Singapore in January

UPDATED JULY 2024
By Jo Cooke
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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 Places to get a Dress Made in Singapore

You know the feeling. You spend ages deliberating over the perfect dress for that big event and then someone else (with whom you inevitably have previous beef) turns up wearing exactly the same thing. Rather than being the belle of the ball, you’re the (red) face of your friends’ ‘who wore it best?’ memes for months afterwards. More deflating than a helium shortage at a foil balloon festival, it’s just about the worst thing that can happen at a party. Well, short of the vol au vents running out before you've even arrived. Solution: create your own party outfit with a little help from Singapore’s top designers and dressmakers. There are dozens of boutiques offering such services across the city, whether you’re in the market for a showstopping cocktail dress, sober interview suit, don’t-upstage-the-bride wedding outfit or classic silk cheongsam. Or, you know, something altogether more outlandish to suit your personality. We’ve rounded up six of the best places to get a dress made in Singapore. Read on for the lowdown... ***Note: all prices quoted are in Singapore Dollars (SGD)*** Time Taken to Make a Dress The very literal name of this couture dressmaker, located on the upper floor of a Kampong Glam shophouse, a stone’s throw from the Sultan Mosque’s glittering golden dome, belies the offbeat nature of designer-owners Letitia Phay and Jade Swee, for whom conformity is a dirty word. Setters of trends rather than followers of fashion, the duo – as the boutique name hints – like to take time over their creations, working closely with their clients to design and produce something spectacular and unique. Just think of them as fairy godmothers to your Cinderella. Be ready to pay more than Cinders could ever afford though: prices can reach five figures, depending on the fabric and level of detailing required, with complex projects taking up to six months to complete. Golden Scissors Cheongsam Looking to dazzle in a cheongsam? Golden Scissors deals exclusively in these traditional, figure-hugging Chinese dresses and has been doing so for four decades, so you can be reasonably sure resident seamstress Madam Li Qiying knows what she’s doing. You’ll find the shop at the towering People’s Park Complex in the heart of Chinatown, where the temptation to fill up on steamed pork dumplings immediately prior to a fitting is to be avoided at all costs. Step inside the boutique to discover a veritable cornucopia of off-the-peg options: beautiful cheongsams in all manner of different shapes, sizes, designs and colors. Pick one of these for a quick and easy win, or have the cheongsam experts rustle up something unique for you. Prices start at less than $100 for simple pre-made cotton designs, rising a little more sharply (but not restrictively so) if you opt for a bespoke silk piece. Bespoke designs are usually ready for collection within a week. Ong Shunmugam Known for their progressive Asian dress designs, Ong Shunmugam has two locations in Singapore: one in atmospheric Kampong Glam and a flagship branch in the trendy Chip Bee Gardens, west of the Botanic Gardens. But you can’t just pitch up at ateliers like these and expect to be allowed inside simply by pressing your nose hopefully against the window. No: fittings in these exclusive boutiques are by appointment only, which has the effect of making you feel simultaneously important and overwhelmingly anxious about how much it's all going to cost. But what price quality? Expect fine materials, meticulous craftsmanship and stellar designs to your precise specifications in exchange for your dollar. You’ll be cash poor but catwalk-ready before you know it. Love, Yu Cutesy name on the outside, serious bridalwear inside, ‘Love, Yu’ is a solid mid-range option for your nuptials, with prices starting from under $3,000 but creeping steadily upwards depending on how flamboyant you want the final product to look. Singaporean designer Eelyn Tang’s signature creations combine modern silhouettes with delicate fabrics such as silk, fine French lace and tulle, but if it’s great jewel-studded fairytale bustles and poofy sleeves that set your heart aflutter, then you can have that too – at a price. Either way, this boutique bridal shop strives to make your vision a reality for a day you and your betrothed will never forget. Jenny & Me Dressmaking Looking to grab a bit of red carpet pizazz without the movie star price tag? Look no further than Jenny Lim’s Holland Village boutique, Jenny & Me, in which the ‘Me’ is in fact... you. The name hints at the kind of personable, personalized experience you can expect here, where friendly service, affordable pricing and decades of dressmaking knowhow has seen Madam Lim become something of a stalwart on Singapore’s sartorial scene. Jenny does men’s clothing too, ideal if you’re looking for his’n’hers outfits that will have you feeling like prom king and queen at whatever party or event you plan to attend together. Lai Chan Goh Lai Chan is another specialist in cheongsams – or qipaos, as they’re known in Mandarin. His is a very modern take on the traditional high-collared, form-fitting look, built around a firm belief that these eye-catching garments should be worn all the time, and not just on special occasions. It’s a look that attracts a younger, more fashion-forward set than many of his contemporaries, with fans pairing his colorful creations with jeans, sneakers and other clobber more regularly associated with dress-down Fridays at the office. What you’ll also get with a Lai Chan cheongsam are his signature gemstone buttons, inspired by the jade buttons on the imperial garments worn by Chinese Emperors. So there you have it: literally fit for an emperor. You can mix and match with your other half here, too, with bespoke ‘man-paos’ available for the discerning modern gent. 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
Woman gazing at the Singapore skyline from a hotel balcony
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Is Singapore Safe?

Singapore is one of the planet’s most-visited cities, a bustling megalopolis where gleaming glass-and-steel skyscrapers juxtapose with vast expanses of green space that cover around half of this island nation. It's a city that more than holds its own against global heavyweights like London, New York and Paris, with dozens of world-class attractions, including museums, theaters, thrill rides, life-altering cuisine and, in Sentosa, its very own mini island resort. But is Singapore safe for tourists to visit? Read on for the lowdown in our guide below. Safe Travels in Singapore Singapore’s very strict laws are worth familiarizing yourself with to avoid unwittingly falling foul and having to fork out for a fine... or worse. Jaywalking, chewing gum, drinking alcohol outdoors after 10:30PM: all of these (and more) are punishable by substantial fines and even prison sentences. Sadly, LGBTQ+ people in Singapore are still some way from equality, with same-sex activity – yep, even consensual same-sex activity in private – punishable by law. Drug possession and/or trafficking is seriously frowned upon, meaning a jail sentence is likely if you’re caught with even a small amount. In extreme cases, the death penalty has been handed down. Make sure to travel with prescription medicines in your name only and under no circumstances pack even the tiniest amount of narcotics for recreational use, or agree to carry bags or packages for anyone else. It might just be the most costly mistake you’ll ever make. Save on attractions in Singapore Save on admission to Las Vegas attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info. So grab a Singapore pass and save while you sightsee!
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Relaxing Things to do in Singapore
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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! 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. 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! 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. 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. 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. 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

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