Things to do in Dempsey Hill Singapore

By Dom Bewley
Things to do in Dempsey Hill Singapore

Heading to Singapore for your vacation and staying in the Dempsey Hill district of the city? Good choice. There are plenty of things to see and do and places to relax and grab a bite. To save you time, we've researched this list of the best things to do in Dempsey Hill, so you don't have to. Read on, and discover why it's one of the best districts in Singapore!

Including:

  • Gardens by the Bay
  • Trimmings Salon & Spa Lowen
  • Dover Street Market Singapore
  • Pearl Hill's Park
  • The Museum of Ice Cream
  • and more!
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Gardens by the Bay

If you're looking for things to do in Dempsey Hill, you cannot miss one of Singapore's most beautiful landmarks. Known across the globe as one of the most extravagant green spaces around, Gardens by the Bay practically demands a visit.

With over a million plants housed within over one hundred hectares of floral delight, the green-thumbed of you will be spoilt for choice. Make sure to visit three of the location's biggest selling points.

The Flower Dome is the world's largest glass greenhouse, with flowers from five continents on display across nine gardens, including thousand-year-old olive trees and unusual Baobab trees.

Cloud Forest featuring Avatar: The Experience is an immersive experience created in conjunction with the hit movie franchise. You'll be transported to the fictional world of Pandora, where you can marvel at its cascading waterfalls, spiraling walkways, and fantastic creatures.

And finally, the Sun Pavillion features over 1000 plants that call the sunnier parts of the world home. Desert species like cacti and succulents are beautifully arranged and will earn a spot on your social media.

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Trimmings Salon & Spa Lowen

Got a hankering for a pampering while visiting Singapore? Is your hair a mess, and are your nails in need of a good seeing to? Then check out Trimmings Salon & Spa Lowen, where you can get all that and more at a great price.

They also offer full-body massages, facials, and if you're wrangling a group of unruly, unkempt children, they'll even host a spa party just for them. With manis, pedis, and styling all thrown in, they'll certainly come out the other end looking prim and proper. And when all kids want to do is have fun, styling is the perfect remedy to quash their excitable tendencies.

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Dover Street Market Singapore

Deal-seekers, rejoice! The world-famous Dover Street Market has now opened its doors in sometimes-sunny Singapore! And, just like its stores in New York, Tokyo, and London, you'll find tons of deals on brilliant designer attire.

Situated in a disused army barracks, the interior's design somewhat resembles an art installation. But you're not here for the interior; you're here for your exterior. And you'll have plenty to choose from, with Comme des Garçons and Céline just some of the many lauded labels on display throughout. So, if you need some new attire, head to Dover Street Market!

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Pearl Hill's Park

The awe-inspiring modern metropolis of Singapore is something else, but that doesn't mean you won't be craving any nature during your vacation. So, if you're looking for things to do in Dempsey Hill and want to get your blood pumping, why not take a brisk hike at Pearl Hill's Park?

The Pipeline Trail, at a rather modest six kilometers, isn't necessarily for the faint of heart. Featuring a healthy dose of climbing and even wading through mud, you'll probably want to be a somewhat seasoned hiker if you fancy taking it on. However, if you do choose to do it, it's easily the best hike you'll find around Singapore. Just remember to pack your hiking boots; you don't want to ruin your sneakers and your back simultaneously.

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The Museum of Ice Cream

Do you like ice cream? Do you ever yearn to enter a world where everything is ice cream, or ice cream-adjacent? Well, we're pleased to let you know that Singapore has made your wish come true, all thanks to the Museum of Ice Cream. Pinch yourselves - it's real, folks.

Featuring real installations like a giant sprinkle 'ball pit', and plenty of other frozen dairy goodness, it's a must-visit for any ice cream fan. Or, anyone who wants to make their followers incredibly jealous.

Plus, every attendee gets a free ice cream cone when they enter, because of course they do.

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Eat like royalty

Speaking of food, you might be feeling peckish after all those things to do. So, let's explore the best restaurants in Dempsey Hill, Singapore!

Let's start with the Dempsey Cookhouse & Bar. Created by three-Michelin-starred wonder Jean-Georges Vongerichten, the Dempsey Cookhouse & Bar's menu features a brilliant mix of Cantonese and Sichuan cuisine. So, if you're looking for dim sum, dumplings, and other Chinese treats, you've come to the right place.

Or, if you're looking for some authentic Singaporean cuisine, set your sights on Morsels. This Little India mainstay has made its way to Dempsey Hill, where it has tons more space. With a host of sharing plates on offer, you can pick several dishes and try a bit of each. We recommend the Duroc Pulled Pork if you can handle a bit of spice in your life.

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And drink like one too!

And we'll end today's list with a few beverages. If you need to wet your whistle, these are our picks for the best bars in the district!

Gin lovers will be well taken care of at The Rabbit Hole. This gin joint has plenty of international labels for you to sip, as well as signature gins brewed specifically for the venue. Who knows, you might find your new favorite gin inside.

Amber nectar worshipers can head to the RedDot Brewhouse, where you'll find plenty of national and international beers on tap. They also do bar food and small plates, if you start feeling those session hunger prangs.

And finally, for classy cocktails in a minimalist interior, check out COMO Club @ Dempsey. With a menu longer than your arm, you're sure to find your favorite tipple on tap. Or, if you're feeling daring, as the mixologists to whip you up a unique drink. The world, and the cocktails, are your oyster.

And that's our list of the best things to do in Dempsey Hill. If you want to make the most of your trip to Singapore, and you're looking for more fun adventures to fill out your vacation, try Go City. With our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass, you can experience all the best bits of Singapore for one low price!

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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Woman watching the sun set over Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.
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Singapore to Bangkok – How to Get There

Considering doing a double header in Southeast Asia? You could do worse than a trip that takes in both Bangkok and Singapore, two of the greatest cities in the region, if not the world. We’re talking balmy tropical weather, exciting attractions, world-class hotels with pools and some of the finest street food you’ll ever experience. And with direct flights that connect the two in the blink of an eye, there’s really no reason not to. Read on for our whistlestop guide to Singapore and Bangkok – and the best ways to get from one to the other. Bangkok in a Nutshell Bangkok enjoys a tropical monsoon climate, with a hot dry season between March and June, when sweltering daytime temperatures can top 100 degrees, with a warm rainy season from July to October and a cooler, drier period from November to February. Bear in mind that ‘cooler’ is a relative term in Bangkok and you can still expect t-shirt-wearing temperatures in the mid-70s during winter. Bangkok’s crowded streets and noisy traffic can seem overwhelming to newbies but getting around is actually relatively easy thanks to the excellent BTS SkyTrain network which links the airport to downtown and serves most of the key districts in the city center. An extensive metro system supplements this and, for something a little different, a variety of ferries, water taxis and long-tailed boats serve the waterways. And can you even say you’ve visited Bangkok if you haven’t traveled by túk-túk? Though almost always an uncomfortable and somewhat terrifying rip-off, these iconic three-wheeled taxis have to be experienced at least once on any visit to the city. In a place as big as Bangkok there are of course accommodation options to suit every budget. Big-name and luxury brands including Kempinski, Carlton, Marriott, Shangri-La and Anantara are well-represented here if you have a bit of cash to flash, but there are plenty of mid-range and budget options to choose from, too. Perhaps unsurprisingly, you’ll find the most competitive prices during the rainy season. Singapore in a Nutshell Much like Bangkok, Singapore is hot, humid and frequently wet. Temperatures here hover in the high 80s year round, with a tropical climate that promises regular downpours during the two monsoon seasons from December to March and June to September. Rainfall here is often sudden, short and, well, spectacular, so prepare by carrying a good umbrella if you’re visiting in monsoon season, but don’t otherwise let this put you off visiting! The transport infrastructure here in the Garden City is second to none, with a superb mass transit system (MRT), dedicated cycling paths and even cable cars and monorails. The MRT is basically your best friend when in Singapore, with speedy automated underground trains that span almost the entire island and connect you to top attractions including Marina Bay, the Singapore Flyer observation wheel, the Botanic Gardens and Orchard Road shopping district. Hop on the cable car or monorail to reach the beautiful white-sand beaches and many popular attractions on Sentosa Island, and rent a bicycle if you’re feeling fit and fancy seeing some of the abundant nature that covers around 50% of Singapore. There are hundreds of miles of dedicated (and mostly flat) cycle paths across the island, from downtown commuter lanes to major out-of-town networks including the epic Park Connector Network and Central Urban Loop. Note that failing to wear a helmet when cycling here is against the law and will likely result in a hefty fine. Singapore accommodation is just as varied as Bangkok, with Raffles, the Ritz-Carlton and Marina Bay Sands with its absolutely enormous 57th-floor infinity pool among the best-known luxury options in town. There are stacks of budget and mid-range options, too. But bear in mind that Singapore is rather an expensive city to visit, especially compared to Bangkok! So if you’re looking for electronic gadgets, fashion brands and other luxury souvenirs to take home, it’s worth noting that you’ll get far more bang for your buck in Thailand. Top Things to do in Singapore and Bangkok There are stacks of attractions worthy of your time in both Bangkok and Singapore, not least the world-class street food and hawker centers serving up zingy noodle pots, hot curries, sticky peanut satay and umami seaweed dishes. Then there are the grand Bangkok palaces and temples and sprawling night markets. Singapore offers a little more for the thrill seeker, with sky-high rides that include the Singapore Flyer observation wheel (one of the world’s highest), the Sentosa SkyHelix and a giant swing that flies high over the palm-fringed golden sands of Siloso Beach on Sentosa Island. With Go City, you can save a packet on visiting multiple attractions in both destinations. Click here to view Singapore attractions and pass options, and click here for Bangkok. Singapore to Bangkok – How to Get There Traveling between Singapore and Bangkok really couldn’t be simpler. Carriers including Thai Airways and Singapore Airlines operate several direct flights daily. Budget airlines including Scoot, Jetstar and VietJet Air also cover the route from Changi Airport to Suvarnabhumi with one-way prices starting from as little as $120. Once in Bangkok, the formidable BTS SkyTrain will get you to destinations in and around the city center at near-lightning speed. But there are other options available should you choose to take them. Adventurers and dedicated slow travelers can turn the journey into an experience in itself by taking the train: an epic 30-hour journey across some 2,000 kilometers that starts by crossing the Johor-Singapore Causeway bridge into Malaysia then weaves north to Kuala Lumpur and up through the atmospheric Cameron Highlands before crossing the border into the mountainous rainforests of Thailand’s Khao Pu–Khao Ya National Park. From there, another thrilling 17 hours of train travel through stunning jungle and coastal landscapes will deliver you straight to the center of buzzing Bangkok. This train is of course not direct and requires a bit of planning and a few changes along the way. We’d recommend a stop-off in Kuala Lumpur because, heck, why not chuck another Asian super-city into your vacation? Connected to the mainland by road, the island of Penang in the north-west of Malaysia presents another fine opportunity for a stopover: beautiful beaches, stunning colonial architecture and easily some of the finest street food in Asia are just three good reasons to take a break here. Once you’re across the border, Hat Yai is your best bet for a short stop. It’s perhaps best known as a jumping-off point for some of southern Thailand’s best-loved islands – Ko Samui, Ko Lipe, Phuket – and you’ll find budget minivans, buses and flights serving all of these and more. If you’ve got time on your hands, we can think of no better way of getting from Singapore to Bangkok than turning the journey into a mini-vacation all of its own. Save on attractions and activities in Singapore and Bangkok Save on admission to Singapore and Bangkok attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Singapore Street Food and Night Tour
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What to do in Singapore in October

Singapore in October? Really? It’s certainly true that pre-monsoon October sees more rain than the months of June to September. Heavy showers generally break in the afternoon, clearing streets for an hour or two, along with the worst of the city’s humidity. However, the mix of indoor and outdoor attractions means you won’t ever be short of things to do in Singapore in October. Plus, reduced traveler demand promises a great value stay. Add to this a packed program of events, and you’ll soon realize that the off-season is anything but. October in Singapore? Absolutely yes! Here’s why... Fascinating cultural events Thankfully, Singapore’s October rain doesn’t put a stop to any of the city’s cultural events. Foremost among them is the Nine Emperor Gods Festival. Spanning more than a week, it’s celebrated by Taoists. It begins at East Coast Park, where adherents ritually wash religious artefacts housed in Charn Mao Hern Kiu Huang Keng Temple. They are accompanied by the sound of gongs, and flowing movement of lion dancers. Rather different is Singapore’s Fall Fashion Week, an annual celebration of all things couture at the end of October. It’s where Asia’s major fashion houses first show their latest collections to the public. Events take place in malls across the city. The end of October is also marked by Halloween, an event which has taken Singapore by storm. Many top attractions take on a spooky air. Look out for ghost ships sailing the waters around Sentosa. Other scary takes include nightclubs draped in cobwebs and costume balls to die for. Finally, there’s Oktoberfest. It’s a long way from the festival’s traditional home in Munich, but great fun nonetheless. An increasing number of bars, restaurants, and hotels are getting involved with special menus and deals. But you shouldn’t forget about Singapore’s home-grown beer either. A Tiger Brewery Tour takes visitors behind the scenes of a lager available in 60 countries. That’s despite none of the main ingredients being native to the island! Top outdoor attractions Mornings tend to be the best time to head outside in Singapore in October. The risk of a rain shower is minimal, and the humidity is yet to build. Mornings therefore provide the perfect opportunity for exploring Singapore’s multitude of outdoor attractions. Head to tranquil Pulau Ubin island for an activity not usually associated with big cities – kayaking. Known for its traditional way of life, Pulau Ubin is rich in flora and fauna. It even boasts some of Singapore’s last remaining mangrove forest. What better way to explore them but by bobbing in the waves on a kayak? Although true flight is out of reach, SkyHelix Sentosa offers the next best thing. Singapore’s highest open-air panoramic ride, its gondolas reach almost 80 meters above the ground. As you might imagine, the resulting vistas are incredible, stretching from the Southern Islands to Keppel Bay. And if you time it right, the sunsets are amazing. Alternatively, take advantage of the dry weather to head to the open top deck of a Big Bus Singapore. Its two routes connect the Downtown area’s most iconic landmarks. The added commentary helps peel back layer after layer of history. Indoor attractions not to miss They may provide a handy escape from a shower, but Singapore’s best indoor attractions are worth visiting whatever the weather. Take the Asian Civilizations Museum. Its galleries are packed with artifacts. They span themes from Islamic art to the religions of India. It’s the remnants of the Tang shipwreck which form the highlight for many. Dating to AD 830, its hold was packed with 60,000 items, largely beautifully decorated pieces of blue and white porcelain. Staying beneath the waves, S.E.A Aquarium provides a home for 100,000 animals. They belong to around 1,000 species from 50 habitats, from manta rays to clown fish. Meanwhile, the dedicated Shark Seas Habitat has no less than 200 brooding predators, including silvertip, lemon, and hammerhead sharks. If it’s celebrities rather than sharks you’re keen to encounter, head to Madame Tussauds Singapore. The world-famous museum contains waxworks of the great and the good, from Jackie Chan to Taylor Swift. In addition, ticket holders get to enjoy the actor-led Images of Singapore show, Singapore’s only indoor boat ride, and the Marvel 4D Experience. Unforgettable evenings in Singapore in October The Gardens by the Bay complex is incredible at any time of day. Thanks to its two massive glasshouses – the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest – it’s also magical come rain or shine. And its out of this world Supertree Grove has to be seen to be believed. Each evening, the gardens pile joy on joy with the Garden Rhapsody show. This light and sound extravaganza has a different theme each month. It takes place at 7:45 and 8:45PM each night and is free to attend. Singapore’s hawker centers are another evening stop worth adding to your itinerary. Forget any ideas you might have of dodgy watches or third-rate kitchen utensils. Singapore’s hawkers are sublime chefs serving up great value, great tasting dishes. So grab a seat at a communal table and share a meal with some of the people who call Singapore home. Alternatively, find many of Singapore’s more exotic residents at Night Safari. The first nocturnal zoo anywhere in the world, it gives a glimpse into the life of creatures usually not seen. Using state of the art lighting which mimics moonlight, it has four zones. Their diversity means visitors have the chance to admire everything from Asian elephants to highly endangered Sunda pangolins. And we say that’s well worth staying up for! Why you should visit Singapore in October There’s Singapore’s October events. Plus, the city’s amazing pick of indoor and outdoor attractions. And despite what you might hear, the October weather in Singapore is very agreeable for exploring too. Then there’s off-season airfares to look forward to too. For even better value in Singapore in October, be sure to check out Go City’s All-Inclusive and Explorer passes. They’ve been specially designed to give you reduced price entry to many of Singapore’s top attractions. That’s Go City, helping your money go further!
Alex Birungi
Sentosa skyline
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7 things to do on Sentosa Island

There’s fun on tap on Sentosa, a small but perfectly formed man-made isle off the south coast of Singapore. In Malay, the word ‘Sentosa’ translates to ‘tranquillity’, and while there are plenty of peaceful pockets to be found on this tropical island, there’s also tons of stuff to see and do. Pure feel-good territory, it’s little wonder the place attracts some 20 million visitors a year. One thing’s for certain – whether you’re here for action or relaxation, or you’re visiting for a day or a week, you can be sure your time here will be epic. As for how to spend it? Here’s a round-up of some of the highlights... 1. Get to know the island on a guided tour A driving tour is a great way to discover Sentosa – you’ll be introduced to the island’s best bits from the comfort of an air-conditioned bus, while a knowledgeable guide explains the history of the isle, which was once a British military base. Your guide will also show you the top sights and attractions, talk through interesting local facts and make handy recommendations. Tours last a couple of hours and will help you narrow down what you want to do and when, so it’s a good choice for day one of your visit. 2. Experience the ultimate adrenaline rush at AJ Hackett Sentosa Skypark Here for adventure? The AJ Hackett Sentosa Skypark is the place to get your kicks. With a prime location overlooking Siloso Beach, this much-loved attraction serves up a triple whammy of adrenaline in the form of three heart-pumping activities. First up is the Giant Swing, which catapults you towards the ocean at dizzying speeds of up to 120 miles-per-hour. You can choose to brave it solo or strap in with a couple of friends or family members for support. Close by, there’s the bungee jump – Singapore’s first – which invites you to dive headfirst off the side of a 50-meter-high tower. Finally, there’s the peaceful Skybridge walkway, which offers stellar views of the island and (thanks to transparent sections of the floor) the dreamy shoreline below. 3. Meet your movie heroes at Universal Studios Singapore Part of Sentosa’s sprawling Resort World, Universal Studios Singapore makes for a brilliant day out for families of all ages. You’ll find action-packed rides, laugh-a-minute shows, your favourite characters and themed shops and restaurants, all based on smash-hit Hollywood movies and spread across seven superbly created ‘zones’ – Hollywood, New York, Ancient Egypt, Sci-Fi City, Far Far Away, The Lost World and Madagascar. There are more than 24 attractions to enjoy here, but standouts include Battlestar Galactica: Human vs Cylon (the world's tallest battling roller coasters), Transformers: The Ride – a futuristic and super-realistic 3D experience, and Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure, which whisks you away on a wet and wild journey through the age of the dinosaurs. 4. Encounter creatures of the deep at Marine Life Park Marine Life Park is where you’ll find two of Sentosa’s most popular attractions – the S.E.A. Aquarium and Adventure Cove Waterpark. The former is one of the world’s largest aquariums, and home to more than 100,000 underwater creatures across 800 species, in more than 45 aquatic areas. You’ll come right up close to weird and wonderful sea life, including menacing looking sharks and technicolour fish and coral formations. Our favourite feature of all? The Open Ocean Habitat – a colossal tank that’ll make you feel as if you’re walking right along the seabed. The Adventure Cove Waterpark, meanwhile, combines water-based thrills with marine life enclosures. Float peacefully down Adventure River, take a sheer drop into darkness on Pipeline Plunge, and snorkel with 20,000 fish at Rainbow Reef. Another big-hitter is Ray Bay, where you can paddle with a friendly family of silky rays. 5. Take time out to unwind Time for a little R&R? Sentosa has three man-made beaches to its name, all of which unravel along the west coast and are ideal for lounging. Siloso Beach is the busiest – a vanilla-shaded powdery swathe in the isle’s north-west. If you tire of sunbathing, there’s an endless list of sports to try here, including kayaking, volleyball and skimboarding, as well as a palm-freckled promenade packed with bars and restaurants. Further south is Palawan Beach, which is quieter and a hit with families thanks to its long, wide belt of sand. There’s a friendly resident mascot to help entertain little ones, too, known as Captain Palawan. Lastly, there’s Tanjong Beach, where you’ll find peace and quiet and a cool, boho-style beach club, depending on which end you choose to settle on. Want to up to ante on the relaxation front? There’s an impressive spa scene on Sentosa Island. The isle’s luxury hotel resorts are decked out with decadent wellness centres, where you can experience sensation showers, cooling plunge pools, and soothing body treatments. 6. Take the kids to Sentosa 4D AdventureLand Families give a thumbs-up to Sentosa 4D AdventureLand, an immersive entertainment hub that uses state-of-the-art 4D technology to wow visitors. There are three attractions to discover here, including the Extreme Log Ride – a high-speed rollercoaster simulator that takes you speeding through the jungle without leaving the theatre – and Desperados, which requires you to saddle up and battle a gang of outlaws in the middle of the Wild West. Journey 2: The Mysterious Island, meanwhile, is a 4D show that lines up incredible special effects. 7. Get back to nature in Sentosa’s forests Take a breather from all the action and head deep into the tropical forests that cloak the isle’s interior and coast. Whether you’re hiking under your own steam, or you’ve opted for a guided tour with a local expert, you’re guaranteed to leave wide-eyed – tropical birds, exotic flowers, lizards, monkeys, and peacocks are just some of the gems you’ll clap eyes on in these parts. Don’t fancy all the legwork? Get a bird’s-eye look at the rainforest canopy from high up above it instead. Hop on the Sentosa Line – a slick cable car network that runs the length of the island. A round trip takes a little under 15 minutes to complete, and you’ll be treated to spectacular views of the island – and the Singapore mainland – along the way. Make BIG savings on Sentosa Island attractions Whether you want to experience as many Sentosa attractions as possible, or you’ve got a few firm favourites in mind to tick off, Go City can help. Our passes could save you up to 55% on top attractions, and everything is given the seal of approval by our travel experts. To find out more about how things work, click here.
Alex Birungi

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