Singapore has quietly stacked up a whole new set of reasons to spend the weekend outside — and they go well beyond the usual Marina Bay loop. From pop-up padel courts in the shadow of the Supertrees to a certified forest-bathing trail and barbecue feasts on the sand, here's what's new.
Racquet fans should get to Gardens by the Bay fast. Padel at the Gardens has installed custom-built courts on the West Lawn as part of UBS' regional Padel Series, which has already stopped in Hong Kong and Sydney. The sport — a hybrid of tennis and squash played in doubles on an enclosed glass court where the walls are in play — is one of the fastest-growing games around, and complete beginners are welcome. Bookings are free on a first-come, first-served basis, equipment is available to rent, and the event runs until 11 October.
Prefer to slow things down? The Singapore Botanic Gardens has launched a nature immersion trail at Saraca Stream near Tanglin Gate. It's only 150 metres long, but it's thoughtfully designed: interpretive signs prompt you to breathe deeply, notice colours, even touch a leaf. Earlier this year it became the first trail in Asia certified by the US-based Association of Nature and Forest Therapy. It's wheelchair-accessible and close to restrooms and shelters, so it's an easy add-on to any visit.
Food-wise, Sentosa GrillFest is back at Siloso Beach from 23 July to 16 August, with over 40 vendors split across Local, International and Beachside Grills zones — think oysters, dry-aged beef, Korean barbecue and Taiwanese street food. This year's headline act is an eight-course, omakase-style Chef's Grill created with the Singapore Chefs' Association in an air-conditioned tent (tickets required; general admission is free). There's also a marketplace where you can pick premium ingredients and have them cooked on the spot, plus DJ sets at the Sunset Lounge until 10.30pm.
For an overnight escape, Mandai Wildlife Reserve now offers glamping at two very different sites. The Crocodile Lodge, inside Rainforest Wild Adventure East — Asia's first adventure-based wildlife park — bundles access to Adventure+ activities, guided forest treks and after-dark experiences for thrill-seekers. The Reservoir Retreat is the calmer, family-friendly option, with Singapore Zoo and Night Safari admission, curated dining, animal encounters and reservoir views included. Stays are two days, one night, all-inclusive, from S$550 for two people.
Rounding out the list: Mett Singapore, a five-star hotel in Fort Canning, is running a summer programme with an open-air cinema on 1 August, an Alice in Wonderland afternoon tea and wellness sessions. And if you want some culture with your fresh air, the free guided walk 'In Place and Progress' traces the city's legal landmarks — the former Supreme Court, The Arts House at the Old Parliament, Hong Lim Park — as part of SGLaw200, marking 200 years of Singapore's modern judicial system. It runs until the end of the year.
Why it matters: these are mostly free or low-cost ways to see a different side of Singapore — greener, slower and more playful than the standard city checklist.
