New and upcoming attractions in Singapore to check out in 2024

Bird Paradise took off in 2023 with truly stunning features. Take the eight walk-through aviaries modelled after the different biomes of the world: African rainforests, South African wetlands, Australian dry eucalypt forests, and more. Some of the world's most threatened species of birds fly free in these aviaries, offering a unique, up-close experience. You can also take advantage of refreshed programmes, including behind-the-scenes tours at the healthcare facilities and special feeding sessions. 

The Somerset strip has always been a haven for the skater boys and girls among us. In 2023, it levelled up with the opening of Trifecta, our island city’s first surf-skate-ski attraction. It’s a dream come true for board sports enthusiasts, who can train up their surfing chops in a powerful wave pool, learn how to ski or snowboard at an indoor snow zone (it also has a ski jump area), or simply shred the hybrid skate bowl that sits beside Butter, a café with savoury goodies by Two Men Bagel House. 

You can easily spend a whole day at this mammoth new leisure destination on Sentosa. Situated on Palawan Beach, it brings together a whole bunch of new experiences. Unleash your inner speed demon at the three-level electric go-kart circuit HyperDrive, or take a swing at the mini golf course UltraGolf. Those who just want to soak in the sun can chill out at two new beach clubs, Splash Tribe and +Twelve. There’s also a dog run and beachside food trucks within the premises. 

This idyllic offshore island saw some interesting new developments in 2023. For starters, it acquired adorable ‘tiny houses’ where you can enjoy the laidback island life. Developed by local company Big Tiny, the Tiny Away Escape @ Lazarus Island has five compact ecotourism cabins with all the modern conveniences you can think of, including an outdoor deck where you can relax to the sound of waves. Afraid you’ll get bored? The island also has a new water sports centre where you can rent kayaks, stand-up paddle boards and even water bikes. Convenience store SOL by BDC also sells day-to-day necessities and ready-to-eat meals. 

The Projector has always been a breath of fresh air in our movie scene, screening independent and under-the-radar films at its Golden Mile Tower home as well as its various pop-up locations. But for those who want to catch more mainstream fare without losing the special indie kid flair of The Projector, then the Golden Village x The Projector at Cineleisure is the place for you. Here, you can catch cult releases alongside blockbuster movies – and stick around for live performances, festivals, exhibitions, and markets too. 

The new KidzWorld at Singapore Zoo is for all the little animal enthusiasts. The one-hectare space is home to 250 animals from 30 different species, which visitors can visit to pet and interact with. Bring your kids to meet axis deer, ferrets, horses, dogs and more, and enrol them in the Ranger Buddies edutainment programme. This includes a Ranger Buddies Quest that will have the little ones gallivanting away on quest-based missions to discover more about animal health, care and nutrition. 

Toys”R”Us opened its 12th outlet at Jewel Changi Airport, and it’s quite a departure from its usual stores. The Jewel outlet has been redesigned with a clean, minimalistic style with Piet Mondrian-esque splashes of colour. In the name of fun and play, Toys”R”Us at Jewel also has a large indoor playground by Kiztopia, featuring aviation-themed installations, slides, and ball pits. 

An old wet market in Queenstown gets a new lease of life as Margaret Market. The former Commonwealth Avenue Wet Market & Food Centre reopened in August 2023 with a modern new look and filled with wholesome homegrown brands and old trades that relocated from Tanglin Halt. Dig into Aussie-inspired jaffles at Urban Folks, enjoy localised tacos and craft beers at Margie, or spice things up with Indonesian smashed chicken at Fangko. Other interesting brands that have set up shop include Homme Baker, Margie, and Creamier. 

Calling all pawrents, One Holland Village is a new mall that’s been specially designed to cater to pets. No, you still can’t take your furkid into all the shops (only a select few restaurants are pet-friendly), but the open-air grounds are certainly accessible to all. There are even pet lifts, water coolers for pets and leash hooks around the mall. Surrey Hills Grocer has opened here with an in-house pet store Furry Hills, while Fireplace by Bedrock has a pet-friendly alfresco dining area. Other exciting food venues include casual Japanese fusion bistro Ginkyō, Ippudo and Sushi Tei. 

In February 2023, the northern section of the Rail Corridor opened with 21km of uninterrupted trails and pathways from Kranji MRT station to Spooner Road. With 30 new entry points along the section, the Rail Corridor is more accessible than ever – that’s not to mention new barrier-free ramps and native trees and shrubs to p the rustic charm of the route. As you walk along Rail Corridor North, keep your eyes peeled for a scenic lookout deck near the Upper Bukit Timah truss bridge. It offers a scenic view of the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and Dairy Farm Nature Park.