Locating the Abandoned Sijori Wondergolf on Sentosa (Map included!)

 

When the normal nature trails don't cut it anymore, it's time to head off-the-beaten-track to locate remote places in Singapore to up the thrill factor... like these 15 nature hikes with varying difficulty levels that I have shared earlier this year.

Well, add one more location to the list because this place was once home to a Mini Golf Course but is now ABANDONED!

Does Sijori Wondergolf ring a bell?

If you remember that, it probably means you are as old as me. 😅

Sijori Wondergolf was located on Sentosa and opened in the early 2000's. It was a miniature golf park and consisted of 54 landscaped greens set in three different 18-hole courses.

So yes, the place occupied a pretty large area... or least that was how I remembered it because I remember visiting it at least once when it was still opened.

But it was soon closed for redevelopment works - but somehow, it remained untouched and forgotten. And until today, it is still abandoned because you can still see plenty of traces of the miniature golf putting stations throughout the place.

As I mentioned earlier, Sijori Wondergolf occupies a large area so be prepared to do a fair amount of walking - and among overgrown vegetation at certain parts too.

Obviously, I didn't manage to track down ALL of the putting stations but a lot of the old 'contraptions' were still very much around and visible.

In addition, there are other features of the abandoned 'golfpark' waiting to be discovered too - like a former waterfall, resting pavilions and even a former pond.

In fact, after my hike, I manage to find a few photos from a previous blog review written in 2004 and from those photos, I pieced together some of the then-and-now photos of the putting holes.

It's amazing how Mother Nature has reclaimed the land after all thee years. 😱

But the putting holes are just a part of the interesting hike at the former Sijori Wondergolf.

Situated just beside the golf course are a number of derelict buildings which are also abandoned. Like these two pavilions which give off resort vibes.

There are also two buildings there, one on each side of these pavilions and while I was there, they were not locked.

We briefly entered and explored one of them but didn't dwell too long because you know... it's rude to intrude. 😅

We only explored the first level of one building and everything was pretty much emptied out.

HOW TO GET THERE

If you have been reading until here, then this is perhaps the most important piece of information you are waiting for. 😁

Getting to the abandoned Sijori Resort is extremely easy because it is just located opoosite RWS and along the road leading to Mount Imbiah.

So I don't think you can get lost within the compound even if you tried - just walk towards the main road if you wish to head out.

To enter the golfcourse, head to this disused building beside the Imbiah Monorail Station on Sentosa.

See how the 2 pavilions are visible from the main road?

Continue walking along the road AWAY from the Imbiah Station until you see this.

This is the entrance.

Follow the slightly sloped path which will then lead you to Sijori Wondergolf.

Here's a map to let you get your bearings right.

DIFFICULTY LEVEL

I would give the Sijori Wondergolf hike a difficulty level of 2 out of 5. The terrain is extremely manageable even for younger kids, and one wouldn't need to bash through thick vegetation to access it.

However, do note that since it is an abandoned area, there is a high chance that there may be mosquitoes as well as other insects and creatures. So do bring along insect repellent and be mindful of where you step.

As for the buildings, my guiding principle in exploring abandoned places has always been to be respectful. So while it is okay to explore them, please do not go overboard and disrespect the place - just so that one can snap that Insta-worthy photo.

Above all, always stay hydrated and safe!

12 Unique Non-Hotel Staycations in Singapore for Families

Still not too keen on heading overseas but the idea of a normal hotel staycation doesn't appeal to you? Then these non-hotel staycation options might just do the trick!

From staying in chalet-style rooms, to villas in the countryside (yes, we have that here in SG!), bunking in an air-conditioned tent at a farm, to even going on a 2D1N SAILcation, there are plenty of options to suit one's budget. 

So what else can I say? Perfect timing for the upcoming year-end school holidays! 😁

1. CSC @ Changi I

Situated in eastern Singapore, CSC @ Changi l Chalets are a great beach holiday option and offers itself as the perfect staycation to unwind, relax and reconnect with family and friends. The chalets are located next to Changi Village, a charming neighbourhood with remnants of old Singapore, and outside the bustle of city life. Enjoy the coastal backdrop and calming sea breeze, and if you are lucky, chance upon the occasional wild otters and hornbills as you stroll along the Changi Point Coastal Walk or Changi Beach Park. 

CSC @ Changi I offers three accommodation types for singles/couples, families and small groups - choose from a single suite, family suite or standalone villa. All suites and villas are generously spacious with modern facilities. Families should go for the 2-bedroom family suites as they are generously spacious with separate bedrooms for parents and children.

For even more space, book the two-storey 3-bedroom villas which come with a spacious living room and kitchenette, and a bedroom on the 1st storey for elderly or those with mobility challenges. All villas are equipped with a BBQ gas grill!

View the CSC @ Changi I Staycation Playbook for even more staycation fun with the family!

Address: 2 Netheravon Road, Singapore 508503
Room Rates: From $400/night (Public rate for Family suite)
Website

2. Gardenasia Farmstay Villas

Nestled in the heart of Kranji Countryside, Gardenasia's Farmstay Villas – designed after the black and white colonial houses of the good ol' days – allow for a tranquil reprieve from the buzz of the city. 

There are only three villas available for booking and each villa's respective English, Oriental and Contemporary interior are also unique to its own. Each one-bedroom villa comes with a queen-sized bed with the usual amenities.

Guests can explore the surroundings of Kranji Countryside, visit the many neighbouring farms, and just simply enjoy the scenery.

Rate: From $380++/night

Address: 240 Neo Tiew Cres, Singapore 718898

Website

3. Glamping Farm Resort @ Kranji

Tired of sterile, normal hotel rooms? Why not camp it out in the great outdoors BUT in air-conditioned comfort?

Glamping is short for 'Glamorous Camping' so there isn't any need to set your tent up or even tear it down by yourself. All you have to do is to show up, enjoy and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones! Each tent comes with beds, bed linen, blankets for up to 5 persons.

Located at Gallop Kranji Farm Resort, Glamping Farm Resort is right next to Sungei Buloh Nature Reserve - a unique freshwater marshland in Singapore, perfect for exploring nature with the family. 

 

Rate: From $380/night (Rate is for up to 5 pax from the same household)

Address: Kranji Farm Resort

Website

4. Raffles Marina

Located at the far western end of Singapore of Tuas West, staying at Raffles Marina is probably the closest you can get to 'staying in Johor Bahru' for now. 😅

A full-fledged country club, Raffles Marina offers a choice of either Standard Rooms or Deluxe Rooms. with the latter having an outdoor garden too.

.Book the 2D1N Fishing Staycation package which comes with breakfast for 2, free access to the breakwater for fishing, fish bait, and even complimentary cooking of catch at its Chinese restaurant.

As for activities, families can relax by the tropical landscaped pool, or take a stroll to the iconic Tuas lighthouse.

Rate: From $190++/night

Address: 10 Tuas West Drive, Singapore 638404

Website

5. Villa Umbrella

Formerly Riders Lodge, it has been rebranded as Villa Umbrella and refurbished as a new B&B-themed boutique hotel. Situated at the old Singapore Turf Club, it is tucked away from the bustle of the city, allowing guests to enjoy a rejuvenating stay amidst the lush greenery of Bukit Timah. 

The colonial house is home to 40 rooms with touches of country style decor. Choose from the Superior Room or the Grandeur Room - both come with a Queen-sized bed or Twin beds, flat screen television and desk but the Grandeur Room is slightly larger.

Superior Room

Grandeur Room

Families can try a variety of horse related activities such as riding lessons, pony rides and feeding at the nearby Horsecity @ Bukit Timah or go kart racing at Singapore’s first Electric Karting Arena at The Grandstand.

Rate: From $150++/night

Address: 100 Turf Club Road Bukit Timah, Singapore 287992

Website

6. HomeTeam NS Villas @ Bukit Batok

Did you know there are villas available for a short getaway on the west side of Singapore? Immerse the family in the sanctuary of comfort and adventure at its newly, revamped Villas at HomeTeamNS Bukit Batok, which comes complete with obstacle courses, rock-climbing, flying fox, tennis and basketball courts!

Kids will be able to have fun at the nearby T-Play Indoor Playground and Laser Quest Bukit Batok at the clubhouse! Then bunk over at the double-storey Villas, which comes with 2 bedrooms, pantry, and BBQ pit.

Address: HomeTeamNS Bukit Batok, 2 Bukit Batok West Avenue 7, Singapore 659003
Room Rates: From $210/night (Public rate for Superior Villa)
Website

7. Gallop Kranji Farm Resort

Looking for a unique stay experience beyond the usual hectic and busy urban part of Singapore? Book a family staycation in one of Singapore’s unique kampong-like villas surrounded by local farms and animal activities at Gallop Kranji Farm Resort.

Besides the usual 2-bed villas, larger families can go for the Family Suite which sleeps up to a whopping 8 persons! The suite comes with four Queen beds, a spacious separate living area, kitchen as well as your personal BBQ pit.

Address: 10 Neo Tiew Lane 2, Singapore 718813

Room Rates: From $280++/per night (standard villa) or $600++/night (Family Suite)

Website

8. Shipping Container Hotel

Shipping Container Hotel is Singapore’s first "pop-up" hotel where guests get to stay in a container!

There are currently two containers available for booking and they are located in Ayer Rajah, near the Timbre+ food centre.

Each 'room' includes a bedroom, living room, dining room, full kitchen, bathroom, patio complete with a BBQ pit, aircon, toilet and fresh running water. There are 2 Queen-size beds in the container so it sleeps 4 people. However, an extra foldable mattress (chargeable) can be added for 1 more person (max 5 pax per container). 

*NOTE: The hotel will be closed temporaily from 29th Nov 2021 as the current shipping containers in one-north will be replaced with brand new designs. It will re-open tentatively in mid Dec 2021.

Rate: From $200++/night

Address: Block 77 Ayer Rajah Crescent & Block 81 Ayer Rajah Crescent

Website

9. SG Hotel on Wheels (SHOW)

SG Hotel On Wheels (SHOW) is a pop-up container hotel that has mushroomed at the Begonia open-air carpark at Downtown East. So everything is pretty much self-contained within with a queen-sized bed, attached bathroom, cupboards, tables and even a small safe. No doubt, space is a premium but it’s cosy.

There are 2 types of container rooms available - five 20-footer containers with one queen bed for 2 persons and five 40-footer containers with two queen beds for 4 persons. Each booking also comes with free tickets to Wild Wild Wet which can be utilised on another day.

Food-wise, there are plenty of food options at Downtown East as well as lots of entertainment offerings for families too!

Rate: Prices range from $239 to $299 per night for 20-footer rooms, and $359 to $439 per night for 40-footer rooms

Address: Downtown East @ Begonia Carpark

Website

10. Aranda Country Club

Located next to Downtown East, Aranda Country Club offers the choice of Executive Suites for families looking to add that 'chalet' feel to the staycation experience.

The Executive Suites give stunning views of Wild Wild Wet as well as the calm greenery embracing Pasir Ris Park. Guests can enjoy charming nature treks through the nearby Pasir Ris mangrove swamp, or soak in the buzz of Downtown East just a walk away.

Each suite provides a comfortable living room, dining area, a pantry with a microwave oven, and 2 bedrooms with 2 bathrooms.

Rate: From $450++/night

Address: 60 Pasir Ris Drive 3, Singapore 519497

Website

11. Orchid Golf & Resort Hotel 

Located within Orchid Country Club, Orchid Golf & Resort Hotel boasts a breath-taking panoramic views of the Aranda Course and Seletar Reservoir from its rooms. Families can book the Deluxe Family Room which is uniquely spacious and ideal for families seeking to spend quality time together on a staycation. The rooms come with one Queen-sized bed and two single beds.

Rate: From $320++/night

Address: 1 Orchid Club Rd, Singapore 769162

Website

12. Sailcation

If you have already been on enough staycations but still not quite ready to fly yet, why not take to the seas instead? Discover Sailing Asia is offering a 2D1N Sailcation which involves chartering your own personal yacht and setting sail into the open waters around Singapore overnight.

You will also get to island hop at your own pace, and visit St John's Island, Lazarus Island and Kusu Island. At Lazarus Island, you can even for a dip in the ocean, go on a paddle borad or choose playtime at the beach!

Spend the night onboard with gentle waves rocking the boat, and complete the experience with a spectacular sunrise view the next day.

Rate: From $1,505 (Rate is for up to 5 pax from the same household)

Address: Marina at Keppel Bay or One15 Marina Sentosa Cove

Website