Things to Do
Your comprehensive guide to the best events and things to do in Singapore
101 best things to do in Singapore
Welcome to the Time Out Do List where we handpick the best things to do in Singapore. Don't be fooled by the size of the city – there are plenty of major attractions to hit up, sights to see, grounds to explore and under-the-radar spots to discover. Take a couple of days off to play tourist and smell the roses at Gardens by the Bay, brace yourself for the tallest dual rollercoasters at Universal Studios Singapore, get cultured on the rich history of Singapore and its people at the museums or have your morning breakfast with orangutans at the Singapore Zoo. Not sure where to start? Leave it to us to show you the best events in town, as well as 101 things to do to check off your list. Visited somewhere on this list and loved it? Know of a place that should be on here instead? Share it with the hashtag #TimeOutDoList
Award-winning West End Zulu ballet, INALA, comes to Singapore in June
The Zulu word, Inala, can take on two meanings: "harvest to reap" and "abundance of goodwill". Watching the multi-award winning production, you're left with a deeper appreciation of both those definitions. Brought to you by Sisters Grimm, the awe-inspiring cultural celebration is flying in from London's West End Peacock Theatre and landing at the Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands for five special performances from June 19 to 22. This vibrant staging brings together two-time Grammy Award-winning South African choral legends Soweto Gospel Choir, the world-class dancers from The Royal Ballet and Rambert with multi-award winning choreographer Mark Baldwin OBE to deliver a powerful performance. Since its sold-out debut show at the Edinburgh International Festival five years ago, the cross-cultural experiment has received nothing but standing ovations. It's played at Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London and has gone on an acclaimed national tour around the UK as well as an international show in Russia. The cast was also invited to perform at the 2014 Royal Variety Performance in the presence of Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, which was broadcasted and watched by more than 50 million viewers around the world. With its stellar sold-out runs, we reckon INALA's Singapore debut is going to be another massive hit. Secure your seats from $78 to $148 at Sistic or Marina Bay Sands. Sign up to our newsletter to receive more exclusive deals and event details around S
The ultimate guide to Singapore Art Week 2019
Ready to chin-stroke your way through nine days of art? The National Arts Council, Singapore Tourism Board and the Economic Development Board of Singapore team up to present the seventh edition of Singapore Art Week from January 19 to 27. Catch the city painted in a kaleidoscope of colours as artists, art collectors and enthusiasts from all over the world pull all the stops to showcase their masterpieces at five major locations – the Civic District and Marina Bay, Bras Basah and Bugis, Jalan Besar and Little India, Gillman Barracks and in the heartlands like Woodlands and Taman Jurong. Whether you’re an art aficionado or rookie, this is the perfect opportunity to fall in love with the city's art through different mediums such as paintings, sculptures, films, photographs, live performances, discussions and immersive experiences such as art walks and lifestyle events. Satiate your hunger for stunning visuals by taking part in over 100 events held at multiple art galleries, institutions, museums and non-profit spaces. Come with a curious mind (and camera) for an impressive range of exhibitions, talks, workshops, performances and film screenings that encompass a plethora of genres and topics including experimentalism, horror, history and culture. Can’t wait to start your Singapore Art Week trail? We’ve mapped out the highlights to catch during nine-day art-stravaganza.
Light to Night Festival 2019: Traces and Echoes
The Civic District comes to life once more with vibrant artworks and performances during Light to Night Festival 2019. This year's bumper edition spans six weeks from January 18 to February 24, making it one festival, but with two unique experiences. The Singapore Art Week edition (Jan 18-27), which focuses art inspired by personal narratives and memories, and the Singapore Bicentennial edition (Jan 28-Feb 24) that sees artists, writers and performers reinterpret our country's past and retell Singapore's story in their own special way. This year's theme, Traces and Echoes, is the first to incorporate Singapore's historical narrative in celebration with the Bicentennial. National Gallery Singapore teams up with precinct partners to present close to 50 programmes that showcase art and history through all the five senses, capturing the hearts and minds of guests from day to night. Explore The Odyssey (Jan 18-27, 8pm-midnight), a new commission co-developed by Brandon Tay and Safuan Johari with 14 other multimedia illustrators and digital artists to form part of Singapore's biggest façade light show, Art Skins on Monuments. Go on an epic voyage through the Civic District's seven façades as an explorer sojourns the worlds of duality in search of his identity. Be a part of his journey by activating an interactive wall using sound and movement at National Gallery Singapore’s Padang Atrium. While you're there, take a trip down memory lane by flipping through personal and archival
Create new art experiences at the Minimalism: Space. Light. Object. exhibition
To call Southeast Asia’s first minimalism exhibition exhaustive would be an understatement. Spanning across two iconic locations – National Gallery Singapore and ArtScience Museum – from now until April 14, Minimalism: Space. Light. Object. is dedicated to experiential and immersive art by celebrated artists from all over the world. Organised by National Gallery Singapore in collaboration with ArtScience Museum, the exhibition presents approximately 150 installations, paintings, sculptures, photographs, videos and sound works by over 70 artists and 40 composers. These works push the boundaries and definitions of Minimalism, championing the art of less is more. They allow viewers to create new experiences and discover the rich possibilities that emerge from the relationship between the art object, the space around it, and themselves. Not just for minimalists and art enthusiasts, the exhibition also makes a great photo opportunity for maximalists and selfie junkies. A treat for the eyes, works by heavy hitters such as Donald Judd, Dan Flavin, Frank Stella and Kim Lim, amongst others, provide the perfect backdrop for an Instagram post. But looking beyond the surface, trace the development and legacies of Minimalism from the 1950s to the present day in Asia, Australia, Europe and North America. The exhibition is filled with works that explore various ideas of presence and absence, with many drawing on Asian philosophies such as Zen Buddhism. Each artist takes a distinct approac
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The best events in Singapore in 2019
With plenty of things to do in this concrete jungle, we can safely say that a boring Singapore is a myth. From the coolest music and art festivals like Zoukout and Singapore Night Festival to mega sporting events like F1 Singapore Grand Prix and the HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens, there's always a myriad of things to do, see and eat. Stay ahead of the game and plan your 2019 calendar pronto with the crème de la crème of events happening throughout the year. RECOMMENDED: 101 best things to do in Singapore and the best things to do this week
Where to watch Chinese New Year fireworks in Singapore
The stunning sights of giant lanterns, vibrant traditional Chinese decor and lion dance performances in Singapore can mean one thing: Chinese New Year. As the festive period draws near (mark your calendar for February 5), the city is buzzing with a plethora of enticing events, festivals and activities to revel in the glorious celebrations. But no cultural experience is completed without a dazzling fireworks display. Here are the best places to usher in the Year of the Pig with a bang – and a visual treat for all. RECOMMENDED: Guide to Chinese New Year in Singapore and the best Chinese New Year events in Singapore
The best MMA gyms and boxing studios in Singapore
We break the first – and second – rule of fight club to let you in on the best places in Singapore to throw jabs, hooks and uppercuts, and get strong physically and mentally in no time. Need gear to go along? Shop suitable activewear and fitness trackers to monitor your activity levels beforehand. Now put on your boxing gloves and kick ass. RECOMMENDED: The best HIIT gyms and studios in Singapore and the best gyms in Singapore Â
Where to donate clothes, makeup, furniture and books in Singapore
Whether it is inspired by Marie Kondo or just you being the neat freak that you are, spring cleaning is something everyone goes through at least once a year. Most of the time, it surprises us how many things go unused. So what happens if you find something still in good condition but have no use for you anymore? Toss it into the giveaway pile for someone else who would appreciate it more. Now that you're done and dusted with cleaning and sorting our your stuff, it's time to throw it out or donate it. Here are some places in Singapore where you can drop off your items and in turn spark joy in someone else's life. RECOMMENDED: 13 places to volunteer at in Singapore and where to shop for eco-friendly products in SingaporeÂ
The best make out spots in Singapore
Making out can be hard to do, especially in a city that never sleeps like Singapore. The streets are too bright, buildings are too close together and there's always people around – privacy is truly a luxury in Singapore. So what happens when you need to express your love (and lust)? Don't you worry, finding the perfect spot in Singapore for a little snog sesh is possible. Secret parks, under dark bridges and rooftops with aview – we've put all of the possible spots for some make out action in Singapore. Time to dial up the romance, baby. RECOMMENDED: The best secret and hidden parks in Singapore and the ultimate guide to Singapore's offshore islands Â
The best free things to do in Singapore
The best things in life are free – and we couldn't agree more, especially when we're looking to save some dough while still having fun. A lot has been said about how expensive it is to live or vacation in Singapore, but that doesn't mean you have to break the bank. From enjoying ticketless performances, art exhibitions and offbeat attractions to exploring Singapore's great outdoors and dining for free, here's how to live it up the city gratuitously. RECOMMENDED: 101 best things to do in Singapore and the top 10 things to do this month Â
Explore Singapore's best
The best museums in Singapore
There’s a lot more diversity than you’d reckon when it comes to museums in Singapore. Besides the usual arts-focused spaces, we’ve rounded up a broad spectrum of other funky collections: toys, optical illusions and more. RECOMMENDED: 11 tourist attractions Singaporeans never go to and 101 best things to do in Singapore
Guide to Pulau Ubin
Sure, it may not have the white sandy beaches you’d expect of an island like Gili Island or Phuket, nor is it exactly the day trip holiday getaway you would imagine but the eccentricity and charm of Pulau Ubin makes it a magical place to travel to. One of the two remaining kampongs in Singapore (the other being Kampong Buangkok in Yio Chu Kang), this island is just a 15-minute boat ride away from the mainland. Whether you’re a nature lover or a thrill seeker, here’s how you can soak in the tranquillity and discover a myriad of hidden treasures on the island. RECOMMENDED: The best hiking trails in Singapore and the ultimate guide to Singapore's offshore islands
13 places to volunteer at in Singapore
Fancy a break from your usual work-eat-shop-play routine? Why not use your time to volunteer towards a worthy cause. Rack up those karma points by lending a hand to those less fortunate. From caring for children and the elderly to helping rescue animals and clean-up drives, there are several local charities that are working tirelessly for a number of causes. So pick one that you feel strongly about and get involved! RECOMMENDED: Where to shop for eco-friendly products in Singapore and the best shops for flowers, indoor plants and gardening supplies
Where to watch the sunrise in Singapore
There are 365 (sometimes 366) days in a year to watch the sunrise. For all the days you have had school, work, or simply just didn’t want to wake up early, now is your chance to make up for it. Gather your friends, loved ones, or pets, and head over to these spots in Singapore to see the glowing ball of fire grow. Don’t forget to pack your camera and tripod to document this rare occasion - not the sunrise, but waking up that early! RECOMMENDED: Tips for photographing the sunrise
Best farms in Singapore
Farms? What farms? The Little Red Dot is as famous for its agriculture industry as Jamaica is for bobsledding. But even though less than 1 percent of our land area is dedicated to farming activities, there’s an impressive variety of farms in Singapore. Whether you are looking for a family-friendly activity on the weekend or a getaway from the hustle and bustle, pick any of these for a breath of fresh air.Â
Walk or cycle around the island
The best hiking trails in Singapore
Singapore's most popular attractions may include a boat-like tower with an infinity pool and two durian-looking domes and other impressive manmade structures but you'll be surprised by the amount of the greenery you can find within the city-state (and surrounding offshore islands). Afterall, we're known as the City in a Garden. Here are some of the best hiking trails to hop on. Just remember to slap on sunscreen and bring along some mosquito repellent!
The best nature trails in Singapore
Sometimes the best way to discover Singapore is by checking out the beauty that surrounds it. No, we're not talking about the usual agenda of tourist attractions, modern skyscrapers and shopping malls. Stop and smell the roses (and fresh air) while you soak up the Garden City's stunning greenery. RECOMMENDED: The best hiking trails in Singapore and cycling routes in Singapore
The best urban art trails in Singapore
There’s a good reason why spending time in an art museum takes more than merely an hour. As art junkies, we need a fair amount of time to appreciate and soak up the views of one artwork before moving onto the next. But are art exhibitions and galleries ever enough? The answer is no. From one art type to another, we’ve rounded the best free-and-easy art trails to peep the city’s street art, ranging from murals to sculptures. RECOMMENDED: Must-see art exhibitions in Singapore and the best museums in Singapore
Discover Singapore on a budget
The best free things to do in Singapore
The best things in life are free – and we couldn't agree more, especially when we're looking to save some dough while still having fun. A lot has been said about how expensive it is to live or vacation in Singapore, but that doesn't mean you have to break the bank. From enjoying ticketless performances, art exhibitions and offbeat attractions to exploring Singapore's great outdoors and dining for free, here's how to live it up the city gratuitously. RECOMMENDED: 101 best things to do in Singapore and the top 10 things to do this month Â
The best parks for picnics in Singapore
There's a time for trekking and conquering nature trails but there's also a time for sitting pretty and having a picnic. Want to know the best spots to set down your mat? Here is our list of the best 8 parks to have a picnic in Singapore. These places don't require you to travel to the middle of nowhere, they have some shade and decent patches of grass, and most importantly, they're located near the toilets (but not too near). So pack your basket, pick up your mat, and head to these parks for some fun in the sun. RECOMMENDED: The best places to fly a kite and the best public parks for kids
The best free water parks in Singapore
While the weather has been a bit unpredictable lately, if the sun is shining (and the kids are angsty), take them out to cool down at these free aqua playgrounds around the island. We've checked out where to go for the best sprinklers, bubblers and water fountains that are great for kids (and adults). Best of all, as they are in public spaces, so there's no admission fees! Just like these best public pools too. Looking for other great things to do around the city? Discover the 101 best things to do in Singapore or things you can do here that you can't do anywhere else. RECOMMENDED: The best public parks for kids and The best indoor playgrounds in Singapore
The best free museums in Singapore
Singapore may be one of the most expensive cities in the world, but good things need not necessarily have to come at a price. These free museums make for the perfect day activity for tourists looking to find out more about our nation's history and culture, and is also great for locals who want to rediscover what their homeland has to offer. Get cultured without having to spend a dime – sometimes the best things in life really are free. RECOMMENDED The best museums in Singapore and the best urban art trails in Singapore Â
The best places to stargaze in Singapore
When it comes to al fresco dining and drinking, Singapore’s loaded with a myriad of rooftop bars, outdoor restaurants and beach clubs. No doubt, these spots are great for unwinding under the stars, but when it comes to catching astronomical wonders like the lunar eclipse that’s happening on the morning of July 28, you’re better off elsewhere. Set your alarms for 3.30am and make your way to these stargazing spots for that rare reddish “blood moon” glow. RECOMMENDED: The best nature trails in Singapore and the best hiking trails in Singapore
The best free date ideas in Singapore
We know, we know – dating is more about the camaraderie rather than the venue. But that’s no reason not to impress your date with the best hangout spot even if you’re broke. No matter what sort of couple you are, Singapore has a myriad of things to do. From getting a cultural fix at the museum to going on a nature trail, vibe with your romantic partner at one of these eclectic locations without all the extra charge. Aren't the best things in life free? RECOMMENDED:  Unique and fun date ideas in Singapore and the most romantic restaurants in Singapore
