Nestled in the north-eastern part of Singapore, the Seletar neighbourhood is pretty much under the radar and known for its rustic allure.
Considered one of Singapore’s best-kept secrets, Seletar is where you can enjoy nature and an array of fun outdoor activities. It has cycling routes, wetlands, cosy cafes, swanky eateries and more.
Not too far away is Seletar Island, a tranquil yet undiscovered island located off the northern coastal region of Singapore. Before redevelopment plans were put in place, Seletar Island was originally the home of rubber plantations
and even a military airbase for the British way back in the 1920s, just before World War II.
It is also home to Seletar Airport, Singapore’s second airport serving commercial flights. Spanning over 160ha, the airport mostly serves smaller-sized private and business jet airlines and aircraft today.
For a little adventure up north, make your way to Seletar. We’ve rounded up seven best things to do at this hidden gem.
1. Lower Seletar Reservoir
Lower Seletar Reservoir is the perfect spot to get a proper dose of nature. Spend a day leisurely paddling a kayak at the Lower Seletar Water Sports Centre (LSWSC), or cast your rods at the fishing jetty for a chance to catch large snakeheads and tilapias.
A single kayak costs $7 for an hour with a minimum of two hours required, while a double kayak is priced at $24 for two hours. Get more information and make your bookings at LSWSC here! Do note that the fishing jetty is currently targeted towards hobbyists, so you’ll be expected to bring your own equipment and bait.
Alternatively, take a short stroll down the boardwalk at Rower’s Bay Park (found within the reservoir). This is one of the popular places to cycle in Singapore, sporting a 60km cycling track that belongs to the first phase of the Round Island Route (RIR). While you’re there, do keep an eye out for wildlife creatures like Grey Herons, Dragonflies or Copper-cheeked frogs. Be sure to follow general park safety rules like maintaining your distance and refraining from feeding the animals for your own safety, and have all the cycling gear you need for a comfortable ride.
For those looking to unwind and chill out, head down to The Heritage Bridge instead. Built to resemble old-fashioned kelongs (traditional offshore platforms) on stilts, it’s the ideal place to bask in the sun, enjoy a picnic or soak up captivating sunset views.
2. Seletar Fishing Village
Located near Lower Seletar Reservoir and Yishun Dam, Seletar Fishing Village is a hidden spot that may look shabby at first glance, until you take the time to explore it.
This is Singapore’s last fishing village, a well-kept secret and one of Seletar’s most interesting spots – like a time capsule from the past! Pay a visit and you’ll soon notice how time flows much slower there.
The place is known to be the most charming when the tide is low, especially during the golden hour. In the evenings, you’re likely to find photographers walking down to the swamp area. With the stunning view of the setting sun, topped with barren trees in the foreground, pictures taken at Seletar Fishing Village often look as though they were shot from a different era (or country).
Have your monopod ready when you’re here, and if you have a film camera, the rustic prints will definitely be worthwhile. You’ll also find kampung huts and a wooden jetty called Jenal Jetty there. These are used by a small pool of local fishermen, but note that they’re out of bounds to the public.
3. Hampstead Wetlands Park
Another green sanctuary for rest and recreation is Hampstead Wetlands Park, located right in the middle of Seletar Aerospace Park. Featuring boardwalks and a nature trail, this 3.23ha wetlands is home to a variety of wildlife that inhabit the freshwater ecosystems.
From the viewing decks, you might spot butterflies, dragonflies, and even a wide variety of birds like the White-throated Kingfishers foraging for food. It’s also one of the best places to cycle in Singapore, thanks to its scenic routes.
With the wide diversity of flora and fauna, it’s no wonder that photographers and animal-lovers are often found at Hampstead Wetlands Park. Best of all, the park’s rather convenient to get to – it’s only a 30-minute bus ride away from Sengkang MRT.
4. The Oval at Seletar Aerospace Park
For some aviation-themed fun, head to The Oval at Seletar Aerospace Park, a refurbished colonial site that’s now an enclave for food and family adventures.
With no tall buildings around The Oval, it feels like you’re in the countryside. Instead of skyscrapers, you’ll find a slew of wide open fields and unique playgrounds there – anything from tables of aeroplane ludo to a propeller plane and slides with aviation motifs for the little ones to play at.
Aside from these activities, The Oval also provides an opportunity for some sightseeing and exploration of history. Colonial black and white houses can also be found at Hyde Park Gate. These bungalows were once used by the British Royal Air Force in Singapore.
Photo: Singapore Tourism Board
There’s also a cluster of quaint cafes in the vicinity that’s great for quick pit-stops after all that playtime. At Wheeler’s Estate which has spacious verandahs and greenhouses, tuck into western eats like Half Classic Beer Roasted Chicken, Beer Battered Fish & Chips, BBQ Pork Ribs and Pumpkin Tabbouleh Salad.
For heartier bites, head to Brewerkz for crowd favourites like Buttermilk Chicken & Pancakes, American Cowboy Burger, Salt Pepper Baby Squid, Spiced Beef Pot Pie and Tex-Mex Pulled Pork Cheese Fries. Wash it all down with a refreshing glass of house craft beer.
5. Wildseed Cafe and Bar at The Summerhouse
Offering breezy alfresco dining spaces that are pet-friendly as well as an air-conditioned garden dining area, Wildseed Cafe serves all-day breakfast, brunch and lunch offerings including sandwiches, floral cakes, pastries and freshly roasted coffee.
Dig into favourites like Big Pan Breakfast, Wildseed Thick Toast, Wildseed Superfood Salad, Smashed Avocado with Bacon, Soft-Shell Chilli Crab Linguine and Wagyu Beef Burger; and an Afternoon Tea Set for two persons.
The cafe is nestled on the ground level of The Summerhouse, surrounded by greenery. The cafe transforms into Wildseed Bar from 5pm onwards, with ambient lighting and live music to create a chill ambience where you can enjoy beers, cocktails and grilled favourites like Grilled Black Angus Oyster Blade, Smoked Chicken Leg, Iberico Pork Ribs and Pan-Seared Seabass; pizzas; pastas; and bar snacks.
Don’t miss Wildseed Bar’s Garden Grill Out every Friday and Saturday where you can tuck into mouthwatering barbecued delights in an open courtyard.
6. Hangar66 Cafe
Another great spot for foodies is Hanger66 Cafe, an old-school aviation themed eatery tucked away at the edge of Seletar Airfield. Check out its unique wall and interior decor elements like runway markings and even tables that resemble cut-up sections of metal plane wings.
The main dining area is located right beside clear windows that provide a prime view of a working hanger where planes are kept. At one end of the dining area sits a retro autogyro (aka gyroplane) – a type of rotorcraft that uses unpowered rotors to develop lift. Both rare and fancy, it certainly makes for a great photo-op.
Hangar66’s menu features a variety of western-style plates like Big Breakfast, Grilled Ribeye Steak, Jumbo Chicken Schnitzel, and Shrimp & Mushroom Linguine, as well as Japanese options like sushi rolls, ramen, udon, rice bowls and bento sets. To satisfy your sweet cravings, there are desserts like Homemade Tiramisu, Belgian Waffle with Ice Cream, and Ice Cream Scoops.
7. Chow Cute Cafe
Another pet-friendly cafe is Chow Cute Cafe which feeds both people and pets!
Treats your furballs to “human grade” Chowcuterie Chicken/Beef/Mutton/Salmon/Vegan Board while you enjoy a selection of pastry bites like Macaron, Mini Eclair, Fruit Tart, Mini Mushroom Puff, Mini Chicken Puff, and Mini Chicken/Egg Mayo Croissant.
There are also Cinnamon Wooffle (waffle), “Chow-inspired” gelato flavours like Chow Snow, Chowookie, Chow Roche, Chow Earl Grey, Chow Ze Nut and Chowramel, as well as a selection of coffee, tea and soft drinks.
*This article has been edited and adapted from Now Boarding by Changi Airport’s “What to do, eat and see at Seletar & Seletar Aerospace Park”
