Family feeding elephants at Singapore Zoo.

Mandai Wildlife Parks All on One Pass Discount

​​​​If you want to get close to nature in Singapore (and we mean really, really close), there’s no better place to do so than at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve.
By Stuart Bak

This vast tract of rainforest and wetland in north Singapore contains several of the island's premier attractions, namely Bird Paradise, River Wonders, Singapore Zoo and the Night Safari. But why visit just one when you can tick off all four with a single discounted pass? Read on for our guide to the available multi-park ticket options and short summaries of what to expect from each attraction.

Bird Paradise

Keeper talk in the Crimson Wetlands at Bird Paradise
Image: Mandai Wildlife Reserve

Bird Paradise

Twitchers will be in their element in this kaleidoscopic paradise of technicolor plumage and tropical birdsong. Home to more than 3,500 birds, Bird Paradise is the newest of the Mandai Wildlife Reserve parks, having opened its gates in May 2023. Here’s where you can get up close to pretty pink flamingos, striking scarlet ibises, noisy laughing kookaburras, ostentatious Andean cocks-of-the-rock with their brilliant orange crests, and the majestic Philippine eagle. Your social feeds will never have looked so colorful.

It’s easy to while away an entire day exploring Bird Paradise, where eight immersive walk-through aviaries contain over 400 species across a whopping 42 acres. Say g’day to the emus in the Shaw Foundation Australian Outback, be dazzled by lories and lorikeets in Lory Loft., and experience two breathtaking daily presentations. Predators on Wings showcases apex predators of the avian world such as the bald eagle and cinereous vulture, while colorful parrots and charismatic hornbills are stars of Wings of the World.

Must-See Bird Paradise Zones

Kuok Group Wings of Asia exhibit at Bird Paradise
Image: Mandai Wildlife Reserve

Must-See Bird Paradise Zones

  • Kuok Group Wings of Asia – hornbills, spoonbills and other fascinating birds of Asia await in this tranquil paradise of tall bamboo grooves and paddy terraces.
  • Ocean Network Express Penguin Cove – king, gentoo, Humboldt and punky northern rockhopper penguins rule the roost in this multi-level habitat inspired by Australia’s Macquarie Island.
  • Nyungwe Forest Heart of Africa – the park’s largest aviary boasts over 80 African bird species, including starlings, bee-eaters and turacos.
  • Hong Leong Foundation Crimson Wetlands – a replication of the Latin American coastal wetlands that scarlet ibises, roseate spoonbills and American flamingos call home. 

Singapore Zoo

Malayan tiger

Singapore Zoo

Singapore Zoo is the reserve’s stalwart sensation, having spent the last half-century entertaining hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. The zoo’s open-plan format and tip-top conservation credentials have led to it being considered one of the very best on the planet. And, once you step inside, it’s not difficult to see why. Here’s where you can come face to face with over 4,000 cute, fearsome, majestic and downright weird creatures from Singapore and around the world. We’re talking everything from proud African lions and bashful white rhinos to two-toed sloths, Malayan flying foxes, golden-headed lion tamarins and stunning electric blue geckos.

Stare down an African painted dog (if you dare), grab a selfie with the orangutans and book a feeding session with the elephants, giraffes or zebras. There’s all this and much more across 12 epic zones.

Must-See Singapore Zoo Zones

Sloth at Singapore Zoo
Image: Mandai Wildlife Reserve

Must-See Singapore Zoo Zones

  • Fragile Forest – a tropical rainforest inside a 20,000 cubic meter biodome, Fragile Forest is home to golden-headed lion tamarins, colorful eclectus parrots, majestic Malayan flying foxes, tiger salamanders and more.
  • Wild Africa – meet the giants of the African savannah, among them, lions, giraffes, elephants and white rhinos.
  • RepTopia – slither into the zoo’s reptile house for scaly encounters with panther chameleons, bearded dragons, emperor scorpions, diamondback rattlesnakes and many more cold-blooded critters.
  • KidzWorld, aka the Home of Ranger Buddies – interactive water and sensory play, plus up-close animal encounters for kids.

River Wonders

Giant otters in the aquarium at River Wonders
Image: Mandai Wildlife Reserve

River Wonders

River Wonders showcases all the weird and wonderful creatures you might reasonably expect to find living in and around the world’s waterways. That means you’re just as likely to spot a graceful manatee or giant river otter as a prowling leopard or giant panda. The various zones are themed around some of the world’s biggest, most biodiverse rivers, including the likes of the Mekong, the Amazon, the Congo and the Ganges.

Take a meandering wander through its 30 acres, or hop aboard the Amazon River Quest boat ride to get a flavor of what’s in store. The Amazon Flooded Forest contains the world’s largest freshwater aquarium, where you can watch the manatees, giant otters, stingrays and other colorful riverine critters frolic under 10 meters of water. Hit up the Yangtze River zone to say hey to the giant pandas, and mosey up the Mekong to come face to fin with the biggest catfish on the planet.

Must-See River Wonders Zones

Manatees in the Amazon Flooded Forest at River Wonders
Image: Mandai Wildlife Reserve

Must-See River Wonders Zones

  • Amazon Flooded Forest –.the manatees and giant river otters in this vast aquarium are some of the park’s most popular residents.
  • Ganges River – meet the Indian gharial, a fearsome relative of crocs and alligators with a quite enormous snapping jaw.
  • Pavilion Capital Giant Panda Forest – don’t miss your chance to get up close to lovable giant pandas and their little red panda pals!
  • Amazon River Quest – embark on a boating adventure and look out for Amazonian wildlife in the dense vegetation.  

Night Safari

Tram experience on the Night Safari
Image: Mandai Wildlife Reserve

Night Safari

Not just any old zoo, the Night Safari is the world’s first nocturnal zoo, showcasing the crepuscular creatures that are most active around dusk and throughout the hours of darkness – around 900 animals across 86 acres of lush parkland. There’s a fun tram ride included in the price of your ticket, which provides a fine overview of the park: a wild 30-minute adventure that comes complete with a fascinating audio narration and allows you to catch a glimpse of the Nile hippos and Asian bull elephants. Or you can take to the safari trails to get even closer to the residents here.

Hit up the East Lodge Trail, where beasts of the African savannah come head to head with giants of the Asian tropics. We’re talking African aardvarks, white tigers, spotted hyenas, sloth bears and Cape buffalo. The Pangolin Trail offers a glimpse into the world of one of nature’s most extraordinary and elusive creatures, while indigenous cats from the Asian peninsula rule the roost along the Leopard Trail. Meanwhile, the fearsome Tasmanian Devil Trail shines a light on animals of Antipodean origin.

Must-See Night Safari Zones

Tasmanian devil

Must-See Night Safari Zones

  • Pangolin Trail – meet some of Southeast Asia’s native animals, including the Sunda pangolin, Asian small-clawed otter, common palm civet, leopard cat, and Sunda slow loris.
  • Leopard Trail – as well as leopards, this trail counts majestic Asiatic lions, huge Malayan flying foxes and ferociously cute bushbabies among its many inhabitants. 
  • East Lodge Trail – This intriguing trail will lead you to the crossroads of Africa and Asia, where the animals of the savannah and the tropics live side by side. 
  • Tasmanian Devil Trail –.putting the ‘wild’ in ‘wildlife’, the ferocious Tasmanian Devil is star of the show here. These screeching marsupials are joined on the trail by kiwis, wallabies, sugar gliders and more.
  • Creatures of the Night – see Mandai Wildlife Reserve ambassadors such as the Asian small-clawed otters and fennec fox display their natural talents in this stage show, and look out for the raccoon dog and bearded pigs.

Mandai Wildlife Parks All on One Pass – Discount

Clouded leopard

Mandai Wildlife Parks All on One Pass – Discount

General admission to all four Mandai wildlife parks is included with a Singapore attractions pass from Go City, meaning you get discounted entry on one pass. The Singapore pass also includes entry to bucket-list downtown and Sentosa landmarks including Gardens by the Bay and Universal Studios.

Alternatively, discounted multi-park passes are available direct from the Mandai Wildlife Parks website, where you can also buy tickets for add-on experiences such as feeding and animal-handling.

Continue reading

Woman eating freshly cooked takeaway dumplings inside a hawker center.
Blog

The Best Food Markets in Singapore

Singapore has a bit of an unfair reputation when it comes to cost. While it’s true that it may be expensive for expats living out there or visitors who want to stay in the top-tier hotels (hello, Marina Bay Sands!), it certainly needn’t be the case for your average vacationer. Case in point: you’ll find some of the best eating in the city’s 100+ legendary hawker centers, where authentic Singaporean, Malay, Chinese, Indian and Indonesian dishes start from a mouthwatering couple of Singapore dollars and rarely top more than six or seven bucks, meaning you needn’t ever really splash the cash to give your tastebuds a good time. Read on for our guide to the best food markets in Singapore. What is a Hawker Center? Hawker centers are embedded within Singapore’s very DNA. Here’s where you’ll find decades-old street food stalls that have been handed down through the generations; where locals queue for delicious, affordable meals and catch up on the local gossip over great steaming bowls of noodles, fragrant curries and melt-in-the-mouth grilled meat and fish dishes. There are over 100 of these centers – effectively covered, standalone food courts – dotted around the city, each hosting dozens of vibrant eateries. A literal feast for the senses, you can expect to see (and smell) suckling pig roasting on the spit, roast duck displayed tantalizingly in shop windows and plumes of aromatic smoke and steam rising from pots and griddles at every turn. There’s something to suit every palate here: sweet and savory, spicy and mild, hot and cold, meaty and meat-free – your only challenge is not to be drawn straight to the first stall you encounter by those utterly intoxicating aromas. Singapore Hawker Center Hints and Tips Hawker centers are dedicated standalone premises, usually covered but sometimes open-air and are not to be confused with what Singaporeans call ‘food courts’. Food courts are generally found inside shopping malls; they’re a little less characterful and a mite more expensive than hawker markets, but nevertheless a solid option if you’re out on a shopping spree. Many hawker stalls operate cash-only policies, so be sure to bring some cash as well as a big appetite. We recommend first-timers buy several different small dishes from multiple stalls to get a real (excuse the pun) flavor of what’s on offer. If a stall has a queue, that tends to be a sign the food is top-notch and that the wait will be worth it. Don’t pass busy stalls by! Don't be put off if you find hawker centers a little overwhelming – it really is worth persevering to unlock some of the fantastic flavors on offer within. If in doubt, you can always take a tour with a local guide to help you find your bearings. Singapore Hawker Food – What to Eat Even the most ravenous of visitors may find it difficult to work their way through all the excellent dishes Singapore’s food markets have to offer. But there are a few staples that we’d consider must-eats. Chili crab, for example, is (unofficially) Singapore’s national dish. This stir-fried sensation – crab drenched in spicy sweet-and-savory-sauce – is as ubiquitous as it is delicious and you’ll find it in any hawker center worth its salt. Then there’s sticky skewers of pork and chicken marinated in umami peanut sauce. Again, available everywhere. Other popular favorites include Indian-influence roti canai – a buttery, crumbly melt-in-the-mouth flatbread served with a variety of curry sauces – BBQ pork with rice, pungent fish head curry and chicken with rice. Make like a local and join the morning ritual of spiced teh tarik (tea) or kopi (coffee) sweetened with condensed milk. Feeling adventurous? Turn up the heat by seeking out some of the nation’s most out-there delicacies, among them pufferfish, live octopus and, for the bold gourmand only, fried pigs’ fallopian tubes in spicy kung pao sauce. Nom. Best Hawker Centers in Singapore And now for the main course, the entrée, the bit you’ve all been waiting for: our pick of some of the finest food markets in Singapore. Tuck in! Lau Pa Sat Oozing old-school Singapore charm, the Landmark Lau Pa Sat market is as well known for its distinctive octagonal shape and colonial-style architecture as it is for its satay. Find a spot beneath the soaring wrought-iron Victorian arches and tuck into a huge variety of international cuisines, including Vietnamese, Filipino, Korean and more. East Coast Lagoon Food Village Singapore’s only beachside hawker center provides the picture-perfect setting for a sweet sugar cane juice, fresh coconut or ice-cold Tiger beer. Hit up Song Kee Fried Oyster at stall 15 for perfectly fluffy omelets packed with local oysters and drizzled with a fiery chili sauce. Newton Food Centre Perhaps best known for its appearance in the movie Crazy Rich Asians, this vibrant market near Newton MRT station boasts over 100 stalls serving up some of the best seafood dishes in town. Order spicy sambal stingray in banana leaf for the win. Hong Lim Market and Food Centre Hong Lim is one of the more easily navigable Chinatown hawker centers (more so than the sprawling Chinatown Complex, in any case), so a good option for novices. Authentic Singaporean cuisine abounds here. Try pork braised with Chinese five spice, zingy laksa with crayfish or Teochew porridge served with a variety of meat, fish, veg, eggs and sauces. Clementi 448 Market and Food Centre The long queues at Fried Carrot Cake in Clementi 448 are a dead giveaway. This very literally named hawker stall is something of a local legend around these parts, having been around for over half a century. First things first though: this moreish Singaporean classic (pictured above) has no carrot in it and nor is it really a cake, at least not in the Western sense of the term. But don’t let that (or the queue) put you off this unmissable piping hot melée of sweet, spicy cubed radish cake, egg, garlic and chili sauce. Delish. Old Airport Road Food Centre A little off the beaten track on Singapore’s east coast, the Old Airport Road Food Centre is nevertheless well worth the effort for its vast selection of stalls serving up everything from crab to carrot cake, satay to sambal, dumplings to duck. With close to 200 hawkers to choose from, good luck deciding what you’re going to eat! Tekka Centre This Little India landmark, handily located right next to the MRT station, specializes in Indian food. Head here to make all your dosa dreams come true, and for tandoor grill feasts fit for a maharajah. Tekka Centre is part hawker center, part mall and part wet market, so there are plenty of opportunities for souvenir-hunting and soaking up the old-school Singapore vibes after lunch. Adam Road Food Centre This diminutive hawker center is pretty much right next to the Singapore Botanic Garden, a 200-acre oasis of vibrant flora and tropical rainforest. Work up an appetite with a stroll around the shores of Swan Lake and a visit to the National Orchid Garden before heading to Adam Road for a well-earned laksa. Changi Village Hawker Centre Aromatic nasi lemak, an utterly life-altering dish of rice, coconut milk, chili sauce, crispy anchovies, peanuts and egg, is the one to try here. Located on the island’s northeastern tip, Changi might feel slightly out on a limb, but no day tripper could fail to be charmed by this cute coastal village’s excellent Malay cuisine, fine sandy beaches and lush palm groves. 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
Gardens by the Bay Singapore
Blog

How to Save Money in Singapore

There’s no denying that Singapore is an expensive city. It’s home to some of the most luxurious properties and facilities on the planet, so you’d expect to pay a premium. That being said, everyone wants more for their money. We’ve compiled a list of our best strategies for saving money in Singapore. Avoid the busiest months in Singapore While Singapore’s a year-round destination, some months are better than others. Avoid the busy months if you want to get the most out of your visit. High Season - June-July and February. The shops are full, some attractions charge a higher entrance fee, and accommodation costs more. The weather is perfect though, so it all depends on your travel budget. Low Season - August-November. The weather may be a little chillier, with more rainy days, but it’s still glorious. The streets are less crowded, you’ll have more room to breathe in the shops, and restaurant reservations will be easier to make. It’s the perfect time to visit for budget travelers. September - The Formula 1 race comes to town, and it gets busy! Accommodation prices also spike. Visit during Singapore’s Sale Season Visiting Singapore during the sale season can be one of the best decisions you make. Take advantage of huge discounts, explore a multicultural city, and shop till you drop. It lasts only 4 weeks from June to July and, during this time, many shops are open late and offer huge discounts. Singapore’s shopping scene is among the best in the world, with world-class shopping malls and boutiques all around the city. You’ll find designer clothes, top fashion labels, electronics, souvenirs, and much more. Keep in mind, this bustling city can be overwhelming for first-time visitors. If you don’t like crowds, the sale season may not be for you. Explore Singapore’s many beaches A visit to Singapore isn’t complete without taking a dip at one of the island’s beautiful beaches, and it costs nothing to soak in a few rays. Whether you prefer long stretches of white sand, secluded coves, family-friendly locations, or water sports, Singapore has just what you need. Here are some of our favorites, so you can make the most of your beach holiday. East Coast Park is Singapore’s most popular beach, so it gets very crowded on weekends. This is where locals flock to for BBQs and beach sports. It’s also a very family-friendly beach with a playground and ample space for running and cycling. Changi Beach is another popular attraction for tourists. The beach is fringed by shops and restaurants, making it a glorious spot for picnic lunches. As well as beach sports and activities, you’ll also find plenty of places to chill out and relax. Siloso Beach is a favorite with families and kids. The beach has many shaded areas and a playground, making it perfect for children to play and for parents to relax. If you’re traveling with young children, this is the place for you. Tanjong Beach is along one of the island’s most scenic coastlines. It’s a popular spot for swimmers because of the calm blue waters, and the white sand is perfect for lounging the days away. Make the most of Singapore’s free viewpoints It doesn’t cost a penny to take a photo, and Singapore’s full of great viewpoints to get some insta-worthy shots. Here are three free viewpoints you should add to your bucket list. Changi Point Ferry Terminal This 118-year-old ferry terminal is perched on top of a cliff overlooking Changi Bay and is a great place to enjoy a sunset with your loved ones. There is also a coffee shop at this viewpoint that sells cheap food and drinks. Mount Faber Take a hike up to the top of Mount Faber for a spectacular view of the city below. Time it for sunset and treat yourself to one of the best views in the country. It’s also where you take the cable car across to Sentosa island, so it should definitely be on your itinerary. Fort Canning Hill This heritage park in Singapore’s Central Business District offers stunning views of the Marina Bay skyline and Gardens by the Bay. It’s also home to several cultural attractions, such as the National Orchid Garden and Fort Canning Museum. Shop around for Kids Eat Free deals around Singapore Kids Eat Free (KEF) deals are a common marketing ploy used around the world by restaurants to attract customers. These deals usually come as a 2-for-1 or 3-for-1 meal deal where the kids eat for free with the purchase of an adult meal. However, some places offer other deals, such as free meals for children on weekends or discounted meals for kids during certain times of the day. As Singapore’s a major touristic destination, everyone’s vying for your business. Take advantage of this, and save some Singapore dollars, by shopping around for excellent meal deals. Enjoy happy hour savings in Singapore’s many pubs and bars Singapore’s not the cheapest place to go for a bar crawl. With a high tax on alcohol, plus goods and service tax, your bar bill can quickly spiral out of control. If you want to enjoy a tipple in the sunshine, you’ll want to shop around for a happy hour deal. Luckily they’re plentiful, all over the city. Some, like Al Capone’s Ristorante & Bar, run all day, while others have specific hours, usually ending by 8 PM. Depending on the deal, you could save up to 50% on your entire bill. The promotions are always changing, so do a quick online search when you land to find the best deals around. Sample Singapore’s delicious and varied street food Singapore’s a cosmopolitan city with a diverse population and a myriad of cultures, which is reflected in the street food that’s on offer. Singapore cuisine is a blend of traditional Malay, Chinese, Indian, and European cuisines, and the food scene here is constantly evolving to reflect new tastes and preferences. Hainanese chicken rice: This is a popular dish in Singapore, which originated from Hainan Island in China. This dish usually comprises poached chicken served with rice cooked in chicken broth, ginger, and garlic. Hainanese chicken rice is usually served with chili and soy sauce, and it’s common street food in Singapore. Bak kut teh: A soup dish that originated in China. The ingredients include pork ribs, knuckle, belly, and tendon, and Chinese herbs such as ginseng. Chilli crab: A popular dish in Singapore and Malaysia. The ingredients usually include crab cooked in a thick, spicy chili sauce. Laksa: This dish usually comprises coconut milk, rice noodles, lemongrass, shrimp, fishcakes, egg, prawns, bean sprouts, and chili paste. Roti prata: This popular flatbread originated in Malaysia. It’s usually eaten with curry. You can eat it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Singapore’s food scene is diverse, and it’s one of the best in the world. There are thousands of food stalls with hundreds of different dishes to try. Be adventurous and indulge in the variety of food halls and street vendors. A top tip, which applies to any city around the world, is to go where the locals go. If you see a food stall surrounded by locals, that’s a sign the food is both delicious and reasonably priced. Download local apps for food delivery around Singapore If you’re in Singapore for any length of time, you can download apps for ordering food deliveries. This is handy if you’re in town for an extended period, or maybe it’s a rainy day and you don’t want to leave the comfort of your hotel. Here are some of the food apps you can download for Singapore: FoodPanda This food-delivery app lets you order food from over 500 restaurants in Singapore. FoodPanda delivers your food from restaurants to the location of your choice in Singapore, whether you’re at home or in your workplace. Deliveroo Deliveroo is a food-delivery app that lets you order food from over 800 restaurants in Singapore, including fast food, salad, coffee, dessert, pasta, and pizza delivery. Deliveroo delivers your food from restaurants to the location of your choice in Singapore, whether you’re at home or in your workplace. GrabFood GrabFood is a food-delivery app that lets you order food from a vast range of eateries, including hawker fare to Michelin restaurants. GrabFood delivers island-wide and even lets you order up to 2 days in advance. It’s also worth checking online when you’re in Singapore to see if there are any active promo codes. There’s usually a discount on your first purchase, and various promotions depending on the time of year. Get a local prepaid SIM card for cheap calls and data in Singapore While there’s Wi-Fi in most cafes and bars, it can make your trip that much easier, safer, and less stressful if you have data on your phone. Checking opening times, directions, and even language translations can all save you headaches while you’re out and about exploring. While you could pay for an expensive data roaming package through your domestic provider, it’s usually much cheaper to pick up a local prepaid SIM upon arrival. There are 3 big network providers in Singapore: SingTel, M1, and StarHub. They each offer a tourist SIM and are all available at Changi Airport when you arrive. Shop around between them to find the best deal based on your time in Singapore, if you’ll be traveling to nearby countries, and your expected data usage. The benefits of getting an EZ Link Card in Singapore The EZ Link Card is Singapore’s contactless transport card you can use to travel on public transport. It’s handy for tourists because it’s one card for use on all buses, trains, and MRTs. With all the EZ Link services available, it makes navigating Singapore a breeze, plus it’s much cheaper than taking taxis everywhere. All you need to do is scan your EZ Link card at the nearest station or bus stop and hop on. Topping up your card balance is simple, with machines at any MRT station, bus interchange, or selected convenience stores around the city. You’ve got plenty of other options to top up, including via debit cards, credit cards, cash, or via the official app on your phone. Save on Admission to Top Singapore Attractions Explore the best things to do with a pass for Singapore by Go City®. Select from top attractions with our All-Inclusive and Explorer passes, where you’ll enjoy access to galleries, museums, tours much more. Share Your Adventure with Us Tag @GoCity in your vacation photos and we’ll feature you on our page. Follow the Go City Instagram and Facebook channels for exclusive competitions, special offers, and events to help you make the most of your travels.
Adam Fraiel
Wide view - green and pink blossom of trumpet trees with row of skyscrapers on horizon
Blog

Singapore in March

You must have seen the Merlion - half lion, half fish - the symbol of Singapore? Created in 1964 to represent the city’s growth (from a humble fishing village to a powerful beast), its constant spout of water represents good luck and prosperity. Happily it’s your good luck to visit Singapore in March! With children busy at school the world over, it’s a great time to take advantage of affordable fares and enjoy an adult break. Why is March the best time to visit Singapore? Here’s why, including... • Weather in March in Singapore • Cherry blossom in Singapore • Singapore Jazz festival • St Patrick’s Day in Singapore • Adult activities in Singapore • Outdoor activities in Singapore March weather in Singapore Early spring in Singapore is perhaps the best time for sight-seeing. As the north-east monsoon peters out and temperatures start to climb, March sees the least amount of rain, the lowest humidity and the most sunshine. Pleasant dry weather - without the extreme heat and humidity of summer? And less crowds too? It’s a win all round. Sakura Matsuri at Gardens by the Bay If you hanker for Hanami (the traditional custom of enjoying the transient beauty of flowers), visit Singapore in March to experience the unforgettable sight of the Sakura Matsuri Floral Display. In Japan, cherry blossom (Sakura) has long been a national obsession, representing renewal - but also symbolic of the fleeting nature of life - and attracting both locals and tourists to witness the beauty of the delicate blooms. In recent years however, more and more visitors have also flocked to Singapore where the heavy rains of the preceding month and the springtime heat bring about the perfect conditions for blossom to bloom. The refreshing pink blooms of the local trumpet trees line the roads and everywhere else. But for the main event and the most Insta-worthy photo opportunities, don’t miss the magical displays at the Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay. Catch cherry and peach blossoms in mankai condition (that’s full bloom!) and be entranced by the canopy of picture-perfect pink and white blooms that drift down in perfect pastel clouds. For lovers of Japanese culture the exhibition goes all out, with a host of other traditional displays. Pose for photos by majestic red torrii gates and alongside cute Tokidoki cartoon characters. Be wowed by wagasa (colourful umbrella displays). And ensure your shots are framed by perfectly placed marumado (traditional circular windows). Remember that’s all in addition to the breathtaking displays in the Cloud Forest and Floral Fantasy areas, so you’re guaranteed a fabulous day, fuelled by flower power! Singapore Jazz festival From bloomers to crooners, the annual International Jazz Festival (otherwise known as ‘SingJazz’) is another reason to visit Singapore in March. But whatever you dooby-dooby-do, don’t be put off by the title, as in recent years Marina Bay Sands has played host to world-renowned artists from all sorts of genres - hip-hop-jazz, acid-jazz, soul-funk, reggae - and more. Groove on down for three nights of al-fresco entertainment and, whilst you’re about it, take time to kick back at one of the best rooftop bars in Singapore. Live life like a celebrity at the luxurious CÉ LA VI Skybar, where an All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass from Go City lets you savour a complimentary drink along with sweeping views from the 57th floor. St Patrick’s Day in Singapore Singapore’s inclusive multi-cultural community means there’s always a different festival or holiday to celebrate and the Irish national day on March 17th is no exception, with enthusiastic ex-pat pub-crawls and a colourful parade (led by an inexplicably non-Irish convoy of Harley-Davidsons!) If you’ve the luck of the Leprechauns you might be around to enjoy the two-day St Patrick’s Day Street Festival held on the streets of Boat Quay. Wear green (even the Singapore River is dyed green for the occasion) and get ready for folk music, Irish dancing and hearty Irish stews washed down with gallons of Guinness. If that’s given you a taste for the hard stuff - or you’re simply taking advantage of a grown-up vacation - don’t stop at the black gold (as Guinness is often known). Singapore is also famous as the home of Tiger Beer, the golden draught served in over 60 countries.You can take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Tiger Brewery and learn the secrets of the production process which involves 200 quality checks. Then try your hand at pouring the perfect pint before tasting complimentary locally-brewed beers at a beer appreciation session in the Tiger Tavern. If you’re feeling really sophisticated, what could be classier than sipping on a ‘Singapore Sling’ in the bar where it was invented? Clink cocktails in the Long Bar at the Raffles Hotel, or sashay out to the lushly-landscaped courtyard of the Raffles Arcade. The iconic gin-based cocktail (which also includes cherry brandy and Benedictine) was created by Mr Ngiam Tong Boon, a bartender at the Raffles Hotel, back in 1915, but, over 100 years later, you can still enjoy the same standards of service, stunning surroundings and drinks to die for. Chin chin! A J Hackett Sentosa Giant Swing It may be that you need some of that Dutch courage for one of the best adult activities in Singapore - the AJ Hackett Skypark. Back in the 80s New Zealander AJ Hackett recreated a Pentecost Island ritual where islanders threw themselves off wooden platforms with a vine tied to their ankle and, after he shot to fame jumping off the Eiffel tower, bungy-jumping was born. You can bungy jump in Singapore too if you dare - or (for over-14s and not for the faint of heart) pick up a ticket for the AJ Hackett Sentosa Giant Swing. Strap in safely then swoop, screaming, towards Silosa Beach at 120km/h. To get your breath back, soak in the scenery and snap some selfies, as you stroll the 40km walkway of the Skybridge, with see-through sections to get your heart racing all over again. Outdoor activities in Singapore Its location right on the equator means it's often so hot and humid in Singapore that during the summer months any prolonged activity outdoors can feel like hard work. Which is why comparatively mild March is a great time to get out to see and do. Puzzle Hunt Singapore A Puzzle Hunt activity is one easy way to discover different parts of the city whilst having fun at the same time. Whether you take on the challenge as a couple, a group or a family, it’s an immersive combination of ‘choose your own world’ role play and outdoor escape room, where the outcome of the adventure depends on the choices you make along the way. Puzzle Hunt in Chinatown will see you scouring the streets for clues, whilst learning about Chinatown’s history, heritage and hawker culture (the 260 stalls in the Chinatown Complex Food Centre combine community with unmissable culinary treats.) There are different brainteasers to battle when you Ransack Little India, searching for a hidden treasure chest whilst discovering the area’s unique landmarks. Or, maybe you’ll choose to look and learn amongst the sprawling lawns and nine gardens of Fort Canning Park, with a military themed Ransack Fort Canning puzzle experience. Wherever you choose to explore, you’ll see the sights whilst finding out fascinating facts at your own pace and claim a prize at the end. What are you waiting for? Nature Kayaking at Pulau Ubin If you’re looking for a respite from the city’s hustle and love to get back to nature, another classic Singapore experience to pull in before the humidity hits is a kayak tour of Pulau Ubin. Just a 15 minute bumboat ride from Changi Point Ferry Terminal, this verdant island off Singapore’s northeast coast feels like half a world away and is one of only two remaining kampongs (traditional villages) in Singapore. Embrace the tranquility of the open water as you paddle past a natural paradise of lush greenery and thriving mangroves, looking out for kingfishers, herons, otters and more flora and fauna. Explore the coast and the island’s mangroves over a four-hour adventure towards Ketam Island. On land, for the adventurous, hiking and mountain bike trails criss cross the island. Maybe you’ll visit the weathered temples and shrines, or simply relax in the peaceful coastal surroundings. Remember there are no ATMs so take along enough money to rent a bike, enjoy a traditional meal, or quench your thirst with a coconut. Bliss. We hope you’ve enjoyed our whistle-stop tour of just some of the sights and sounds that await you in Singapore in March - and all year round. To make sightseeing easier, why not download the Go City app to keep track of all your adventures? Happy travels!
Jo Cooke

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