BlogSingapore in February
Sigh...The truth is that, in the Western hemisphere at least, February can seem a bit...bleak. The holiday season is a distant memory and spring has not yet sprung. But don’t despair! With kids the world over back in school, it’s a particularly good month to plan an adult break. And especially to escape to the equator and sun-soaked Singapore! Whatever part of the world you come from (and frankly whatever the time of year) you can look forward to a mesmerising mix of green environments, bustling cityscapes, futuristic architecture and exciting attractions. Wondering what to do in Singapore in February? Hold tight and we’ll share all the top tips, including: Weather in Singapore in February Chinese New Year Thaipusam Best things to do in Singapore- Gardens by the Bay- Singapore Cable Car- Universal Studios Singapore Exploring Singapore- Singapore Bicycle Tours- Singapore Big Bus Tour- Singapore River Cruise What's the weather like in Singapore in February? Is it warm all year round in Singapore? Yaaay! It’s a yes. Pack your sunhat. The average temperature in February in Singapore is a delicious 31oC (87oF) with evenings dropping to a pleasant 24oC (75oF). You’re unlikely to need your umbrella either as, with the end of the Northeast Monsoon season, February is Singapore’s driest month. The only place you might want to pop on your sweater is for the air-conditioning blasting out in malls and public places. Chinese New Year Depending on the timing of the first full moon of the year you might be lucky enough to be in Singapore for Chinese New Year (or Lunar New Year). The 15 day festival is celebrated all over the world and, in Singapore, whilst some local shops and markets will close for the celebrations, you’ll find major malls, tourist areas and entertainment attractions open and buzzing with noise, colour and beautifully blazing lanterns. Whatever you do, don’t miss the Chingay parade in Marina Bay, perhaps the year’s most dazzling display of Singapore’s multi-cultural heritage, celebrated with enthusiasm not only by Chinese but by Malay, Indians and Eurasians too. Pick your spot and thrill to spectacular floats, colourful costumes dancing dragons and staggering stilt walkers. Then dive into the whirlwind streets of Chinatown where temples open their doors, stalls sell everything from raw fish to unique home decor, and decorations glow under the lanterns of the night bazaar. Late afternoon and evening are the best times to soak up the atmosphere and bag a bargain in the markets around Smith Street. And since the best part of any festival is the food, don’t forget to cram in as many delectable sweet and savoury treats as you can! After all that excitement you might want to stop for a nice cup of tea. Kick off your shoes and ease into the tranquility of an authentic tea appreciation experience at Tea Chapter, the largest and oldest teahouse in Singapore. Find your zen amid ornate architecture, relax to traditional Chinese music and savour tea fit for a queen - Queen Elizabeth II and her husband the Duke of Edinburgh were also served a pot of Imperial Golden Cassia so you’re definitely in good company. Thaipusam The festivities continue, since the Hindu religious festival Thaipusam also falls in January or February, depending on the date of the full moon in the Tamil month of Thai. This time you’ll need to stake out your viewing spot in the historic streets of Little India to watch the colourful chariot procession wind its way through the streets to Layan Sithi Vinayagar Temple at Keong Siak Road. Devotees carry milk pots and heavy wooden ‘kavadis’ decorated with flowers and peacock feathers in honour of Lord Murugan, Hindu god of war. Some pierce their tongues or other body parts with skewers and hooks, requiring elaborate prayer and preparation. Less painfully, let’s talk about some of the best sights in Singapore, like... Gardens by the Bay Have you even been to Singapore if you’ve not visited Gardens by the Bay, the stunning natural park that has become perhaps the country’s most recognisable symbol? Immerse yourself in the intriguing Cloud Forest and marvel at the eighteen 50m-high sustainable ‘Supertrees’. Not only does their vertical planting provide a wildlife habitat but they harvest solar energy, collect rainwater and serve as air exhausts. It’s tough to know when to visit. As one of the city’s most popular attractions, morning is the best time to beat the crowds and explore the 101 hectares of indoor and outdoor gardens, lakes, sculptures and artwork. But there again, it would be a crime to miss the Garden Rhapsody light show that wows the crowds at 7.45PM and 8.45PM every day. Singapore Cable Car Maybe you’ll follow the pattern of many visitors and split your time between the city and the delights of Sentosa Island. Soar over the city skyline aboard the Singapore Cable Car and take plenty of snaps of the unforgettable views as you travel from Mount Faber on the main island, to Sentosa, which means ‘island of tranquility’.If you time your trip to be back at the Mount Faber cable car station after dark you can also enjoy Miraculous 2, a kaleidoscopic, multi-media light show exclusive to cable car ticket holders. Universal Studios Singapore Aside from the sandy beaches, the main event on Sentosa island is surely Universal Studios, Singapore, guaranteed to thrill visitors of any age with its wild coasters, family rides and interactive shows, all themed to your favourite movies. Explore seven themed areas: Hollywood, New York, Sci-Fi City, Ancient Egypt, The Lost World, Far Far Away and Madagascar. Get your white-knuckle kicks on Accelerator and Revenge of the Mummy, brave the world’s tallest duelling coasters themed on Battlestar Galactica and prepare to get wet as you escape the dinosaurs on the Jurassic Park Rapids. There are plenty of family favourites too with rides, shows and character meets from favourites like Shrek, Minions and Sesame Street. Virtual Reality Fighter Jet Experience Do you feel the need for speed? Whilst we’re talking thrills, Singapore offers the rare opportunity to enjoy a fast and furious experience learning to fly a (virtual) F-15 or F/A-18 military jet. Attend your pre-flight briefing, then don your headset, before blasting off on a memorable mission over some familiar American landmarks. Ways to explore Singapore In the heat and humidity of the summer months you might not have the energy to explore, but, as the beginning of the dry season and before temperatures rise too much, February is an ideal month for outdoor activities. Cycling around the sunny island is a great way to enjoy the sights and green spaces. Singapore is one of Asia’s most bike-friendly cities with a well-connected network of cycle paths, so get on your bike, not forgetting that helmets are mandatory.A four hour Historical cycle tour of Singapore ticks off loads of city highlights including Chinatown, the Singapore River, Boat and Clarke Quays and the Museum District... Best of all, being accompanied by an expert guide allows you to see the city from a local perspective, including visiting a residential area, checking out a lively market and sampling tasty local cuisine. Or perhaps you’ll prefer to pedal your way to some stunning evening panoramas on a two hour Marina Bay bicycle night tour. There are stunning photo opps all along the way, from the Supertrees, to the Singapore Flyer observation wheel, to the Formula One Pit Building.Wheel around the business district where charming historical buildings jostle with gleaming skyscrapers. Look out for the famous floating football pitch at Marina Bay. If you’re lucky you might even catch a live music performance in the Esplanade entertainment area. If you’re feeling less energetic maybe you’ll choose to cruise, drifting along on a Singapore River Cruise. Climb aboard a traditional bumboat (yes, you heard right) to glide past sights like Old Parliament House, the Merlion Park and Marina Bay Sands Resort. Or simply hop on (and off) a Big Bus tour and take in all the landmarks at your own pace with a day ticket and pre-recorded commentary in your choice of 12 languages. For a more original experience, an hour-long Singapore DUCKtour, in an amphibious vehicle, splashes into the bay for a sail around the beautiful harbour before exploring the Civic district on land. However you choose to get around, remember, not only in February but year round, Go City is the best choice for maximum savings and flexibility for all your Singapore sightseeing. What are you waiting for? Enjoy your adventures!
