Singapore in May

By <a href="#author-bio">Stuart Bak</a>
By Stuart Bak
The bandstand in Singapore Botanic Gardens.

As Singapore lurches towards the busy summer season, May presents one of the last opportunities to see the city in (relative) peace and quiet before the vacationing hordes descend. It’s also one of the hottest and most humid months of the year here but, again, it’s all relative on an island where the climate doesn’t really vary all that much from one end of the year to the other. Read on for our expert guide to visiting Singapore in May.

Visiting Singapore in May

Image of City, Urban, High Rise, Skyscraper, Office Building, Condo, Housing, Cityscape, Metropolis,

Temperature: 77–88°F • Average Rainfall: 19 days/month • Average Sunshine: 9 hours/day

Don’t let that scary-looking rainfall stat put you off: May is so hot and humid in Singapore that, believe us, you’ll be glad of the respite provided by those occasional brief downpours. These short thunderstorms are mere amuse bouches for the monsoon season proper, which arrives in June and doesn’t begin to peter out until September. There’s also sunshine in May, and lots of it, so prepare accordingly by donning massive Jackie O sunglasses, light cotton and linen clothing and the floppiest, widest-brimmed sun hat you can lay your hands on. Or make like the locals and pack a parasol for the midday sun and an umbrella for the afternoon downpour.

Like the climate, hotel prices don’t vary much across the year in Singapore. But May, loosely speaking, is low season, so you’re more likely to find good deals now than, say, in June or July. Our advice? Book well ahead to take advantage of any early bird discounts that may be available.

Things to do in Singapore in May

Image of Outdoors, Nature, Vegetation, Water, Land, Tree, Woodland, Sea, Aerial View,

May’s hot, humid weather means you won’t want to be outdoors all the time. Indeed you’ll likely find yourself sweatily seeking out air-conditioned malls, restaurants, hawker centers and, heck, even public transport, every hour or so, just to get a bit of respite. A great way to spend a sizzling May day is to get out and about early, discovering the kinds of fine outdoors attractions that have earned Singapore its ‘Garden City’ nickname before the heat really begins to bite around noon. Dodge the soaring temperatures with a few indoor attractions in the afternoon before seeking out a beach or rooftop bar for cocktails at sunset. Perfect.

Singapore’s many gardens and forests are great fun for exploring, and have the added benefit of providing a bit of natural shade and temperature control on warm days. Hotfoot it to the spectacular Gardens by the Bay where the OCBC Skyway provides some fine aerial views from 22 meters up in the canopy of the park’s iconic Supertrees. Or stick to the trunks, where your morning stroll is absolutely gratis. Step inside the vast durian-shaped hothouses for ancient olive groves, a sky-high waterfall and carpets of colorful blooms that emit an intoxicating riot of perfumes. Across town, Singapore’s Botanic Gardens provide further opportunities to smell the roses. And orchids. And Rafflesia. This sprawling 200-acre oasis also has a picture-perfect bandstand and peaceful Swan Lake, ticking off your Instagram and picnic requirements in one fell swoop.

Image of Boardwalk, Bridge, Nature, Outdoors, Scenery, Water, Waterfront, Land, Rainforest, Tree, Vegetation, Path, Jungle, Pond,

Equally alluring are the Southern Ridges, where six miles of elevated walkways and jungle trails, weave along the island’s south coast, connecting Mount Faber Park and the Labrador Nature Reserve. Expect to see (and hear) a rainbow of native birdlife as you tiptoe through the treetops, including orange-bellied flowerpeckers, red-whiskered bulbuls and many more tropical critters. Don’t miss the decidedly more manmade structure that is Henderson Waves, an architectural masterpiece of steel that snakes across the trees and, at 36 meters above ground, is the highest pedestrian bridge in Singapore. A little further north, MacRitchie Reservoir (pictured above) is a huge natural playground with, yes, another epic treetop walkway that links the park’s highest points, plus plenty of running and walking trails and, this being a reservoir, an abundance of water for kayak enthusiasts to explore, perhaps spotting the occasional monitor lizard or macaque along the way.

Image of Beverage, Juice, Smoothie, Mason Jar,

Hazy May afternoons in Singapore are best spent over long lunches in air-conditioned hawker centers. Order a sweet and refreshing bandung (condensed milk and rose syrup over ice) and gorge on local specialities including chicken rice, chili crab and pork satay before hitting the (also air-conditioned) mega-malls for a spot of light retail therapy. As evening approaches, catch the cable car across the bay to the tiny resort island of Sentosa, where a cocktail at the beach bars or dip in the 85°F waters that lap palm-lined sands are the ideal way to top off your day as the sun disappears over the horizon.

What’s on in Singapore in May?

Image of Head, Person, Accessories, Jewelry, Necklace, Face,

Vesak Day is celebrated on the 15th day of the fourth month of the Chinese Lunar Calendar. Which, for those paying attention at the back, generally means sometime in May. It’s a public holiday and precipitates an island-wide festival in celebration of the life of Buddha, usually manifested in various religious and cultural activities in and around Singapore’s many temples. Join the festivities at landmark beauties including the Insta-perfect Burmese Buddhist Temple and Lian Shan Shuang Lin Monastery, where you can also witness awesome candlelit processions at the end of the day.

Culture vultures rejoice! For May is also the month of the Singapore International Festival of Arts, which showcases some of the finest in theater, music, dance and visual arts from Singapore and around the world. A wide and varied program includes ticketed performances as well as a number of free events around the city. But, if your idea of a great day out tends to involve giving your credit card a workout in chic boutiques, swanky stores and big-brand emporia stuffed with clothes, accessories, gadgets and toys, we also have something just for you. The Great Singapore Sale kicks off towards the end of May, bringing extended shopping hours and whopping great discounts (often as high as 70%!) to some of the city’s biggest retail outlets. Just don’t blame us when you get a fevered call from your bank manager the next morning!

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
Freelance travel writer

Stu caught the travel bug at an early age, thanks to childhood road trips to the south of France squeezed into the back of a Ford Cortina with two brothers and a Sony Walkman. Now a freelance writer living on the Norfolk coast, Stu has produced content for travel giants including Frommer’s, British Airways, Expedia, Mr & Mrs Smith, and now Go City. His most memorable travel experiences include drinking kava with the locals in Fiji and pranging a taxi driver’s car in the Honduran capital.

Continue reading

Christmas in Singapore
Blog

Christmas in Singapore

It's the same every year. Horned animals, jolly red fellows, and gifts wrapped in paper start appearing on TV. Those songs clog up your favorite radio stations - you know the ones. And you hear the distant scream of your bank account as it prepares to be drained of all its savings. Yes, that's right. It's Christmas. The most wonderful time of the year. So if you're considering visiting Singapore this winter, you might want to know what Christmas is like in the city. Well, don't worry; we've got all answers down below, as well as suggestions to amplify your merriment! Read on, and discover Christmas in Singapore. Including: How do they celebrate Christmas in Singapore? Is Christmas in Singapore good? Is Christmas a big holiday in Singapore? Christmas cheer at Gardens of the Bay Christmas at Universal Studios and more! How do they celebrate Christmas in Singapore? In such a multicultural city, it's no surprise that Christmas is handled in a rather traditional sense. Shopping malls are wrapped in tinsel and fairy lights, Christmas trees spring up from nowhere, and stockings adorn many a shop window. So, really, it's probably just like your home town. Only in Singapore, so the weather's much better! Is Christmas in Singapore good? It is! You'll find plenty of Christmas activities to enjoy in and around the city, as well as Christmas shopping savings, markets, and plenty more. But we'll get to that. Is Christmas a big holiday in Singapore? Even though there's a relatively small Christian population in Singapore - around 19% identify as Christians - Christmas is still a big holiday in the city. Much like many of the other religious holidays and festivals celebrated in Singapore, Christmas gets a similar treatment. Now that we've got your burning questions out of the way, let's talk about the best things to do over Christmas in Singapore! Christmas cheer at Gardens of the Bay If you're visiting Singapore, you've probably already heard of Gardens of the Bay. Thanks to its beautiful SuperTrees, it's one of the most recognizable green spaces on the planet. With millions of plants, multiple biomes, and even an Avatar movie crossover found within, there's plenty to do and see for every visitor. But what of Christmas? Well, you've got a few choices. First is Christmas Wonderland. Arguably Singapore's biggest Christmas extravaganza, visitors will be treated to the kind of light show one expects at Garden Rhapsody - just extra Christmasy. But that's not all; you can also meet Santa and snap a pic, play carnival games, explore the Mistletoe Alley Christmas market, and even hop on some rides. All-round yuletide fun for one and all, just like Santa always wanted. This one runs throughout December, so if you're visiting Singapore over Christmas, you should be just fine. The other is Poinsetta Wishes, a massive display of delightful Andalucian flora that gets a Christmas glow-up every winter. Every year, a different Christmas theme takes over the Flower Dome. Last year it was Nordic-inspired Christmas treats like gingerbread reindeer and a giant hollowed-out apple adorning Santa's sleigh. 2022/23's display hasn't been announced yet, but keep an eye out online to find out. Typically, the Christmas display at the Flower Dome runs from the end of November to the beginning of January. Joy to the world at Universal Studios Universal Studios is every cinephile's ideal theme park. With tons of rides dedicated to some of the planet's biggest film franchises, it's fun for kids and bigger kids alike. One moment, visitors will be dodging dinos at the Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure; the next, they'll be riding alongside Optimus Prime as the Transformers battle the Decepticons. But over Christmas, it transforms into a winter wonderland. The halls are firmly decked with boughs of holly, carols bellow out around the park courtesy of your favorite universal characters, and you can hop on the Universal Rocking Railway to catch a glimpse of trees inspired by Shrek, Minions, and plenty of others. You can also post a letter to Santa and watch as the Postmaster Elf drops it off at the North Pole Postal Service. And when you're overcome with hunger from all the Christmasy activity, head to the Festive Market to pick up some Christmas twists on Singapore favorites. Pick up some cheer at a traditional Christmas market We've already talked about Gardens by the Bay's Mistletoe Market and Universal's Festive Market. But what other markety delights can you find in Singapore? Well, there's the Chinatown Christmas Market, which appears at the end of December, from Dec 19-20th, and then again from Dec 26-27. See Chinatown adorned in decorations, and prepare to pick up some great bargains on food, knickknacks, and decorations if you're behind on your Christmas schedule. Then there's the Christmas Fair at Crane Club. From Dec 4-5, you can pick up some great gift ideas, all made by local businesses. From clothes to homeware and plenty of chocolate to boot, you'll find something for everyone at this brilliant Christmas spot. Or, try I'mable Gift Market, a conscientious Christmas Market that not only offers sustainably-made products, but they're also made by people with disabilities. And no matter what you pick up, you'll know that your purchases help the community and disability services. Does it get much more Christmasy than that? Not in our book. Let loose at a Christmas Village And finally, we'll end our exploration of Christmas in Singapore with a visit to Changi Festive Village. From November 4 - Jan 2, you'll be able to attend one of Singapore's best-kept winter secrets. Located onsite at Changi Airport, this wonderful village provides with a myriad of activities on offer. Hop on a go-kart and race around a circuit, jump into the dino-themed bouncy castle, lay your eyes upon a huge 50+ foot Christmas tree, and top it all off with some Christmas bites. Brilliant. And there ends our guide to Christmas in Singapore! Wherever you choose to spend your winter holiday, have a merry Christmas and a happy New Year! If you're wondering what else to get up to on your Singapore vacation, 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. That way, you can get your fix of Christmas cheer and make the most of the rest of your stay!
Dom Bewley
Traditional bowl of laksa.
Blog

Best Places for Laksa in Singapore

Ah, laksa, that most versatile of Southeast Asian dishes. So versatile in fact that you’ll find more variants across the region than there are characters in the Pokémon universe. You’ll also discover disagreement from Indonesia to Malaysia over where and by whom this beloved noodle soup was invented. Almost certainly Peranakan in origin, it appears to have evolved along the spice route over several centuries, with the first known use of the term ‘laksa’ to mean ‘noodles’ dating to 1391. But what does it taste like? Well, again, that depends where you eat it. But in its most recognized form laksa is an aromatic noodle soup flavored with a fish or shrimp broth, creamy coconut milk, tamarind and herbs including coriander and mint. Usually topped with beansprouts and fish, shrimps or chicken, it’s rich, spicy and just begs to be slurped noisily, though its vibrant yellow color makes wearing a white shirt while dining an absolute no-no. Best of all it’s deliciously moreish and available in every Singapore restaurant, food court and hawker center worth its salt. It’s also eaten for breakfast, lunch and dinner so no need to limit yourself to just one bowl a day! We took a deep dive to discover some of the best places for laksa in Singapore and you’ll find a small election of our faves below. Sungei Road Laksa This near legendary laksa kitchen is run by a tiny team of crack chefs from its unassuming location along the Sungei Road. But believe us when we say there’s nothing pedestrian about the laksa, with great steaming bowls of noodle broth being served up to long queues of hungry punters most days from morning until late afternoon. The laksa here is both delicate and rich at the same time. Cooked over charcoal, packed with thick bee hoon noodles and topped generously with cockles, crunchy beansprouts and fragrant herbs it’s a satisfying lunch and all for just a few dollars. Afterwards, head south over the Rochor Canal and into Kampong Glam, where alongside the landmark Sultan Mosque, you’ll find trendy boutiques and antique emporia galore, for all your souvenir-shopping needs. Find it: 27 Jalan Berseh, #01-100, Singapore 200027 Depot Road Zhen Shan Mei Claypot Laksa The clue’s in the (rather long) name of this Alexandra Village Food Center stalwart, which has been awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand every year since 2016 for its impossible-to-resist laksa. The gravy is cooked and served in a claypot, lending it an aromatic, smoky flavor and ensuring your meal retains its heat regardless of how long you spend chatting to friends between each delicious mouthful. This rich, creamy almost curry-like take on laksa is ideal fuel if you’re off for an afternoon’s hiking in the nearby Southern Ridges, where an elevated walkway weaves through the treetops south of the city, colorful native birdlife is in abundance and the Henderson Waves Bridge – a striking landmark with undulating steel ribs that snake over and under the walkway – has to be seen (and walked across) to be believed. Find it: 120 Bukit Merah Lane 1, Alexandra Hawker Centre, #01-75, Singapore 151120 Janggut Laksa Janggut Laksa is one of at least two laksa joints at the Queenstown Shopping Center (and countless more around the city) to claim ownership of the ‘original and best’ Katong laksa in Singapore, Katong being an orange-hued take on the more commonly found yellow lemak variety, cooked with a little less coconut and a little more spice. Whether original or best is probably moot in a place with this much choice, but Janggut’s take on the dish is certainly up there. A refreshing and aromatic broth with notes of coriander, ginger and lemongrass, it comes packed with thick, chewy noodles, shrimp and a great big dollop of sambal sauce to add further heat and depth to your soup, should you be feeling bold enough to stir it through. Like most laksa eateries, the menu is short and to the point, but we’d also recommend trying the curried chicken here if you can find an appetite big enough. Find it: 1 Queensway, #01-59, Singapore 149053 328 Katong Laksa Another claimant to the title of ‘original and best’ is 328 Katong Laksa over the other side of town on the East Coast Road (why one of these joints didn’t just go for ‘Original and Best Katong Laksa’ as their shop name beats us). However, 328’s rivalry with fellow Singapore eateries is as nothing compared to their epic 2013 cook-off with Gordon Ramsay, a battle which saw the East Coast crew triumph, catapulting their already legendary laksa into the the stratosphere (no, not literally). Join the snaking queues to find out what all the fuss is about, but expect to pay a premium for the ‘number one laksa in Singapore’. The white sands and swaying coconut palms at nearby East Coast Park provide the perfect setting for sleeping it off in the afternoon sun. Find it: 51 East Coast Road, Singapore 428770 928 Yishun Laksa There are plenty of reasons to make a day trip out to the northeast region of Singapore. Singapore Zoo, for example, one of the biggest and best on the planet. Then there’s the natural hot spring at Sembawang, a pungent high-sulfide pool said to have healing properties. Woodlands Waterfront Park boasts the longest jetty on the island and a lovely promenade with views across the Straits of Johor to Malaysia. But perhaps the best reason to head north is to pay a visit to 928 Yishun Laksa, a stalwart of Singapore’s noodle soup scene with the long queues to prove it. Expect thick, creamy broth with a kick of spicy sambal at this family-run stall, where the laksa is prepared from scratch using fresh ingredients daily. Be sure to get there early: this ever-popular joint often closes mid-to-late afternoon when their addictive soups sell out. Find it: 928 Yishun Central 1, #01-155, Singapore 760928 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
Looking over Marina Bay in Singapore
Blog

Famous hotels in Singapore

The Lion City is famous for many things – cleanliness, shopping malls and a famous cocktail, for a start. But when it comes to visual charms, Singapore is definitely up with the likes of New York and Paris for recognizable landmarks – there’s the iconic Supertrees, the world heritage botanic gardens and the charming yet fierce-looking Merlion statue. And we can’t forget, of course, its famous hotels – from neo-classic renaissance villas to modern skyscrapers with living walls, there’s much to admire in the luxury accommodation stakes. And whether you’re staying in one, or just there for a gawp, they’re all worth having a look at for their history, uniqueness or glamor – and sometimes all three! Our list of Singapore’s most famous hotels includes: Raffles Shangri-La Marina Bay Sands The Outpost Hotel Sentosa Oasia ParkRoyal on Pickering The Fullerton St Regis Raffles Dating from the early 19th century, this neoclassical colonial era building wins the prize for the most historic hotel in the city. Named for the city’s founder, Sir Stamford Raffles, the hotel has welcomed such illustrious guests as Charlie Chaplin, Sir Rudyard Kipling and Queen Elizabeth II, to name a few. Non-guests are welcome to visit and stroll along its many covered porticos, admiring the intricate white arches and surrounding forest of tropical palm trees. Get there on the yellow line of the Big Bus Tour, and be sure to stop by the famous Long Bar and sample the hotel’s signature cocktail, the Singapore Sling. Shangri-La As the name suggests, the Shangri-La is a utopian idyll tucked away in the heart of the city. Its three grand wings are enclosed in 15 acres of tropical gardens, pools and water playgrounds, and there are so many optional activities you could enjoy an entire holiday without leaving the hotel at all – although it would be a shame to miss the city’s official Botanic Gardens nearby. Despite its immensity and range of unique art installations, it’s probably most famous for being the first of Shangri-La’s world-renowned brand of luxury hotels, and for pioneering their signature brand of ‘Asian Hospitality’ – service characterized by humility, respect, helpfulness and sincerity. Marina Bay Sands Of all the iconic hotels in Singapore, the Marina Bay Sands may be the most recognizable – with its distinctive triple towers and surfboard-shaped terrace at the top, it probably appears in the background of more selfies than any other building in the city. Non-guests can pay a small fee to get to the top (or use your pass for access to the Ce La Vi SkyBar) where you’ll find the world’s largest infinity pool, and possibly a celebrity or two. 57 floors up is a marvelously lofty place to overlook the city, and you’ll have great views of Supertree Grove in the Gardens by the Bay and the nearby Floral Fantasy. While you’re there you can also check out the hotel’s own casino, celebrity chef restaurants, a shopping mall and the ArtScience Museum. The Outpost Hotel Sentosa Set on the island of Sentosa at the southern tip of the city, The Outpost Hotel Sentosa is recognizable for its curved exterior walls and living foliage that drapes like green frosting over the building. Here is the ultimate in luxury for grown-ups, as the adults-only rooftop infinity pool and bar transforms from a sun-drenched oasis during the day to a trendy chill-out bar at night. Overlooking the Singapore Strait, it’s the perfect place to sip a cocktail and watch the sunset – although if you do want to venture out, you’ll find Madame Tussauds, the S.E.A. Aquarium and southeast Asia’s only Universal Studios nearby. To complete your relaxation experience, get there via the cable car from Faber Peak and sit back as it takes you over the bay and the island’s lush coastal canopies. Oasia Hotel The Oasia Hotel in Downtown Singapore is instantly recognizable for its striking pink and green façade. Built by local architecture firm WOHA, the Oasia is a sleek and modern skyscraper designed around the concept of bringing green spaces to population dense areas. From the outside, it’s an imposing mixture of wood, stone, copper and foliage – from the inside, it’s like a multi-story tree house full of sky gardens, cool terraces and living walls – a perfect escape from the concrete jungle outside. ParkRoyal on Pickering Another offering from the minds at WOHA, from a distance the ParkRoyal on Pickering looks a bit like an alien starfighter – but up close it’s a marvel of modern architecture and innovative landscaping. Three towers encircle eight living balconies of gardens, waterfalls and reflective pools, decorated with colorful birdcage cabanas. All this is right in the middle of the busy city, about halfway between Chinatown and Clarke Quay. An unexpectedly green and curvy gem, the ParkRoyal must be seen to be believed. The Fullerton Champagne breakfast, anyone? That’s what awaits exclusive guests of the Fullerton Hotel overlooking Marina Bay. It’s a great spot for photographing the Marina Bay Sands Hotel, but it’s also a gorgeous building in its own right – it was built in the neoclassical style in 1928 and at various points in its history it’s been the home of the Singapore General Post Office, the Exchange, the Chamber of Commerce, and the prestigious Singapore Club. It was declared a national monument in 2015 and sits right at the tip of the Marina near the Jubilee Bridge. On the roof, where you’ll find a rich jungle landscape complete with hot tubs and pool, you can look over the Merlion Statue to the mouth of the Singapore River, or back across the city over Chinatown to Sentosa Island. St Regis The epitome of luxury with a price tag to match. Silk wallpaper, crystal chandeliers and marble bathrooms are just a taste of the opulence that awaits guests at the St Regis Hotel near. As well as all the amenities you’d expect the hotel also has its very own art collection, featuring pieces by Chagall, Miró and Picasso, no less. But perhaps it’s most famous for its butler service, reminiscent of an English stately home at the height of high society. If your dream holiday is to be awoken by a friendly face opening your drapes and bringing you coffee in bed, then expertly packing your case for your onward journey, this is the hotel for you. Travel in style with Go City Whether you’re staying in a luxury hotel or just stopping by for a peek, you’ll feel like the rich and famous with Go City. Grab your Explorer or All-Inclusive Pass today and get instant access to dozens of exclusive attractions around the city.
Karleen Stevens

Have a 5% discount, on us!

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