Scenic picnic grounds to escape the crowds
A checkered picnic mat laid out, a wicker basket filled to the brim with delicious bites, and a refreshingly ice-cold drink in hand – what could be more perfect? Despite our little red dot being a metropolitan city, many idyllic picnic spots are just around the corner of our ‘hood or handily located a stone’s throw away from central Singapore. But our weather, as sweltering as it is, doesn’t always make for a fun day in the sun.
These four hidden picnic spots in Singapore either have shelter from the blazing sun or a cool waterfront breeze so you can languidly while away the day. The best part is, these locations are all hidden from the crowds, so you can cosy up at these picnic grounds – just remember to live in the moment, to best savour the memories with your friends and family.
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We admit: Bay East Bridge is undeniably a popular spot for cyclists and joggers. But despite having ample space and a picturesque waterfront, this isn’t the chosen picnic spot for many. It’s an oasis that’s right in the middle of the city, just a 20-minute walk from Marina Barrage and with no traffic sounds whatsoever – at most, you’ll hear the peaceful whirring of bicycle tyres or the pitter-patter of dogs’ paws on their walks.
Not just an architectural beaut nor Singapore’s longest bridge, the overhead Benjamin Sheares Bridge also offers some form of shelter so you can lounge comfortably in the shade. In any case, if sweat does start trickling down your neck – it’s time to break open a Schweppes Tonic Water or Soda Water and pour yourself a drink. Here, we quickly whipped up an ‘Italian Scandal’, a concoction made from parmesan liquor and clarified passionfruit. Top it off with a savoury parmesan crisp, and you’ve got yourself a sure-fire winner.
The neighbourhood of Bukit Merah is where you’ll find Telok Blangah Hill Park, a hillside park with multiple flights of stone stairs. And it’s all against a vibrant backdrop of green – the best months to head down are March and August to see the pink flowering bougainvillaea trees. Although a vast space, there are a number of sheltered spaces and even a quaint gazebo to cool down from our harsh weather. If needed, make sure to pack refreshing drinks to sip throughout. Word of advice: it’s quite a steep climb up, so it might be best to drive or get a Grab if you’re lugging a hefty picnic basket along.
The Botanic Gardens might seem a cliche, but the Gallop Extension had just recently opened early last year. It’s rare that we have easy access to black-and-white conservation bungalows in Singapore, but having two conserved houses in our picnic backdrop only adds appeal to this relatively new extension. Pull up a wagon filled with all your snacks and drinks – it does get rather warm quickly in this area, so you’ll need to break into an ice-cold drink fast.
For us, we sipped on a ‘Passion Smash’, a mishmash of strawberry, kiwi, passionfruit, and lime – all muddled together, then topped up with a splash of Schweppes Tonic Water. Give it a stir and you’ll see that this fruity non-alcoholic drink is exactly what you need on a hot day. When exploring the area, you’ll discover a nature-themed playground and a ridge hiking trail too.
When we think of scenic picnic grounds, a sprawling field of greenery is exactly what we want. Over at Marina East Garden, you have the entire CBD in the background – recognisable landmarks like Marina Bay Sands and the Singapore Flyer making an appearance. Pick an overcast day for this though, it gets warm especially towards the mid-afternoon. It’s also a popular spot for flying kites or simply cloud watching go by. After spending quality time with your friends and family, take a leisurely walk by the water to soak in the panoramic views.
While picnics are ideal in spending quality time with our loved ones, it isn’t always an easy feat in Singapore’s hot weather. And that’s why you’ll need to freshen up with a refreshing beverage – there’s none better than Schweppes, a quality effervescent mixer that enhances the texture and taste of drinks. It’s a brand with a rich heritage behind it, dating back to 1783. And with the Schweppes Tonic Water or Schweppes Soda Water, we can easily take on the role of a mixologist and create our own special concoctions.
Take the ‘Italian Scandal’ cocktail or non-alcoholic ‘Passion Smash’ – both delightful drinks to enjoy, whether you’re under the hot sun or simply having a party at home. Besides the Tonic and Soda Water, Schweppes also offers a variety of sparkling beverages including Dry Ginger Ale, Lemon-Lime, Bitter Lemon, Ginger Beer, and Lemonade. Try it for yourself – you’ll see that it makes a world of difference.
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