By now, many of us are so used to exploring the whole of Singapore on the Park Connector Network (PCN), whether on bicycles or on foot. This also means that there’s more opportunities to visit far-flung cafes and restaurants off the beaten track. Whether you’re looking for a secluded cafe or a waterfront seafood restaurant to feast or photograph, here are some places that you may want to check out.
Gardenasia
Gardenasia is actually a farm stay with villas and event space located in the secluded Kranji countryside. There’s a quaint bistro on site, tucked amidst all that lush greenery, making it ideal if you’re looking for a far-flung respite (far) away from the urban jungle.
The rustic al fresco bistro is romantically set around a picturesque pond, bu it’s not just its location that’s special: it features dishes made with local ingredients from surrounding farm for a farm-to-fork experience. Expect dishes like Rocket Orange Salad ($20), Assam Fish Chowder ($20), and Grilled Ribeye Hor Fun ($28). Address: 240 Neo Tiew Crescent
The Coastal Settlement
If you’re exploring Changi Village and the coastal park, The Coastal Settlement is a popular location. Surrounded by lush greenery, the interior decor makes you feel as if you’re in a vintage home with its collection of vintage furniture and memorabilia. The outdoor seats, surrounded by shrubbery, gives diners a peek of the ocean.
The restaurant specialises in local flavours with a contemporary twist like their Lobster & Prawn Pizza ($35), but it’s popular for its brunch (11am-4pm) on weekends, where The Settlement Big Breakfast ($28) is the go-to dish that comes with the usual eggs, bacon, sausage, mushrooms, potatoes, salad, and toast. Address: 200 Netheravon Road
Smith Marine Floating Restaurant
What’s more far-flung than an actual zi char restaurant that’s on a kelong floating in the sea? You can even catch your own dinner (charges apply) in a “sure catch” pond which teems with fishes like snapper and seabass. To get there, it’s a 15-minute boat ride from Changi Point Ferry Terminal – you can reserve your ride via the restaurant directly (charges apply).
Smith Marine Floating Restaurant is open for lunch and dinner and you can only dine there with prior reservations. Its halal menu (no booze allowed) changes regularly and they have set menus that include the price of the ferry. Prices start from $580 for a 7-course menu for 5 people. It’s recommended to spend 3 hours for the full experience. Address: 95B Pulau Ubin FC97E Pulau Ubin Coastal Area
Stella Seaside Lounge
Located right at the far-flung eastern end of East Coast Park at the NSRCC Sea Sports Centre, Stella Seaside Lounge is a fancy (read: pricey) joint where you can enjoy ocean views as the planes land at Changi Airport. Unlike most seafront restaurants, the seaside deck has dining tables right on the water (you’ll need to reserve them). No matter where you’re seated – whether it’s the outdoor deck, indoors, by the pool – you’ll have gorgeous seafront views.
Stella serves a range of seafood and grill, with dishes like Seasonal Squid ($26) and Barramundi with Seafood Stew ($48), which you can accompany with their range of fancy cocktails. Address: 11 Changi Coast Walk
Whisk & Paddle
Situated along the Punggol PCN and overlooking the Punggol Serangoon Reservoir, Whisk & Paddle is a popular riverside hangout for its fun, casual vibe where many cyclists hang out after a ride (so it’s not exactly that far-flung). Those seated on the outside patio will be greeted with lush green views of the forest just across the river, while the interior seats boast colourful vibes.
You can enjoy a coffee and homemade dessert as a teatime treat, or indulge in their unique offerings like their Duck & Lychee pizza or French Onion Chicken Leg under the stars at night. After a meal you can always check out the Punggol East Container Park (a great place to chill with beers outdoors) right next door. Address: 10 Tebing Lane
Wildseed Cafe & Bar @ The Summerhouse
Bask in the countryside environment of Seletar Aerospace Park is a pet-friendly black & white colonial building called The Summerhouse that houses the Wildseed Cafe and Wildseed Bar. This far-flung cafe boasts an indoor air-conditioned garden dining space and an outdoor area decked with plants, while the al fresco bar is ideal for a casual dinner and chilled drinks.
The Cafe serves affordable weekday set lunches ($23.90) and tea time sets for 2 ($58) and the menu includes hearty dishes like Truffle Mayonnaise Curly Fries ($16), Big Pan Breakfast ($29), and Truffle Brie Pizza ($28). The Bar boast sharing plates like Seafood Aqua Pazza ($52) with scallops, mussels, prawns, and the like, to grills like Iberico Pork Ribs ($34), as well as pizzas and pastas. It also hosts a Friday grill-out. Address: 3 Park Lane, Seletar Aerospace Drive
These are just some excellent far-flung establishments you can easily visit along the PCN – and getting there by bike or on foot just means you’ll have burned some calories too! If you’re exploring the East Coast for Stella’s or Smith’s, then check out our list of craft beer bars in the hood.
