Relaxing Things to do in Singapore

By Dom Bewley
Relaxing Things to do in Singapore

Sometimes we all just need to relax. Life's hard, you know? That's especially true on vacation. No matter where you go, you'll always want some time to put your feet up and just breathe. We understand. Even on holidays when you can see and do so much, it's good to pepper in some quiet time.

So let's talk about Singapore. Yes, there are a lot of amazing experiences there, but which of them are truly relaxing? Let's explore the best relaxing things to do in Singapore and you can take your pick!

Including:

  • Gardens by the Bay
  • Historical Singapore Bicycle Tour
  • CÉ LA VI SkyBar
  • Cable Car Sky Pass
  • and more!
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Visit the Gardens by the Bay

Let's start our serene dream with some of the green stuff. No, not envy. We're talking about nature! Nothing beats the serenity of walking around a verdant space full of life and silence, and at the Gardens of the Bay, you'll find both in spades.

Over 101 hectares and filled with 1.5 million plants from all over the world, you'll explore indoor and outdoor gardens, lakes, conservatories, huge sculptures, artwork, and more. Its beauty is so widely known that you might even recognize it - many films and TV shows have filmed scenes amid its luscious flora.

Be sure to check out the Flower Dome, the world's largest glass greenhouse. Inside, you'll find displays representative of five continents, including 1000-year-old olive trees. And make sure you don't miss Cloud Forest - a display that takes you up into the clouds, with striking mountain views and a diverse range of plants. If you're looking for relaxing things to do in Singapore, it doesn't get much more relaxing than Gardens of the Bay.

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Try a Historical Singapore Bicycle Tour

One of the best bits of taking a vacation is seeing the sights and sounds of a new culture. But when you only have so much time to spend there, how do you fit all the greatest hits in? Well, you're in luck. Take this historical Singapore bicycle tour, and check off every single one from your itinerary!

You'll pass Chinatown, the Singapore River, Boat, Clarke & Robertson Quays, Kampong Glam, The Museum District, and more. And, thanks to your expert guide, you'll learn about the history of each location.

Another benefit of said guide is that, over your peaceful four-hour exploration of Singapore, you'll also get top tips on the tastiest local cuisine in the local markets. Food, exploration, and relaxation? Sign us up!

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Visit CÉ LA VI SkyBar at Marina Bay Sands

After all that busy cycling from one landmark to another, you might need to take a load off. And where better to kick back and sip on a cool refreshing drink than at a rooftop bar? Sounds good, right? Well, the good news is that CÉ LA VI has you covered. Visit their Skybar at Marina Bay Sands and have one on us. Literally.

Swagger into the VIP area, drink in the stunning views from the 360-degree rooftop, and drink up the complimentary drink you'll get on entry. And hey, if you decide to add a couple more before you leave, no judgment here.

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Enjoy a Cable Car Sky Pass

There are plenty of fantastic views in beautiful Singapore, but none of them quite match the spectacle of looking down from a cable car. See the skyline from a different perspective with a roundtrip journey above Singapore!

Your trip will take you from Mount Faber to Sentosa, Singapore's premier wonder park. You can travel during the day, or pass over the city lights at night. We might suggest the latter, because evening adventurers will also be treated to MIRACULOUS 2, a multimedia night show. Enjoy a kaleidoscope of lights projected onto a heart-shaped tree at Arbora if you're visiting after dark.

So sit back, relax, soak in the views, and take plenty of photos. That's an order! A relaxing order.

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Go on a Puzzle Hunt in Chinatown

If you want to ease your foot onto the pedal a bit, then why not try an easy-going scavenger hunt? On a Puzzle Hunt in Chinatown, you'll find just that.

Given that you'll play the role of advisor to the 'Toast King', you needn't worry about the hunt being overly serious. Sadly, this King of crispy bread has lost his memory, including the password to his treasure vault. And what's in that vault? Who knows? Could it be wealth beyond your wildest dreams? Possibly. Is it just piles of toast? Probably.

Your job is to comb Chinatown for clues, solve puzzles, and find the password. Then you and only you can unlock the Toast King's treasure vault. What will you find inside? You'll have to play to discover its secrets.

But it's toast. It's probably toasted.

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Wonder at a Night Safari

And finally, we end our list of the best relaxing things to do in Singapore with a trip to animal town. Next stop - animals. But not just any animals; animals at night time. That's right, ladies and gentlemen, this here's a night safari. And what could be more relaxing than seeing the likes of lions, leopards, hippos, tigers, and bears in pitch black? Right?

In all seriousness, it's a truly lovely experience. You'll see how all these animals behave when the sun goes down, from the comfort of a safe and secure vehicle. It's truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have your own nature documentary experience.

Trust us, you won't regret it.

And that was about rounds out our guide to the best relaxing things to do in Singapore! Looking for a wide variety of activities to experience when relaxation time is over? Check out Go City. With our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass, you can pick and choose the best of Singapore for one low price.

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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Best spas in Singapore

Think of Singapore, and certain experiences always come to mind – taking a selfie underneath the Supertrees, drinking a Singapore Sling in the historic Raffles Hotel, and watching the sunset from a traditional bumboat are all top-rated tourist traditions not to be missed. But for those of us who like a little luxury, there’s no better place than Singapore to pause for a bit of pampering and to shake off the jet lag. Whether you need some reflexology for tired feet, a romantic couples escape, a pool with a view or an invigorating scrub to rejuvenate your sun-soaked skin, you’ll find it all and more in Singapore. Here’s our recommendations for the best spas and experiences in the Lion City: The Thai Spa Aramsa Garden Spa Banyan Tree Spa St Gregory Spa at ParkRoyal Remede Spa at St Regis Auriga Spa at Capella Oasia Resort Sentosa Yunomori Onsen and Spa The Thai Spa Possibly the most famous spa in Singapore and certainly one of the most popular, The Thai Spa is located in Suntec City, a large, modern mall north of the river between Raffles Boulevard and Nicoll Highway. Here you can experience a traditional Thai massage, renowned for its use of yoga poses, aromatherapy and pressure points, or choose Thai reflexology, slimming therapies, a peppermint body scrub or Swedish, Balinese and Lomi Lomi massage. Couples can even luxuriate in a private rose honey milk bath jacuzzi, and everyone gets a private shower. Aramsa Garden Spa A bit of a trek – but worth it once you get there – the Aramsa Garden Spa is situated in Bishan Park, a 153-acre reserve along the banks of a former canal. The spa itself has 17 treatment rooms, all of which have their own private courtyard with outdoor showers and jungle backdrop, so it’s perfect if you want to get back to nature – or at least to escape the city for a while. Enjoy a mineral garden bath or rainforest shower with botanic views, then continue your nature escape with a walk around the park’s wandering paths, butterfly habitat and lotus pond. Banyan Tree Spa Head to the iconic Marina Bay Sands Hotel and on the 55th floor you’ll find the Banyan Tree Spa, there to offer you city escapism with an unmatchable view. From your treatment room you’ll be able to look out over the bay, perhaps down at the ArtScience Museum or Floral Fantasy, or even watching the sun set over the Supertrees in the Gardens by the Bay. After your pampering, have a wander around the oriental-themed water gardens then head up to the Ce La Vi SkyBar to enjoy more of the views with your favorite cocktail. St Gregory Spa at ParkRoyal This is a hotel spa with all the trimmings. Here you’ll find a rooftop infinity pool and jacuzzi with a cocktail bar to match, set in an architecturally stunning hotel complete with living balconies draped in greenery and colorful cabanas. Try a workout in the glass-walled gym-box or stroll along the 300-meter-long garden walk, looking out over Hong Lim Park and the city skyline. Try a treatment – they specialize in skin treatments and Chinese medicine – then complete your zen experience by joining a traditional tea ceremony at Tea Chapter, a short walk away in Chinatown. Remede Spa at St Regis It’s all about luxury at the St Regis, which is known around the world for its sumptuous décor and superb service. The spa features steam chambers, a Finnish dry heat sauna, a hydro massage pool and a Vichy shower. Guests will also be treated to exotic teas, champagne and the hotel’s own floral-scented chocolates. Treat yourself to a mani-pedi or a black soap and rhassoul hammam ritual (which involves a soft steam scrub with a face and scalp massage), stretch out on a warm, eucalyptus-scented marble slab and drift along in the heated outdoor whirlpool. Afterwards, take a tour of the hotel’s decadent décor and private art gallery, then top up on fresh air in the UNESCO World Heritage Botanic Gardens nearby. Auriga Spa at Capella Sentosa island is made for leisure lovers, with beaches, theme parks and luxury hotels aplenty. One of the best of those is the Auriga Spa at Capella, where you’ll find a herbal steam room, a vitality pool for full-body water massages and a relaxation lounge with ‘sound wave’ chairs. For treatments, you can choose from Balinese, Thai and Shiatsu massages, or a soothing Senja Sunyi massage which uses warm moon stones and scented body balm. Auriga uses only natural and organic products, and each of the treatment rooms has its own private, alfresco garden. It’s located on the south-western edge of the island, so once you’re done it’s an easy walk to spend the evening relaxing on the beach or watching the Wings of Time evening light show over the water. Oasia Resort Sentosa Another one on Sentosa, the Oasia offers some unique experiences including the cryotherapy facial, bamboo scrubs and ‘Mini-Me’ treatments for 13-16 year-olds. There’s also a meditation room which offers forest bathing therapy, and outdoor classes including pool aerobics and sunset yoga. The Oasia is in a convenient spot right in the middle of the island, so it’s easy to get there on the Mount Faber Cable Car and is close to Universal Studios, Madame Tussauds and most of the island’s beaches. Yunomori Onsen and Spa Located in the Kallang Wave Mall next to the National Stadium, Yunomori gets you relaxed and limber for your massage by offering a Japanese Onsen experience. The onsen baths are treated with hot spring minerals imported from Japan, and you can choose from soda, silk, bubble, jet and cold baths, each at varying temperatures. One admission fee gets you all day access to the onsen, steam rooms and saunas, and you’ll get a traditional milk drink to enjoy after your treatment. Just be sure to learn and follow onsen etiquette before you go – men and women bathe separately, always shower first, and note that underwear and swimsuits are not allowed – though you can take in a small towel or use disposable underwear if you want to. Treat yourself with Go City Singapore is a great place for a bit of pampering. Give yourself a boost on your next trip and grab your Go City Explorer or All-Inclusive Pass today!
Karleen Stevens
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Discover the top Singapore spring events 

Spring in Singapore is a delight. The months of March, April and May sit neatly within Singapore’s dry season. There’s therefore little rain, although the odd thunderstorm can still strike early on. At the same time, humidity is low and though sunny, Singapore in spring isn’t oppressively hot either. The result is a plethora of Singapore spring events to watch out for. They range from Vesak Day to the Singapore International Festival of Arts, meaning you won’t be left reeling for things to do. If you’re heading to Singapore in March, April or May, be sure to add these top events to your list of must-visit attractions! Spring cultural events in Singapore Usually taking place in early April, the Chinese festival of Qingming continues to have a powerful hold over Singapore. Normally translated into English as Tomb-sweeping Day, it’s best thought of as a day to celebrate lost loved ones. Families with Chinese ancestry across the island head to the gravesites of parents and grandparents. But far from being a somber occasion, Qingming is celebratory in nature. Tombs are cleaned and freed of vegetation, whilst gifts of food such as rice and wine are often brought as offerings. Easier to spot for passing visitors to Singapore in spring is the burning of paper money. Now often purposely bought ‘fake’ notes, burning the money allows it to ascend into the heavens for use by the ancestors. Very different in outlook is May’s Vesak Day. Commemorated by Singapore’s Buddhist communities, it’s sometimes also known as Buddha’s birthday. Marking the birth, enlightenment and death of the holy figure, adherents participate by laying flower garlands at temples and releasing birds in an act symbolizing generosity. Little India’s Temple of a Thousand Lights (Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya) helps lead the celebrations, and all are welcome. Getting out and about in Singapore in spring Equally hospitable but completely different again is Singapore’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations on or around March 17 of each year. The two day street festival takes place on Boat Quay in honor of Ireland’s patron saint. Centered around a parade which takes place on Circular Road, there’s lots of activities aimed at kids, alongside ample opportunity to grab a pint of Guinness. It would be rude not too after all! Spanning four weeks from May into June, the Singapore International Festival of Arts is one of the most popular events in Singapore. And with good reason. Matching the work of local artists with those from countries around the world, its performance schedule includes the traditional and the contemporary. The visual arts are well represented, but so is the theater, dance and music. Celebrating the rejuvenation of the Singapore River from polluted industrial water way to favorite hangout spot is the Singapore River Festival. Throughout April Boat Quay, Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay play host to a series of special events, in addition to their bar and restaurant terraces. They include workshops and movie screenings, as well as the chance to buy a specially prepared picnic hamper for those looking to linger. Explore the outdoors with Singapore spring events If you thought you had to head to Tokyo to experience sakura (cherry blossom season), think again. In recent years, Singapore has become a great alternative. Gardens by the Bay hosts a dedicated Sakura Japan Fair at the end of March. Visitors can take in more than 20 different species of flower in white and pink. There’s also a Japanese street fair, tea ceremonies and various other events linked to the land of the rising sun. But the essence of sakura can also be enjoyed at several other locations thanks to Singapore’s reputation as a garden city. Jurong Lake Park to the west of downtown is one spot, alongside the largely unknown Japanese Cemetery Park in residential Hougang. Then take advantage of the clear blue skies to enjoy the open-top ride of Big Bus Singapore. A one day ticket puts you in easy reach of many of Singapore’s top attractions, meaning there’s no excuse for missing Singapore Botanic Gardens or even a drink in the famed Raffles Long Bar. Don’t forget about Singapore’s incredible museums! The weather outside might be perfect, but you shouldn’t forget about Singapore’s museums. The country’s oldest is the National Museum of Singapore, an organization dedicated to detailing the history, art and culture of Singapore and Singaporeans. Standing pride of place on Stamford Road, it contains thousands of fascinating artefacts, from ancient carvings to seats from Singapore Airlines first A380. Although small, The Battlebox (the popular name for Fort Canning bunker) is no less fascinating than the National Museum for history lovers. It focuses on the sometimes-traumatic events of the Second World War in Singapore. Delving over nine meters beneath Fort Canning Hill, it was used as a British command post before the island surrendered to Japanese forces. Today it’s set up to depict the last days in the Battle of Singapore, having been lost and then rediscovered in 1988. Switching away from Singapore’s illustrious history, the ArtScience Museum intertwines these two disciplines in 21 galleries located within the lotus flower building at Marina Bay Sands. Its 6,000 square meters of exhibition space are given over entirely to temporary exhibitions, meaning you never quite know what to expect. The world of Harry Potter, photography of Annie Leibovitz and Egyptian mummies from the British Museum have all featured previously. How to save on Singapore attraction admission We all want our money to stretch further. And now it can. Travel with Go City in hand and you can make savings on admission to many of Singapore’s top attractions. From art galleries to puzzle hunts we’ve got you covered! So why not check out whether our All-Inclusive or our Explorer pass is right for you? Then share your adventures in Singapore with us by tagging @GoCity or using the hashtag #GoCity on your socials to feature on our Instagram or Facebook pages. Here you’ll also discover all the latest news from Go City, alongside exclusive competitions, special offer deals and even suggestions for your next vacation!
Alex Birungi

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