Yes, Singapore has a countryside. Tucked away in the north-west, around Kranji and Lim Chu Kang, you will find working farms, a goat dairy, a freshwater marsh and farm-to-table cafes, all within a short ride from Kranji MRT.

According to the National Heritage Board's Roots.gov.sg, about 100 land-based food farms remain in Singapore, most of them in Kranji. The area is also where the Kranji Countryside Association, formed by local farmers in 2005, promotes tours, workshops and farm stays.

This guide helps you plan a relaxed day: what to see, how to get there, and what to check before you go. Opening hours and prices at farms change, so please confirm with each place.

A Little History: Why Kranji Is Singapore's Farmland

The name Kranji is thought to come from the keranji tree, once common along Singapore's riverbanks. In the 1800s, Teochew migrants grew gambier and pineapples here, and Kampong Kranji served as a ferry station to Johor Bahru until the Causeway opened in 1923.

Farming grew through the 1900s, and later, authorities developed Lim Chu Kang into an agrotechnology park. Today, farms here grow vegetables, mushrooms and fruit, and keep animals such as goats. Some are open to visitors, which is how Kranji became a favourite weekend escape.

Meet the Goats at Hay Dairies

Meet the Goats at Hay Dairies
For illustrative purposes only. Actual locations, scenes, and appearances may vary.
Credit: InSingapura.com (AI-assisted)

Hay Dairies is described as Singapore's only goat farm, and it is a hit with children. Guides report that the morning milking runs from about 9am to 10:30am, so arrive early. Entry is reported to be free, and a pack of hay for feeding the goats costs about S$5.

The farm is open 9am to 4pm and closed on Tuesdays, except on public holidays. Walk-ins are for groups under 10. Larger groups should call ahead to book a tour. Fresh goat milk is sold, and some visitors bring a cooler bag.

Please note that older guides give a different address for the farm, so check the latest details before travelling.

Farm Walks and Farm-to-Table Meals

Farm Walks and Farm-to-Table Meals
For illustrative purposes only. Actual locations, scenes, and appearances may vary.
Credit: InSingapura.com (AI-assisted)

Bollywood Farms (formerly Bollywood Veggies) at 100 Neo Tiew Road is a good place to wander. You can stroll past kitchen gardens and a lotus pond, then lunch at the farm's bistro. Guides report free entry and a suggested small donation. HoneyKids lists opening hours as Wednesday to Friday 10am to 3pm and weekends and public holidays 7am to 6pm, with Monday and Tuesday for private events. Hours can change, so confirm first.

  • Bring mosquito repellent, a hat and sunscreen.
  • Guided tours and some activities are paid, and may require minimum group sizes.
  • Bistro by Gardenasia, nearby, has its own limited days. Check before you go.

Other farms you may see mentioned include Jurong Frog Farm, Kok Fah Technology Farm and fish and koi farms. Some need advance booking for tours.

Slow Down at Kranji Marshes

Slow Down at Kranji Marshes
For illustrative purposes only. Actual locations, scenes, and appearances may vary.
Credit: InSingapura.com (AI-assisted)

Kranji Marshes is one of Singapore's largest freshwater marshes, and more than 170 bird species have been recorded there. NParks lists it as open 7am to 7pm, with a self-guided walk from Neo Tiew Woods to the Raptor Tower that costs nothing. The wheelchair-accessible parts do not include the tower, which has only steps.

Parking at the Kranji gate is free. NParks also runs free guided activities, such as the Evening Chorus, which needs registration. Pets, cycling and drones are not allowed.

Raptors such as Black Bazas and Japanese Sparrowhawks pass through from November to March, so this is a lovely time for birdwatchers.

Getting There and Getting Around

The farms are spread out, so plan your transport.

  1. By MRT and bus: take the North South Line to Kranji, then bus 925 serves Kranji Reservoir Park.
  2. By shuttle: TheSmartLocal reports a one-day Kranji shuttle pass at S$5 on weekends and public holidays, running about hourly. Some earlier guides say it stopped, so confirm the current timetable before relying on it.
  3. By car: the most convenient option. Expect large trucks and some narrow roads.
  4. By bike: about 11km one way from Kranji MRT, with no rental kiosks nearby.

Taxis can be hard to find in the area, so plan your return in advance.

Tips for a Smooth Day Out

Go in the morning for cooler weather and goat milking.
Check opening days: many places close on Mondays or Tuesdays.
Bring cash or a card, plus water and insect repellent.
Stay away from remote areas alone, especially at night.
Check the air quality if there is haze, as vulnerable groups should take extra care outdoors.

A day in Kranji is a gentle reminder that Singapore has more than skyscrapers. Enjoy the fresh air!