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Top 9 Relaxing Things to Do in Singapore That’ll Feel Like a Breath of Fresh Air

| Last Updated: September 02 2025

I used to be swamped trying to balance my job and school, and I thought I was going to lose my mind. Anxiety kept me cooped up at home, and I felt like I was digging myself into a pit.

I knew I had to snap out of it, so I decided to start small—just stepping outside. Little by little, I began walking: to the park, to feel the sun on my face, to anywhere that got me moving. 

Eventually, I started taking trains and buses to places I’d never really explored before. Before I knew it, life didn’t feel so heavy anymore. 

Sure, I still messed up quizzes from time to time and made mistakes at work, but they became a little more bearable.

If you’re looking for a way to step out of everything overwhelming, here’s a tried-and-tested list of the best relaxing things to do in Singapore.

1. Stroll through the Singapore Botanic Gardens

Media credit: @singaporebotanicgardens

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/singaporebotanicgardens/

Website: http://www.sbg.org.sg/

Address: 1 Cluny Road

Phone: +65 6471 7138

Hours: Daily – 5 AM to 12 AM

One of the first places I would venture to alone would probably be the Singapore Botanic Gardens. The greenery here has always made me feel so comfortable and really helps with being one with nature. 

It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so don’t treat it like any other garden. It even features a National Orchid Garden, which has over 1000 species and 200 hybrids of plants on display. You should try checking them out when they’re in full bloom!

My favourite part of this place is Swan Lake. Unlike the usual plant displays, it’s home to aquatic plants, fish, and of course, a pair of beautiful mute swans gliding across the lake. 

Pro Tip: Time your visit to catch early-morning tai chi in action.

2. Experience tranquillity at Gardens by the Bay

Media credit: @gardensbythebay

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gardensbythebay/

Website: https://www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/

Address: 18 Marina Gardens Drive

Phone: +65 6420 6848

Hours: Daily – 5 AM to 2 AM

Another nature spot I liked was the Gardens by the Bay, a sprawling urban nature park in the heart of Marina Bay.

It’s hard to miss, especially with the iconic Supertree Grove towering above everything else. These vertical gardens aren’t just for decoration; they actually have solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems built in. 

If you’re around in the evening, there’s a really popular light show, and it’s no wonder I kept seeing people flock here to snap photos.

I mostly explored the Flower Dome. I couldn’t help but stare up at the massive glass roof—it’s the largest of its kind and keeps a cool-dry Mediterranean climate. 

This allows the nine themed gardens, from Succulents to South African plants, to thrive year-round.

Don’t miss out on the Cloud Forest either. It recreates a cool, moist tropical mountain environment, complete with a 42-meter indoor waterfall cascading down “Cloud Mountain.” 

Pro Tip: If you have one, bring a lightweight wide-angle lens (16–19 mm or GoPro) to capture stunning, waterfall-length shots inside the conservatories that standard lenses just can’t do justice.

3. Indulge in a spa day at COMO Shambhala

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comoshambhala/?hl=en

Website: http://www.comoshambhala.com/singapore

Address: Bideford Rd, Level 4 COMO Orchard, Thong Sia Building

Phone: +65 6304 3552

Hours: 

  • Monday to Thursday – 7 AM to 9 PM
  • Friday to Sunday – 7 AM to 7 PM

For a different kind of escape, I love heading to COMO Shambhala in Orchard Road. It’s a vast riverine sanctuary along the Ayun River. 

They’re regarded as a place of purification, complete with a sacred spring used in traditional ceremonies. I heard a local priest even conducts it!

Now this place was designed to lift the weight off your shoulders. They have amazing treatment rooms, a sauna, and steam rooms. 

They even added a Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, which is recommended for frequent flyers. It’s a treatment that involves breathing ambient air enriched with molecular hydrogen and oxygen in a mild-pressure Airpod chamber.

Pro Tip: Start with their Thai massage to ease into their wellness offerings.

4. Explore the Japanese and Chinese Gardens

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Japanese Garden

Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/nparksbuzz

Website: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/contact-us

Address: 60 Yuan Ching Road, Jurong Lake Gardens

Hours: Daily – 5:30 AM to 12 AM

Chinese Garden

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nparksbuzz/

Website: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/contact-us

Address: Boon Lay Wy

Hours: Daily – 5:30 AM to 12 AM

If you thought I was done with gardens, think again. Singapore’s Chinese and Japanese Gardens sit on two separate islands in Jurong Lake, connected by elegant bridges that make the whole area feel serene and picturesque.

The Chinese Garden leans into the Northern Chinese imperial style, which features a seven-storey pagoda and the famous Stone Boat—both exemplary of architectural beauty. 

I especially adored the Live Turtle and Tortoise Museum! I was able to see over 200 turtles, and there were more than 60 species too!

As for the Japanese Garden, it was inspired by the Muromachi and Azuchi-Momoyama periods. They show off arched bridges, stone lanterns, rock waterfalls, and curated bonsai collections. 

For something a little trippy, check out the Breathing Gallery. They recreate natural ecosystems and immersive biodiversity indoors, which is honestly so cool. 

Pro Tip: Explore later in the afternoon when the golden hour light softens colours in the reflective ponds.

5. Enjoy a beach day at Tanjong Beach

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Address: Tanjong Beach, Sentosa Island

Hours: Open 24/7

Tanjong Beach has been on my mind for a few months now, and I’m glad to have finally made it there. Located at the southern tip of Sentosa Island, it’s quieter and more laid-back than Siloso or Palawan Beach.

Dipping in the water was cool, and so pretty since it’s clear and shallow. Luckily, I didn’t have to stress about staying soaked on the way home thanks to the showers and changing rooms. 

Since I like to people-watch, I mostly spent my time observing groups of friends play volleyball while others kayaked and paddleboarded. It was tempting enough to rent a kayak for myself, but I decided sun-bathing was a less exhausting activity that day.

Pro Tip: For fire shows and drinks, plan your visit to coincide with Sentosa’s “Beach Party” evenings.

6. Take a nature walk at MacRitchie Reservoir

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Website: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/publications-resources/articles/hello-macritchie

Address: 181 Lornie Road

Hours: Daily – 7 AM to 7 PM

MacRitchie Reservoir was originally built to meet the growing demand for freshwater during colonial expansion. It’s a beautiful blue, often reflecting the sky or the greenery around. 

The reservoir is surrounded by some of Singapore’s largest stretches of primary and secondary rainforests. 

I spotted the biodiversity here, including species like crab-eating macaques, colugos, Sunda pangolins, rare birds, butterflies, and so much more. 

If you’re going alone, like I did, there are boardwalks with interpretive signboards so you don’t get lost! Trails are also popular for walking, jogging, and bird watching. 

I even saw some people use the scenery as inspiration for their art, sketching on the grass or along the trails. 

Pro Tip: Specifically stick to the colour-coded wooden pole markers along trails. They’re essential navigational aids that help hikers avoid getting lost in the dense forest.

7. Visit the art galleries at Gillman Barracks

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gillmanbarracksart/?hl=en

Website: https://www.sla.gov.sg/visit-sla-properties/gillman-barracks-a-vibrant-lifestyle-enclave

Address: 9 Lock Road

Hours: 

  • Monday to Saturday — 11 AM to 11 PM
  • Sunday – 11 AM to 12 AM

For history buffs out there, you might want to try exploring the Gillman Barracks. Originally built in 1936 on what was once swampy land, the barracks served as a British military camp. 

Today, it’s been transformed into a contemporary arts cluster, housing international art galleries, creative institutions, and a few eateries tucked into the old buildings. 

The art exhibits rotate their exhibitions regularly, so you can catch works from both regional and global artists. 

I was amazed to see pieces by the likes of Ai Weiwei, Yayoi Kusama, and Sebastião Salgado—seriously impressive talent that really puts Gillman on the map.

Pro Tip: Visit after 6 pm on weekdays or during weekends when parking is free.

8. Attend a yoga session at Trapeze Rec Club

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trapezerecclub/

Website: https://www.trapezerec.club/

Address: 27 Tg Pagar Road

Phone: +65 9296 4927

Hours: 

  • Monday to Friday – 6:30 AM to 9:30 PM
  • Saturday and Sunday – 8:30 AM to 4 PM

After hiding away in my apartment for far too long, stepping into Trapeze Rec Club for the first time was a little nerve-wracking. Luckily, the staff were so welcoming and genuinely wanted me to enjoy myself.

This is Singapore’s first comprehensive holistic wellness club. They focus on fitness, recovery, mental well-being, and social connection—all of which I badly needed.

Their fitness classes focus on the strength and endurance (HIIT) type, not to mention mobility and bodyweight workouts. I’ve heard of martial arts too, like Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and wrestling!

But I personally went for the yoga offerings, which included Hatha, Vinyasa, and Yin-Yang styles. 

The sessions are hosted in an intimate, attic-like studio, which is designed for calm and reflection with its textured finishes and expressive design elements. Walking out, I felt lighter and surprisingly recharged, both physically and mentally.

Pro Tip: Pursue off-peak weekday classes to get more hands-on coaching and fewer crowds.

9. Unwind with a book at The Library @ Orchard

Media credit: @aeinylevor

Website: http://www.heartandsoul.gov.sg/

Address: 277 Orchard Rd, #03-12 / #04-11 Orchard Gateway

Hours: 

  • Monday – 9 AM to 6 PM
  • Tuesday to Sunday – 9 AM to 10 PM

I brought a book with me almost every time I needed to get away from things. That’s why it made sense to head to the Library@Orchard.

Its collection is specially tailored for young adults, which meant I was constantly discovering what to read next.

I was impressed by the innovative features. I checked out every single one, like the music booths, comics on loan, and a cafe that provides another spot to chill in. 

Even if you’re not in the mood to read, the library itself is worth a visit for its architecture and interior design. It won the prestigious Design of the Year award at the 2015 President’s Design Award. 

They have a striking magazine wall and digital installations that welcome visitors through ambient lighting and acoustic design!

Pro Tip: If you’re not a Library member yet, apply for their loan card so you can reserve their private study pods in advance.
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