Singapore skyline showing the Marina Bay Sands Resort

Singapore in November

It’s hot, it’s humid and it’s often wet. But in reality, Singapore’s climate is pretty uniform year-round, with very few weather extremes to worry about. November heralds the start of monsoon season so yeah, you can expect a few short, sharp downpours in the afternoons and evenings, but nothing a small umbrella or pocket poncho can’t handle. You’ll find it pleasantly warm the rest of the time, so be sure to pack light cottons and linens, floppy sun hats and sunscreen as you would for any vacation in the tropics. Oh, and don’t forget the mozzie repellent – those bitey little blighters just adore that sweet Singapore humidity!

As ever, booking well in advance is the best way to lock in cheap prices on flights and accommodation but, as this is low season, you can also expect late deals as hotels push to fill rooms. Either way, November is one of the best times of year to grab a Singapore bargain.

Things to do in Singapore in November

Mandai Wildlife Reserve

A pair of loved-up parrots

Nature lovers need look no further than Singapore’s premier wildlife reserve. This vast expanse of jungle, rainforest and wetland north of the city boasts not one but four distinct parks. Bird Paradise, the newest addition at time of writing, is a colorful cornucopia of pretty plumage and sweet birdsong; an enormous aviary where you can get up close to pink flamingos, turacos, toucans, rockhopper penguins and all manner of other feathery critters. The reserve is also where you’ll find Singapore Zoo and the famous Night Safari, as well as the awesome River Wonders attraction, where water-loving beasts of the world – manatees, piranhas, Indian gharials, giant pandas and more – live their best lives.

Sentosa Island

Siloso Beach on Sentosa Island, Singapore

A day trip to Sentosa is a quintessential part of any Singapore experience. Heck, you could spend at least a week on this fun-packed south coast resort island, and still not have enough time to see it all. Start with the quite excellent cable car ride from the main island, easily Singapore’s most scenic ride, before diving into everything else this tropical playground has to offer. We’re talking the epic Universal Studios Singapore, SEA Aquarium and Adventure Cove water park. And that’s just for starters! Hit up Siloso Beach for powdery white sands, balmy waters and, um, forest luge tracks, or take the scenic route to Fort Siloso – an elevated Skywalk that takes you high above the forest canopy.

Foodie Fantasia

Satay chicken and pork cooking at a traditional Singapore street stall

All that activity making you hungry? Singapore’s hundreds of world-class food courts and hawker centers have your back. Dodge the afternoon downpour to while away a few hours in old-school favorite Lau Pa Sat, a Singapore landmark with street food so exquisite it might just prove life-changing. The sheer variety of international cuisines here – Vietnamese, Filipino, Malaysian, Korean, Indonesian – is mind-boggling, so you’re sure to find something to tickle those tastebuds. Our advice? Look for the stalls with the longest lines and gorge on small plates from as many vendors as you can manage. Think umami chili crab (the Singaporean national dish), delicious sambal-laced laksa, red-hot rendang curry and – for the truly adventurous (and unsqueamish) only – fried pigs’ fallopian tubes in kung pao sauce. Yum!

Get Some Culture

National Museum of Singapore

Singapore’s galleries and museums are second to none. Start by immersing yourself in thousands of years of Asian history at the epic National Museum of Singapore where trying to decipher the enigmatic Singapore Stone is just one of the many fun activities available. The National Gallery houses more than 9,000 contemporary and modern artworks from Singapore and southeast Asia, with highlights including Georgette Chen’s evocative series of family portraits and Singaporean Choo Keng Kwang’s woodcuts and oil paintings. Hit up the futuristic ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands for immersive exhibitions and a gallery that’s packed with eye-popping VR artworks. The museum’s in-house cinema screens a curated selection of classic movies, documentaries and arthouse films for Singapore’s hip crowd.

What’s on in Singapore in November?

Woman taking a selfie next to a Christmas tree

Visitors to Singapore in November – especially late November – will find a city already gearing up for the festive season. Never anything short of spectacular, the gorgeous Gardens by the Bay ramp things up to the all-singing all-dancing max with their awesome Christmas Wonderland event. Get your snow fix at Blizzard Time, visit Frosty’s Fairground for all manner of prize-winning opportunities, and enjoy a romantic stroll beneath the 75,000 festive bulbs that illuminate the aptly named Walk of Lights.

And if it’s lights you want, you’ll find some of the very best along Orchard Road, which also just happens to be home to the finest (and largest) malls in town. This popular annual attraction, titled ‘Christmas on A Great Street’, more than lives up to its boastful name, with oodles of street food stalls, pop-up gift stores and more carnival rides and Christmas villages than you can shake a candy cane at.

Aerial view of cinema goers with popcorn

November is also when the Singapore International Film Festival rolls into town, giving fans of (mostly) Asian and world cinema a rare chance to catch exclusive screenings, as well as attending industry workshops, discussions, director Q&A\s, awards ceremonies and more at glittering venues across the city. It’s always worth going along, even if just for the celeb-spotting opportunities alone!

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.

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Wide view - green and pink blossom of trumpet trees with row of skyscrapers on horizon
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Singapore in March

You must have seen the Merlion - half lion, half fish - the symbol of Singapore? Created in 1964 to represent the city’s growth (from a humble fishing village to a powerful beast), its constant spout of water represents good luck and prosperity. Happily it’s your good luck to visit Singapore in March! With children busy at school the world over, it’s a great time to take advantage of affordable fares and enjoy an adult break. Why is March the best time to visit Singapore? Here’s why, including... • Weather in March in Singapore • Cherry blossom in Singapore • Singapore Jazz festival • St Patrick’s Day in Singapore • Adult activities in Singapore • Outdoor activities in Singapore March weather in Singapore Early spring in Singapore is perhaps the best time for sight-seeing. As the north-east monsoon peters out and temperatures start to climb, March sees the least amount of rain, the lowest humidity and the most sunshine. Pleasant dry weather - without the extreme heat and humidity of summer? And less crowds too? It’s a win all round. Sakura Matsuri at Gardens by the Bay If you hanker for Hanami (the traditional custom of enjoying the transient beauty of flowers), visit Singapore in March to experience the unforgettable sight of the Sakura Matsuri Floral Display. In Japan, cherry blossom (Sakura) has long been a national obsession, representing renewal - but also symbolic of the fleeting nature of life - and attracting both locals and tourists to witness the beauty of the delicate blooms. In recent years however, more and more visitors have also flocked to Singapore where the heavy rains of the preceding month and the springtime heat bring about the perfect conditions for blossom to bloom. The refreshing pink blooms of the local trumpet trees line the roads and everywhere else. But for the main event and the most Insta-worthy photo opportunities, don’t miss the magical displays at the Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay. Catch cherry and peach blossoms in mankai condition (that’s full bloom!) and be entranced by the canopy of picture-perfect pink and white blooms that drift down in perfect pastel clouds. For lovers of Japanese culture the exhibition goes all out, with a host of other traditional displays. Pose for photos by majestic red torrii gates and alongside cute Tokidoki cartoon characters. Be wowed by wagasa (colourful umbrella displays). And ensure your shots are framed by perfectly placed marumado (traditional circular windows). Remember that’s all in addition to the breathtaking displays in the Cloud Forest and Floral Fantasy areas, so you’re guaranteed a fabulous day, fuelled by flower power! Singapore Jazz festival From bloomers to crooners, the annual International Jazz Festival (otherwise known as ‘SingJazz’) is another reason to visit Singapore in March. But whatever you dooby-dooby-do, don’t be put off by the title, as in recent years Marina Bay Sands has played host to world-renowned artists from all sorts of genres - hip-hop-jazz, acid-jazz, soul-funk, reggae - and more. Groove on down for three nights of al-fresco entertainment and, whilst you’re about it, take time to kick back at one of the best rooftop bars in Singapore. Live life like a celebrity at the luxurious CÉ LA VI Skybar, where an All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass from Go City lets you savour a complimentary drink along with sweeping views from the 57th floor. St Patrick’s Day in Singapore Singapore’s inclusive multi-cultural community means there’s always a different festival or holiday to celebrate and the Irish national day on March 17th is no exception, with enthusiastic ex-pat pub-crawls and a colourful parade (led by an inexplicably non-Irish convoy of Harley-Davidsons!) If you’ve the luck of the Leprechauns you might be around to enjoy the two-day St Patrick’s Day Street Festival held on the streets of Boat Quay. Wear green (even the Singapore River is dyed green for the occasion) and get ready for folk music, Irish dancing and hearty Irish stews washed down with gallons of Guinness. If that’s given you a taste for the hard stuff - or you’re simply taking advantage of a grown-up vacation - don’t stop at the black gold (as Guinness is often known). Singapore is also famous as the home of Tiger Beer, the golden draught served in over 60 countries.You can take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Tiger Brewery and learn the secrets of the production process which involves 200 quality checks. Then try your hand at pouring the perfect pint before tasting complimentary locally-brewed beers at a beer appreciation session in the Tiger Tavern. If you’re feeling really sophisticated, what could be classier than sipping on a ‘Singapore Sling’ in the bar where it was invented? Clink cocktails in the Long Bar at the Raffles Hotel, or sashay out to the lushly-landscaped courtyard of the Raffles Arcade. The iconic gin-based cocktail (which also includes cherry brandy and Benedictine) was created by Mr Ngiam Tong Boon, a bartender at the Raffles Hotel, back in 1915, but, over 100 years later, you can still enjoy the same standards of service, stunning surroundings and drinks to die for. Chin chin! A J Hackett Sentosa Giant Swing It may be that you need some of that Dutch courage for one of the best adult activities in Singapore - the AJ Hackett Skypark. Back in the 80s New Zealander AJ Hackett recreated a Pentecost Island ritual where islanders threw themselves off wooden platforms with a vine tied to their ankle and, after he shot to fame jumping off the Eiffel tower, bungy-jumping was born. You can bungy jump in Singapore too if you dare - or (for over-14s and not for the faint of heart) pick up a ticket for the AJ Hackett Sentosa Giant Swing. Strap in safely then swoop, screaming, towards Silosa Beach at 120km/h. To get your breath back, soak in the scenery and snap some selfies, as you stroll the 40km walkway of the Skybridge, with see-through sections to get your heart racing all over again. Outdoor activities in Singapore Its location right on the equator means it's often so hot and humid in Singapore that during the summer months any prolonged activity outdoors can feel like hard work. Which is why comparatively mild March is a great time to get out to see and do. Puzzle Hunt Singapore A Puzzle Hunt activity is one easy way to discover different parts of the city whilst having fun at the same time. Whether you take on the challenge as a couple, a group or a family, it’s an immersive combination of ‘choose your own world’ role play and outdoor escape room, where the outcome of the adventure depends on the choices you make along the way. Puzzle Hunt in Chinatown will see you scouring the streets for clues, whilst learning about Chinatown’s history, heritage and hawker culture (the 260 stalls in the Chinatown Complex Food Centre combine community with unmissable culinary treats.) There are different brainteasers to battle when you Ransack Little India, searching for a hidden treasure chest whilst discovering the area’s unique landmarks. Or, maybe you’ll choose to look and learn amongst the sprawling lawns and nine gardens of Fort Canning Park, with a military themed Ransack Fort Canning puzzle experience. Wherever you choose to explore, you’ll see the sights whilst finding out fascinating facts at your own pace and claim a prize at the end. What are you waiting for? Nature Kayaking at Pulau Ubin If you’re looking for a respite from the city’s hustle and love to get back to nature, another classic Singapore experience to pull in before the humidity hits is a kayak tour of Pulau Ubin. Just a 15 minute bumboat ride from Changi Point Ferry Terminal, this verdant island off Singapore’s northeast coast feels like half a world away and is one of only two remaining kampongs (traditional villages) in Singapore. Embrace the tranquility of the open water as you paddle past a natural paradise of lush greenery and thriving mangroves, looking out for kingfishers, herons, otters and more flora and fauna. Explore the coast and the island’s mangroves over a four-hour adventure towards Ketam Island. On land, for the adventurous, hiking and mountain bike trails criss cross the island. Maybe you’ll visit the weathered temples and shrines, or simply relax in the peaceful coastal surroundings. Remember there are no ATMs so take along enough money to rent a bike, enjoy a traditional meal, or quench your thirst with a coconut. Bliss. We hope you’ve enjoyed our whistle-stop tour of just some of the sights and sounds that await you in Singapore in March - and all year round. To make sightseeing easier, why not download the Go City app to keep track of all your adventures? Happy travels!
Jo Cooke
Woman exploring colorful buildings in Singapore's Little India neighborhood
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Things to do on a Weekend in Singapore

Looking for things to do on a weekend to Singapore? While 48 hours is never going to be enough time to soak up everything this space-age metropolis has to offer, it’s plenty to get a flavor of the Garden City and its many intoxicating sights, sounds and smells. From sightseeing strolls through Chinatown and Kampong Glam to lazing on tropical beaches and sampling Singaporean specialities in the lively hawker markets, here’s our pick of some of the finest ways to while away a weekend in Singapore, including: Gardens by the Bay Epic bike rides and city sightseeing strolls Amazing nature reserves Foodie fave hawker centers Sentosa’s top beaches Cinemas and cocktails Fabulous free light shows Gardens by the Bay Instantly recognizable thanks to its iconic supertree structures that dominate the bay, Gardens by the Bay is one of Singapore’s top attractions – and with good reason! But did you know you can visit many parts of this iconic 250-acre park for free? That’s right, a stroll between the trunks of the majestic Supertree Grove is absolutely gratis, though you’ll have to cough up a few dollars if you want to explore the elevated walkway. There are certainly worse ways to spend a Saturday morning than by grabbing a coffee and breakfast roti and finding a quiet spot to relax with a good book in the tranquil Bay East Garden, with its manicured lawns, pretty flower gardens and sweeping views of the Singapore skyline. Get on Your Bike Singapore has a world-class cycling infrastructure, with dedicated bike lanes downtown and dozens of routes for escaping the bustle of the city and exploring the rest of the island. There are plenty of cycling tours around the city’s main attractions but we recommend renting some bikes and going it alone. The Central Urban Loop provides a (literal) breath of fresh air as you pedal your way out from beneath the skyscrapers and into a network of paths that traverse the city’s many excellent parks, gardens, waterways and woodlands. Or, if you’re feeling particularly sprightly one Sunday morning, you could even consider taking on a section of the epic Round Island Route, a 150-kilometer coastal trail that takes in some of the best ocean and bay views in the country. Take a Sightseeing Stroll A weekend wander from Chinatown to Little India (or vice versa) rewards even the most jaded traveler. Chinatown’s labyrinth of narrow streets is an Instagrammer’s dream, packed with ornate temples, bustling markets and, of course, steaming grills and pots heady with the aromas of Peking duck and kung pao chicken. Wander east to Kampong Glam, Singapore’s vibrant Muslim district, where the mosque’s huge golden dome and countless colorful Peranakan shopfronts in cactus greens, turmeric yellows and chili reds make for more great photo opportunities. Then make for Little India where a well-earned lunch of spicy fish-head curry awaits. Get Back to Nature Weekends are made for communing with nature, right? And where better to do so than on an island that’s made up of more than 50 per cent green space. Head over to the MacRitchie Reservoir nature reserve where you can spot abundant native wildlife including monitor lizards and macaques, and get a birds’ eye view from the dizzying 250-meter suspension bridge that forms the Treetop Walks. You can easily while away a lazy Sunday here, whether kayaking on the reservoir, or lacing up your running shoes for a gentle jog along one of the scenic cross-country trails. Enter a Foodie Fantasy World Bodyswerve the ubiquitous international pizza and burger chains and go straight to the heart of the action in Singapore’s bustling hawker centers, where the sensational scents of sizzling satay and spicy coconut soups are enough to make a grown man weep. There are over 100 of these open-air food courts around the city, meaning delicious, cheap, freshly cooked Indian, Chinese and Malay cuisine is yours to enjoy on demand, day or night. Try local favorite satay bee hoon, in which spicy hot sauce is smothered liberally over rice vermicelli, and served with meat, fish or vegetables of your choice. The national dish of zingy chili crab is another absolute must-try. And, if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, why not give turtle soup, live octopus or century egg a spin? Hey, don’t knock them 'til you’ve tried them! Be a Beach Bum Reachable from the main island via monorail and cable car, Sentosa Island is one great big playground with thrill rides, an aquarium, Singapore’s Universal Studios outpost and, of course, several fantastic beaches. Think bone-white sands, turquoise lagoons and swaying coconut palms and you’ll be halfway there already. A free shuttle operates between the resort’s sandy Palawan, Tanjong and Siloso beaches, so all you need to remember is your bathing costume, a bottle of sunscreen and a giant pair of Jackie O sunglasses. Have a go on the adrenaline-pumping giant swing that soars high above Siloso Beach if you dare! Swig a Singapore Sling A Singapore institution of some 135 years standing, the colonial-style Raffles Hotel has hosted a who’s who of glamorous household names through the decades: Elizabeth Taylor, Christian Louboutin, Ernest Hemingway, Charlie Chaplin and Queen Elizabeth II, to name-drop just a few. So you’ll be in good company when you pop by this Garden City icon for an equally iconic Singapore Sling, the tropical cocktail for which the hotel, in spite of its many celebrity guests, is best-known. This boozy blend of gin, cherry brandy, pineapple, grenadine, lime juice and bitters is the perfect start to your Saturday night. Movie Night Weekend activities don’t get much better than sinking into a comfy seat in a hushed cinema theater with the smell of freshly popped corn hanging in the air. Singapore has plenty of cinemas to choose from. Head for the huge GVMax screen at the Golden Village VivoCity multiplex for the latest Hollywood blockbusters, or mosey over to Projector X: Riverside or the ArtScience Museum if under-the-radar indie flicks and documentaries paired with trendy cocktail lists are more your thing. But remember: no-one is too old or too cool to enjoy a bucket of sweet and salty popcorn with their movie. See the City Lights There’s a duo of splendiferous light shows in the bay every evening. The light and music spectacular at the Gardens by the Bay kicks off every evening around 7:45PM and sees the iconic supertree structures burst into colorful life. Over at the Marina Bay Sands resort, the Spectra light and water show features dancing fountains as well as dazzling visual projections, lasers and mist effects, all backed by a rousing orchestral soundtrack. There are shows at 8, 9 and 10PM on Friday and Saturday nights, making this a great weekend activity when visiting Singapore. Best of all, both shows are completely free! Save on attractions and activities in Singapore Save on admission to Singapore attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak

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