Singapore in January

By Jo Cooke
Published: July 18, 2024
The lights of the Singapore skyline reflected in water as multicoloured fireworks explode above
Image of

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

Image of Water, Waterfront, City, Cityscape, Urban, Fireworks,

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.

Image of City, Building, Cityscape, Urban, Metropolis, Water, Waterfront, Nature, Outdoors, Scenery, High Rise,

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.

Image of Cooking Pot, Cookware, Food, Pot,

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.

Image of Temple, Adult, Female, Person, Woman, Prayer, Shrine,

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.

Image of Carnival, Back, Person,

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.

Image of Lamp, Lantern,

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.

Image of Brunch, Food, Meal, Food Presentation, Cafeteria, Indoors, Restaurant,

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.

Image of House, Housing, Villa, Hotel, Resort,

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.

Image of Garden, Nature, Outdoors, Gardening, Vegetation, Arbour, Person,

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.

Image of City, Temple, Prayer, Shrine, Pagoda, Urban, Person, Walking, Adult, Male, Man, Female, Woman, Shorts, Bag, Handbag,

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.

Image of Person, Adult, Female, Woman, Boy, Child, Male, Girl, Teen, Animal, Bird, Man,

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.

Image of Animal, Zoo, Land, Nature, Outdoors, Rainforest, Tree, Vegetation, Child, Female, Girl, Person, Mammal, Monkey, Wildlife, Boy, Male, Teen,

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.

Image of Animal, Zoo, Jungle, Nature, Outdoors, Vegetation, Elephant, Mammal, Wildlife, Boy, Child, Male, Person, Adult, Man,

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.

Image of Person, Walking, Urban,

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.

Image of Hat, Adult, Female, Person, Woman, Male, Man,

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.

Image of VR Headset,

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

Continue reading

Gardens by the Bay Singapore
Blog

How to Save Money in Singapore

There’s no denying that Singapore is an expensive city. It’s home to some of the most luxurious properties and facilities on the planet, so you’d expect to pay a premium. That being said, everyone wants more for their money. We’ve compiled a list of our best strategies for saving money in Singapore. Avoid the busiest months in Singapore While Singapore’s a year-round destination, some months are better than others. Avoid the busy months if you want to get the most out of your visit. High Season - June-July and February. The shops are full, some attractions charge a higher entrance fee, and accommodation costs more. The weather is perfect though, so it all depends on your travel budget. Low Season - August-November. The weather may be a little chillier, with more rainy days, but it’s still glorious. The streets are less crowded, you’ll have more room to breathe in the shops, and restaurant reservations will be easier to make. It’s the perfect time to visit for budget travelers. September - The Formula 1 race comes to town, and it gets busy! Accommodation prices also spike. Visit during Singapore’s Sale Season Visiting Singapore during the sale season can be one of the best decisions you make. Take advantage of huge discounts, explore a multicultural city, and shop till you drop. It lasts only 4 weeks from June to July and, during this time, many shops are open late and offer huge discounts. Singapore’s shopping scene is among the best in the world, with world-class shopping malls and boutiques all around the city. You’ll find designer clothes, top fashion labels, electronics, souvenirs, and much more. Keep in mind, this bustling city can be overwhelming for first-time visitors. If you don’t like crowds, the sale season may not be for you. Explore Singapore’s many beaches A visit to Singapore isn’t complete without taking a dip at one of the island’s beautiful beaches, and it costs nothing to soak in a few rays. Whether you prefer long stretches of white sand, secluded coves, family-friendly locations, or water sports, Singapore has just what you need. Here are some of our favorites, so you can make the most of your beach holiday. East Coast Park is Singapore’s most popular beach, so it gets very crowded on weekends. This is where locals flock to for BBQs and beach sports. It’s also a very family-friendly beach with a playground and ample space for running and cycling. Changi Beach is another popular attraction for tourists. The beach is fringed by shops and restaurants, making it a glorious spot for picnic lunches. As well as beach sports and activities, you’ll also find plenty of places to chill out and relax. Siloso Beach is a favorite with families and kids. The beach has many shaded areas and a playground, making it perfect for children to play and for parents to relax. If you’re traveling with young children, this is the place for you. Tanjong Beach is along one of the island’s most scenic coastlines. It’s a popular spot for swimmers because of the calm blue waters, and the white sand is perfect for lounging the days away. Make the most of Singapore’s free viewpoints It doesn’t cost a penny to take a photo, and Singapore’s full of great viewpoints to get some insta-worthy shots. Here are three free viewpoints you should add to your bucket list. Changi Point Ferry Terminal This 118-year-old ferry terminal is perched on top of a cliff overlooking Changi Bay and is a great place to enjoy a sunset with your loved ones. There is also a coffee shop at this viewpoint that sells cheap food and drinks. Mount Faber Take a hike up to the top of Mount Faber for a spectacular view of the city below. Time it for sunset and treat yourself to one of the best views in the country. It’s also where you take the cable car across to Sentosa island, so it should definitely be on your itinerary. Fort Canning Hill This heritage park in Singapore’s Central Business District offers stunning views of the Marina Bay skyline and Gardens by the Bay. It’s also home to several cultural attractions, such as the National Orchid Garden and Fort Canning Museum. Shop around for Kids Eat Free deals around Singapore Kids Eat Free (KEF) deals are a common marketing ploy used around the world by restaurants to attract customers. These deals usually come as a 2-for-1 or 3-for-1 meal deal where the kids eat for free with the purchase of an adult meal. However, some places offer other deals, such as free meals for children on weekends or discounted meals for kids during certain times of the day. As Singapore’s a major touristic destination, everyone’s vying for your business. Take advantage of this, and save some Singapore dollars, by shopping around for excellent meal deals. Enjoy happy hour savings in Singapore’s many pubs and bars Singapore’s not the cheapest place to go for a bar crawl. With a high tax on alcohol, plus goods and service tax, your bar bill can quickly spiral out of control. If you want to enjoy a tipple in the sunshine, you’ll want to shop around for a happy hour deal. Luckily they’re plentiful, all over the city. Some, like Al Capone’s Ristorante & Bar, run all day, while others have specific hours, usually ending by 8 PM. Depending on the deal, you could save up to 50% on your entire bill. The promotions are always changing, so do a quick online search when you land to find the best deals around. Sample Singapore’s delicious and varied street food Singapore’s a cosmopolitan city with a diverse population and a myriad of cultures, which is reflected in the street food that’s on offer. Singapore cuisine is a blend of traditional Malay, Chinese, Indian, and European cuisines, and the food scene here is constantly evolving to reflect new tastes and preferences. Hainanese chicken rice: This is a popular dish in Singapore, which originated from Hainan Island in China. This dish usually comprises poached chicken served with rice cooked in chicken broth, ginger, and garlic. Hainanese chicken rice is usually served with chili and soy sauce, and it’s common street food in Singapore. Bak kut teh: A soup dish that originated in China. The ingredients include pork ribs, knuckle, belly, and tendon, and Chinese herbs such as ginseng. Chilli crab: A popular dish in Singapore and Malaysia. The ingredients usually include crab cooked in a thick, spicy chili sauce. Laksa: This dish usually comprises coconut milk, rice noodles, lemongrass, shrimp, fishcakes, egg, prawns, bean sprouts, and chili paste. Roti prata: This popular flatbread originated in Malaysia. It’s usually eaten with curry. You can eat it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Singapore’s food scene is diverse, and it’s one of the best in the world. There are thousands of food stalls with hundreds of different dishes to try. Be adventurous and indulge in the variety of food halls and street vendors. A top tip, which applies to any city around the world, is to go where the locals go. If you see a food stall surrounded by locals, that’s a sign the food is both delicious and reasonably priced. Download local apps for food delivery around Singapore If you’re in Singapore for any length of time, you can download apps for ordering food deliveries. This is handy if you’re in town for an extended period, or maybe it’s a rainy day and you don’t want to leave the comfort of your hotel. Here are some of the food apps you can download for Singapore: FoodPanda This food-delivery app lets you order food from over 500 restaurants in Singapore. FoodPanda delivers your food from restaurants to the location of your choice in Singapore, whether you’re at home or in your workplace. Deliveroo Deliveroo is a food-delivery app that lets you order food from over 800 restaurants in Singapore, including fast food, salad, coffee, dessert, pasta, and pizza delivery. Deliveroo delivers your food from restaurants to the location of your choice in Singapore, whether you’re at home or in your workplace. GrabFood GrabFood is a food-delivery app that lets you order food from a vast range of eateries, including hawker fare to Michelin restaurants. GrabFood delivers island-wide and even lets you order up to 2 days in advance. It’s also worth checking online when you’re in Singapore to see if there are any active promo codes. There’s usually a discount on your first purchase, and various promotions depending on the time of year. Get a local prepaid SIM card for cheap calls and data in Singapore While there’s Wi-Fi in most cafes and bars, it can make your trip that much easier, safer, and less stressful if you have data on your phone. Checking opening times, directions, and even language translations can all save you headaches while you’re out and about exploring. While you could pay for an expensive data roaming package through your domestic provider, it’s usually much cheaper to pick up a local prepaid SIM upon arrival. There are 3 big network providers in Singapore: SingTel, M1, and StarHub. They each offer a tourist SIM and are all available at Changi Airport when you arrive. Shop around between them to find the best deal based on your time in Singapore, if you’ll be traveling to nearby countries, and your expected data usage. The benefits of getting an EZ Link Card in Singapore The EZ Link Card is Singapore’s contactless transport card you can use to travel on public transport. It’s handy for tourists because it’s one card for use on all buses, trains, and MRTs. With all the EZ Link services available, it makes navigating Singapore a breeze, plus it’s much cheaper than taking taxis everywhere. All you need to do is scan your EZ Link card at the nearest station or bus stop and hop on. Topping up your card balance is simple, with machines at any MRT station, bus interchange, or selected convenience stores around the city. You’ve got plenty of other options to top up, including via debit cards, credit cards, cash, or via the official app on your phone. 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
Singapore food market
Blog

Unique Dining and Food Experiences in Singapore

If you’re looking for unique culinary experiences, you’ve come to the right place. Singapore is an absolute mecca for foodies. Here’s where spectacular Malay, Chinese, Indian and Indonesian influences collide in a veritable explosion of flavours; where you can gorge on umami hawker center chili crab for just a few dollars, or splash serious cash on tasting-menu odysseys at any number of Michelin star-winning luxury restaurants. There’s plenty to satisfy IG addicts too, with quirky dining options galore sure to light up your socials and set your tastebuds singing. Check out our guide to some of the most unique dining and food experiences in Singapore below, including: Wild dining at Mandai Wildlife Reserve Sky high eats on the Sentosa Cable Car and Singapore Flyer Harry Potter vibes at Platform 1094 Hawker center street food highlights Immersive dining at Absurdities Robot baristas and fortune tellers at Soul Coffee Underwater eats at Ocean Restaurant Mandai Wildlife Reserve If you’ve always dreamed of breakfasting with baboons or picnicking with pandas, Mandai Wildlife Reserve is the place for you! Bird Paradise is where it’s at for peckish punters with a penchant for penguins. No, of course you don’t eat them! But you can watch them glide gracefully through their underwater kelp forests as you munch on your sandwiches. Or take in spectacular views of the wetlands waterfall and tropical birdlife from the Crimson Restaurant. Hit up neighboring Singapore Zoo for breakfast among the lush jungle foliage that surrounds Ah Meng Terrace. You’ll meet park ambassadors such as cute coatimundi, multicolored macaws and curious orangutans and hear from their handlers as you tuck into a wide range of breakfast items including cereals, fruits, eggs and curries. Heck, you can even have a four-course lunch overlooking the giant panda enclosure at River Wonders if you fancy it; a tour of the panda forest guarantees your Insta feed will be the envy of everyone you know. Top tip: you can save money with a Singapore pass from Go City that includes entry to all four of the Mandai wildlife parks. But note that the dining experiences are separate and must be booked direct via the individual attraction websites. Sky High Dining Did someone say dinner with a view? Well, it doesn’t get much better than dining aboard the Singapore Flyer. Rotating all the way up to a knee-knocking 541 feet, this mammoth observation wheel is a great way to take in the city at night, as the sun sets and lights come on all over town. A double rotation of the wheel gives you plenty of time to finish your private dinner (served with champagne, natch). Just as much fun is the dinner and drinks experience aboard the Sentosa cable car, which soars 200 feet over the sea, showcasing Sentosa’s lush foliage and fine sandy beaches en route. Book a private pod for dinner at sundown and fear not: once again a double rotation means there’s no need to rush dessert. Tea for Two No-one could ever accuse the late Queen Elizabeth II of being poorly traveled. Nor of declining a spot of light refreshment when offered. Her various sojourns to Singapore saw her (allegedly) drink the bar dry at the legendary Raffles hotel and, in 1989, bring hubby Phil along for a rather more sedate tea-drinking experience at Tea Chapter, one of the city’s most celebrated (and authentic) tea houses. You too can indulge in a regal tea appreciation ceremony right here in this lovingly converted haven of zen Chinese architecture, sampling the very same leaves – jasmine-scented Imperial Golden Cassia – once deemed fit for Liz’n’Phil. Hawker Centers Rich with the heady scent of sizzling satay pork and deliciously umami chili crab, hawker centers – great sprawling street-food markets that can be stumbled upon on nearly every corner – are the quintessential Singapore foodie experience. If you only visit one, make it Lau Pa Sat, an iconic local landmark that’s as famous for its distinctive octagonal shape, colonial-style architecture and convivial dining crowd as it is for its food. Nab a spot beneath the center’s soaring Victorian arches and get stuck into a gourmand’s smorgasbord of international cuisines, including Filipino, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Korean, Malaysian, Chinese and more. Fancy a day at the beach instead? Hit up the East Coast Lagoon Food Village hawker center, where picture-postcard ocean views accompany your crispy oyster omelet and ice-cold Tiger beer. Perfection. Absurdities If immersive dining experiences and little bottles bearing ‘drink me’ labels are your bag, the aptly named Absurdities restaurant is the one for you. Indeed, the term ‘restaurant’ feels a little prosaic for this wacky gastronomic journey, which promises a multi-course, multi-room culinary extravaganza in which you might find yourself coming over all reflective in a tunnel filled with infinity mirrors one minute, and exploring an enchanted forest or chilling in a Bedouin tent the next. The six-course omakase meal that accompanies this wonderfully disorienting and dreamlike experience is every bit as confounding, and twice as delicious. One way or another, you won’t forget it in a hurry. Platform 1094 You can expect to have an, ahem, wizard time at Platform 1094, Singapore’s first magic-themed café which takes Harry Potter as its theme and, well, flies with it. There’s wizard-themed decor, fun dressing up materials for kids (yes, and adults too) plus more Instagram opportunities than you can shake a wand at. The Enchanted Afternoon Tea, for example, comes with treats including chocolate frogs and golden blood mousse. Owl-shaped cookies, Quidditch-themed desserts and cauldron-shaped plates help keep the kids entertained while smoke effects and flaming cocktails make it a pretty magical experience for grown-ups too. Ocean Restaurant Do you relish the prospect of watching (and being watched by) majestic manta rays and reef sharks while chomping on your tuna? Course you do! Ocean Restaurant is housed within Resorts World Sentosa, where you can accompany your sumptuous seafood dinner with ringside views of the oceanarium’s underwater habitat. Angled mirrors positioned strategically opposite the viewing window mean you’ll get an eyeful of kaleidoscopic tropical critters wherever you happen to be sitting in the restaurant. And there ain't nothing fishy about that. Soul Coffee You’d be forgiven for thinking there are hallucinogens in the beans at Singapore’s Soul Coffee, where the often bewilderingly trippy experience takes in tarot readings, wild wall projections of the natural world, and a robot barista by the name of George Hillary. Ask Mr George for your coffee straight up, or set him to work on one of the signature horoscope blends, such as the super-sweet Capricorn with espresso, salted caramel and vanilla, or the Leo, with festive flavors of cinnamon and gingerbread. Mocktails in a range of bright colors and fruity flavors – yuzu, kiwi, pineapple, agave and more – round out the drinks selection. Tiong Bahru Bakery Safari Last but by no means least in our rundown of unique, quirky and downright wacky dining experiences in Singapore is the relatively wholesome Tiong Bahru Bakery Safari. This safari-themed eatery in the hip Dempsey Hill district is a family favorite, all lush tropical foliage, al fresco dining opportunities and an ace playground to keep the kids entertained. Heck, there’s even an edible garden for intrepid little adventurers to explore. Work up an appetite in the glorious grounds then tuck into sourdough waffles, face-sized wedges of carrot cake and some of the best coffee in the neighborhood. Save on attractions and activities in Singapore Save on admission to Singapore attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
People running in Jurong
Blog

Things to do in Jurong Singapore

Head a short distance west from the delights of Marina Bay by MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) and you’ll find yourself in Jurong. Although its name once only conjured up images of its cargo port and heavy industry, today Jurong is known for a wealth of attractions. So while the area is saying goodbye to Jurong Bird Park after 50 years, there are still plenty of things to do in Jurong Singapore should you find yourself here. The area comprises a loosely defined area encompassing Jurong East and West, alongside Pioneer and Boon Lay. Within them visitors to Singapore will find everything from perfectly laid-out gardens to excellent shopping possibilities. There’s also no shortage of family-friendly activities, including Snow City and Science Centre. Grown-ups might also enjoy the tour of the brewery which has produced Singapore’s prized beer since 1932. Keen to know more about the top attractions in Jurong? You’ve come to the right place! Outdoor things to do in Jurong Singapore Singapore isn’t called the garden city for nothing. Amongst its 330 public parks and green spaces are several peaceful oases located within Jurong. So if you’ve a love of gardens and seeking out things to do in west Singapore, Jurong is the place to head. Since 2019 it has been the home of Jurong Lake Gardens, uniting once separate parks into one 90-hectare site curving around the shoreline of Jurong Lake. Designed to incorporate something for everyone, it is made up of several sections, each given its own name. Head to The Grasslands for a picnic, or head along Rasau Walk for a lakeside stroll. Delve into Forest Ramble for idea of what much of Jurong once looked like before development took hold, or get paddling on a kayak at Passion Wave, a home for a variety of water sports. And if that wasn’t enough, on islands in the lake itself there’s also the Japanese and Chinese gardens. Here a terraced water feature in the Japanese Garden and a bamboo grove and a pagoda in the Chinese garden help create a real sense of calm. Elsewhere in Jurong, check out Bukit Peropok (Jurong Hill Park). As the highest point in the neighborhood, it offers great views of Jurong Island just offshore. It also contains Singapore’s Garden of Fame, where international dignitaries come to plant trees and shrubs. Not to be outdone, Yunnan Garden boasts a viewing platform from where it’s possible to take in not only the entirety of these gardens, but also its incredible waterfall, which reaches a height closing in on six meters. Things to do in Jurong when it rains Spray from the waterfall at Yunnan Garden is not the only reason to explore Singapore with an umbrella in hand. Think of Singapore and you’re probably imagining afternoons under a tropical sun. But the country does experience short – if frequent – rain showers most of the year. It’s well worth having a plan for when it does. Close to Jurong Lake Gardens is Snow City. It’s Singapore’s first indoor snow slope making use of the white stuff. Opened for the new millennium and renovated in 2015, it covers 3,000 square meters over two floors. The main attraction is the 60 meter long and three-story high artificial hill used for snowtubing across a surface maintained at a healthy 40 cm deep. Snow City is part of Science Centre Singapore, another highlight of Jurong’s indoor attractions. Fittingly located on Science Road, the center welcomes visitors to no less than eight individual galleries. Together, they contain a collection of around 850 objects. It also includes an observatory with stargazing sessions every Friday after dark, and an Omnimax theater. Last but not least, there’s the Tiger Brewery Tour. Nearing its centenary, Tiger beer has been quenching the thirst of Singaporeans since long before Singapore was even an independent nation state. This is despite the fact key ingredients – hops and barley – don’t grow in the region. Discover how Tiger beer came to be with a one hour behind the scenes tour. Then you’ve got the chance to sample the final product or a very special Blue Paradise cocktail when visiting with a Go City All-Inclusive or Explorer pass. Snap up the hottest new items for your home and wardrobe Don’t think Jurong is short of shopping opportunities either. Far from it. Right next to Boon Lay MRT station, Jurong Point Shopping Mall probably provides the greatest range, since it’s one of the largest malls anywhere in the country. With 450 different stores to choose between, it’s difficult to see how even the biggest shopaholics would get bored. However, if they do, there’s always IMM outlet mall, Westgate and JCube all close by. What’s there to do at JCube? Beyond its five floors of shops, it contains the first Olympic-sized ice rink in Singapore, and an IMAX movie theater. No wonder some are now comparing Jurong to the much better-known shopping and entertainment area of Orchard Road. The artisans amongst us seeking out bespoke pieces are likely to want to try Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle too. Owned by the same family since the mid-1960s, the pottery uses Singapore’s last dragon kiln. A type of kiln more traditionally found in southern China, it uses wood to fire the clay into hardy ceramics. Visit during your time in Jurong and you can not only purchase handmade locally-produced items, but also try your hand at making your very own at one of their workshops. Save on admission to top Singapore attractions Whether you’re wedded to Jurong like an oyster to its rock, or simply exploring the neighborhood as part of your time in Singapore, it’s well worth considering traveling with Go City. Our passes provide savings on admission prices for many of Singapore’s top attractions, from museums to guided bike tours of Chinatown and beyond. Check out the Go City Facebook and Instagram pages for the latest competitions and special offers. And don’t forget to tag @GoCity or use #GoCityPass on your vacation social media posts for a chance to get featured on our page!
Alex Birungi

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.