Sentosa might steal the spotlight for beaches, skyline views, and adrenaline-pumping attractions, but just a short journey away lies a side of Singapore that surprises many — an actual goat farm tucked among lush greenery. If your itinerary needs a shift from island vibes to rustic charm, Hay Dairies offers a refreshing counterpoint. Here’s why this farm deserves a day in your travel lineup.
The Origins of Hay Dairies: From Ducks to Dairy
Long before it became Singapore’s sole goat farm, the Hay family ran a mixed livestock business involving ducks, chickens, and pigs. When pig farming was phased out in the early 1980s, the family saw an opening — goat farming. In 1988, they launched Hay Dairies with just 48 goats, all imported from the United States. These included breeds like Alpine, Nubian, Toggenburg, and Saanen, known for their hardy nature and milk yield.
Now, the farm is run by second-generation farmer Leon Hay, who grew up among the animals. With over 800 goats currently cared for in upgraded three-storey barns, the farm is a working example of how agriculture survives — and thrives — in urban Singapore.
What to Expect at Hay Dairies
A visit to Hay Dairies doesn’t require a guided tour, though they’re available. Walk in, roam freely, and interact with the animals at your own pace. Whether you’re a curious adult or tagging along with kids, the experience is equally rewarding.
Highlights to Check Out:
- Goat Milking Sessions
From 9:00 am to 10:30 am, visitors can observe how goat milk is harvested. It’s a clean, efficient process that offers an inside look at modern dairy practices. - Feeding the Goats
Buy a bag of alfalfa hay and get up close with these gentle creatures. Their diet consists of high-protein, GMO-free alfalfa from the U.S., topped with special feed from Australia. - Educational Farm Tours
For a deeper understanding, join a guided tour (booking needed for groups of 10 or more). You’ll learn about the goats’ diet, their habitat, milking process, and how the farm manages animal welfare and food safety. - Goat Barn Architecture
The farm’s new three-storey barn isn’t just visually impressive — it’s a smart use of land in land-scarce Singapore. It’s a working model of vertical farming in livestock care.
Goat Milk that Delivers
Hay Dairies isn’t just for show. Its output of fresh goat milk meets daily demand across the country. Milk is sold in original and chocolate flavors, packaged in 200ml or 800ml bottles. It’s known for being alkaline, lower in lactose, and suitable for people with lactose intolerance or eczema. That makes it a viable alternative to cow’s milk for sensitive diets.
Available Products:
- Fresh Goat Milk (Original and Chocolate)
- Goat Milk Soap
- Seasonal Offerings: Popsicles, gelato, and potentially, upcoming products like yogurt and oat milk blends.
The farm’s produce can be purchased on-site or through their online store. Retailers such as RedMart and Cold Storage also stock their milk.
A Sustainability Mindset
Hay Dairies adopts more than clean farming practices — it looks ahead. The farm uses solar energy to offset power needs and has started planning for a composting system to repurpose goat waste. Their roadmap includes expanding into yogurt and oat-based drink blends, all without preservatives.
These steps reflect an intent to stay relevant and responsible, especially in a country where space is a premium and sustainability is more than just branding.
Planning Your Visit
Location: 250 Neo Tiew Crescent, Singapore
Operating Hours:
- Monday, Wednesday to Sunday: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Closed on Tuesdays
Transportation:
On weekends, shuttle buses are available from Kranji MRT station. Alternatively, a cab from Sentosa takes about 45–55 minutes depending on traffic.
Things to Bring:
- Sunblock and a hat — it’s mostly outdoors
- A water bottle
- Camera or phone for photos
- Wet wipes (especially for kids)
Why Hay Dairies Adds Balance to Your Sentosa Trip
Sentosa keeps things fast-paced, with its roller coasters, waterparks, and sleek resorts. But even the most energetic getaway benefits from a slower interlude. Spending a couple of hours at Hay Dairies introduces a different tempo — one that invites calm, curiosity, and hands-on learning.
It’s not about choosing between Sentosa and Hay Dairies. It’s about pairing both for contrast. Goats and ocean views may sound like an odd mix, but in Singapore, even that’s possible. And sometimes, that blend makes the trip feel complete.
