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Things to do in Singapore in Winter

By Alex Birungi

Bright lights, big city. Singapore conjures images of just this, along with lush landscapes, bustling street markets and world-class shopping. And she won’t disappoint no matter what the season. From breathtaking gardens and sublime beaches to globally-inspired cuisine, visiting Singapore in the winter is the perfect time to experience all that the city has to offer and more without the crazy crowds of summer.

Why visit Singapore in the winter?

Winter in Singapore runs from December to February and while temperatures and humidity levels remain fairly high, the rains have arrived, and you can expect rainfall and thunderstorms daily. Temperatures range between 28°C and 32°C and humidity levels are high. But don’t be put off by the rain – Singapore is packed with an incredible array of attraction and activities that can be enjoyed whatever the weather.

We’ve put together list of the best things to see and do in Singapore in winter. Grab a reliable umbrella and get exploring!

1. Hit the shops

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We all love a bit of retail therapy and Singapore certainly delivers. Singapore’s shopping scene is world-renowned, and some people visit the vibrant city just to shop. The tiny island-state is home to an impressive range of shopping malls, high-end boutiques, brand-name stores, and hidden gems. You can find everything from appliances to apparel and the choice of places to get them is mind-boggling.

The best place to start your shopping spree is the epochal Orchard Road. Mega malls line the two-mile stretch of street and whatever you are looking for from budget clothing to state-of-the-art electronics, you’ll find it here. For something extraordinary, head to the Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, where you do some window shopping while taking a relaxing gondola ride around the mall. You’ll also find some outstanding restaurants here when you start getting ‘hangry.’

2. Explore Singapore’s superb museums

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Escape the rain and explore some of the city’s excellent museums. Singapore is home to several outstanding cultural institutions that cover a wide variety of interests, and you are bound to find a few that will pique your curiosity.

Head the Asian Civilisations Museum to learn all about Asia’s fascinating cross-cultural connections. Wander through the galleries and marvel at ancient artifacts found on the Tang Shipwreck of 830 AD. Discover the grand religions of India from Buddhism to Jainism and admire some beautiful Islamic Art.

Another incredible museum to explore is the Indian Heritage Centre. Based in the heart of Little India Heritage District, this cultural centrer and museum focuses on the rich culture, heritage and history of Indian Singaporeans. Don’t forget to use your pass to get free access to these two amazing museums.

After your museum visit, why not take a stroll around the Little India Heritage District? One of Singapore’s cultural enclaves, Little India is a sensory overload with a cacophony of sounds, vibrant colors, and eye-watering aromas. It’s an experience not to be missed!

4. Soak up some spectacular views

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Get a bird’s eye view of the city from the lofty heights of the SkyPark Observation Deck. Occupying the 57th floor of the Marina Bay Sands, the SkyPark Observation Deck is the perfect place to take in magnificent panoramic views of Gardens by the Bay and the impressive Supertree Grove. Try to spot Singapore's famous landmarks like the Merlion and the durian-shaped domes of the Esplanade.

Enjoy a guided tour of the deck and learn about Singapore's history. Escape the heat with a refreshing dip in the hotel’s famous infinity pool that seemingly floats over the city and sip a cool drink from the the CÉ LA VI SkyBar. Remember to use your pass to enjoy a free drink from the bar.

Top tip: Head up to the SkyPark Observation Deck in the evening to get the best seats in the house for Spectra, a nightly outdoor light and water show with fountain jets and dazzling laser beams.

4. Experience the Neon Lights Festival

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One of the best experiences in Singapore in winter is the Neon Lights Festival. This unique two-day music festival runs over a few days in November and is a highlight on the city’s event calendar. The festival features over 150 music and art performances from both local and international artists. You’ll also find plenty of family-friendly activities and workshops, a silent disco and loads of delicious gourmet food. If you’re planning a trip to Singapore in winter, you should plan around this epic event.

5. Wander around Singapore’s beautiful gardens

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Despite the rain, you should definitely spend a few hours exploring some of Singapore’s beautiful gardens. Wait for a break in the clouds and head to the Gardens on the Bay in Marina Bay. This is one of the city’s most spectacular green spaces and you’ll be amazed at the misty biodomes, the towering high-tech trees, and the comical sculptures. Get free access to the Cloud Forest and the Flower Dome by using your pass.

Another enchanting oasis to meander around is the 82-hectare Singapore Botanic Gardens where you can admire over 550 species planted in beautifully laid out themed gardens. Stop in at the National Orchid Garden and the botanical art gallery in the Gallop Extension while you are there.

Top tip: Visit in the late afternoon and head up to the observatory at the top of the tallest Supertree for some breathtaking panoramic views over Marina Bay. Stay until the evening Garden Rhapsody show where the Supertrees burst into light. It is a sight to behold!

6. Enjoy a riverboat cruise

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Take to the water to see Singapore from a different perspective. Use your pass to hop on a traditional bumboat for a Singapore River Cruise and take in the awe-inspiring city skyline.

Bumboats are traditional painted boats that are used to transport both locals and tourists around the bay. They are covered so you don’t have to worry about the rain and their brightly painted faces will protect you from oncoming traffic (or so it is believed). Marvel at the beauty of the steaming city as you glide past famous sights like Raffles, the Esplanade, and the Old Parliament House.

7. Eat your way around the world

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When it comes to food, this tiny island-state packs a punch with everything from legendary hawker stall fare to Michelin-star meals. There are some incredible restaurants and trendy envelope-pushing dining concepts in the city, but the best place to get a taste of Singapore is on the street at the legendary hawker centers.

From charcoal-grilled kaya toast for breakfast to sublime Indonesian ayam penyet (smashed fried chicken) for dinner, you’ll be able to eat your way around the world and back again in a single day.

Top tip: Cash is king on the street, so carry cash in small notes when street dining.

8. Celebrate Chinese New Year

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This is another fantastic festival that happens in winter that shouldn’t be missed! Also known as the Lunar New Year, Chinese New Year occurs at the end of January is the most important date on the Chinese calendar. It’s a time for celebration, and Singapore does this with aplomb.

Head to Chinatown and witness the official opening ceremony of the holiday called the Street Light-Up. Beautifully designed lanterns and stunning floral displays line the streets and vibrant processions wind their way through the neighborhood. Lively lion dances are held, and seasonal markets bustle with trade – the mood is nothing less than electric.

And then there is the food! Traditional Asian feasts are part and parcel of the festival and hawkers’ stalls heave with piles of delicious delicacies. Make sure you go hungry!

9. Hit the town

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When the sun goes down, Singapore changes from flats to heels and really puts on a show. Trendy restaurants, buzzing bars, and glitzy nightclubs all vye for attention, while chic rooftop bars draw the cool crowd.

Kick off the evening with a complimentary Singapore Sling at the famous Raffles Long Bar – present your pass for your free drink. Then head out into the night and experience Singapore’s electric nightlife.

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Singapore Light Show
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Free Things to do in Singapore

Singapore is an expensive, luxurious city, but there’s still plenty to see and do on a budget. You don’t need to break the bank to have an unforgettable Garden City experience. So, put your purse away and check out our favorite free things to do in Singapore! Wander through Gardens by the Bay Gardens by the Bay offers a magical experience with its lush greenery and mesmerizing nature. This multi-award winning construction is one of the most visited gardens in the world, housing the world’s tallest indoor waterfall and the largest greenhouse. The Flower Dome and Cloud Forest are both cooled by a climate-controlled mountain mist system, meaning it’s a breath of fresh air during the hot, sticky Singapore days. There are paid sections, however it’s free to explore a good portion of the gardens. Plus, if you time it right, you can treat yourself to a free light show in the evenings too. Snap a selfie with the Merlion statue The Merlion statue is Singapore’s most iconic landmark and a go-to attraction for both locals and foreigners. A mythical creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish, it’s by the waterfront and a great place for a selfie. Its fishlike body represents Singapore’s origins as a fishing village, while its head represents the city’s original name, Singapura (lion city) in Sanskrit. It’s a popular spot for photographers, so try to get there early when it’s nice and quiet. You can find the statue in Merlion Park, just behind the Fullerton Hotel. Take the MRT subway to Raffles Place station or hop on bus 131. Go green at the Singapore Botanic Gardens Singapore’s Botanic Gardens is one of the most-visited tourist attractions in Singapore and for good reason - the Gardens are blissfully serene, and many people visit the Gardens for their daily stroll through nature. The Gardens house hundreds of species of native and exotic plants, as well as a beautiful orchid garden, and serve as a home for animals such as snakes and turtles. Established in 1859 as a tranquil place to rest and recuperate for workers in the bustling port city, Singapore’s Botanic Gardens are accessible for all in the heart of the city. With a restaurant, cafe, as well as a playground for children, it’s the ideal spot for families, couples or just solo wanderers looking for some quiet time. Watch the light show at Marina Bay One thing you won’t be short of in Singapore is a light show. There are shows in the various gardens, Sentosa island, Faber Peak, and more. Our advice: time your evening stroll so you’re around The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands just before sunset, and keep your camera handy. It only lasts 15 minutes, but the Spectra light show will stay with you forever. The waterworks combined with the lighting, combined with the backdrop of the Singapore skyline - perfection! Another free light show well worth visiting is Garden Rhapsody at Gardens by the Bay. Lay beneath the Supertree Grove and soak in the heady mix of dazzling lights and orchestral soundtrack. Believe us, you’ll wish it lasted longer than just 15 minutes. Have a day at the beach Whatever your dream beach vacation - relaxing under a palm tree, cocktails and live music, or adrenaline-fueled watersports, you’ll find them all in Singapore. Sentosa houses several of the most popular beaches - Silosa, Tanjong, and Palawan being the most famous. They may be artificial, having the sand imported from Malaysia and Indonesia, but that doesn’t make them any less dreamy. If you want to head a little further out, away from the immediate crowds, consider a trip to St. John’s Island. You can’t stay on the island, so take a ferry for a day trip from Singapore’s main Marina South Pier. With lagoons, caves, and mangroves to explore, be sure to pack a waterproof camera. Stargaze at Seletar Rocket Tower Dreaming of strange new worlds? Head to Seletar Rocket Tower for a spot of stargazing. Seletar Rocket Tower is a rocket launch pad in Singapore. Built in 1961 by the Royal Air Force, the tower is now used as an observation tower for stargazers. Built on a hill, the tower is 120 meters tall (about 400 feet) and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding areas. It’s accessible by stairs or by lift; however, the stairs are steep. If you are looking for an adrenaline rush, try the spiral staircase that leads to the topmost platform of the tower. On clear nights, you can see the moon, stars, and even constellations. The best time to go is during the summer months, from April to September, when the sky is clearest but, even if it’s cloudy, you’ll still get a spectacular view of the city. Take a hike For the more active travelers out there, Singapore is full of various hikes and walking routes, catering to a gentle stroll with kids up to a 39km, 12-hour coast-to-coast hike. While the 39km route might be a little extreme, the shorter routes are a nature lover’s dream. The MacRitchie Reservoir has the perfect mix of shorter, more accessible boardwalk trails and longer, more advanced hikes. Whichever you choose, you’ll be wandering through the rainforest with the chance to spot monkeys, lemurs, and rare exotic birds. There’s even a treetop walk across a suspension bridge 25 meters high. It’s free to enter, opening daily from 6AM until 7PM. 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
NYE
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New Years Eve in Singapore

By Mia Russell Singapore shimmers with bright lights and buzzing energy and is one of the best places to ring in the New Year. With extravagant fireworks displays, dazzling parties, and glittering celebrations, Singapore packs a punch when it comes to saying goodbye to one year and welcoming in the next. From fabulous fine dining at some of the world’s best restaurants to sipping cocktails at the top of the Marina Bay Sands, here are some ideas for celebrating New Year’s Eve in Singapore. Marina Bay Marina Bay is where it all happens on New Year's Eve there’s no better way to ring in the New Year than from the SkyPark Deck on the top of the Marina Bay Sands. Based on the 57th floor, this stunning spot offers the most incredible views of the sunset-silhouetted cityscapes and Marina Bay. Book a table at the CÉ LA VI SkyBar to get front-row seats of the breathtaking fireworks to display at the stroke of midnight. Enjoy a five-course menu with standout dishes and use your pass to enjoy a free drink. Watch the fantastic Share the Moment light projection show that illuminates the façades of the Fullerton Hotel Singapore and the Merlion hotels while resident DJs will be spinning dance-hall-infused hits all night long. Star Island Say hello to the new year with a musical extravaganza of live entertainment and spectacular fireworks at Star Island. Expect 80 minutes of dazzling lights, sound, and color with larger-than-life pyrotechnics, world-renowned DJs on the decks, and specially designed-fireworks. There is also plenty of pre-show entertainment and family-friendly activities at the Marina Bay Sands Event Plaza, including food and drinks booths and meet-and-greets with some of Sanrio’s most beloved characters. The Great Bay Fiesta Join the family-friendly festivities at the Great Bay Fiesta. Taking place at the Bayfront Event Space for the entire month of December, you’ll find a host of fun, family-friendly activities to enjoy from a circus show and a food festival to a colorful carnival. Feast on delicious local and global fare from 35 different food stalls and take a trip back in time on Flying Dumbo and Bumper Cars rides at the Great World Carnival. Make snow angels and build your own snowman; try ice skating, ice bowling, and ice curling; and watch acrobats perform death-defying stunts at the Great Cirque des Cascades. Skechers Sundown Festival Hit the beach for an epic New Year countdown event and dance your way into the new year. Head to Palawan Beach Sentosa for Skechers Sundown Live, a one-night music event featuring headline DJs and other Asian acts. There’ll also be loads of family-friendly activities like face painting, scratch art, film screenings, and a food village. Make your way to Sentosa Island with a fun ride on the Singapore Cable Car and use your pass to soar over Singapore’s skyline to the island. LAVO New Year’s Eve Party For a glitzy and glamorous countdown party, head to LAVO Italian Restaurant & Bar at the Marina Bay Sands. Located on the 57th floor of the luxurious hotel, the restaurant serves contemporary Italian-American cuisine and an inventive craft cocktail menu against a backdrop of spectacular views of Singapore’s glimmering city skyline. Relax over post-dinner drinks in the luxurious lounge to the tunes of international DJs before the midnight countdown in Marina Bay. Watch the fantastic Share the Moment light projection show illuminates the façades of the Fullerton Hotel Singapore and the Merlion hotels, followed by the world-famous fireworks display Singapore is famed for. Party at the MARQUEE Welcome to the new year with an unforgettable carnival experience at one of Singapore’s nightlife superstars: MARQUEE. Spread over three floors with 30-meter-high ceilings, the mega club features a giant indoor Ferris wheel, three-story slides, and four thematic bars. Party to a line-up of highly talented resident spinners and international DJs against a backdrop of stunning visuals and state-of-the-art lighting. 665°F and Mr. Stork at Andaz Singapore Take to the sky to ring in the new year with award-winning cuisine, fine wines, and spectacular views at 665°F and Mr. Stork at Andaz Singapore. Begin the evening with a special New Year’s Eve five-course tasting menu at sky-high steakhouse 665°F at Andaz Singapore. Feast on delectable bites like Boston lobster, Kaluga caviar, blue cod bouillabaisse, and winter black truffles. Sip the world’s finest champagnes and pair your meal with a selection of curated wines. After dinner, head up to Mr. Stork to soak up Singapore’s iconic skyline against a backdrop of tunes from a live DJ.
Cara Merren

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