Singapore in April

By Jo Cooke
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Spring into spring in Singapore! If you’re wondering where to go in April, it’s the perfect destination for guaranteed sunshine, plus endless ways to have fun - from family friendly activities to traditional festivals, natural wonders to urban adventures. With most schools around the world taking a break from class, April is the perfect time for a family vacation to discover Singapore’s mesmerising mix of vibrant city life, cultural diversity, lush rainforest and balmy beaches.

Stick around for a whistle-stop tour of what to do in Singapore in April including:

• April weather in Singapore

• Gardens by the Bay

• April festivals in Singapore

• Family activities in Singapore:

  • Big Bus Singapore
  • Universal
  • Sentosa Adventureland
  • Adventure Cove Waterpark
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April weather in Singapore

As you might expect from somewhere so close to the equator, the outlook is always bright in Singapore and April is within the dry season, with minimum rainfall and maximum sunshine. With temperatures averaging 32oC (89oF) and humidity relatively low, compared to the sweaty highs of the summer months, it’s a great time to slather on the suncream and make the most of outdoor sights. There may be a few rumbles of afternoon thunder but the only time you’ll need a sweater is for the welcome air conditioning of malls and indoor spaces.

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Can I still see cherry blossom in Singapore?

March is peak cherry blossom season, but the beginning of April usually sees the last days of the Sakura Matsuri festival at Gardens by the Bay. You may be lucky enough to still catch the delicate blooms but remember that hanami (cherry blossom viewing) is all about celebrating the transient. Even if the cherry blossom is falling and fading, there’ll still be photo opps a-plenty with the pink blooms of the native trumpet trees still likely to be lining roads and parks across the city.

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Gardens by the Bay

Whether or not you’re in time for the blossoms you can still get your Floral Fantasy fix in the Gardens by the Bay themed flower garden landscapes - Dance, Float, Waltz and Drift.

And there are more abundant blooms in the Gardens by the Bay Flower Dome and Cloud Forest. The Flower Dome’s colossal conservatory holds the Guinness World Record for the largest glass greenhouse - that’s the same size as 75 Olympic swimming pools (by volume) so, frankly, a fair few flowers.

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Discover plants from the days of the dinosaurs in the Cloud Forest where tropical plants - and a 35-metre tall waterfall - tumble down from the treetop walk through layers of mist. Then explore an even more alien environment in the Avatar Experience, a unique walk-through environment within the Cloud Forest where you can marvel at the bioluminescent landscapes, follow in the footsteps of the Na’vi and encounter a baby Banshee and other creatures from Avatar: The Way of Water.

Maybe you’ll take advantage of the pleasant spring temperatures to wander the acres of outdoor gardens that sweep down to the waterfront - from the peaceful lawns of Bay East, to rock, heritage and sculpture gardens, to the zen-like space of the Serene Garden.

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And you really can’t miss the 18 soaring Supertrees that have become a recognisable symbol of Singapore. These 50M-high, sustainable, vertical gardens feature 162,000 plants, provide shade and even harvest energy. To see them up close, whizz up to the observatory, then stroll the OCBC Skyway, a 128m long walkway suspended between the trees that sets you up for a postcard perfect aerial shot of the gardens and Marina Bay. When darkness falls, prepare to be dazzled as the supertrees dance to the music, lights and lasers of the twice-nightly Garden Rhapsody Show.

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Easter in Singapore

Singapore’s multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, multi-cultural diversity means there is always something to celebrate and, true to form, April sees a variety of special religious and cultural festivals.

Easter is a public holiday observed by Singapore’s sizeable Christian community - from Palm Sunday parades, via the solemn services of Good Friday, to the celebrations of Easter Sunday. Prepare to feast on roast lamb to represent the belief of Jesus being the lamb of God, slain for the sins of the world. And don’t get hot or cross when you try hot cross buns (British spiced cinnamon bread with a cross-shape baked into the top.)

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Ramadan in Singapore

The ninth month of the Islamic holy calendar - at least some of which usually falls in April - is also observed as a month of prayer, fasting and community by the Muslim community.

If you’re visiting the city you might want to make a fascinated (but respectful) visit to the Ramadan bazaar at Geyland Serai, a night market that sparkles with light and sells food and festive items for Muslims breaking their 12 hour fast. Tickle your tastebuds with the Singapore version of a Ramly burger (a meat patty wrapped in an eggy parcel), Roti John (an omelette baguette sandwich) and keropok lekor (a kind of fish sausage!)

Since it’s customary to makeover homes and wardrobes during Ramadan, you can also expect to see stalls selling beautiful home wares, Islamic art, fabrics, fashions and sandals for adults and children.

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Hari Raya Puasa (or Eid al Fitr) marks the end of Ramadan and is joyfully celebrated in April or May. Children sometimes receive green envelopes of money from visitors, families wear new clothes (in Singapore often in matching colours!) and go to the mosque to pray.

After a month of fasting it’s hardly surprising that the emphasis is on feasting so look out for spicy delicacies like ketupat, lontong, nasi padang and beef rendang, and sweet treats like kueh bangkit and butter cookies. Feel free to greet Muslim friends with “Selamat Hari Raya!” - “Happy Celebration Day!”

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Qingming festival

Early April in Singapore sees Chinese communities celebrating Qingming (Ching Ming) festival - literally meaning ‘clear and bright festival’ but also known as ‘tomb-sweeping day’ - which denotes the beginning of springtime.

Chinese families visit the graves of their loved ones to clean and tidy them and present gifts of food, wine and incense (which, once the spirits have received them, are taken home again to be enjoyed!) You might witness the custom of burning paper gifts - money or drawings of material goods - to ensure the well-being of ancestors in the afterworld - though be aware that it’s a private family celebration, not a public spectacle, and that photographs are not welcome at cemeteries.

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To get your head around the many festivals and cultural traditions, why not take time out at some of Singapore’s fascinating museums? The new four-story Indian Heritage Centre is packed with information, education and activity spaces to fill you in on Indian and South Asian history and culture. The Sun Yat-Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall explains Chinese history and the Asian Civilisations Museum ties it all together, explaining the historic connections between the diverse cultures through fascinating displays and artefacts.

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World Gourmet Summit

If you’re a foodie you might want to plan your April itinerary around the World Gourmet Summit, Singapore’s celebration of fine cuisine, excellent wines and unforgettable dining experiences. Not to be confused with the Singapore Food Festival which takes place in the summer, this annual line-up of events includes tastings at some of Singapore’s best restaurants, gastronomic talks from world-renowned Michelin starred chefs, hands-on workshops - and generally the chance to indulge in the very best cuisine.

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Things to do with the family in Singapore

If that flock of festivals has left you all cultured out, maybe it’s time to focus on family-friendly options in Singapore. With schools around the world generally on vacation in April and the younger generation looking to be entertained, we’ve got you covered.

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Big Bus Singapore

Hopping on (and off) a Big Bus tour is as good a way as any to get your bearings in any city. since it means that little legs (or lethargic teens) won’t be tired out. Get the lowdown on the highlights from the on-board commentary (in twelve languages!) then stop off to explore the sights that interest you most...

Tick off the ‘must-sees' aboard the yellow route - Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands and the Botanic Gardens (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). You can even stop off at the Raffles hotel for a world-renowned Singapore Sling cocktail to keep you going.
The red ‘heritage’ route is another chance to learn about the island’s diverse cultures, as you tour the ethnic precincts of Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glen (the Arab enclave).

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Sentosa Island

Or it may be that you choose to head straight to the island resort of Sentosa...a haven of tropical beaches, luxury hotels and enough thrilling activities to satisfy every age and taste.

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One of its highlights is undoubtedly Universal Studios Singapore, packed with rollercoasters, rides, shows and character greeting opportunities. Meet up with the Minions, snap a selfie with Sesame Street characters or hold tight for high-velocity thrills on the Battlestar Galactica coaster and the Transformers 3D ride. Kids will go wild for movie-inspired attractions like Puss in Boots’ Giant Journey and Madagascar: A Crate Adventure.

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Ramp up some more theme park action at Sentosa 4D Adventureland, engaging with the sights, sounds, scents and sensations of four immersive ride experiences. Ride the rapids of the Extreme Log Ride virtual coaster, delve into the darkness of the Haunted Mine, saddle up and take on the Wild West baddies in Desperados, or set sail for the Mysterious Island.

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You can choose to thrill or to chill at Adventure Cove Waterpark, where everyone in your group is guaranteed a splashing time. Adrenaline junkies will be wowed by high-speed waterslides like Riptide Rocket, Pipeline Plunge and Spiral Washout. Kids can get wet and wild in the Big Bucket Treehouse, Wet Maze and Splashworks. Or simply revel in some R&R time as you meet mesmerising marine life, snorkelling serenely through the rainbow reef or floating along the lazy river.

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Whatever your plans, in April and all year round, you can certainly relax, knowing that your vacation entertainment is covered by a Go City All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. Download the Go City app and explore your way to hassle-free, money-saving, sight-seeing satisfaction. Enjoy!

Jo Cooke
Go City Travel Expert

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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
Singapore food market
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1 Week in Singapore Itinerary

Spending a week in Singapore for your vacation but worried about missing any of the city’s highlights? Never fear; we’re here to do all the work for you. Relax and read on as we outline a perfect week in Singapore! Day 1 - Getting acquainted with Singapore You’ve just arrived in Singapore, checked into your hotel room, and unpacked your bags before stepping out to explore the city. As you start your first day here, you’ll face an endless number of choices; our advice is to spend the first day getting to know the city. The Big Bus Singapore is the best way to get a feel for the place. With unlimited access to 2 routes around the city, covering most key attractions and landmarks, hop on and off as much as you want. By the end of the day, you’ll have a clearer idea of where all the hotspots are, plus the attractions you wish to explore further. Day 2 - Spend the day on Sentosa Island Sentosa is a resort island in Singapore with attractions like Universal Studios Singapore and Adventure Cove Waterpark, plus some of the finest beaches in the country. It’s been attracting holidaymakers for over 50 years and continues to grow from strength to strength. The best way to get there is with the Cable Car Sky Pass, riding from Faber Peak across to Sentosa, taking in the incredible panoramic views along the way. Sentosa Island Bus Tour Learn all about the history of the island while discovering all the best natural spots around. With a local tour guide to point out all the best attractions, plus facts, tips and advice for getting the most from your trip, the Sentosa Island Bus Tour is an excellent introduction to Sentosa Island. Universal Studios Singapore Universal Studios Singapore is the first movie theme park in Asia and features seven themed zones: Hollywood, New York, Sci-Fi City, Ancient Egypt, The Lost World, Far Far Away, and Madagascar. With white knuckle rides for the adrenaline junkies, family-friendly rides for the little ones, plus shows and restaurants to keep you topped up in between, Universal Studios Singapore is a must-visit attraction in your weeklong itinerary. Adventure Cove Waterpark Wild water slides, surfing some waves, or snorkeling with tropical fish. This is an attraction you won’t want to miss. Thrill seekers, nature lovers, and happy families can all find some fun at Adventure Cove Waterpark. Get your heart beating with some crazy rides, before drifting down the river in an inflatable tube, and then get up close and personal with stingrays, coral reefs, and thousands of colorful exotic fish. Wings of Time A spectacular light show set over the water, using state-of-the-art technology fused with an outstanding soundscape to tell an award-winning tale of friendship and adventure. After a day of fun and adventure, the Wings of Time light show is the perfect end to your day on Sentosa. Day 3 - Experience the natural beauty of Singapore Singapore is an incredibly biodiverse country, with hundreds of species of flora and fauna, and over 300 species of birds. While there are also high-end hotels, luxury shopping, and world-class resorts aplenty, you’re never far from nature in Singapore. Singapore Botanic Gardens, one of the world’s largest urban parks and one of the most-visited tourist attractions in Singapore - the Gardens are the perfect peaceful location to enjoy a stroll through nature. With its lush greenery and mesmerizing nature, Gardens by the Bay is one of the world’s most visited gardens, featuring the tallest indoor waterfall and largest greenhouse. A climate-controlled mountain mist system cools the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest, making it a welcome escape from the hot Singapore days. The gardens are free to explore, and there’s a superb free light show in the evening. Singapore Zoo is an enchanting place for all the family! Enjoy an unforgettable experience as you discover the wonders of the animal kingdom up close. See the wildlife in their natural habitat, with over 4000 animals. Get up close and personal with white tigers, tapirs, flying foxes, and more as you learn about the ongoing conservation work. Day 4 - Sample traditional Singaporean food and drink This day is all about food! Traditional Singaporean food is delicious and flavorful, and it’s a refreshing change from Western food. Singaporean breakfasts usually begin with kaya, a custard of coconut milk, eggs, sugar, and pandan leaf, which gives the jam a sweet, grassy aroma. Obviously, that’s accompanied by a delicious cup of calming tea. After that, try some roti prata, a dish made of flattened dough that is then grilled over a flame and served with cheese, egg, chili, or a spicy curry sauce. It’s best eaten with your hands, so don’t be afraid to get messy! Lunch is the national dish, Laksa. This is a spicy noodle soup made with coconut milk and flavored with prawns and cockles. It’s usually served with Otah (spicy fishcake). For dinner, try Nasi Lemak, rice cooked in coconut milk, served with fried anchovies, meat, peanuts, or soft-boiled egg. Perfect comfort food any time of day, but especially so in the evening after a day of exploring. Regarding drink, in Singapore, you must indulge in a tea-drinking experience. Sitting cross-legged at a low wooden table, you’ll learn the rituals and traditions surrounding the humble leaf - how to hold the cup, how many sips to take, and how to fully immerse yourself in the experience. Day 5 - Singapore is a shopaholic’s paradise Singapore is an irresistible shopping destination with a large variety of retail outlets, shopping centers, and markets offering the latest and the best in international brands. Singapore’s shopping scene has grown over the years to become one of the best in the world, offering stunning luxury items in deluxe boutiques down to quirky little gifts in the street markets. Bugis Street is where you can find Singapore’s budget-friendly products. Also known as “Electronics Street”, Bugis Street features hundreds of shops selling a variety of electronic items at prices that local shoppers find hard to resist. Head here if you are looking for cheap imported products, such as toys, mobile phones, and cameras. Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands is a world-class destination, bringing a cosmopolitan vibe to the Singapore tourism landscape, offering international luxury fashion brands. The building itself is a feast for the eyes, with gondolas floating down internal rivers and waterfalls cascading from the rooftops. Chinatown is full of trendy bars, delicious restaurants, historic temples, and street markets selling all manner of goods. Head here for a unique shopping experience, where you can eat, shop, drink and dance all in one neighborhood. Day 6 - Spend the day exploring Singapore’s many beaches Singapore has stunning beaches with beautiful stretches of sand lined with palm trees and sunbeds. Some may be artificial, having the sand shipped in from other countries, but that doesn’t take away from the beauty. Here are a few of our favorites: Tanjong Beach - A nice calm beach to enjoy a gentle swim or just soak in the rays. Head there during the week to appreciate the quieter times, as it fills up fast during the weekends. Palawan Beach - More lively than Tanjong as it’s more picturesque, offering plenty of insta-worthy shots. Beautiful clear, calm waters, with the option to swim out to a nearby island should you fancy a little exercise. Siloso Beach - The third of the Sentosa beaches, and by far the most lively. Stand-up paddle boarding, jet skis, and beach sports are all on offer. If you want action and adventure, Siloso’s the beach for you. Lazarus Island - With no development, this beach is strictly for those wanting peace, quiet, and stunning surroundings. During weekdays, it’s sometimes possible to have this tropical paradise beach all to yourself. Day 7 - Tick off any other last-minute activities If you’ve followed along so far, you’ll be a little exhausted, but very much in love with Singapore. A week is a great time to experience the magic of Singapore, but there’s always something else to see and do. If you’ve got the energy, tick off a few last-minute attractions to ensure you go home with zero regrets. Madame Tussauds Singapore - As if your camera roll wasn’t full enough, make those back home green with envy as you pose for selfies with Taylor Swift, Priyanka Chopra, and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson! Go on a Puzzle Hunt in Chinatown - Explore the neighborhood while solving brain-twisting clues, as you compete to win a unique collectible prize! Gain a deeper understanding of Singapore’s Chinatown as you test your wits and mental fortitude. Take a Night Safari - You’ve probably been to a hundred zoos, but do you know what the animals get up to after hours? See lions, leopards, tapirs, hippos, tigers, hyenas, otters, bears, and much more. You won’t want to sleep on this opportunity! 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
Tourists crossing a pedestrian bridge in the Singapore jungle
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Adventurous Activities in Singapore

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 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 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. 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. 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. 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. Spicy, sticky, peanuty satay is easy to track down here (just follow your nose!). It’s a national favorite and you’ll find purveyors of this heaven-sent treat in its many forms (chicken, pork, beef, fish) in any Singapore hawker center worth its salt. Try local favorite satay bee hoon, in which the spicy hot sauce is liberally smothered over a bed of rice vermicelli, often with prawns or pork. Sweet-and-savory-sauce-drenched chili crab – effectively the national dish – is another absolute must-try. Feeling bold? Up the ante with some of the nation’s more out-there delicacies. We’re talking turtle soup, live octopus, pufferfish, fried pigs’ fallopian tubes in piquant kung pao sauce and – for the truly adventurous – century egg, a highly, shall we say... aromatic dish of egg preserved in salt, lime and clay. Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it! Save on attractions and activities for teens in Singapore Save on admission to Singapore attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak

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