Japanese decoration, it isn’t hard to think that you are in a tranquil Hot Spring retreat in Hakone close to Mount Fuji. The spa offers onsen baths and relaxation massages along with other traditional Japanese therapeutic services. 

Get directions to Ikeda Spa

Merci Marcel

Picture yourself in a Parisian cafe, sipping on a cup of freshly-brewed espresso coffee, while admiring French-inspired wall decor. That’s the feeling which you will get here. Tucked in a quiet corner of the Tiong Bahru neighbourhood, Merci Marcel is a Paris-influenced cafe by day and a restaurant and wine bar by night. You can also visit Merci Marcel at their 2 other outlets, Merci Marcel Orchard and Merci Marcel Club Street.

With a touch of whimsy and a dash of romance, Merci Marcel easily transports you to Paris with its alfresco seating spaces surrounded by shrubbery and natural light. When you are here, do not miss out on ordering the cheese platter to complete your French flair. Bon appetit!

Get directions to Merci Marcel