Singapore Street Food and Night Tour

What to do in Singapore in October

By Alex Birungi

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

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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

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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

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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

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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
Go City Travel Expert

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Things to do in Singapore's Chinatown

Singapore may be small, but its city center is bursting at the seams with things to do. And though you might be tempted to relax for a few days on a beach or in a luxury hotel, if you have time you simply have to spend at least one day exploring the colorful, maze-like streets of Chinatown, Singapore’s largest historic district. It’s noisy, colorful and packed full of surprises. Get there on the Red Line of the Big Bus Tour, and check out our recommendations for a day of exploring: Chinese tea drinking Museums Virtual Reality Religious Sites Food markets Outdoor escape room Chinese Tea Drinking at Tea Chapter Noise and bustle are all very well, but at some point you may like to make an escape – and that’s the perfect time to stop by the Tea Chapter teahouse for a moment of calm. As countless others have done before you, sit, sip and let your mind drift away as you savor the flavors of Tea Chapter’s signature Golden Cassia brew. Delight in the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of Singapore’s oldest teahouse as you become part of this zen-inducing ancient tradition. Singapore City Gallery This is a must-stop for anyone who loves their history in high-tech form. It’s a museum and gallery dedicated to the architectural heritage of the city, from its beginnings as a small trading port to the modern, multi-layered metropolis it is today. All the exhibits feature audiovisual and interactive elements, such as screen-swipe before and after views of the Singapore skyline. Be sure to check out the full scale model of the city and original architectural models from architects Kenzo Tange and I.M. Pei, who together are responsible for a lot of what you see today in the Marina Bay. Singapore Musical Box Museum Yes, you read that correctly – Singapore has a musical box museum, dedicated entirely to the history and preservation of auditorial antiques from the 19th and 20th centuries. Tucked away in a pagoda next to the Thian Hock Keng Temple, music and craft lovers will find this a delightful interlude, and the enthusiastic curators are rightly proud of its status as a UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage 2001 Award for Culture Heritage Conservation recipient. They’re always happy to show guests around the collection, which includes examples from Europe, Asia and the United States. Stop to enjoy a harmonious half hour or so, and then move on with your day. Virtual Reality Escape Room Who says travel has to be all history and sightseeing? Sometimes it’s just as much about new experiences – so why not try a virtual reality group challenge? Virtual Room is on the northwestern edge of Chinatown between the Sri Mariamman Temple and New Bridge Road, and the experience lasts about 40-50 minutes. Each player gets their own room but you’ll team up for the 3D-HD challenges and puzzles, and choose to play as time travelers or zombies. The scene may be virtual, but the fun is 100% real! Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum This temple was built in 2007 – very recently by Chinatown’s standards – to house the left canine tooth of the buddha and other sacred relics. The design is based on the Buddhist mandala, with a giant stupa in the center shining with 320 kilograms of gold. Visitors are not allowed into the relic chamber, but you can see the tooth from a viewing area. You can also access the attached museum, which contains interesting exhibits on Buddhist art and history, and a charmingly tranquil rooftop garden and pagoda. It's the perfect place for a spot of quiet contemplation. Sri Mariamman Hindu Temple A short walk from the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is the city’s oldest Hindu shrine, dedicated to Sri Mariamman, the goddess of disease and protection. You’ll know it when you see it – it’s an eye-catchingly upright structure ornately decorated with six tiers of pastel-colored deities. You’ll find similar opulence inside, as well as a gentle quiet which is punctuated at intervals by the ringing of bells. It’s been on this site since 1827 and after several revamps and renovations was declared a national monument in 1973. Other religious sites If you’re a proper culture vulture, do a circuit of Chinatown’s many other shrines and temples and you’ll cover most of the world’s history – as told by its major religions – in a single day. As well as the Buddhist and Hindu temples you’ll find the Thian Hock Keng Hokkien Temple – the oldest Chinese example in Singapore, the Yueh Hai Ching Temple – a small Taoist building decorated with inlaid porcelain and carved dragons, and Nagore Dargah – a Hindu-Muslim center built by Indian Muslim immigrants. There’s also the Masjid Jamae and Al-Abrar mosques and a Chinese Methodist church, the latter of which you’ll recognize from its art deco styling and distinctive Chinese roof. Food markets You’re bound to work up an appetite with all that pilgrimaging, so let’s hope you’re in the mood for laksa and noodles! There are plenty of food stalls to go around in Chinatown, and some of the best can be found in the Chinatown Street Market near the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. You’ll also find clothes, homewares, gadgets and souvenirs – waving lucky cats included – so you can get a head start on your gift shopping. If you’re just after the food, head to the Maxwell Food Center, where you’ll find plenty of regional food stalls including Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice, the first of its kind to be awarded a Michelin Star. Outdoor Escape Room If you find yourself going around in circles, have a family to entertain or are just in the mood for a little adventure, try a Puzzle Hunt outdoor escape room experience. It’s a fun and immersive ‘choose your own adventure’ style game that will lead you around Chinatown searching for clues and solving puzzles. You’ll learn plenty about the history of Chinatown as you go, have loads of time to stop for food or happy snaps, and you’ll win a prize at the end. It’s a unique and entertaining challenge and will cost you nothing with Go City. See it all with Go City There’s a surprise around every corner in Singapore’s Chinatown. Make sure you don’t miss a thing with a Go City Explorer or All-Inclusive Pass, which will save you time and money!
Karleen Stevens
Fireworks over Marina Bay in Singapore
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Singapore in December

December heralds the beginning of Singapore’s northeast monsoon season. This, as festive vacation planners will no doubt be delighted to learn, is the season’s ‘wet phase’, when heavy persistent showers are all but guaranteed to sweep in and ruin your stroll in the late afternoons and early evenings. In spite of this, the last month of the year remains a popular time to visit the Garden City, largely thanks to its epic Christmas lights and awesome New Year’s Eve celebrations. Read on for our whistlestop guide to what to expect of Singapore in December. Visiting Singapore in December Temperature: 77–85°F • Average Rainfall: 25 days/month • Average Sunshine: 6 hours/day The temperature in Singapore remains pretty uniform all year round. We’re talking hot days and balmy nights. December brings higher humidity and monsoon downpours into the mix, meaning choosing which outfits to pack can be a little like learning to play the ancient Chinese game of mahjong for the first time. In short: tricky. Light cottons and linens are your friends and Singapore’s proliferation of covered walkways and air-conditioned megamalls probably means you can leave the novelty umbrella hat at home. But do pack a pocket poncho and a light hoodie or sweater to see you through those wetter/cooler moments. If you’ve never experienced a Singapore monsoon before, you’re in for quite the treat. Usually heralded by darkening skies and a brisk breeze, the rains move in fast. And boy, can they be vicious. It’s not unusual to spot newly arrived tourists bounding frantically across rapidly rising puddles like Gene Kelly in Singin’ in the Rain, but without the slick Hollywood moves. If you are planning to visit Singapore during its glittering festive season, we’d recommend you get your flights and accommodation booked as far in advance as possible. In spite of the rains, this is a very popular time of year and booking early can often (if not always) help to beat the December price hikes. Things to do in Singapore in December It’s all about Christmas in Singapore in December. Well, almost. Certainly, you’d be forgiven for thinking the entire planet’s electricity supply is being channeled into the festive light displays here, which are so bright they might well be visible from the planet Zork. See some of the most extravagant Christmas decorations in town on an evening stroll along Orchard Road, Singapore’s most famous luxury shopping thoroughfare. The street’s strangely titled ‘Christmas on A Great Street’ boasts not one but three Christmas villages crammed with carnival rides, games, street food stalls and, of course, pop-up gift stores. There’s even a full-on street party on Christmas Eve, complete with live music and dance, carol singers and a huge Christmas market. The evergreen Gardens by the Bay turns the charm offensive right up to eleven in December with its annual Christmas Wonderland event. Take a romantic stroll along the Walk of Lights which, with somewhere in the region of 75,000 light bulbs, more than lives up to its name. Swap rain for snow at the Blizzard Time exhibit, visit (but please don’t nibble) the life-size gingerbread house in Gingerbread Grove, and try your luck on the carnival game stalls in Frosty’s Fairground. Heck, you can even get your festive kicks at the airport. As anyone who has ever traveled through it will tell you, Changi is no ordinary airport, with attractions such as a butterfly garden, a three-story slide, a Pokémon center and the world’s tallest indoor waterfall making it a tourist destination in its own right. No surprise then that it also hosts one of the city’s finest Christmas villages. We’re talking candy-themed rides and games, a snow house with ice sculptures, and luges and marching bands – it’s the stuff Christmas dreams are made of! What’s on in Singapore in December? Of course, it’s not just Christmas and monsoon-dodging that make Singapore a fun place to visit in December. The island’s other annual end-of-year events are designed to appeal to as broad a church as possible. First up is the Singapore Marathon, which takes place (almost) without fail on the first Sunday of December. The epic route (all 26.1 miles of it) takes in some of the city’s finest sights, including a sprint through Marina Bay, a shuffle past Merlion Park and a shimmy within sight of the famous Sentosa cable car. You’ll need to register (and train) to take part and, for those who prefer their runs a little… shorter, half-marathon, 10km and even 5km routes are also available on the day. The entertainment juggernaut that is Comic Con also rumbles into town during December for two extraordinary days of toy-, game- and comic-based events at Marina Bay Sands. Book your spot for the chance to ogle rare vintage toys and comics, as well as the opportunity to meet your favorite comic book creators, Marvel movie stars and more. Marina Bay is also the location for Singapore’s epic New Year countdown and fireworks. Of course you can see the flamboyant pyrotechnic display from just about anywhere across the city, but Marina Bay is where it's at for ringside seats and the best Insta snaps as the colorful display kicks off and an epic, soul-soaring soundtrack booms out across the water. 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
Airport Travel in Singapore
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Airport Travel in Singapore

So you've decided to spend your vacation in Singapore. Good choice! It's a diverse melting pot of cultures that will welcome you with open arms. There's nowhere quite like Singapore, thanks to the juxtaposition between awe-inspiring modern architecture and wonderfully exotic nature. And, with a warm climate all year round, it's the perfect place to shake off those winter blues. But what about traveling in Singapore once you reach the airport? Don't worry; we've got you covered. Scroll down, and discover our guide to airport travel in Singapore. We're going to cover Singapore's airports and the best ways to get into the city once you arrive. So stash your trays and fasten those seatbelts. And let's get into it! Airports in Singapore Singapore has two commercial airports, so depending on where you're traveling from, you'll be landing at either Singapore Changi Airport or Seletar Airport. Here's what to expect at each. Singapore Changi Airport If you travel to Changi Airport in Singapore, you're in good hands. It has received multiple accolades throughout its 40+ year history, including Skytrax's 'World's Best Airport' award, as well as other accolades such as 'World's Cleanest Airport', which it has won on multiple occasions. Visitors are treated to a waterfall, multiple gardens, and even places perfect for entertaining children - a godsend if you need to keep them busy if your flight home is delayed. On top of all that, there are heaps of shopping, eating, and other entertainment opportunities there. Singapore's tallest ride is found at Terminal 2. It's wild. Both the ride and its placement! Singapore Changi Airport is just under ten miles from the city center, almost equidistant when compared to Seletar Airport. Seletar Airport While the less glamorous of the two, Seletar still serves its ultimate purpose - being an airport where planes land. Originally a military airport, it opened its doors - and its runways - to commercial flights as Singapore became an increasingly popular tourist destination. Well, one runway at least. It may not have all the bells and whistles of Changi Airport, but it is an airport. And, as mentioned above it is also just shy of ten miles from the center of Singapore. So, now we've covered the airport situation, you'll want to know how to travel in to Singapore once you arrive! Travel from Seletar Airport in to Singapore There are a few ways to get into Singapore proper. You can get the 102 bus from Seletar Airport to Buangkok Station and then a train from there to Clarke Quay. It's a 58-minute journey and will set you back a measly $2. Or, if you want to stretch your legs after the flight, you can walk to Buangkok Station instead, which takes about 35 minutes. Considering this only shaves $1 off the $2 price of getting the bus while adding about 20 minutes to your trip, only consider walking if you need to get your steps up. Alternatively, hire a taxi and make the trip in 17 precious minutes. Of course, this will set you back around 10x more than the bus/train combo, but at $20, is it really worth the fuss? Travel from Changi Airport in to Singapore You'll find similar travel opportunities if you land at Changi Airport. The subway will get you straight from the airport into the city center in just over 30 minutes, and will only set you back $3. Or, hop on the 36 bus and make the same journey in just under 90 minutes. It's longer, but at $1, it's also cheaper if you want to squeeze your pennies. And, like Seletar Airport, a taxi will set you back around $20 and make the journey in under 20 minutes. Those are your public transport options. But if you're traveling in a group, or want to plan your trip ahead to avoid any post-landing headaches, consider an airport transfer. Airport transfers for travel in to Singapore These days, more and more people are relying on airport transfer services to ensure they have a smooth transition from their plane seat to their hotel bed. And it's easy to understand why. If your cell signal is patchy, or your provider doesn't allow for roaming service, you may end up tearing your hair out while working out where to go. Alternatively, the language barrier could also hinder your efforts in getting to your hotel or Airbnb. But with airport transfer services, you needn't worry about that. It's all taken care of way ahead of time. Simply step off the plane, meet your driver, and let them worry about the trip. If that sounds like exactly what you need, here are our recommendations for airport transfer services in Singapore. SGMaxi Cab SGMaxi Cab is one of the country's most reliable airport transfer services, providing travel from both airports in Singapore. They have a wide variety of vehicles in their fleet, from small mini buses to Rolls-Royce Limos. Really, they actually provide Rolls-Royce Limos to those who want to travel in style. Prices are reasonable, and their service is second to none. Check on their website to see what works best for you, but do bear in mind that pickups between 11PM and 6.30AM come with an extra fee. You are keeping them out of bed, after all. Kler Transport If you're traveling in a larger pack, then Kler Transport might be ideal for you. They specialize in larger parties, with vehicles ranging from 13-40 people. No Rolls-Royce options, sadly, but they do let you book last minute, which you can make up to 3 hours before you land. So even if you're reading this on your flight, go on their website and get booking! They also request a nighttime surcharge if your trip is booked between 11PM and 7AM. Maxi-Cab If you've got heaps of luggage, Maxi-Cab might be the perfect service for you. While they offer the usual suite of buses with variable passenger sizes, they also offer the Luggage Van - a van designed with luggage in mind. And, with customers able to book their trip 15 minutes before they need it, it's the speediest and most flexible service of the bunch. Check their prices and see what suits you. And that about rounds out our guide to airport travel in Singapore! Now you'll just need to plan the vacation part of your vacation. Thankfully, Go City has you more than covered. With our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass, you'll have access to all of Singapore's best bits for one low price.
Dom Bewley

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