Singapore in January

By Jo Cooke
Published: July 18, 2024
The lights of the Singapore skyline reflected in water as multicoloured fireworks explode above
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Wondering what’s the best time to visit Singapore? Hooray! - there’s no wrong answer!

Just 85 miles from the equator this tiny tropical island is balmy all year round - and its multi-ethnic, multi-lingual society comprising Chinese, Malay, Indian and other nationalities, means the welcome is equally warm.

That crazy cultural melting pot also means that there’s almost always a festival underway and January is no exception. So whatever time of the month you visit, be ready to be swept up in the colour and joy of celebrations.

Whilst January is one of the wettest and windiest months by Singapore standards, there’s definitely no shortage of sunshine, with average temperatures still a far-from-cold 27oC. So, whether you’re looking for nature or nightlife, sights, scenery or city living, pack your shorts (and perhaps a portable umbrella) and bask in the best things to do in Singapore in January, including:

• New Year in Singapore

• Singapore festivals (Pongal and Thaipusam)

• Chinese New Year in Singapore

• Gardens by the Bay

• Singapore Wildlife Attractions
- Bird Paradise
- Singapore Zoo
- Night Safari

• Singapore Indoor Attractions
- National Museum of Singapore
- Madame Tussauds
- Virtual Room Singapore

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New Year in Singapore

Grab your glad rags and pop some corks; there’s no shortage of celebrations for New Year’s Eve in Singapore. As the sky lights up with pyrotechnics and light projections, Marina Bay Sands is a focal point for partying and live performance. An icon of modern Singapore, this luxury hotel, shopping and lifestyle destination is topped by... yes, believe your eyes...a full-size ship, which also happens to be home to the world’s largest infinity pool. You don’t need the excuse of New Year to take a dip there - nor to come aboard to indulge in the luxury of Marina Bay Sands’ premier bar. Book your spot in the VIP area of the CÉ LA VI Skybar and sip your complimentary drink whilst you take in the stunning 360o city panorama.

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New Year’s Day is also the final day of the Great Bay Fiesta, Marina Bay’s winter playground, complete with snow and ice attractions, breathtaking circus shows, carousels, carnival games, food stalls and loads more. Throw yourself into the fun throughout December, knowing that New Year’s Day is a national holiday in Singapore when you can kick back, make like the locals and celebrate with a foodie feast, champagne brunch or afternoon tea.

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Pongal

Time your visit for the middle of January to join in the joyous celebrations for the Tamil Hindu harvest festival when farmers give thanks to Surya (the Sun God), Mother Nature and the farm animals. Families honor the Sun God by cooking a pot of rice to offer up at dawn and share with family and friends. Pongal means ‘to overflow’ so the rice has to bubble over to symbolize prosperity and abundance.
Although it’s a four-day festival, celebrations go on all month so you’ll find the streets are also overflowing with light, color and things to see and do. Hit Little India, the vibrant historic and cultural center of Singapore’s Indian community, for the Pongal Light-up Ceremony and grab all the pics for the ‘gram as a myriad of magical lights welcome in the festival.

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Visit the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple - dedicated to Kali a protector goddess and destroyer of evil. Explore the mix of Hindu and Chinese temples on Serangood Road. Shop for everything from spices to unique home decor in the Festive Village. Find flower garland sellers jostling with modern eateries and boutique hotels. Check out the Tekka Centre (Singapore’s largest ‘wet’ market) for a mystifying array of rare produce. Browse open-air goldsmith shops and sari centers. And feast your way along the colorful streets and alleys, discovering South Indian vegetarian food, North Indian tandoori dishes and local treats like prata (round pancakes) and teh tarik (pulled tea). You’re welcome.

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Thaipusam

You may also be around to catch another colorful, but deeply religious, Hindu festival celebrated in Singapore in January or February (according to the timing of the full moon in the Tamil month of Thai). Thaipusam literally brings traffic to a standstill, thanks to its vibrant annual procession in honor of Lord Subramaniam (sometimes known as Lord Murugan), the destroyer of evil and representing virtue, youth and power.

Stake out your spot in Little India’s historic streets, as the procession winds its way from the dazzling Sri Thendayuthapani Temple, the roof of which is made from 48 colored and etched glass panels angled to catch the sparkle of the rising and setting sun.
Then try not to wince as you watch traditional devotees carry kavadi (literally ‘a sacrifice at every step’) which range from wooden spikes that pierce the tongue and other body parts - to huge heavy frames decorated with flowers and feathers. Less alarmingly others carry pots of milk, symbolizing abundance and fertility.

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Chinese New Year in Singapore

The date of the first full moon of the year also determines the most important date in the Chinese calendar - Chinese, or Lunar, New Year. Whether it falls in January or February, revel in the festive atmosphere in Singapore’s Chinatown as beautiful lanterns blaze for the Chinese New Year Opening Ceremony. Be dazzled by the lights and ornaments that adorn the streets and jostle with tourists and locals among stalls selling everything from pottery, homeware and clothes to delicious sweet and savory treats.

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On the eve of the new year families hurry home to share a Reunion Dinner with their loved ones, to honour ancestors and traditional deities, a tradition so important to so many people that it is often known as ‘the world’s largest human migration’. Don’t miss the Chingay parade in Marina Bay, as the year is ushered in with floats and performances including stilt walkers and lion dancers.

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To get a handle on what it’s all about, why not drop by the Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Museum, which often hosts exhibitions to help visitors understand Chinese history and culture. It includes an exhibition of Nian Hua, traditional woodblock prints used to decorate homes for Chinese New year.

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Gardens by the Bay

Even though local markets and shops are shut for at least a week, the major malls, tourist areas and entertainment attractions will all be buzzing. Join the crowds for River Hongbao, one of the most popular New Year celebrations, featuring live stage performances and amusement rides. It takes place at Gardens by the Bay, the stunning natural park recognizable around the world as a symbol of Singapore. Make the most of the photo ops whilst the gardens are decorated with good luck symbols, positive messages, giant coin pouches and particularly giant lanterns. But, whatever the time of year, you can Pick up a Gardens by the Bay ticket that also includes access to the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest featuring Avatar: The Experience. For New Year the Flower Dome showcases Dahlia Dreams, a breathtaking floral display of over 2000 dahlias, which appear alongside other auspicious New Year blooms like azaleas and chrysanthemums.

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Chinatown

Not just in January but all year long, Singapore’s Chinatown is a heady mix of heritage, culture and architecture, where historic temples sit alongside hip bars and colorful street art. Testament to Singapore’s multi-ethnic society, it is the only Chinatown that is home to a Buddhist temple, a mosque and a Hindu temple along the same street.
Share the peace and beauty of the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum, with its tranquil rooftop garden, pagoda and beautiful interior designed in the form of a mandala.
Or compare the architecture of Masjid Jamae (the Big Mosque) with the Sri Mariamman Temple, the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore.

Though Chinatown is not all tradition. After dark the streets come alive with music, so make the most of the bustling bars and food ranging from traditional flavors to modern fusion.

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Singapore Wildlife Attractions

As the holiday season comes to a close and the crowds die down, January can be a peaceful time to enjoy some of Singapore’s main attractions at your own pace.

Jurong Bird Park

Wing your way to Bird Paradise, Asia's largest bird park, to discover over 3,500 birds, as well as the tallest artificial waterfall in the world.

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Singapore Zoo

Over at the Singapore Zoo you can watch orangutans swing high above their platforms, not to mention sloths, chimpanzees, meerkats, a komodo dragon, white tigers, kangaroos and many more. Over 300 species living amid lush vegetation have ensured the zoo’s reputation as the world’s best rainforest zoo and an important center for conservation.

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Night Safari

When night falls, take the Night Safari; you can’t fail to be fascinated by over 100 species in the world’s first nocturnal wildlife park. Follow one of the four walking trails or take the tram to see the natural habitats and learn the secrets of native and endangered species including the Malayan tiger, Malayan tapir and Asian elephant.

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Singapore Indoor Attractions

And you needn’t let the rainy season put a damper on your adventures since Singapore has plenty of undercover attractions too. From culture to family fun, there’s something for every age and taste.

Perhaps you’ll choose to get a handle on the country’s rich culture and history via the captivating installations at The National Museum of Singapore.

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Head over to Madame Tussauds Singapore to pose for a selfie with Taylor Swift, David Beckham and a galaxy of other stars of Hollywood, Bollywood, TV and sport. Your ticket offers an exciting 5-in-1 experience, with other attractions including the Spirit of Singapore Boat Ride and a Marvel 4D Experience.

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Or escape reality at the unique virtual adventure that is Virtual Room Singapore. Enjoy multi-player fun in the world’s best team-based virtual reality experience, where 3D cinematic effects are combined with an escape room concept. Immerse yourself in high-tech, high definition gameplay as you interact, walk, talk and problem-solve your way through each activity.

Phew! It’s only the beginning of the year and there’s already so much to see and do. Whether you choose to throw yourselves into the colourful celebrations, pack in the attractions, or prefer a peaceful natural retreat, remember that picking up an All-Inclusive Pass or an Explorer Pass is the best way to sight-see and save in Singapore. Happy new year and happy adventuring - with Go City.

Jo Cooke
Go City Travel Expert

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Best Road Trips in Singapore
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Best Road Trips in Singapore

Driving. Sometimes, going for a drive can be a frustrating experience. For instance, no one enjoys the long commute to work. Stuck in traffic, screaming silently into your steering wheel as another idiot fails to merge correctly. Idiot! How dare someone drives on your streets and doesn't even know the laws of the road! Ahem. Even if the commute is smooth, you still end up at work. And let's be honest, you'd probably rather be anywhere else. But sometimes, taking a drive can be a liberating experience. Just you and the open road, no holes barred. You can go anywhere and do anything. The horizon beckons you to adventure - do you answer the call? So, if you're looking for the latter, you'll find great drives in Singapore. It's a beautiful place full of futuristic architecture, beautiful tree lines, and a disarming coastline. But what are the best road trips in Singapore? Get in, start your engine, and read on. Including: Mount Faber Lim Chu Kang Road Mandai Road Ocean Drive Bayfront Avenue and more! Ocean Drive And the sky is so blue, the sun's gonna shine on everything you do. So says the hit 90s track from stalwart luminaries The Lighthouse Family, and yes, we're definitely showing our age. Age aside, the lyrics are definitely appropriate for Ocean Drive, one of the best road trips in Singapore! Ocean Drive is the road's name, so you should know what to expect. You'll be passing by the ocean and getting some of the best views on the planet. On your way, you'll spot some truly massive mansions and other unique buildings, so keep an eye out. And best of all, at the end of it, you'll find Sentosa, Singapore's premier relaxation destination. So why not stop by and check out the Giant Swing and Skybridge while you're there? Lim Chu Kang Road If you want to see the more historic parts of Singapore, take a drive on Lim Chu Kang Road. It's touted as one of the five Heritage Roads in the state, thanks to the many indigenous trees that line it. When you see them, you'll know exactly why they're protected! Angsana, Broad Leaf Mahogany, and Rubber trees will all pop up on your cruise, so be sure to snap some pictures of them as you pass. Maybe get a passenger to do it or stop your car before snapping - we wouldn't want your Singapore vacation to come to an abrupt end! Mount Faber Singapore might not be known for its mountains - it has scarce few of those. However, if you want the next best thing, then a drive up Mount Faber might be one of the best road trips in Singapore! Thanks to the narrow, traffic-free roads, you'll forget you're in Singapore at all! As you get higher, you'll catch a glimpse of Singapore's skyline down in the distance, before you end the first leg of your journey up at Mount Faber Park, a delightful green space where you can easily spread out for a picnic to drink in the view. Mandai Road Another of Singapore's Heritage Roads, Mandai Road is a delightfully green stretch of highway that's well over 150 years old. So, as with Lim Chu Kang Road, expect to see plenty of protected natural beauty as you drive. The old trees form a canopy above you as you go, eventually ending as you reach the Upper Seletar Reservoir, where you'll find a serene lake to explore. Bayfront Avenue For a more modern drive, take Bayfront Avenue and drive right through Singapore's envious Central Business District. If you're looking to tick off some tourist hotspots on your itinerary, then it's one of the best road trips in Singapore! Gaze out of the window, and you'll pass recognizable landmarks of Singapore's skyline, like the Helix Bridge, the Fullerton Hotel Singapore, Marina Bay Sands, and the Singapore River. Leave when the sun goes down to see the Central Business District in all its neon-soaked glory! Kampong Lorong Buangkok Fancy seeing the startling differences between the Singapore of old and the Singapore of today? Then you'll want to take a drive down to the last remaining village on Singapore's mainland - Kampong Lorong Buangkok. Passing Buangkok's modern metropolis, you'll find Kampong Lorong Buangkok. Having foregone the modern marvels of metropolitan life, this village is a peek back to the past. Only a handful of families call Kampong Lorong Buangkok home, so it's understandable that they've all remained very close through the generations. If you do decide to take this fantastic drive, just be on your best behavior when you pass. While the residents might not mind the odd photo, you don't want to pry too much into their happy lives by doing a social media dance or some other heinous action while visiting. Kranji If you're looking to add a little outdoor adventure to your road trip, then definitely put Kranji at the top of your list. Singapore's countryside is full of farms where you can buy fresh produce, and see some animals while you're at it. But if you want to stretch your legs and see some of Singapore's stunning natural beauty up close, then you'll need to leave your car, put on your walking boots, and explore some of the awesome trails you'll find nearby. Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Kranji Reservoir Park, and Kranji Marshes deserve the foot traffic. Mount Pleasant Road And finally, we'll end on another Heritage Road drive up above sea level. Mount Road Pleasant is its name, and historic buildings is its game. You'll pass beautiful black and white bungalows that predate the Second World War, you'll smell fig, palm, and cinnamon from the local flora if your window's wound down, and you'll enjoy the whole thing no matter the weather. If you want the perfect mix of views, architecture, and nature, Mount Pleasant Road is one of the best road trips in Singapore! And there ends the return journey on our exploration of the best road trips in Singapore! Looking for more non-car-based fun to fill out your Singapore vacation? Check out Go City! With our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass, you can book your spots way in advance and get the best prices around.
Dom Bewley
Singapore River Cruise
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Things to do in Geylang Singapore

Singapore’s Geylang neighborhood is certainly something of a head scratcher. Although descriptions often begin with its status as the country’s legally-recognized red-light district, it is also one of the country’s most culturally diverse areas. Exploring its historic shopfronts is just one of the many things to do in Geylang Singapore, alongside delving into a food scene that includes everything from frog leg porridge to Ramadan treats. Lying to the east of the Kallang River as it flows towards the river cruises of Marina Bay, east-west running Geylang Road remains at the heart of all that goes on in the neighborhood. Providing a sense of old Singapore, before soaring skyscrapers took hold, it’s a street busy with Singaporeans, Malays, Chinese and western expatriates by day and night. Meanwhile unnamed lorongs (lanes) span off to north and south with the promise of all manner of delights. Wondering why Geylang is so popular and on the lips of so many? Here’s our pick of the very best things to do in Geylang Singapore! Check out Geylang’s architectural curiosities There’s probably no better place to start your discovery of Geylang than Geylang Road. Stroll along even the shortest section of its three-kilometer length and you’ll very quickly get a feel of what this neighborhood is all about. And while the low-rise properties which line this major arterial road are sure to have you reaching for your camera, Geylang’s real treasures are to be found on its surrounding streets. There’s nothing quite like picking one at random and seeing what you’ll discover – maybe the Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace or Haig Road Hawker Center. But if you’re looking for a little guidance, the colorfully-painted conserved shopfronts on both sides of Joo Chiat Road rival the Peranakan (Malay-Chinese) Houses of adjoining Koon Seng Road when it comes to the wow factor. For the chance to head inside one of these preserved homes, make an appointment to visit The Intan, a house museum dedicated to recording Peranakan culture for prosperity. The work of one man, its collection is as encyclopedic in scope as it is colorful. Discover Geylang’s artistic side If a visit to The Istan gets you in the mood for more of Geylang’s artistic side, the Eurasian Heritage Gallery is just a couple of blocks south. Created to tell the story of Singapore’s Eurasian community, it succeeds in bringing its history to life in three excellently curated galleries refurbished in 2019. Detailing a heritage which takes in Britain, Portugal, Goa and Macau, the sections on how the community survived the Japanese occupation of the island in World War Two is particularly poignant. More uplifting stories include those of swimmer Joseph Schooling, the first Singaporean to win an Olympic gold medal. Just beyond the official bounds of Geylang, on the banks of the Geylang River, you’ll also find the Goodman Arts Centre. Hosting a wide range of exhibitions and workshops, the center sits within a lush three-hectare site. It also includes a café serving up Australasian dishes with looks perfect for social media and flavors not far behind. Fill your stomach with Geylang’s specialty dishes For a more authentic look at Geylang’s culinary magic, the choices are almost endless. Geylang Serai Market is one of the largest wet markets in Singapore, meaning you can find just about anything you might ever point towards a wok. After you’ve breathed in the rich aroma of nutmeg, cinnamon and lemongrass (serai in Malay), enter the attached bazaar for fabrics, homewares and other dry goods. Carrying a buzz at any time of year, the market outdoes itself each Ramadan, when stalls lit up with decorations and open long into the night help adherents break their fast. Head upstairs to the market’s food court to sample many of the region’s delicacies. Keep an eye out for asam pedas(sour and spicy fish stew), beef rendang (a dry diced beef curry) and goreng pisang banana fritters. Alternatively, follow your nose – literally – to the durian stalls of Sims Avenue. Known as the ‘king of fruits,’ there’s really nothing else like a durian. They were the model for the Esplanade Theatres building on the opposite side of Marina Bay to Gardens by the Bay, and so pungent in aroma they are banned from hotels and aircraft. So why not let a stallholder pick out the perfect durian for you? After all, sampling the custard-like interior is something of a rite of passage when traveling in the region. Nearby, there are several simply-decorated restaurants (think school canteen chic) and more upmarket establishments with specialties including frog leg porridge on their menus. Try G7 Sin Ma or Eminent Frog Porridge to taste this savory stew flavored with soy sauce, ginger, garlic and chili. If you’re looking for a late evening drink, there are also plenty of bars in Geylang – head either along Geylang Road, or along Geylang riverfront. Enjoy Geylang’s green spaces When Stamford Raffles, ‘founder’ of modern Singapore arrived in Geylang, it was an area of coconut palms and coastal marshland. Although no longer awash with greenery, the Geylang riverfront provides a nice contrast to the bustling lanes of the area. Save your shoe leather with Gogreen Bicycle Rentals, the easiest way of taking in all the river’s sights as it doglegs through the neighborhood. Don’t worry though, there are plenty of benches on which to rest up with an ice cream, kelongs (floating platforms) and shelters resembling the kampong (village) huts that once would have been found here. Further north, Geylang East Park’s L-shaped form provides another escape from the hubbub of its nearby roads. Clean, tidy and well-maintained, you could do far worse than stop by for a lunchtime picnic with the daily mix of residents and office workers. Ways to save in Geylang Singapore Save on the top sights and attractions in Singapore with Go City. From the best things to do in Geylang Singapore to nature kayaking adventures in Pulau Ubin, we offer out of this world experiences at less than astronomical prices with our All-Inclusive and Explorer passes!
Alex Birungi
Gardens by the bay
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Guide to Gardens by the Bay in Singapore - Tips, Free Entries & More

From towering supertrees to a huge indoor waterfall – there are plenty of awe-inspiring sights at Gardens by the Bay.
Samuel Ford

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