10 Cafes in Singapore that are close to nature

Wild Singapore: 10 Local cafes in the heart of nature

Amanda Lim

23 Sep 2015

updated the 6 October 2015 à 22:28

1/10
The Coastal Settlement
Changi Village is one of the best places in Singapore to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. One of its better-loved cafes is The Coastal Settlement, and it’s not difficult to see why. This rustic, homey café is shaded by tropical greenery while offering café-goers a little peek of the seafront. We recommend the Portobello Fries (SGD15) to go with the view.
200 Netheravon Road
Picture: The Coastal Settlement
2/10
Eco Gourmet Cafe
Although it is not easy to get to, it is one place you have to visit to get an escape from city life. Quiet and serene, you’ll have to remind yourself that you’re still in Singapore. Set atop of Labrador Nature Reserve, you’ll be treated to an undisturbed view of the Singapore coast.
30 Labrador Villa Road
Picture: Facebook/Eco Gourmet Cafe
3/10
Canopy Cafe
If you’re not big on travelling too far, Canopy Park is situated in central Singapore in one of heartland’s best, Bishan Park. Choose to be seated at an outdoor table to enjoy maximum greenery. Brunch is reasonable priced here at Canopy and you can choose to bring a furry, four-legged brunch date if you wish!
1382 Ang Mo Kio Ave 1, Bishan Park 2
Picture: Facebook/Canopy Cafe
4/10
VaVa Bistro
A modern bistro set in the lush landscapes of MacRitchie Reservoir, VaVa Bistro is as close as you can get to nature. Even MacRitchie’s Resident Monkeys like to pay a visit! Other than its unique location, VaVa Bistro also has a unique menu. You can enjoy a typical brunch and tea on weekends but on weekdays you can try both Western and Japanese cuisine.
181 Lornie Road
Picture: Facebook/VaVa Bistro
5/10
Rider’s Café
This not-so-hidden gem is nestled among lush greenery of Bukit Timah. Formerly an old clubhouse, Rider’s Cafe exudes a comforting old-world colonial charm that makes it one of Singapore’s best places for a weekend brunch. Be sure to ask for a seat by the window so you can view horses trotting around the training circle.
51 Fairways Dr

Picture: Facebook/Rider's Cafe
6/10
Halia
There is no prettier place to be located in Singapore than the Botanic Gardens. The Singapore Botanic Gardens is a newly inducted UNESCO World Heritage Site. Halia (malay for ginger) is set in the middle of Botanic Garden’s ginger garden that grows over 250 species of ginger. Their spicy and fragrant dessert, The Ginger Garden (SGD12), is homage to their namesake and location. With lush foliage and colourful florals, Halia is truly one of the most unique places to dine in Singapore.
1 Cluny Road
Picture: Facebook/Halia
7/10
Faber Bistro
Perched on the top of Mount Faber, Faber Bistro’s outdoor seating allows patrons to get panoramic views of Singapore. Although located at a prime spot with unobstructed views, the bistro’s menu includes a few affordable items such as Creamy Carbonara (SGD16). You can even enjoy a Sunday barbeque at Faber Bistro for SGD25++/pax.
101 Mount Faber Rd
Picture: Faber Bistro
8/10
Food For Thought
Another popular brunch spot in the Botanic Gardens is Food For Thought. The eco-conscious café offers a modern playful space surrounded by the lush greenery of the Botanic Gardens. Other than western fare, you can find local delights such as Mee Rebus (SGD5) and Chicken Rendany (SGD9) at Food for Thought.
1 Cluny Rd, Tanglin Gate
Picture: Food For Thought
9/10
Alkaff Mansion
The colonial style mansion was built in 1920 before being restored into the Italian restaurant we know today. Other than its food, Alkaff Mansion is known for its afternoon high tea, which you can enjoy on the lush estate overlooking Telok Blangah Hill.
10 Telok Blangah Green
Picture: Facebook/Alkaff Mansion
10/10
Cafe Crema
Café Crema is the only café in one of Singapore’s most premium locations, Garden’s by the Bay. The café serves up specialty coffee and handcrafted sandwiches, which you can enjoy while admiring the flora of the gardens and the Supertrees that sit just beside the café.
18 Marina Gardens Drive
Picture: Facebook/Cafe Crema

Get in touch with nature this weekend and grab a cup of coffee from one of these far out cafes surrounded by lush foliage.

Trees and shrubbery may cover half of our island, but it usually feels like we’re towered over by skyscrapers and HDBs more than foliage. However, while it may seem like we’re living in a concrete jungle, Singapore has retained a sizable portion of its wild.

From MacRitchie to Pasir Ris, there are plenty of woodland areas where you can go to enjoy the calming greenery. Some enterprising Singaporeans have even opened spaces where you can admire the flora and fauna, while sipping on a cup of coffee or tea.

Before you make plans to go shopping again this weekend, set aside some time to get in touch with nature by visiting one of our picks of the best places to enjoy the wilder side of Singapore with a warm mug in hand.

Just make sure you bring along some mosquito repellant just in case.

Amanda Lim

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