Skip to Content

61 Ways Singaporeans Relax

According to Our SG Team
31 July 2026 by
Rongwei
| No comments yet


National Day always gets us thinking about what makes Singapore... well, Singapore.

Sure, we have Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, and all the famous places you'll find in every travel guide. But ask any local how they actually unwind after a long day, and you'll probably get a very different answer.

So for SG61, our team did something simple.

We asked everyone one question:

"What are your favourite ways to relax in Singapore?"

Some answers were nostalgic. Some made us laugh. Some immediately made us hungry. A few even reminded us that Singapore is greener than we often give it credit for.

Together, we ended up with 61 little moments that feel unmistakably Singaporean.

If you're visiting Singapore, we hope this gives you a glimpse into how locals spend their weekends. And if you're a fellow Singaporean... don't be surprised if a few of these make you smile and think, "Eh, same".



Rong’s Little Moments

"I'm quite a homebody. Maybe that's why I appreciate going outside even more."
1

Taking a stroll around the neighbourhood

Even walking to the shopping mall to buy groceries feels quite nice. You notice the trees, hear the birds, maybe someone walking their dog.

2

Browsing through the National Library

I haven't really had the chance to read as much as I'd like recently, but I still love visiting the National Library near my house.

Reading lets me forget about whatever's happening in my own life for a while. You step into someone else's story, someone else's world. It's quite freeing, actually.

3

Visiting the Cloud Forest

I never get tired of it. The whole place feels so different from the rest of Singapore. You're surrounded by waterfalls, mist, and plants from all over the world.

Occasionally, they have a few unique themes too, like Jurassic Park, which was really fun to see!

4

Journaling by the sea

When I was younger, we'd pitch a tent near the beach, especially around sunset. Hearing the waves gently crash against the shore while writing down random thoughts... that's one of those childhood memories I still think about. If you're lucky, you might catch a family of otters swimming past!

5

Eating Hainanese chicken rice

My favourite comfort food has to be the ever-so-popular Hainanese chicken rice. The juicy chicken, the yellow skin, dark soy sauce, the soup... perfectly scrumptious.

6

Wild Wild Wet

I couldn't even swim properly, but somehow that never stopped me from going down all the slides.

The only real downside was that a group of kids would inevitably turn the entire water park into a massive water fight.

7

Bowling with friends

Something I still enjoy.

Nothing too deep here. It's just fun.

Plus, every strike feels like you've just won an Olympic medal.

8

Watching fish ponds in school

Some schools actually have little fish ponds. As a student, during lunch breaks, I'd sit nearby, eat my food and just watch the fish swim around. It was surprisingly relaxing.

Although... don't stand too close. Some of them have no respect for personal space and will happily splash water at you.

9

Walking through Japanese supermarkets

Japanese supermarkets like Don Don Donki or Meidi-Ya are strangely therapeutic.

Sometimes I don't even buy anything. I just enjoy looking at all the snacks, bentos and seasonal products. You discover something new almost every visit.

10

Watching the hawker centres come alive at night

The atmosphere feels great and homely. The bright signboards, people chatting over dinner, the clinking of chopsticks and bowls, the smell of food drifting through the air.

11

Spending an hour at a café

Sometimes it's just nice to order a drink and sit there for an hour with a notebook or laptop. You see students studying, people having meetings, couples chatting...

12

Taking the MRT to explore somewhere new

You can just hop onto the MRT without much of a plan.

Every neighbourhood in Singapore has its own little personality. Different coffee shops, parks, old HDB blocks, little cafés and hidden corners.

13

Staying home while it rains

I know some people love walking in the rain. But me? Nah, I'd much rather stay at home, listening to the rain pour outside while watching it water all the plants along the corridor. The whole estate becomes quieter and sometimes cooler.

14

Saying hello to neighbourhood cats

Sometimes you'll step out of your HDB block and find one curled up under the shade, watching everyone pass by.

Most of them look cautious at first. But if they're friendly enough, of course I'll stop to give them a little pat.

15

Fishing by the reservoir

I don't even mind if I don't catch anything. Sitting beside the water, waiting patiently, watching the reflections ripple across the surface... that's relaxing enough.

Did you know that you can even bring your freshly caught fish to some hawker centres for it to be cooked? Yum!



Grace’s Little Moments

"I love discovering places that make an ordinary weekend feel a little more interesting."
1

Staying at boutique hotels that have lots of history

I love boutique hotels that have a bit of history behind them, like The Scarlet in Chinatown. It feels cool to stay somewhere with character instead of a standard hotel room.

2

Heading to a board game café with a friend

A board game café is one of my favourite places to spend an afternoon. Good company, a little friendly competition, and plenty of laughs. Before you know it, a few hours have gone by.

3

Hunting for hidden cafés and eateries

Singapore always seems to have a new place tucked away somewhere, and discovering one that isn't too crowded feels like finding your own little secret.

4

Visiting a cat café

I love visiting cat cafés just to watch them wander around while I sip a drink. If one decides to curl up beside me, that's already a successful day (I’m squealing internally).

5

Finding a quiet corner in the library

I'll find a quiet corner, open my laptop, read a little, write a little, and somehow the entire afternoon goes by in a flash.

6

Spending a few hours at a LAN/gaming café

Every now and then I'll visit a LAN or gaming café to play the MOBA games I grew up with. It's nostalgic in the best way. Somehow everything feels exactly the same, even after all these years.

7

Browsing Don Don Donki

I love their steamed sweet potatoes, but I always end up looking for the grilled scallops and all the random, lesser known snacks and drinks that you probably won’t find elsewhere.

8

Old-school HDB bakeries

Walking in and smelling freshly baked old-school bread always brings back childhood memories. Those old-school bakeries below HDBs still have a charm that the bigger chains can't quite replace.

9

Exploring Sim Lim Square and Challenger

I actually enjoy wandering around Sim Lim Square and Challenger, just looking at the latest gadgets or seeing if there are any good deals. I don't always buy something, but browsing is half the fun.

10

Visiting tarot cafés at Haji Lane

Whether you believe in it or not, it's such a fun experience. You never quite know what the reading is going to tell you.

11

Taking a random bus to the end of the line

Sometimes I'll just hop onto a random bus and stay on until the last stop. It's oddly relaxing watching different neighbourhoods go by, and yes... I've definitely fallen asleep a few times.

12

Eating out at Korean BBQs and Mookata restaurants

One thing I love about Singapore is how easy it is to enjoy food from all over the world without travelling very far.

13

Movie nights with Dad

Whenever there's a big movie coming out, I'll bring my dad to the Platinum Movie Suites. We both love Marvel!

It's become one of our little traditions, and honestly, spending time together is the best part.

14

ADEX every April

Every April I'll head to Suntec to browse diving programmes, tours, and watch my freediving mermaid instructor perform in a tank. It's something I look forward to every single year.

15

Staying up late because Singapore has supper

Sometimes I'll purposely stay up way too late, order supper on Grab, and enjoy the fact that Singapore somehow has food available conveniently for late nights.

Dangerous for my sleep schedule? Maybe. Worth it? Also yes.



Praviinaa’s Little Moments

"The best weekends usually involve food, friends and having nowhere to rush to."
1

Go for a late-night prata supper

Somehow prata just tastes better after 10PM, especially with good company and a cup of teh tarik.

2

Take an evening walk around MacRitchie Reservoir

It’s one of my favourite places to clear my mind and enjoy a bit of nature without leaving the city.

3

Stay a little longer at the hawker centre after you’ve finished eating

It’s not just about the food. It’s the conversations that make you lose track of time.

4

Spend a slow afternoon in a café

Order your favourite drink, people-watch, read a little, or simply enjoy having nowhere to rush to. That’s what I love.

5

Catch a movie on a weekday evening

Fewer crowds, a quieter cinema, and the perfect way to unwind.

6

Hop on a bus with my earphones in

Sitting by the window, listening to music, and watching Singapore go by is surprisingly relaxing.

7

Grab my favourite bubble tea and wander around Orchard Road

Sometimes a simple stroll is all you need to reset after a busy week.

8

Book myself a massage after a hectic week 

It’s one of the best ways to completely switch off and recharge.

9

Take my dog for a long walk

There’s something calming about slowing down and letting him enjoy every little sniff along the way.

10

Meet friends for brunch that somehow turns into dinner

The best catch-ups are the ones where nobody’s watching the clock.

11

Browse around neighbourhood shops or malls without a shopping list

Sometimes it’s nice to just wander and see what catches your eye.

12

Find a bench by Marina Bay and watch the skyline as the sun sets

It’s one of those moments that reminds me how beautiful Singapore can be.

13

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on a weekend morning

No alarms, no rushing, just good food and a slow start to the day.

14

Treat yourself to your favourite comfort food after a long week

A bowl of noodles or chicken rice is all it takes to make the week feel worth it. Well, sometimes.

15

Spend a quiet evening at home with a good series, a cosy corner, and your favourite snacks

Some of the most relaxing days are the ones where I don’t have to leave the house at all.



Shegar’s Little Moments

"Whenever I need to recharge, you'll probably find me somewhere surrounded by trees."
1

Taking slow walks in nature

These days, I enjoy going for walks. Nothing too strenuous, just a nice slow walk somewhere peaceful. Singapore is actually greener than people think. Once you're surrounded by trees and hear the birds instead of traffic, your mind naturally quietens down.

2

Upper Peirce Reservoir

I like that it's quieter than some of the more famous parks. I can sit by the water for quite a while without feeling like I have to rush anywhere.

Sometimes I don't even do anything. Just enjoy the breeze and watch the reflections on the reservoir.

3

Hampstead Wetlands

I stumbled upon Hampstead Wetlands one day while driving around Seletar.

It's one of those places many people don't even know exists. You hear birds, see dragonflies flying around, and there's hardly anyone there. That's exactly why I like it.

4

Clementi Forest

Sometimes I feel like walking somewhere that doesn't feel so polished.

Clementi Forest still feels a little wild. The uneven paths, the thick greenery, the sounds of insects... for a while, you almost forget you're in Singapore.

5

Kranji Marshes

I enjoy watching the birds more than trying to identify them. You don't have to know every species. Just sitting there in silence is relaxing enough.

6

Windsor Nature Park

Windsor Nature Park is another favourite place of mine.

Most people head towards MacRitchie, but I prefer the smaller trails. They're shaded, peaceful, and you don't bump into too many people.

7

Lazarus Island

Every once in a while, I take the ferry to Lazarus Island.

It's nice to remind yourself that Singapore isn't just skyscrapers. Sitting by the sea with almost nobody around makes the whole day feel slower.

8

Labrador Nature Reserve

Labrador has always been somewhere I enjoy walking.

Sea on one side, big old trees on the other. It's simple, but that's enough.

9

Pasir Ris Mangrove Boardwalk

I like taking my time along the mangrove boardwalk.

No rush. Just watching the tide come and go, listening to nature instead of notifications.

10

Chek Jawa

Whenever I visit Pulau Ubin, Chek Jawa is usually the destination.

It reminds me that Singapore still has places where nature comes first.

11

Pearl's Hill City Park

Pearl's Hill is one of those hidden parks.

Most people are busy around Chinatown below, but once you're up there, it feels like you're in a completely different place.

12

Sembawang Hot Spring

I don't mind waking up early for Sembawang Hot Spring.

It's nice to soak your feet while everyone else is only just starting their day.

13

Lorong Halus Wetlands

The late afternoon breeze at Lorong Halus is one of my favourite things.

I like taking my time there before heading home.

14

Lawn bowling

Other than walking, I enjoy lawn bowling. Some people think it's only for older folks. Maybe they're right.

But that's exactly why I enjoy it. It's not about rushing around or competing seriously. You spend time outdoors, chat with friends, and enjoy the game at your own pace.

15

Going for a drive with no real destination

Sometimes I'll simply drive around Singapore.

Just pick a direction and see where the road takes me. Every now and then I'll take a short walk and enjoy the surroundings. 

Even though Singapore is small, there are still plenty of natural little corners waiting to be discovered.


The 61st Way to Relax

We know. This list was supposed to be about everyone else. But after collecting 60 wonderful ways our team relaxes in Singapore, Tatami Shop couldn't resist adding their own.

Come visit us at the Tatami Shop showroom.

An address must be specified for a map to be embedded


Spend a little time sitting on authentic Japanese Tatami, trying our floor cushions, stretching out on a Shikibuton, or simply enjoying a moment away from the hustle and bustle.

We'd love to meet you! 😉

Schedule an Appointment


Happy 61st Birthday, Singapore ❤️

Whether your happy place is a forest trail, a hawker centre, a café, or simply your own HDB corridor while it's raining outside, we hope this little collection reminds you to pause every once in a while!


From the Tatami Shop team.

Rongwei 31 July 2026
Share this post
Archive
Sign in to leave a comment
Why Low-Profile Furniture Changes the Way You See Your Home