Tourists crossing a pedestrian bridge in the Singapore jungle

Adventurous Activities in Singapore

By Stuart Bak

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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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Singapore Staycation
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Singapore Staycation - Best Ways to Stay Over

Staycations have become imminently popular in the past decade, with hotels offering up brilliant packages and ensuring you needn't leave at all. Sometimes, all you want to do is just stay in and vegetate. We've all experienced the surprising glee of a friend canceling on them last minute, leaving you free to wallow in your pajamas. Staycations are like that, just with extra steps. So, what about Singapore? What does the city's staycation scene look like? Well, let's take a look. We've trawled the web to find you the best Singapore staycation opportunities. Read on, and check out our recommendations! Including: Raffles Hotel Singapore JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach M Social Singapore Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium Regis Singapore and more! Raffles Hotel Singapore Raffles is one of the most prominent hotels in Singapore. At well over one hundred years old, it's earned its place at the top. And, luckily for you, they also offer a fantastic staycation package. You'll enjoy a luxury tea for two at the Tiffin Room, a Heritage Evening at The Grand Lobby, and even a trishaw ride around the place. And, with Go City, you can enjoy a complimentary drink at The Long Bar. If you've never tried it before, order a Singapore Sling. It's considered the unofficial drink of the city for a reason. And did you know it was created by a bartender who worked at The Long Bar? Of course, you're free to camp out there and enjoy The Long Bar's alfresco stylings. And a few more drinks while you're at it. JW Marriott Hotel Singapore Rejuvenating Spa Staycation Marriott Hotels are some of the best in the business, with myriad locations worldwide, including Singapore. And lucky for you, they offer a fantastic spa staycation to help you feel pampered and proper. You'll get a one-hour massage at the hotel's spa, complimentary buffet breakfast at the Beach Road Kitchen, and access to the rest of the hotel's fantastic facilities, including swimming pools, sky gardens, bars, gyms, and restaurants. And you're only a stone's throw from the city's cultural district, if you want to feel inspired. M Social Singapore If you treat your social media like a publicity stunt, then M Social might be the perfect Singapore staycation for you! One of their packages offers participants the chance to conduct their own photoshoot. Fun! Thanks to an M Social x Dollop Automat team-up, you'll be able to create memories - and posts - to commemorate your staycation thanks to their self-photo studio. Get that photoshoot feel but without the photographer. Or, if you prefer to smell like success, their other package lets you create your very own perfume. Working closely with top dogs from Maison 12G, you'll learn what goes into a fragrance, and how to make the perfect one just for you. Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium Holiday Inn might not have the best rep throughout other parts of the world, but in Singapore, you'll find a four-star hotel with swimming pools, gyms, and a fantastic staycation package! It includes free breakfast, late checkout, and plenty of discounts on the hotel's many amenities, including massive savings on meals at the hotel's restaurants and much more. So you may not want to leave! Regis Singapore Got the kids in tow? Then Regis Marriott Singapore might have the perfect staycation package for the entire family. Featuring a complimentary free breakfast for four, as well as late checkout and $100 of credit to spend on whatever you like at the hotel, it's the perfect place to hunker down, watch some movies, and order room service. Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore Ever stayed at a Thai golf resort? Probably not, right? Well, time to tick this obscure and unlikely thing off of your bucket list with a trip to Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore! Arguably one of the best staycations on this list, you'll be treated like a VIP the moment you walk through the front door. That's because you'll be served a complimentary drink on entry. Cool! But the coolness doesn't stop there. For your stay, you'll have free rein of the resort's many facilities, from the golf course to the fitness center. Want to go swimming? Go right ahead. Need a big breakfast to start the day? Why of course, on the house. Located on the outskirts of the city, Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore makes a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of Singaporean life. And if you're looking for a Singapore staycation, this could be the perfect one. InterContinental Singapore Robertson Quay Heading back into the city, if you're looking for a little water to accompany your staycation, head riverside and stay at InterContinental Singapore Robertson Quay. Your room will have its own fully-kitted-out entertainment system, with a massive TV, tons of channels, streaming apps, and speakers that'll knock your socks off. Pair that with the stunning views of the river, and you've got yourself the perfect room you'll never want to leave. That is, unless you want to make the most of your stay! Your booking also includes breakfast, afternoon tea, bar drinks, and access to the hotel's stunning lounge. Want to explore the surroundings? Get a rental bike, courtesy of the hotel, and get exploring! Duxton Reserve If you're looking for old-timey glamor from your Singapore staycation, then you need to check out Duxton Reserve. Black and gold is the name of the game here, with interiors that fuse the best of East and West design. Oh, and they have a brilliant staycation too. That also helps. You'll have run of the bar, delicious Chinese food on tap courtesy of the Yellow Pot restaurant, and a room fitted to the nines with the best upholstery and entertainment. It's also the perfect place to snap some pics, ensuring your friends, family, and followers become insanely jealous of your stay. And isn't that half the battle? Those were our picks of the very best Singapore staycation venues! Of course, there's more to Singapore than staying in and snuggling up. You'll find a wealth of entertainment opportunities outside the hotel's walls. If you want to do and see all of Singapore's best bits for one low price, check out Go City. Pick from our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass and see what all the fuss is about!
Dom Bewley
Pair of lorikeets at Bird Paradise in Singapore.
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Bird Paradise Guide Singapore – All You Need to Know

Hey, do you like birds? Yes you! Sure, leviathan creatures of the deep are cool, and land-loving critters can be cute, cuddly and ferocious in equal measure. But birds are the connoisseur’s animal of choice; a feathered favorite of poets, painters and romantics down the centuries. After all, what other beast can sing as sweetly, or make potential suitors swoon with their flamboyant displays of technicolor plumage? We know, we know: meerkats are pretty entertaining too. But have you ever seen one fly? No, dear reader, you have not. And, now we’ve reeled you in, here’s all you need to know about Bird Paradise in Singapore, an awesome tropical aviary that's among the very best in Asia. Bird Paradise: the Lowdown Part of Singapore’s epic Mandai Nature Reserve, which also includes the Singapore Zoo, Night Safari and River Wonders attractions, Bird Paradise is the 21st-century successor to the country’s long-running Jurong Bird Park. Indeed, the majority of Bird Paradise’s 3,500 or so inhabitants were painstakingly relocated here from the nearby Jurong site during 2022 and early 2023. Bird Paradise opened its gates in May 2023, welcoming bird enthusiasts and Instagram addicts eager to get up close and personal with its highly photogenic stars, among them vibrant scarlet ibises, pretty pink flamingos, majestic Philippine eagles, infectious laughing kookaburras and almost comically ostentatious Andean cocks-of-the-walk, with their brilliant orange crests. In other words, this is an attraction that more than lives up to its (very literal) name. You can easily spend a whole day exploring Bird Paradise, with a whopping 400 species to discover across 42 acres, and 10 distinct zones that include awesome walk-through aviaries, rainforests, wetlands and even a penguin habitat. Pitch up for feeding times with the pelicans, turacos, lories and lorikeets and don’t miss the daily presentations that let you experience the awe-inspiring sight of some of the world’s most successful winged predators, including white-bellied sea eagles and harris hawks, in full flight! Bird Paradise Guide: the Zones Amazonian Jewels – this authentic South American rainforest setting is where you’ll find the aforementioned Andean cock-of-the-walk hanging out with its colorful toucan, cracid and green oropendola pals. Shaw Foundation Australian Outback – say g’day to giant emus, tawny frogmouths, laughing kookaburras and other feathered critters from Down Under. This cool outback setting features aboriginal cave paintings, termite mounds and eucalyptus trees. Nyungwe Forest Heart Of Africa – Inspired by Rwanda’s dense Nyungwe Forests, this is the park’s largest zone, and fairly teems with African species. Around 80, in fact, including flamingoes, bee-eaters, grey parrots and punky turacos. Get an, ahem, bird’s-eye view from the observation tower. Hong Leong Foundation Crimson Wetlands – roseate spoonbills, American flamingoes and scarlet ibises ensure this authentic wetlands zone (complete with gushing waterfall) more than lives up to its colorful name. Kuok Group Wings of Asia – you’ll find some of Bird Paradise’s more prehistoric-looking critters here in these lovingly created Balinese bamboo groves and rice terraces. We’re talking rare black-faced spoonbills, Papuan hornbills, Australian pelicans and more. Lory Loft – hit up the Lory Loft for your kaleidoscopic fix of parrots, lories and lorikeets. Look out for the aptly-named fiesta of colors that is the rainbow parrot and try not to be hypnotized by the ice-cool stare of the blue-eyed cockatoo. Mysterious Papua – replicating the coastal forests of lowland Papua, this zone features viewing pavilions influenced by the traditional homes of the Korowai tribe, from which to view the resident southern cassowaries, palm cockatoos and colorful Nicobar pigeons. Ocean Network Express Penguin Cove – there’s an underwater kelp forest and rocky beach to explore at this, one of the world’s largest sub-Antarctic cold saltwater penguin habitats. Check out king, gentoo and Humboldt penguins, alongside feisty northern rockhoppers, with their ultra-chic punk crests. Songs of the Forest – if bathing in a symphony of birdsong is your bag, then this is the zone for you. Here’s where you can hear endangered species including straw-headed bulbuls, Bali mynahs and laughing thrushes in full throat. Bird Paradise Guide: shops and dining Now you know everything you need to know about the residents of Bird Paradise, you’ll also want to know where you can refuel and snag some souvenirs on your visit. Good news: the park has several dining outlets, including the Bird Bakery for your coffee and pastry fix, and the Egg Splash Café with its eggs-cellent menu and fun activities for kids. Food Central is on the plaza and offers a range of local favorites, like Hainanese chicken rice, in a casual setting. Alternatively peckish punters can take in spectacular views of the wetlands waterfall from the Crimson Restaurant, or join the penguins for lunch in the Cove restaurant or café. No, not literally, but you’ll be able to see them swimming through glass walls that border the underwater kelp forests. The Penguin Cove Café has a shop, too. Penguin plush toys, penguin tees, penguin stationery, penguin mugs... if you like penguins you’re going to be in clover here. It’s joined by chick-inspired merchandise at the Egg Splash Café and a plethora of bird-related souvenirs ready to fly off the shelves in the main Bird Paradise shop. Bird Paradise Tickets and Opening Hours An attraction pass from Go City includes general admission to Bird Paradise and saves you money when visiting multiple attractions in Singapore. Choose an All-Inclusive or Explorer Pass for entry to Bird Paradise plus Singapore Zoo, Gardens by the Bay, Madame Tussauds and many more top Singapore attractions, tours and experiences. The park is open daily from 9AM to 6PM, with latest entry at 5PM. The easiest way to get there is on the Mandai Khatib shuttle bus from Khatib MRT station. The shuttle runs every 10-15 minutes and costs S$1 each way. Check the Bird Paradise website for more ways to get to the park. Save on attractions and activities 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
Traditional boat on the Singapore River near Clarke Quay
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A guide to the Singapore River

Stop for a visit to Singapore and the first thing you’ll notice – after the skyscrapers and warm, humid air – is that there’s a lot of water. Rivers, harbors and canals are the lifeblood of this city, bringing trade, tourism, and tranquility to its many green and quiet spaces. At the heart of it all, snaking its way west to east from the Kim Seng Bridge the Singapore Strait, is the Singapore River. Now lined with vibrant shopping districts and dazzling sky scrapers organized around three main quays, this two-mile stretch of fresh water has been indelibly linked to Singapore’s history and livelihood from its days as a remote fishing village to the internationally recognizable metropolis it is today. Read on to find out more about: It's history Robertson Quay Clarke Quay Boat Quay The Marina Things to do History The history of the Singapore River dates back many centuries to when the ‘Lion City’ was a small fishing village inhabited at various points by traveling (or invading) fisherman from China, Malaysia, India, Java and other neighboring countries. It wasn’t until Sir Stamford Raffles arrived in 1819 that serious development began, and it grew into a large city with a well-connected trading port. The first quay was built in 1823 and large warehouses were built all along the Singapore River to house goods and merchandise being imported and exported by sea. Other industries – such as finance – thrived on this success, but it took its toll on the waterways. Pollution and congestion became so bad that in 1977 the Prime Minister launched an ambitious ten-year clean-up project. Hotels, green spaces and sewerage were installed, and most of the trade was moved out to Keppel Harbor to make way for the tide of tourism now flooding into the city. Nowadays, The Singapore River forms the backbone of social and commercial life in the city, with vibrant districts and glamorous promenades culminating in the spectacular vista of Marina Bay. Robertson Quay The most laid-back of Singapore’s three quays, Robertson Quay is the furthest from the Bay and usually has a bit more room to move. There’s plenty to explore here – be sure to stop at the famously colorful Alkaff Bridge – shaped to look like a traditional light boat called a tongkang and painted in bright colors and patterns – and walk across the Jiak Kim Bridge right on the bend of the river. This area is also known for its food and beverage options, and you’ll find excellent examples of tacos, charcoal-roasted meat and Korean barbeque. Or trek all the way up the river to the Alexandra Canal, where you’ll find some excellent walking trails and picnic spots. Clarke Quay Further along the river between the Coleman and Read Bridges is Clarke Quay, named for the 19th Century Governor Sir Andrew Clarke. Once lined with warehouses and jetties, this area now forms the city’s main shopping and eating district, with the super-sized Clarke Quay Central shopping center and dozens of restaurants and cafes. There’s plenty to explore during the day – across the river is the photogenic Old Hill Street Police Station and behind that is the historic Fort Canning Park and the National Museum of Singapore – but it’s in the evening that this area comes really comes alive, as people flock here to enjoy warm evenings of music, clubbing and outdoor dining. Boat Quay The oldest of Singapore River’s quays, Boat Quay is the closest to the river mouth and marks the place where Sir Stamford Raffles first landed on the river banks. As a result, there are many historic buildings and landmarks in this area, including the Old Parliament Building, Victoria Concert Hall, the Asian Civilizations Museum, the Dalhousie Obelisk (marking the Marquis of Dalhousie’s visit to the city in 1850) and the statue of Sir Raffles himself. Take a leisurely stroll along the wide promenade and be sure to walk across the river’s oldest pedestrian crossing, the Cavenagh Suspension Bridge. The Marina Where the mouth of the Singapore River meets the sea, the stunning Marina Bay marks the place where the prince Sang Nila Utama was washed ashore and saw a strange creature he identified as a lion, thus giving the city its name of ‘Singa Pura’, or Lion City. It’s probably the most visited – and photographed – area of Singapore, starting from Merlion Square, where the regal and emblematic statue gazes out towards the iconic skyline features of the ArtScience Museum, the Marina Bay Sands Hotel and the Gardens by the Bay. It’s a spectacular place to watch the sun rise or set over the Singapore Strait, or simply just to wander around and soak up the atmosphere. Things to do Fortunately, the weather and daylight hours are pretty consistent throughout the year in Singapore, so it doesn’t really matter when you go. It’s always going to be humid, so undoubtedly the best way to experience the river is on it, where fresh breezes and water spray will cool you down. River Cruises in traditional bumboats will take you gently around the quays and the Marina for perfect waterfront pictures, or for something more adventurous try a Duck Tour in an amphibious vehicle. If you prefer two wheels, there are some great bike tours that take in all the river’s major attractions, or you could just hire a bike and do your own exploring. If you need some family fun, try a Puzzle Hunt in Fort Canning, or if you need a rest and fancy some ‘high’ life, grab a drink at the Ce La Vi SkyBar in the Marina Bay Sands Hotel, where you can look back and marvel over the entire length of the river and out to the sea. Cruise around Singapore with Go City Whether you prefer your views from rooftop bars, traditional boats or riverside restaurants, there’s always something to see on the Singapore River. Be sure to have your Go City Explorer or All-Inclusive Pass handy, so you’ll save on all your favorite attractions as you go!
Karleen Stevens

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