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!

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Your Complete Guide to Singapore in August

Singapore has been attracting visitors since Sir Thomas Stamford Bingley Raffles established a trading post on the island in 1816. Two centuries later, Singapore continues to tick all the boxes. What’s more, Singapore in August is exceptionally explorable. Cultural diversity ensures even hawker centers serve up delicious tasting foods. Orchard Road provides an almost endless shopping extravaganza, while safety is never something you’ll have to worry about. At the same time, history seeps out of every street corner, even the high-tech Downtown area. In short, Singapore is not just a stopover, but a destination in its own right. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Singapore in August. Why August is a good time to visit Singapore Singapore’s weather in August is arguably the best of the year. Although it remains rainy in Singapore in August, rainfall is some of the lowest of any month. Since temperatures average 31°C year-round, and humidity levels around 82%, the other most important factor is sunshine hours. Less rain invariably means more sun, and August in Singapore is one of the sunniest of the year. In fact, along with June, July and September, August is considered one of the best times of year to visit Singapore. Add to this the festivities around National Day, and you’ll experience Singapore at its most celebratory! Things to do in Singapore in August With the weather set fair, a great way to delve into Singapore’s delights is with a Historical Singapore Bicycle Tour. Peddling along the city’s oldest streets, you’ll get your first glimpse of its grandest monuments. Free from the barriers of a vehicle, you’ll also absorb the extraordinary ambience of Chinatown and the Museum District. Thanks to reliable public transport, such as the MRT metro system, nowhere in Singapore is far away. But if in doubt, Big Bus Singapore has stops right throughout the city on its yellow and red hop-on hop-off routes. While in the Museum District, it would be a shame not to visit the National Gallery Singapore. That’s because the gallery contains the largest collection of Singaporean and southeast Asian art of any public institution. Highlights include works by Xu Beihong, Georgette Chen, and Liu Kang. No trip to this part of Singapore in August is complete without visiting Gardens by the Bay. Known for their 18 ‘supertree’ vertical gardens, Gardens by the Bay actually span over 100 hectares. Give yourself plenty of time to explore, since beyond Supertree Grove there’s also the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome greenhouses. The second is the largest in the world, and seeks to replicate a Mediterranean-style climate. Beyond Downtown Singapore A short distance from the Flower Dome, Singapore Cable Car links two very different Singapore attractions. Head south on the Sentosa Line, and you’ll get a bird’s eye view of family-friendly beaches (Palawan is one of the best) and the rollercoasters of Universal Studios Singapore. After all, Sentosa is the home of Singapore’s theme parks, with several to choose between. In the opposite direction, the cable car’s Mount Faber Line takes visitors to Singapore in August to the peak of the same name. Having traveled across lush rainforest, you’ll have the chance to follow forest paths. Alternatively, simply enjoy a cocktail (or two) at the cool bars at the top with uninterrupted views. But for an altogether different take on Singapore, head to Pulau Ubin. Reached via motor-powered bumboats from Changi (itself worth discovering), this tiny island harks back to the time of Raffles. Car-free, the best way to get about is by bike, although it’s also small enough to walk around without becoming exhausted. Sights include stone quarries readopted by nature, mangroves, coconut plantations, and Singapore’s last traditional village (kampong). End your visit with an order of Pulau Ubin’s famed chili crab. There are several charmingly ramshackle restaurants just by the boat jetty. Food and drink in Singapore Deciding what to eat will be your biggest problem when visiting Singapore in August. Because of the city’s cultural diversity, international favorites aren’t hard to find. But it would be a shame to depart Singapore having eaten nothing but burgers and pizza. Luckily, good food isn’t hard to find. Pretty much every neighborhood will have its own hawker center. So important are they, that they’re now listed by UNESCO as part of humanity’s Intangible Heritage. Although menus can be limited – each stall within a center tends to focus on a couple of dishes – your taste buds will thank you for it. Look out for Singapore noodles, laksa, and murtabak, a type of savory pancake. Chinatown is the obvious place to head for authentic Cantonese and Hokkien dishes. Many you’ll never have seen back home. And for the flavors of the Indian subcontinent, there’s only one place to head – the aroma filled alleys of Little India. Unmissable Singapore August events Singapore is a thriving destination for events, and August is no different. While the likes of Paris and Rome are snoozing in a mid-summer daze, Singapore is alive with unique experiences. The biggest event in Singapore in August is National Day, a public holiday on August 9. The days in the run-up see the red and white of the Singaporean flag appear right across the island. The day itself comprises a series of activities. These include a large military parade and live performances from top names. It comes to an end with a magnificent firework display. Should you miss National Day, Singapore Night Festival in the latter half of August is a good alternative. Running for more than a decade, it sees famous buildings decorated in lights. All manner of surprise live elements mark the city’s history and culture. Why not visit Singapore in August with Go City? Take the plunge, and you’ll find Singapore in August a destination that gives back ten-fold. All the same, Singapore does have a reputation for being on the pricey side. The answer? Travel with Go City. Our All-Inclusive and Explorer passes give visitors to Singapore incredible savings on admission to attractions big and small. It means you can do even more on your Singapore vacation without worrying about your bank balance.
Alex Birungi
The Treetop Walks at MacRitchie Reservoir in Singapore
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Natural Attractions in Singapore

Think of Singapore and you’ll likely conjure up images of shimmering glass-and-steel superstructures; a dense forest of urban activity with soaring skyscrapers that jockey for position as they reach ever further heavenwards. But that would be to overlook the vast swathes of green space and unspoiled natural habitat that has earned this island nation the nickname ‘the Garden City’. Read on for our guide to some of the finest natural attractions in Singapore, including: Singapore Botanic Gardens The Gardens by the Bay MacRitchie Reservoir Lazarus Island Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve The Southern Ridges Bukit Timah Nature Reserve Pulau Ubin The Gardens by the Bay Yes we know: the massive durian-shaped hothouses at Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay are very plainly not the work of Mother Nature. But it’s what’s inside that counts, right? And what’s inside is nothing short of a nature spectacular. Expect an absolute riot of sights, scents and sounds in the Flower Dome, where carpets of colorful blooms emit a quite dizzying array of perfumes and a thousand-year-old olive tree forms the centerpiece of the pretty olive grove. Meanwhile, the humid Cloud Forest promises sweet-smelling orchids, jungles of ferns and trailing vines and a tall, tranquil waterfall. The Southern Ridges Six miles of jungle trails and elevated walkways connect Mount Faber Park, Labrador Nature Reserve and more along the epic Southern Ridges. Tiptoe through the treetops and shutterbugs may just sneak a snap or two of some of the abundant wildlife here: red-whiskered bulbuls, banded bay cuckoos, orange-bellied flowerpeckers and other such tropical critters await. The trail also includes a section that crosses Henderson Waves, an undulating architectural masterpiece that also happens to be the highest pedestrian bridge in Singapore at a whopping 36 meters above terra firma. Don’t look down! MacRitchie Reservoir Completed in 1868, MacRitchie is the oldest reservoir in Singapore and has become both a thriving nature reserve for native wildlife and huge natural playground for locals and tourists alike. Spot macaques and monitor lizards on the seven-mile hike around MacRitchie Trails or get a birds’ eye view from the Treetop Walks, a 250-meter suspension bridge that links the reserve’s two highest points. Take to the water and spend the day kayaking or lace up your running shoes and hit one of the excellent cross-country trails here. Lazarus Island Like your beaches secluded? Lazarus Island is the place for you! One of Singapore's Southern Islands, it’s connected to neighboring Saint John’s Island by a causeway. You’ll need to catch a ferry to Saint John’s and walk the 15 minutes or so to get there but, trust us, it’s well worth the effort. Bone-white sands, swaying palm trees and tropical turquoise waters that are great for swimming and snorkeling await the intrepid traveler. Get there early enough and, who knows, you may even find you have the whole place to yourself! Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve Twitchers rejoice! One of the finest natural attractions in Singapore, the unspoiled Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is a thriving habitat for native birds and a crucial stopover for migratory species including the long-legged Asian dowitcher and distinctive Pacific golden plover. Across more than 300 acres of mangrove forest, mudflats and ponds, you might also spot monitor lizards, lobsters, mudskippers, water snakes and big, beautiful Atlas moths. The occasional saltwater croc has even been known to put in an appearance from time to time. Take the two-hour loop trail around the reserve to get the most from your visit. Singapore Botanic Gardens This sprawling 200-acre tropical oasis on the edge of Singapore’s Orchard Road Shopping district has been around since 1859 so to describe the gardens as ‘mature’ would be something of an understatement. Admire colorful and aromatic plants in the aptly named Ginger Garden, take a stroll around Swan Lake, snap a selfie at the iconic bandstand, and enjoy the rare experience of wandering through a rainforest within the city limits of a vast metropolis. The gardens are open from 5AM until midnight so you'll have plenty of time to get lost among the vines, blooms and tree-lined walkways. Best of all, entry is free, though a fee applies for access to the thousands of eye-popping blooms inside the National Orchid Garden, the park’s star attraction. Pulau Ubin Boomerang-shaped Pulau Ubin is an island off Singapore’s northeast coast, where lush uncharted jungle is dotted with traditional kampongs and disused granite quarries, now reclaimed by nature, teem with diverse flora and fauna. Pick ripe, pungent durians along the cycle paths – and try one if you’re feeling bold enough or hungry enough to brave a bite! There’s an observation tower and looping walkway at the island’s otherwise wild Chek Jawa Wetlands, where you’ll hear the melodious call of the bulbul and, if you’re lucky, maybe even catch sight of the electric-blue flash of a kingfisher diving for its supper. Bukit Timah Nature Reserve Last but most definitely not least in our rundown of Singapore's greatest natural attractions is the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, slap-bang in the middle of the island. One of very few designated reserves in the country to have remained untouched by timber merchants, it’s a sprawling green space containing some 400 acres of tropical rainforest as well as, at over 500 feet, the highest hill in the country. The reserve is, perhaps unsurprisingly, one of the finest treasure troves of biodiversity to be found in all of Singapore, with animal species including flying lemurs, crab-eating macaques, reticulated pythons and endangered Sunda pangolins to be found among the dense forests and thick undergrowth. There are many superb walking trails here, with options available for everyone from the amateur ambler to the hardened hiker. Head up to the peak for 360-degree views across Singapore and beyond. Save on attractions and activities in Singapore Save on admission to Singapore attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
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Best spas in Singapore

Think of Singapore, and certain experiences always come to mind – taking a selfie underneath the Supertrees, drinking a Singapore Sling in the historic Raffles Hotel, and watching the sunset from a traditional bumboat are all top-rated tourist traditions not to be missed. But for those of us who like a little luxury, there’s no better place than Singapore to pause for a bit of pampering and to shake off the jet lag. Whether you need some reflexology for tired feet, a romantic couples escape, a pool with a view or an invigorating scrub to rejuvenate your sun-soaked skin, you’ll find it all and more in Singapore. Here’s our recommendations for the best spas and experiences in the Lion City: The Thai Spa Aramsa Garden Spa Banyan Tree Spa St Gregory Spa at ParkRoyal Remede Spa at St Regis Auriga Spa at Capella Oasia Resort Sentosa Yunomori Onsen and Spa The Thai Spa Possibly the most famous spa in Singapore and certainly one of the most popular, The Thai Spa is located in Suntec City, a large, modern mall north of the river between Raffles Boulevard and Nicoll Highway. Here you can experience a traditional Thai massage, renowned for its use of yoga poses, aromatherapy and pressure points, or choose Thai reflexology, slimming therapies, a peppermint body scrub or Swedish, Balinese and Lomi Lomi massage. Couples can even luxuriate in a private rose honey milk bath jacuzzi, and everyone gets a private shower. Aramsa Garden Spa A bit of a trek – but worth it once you get there – the Aramsa Garden Spa is situated in Bishan Park, a 153-acre reserve along the banks of a former canal. The spa itself has 17 treatment rooms, all of which have their own private courtyard with outdoor showers and jungle backdrop, so it’s perfect if you want to get back to nature – or at least to escape the city for a while. Enjoy a mineral garden bath or rainforest shower with botanic views, then continue your nature escape with a walk around the park’s wandering paths, butterfly habitat and lotus pond. Banyan Tree Spa Head to the iconic Marina Bay Sands Hotel and on the 55th floor you’ll find the Banyan Tree Spa, there to offer you city escapism with an unmatchable view. From your treatment room you’ll be able to look out over the bay, perhaps down at the ArtScience Museum or Floral Fantasy, or even watching the sun set over the Supertrees in the Gardens by the Bay. After your pampering, have a wander around the oriental-themed water gardens then head up to the Ce La Vi SkyBar to enjoy more of the views with your favorite cocktail. St Gregory Spa at ParkRoyal This is a hotel spa with all the trimmings. Here you’ll find a rooftop infinity pool and jacuzzi with a cocktail bar to match, set in an architecturally stunning hotel complete with living balconies draped in greenery and colorful cabanas. Try a workout in the glass-walled gym-box or stroll along the 300-meter-long garden walk, looking out over Hong Lim Park and the city skyline. Try a treatment – they specialize in skin treatments and Chinese medicine – then complete your zen experience by joining a traditional tea ceremony at Tea Chapter, a short walk away in Chinatown. Remede Spa at St Regis It’s all about luxury at the St Regis, which is known around the world for its sumptuous décor and superb service. The spa features steam chambers, a Finnish dry heat sauna, a hydro massage pool and a Vichy shower. Guests will also be treated to exotic teas, champagne and the hotel’s own floral-scented chocolates. Treat yourself to a mani-pedi or a black soap and rhassoul hammam ritual (which involves a soft steam scrub with a face and scalp massage), stretch out on a warm, eucalyptus-scented marble slab and drift along in the heated outdoor whirlpool. Afterwards, take a tour of the hotel’s decadent décor and private art gallery, then top up on fresh air in the UNESCO World Heritage Botanic Gardens nearby. Auriga Spa at Capella Sentosa island is made for leisure lovers, with beaches, theme parks and luxury hotels aplenty. One of the best of those is the Auriga Spa at Capella, where you’ll find a herbal steam room, a vitality pool for full-body water massages and a relaxation lounge with ‘sound wave’ chairs. For treatments, you can choose from Balinese, Thai and Shiatsu massages, or a soothing Senja Sunyi massage which uses warm moon stones and scented body balm. Auriga uses only natural and organic products, and each of the treatment rooms has its own private, alfresco garden. It’s located on the south-western edge of the island, so once you’re done it’s an easy walk to spend the evening relaxing on the beach or watching the Wings of Time evening light show over the water. Oasia Resort Sentosa Another one on Sentosa, the Oasia offers some unique experiences including the cryotherapy facial, bamboo scrubs and ‘Mini-Me’ treatments for 13-16 year-olds. There’s also a meditation room which offers forest bathing therapy, and outdoor classes including pool aerobics and sunset yoga. The Oasia is in a convenient spot right in the middle of the island, so it’s easy to get there on the Mount Faber Cable Car and is close to Universal Studios, Madame Tussauds and most of the island’s beaches. Yunomori Onsen and Spa Located in the Kallang Wave Mall next to the National Stadium, Yunomori gets you relaxed and limber for your massage by offering a Japanese Onsen experience. The onsen baths are treated with hot spring minerals imported from Japan, and you can choose from soda, silk, bubble, jet and cold baths, each at varying temperatures. One admission fee gets you all day access to the onsen, steam rooms and saunas, and you’ll get a traditional milk drink to enjoy after your treatment. Just be sure to learn and follow onsen etiquette before you go – men and women bathe separately, always shower first, and note that underwear and swimsuits are not allowed – though you can take in a small towel or use disposable underwear if you want to. Treat yourself with Go City Singapore is a great place for a bit of pampering. Give yourself a boost on your next trip and grab your Go City Explorer or All-Inclusive Pass today!
Karleen Stevens

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