Singapore in April

By Jo Cooke
Published: July 18, 2024
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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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Singapore in December

December heralds the beginning of Singapore’s northeast monsoon season. This, as festive vacation planners will no doubt be delighted to learn, is the season’s ‘wet phase’, when heavy persistent showers are all but guaranteed to sweep in and ruin your stroll in the late afternoons and early evenings. In spite of this, the last month of the year remains a popular time to visit the Garden City, largely thanks to its epic Christmas lights and awesome New Year’s Eve celebrations. Read on for our whistlestop guide to what to expect of Singapore in December. Visiting Singapore in December Temperature: 77–85°F • Average Rainfall: 25 days/month • Average Sunshine: 6 hours/day The temperature in Singapore remains pretty uniform all year round. We’re talking hot days and balmy nights. December brings higher humidity and monsoon downpours into the mix, meaning choosing which outfits to pack can be a little like learning to play the ancient Chinese game of mahjong for the first time. In short: tricky. Light cottons and linens are your friends and Singapore’s proliferation of covered walkways and air-conditioned megamalls probably means you can leave the novelty umbrella hat at home. But do pack a pocket poncho and a light hoodie or sweater to see you through those wetter/cooler moments. If you’ve never experienced a Singapore monsoon before, you’re in for quite the treat. Usually heralded by darkening skies and a brisk breeze, the rains move in fast. And boy, can they be vicious. It’s not unusual to spot newly arrived tourists bounding frantically across rapidly rising puddles like Gene Kelly in Singin’ in the Rain, but without the slick Hollywood moves. If you are planning to visit Singapore during its glittering festive season, we’d recommend you get your flights and accommodation booked as far in advance as possible. In spite of the rains, this is a very popular time of year and booking early can often (if not always) help to beat the December price hikes. Things to do in Singapore in December It’s all about Christmas in Singapore in December. Well, almost. Certainly, you’d be forgiven for thinking the entire planet’s electricity supply is being channeled into the festive light displays here, which are so bright they might well be visible from the planet Zork. See some of the most extravagant Christmas decorations in town on an evening stroll along Orchard Road, Singapore’s most famous luxury shopping thoroughfare. The street’s strangely titled ‘Christmas on A Great Street’ boasts not one but three Christmas villages crammed with carnival rides, games, street food stalls and, of course, pop-up gift stores. There’s even a full-on street party on Christmas Eve, complete with live music and dance, carol singers and a huge Christmas market. The evergreen Gardens by the Bay turns the charm offensive right up to eleven in December with its annual Christmas Wonderland event. Take a romantic stroll along the Walk of Lights which, with somewhere in the region of 75,000 light bulbs, more than lives up to its name. Swap rain for snow at the Blizzard Time exhibit, visit (but please don’t nibble) the life-size gingerbread house in Gingerbread Grove, and try your luck on the carnival game stalls in Frosty’s Fairground. Heck, you can even get your festive kicks at the airport. As anyone who has ever traveled through it will tell you, Changi is no ordinary airport, with attractions such as a butterfly garden, a three-story slide, a Pokémon center and the world’s tallest indoor waterfall making it a tourist destination in its own right. No surprise then that it also hosts one of the city’s finest Christmas villages. We’re talking candy-themed rides and games, a snow house with ice sculptures, and luges and marching bands – it’s the stuff Christmas dreams are made of! What’s on in Singapore in December? Of course, it’s not just Christmas and monsoon-dodging that make Singapore a fun place to visit in December. The island’s other annual end-of-year events are designed to appeal to as broad a church as possible. First up is the Singapore Marathon, which takes place (almost) without fail on the first Sunday of December. The epic route (all 26.1 miles of it) takes in some of the city’s finest sights, including a sprint through Marina Bay, a shuffle past Merlion Park and a shimmy within sight of the famous Sentosa cable car. You’ll need to register (and train) to take part and, for those who prefer their runs a little… shorter, half-marathon, 10km and even 5km routes are also available on the day. The entertainment juggernaut that is Comic Con also rumbles into town during December for two extraordinary days of toy-, game- and comic-based events at Marina Bay Sands. Book your spot for the chance to ogle rare vintage toys and comics, as well as the opportunity to meet your favorite comic book creators, Marvel movie stars and more. Marina Bay is also the location for Singapore’s epic New Year countdown and fireworks. Of course you can see the flamboyant pyrotechnic display from just about anywhere across the city, but Marina Bay is where it's at for ringside seats and the best Insta snaps as the colorful display kicks off and an epic, soul-soaring soundtrack booms out across the water. 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
Stuart Bak
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Things to do in Orchard Singapore

Those seeking out things to do in Orchard Singapore can tick all the boxes going. Dominated by the eponymous Orchard Road, the neighborhood may be small – at less than a kilometer in area – but it certainly isn’t short of attractions. Centrally located between the National Museum of Singapore to one side and Singapore Botanic Gardens to the other, Orchard is Singapore’s equivalent to London’s Oxford Street or New York’s Fifth Avenue. It rivals both as a place to spend your time. Long gone then are the days when it was lined by nutmeg, pepper and fruit trees, giving it its name. Instead, whether day or night Orchard is the de facto shopping and entertainment district, boasting glitzy hotel stays, unrivalled shopping opportunities and no shortage of options when it comes to food and drink either. Among all this you’ll also find a number of cultural treasures, from parks to museums. Here’s the Go City guide to all Orchard Road is famous for! Check out hundreds of stores Arguably Asia’s hottest shopping district, the 2.5 km length of Orchard Road has over 25 shopping malls to choose between. Offering something for pretty much every kind of traveler, from the budget-conscious to the budget-buster, their stores provide a potentially unending exploration of must-have items (as well as a respite from Singapore’s tropical climate). Remarkably, in a city where the old is often swept away to make space for the new, Orchard’s very first department store clings on at Tang Plaza. TANGS (as it’s styled) continues to maintain a significant hold over the latest trends, much like it has since its store first opened its doors in 1958 – when the British flag still flew over Singapore. For atmosphere, do away with the big department stores and malls for the likes of Lucky Plaza and Far East Plaza. Here you’ll discover everything from secondhand gems to souvenirs (and a few black-market knock-offs too). However, Orchard’s most exciting shopping destination is possibly ION Orchard, whose shapely glass exterior sits above Orchard MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) station. ION Orchard blends luxury names such as Cartier, Louis Vuitton and Tiffany with the work of local craftspeople. But should the spending spree threaten to become too much, there’s always ION Orchard’s very own art gallery. Located on the fourth floor, its collection includes contemporary artworks from sculpture to multimedia displays. There’s also the Great Singapore Sale, which sees stores right across Orchard slashing prices each June. Discover the history of Orchard Although on first glance it may appear like the area is all about shopping, there are many other things to do in Orchard Singapore if you know where to look. Just beyond Orchard Road’s eastern extreme stands the classically-styled building constructed for the National Museum of Singapore in 1887. One of Asia’s largest, it does away with the idea of a museum as a dark studious place where visitors can only talk in muffled tones. In contrast, its light-filled galleries help detail the history of the island without it feeling like a chore. Its treasures include the Singapore Stone, found on the banks of the Singapore River and etched with as-yet undeciphered writing potentially a thousand years old. Opposite Plaza Singapura shopping mall is Istana Park, a 13,000 square meter green space. Its 26-meter-high Festival Arch marks the official start of Orchard Road, while the Istana Heritage Gallery details the history of Istana Palace. This building was the home of the British governor before becoming the office of the president on independence. This history is told through archive imagery and some of the gifts given to Singapore’s presidents by foreign dignitaries. The palace itself is only open on special occasions, while a changing of the guard ceremony takes place on the first Sunday of the month (except in July and August). Roughly 60 times larger than Istana Park, Singapore Botanic Gardens is the only tropical garden in the world to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Over 150 years old, the mature gardens are a huge contrast to the area’s malls. Its attractions include a small area of rainforest, Ginger Garden, and National Orchid Garden. The latter contains approximately 3,000 different types of orchid, with many named after the great and the good of international affairs, from Nelson Mandela to Queen Elizabeth II. Sample Orchard’s culinary delights Although not as famous as the Raffles Long Bar, L’Espresso café is an excellent place to enjoy a traditional afternoon tea while experiencing a full-on Victorian fantasy at Orchard’s Goodwood Park Hotel. Neatly-cut sandwiches, tasty savory bites and desserts to die for can be sampled from around midday onwards. Alternatively, you could save yourself for a sundowner on the pool terrace come early evening. Head behind Centrepoint mall to Emerald Hill and you’ll not only take in some rare survivors of Chinese Baroque architecture (think colorful ceramic tiles, shuttered windows and brightly-colored fronts) but also a great selection of bars, coffee shops and restaurants. They often reside in the historic structures themselves, saving them for prosperity and ensuring they remain charmingly atmospheric at the same time. To experience the real Singapore, you’ll also want to dine at a food court at least once during your stay. Forget any thoughts you might have of sticky tabletops and nothing but fast food, Singapore’s food courts (also called hawker centers) serve up healthy, freshly-prepared dishes from right across the region at ridiculously good prices. Food Village Takashimaya inside Ngee Ann City Mall is a great place to start whatever you’re after and whatever the time of day. Save on admission to Orchard’s top attractions From stores with price tags running into the thousands to sumptuous meals for little more than loose change. From must-do ticketed events to free things to do in Orchard, this area of Singapore is one that cannot – and shouldn’t – be ignored. Explore the very best things to do in Orchard Singapore with Go City. Choose between our All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass and you’ll get access to some of the city’s top museums, tours and attractions while making big savings on standard admission prices.
Alex Birungi

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