Panorama of the Singapore skyline as sun rises with green space, the river and Marina Bay Sands

The best Singapore autumn events

By Alex Birungi

Wedged between the high jinks of summer and the sheer exuberance of the Christmas period, the autumn can get forgotten about. However, the months of September, October and November in Singapore have some incredible things going on. What Singapore autumn events can you expect to see?

How about the heady mix of grand prix celebrations, Deepavali (Diwali) and Halloween? And that’s just for starters! Stick with us as we explore all the autumn events you can experience in Singapore.

The Singapore Grand Prix

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Always one of the most anticipated races of the year, Formula One’s Singapore Grand Prix gets gear heads from across the world into a frenzy of motor racing eagerness. Witnessed by around a quarter of a million people trackside, the race is one of the biggest events in Singapore’s autumn calendar.

The first night race to make the Formula One season, and one of just a couple of street circuits, it sees the world’s foremost racing drivers battle it out on the same roads that usually see peak time traffic jams. The race may only be for professional drivers, but you can get a sense of what’s required by checking out Let’s Go Bike’s Marina Bay Night Bicycle Tour.

But beyond the three days of racing, totaling some 12 hours of action, the Singapore Grand Prix gets its own season. Lasting ten days, it offers up entertainment even to those who haven’t yet caught the racing bug. That’s due to around 90 shows by some of the top names in entertainment. Previous editions have seen the Black Eyed Peas, Westlife and TLC rock the main stage.

Singapore’s unmissable autumn cultural festivals

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What the Singapore Grand Prix is to motor racing, the Mid Autumn Festival is to cultural events in the country. A key celebration for Singaporeans with Chinese heritage, the festival is celebrated across much of Asia.

Marking the end of the traditional harvest period, look out for streets strewn with paper lanterns and stalls selling mooncakes. Specific to the celebrations, authentic versions of these delectable pastries are made with a red bean or lotus seed paste filling. However, you can now find everything from chocolate to champagne fillings when in Chinatown. Whilst there, don’t miss the chance to join a tea appreciation experience in a charming tea house.

A Hindu festival celebrating the victory of light over darkness, Deepavali is another fantastic Singapore autumn event. Head to Little India to soak up the color, sights and sounds, which include full-sized model elephants and peacocks (symbolizing abundance and wisdom).

You’ve also got the chance to catch displays of traditional dancing and the attractive streetside light displays. They begin appearing several weeks before the big day itself at the end of October. This gives visitors plenty of time to shop for flower garlands, admire the glitter of gold at jewelers and drink a mug of teh tarik (pulled milk tea) whilst awaiting a spot at a henna tattooist’s!

Things to do in Singapore in October

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For many, October is unapologetically the month of Halloween. But before this ghoulish festival comes around, Singapore sees the arrival of Oktoberfest. It doesn’t have a grand history in the country like Singapore Mid Autumn Festival or Deepavali. But we can’t think of much better than sipping a cool lager after a busy day of sightseeing.

Bars and restaurants participating in the revelry aren’t hard to find. When still in the mood, why not take a tour of the Tiger Brewery and discover what made this local brew a bestseller the world over.

Halloween lovers will be dying to explore Singapore towards the end of October. Head over to the pleasure island of Sentosa, off Singapore’s southernmost point, for Universal Studios Singapore’s annual Halloween Horror Nights. As well as haunted houses, expect themed laser tag games, a nightmare of ghostly goings on and plenty of additional surprises.

Elsewhere, the luxury tall ship the Royal Albatross turns ghost ship for a seaborn five-course monster-themed dinner, fancy dress competition and special access tours. If its desserts that really interest you, turn your attention instead to the Museum of Ice Cream. Temporarily renaming itself the Museum of I Scream, you can get your fill of fab flavors alongside a myriad of ghoulish festivities.

Singapore autumn events in November

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Starting in October but continuing into November, the Japanese Film Festival (JFF) brings the world of anime and Japanese thrillers to Singaporean screens. Launched way back in 1983, the JFF is one of Singapore’s longest running film events. Its curated selection of movies is designed with a blend of classic and contemporary screenings, meaning there’s almost certainly something for everyone.

That said, Francophiles might instead prefer November’s Violah France Singapore Festival. Organized with Gallic flare by Singapore’s French embassy, almost every day of the month has at least one event taking place, from exhibitions and concerts to food markets and sporting feats.

Art lovers can also celebrate with the Singapore Biennale, taking place each autumn and winter every second year. Created as an outlet for the country’s contemporary art scene, it features around 50 artists from countries as diverse as Iraq and Indonesia. Their work is displayed at the Singapore Art Museum.

What to pack for autumn in Singapore

Autumn in Singapore is still warm, with lows averaging 25°C and highs of around 32°C. Humidity levels are also quite high, meaning the bulk of your packing list should consist of summer friendly items such as loose-fitting trousers and tops.

At the same time, October and November in particular see heavy showers roll across the island in the afternoons or early evenings. Make sure you’ve got an umbrella to hand (raincoats are simply too hot to bother with) and plan to spend these hours at one of Singapore’s indoor attractions.

Singapore’s autumn events and top attractions await!

Singapore is packed to bursting with autumn events and has a long list of major attractions. You can keep your vacation budget under control by traveling with Go City. Our All-Inclusive and Explorer passes give holders reduced admission to attractions across the island, from museum entry to the top tours.

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Overhead view of colored warehouses and the river at Clarke Quay in Singapore
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Things to do in Clarke Quay

Despite its central location and world class airport, Singapore is more than just a place to pass through – it’s a buzzing, cosmopolitan city with many contrasting districts to explore. While the Marina may be where most people head first, if you’ve got time then it’s worth detouring off the main tourist trail for the historic and pretty waterfront promenades of Clarke Quay. Named for the 19th century Governor Sir Andrew Clarke, this slice of Singapore forms part of the Singapore River Precinct and was originally lined with warehouses and docks for the moving and unloading of goods up and down the river. It’s since been renovated and revamped, and now serves as a lively open-air entertainment and commercial district popular with locals and tourists alike. While you’re there, take the opportunity for: Retail therapy A historical bicycle tour A river cruise A walk to Merlion Park Nightlife Exploring Fort Canning Park Chinatown Retail therapy Clarke Quay Central is the first place you should head if you’re in the mood for a bit of bargain hunting. It’s an enormous riverside mall with five levels to explore, so whether you’re on the hunt for the latest fashion or need to stock up on ‘I went to Singapore’ shirts for the folks at home, this is the place to come. There are plenty of restaurants with riverside views, and if you haven’t filled your bags by lunch time there’s the Riverside Point Shopping Center and the Clarke Quay Shopping Mall nearby. Historical bicycle tour If you like to combine your history with movement, or find it all easier to take in when someone’s explaining it to you, how about joining a four-hour historical bike tour of the city? You’ll get to know the city from a local’s perspective by visiting a residential area and a local market, as well as learning about the city’s history through its districts, museums and monuments. Your tour will include a stop at Clarke Quay, so be sure to ask your guide for some hot tips on the best shops and restaurants to come back to! River Cruise One of the best ways to explore a riverside district is from the water itself – the same way the bargemen and dock workers would have done in the days of the warehouses. Take a break from shopping and exploring by joining a River Cruise in a wooden bumboat – traditionally used to ferry goods from ship to shore – and relax as you wind up the river from Clarke Quay to the Marina and back again, if you like. Sit back, enjoy the fresh river breezes and discover that there’s more to the Lion City than Supertrees and skyscrapers. If you time it right, you’ll be able to watch the sunset from the water. Walk to Merlion Park If you feel the need to stretch your legs, and want to see a bit of everything, take yourself on a self-guided tour from the Quay to Merlion Park. It’s about a mile, though a couple of diversions and photo stops will stretch it out a bit. Start at Clarke Quay Central and head across Elgin Bridge to cross the river. Stop and admire the painted warehouses on either side, then divert north for a glimpse of the rainbow-colored (and somewhat unmissable) Old Hill Street Police Station. From here you can either cross back and walk along Boat Quay, or take the northern side past the former Parliament House (now the Arts House), the Victoria Concert Hall and the marble statue of the city’s founder Sir Stamford Raffles, believed to mark the spot where he first landed in 1819. You’ll also pass the Asian Civilizations Museum, which has an extensive collection of artifacts showcasing the continent’s major religions. From there, cross over the historic Cavenagh Suspension Bridge to Merlion Park, where you’ll find the half-lion, half-fish emblem of the city presiding over a busy square on Marina Bay. Nightlife Clarke Quay may be a busy retail hub during the day, but it’s in the evening when things really start to come to life. Even overnight the temperature in Singapore barely dips below 75 degrees, and it can be humid, so the riverfront is the perfect place for a refreshing evening stroll. It’s lively here most nights, and alfresco dining choices include Japanese, Indian, Chinese, Thai and Western cuisines. After dinner there are plenty of bars and clubs that will be buzzing with activity – the famous club Zouk, in a converted warehouse, always has an impressive line-up of guest DJ’s, there’s a Holey Moley if you fancy a round of mini-golf, or for a late-night snack try Hai Di Lao, which serves a traditional Hot Pot until the very early hours. Fort Canning Park Cross over to the northern bank of the river and not far away you’ll find the enormous Fort Canning Park, a grassy hilltop which often hosts concerts and plays, but during the day is a history-hunter’s playground. You’ll find Raffles House and Garden, the Fort Canning Lighthouse and the Battlebox, which is an underground bunker and network of tunnels that was used as a hub for coordinating war efforts in the 1930s and 40s. If you find the park a little overwhelming or need a fun activity to do with your friends and family, try a Fort Canning Puzzle Hunt – play as a soldier to solve clues and learn about Singapore's military history as you explore the hidden secrets of this remarkable site. Chinatown Less than ten minutes’ walk from the river is Singapore’s oldest district, Chinatown, which is worth at least half a day of exploring. As well as finding plenty of shops and restaurants – selling everything from lucky cats to the city’s signature Hainanese chicken rice – you’ll find the impressively modern Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum. The district is also home to several of the city’s oldest temples, the oldest Chinese Tea House and several museums – though if you’re looking for more family-oriented entertainment you could try a Virtual Reality Experience or perhaps an Outdoor Escape Room puzzle hunt through the narrow, colorful streets. Explore Clarke Quay with Go City Whether you prefer indoors or outdoors, day or night, feet, water or wheels, there’s something for everyone in Singapore’s Clarke Quay district. Save money and see it all with Go City!
Karleen Stevens
Looking over Marina Bay in Singapore
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Famous hotels in Singapore

The Lion City is famous for many things – cleanliness, shopping malls and a famous cocktail, for a start. But when it comes to visual charms, Singapore is definitely up with the likes of New York and Paris for recognizable landmarks – there’s the iconic Supertrees, the world heritage botanic gardens and the charming yet fierce-looking Merlion statue. And we can’t forget, of course, its famous hotels – from neo-classic renaissance villas to modern skyscrapers with living walls, there’s much to admire in the luxury accommodation stakes. And whether you’re staying in one, or just there for a gawp, they’re all worth having a look at for their history, uniqueness or glamor – and sometimes all three! Our list of Singapore’s most famous hotels includes: Raffles Shangri-La Marina Bay Sands The Outpost Hotel Sentosa Oasia ParkRoyal on Pickering The Fullerton St Regis Raffles Dating from the early 19th century, this neoclassical colonial era building wins the prize for the most historic hotel in the city. Named for the city’s founder, Sir Stamford Raffles, the hotel has welcomed such illustrious guests as Charlie Chaplin, Sir Rudyard Kipling and Queen Elizabeth II, to name a few. Non-guests are welcome to visit and stroll along its many covered porticos, admiring the intricate white arches and surrounding forest of tropical palm trees. Get there on the yellow line of the Big Bus Tour, and be sure to stop by the famous Long Bar and sample the hotel’s signature cocktail, the Singapore Sling. Shangri-La As the name suggests, the Shangri-La is a utopian idyll tucked away in the heart of the city. Its three grand wings are enclosed in 15 acres of tropical gardens, pools and water playgrounds, and there are so many optional activities you could enjoy an entire holiday without leaving the hotel at all – although it would be a shame to miss the city’s official Botanic Gardens nearby. Despite its immensity and range of unique art installations, it’s probably most famous for being the first of Shangri-La’s world-renowned brand of luxury hotels, and for pioneering their signature brand of ‘Asian Hospitality’ – service characterized by humility, respect, helpfulness and sincerity. Marina Bay Sands Of all the iconic hotels in Singapore, the Marina Bay Sands may be the most recognizable – with its distinctive triple towers and surfboard-shaped terrace at the top, it probably appears in the background of more selfies than any other building in the city. Non-guests can pay a small fee to get to the top (or use your pass for access to the Ce La Vi SkyBar) where you’ll find the world’s largest infinity pool, and possibly a celebrity or two. 57 floors up is a marvelously lofty place to overlook the city, and you’ll have great views of Supertree Grove in the Gardens by the Bay and the nearby Floral Fantasy. While you’re there you can also check out the hotel’s own casino, celebrity chef restaurants, a shopping mall and the ArtScience Museum. The Outpost Hotel Sentosa Set on the island of Sentosa at the southern tip of the city, The Outpost Hotel Sentosa is recognizable for its curved exterior walls and living foliage that drapes like green frosting over the building. Here is the ultimate in luxury for grown-ups, as the adults-only rooftop infinity pool and bar transforms from a sun-drenched oasis during the day to a trendy chill-out bar at night. Overlooking the Singapore Strait, it’s the perfect place to sip a cocktail and watch the sunset – although if you do want to venture out, you’ll find Madame Tussauds, the S.E.A. Aquarium and southeast Asia’s only Universal Studios nearby. To complete your relaxation experience, get there via the cable car from Faber Peak and sit back as it takes you over the bay and the island’s lush coastal canopies. Oasia Hotel The Oasia Hotel in Downtown Singapore is instantly recognizable for its striking pink and green façade. Built by local architecture firm WOHA, the Oasia is a sleek and modern skyscraper designed around the concept of bringing green spaces to population dense areas. From the outside, it’s an imposing mixture of wood, stone, copper and foliage – from the inside, it’s like a multi-story tree house full of sky gardens, cool terraces and living walls – a perfect escape from the concrete jungle outside. ParkRoyal on Pickering Another offering from the minds at WOHA, from a distance the ParkRoyal on Pickering looks a bit like an alien starfighter – but up close it’s a marvel of modern architecture and innovative landscaping. Three towers encircle eight living balconies of gardens, waterfalls and reflective pools, decorated with colorful birdcage cabanas. All this is right in the middle of the busy city, about halfway between Chinatown and Clarke Quay. An unexpectedly green and curvy gem, the ParkRoyal must be seen to be believed. The Fullerton Champagne breakfast, anyone? That’s what awaits exclusive guests of the Fullerton Hotel overlooking Marina Bay. It’s a great spot for photographing the Marina Bay Sands Hotel, but it’s also a gorgeous building in its own right – it was built in the neoclassical style in 1928 and at various points in its history it’s been the home of the Singapore General Post Office, the Exchange, the Chamber of Commerce, and the prestigious Singapore Club. It was declared a national monument in 2015 and sits right at the tip of the Marina near the Jubilee Bridge. On the roof, where you’ll find a rich jungle landscape complete with hot tubs and pool, you can look over the Merlion Statue to the mouth of the Singapore River, or back across the city over Chinatown to Sentosa Island. St Regis The epitome of luxury with a price tag to match. Silk wallpaper, crystal chandeliers and marble bathrooms are just a taste of the opulence that awaits guests at the St Regis Hotel near. As well as all the amenities you’d expect the hotel also has its very own art collection, featuring pieces by Chagall, Miró and Picasso, no less. But perhaps it’s most famous for its butler service, reminiscent of an English stately home at the height of high society. If your dream holiday is to be awoken by a friendly face opening your drapes and bringing you coffee in bed, then expertly packing your case for your onward journey, this is the hotel for you. Travel in style with Go City Whether you’re staying in a luxury hotel or just stopping by for a peek, you’ll feel like the rich and famous with Go City. Grab your Explorer or All-Inclusive Pass today and get instant access to dozens of exclusive attractions around the city.
Karleen Stevens
Singapore Marina Bay Sands hotel
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