9 things to do this Wednesday if you don’t celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri

Oh what a joyous occasion, not just for the Muslims in Singapore (and around the world) who’ll be celebrating the end of the fasting month, but for the rest of us who will have a well-deserved break in the middle of the week. If you’re not partaking in the festivities of forgiveness and fellowship, or feasting on lontong, rendang and ayam masak merah at a relative’s place, there are still a bunch of places you can go and things to do this public holiday.

Go on a self-guided tour at the Istana Garden or visit the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station

The Istana is Singapore’s closest thing to the White House in America, except that the grounds are usually open to public on a public holiday. The Lawn is closed for renovation but you can still check out the rest of the compound and enjoy a bunch of music performances between 8:30am and 6pm. Besides the Istana, the former Tanjong Pagar Railway Station, a popular venue for art exhibitions like Annie Leibovitz’s “Women: New Portraits” a few months ago, will be open to public this Wednesday.

Kusu Island

Explore one of Singapore’s offshore islands

Sentosa and Pulau Ubin are not the only islands we’ve got. Just a ferry ride away lies a quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of Singapore. Check out our exciting list of offshore islands here.Invisible (Imbisibol)

Catch a film from this year’s The O.P.E.N. segment of SIFA

This O.P.E.N. screens some of the most original films out there. This Wednesday, head over to The Projector to catch Invisible (Imbisibol) at 7:30pm, a gritty tear-jerker about undocumented Filipino workers in Japan.

Coyote

Try out the dishes at these newly opened places

When you have more time for yourself, especially in Singapore, the best way to spend it is by eating at the new places in town. Whether it’s the new cocktail bar on Amoy Street or Spruce’s new Mexican concept, we’ve got the story here.

BooksActually’s book vending machines

Purchase a book from the a novelty vending machine

There’s online shopping, and then there’s this. Brought to you by BooksActually, these special vending machines have been installed at three different places in town, dispensing local titles such as Amanda Lee Koe’s recently lauded short story collection Ministry of Moral Panic. Details here.

Photo credit: Julian Lim

Support local produce

Yes, Singapore still has farms. However, the 62 farms in the Kranji area will only be around for about a year before they have to make way for the Ministry of Defence. Before that happens, spend the day exploring our bucolic northern farmlands. Here’s a guide to the highlights.