A Rural Escape

Look no further for a taste of the countryside, away from the hustle and bustle of our urban jungle. Lifestyle Writer Fatin Amira Hairy discovers two places that paint a different side of our cosmopolitan city.

By Fatin Amira Hairy

Those feeling stressed from an overwhelming work load can consider going on a rural escape, and visit these two idyllic places that will help you unplug and unwind.

 

Bollywood Veggies

100 Neo Tiew Road
S719026

Opening Hours:
Wednesday – Sunday and Public Holidays: 9am – 6.30pm

 

A quick 10-minute bus ride from Kranji MRT station brought me to Bollywood Veggies.

Among all the farms on the Kranji Countryside, Bollywood Veggies is the only organic farm with a vast variety of local produce.

It is also a place that offers an in-depth educational take on rural living.

The name Bollywood Veggies was inspired by the Indian heritage of its co-owner, Mrs Ivy Singh.

According to Mrs Singh, the term “Bollywood” in the name encapsulates fun and variety — something that she aims for the farm to achieve.

After being pleasantly greeted with a picturesque view of the farm, I soon learnt from the staff that the lush greenery within the compound comprised more than 100 varieties of homegrown vegetables and herbs, such as bottle gourd and basil.

Curious to find out more about these shades of green, I decided to take a long stroll around the farm.

Apart from basking in nature’s sights and scents, I also had fun appreciating the witty signs placed along the way. Some phrases include “Nudity is allowed in the sanctuary” and “Snakes Den: Lookout for pythons, cobras and some politicians” gave me a good chuckle.

Indeed, the serene and tranquil atmosphere was a refreshing change, away from the busy city.

Bollywood Veggies also hosts a range of interesting activities for children and adult visitors to have fun and learn more about the countryside life.

One such activity is the Kampong Race – a competition similar to The Amazing Race – where teams play multiple exciting games such as scarecrow-making challenges while gaining knowledge about food and farming.

Another would be the Culinary Challenges where participants make use of the farm’s produce for a cook-off between teams.

The farm definitely takes food seriously – it even has its own Bollywood Food Museum in the compound.

The museum is perfect for visitors who want to better learn how to better appreciate food and its impact on the society in the past.

Rates for these activities are not fixed and may range from $12 per person for guided tours to over $100 for a full day programme.

Contrary to the name of the farm’s in-house bistro, Poison Ivy serves food that is far from poisonous.

In fact, you can be sure that the ingredients used are guaranteed fresh and organic.

The bistro makes full use of produce grown without fertilisers and harmful pesticides, picked right from Bollywood Veggies.

Barely any processed ingredients and salt are used in the preparation process, so as to keep the food as healthy as possible.

However, should you require more seasoning in your dish, you can request for a dash of “poison” — the bistro’s secret seasoning — to be served to make their food more flavourful. (You probably know where the bistro got its name from.)

Mrs Singh also shared with me that young entrepreneurs are given the opportunity to showcase their locally-made products, such as homemade jams and natural balms, in the monthly Bolly Jolly event.

This event is somewhat similar to a Farmer’s Market, and is held on the last weekend of each month.

The next one is just around the corner, and Mrs Singh and her staff are already starting to prepare for it.

Who knows what quirky locally-made products would be sold this time round?

To conclude my day, I must say, what a rustic lifestyle I’ve experienced!

Indeed, such a unique out-of-city experience could only be found at this local farm.

And if Bollywood Veggies ignited your enthusiasm for local produce, you can hop on the Kranji Countryside Express Bus to visit other farms in the vicinity for a complete adventure out of the city.

 

Gallop Stable Punggol Ranch

900 Punggol Road
S829168

Opening hours:
Monday – Friday: 10am – 12pm, 2pm – 7pm
Saturdays and Sundays: 10am – 7pm

 

Horse riding against the backdrop of a stunning seascape seems like the perfect marriage, and Gallop Stable at Punggol Road End provides just that.

Gallop Stable was established in 2005 by Mr Shanker Jackuda who is also a professional equestrian and horse enthusiast himself.

Growing up, Mr Jackuda’s son was deprived of the chance at equestrianism, or better known as horse riding, due to exclusive and expensive club memberships with long waiting lists.

In hopes of making horse riding more affordable for all, he set up Gallop Stable.

Adopting a unique Wild Wild West concept, Gallop Stable features the decor of Western influences — from barrel-shaped chairs to an animal fur rug.

Stepping out of the reception area made me think twice about where I was.

Horses were resting in their yellow-painted stables to my right, while to my left was a line of chalets known as the Chalet Wagons, which looked like horse stables themselves.

But, the highlight of Gallop Stable is the variety of horse riding activities.

Lessons are catered to the riders’ experience levels, ensuring that every rider gets the best out of their horse riding session.

“I enjoy coming to Gallop Stable just for a quick getaway from my life,” said equestrian Shafika Maktar, 27, a frequent visitor of Gallop Stable.

“Horses just make me happy and the remote location is perfect when I want a chance to relax,” she added.

Indeed, I got excited just by looking at these galloping horses — imagine how thrilling it would be to actually ride a horse all by yourself!

According to Mr Jackuda, the Joy Rides are always a popular option among the visitors as they are allowed to roam the stables freely with the horses.

Prices start at $70 for a 45-minute group session, where you can ride with other horse lovers.

After exploring the compound of Gallop Stable, I hopped into one of the rooms at the Wagons where many visitors usually go for a rest.

Dumbfounded by its spacious interior, mustard-painted walls and simple wooden furniture, I realised I was wrong to have judged the design and shape of the Western Wagons.

The Wagons had wheels attached to their sides and even had a curved roof — no wonder I mistook them for a horse stable from afar.

For a resort situated next to a horse stable, one would expect the room to smell like manure and hay. Thankfully, the rooms were odour free.

Opening the windows even allowed for the fresh sea breeze to creep in, creating a relaxing experience.

Perfect for a family getaway or a friends hangout, these rooms carry rates that range from $170 to $230 per night

As what Mr Jackuda told me, being close to the horses and sea allows you to forget that you are in Singapore.

True enough, Gallop Stable was a sight to behold — I never imagined that such a countrified place existed in Singapore.

For the full and authentic Wild Wild West experience right here in our country, you should definitely give Gallop Stable a try.

Come donned in a bandana and boots, and get ready to saddle up for some fun.