SINGAPORE – Whether you have a sweet tooth or seek thrilling experiences, there are plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in Singaporean culture and entertainment.
Here are some recommendations from the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) for travelers, focusing on destinations, dining, and recreational activities that offer authentic experiences, family-friendly options, and exciting entertainment while still ensuring cost-effectiveness.
Experiences for Families:
Bird Paradise: Open since mid-year, Bird Paradise is located within the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, spanning over 17 hectares. It’s home to more than 3,500 birds from 400 species. Visitors can spend a day exploring the park, which includes a children’s play area.
The Shaw Foundation Australian Outback area is home to approximately 30 bird species from Australia. Image: Mandai.
Must-try experiences: Bird feeding (at specific times), performances at the Sky Amphitheatre, and guided tours.
Opening hours: 9 am – 6 pm. Ticket prices: SGD 48 for adults, SGD 33 for children (aged 3-12). Address: 20 Mandai Lake Road.
Night Safari: Also part of the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, the Night Safari is the world’s first nocturnal wildlife park, housing 900 animals from 100 species. It offers the chance to see rare and endangered species like Asian elephants, pandas, and Malaysian tigers.
Must-try experiences: Explore the park on foot via four different walking trails or embark on an adventure on an electric tram with a guide.
Opening hours: 7:15 pm – midnight. Ticket prices: SGD 55 for adults, SGD 38 for children (aged 3-12). Address: 80 Mandai Lake Road.
Museum of Ice Cream: Originating from the United States, the Museum of Ice Cream is a popular attraction that opened in Singapore in late 2021. It features hundreds of ice cream flavors, from traditional to creative, and numerous picturesque spots for “Instagrammable” moments.
Opening hours: 10 am – 6 pm (Mon-Wed), 10 am – 9 pm (Thu-Sun). Weekday ticket prices start from SGD 36, weekend prices start from SGD 42. Children under 2 enter for free. Address: 100 Loewen Road.
Must-try experiences: The Sprinkle Pool, where visitors can immerse themselves in a sea of colorful ice cream toppings, the pink beach-themed California room, and the opportunity to sample ice cream at the dessert bar and purchase souvenirs.
Children’s Museum: Singapore’s first museum designed exclusively for children aged 12 and under, located in a two-story heritage building. Through interactive exhibitions and play areas, young visitors and their families can experience a journey through the city-state’s past, explore its history, and learn about Singaporean culture.
Opening hours: Four visitation slots available at 9 am, 11 am, 2 pm, and 4 pm. Ticket prices: SGD 15 for adults, SGD 10 for children. Address: 23-B Coleman Street.
Must-try experiences: “A Voyage Back In Time” exhibition, which re-creates historical Singapore, and “LKY100 – The Boy Who Became Prime Minister,” an exhibition about Singapore’s first Prime Minister.
Thrilling Experiences:
Hyperdrive: This electric go-kart racing experience, with three levels of difficulty, opened its doors to visitors on August 24th. It combines real racing with augmented reality gameplay.
Key features: A 308-meter racetrack with 14 corners, the ability to race with friends, collect power-ups like “bombs” and “rockets” for speed boosts, and compete against opponents.
Opening hours: 12:30 pm – 9 pm on weekdays, 10 am – 9 pm on weekends and public holidays. Ticket price: SGD 45. Address: Palawan Beach.
Skyline Luge: The first luge ride in Southeast Asia offers four tracks: Kupu Kupu, Expedition, Jungle, and Dragon, each ranging from 628 to 688 meters. Each track features steep slopes and provides breathtaking views of the coastline. Suitable for children aged 6 and above with a height of at least 110 cm.
Opening hours: 11 am – 7:30 pm (Mon-Thu), 11 am – 9 pm (Fri), 10 am – 9 pm (weekends and holidays). Ticket prices start from SGD 23. Address: 45 Siloso Beach Walk, Sentosa Island.
Sling Shot: The newest thrill ride at Clarke Quay launches passengers 70 meters into the air at a speed of 160 km/h, performing a 360-degree rotation before providing panoramic views of Clarke Quay from above. Afterward, players can review their experience through video footage.
Opening hours: 4:30 pm – 11 pm daily. Ticket prices start from SGD 45. Address: 3E River Valley Road, Block E.
Eat Like a Local:
Little India Street Food Tour – A Gastronomic Exploration: Explore the diverse flavors of Indian cuisine in Singapore’s Little India district, offering a 3-hour guided tour that includes tastings at various eateries. Price: SGD 80 per person, minimum of two participants per tour.
Beyond Michelin Chinatown Food Tour – Uncover Hidden Delights: Delve into the lesser-known, yet delicious, dining spots in the Chinatown district. In addition to Michelin-starred establishments, Chinatown boasts many local favorites. Participants can savor eight unique dishes, from Hainanese chicken rice to traditional coffee. Tour duration: 3 hours, price: SGD 80 per person, minimum of two participants per tour.
Bicycle & Food Tour – Taste on Two Wheels: Embark on a culinary journey through the neighborhoods of Chinatown, Kampung Glam, and Little India, discovering the unique blend of cultures and sampling characteristic dishes. Tour duration: 3 hours, price: SGD 90 per person, minimum of two participants per tour.
Tourists. Photo: Let's Go Tour Singapore.
Explore Singapore’s Culture:
World’s First Vintage Vespa & Sidecar Tours: Visitors can explore vibrant Singapore streets on vintage Vespa scooters, wearing helmets for safety. There are several popular itineraries:
- District Art Tour: A Historical Canvas: This tour takes participants through Asian Civilisations Museum and National Gallery Singapore, offering insights into Singapore’s transformation from an administrative center to a cultural hub. Duration: 1-2 hours, price: SGD 198 for 1 hour or SGD 396 for 2 hours per person.
- Joo Chiat & Katong Tour: Nonyas, Babas, and Peranakans: Explore the colorful streets of Joo Chiat and Katong, known for their elegant shophouses. Participants can admire the unique architecture and learn about the diverse immigrant communities that settled there. Tour duration: 1-2 hours, price: SGD 198 per person.
- Crazy Rich Asians Insta Tour with Cocktail Making Workshop: Inspired by the popular film, this tour allows guests to visit famous Singapore landmarks featured in “Crazy Rich Asians.” After the tour, participants can enjoy a cocktail-making workshop. Duration: 3 hours, price: Starting from SGD 396 per person.
These experiences offer a wide range of options for travelers to immerse themselves in the culture, entertainment, and culinary delights of Singapore, catering to a variety of interests and preferences.
