Best Reading Spots in Singapore
The following article is contributed by the author. Views and opinions expressed are the author’s own and do not represent the views of the National Library Board and its staff.
There are very few places in the city that are conducive to some quiet time when you want to get away from it all. Perhaps you’re seeking the right kind of solitude to start reading a book, or to just let your mind wander.
Whether you love the outdoors or prefer being indoors, there are many ways to get back into that peaceful headspace. Here are some of the best reading spots in Singapore that may just become your new favourite!
Garden City
First up on the list are the hidden green coves and sprawling lawns of the Singapore Botanic Gardens, which provide a great escape from a blistering hot afternoon.
Find a spot in the shade and feel the breeze come through the treetops. Or get comfortable in a gazebo, which makes for an ideal reading spot when there’s an unexpected downpour!
Beachside Walkways
For those who enjoy the beach, Singapore is blessed with a wonderful coastline for that. Drop by East Coast Park to catch the sunrise or sunset, where the bobbing of ships waiting to port provides a wonderful tempo to that poetry you’re trying to figure out.
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider Sentosa Cove for the beautifully manicured walkways alongside Ocean Drive. If the view doesn’t suit the genre you’re reading, stroll along and find that perfect spot to sit at with your book in hand.
A River Runs Through It
Nestled between the Singapore River and the Asian Civilisations Museum is the Empress Lawn where you can throw a blanket down, crack open a book, and spend hours watching the tides come in and out on the river.
Let your mind drift as you stare upwards and feel the gentle tickle of the lawn on your back. A Sunday morning or public holiday is best, when traffic is more muted and the business folk aren’t interrupting this pleasant experience.
Surrounded by Books
If being around books is the best way for you to concentrate on your next read, get cosy at the reading lounges of library@harbourfront, which also boast a glass facade facing the ocean and Sentosa Island.
Enjoy the gorgeous minimal interior that draws attention to all the books waiting to be read. Perhaps you might also discover new books to add to your reading list!
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Text by
Marek Dawidowicz
Marek Dawidowicz has been living in Singapore with his family for over 11 years, born in South Africa and of Polish heritage. He is an avid reader of biographies and science fiction, and you’ll regularly see him huddled under a palm tree in the Botanic Gardens with a good book.
