Adventurous Activities in Singapore

UPDATED JULY 2024By <a href="#author-bio">Stuart Bak</a>
By Stuart Bak
Tourists crossing a pedestrian bridge in the Singapore jungle

There’s oodles of adventure to be had in Singapore, a huge playground where activities range from giant swings to futuristic indoor surfing to outdoor adventures amid the vast tracts of lush jungle and tropical rainforest that cover around half of the entire island. Read on for our pick of the most adventurous activities in Singapore, including:

  • The Singapore Flyer
  • SkyPark Observation Deck
  • Sentosa Island
  • Forest Adventure
  • Chestnut Nature Park
  • Southern Ridges hiking trail
  • Hawker centers for adventurous foodies

Adventurous Activities in Singapore for Thrill Seekers

Image of Cityscape, Urban, City, Metropolis, Outdoors,

Adrenaline junkies on vacation in Singapore are in for a real treat. Heck, you only have to look at the forest of skyscrapers in the Downtown district to know that this is a city that takes its dizzying highs seriously. Head to the SkyPark on top of the soaring Marina Bay Sands hotel and you’ll soon see what we mean. At 56 floors up, this observation deck is one of Singapore’s highest and affords splendid views across the city and bay. Evenings are particularly special, with spectacular light shows taking place far below at both the Gardens by the Bay and the Marina Bay Sands’ own Event Plaza.

Also in the Marina Bay area, the Singapore Flyer is one of the planet’s tallest observation wheels, soaring to a heart-pumping 541 feet. Steady your nerves by booking a ticket that includes a glass of champagne or go native with a classic Singapore Sling.

Best of Sentosa Island

Image of Nature, Outdoors, Car, Vehicle,

Sticking with the vertigo-inducing theme, hop on the cable car to Sentosa island for a thrill ride with a very gentle pace. The 15-minute journey across the bay carries passengers at around 200 feet above sea level. Essentially just a mode of traveling from A to B, it doubles as an adventurous Singapore attraction in its own right. Visitors with a passion for natural highs will be in clover once on Sentosa, where the SkyHelix spins heavenwards, reaching a dizzying 260 feet above sea level, with views from its vantage point on Imbiah Lookout that take in Singapore and the Southern Islands. This rotating ride lets you take in those glorious sunset vistas with a soda or slushie as your feet dangle underneath and you spend a full 10 minutes right at the top. Best of all, phones are permitted on the ride, so you’ll be able to fill your Insta feed with dozens of envy-inducing filter-free snaps.

Image of Nature, Outdoors, Vehicle,

And, if you like your thrills a little more... high octane, you could always try the giant swing at Siloso Beach. What’s so thrilling about a giant swing, I hear you cry! Well, this one soars out above the palm-lined white sands at heights of up to 100 feet so, suffice to say, it is not for the faint of heart. There’s also bungee jumping here as well as a nearby luge track that winds through rainforest, down hillsides and around hairpin bends at hair-raising speeds. Splash down on the Double FlowRider at Wavehouse Sentosa’s Surf Cove, where beginners and pro surfers alike can wipeout in the huge artificial wavemaker.

Back to Nature

Singapore is one of the greenest cities on the planet, with almost 50% of its urban sprawl dedicated to green space. It stands to reason then that there are multiple outdoor adventures to be had here, whether in the city’s parks or beneath the jungle canopy that covers much of the rest of the island.

Forest Adventure is as good a place to get a taster as any, its treetop obstacle course and multiple ziplines making for a fun family day out. Wobble across rope bridges high in the canopy and zip your way across the waterways; there’s quite literally hours of fun to be had.

Image of Water, Boat, Vehicle, Rowboat, Canoe, Kayak, Kayaking, Person, Water Sports,

Or take to the waters in a kayak. This guided tour lasts 4.5 hours and takes you along the northeast coast by Pulau Ubin, a traditional Singaporean village set among the ancient mangrove forests. Your guide will steer you out towards the island of Pulau Ketam, where native wildlife includes kingfishers and herons, and where you may even be lucky enough to spot the occasional otter frolicking playfully in the shallows.

Such lush countryside of course makes for world-class hiking and cycling opportunities. Saddle up, slap on the sunscreen and hit the Northern Eastern Riverine Loop, a 26km route that takes you through the parks, beaches, waterways and wetlands of Punggol. Or walk the stunning Southern Ridges Trail. This elevated walkway takes you through the treetops south of the city, where the canopy fairly teems with red-whiskered bulbuls, banded bay cuckoos, and other colorful native birdlife. Meanwhile, Chestnut Nature Park offers the best of both worlds, with 81 hectares of segregated hiking and biking trails that take in secluded streams and lakes and provide further opportunities to spot endangered bird species like the delicate orange-bellied flowerpecker.

Image of Vegetation, Land, Nature, Outdoors, Rainforest, Tree, Jungle, Garden, Path, Arbour, Walkway, Scenery, Summer,

Adventures in Food

There’s much for adventurous foodies to enjoy in Singapore, with over 100 hawker centers serving cheap and delicious street food across the city. The meeting of Malaysian, Chinese and Indian cooking here, melded with that of other neighboring nations, has created a unique cuisine with something for everyone, though lovers of seafood and spice are particularly well catered for.

Our advice? Bodyswerve the ubiquitous burger and pizza joints and get straight to the heart of the action in the bustling hawker centers, where the aroma of sizzling satay and pungent fish head curry alone are enough to make a grown man weep.

Image of Bbq, Cooking, Food, Grilling, Adult, Male, Man, Person,

Spicy, sticky, peanuty satay is easy to track down here (just follow your nose!). It’s a national favorite and you’ll find purveyors of this heaven-sent treat in its many forms (chicken, pork, beef, fish) in any Singapore hawker center worth its salt. Try local favorite satay bee hoon, in which the spicy hot sauce is liberally smothered over a bed of rice vermicelli, often with prawns or pork. Sweet-and-savory-sauce-drenched chili crab – effectively the national dish – is another absolute must-try.

Feeling bold? Up the ante with some of the nation’s more out-there delicacies. We’re talking turtle soup, live octopus, pufferfish, fried pigs’ fallopian tubes in piquant kung pao sauce and – for the truly adventurous – century egg, a highly, shall we say... aromatic dish of egg preserved in salt, lime and clay. Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it!

Save on attractions and activities for teens in Singapore

Save on admission to Singapore attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.

Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Freelance travel writer

Stu caught the travel bug at an early age, thanks to childhood road trips to the south of France squeezed into the back of a Ford Cortina with two brothers and a Sony Walkman. Now a freelance writer living on the Norfolk coast, Stu has produced content for travel giants including Frommer’s, British Airways, Expedia, Mr & Mrs Smith, and now Go City. His most memorable travel experiences include drinking kava with the locals in Fiji and pranging a taxi driver’s car in the Honduran capital.

Continue reading

Is Singapore Expensive to Visit
Blog

Is Singapore Expensive to Visit?

With its melting pot of diverse cultures living in harmony, and a wealth of experience opportunities, Singapore is one of the world's best vacation destinations. With so many cultures in one place, no two days will be the same. You'll be sampling eastern cuisine one day only to hold up the bar at an Irish pub the next. So, with so much to do, see, and try, you might wonder how much it will all set you back. Well, wonder no more, because we're about to answer all your most burning questions. Is Singapore expensive to visit? What kind of budget should you plan for, and how can you keep costs down? Read on after the jump. Including: When to visit Where to stay How to get about the city Where to eat and drink What to do and more! When to Visit If you want to warm your chilled bones in the colder months, Singapore is a great place to miss the freeze. Temperatures year-round vary between the mid-70s to almost 90°F, so you'll be comfortable in your summer best. However, one thing to bear in mind is the country's climate. Singapore is what we call a 'tropical paradise'. While that may fill your mind with exotic fruits and palm trees, what it actually means is that those high temperatures are partied up with frequent heavy rainfall. Monsoon season takes place between November and January, so if you're not bothered by a few inches of rain, you'll likely get the best deals on flights if you plan to go around then. Likewise, if you head there between June and August, you'll pay a premium as it's the country's busiest time of year. Flights-wise, your best bet to get a good deal is to plan ahead. Booking flights months or even a year in advance means you'll likely get the best prices as well as your pick of the seats. Check out sites like Skyscanner to compare airlines, flight times, and prices all in one handy place. Where to stay Accommodation is usually the biggest expense on any vacation. But it needn't be. Savvy shoppers, or at least those of you who don't need the lap of luxury, will find a ton of budget-friendly options in Singapore. Families might not want to stay in a hostel, but solo travelers or groups of friends might luck out on shared accommodation, with some going as low as around $20 a night. It won't be romantic and won't have all the bells and whistles of a classy hotel, but you'll get a bed, a bathroom, and bag space for your carry-on. Alternatively, if you're looking for that 5-star experience, you'll need to multiply that nightly amount by 10 at least, because top hotels start at around $220 a night. That might not seem like a lot compared to quality hotels in other countries, but all these costs add up. To summarise, accommodation in Singapore is only as expensive as you make it, so consider that when planning your visit. Attractions Of course, when considering if Singapore is expensive to visit, we have to talk about attractions! The city is a veritable playground of things to see and do, from floral extravaganzas to theme parks. But, with so much to see, costs will inevitably begin to add up. Well, put your fears at rest, dear reader. Pick up an All-Inclusive Pass or an Explorer Pass and let Go City handle the rest. With the former, you can pick the number of days you want and visit as many of Singapore's best attractions as you want. With the latter, pick up to 7 of the city's experiences and see them at your own pace. Whichever you pick, you could save up to 50% on entry, so pick a pass, skip the queue, and enjoy all of Singapore's best bits in one affordable place! Transportation Another often-significant vacation expense is travel. Some cities have public transport systems that leave much to be desired, forcing you to rent a car or pay for myriad cabs throughout your stay. Thankfully, Singapore is not one of those cities, as it boasts a fantastic interconnected series of buses and trains that will help you navigate to every experience your heart desires. And best of all, it's cheap too! For as low as $10, you can pick up a Singapore Tourist Pass for unlimited travel around the city. Get a 1-day pass or one that covers you for up to 3 days. It's easy peasy and won't break the bank. And, when you're trying to minimize costs and squeeze your cents, it's a godsend. Food and drink Given the diversity of cultures on display in Singapore, one of the country's biggest draws is its cuisine. Local dishes are married with cuisines from across the eastern world and beyond, so no matter your predilections, your appetite is sure to be sated. And, thankfully for your bank, fine dining can be had on a budget. Street food lovers can wander to any market and find brilliant local dishes like chicken rice, laksa, and char kway teow for under 5 bucks. Shopping mall food courts have similar deals, but more on shopping later. Alternatively, if you fancy Michelin-starred bites, you will have to pay a comparable amount to countries like the US and UK. Meals at top joints will set you back about $40 - 200 per person, so you're certainly paying for the privilege. However, if you want to wet your whistle, things aren't so simple. Singapore is a traditionally conservative country with strict laws on alcohol consumption. So, while you'll find a thriving rooftop bar scene that makes the most of the country's climate and surroundings, you'll need to fork out a little extra to sip some suds. Beers typically come in at around $8-10, which will be fine for those of you traveling from New York or London, but can seem exceedingly pricy when compared to other cheaper neighborhoods. The good news is that happy hours and drinks deals are relatively common, so examine the menu before making a purchase to get the best boozy bang for your buck. Shopping Finally, it's time to talk about shopping. Many consider Singapore to be a shopping haven, with handfuls of malls, markets, and boutiques more than willing to take your coin. If you're big into designer brands and luxury items, head to the aforementioned malls, or high streets like Orchard Road, to get the very biggest labels. Prices are negligibly better than in the west, but you may also find items you simply can't get on our shores. Alternatively, if you're in the market for authentic clothing, handcrafted jewelry, or other knickknacks, Singapore's markets are the way to go. Prices are more than affordable, and the items you'll find will be more unique than anything in a shop window. So, is Singapore expensive to visit? Yes and no. Hopefully, we've given you the tools and tips to work to a budget. Now stop worrying and enjoy your vacation!
Dom Bewley
Avatar the experience with Go City Singapore Gardens by the Bay
Blog

Things to do in Singapore in Winter

Bright lights, big city. Singapore conjures images of just this, along with lush landscapes, bustling street markets and world-class shopping. And she won’t disappoint no matter what the season. From breathtaking gardens and sublime beaches to globally-inspired cuisine, visiting Singapore in the winter is the perfect time to experience all the best Singspore attractions without the crazy crowds of summer. Why visit Singapore in the winter? Winter in Singapore runs from December to February and while temperatures and humidity levels remain fairly high, the rains have arrived, and you can expect rainfall and thunderstorms daily. Temperatures range between 28°C and 32°C and humidity levels are high. But don’t be put off by the rain – Singapore is packed with an incredible array of attraction and activities that can be enjoyed whatever the weather. We’ve put together list of the best things to see and do in Singapore in winter. Grab a reliable umbrella and get exploring!
Alex Birungi
Avatar the experience with Go City Singapore Gardens by the Bay
Blog

Things to do in Singapore in Summer

Vibrant, energetic, and alive, Singapore beats to an electrifying drum. Famously clean and increasingly green, the dynamic city oozes culture and history and is home to some of the world’s hippest bars, hottest restaurants, and out-of-this-world street food. Summer is Singapore is hot, hot, hot! As a tropical destination, you can expect it to be warm year-round, but in summer, temperatures really ramp up with high levels of humidity. But don’t despair, there are plenty of things to do in Sngapore in summer to keep you entertained. Whether you’re an urban explorer, an adventure seeker, or a food fundi, the Lion City has a wealth of place to visit. Why visit Singapore in the summer? Summer in Singapore runs from June to early September and while it is hot and humid, it’s also slightly drier with less rainfall than the rest of the year. Days are lovely and long with up to 12 hours of sunshine and rainfall is at a minimum. Temperatures range between 26°C and 32°C and humidity levels are high, so cool clothing and plenty of water are the order of the day. The average sea temperature is 29° C, so cooling off with a swim at the beach may not be the best option. Despite the hot weather, summer is a fantastic time to explore the island city-state and you’ll find an array of both indoor and outdoor activities around the city to enjoy.   1. Explore Singapore’s beautiful gardens Fondly known as the ‘City in a Garden,’ Singapore is one of the greenest cities in the world. The city is to some spectacular gardens and green urban spaces that are well worth exploring. Your first stop should be the 82-hectare Singapore Botanic Gardens, a tropical oasis of flourishing themed gardens with over 550 species. Be sure to visit the incredible National Orchid Garden and the excellent botanical art gallery in the Gallop Extension. Next stop is the Gardens by the Bay in Marina Bay. Marvel at whimsical sculptures, gigantic high-tech trees, and misty biodomes in this fantastical world of green. Use your pass for admission to the Cloud Forest, home to the world’s tallest indoor waterfall and the Flower Dome. Wander through another world beneath thousands of hanging blooms in Floral Fantasy. Don’t miss the evening Garden Rhapsody show where the Supertrees burst into light. Top Tip: Head up to the observatory at the top of the tallest Supertree for some breathtaking panoramic views over Marina Bay.   2. Take a bumboat ride A bumboat? Singaporeans use this odd term for ferries and sailboats that transport both locals and tourists around the bay. The brightly colored boats have eyes and faces painted on them to discern any threats ahead. And what better way to experience Singapore than from the water on a bumboat? Use your pass to hop on a traditional bumboat for a Singapore River Cruise and take in the awe-inspiring city skyline. Keep your camera ready as you pass famous sights like Raffles, the Esplanade, and the Old Parliament House. The cool breezes off the water are heaven on a hot summer’s day. 3. Climb up to the SkyPark Deck If it's unrivaled views you want, head up to the SkyPark Deck on the top of the Marina Bay Sands. Based on the 57th floor, this popular spot offers the most incredible views of the city, Marina Bay, and the busy Singapore Strait. Take a guided tour and learn about Singapore's history and enjoy a dip in the hotel’s famous infinity pool that seemingly floats over the city. Use your pass to enjoy a free drink from the CÉ LA VI SkyBar as you soak up the unbelievable views. 4. Visit the city’s superb museums Singapore is packed with an ever-growing range of cutting-edge museums and cultural institutions. Top of the list is the Asian Civilisations Museum, a captivating journey through Asia’s cross-cultural connections. The National Museum Singapore is another must for learning about Singapore’s rich history. Don’t forget to use your pass when visiting these two museums to gain free access. If you are an art-lover, head to the National Gallery Singapore to admire an incredible collection of Singaporean and Southeast Asian art. Brave the Changi Museum & Chapel to learn the stories of POWs and held Changi Prison during the Japanese occupation of Singapore.   5. Have some fun at Sentosa Park Slides, rides, beaches, and sea creatures... Sentosa Island has it all! Connected to the mainland by a bridge, Sentosa Island is an all-ages playground with theme parks, beautiful beaches, an aquarium, and a subterranean casino. Hop on the Singapore Sky Cable with your pass for a thrilling ride to Sentosa Island from Mount Faber on the mainland. Take in the amazing views on the way and spend the day enjoying all the attractions on the island. Brave the exhilarating rides at Universal Studios, explore the SEA Aquarium (don’t forget to use your pass), and sip cocktails at one of the swanky beach bars. Enjoy a spectacular multimedia night show at the Mount Faber Cable Car station on your return. 6. Eat, eat, and eat some more From Michelin-star restaurants to some of the best street food on the planet, Singapore is foodie heaven. Even of you aren’t a gourmand, you’ll be amazed at the variety of mouthwatering grub in this Southeast Asian culinary hub. The best place to get a taste of Singapore is on the street at the legendary hawker centers. From eye-wateringly hot Indian curries to melt-in-your-mouth murtabak, the city’s culinary scene has every dish conceivable. Be sure to try delicious local dishes like laksa, a spicy, coconutty noodle soup, and chicken rice with a twist. Top tip: Cash is king on the street, so have cash in small notes when hitting the hawkers.   7. Experience Singapore’s nightlife Singapore comes alive at night with bright lights, buzzing bars, and glitzy nightclubs vying for attention. From sultry secret speakeasies to chic rooftop bars, the city has a myriad of great nightspots to explore. Kick off the evening with a complimentary Singapore Sling at the famous Raffles Long Bar – simply present your pass for your free drink. Head over to Clarke Quay where you’ll find a host of laid-back pubs and taverns, stylish waterside bars, casual and fine dining restaurants, and modern nightclubs. Dance the night away to the latest tunes and watch the sun rise over the water.   8. Escape to Pulau Ubin island Escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a day and take a trip to the peaceful island of Pulau Ubin. Hop on a bumboat in Changi for a short 15-minute boat ride to the island just off mainland Singapore. Rent a bike to explore the sleepy village and get a glimpse into the kampong (village) life that harkens back to Singapore’s old days. There isn’t much to do here, except enjoy a delicious seafood meal by the sea, kick back and relax, and soak up the tranquility. Why not make the most of your Singapore summer with a Singapore Pass? Visit all the best Singapore attractions without breaking the bank!
Alex Birungi

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.

Thick check Icon