20 NIGHTTIME ACTIVITIES IN SIGAPORE
20 NIGHTTIME ACTIVITIES IN SIGAPORE
LEARN MORE ABOUT 20 NIGHTTIME ACTIVITIES IN SIGAPORE AND DISCOVER WHAT THE BEST THINGS THAT YOU HAVE TO DO IN SINGAPORE
20 NIGHTTIME ACTIVITIES IN SIGAPORE
In Singapore, the proverb “the night is still young” is frequently used, which is not unexpected given the wide variety of evening activities available. No matter how late in the evening, Singapore offers a variety of activities.
You can find people getting a supper fix at late-night eateries, heading to watering holes to unwind after work, or simply being local tourists in their city at some of the nighttime attractions. These are the 20 most exciting things to do in Singapore at night.
1- MEET THE WILDLIFE ON A NIGHT SAFARI
Embark on a wild journey with the world’s first nocturnal wildlife park.
Learn about the curious habits of over 100 species on a guided tram ride that whisks you across six different geographical zones and terrains.
Explore the hilly regions of the Himalayas, the sweltering Southeast Asian jungles, and Asia’s wide plains at the zoo.
Around 41% of the species are endangered, including the Asian elephant, Malayan tapir and the elusive Malayan tiger.
Singapore Zoo is at 80 Mandai Lake Rd, Singapore 729826.
2- SEE THE CITY VIEW FROM THE SINGAPORE FLYER
Crowned the world’s tallest Ferris wheel for six years till the High Roller in Las Vegas surpassed it in 2014, the Singapore Flyer towers over adjacent buildings at 541 ft (165 m) or 42 floors high.
Breathtaking by day, and stunning by night, this giant observation wheel takes 30 minutes to complete one rotation allowing you to enjoy views of Marina Bay Sands, Singapore River, Merlion Park and the Padang.
It also offers a four-course meal experience with special in-flight packages, guaranteed to give you a night you’ll never forget.
Singapore Flyer is at 30 Raffles Ave, Singapore 039803. Book your tickets here.
3- FEEL ON TOP OF THE WORLD AT SKYPARK OBSERVATION DECK
This gravity-defying observation deck is balanced atop three Marina Bay Sands hotel buildings.
Experiencing the feeling of being on top of the world with the sprawling view of Singapore’s central business district right below your feet.
Taller than the Eiffel Tower laid down, it houses a variety of high-end restaurants, the world’s longest elevated infinity swimming pool, and a ticketed observation deck amidst lush gardens.
Guests of the hotels can enjoy free access while visitors have to pay a small fee. This ‘Night Out in Marina Bay’ tour will get you to Skypark and the next attraction, Gardens on the Bay.
4- FEE THE TRANQUILITY AT GARDENS BY THE BAY
One of the main attractions in Singapore to visit is this famed award-winning horticultural masterpiece.
Spread across 250 acres (101 ha), this oasis is home to two massive glass greenhouses – the Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest.
Other attractions include OCBC Skyway, Supertree Grove and Sun Pavillion, all of which open till late at night.
If you visit during major festivals like Chinese New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival or Christmas, you’ll be in for a treat as this paradise transforms to fit the theme.
5- TAKE A BUMBOAT RIDE ON THE SINGAPORE RIVER
Cruise down the Singapore River from Boat Quay to Marina Bay in a bumboat and be mesmerised by the juxtaposition of the soaring skyscrapers of the central business district nestled among quaint colonial buildings, the remnants of a time long past.
These iconic boats were once used to transport goods from the bigger ships docked out in the open sea to the bustling port of the Singapore River.
The bumboat has since been immortalised as part of Singapore’s heritage.
The entire to-and-fro ride takes up to 40 minutes and guests are welcome to disembark anytime, although that will effectively end the trip.
6- GO STARGAZING AT THE SCIENCE CENTRE
If you’re visiting Singapore, there is probably no reason you’ll be in the (almost) extreme west region of Singapore unless it’s the last 3rd and 4th Friday of the month.
There’s quite a compelling reason to visit the Science Centre during those days, as the astronaut experience allows participants to stargaze using their high-powered telescope.
This observatory is one of the world’s few located along the Equator.
Its unique location allows you to gaze on the best of both worlds – the constellations of the North and South hemisphere.
Science Centre Singapore is at 15 Science Centre Rd, Singapore 609081.
7- SAIL INTO THE SUNSET ON A DINNER CRUISE
One of the last 10 tall ships (sailing ships with high masts) in the world still serving passengers, the Royal Albatross offers a unique dining experience as you cruise out into the port waters of Singapore on its signature dinner cruise.
Enjoy lovely views of the sunset as you cruise into the night while feasting on a five-course meal.
8- EXPLORE JEWEL CHANGI AIRPORT
Yes, you read that right. The airport is on the list of exciting things to do at night in Singapore.
Singapore likes to create attractions that are up there with the world’s best and Jewel is no exception.
Crowned the best airport in the world eight years in a row, Jewel is more than an airport.
The iconic dome-shaped complex transforms into a kaleidoscope of colours as the interior lights up at night.
Its 40m Rain Vortex waterfall is nestled amongst 2,000 trees, luxury retail shops, various attractions that suspend you over a few floors, and a myriad of local and global gourmet restaurants.
9- SHOP TILL YOU DROP AT THE MUSTAFA CENTRE
Mustafa Centre is a 24-hours shopping centre offering all kinds of items at competitive prices.
It’s probably the only shopping centre that stays open throughout the night, and you can find almost any product here.
Step into a slice of Indian culture in the heart of vibrant Little India and shop until you drop.
The Mustafa Centre is at 145 Syed Alwi Rd, Mustafa Centre, Singapore 207704.
10- GO SHOPPING ON ORCHARD ROAD
With many shopping malls lined up on either side of the road, each with a directory of tens to possibly more than a hundred stores, you’ll need to allocate an entire day to cater to your inner shopaholic.
Luckily, shops tend to open till 10 pm, with eateries, pubs and bars staying open after the shops close.
Catering to every budget, you can find luxurious retail showrooms at Ion to budget thrift shops at Lucky Plaza and everything in between.
11- EXPLORE THE MARINA AT KEPPEL BAY
The Marina at Keppel Bay never ceases to amaze, day or night.
You’ll never be able to find another spot with a similar vibe anywhere else in Singapore.
When night falls and the temperature drops, stroll along the marina while admiring the waterfront with the private yachts bobbing gently with the waves.
Directly opposite it is Sentosa Island.
Once night falls, you can admire the fireworks from Universal Studios Singapore as a backdrop to the already-glorious view.
12- WALK THE SOUTHERN RIDGES
Head for a leisurely walk along the Southern Ridges and you’ll fully understand why Singapore is known as a city in a garden.
You’ll never expect to see such dense, luscious greenery in the city’s heart.
At night, the sights are elevated with appropriate lighting that transforms the space into a romantic getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Enjoy the 10km trail that passes through the iconic Henderson Waves from Mount Faber Park to Telok Blangah Hill Park.
13- GO ON A NIGHT CYCLE
You’ll be surprised that night cycling is one of the most highly-rated activities among Singaporeans.
The park connector network (PCN) in Singapore is robust and connects most of Singapore via park connectors and dedicated cycling routes.
Take your pick from the PCN routes, coastal trails, rail corridor, and the upcoming round island route.
Don’t worry if you’re starting your adventure at night.
There’s always a delicious supper place waiting around every corner.
14- GO PRAWNING
Cast your rods and dip your toes into the world of prawning.
Often open around the clock, these places let you catch prawns and grill them over a smokey charcoal grill afterwards.
You’ll pay a fixed fee for a set time and you can prawn to your heart’s content.
Locals usually go prawning with groups of friends to chit-chat through the night while sipping on a bottle of beer.
That’s what Singapore life is all about.
15- VISIT SENOKO FISHERY PORT
Senoko Fishery Port will not be on your radar and you won’t meet too many tourists there.
Singapore’s version of Tokyo’s Tsukiji fish market is an eye-opening treat, with fishmongers dragging their bounty from the sea and hollering prices to attract customers.
Most of their catches will still be gasping for water while flopping around on the floor.
It opens from 2 am to 6 am, with most of its customers coming from businesses and restaurants.
Bring along your passports to clear security.
Senoko Fishery Port 31 Attap Valley Rd, Singapore 759908.
16- STUFF YOURSELF FULL OF SUPPER
There is no shortage of supper places in Singapore.
Just a quick Google is all you need to stuff your face in any neighbourhood.
Even dessert cafes are open until midnight. Some popular places for supper include Swee Choon Dim Sum along Jalan Besar, Chomp Chomp Food Centre at Serangoon, Upper Bukit Timah Road beside Beauty World MRT.
If you’re a foodie, having the fourth meal of the day (or first meal) should leave you fully satiated.
Chinatown Food Street offers al fresco hawker stall dining and is delightfully clean while retaining the feel of old Singapore.
For visitors who experienced historic Singapore, Chinatown Food Street might feel a bit like a movie set but don’t let that dissuade you from enjoying the food.
Get your fill of tasty Singapore fare like satay (grilled skewers with chicken or beef), Hainanese chicken rice or char kuay teow (stir-fried flat rice noodles).
It’s an atmospheric place to treat your tastebuds to the sweet, savour and spicy chilli crab, which has become Singapore’s national seafood dish.
Chinatown Food Street is at 335 Smith Street, Singapore. Here’s a fun tour of Chinatown you might like at night. It includes a bumboat trip and a trishaw ride.
17- EXPLORE SENTOSA ISLAND
‘The state of fun’ is the official tagline that Sentosa stands by and the night is always young here with infinite attractions opening till late.
Adrenaline junkies, take your pick from indoor skydiving at iFly Singapore, drifting down the slopes in a toboggan at Skyline Luge & Skyride or bungee jumping at the AJ Hackett Sentosa.
If you prefer a relaxed night out, stroll along Siloso Beach to catch the new Magical Shores, an interactive audio-visual spectacle projected on the sands.
If that doesn’t catch your fancy, take a sip and party the night away at Ola Beach Club with its Hawaiian-themed Tiki cocktails.
18- GO BAR HOPPING
Singapore’s most famous watering area is along the Singapore River, stretching from Robertson Quay to Marina Bay.
There are plenty of bars, restaurants or clubs and bar-hopping tours led by locals are also available.
Try a new tipple inspired by local flavours or stick to your regular alcoholic beverage.
Singapore Sling anyone? Singapore’s skyline makes it one of the best cities in Asia to admire city views while sipping cocktails in a rooftop bar.
63 floors high, the Upper Viewing Gallery at 1-Altitude Bar has one of the most stunning views of Singapore at night.
Other rooftop bars to tick off your Singapore nightlife list are Bar Canary for its tropical vibe, Potato Head Singapore for Sunday sunset parties and Lantern, which has stunning Marina Bay views.
Other rooftop bars are Southbridge at Boat Quay, Smoke and Mirrors at the National Gallery, Loof at City Hall, LeVel33 and CE LA VI at Marina Bay, Vue and The Lighthouse at Raffles Place.
- Altitude Bar is at 1 Raffles Place Level 63, Singapore.
- Bar Canary is at 270 Orchard Road Level 4, Singapore.
- Lantern is at 80 Collyer Quay Rooftop, Singapore.
- Potato Head is at 36 Keong Saik Road, Singapore.
19- HIT THE ARCADES
No matter how young or old, you’ll have a blast in the arcades scattered throughout Singapore.
$20 is more than enough for you to spend one hour in any arcade.
Singapore’s arcades are here to stay after a recent spade of revivals for arcades.
One of the biggest chain arcades in Singapore, Cow Play Cow Moo, has expanded aggressively and now has at least an outlet in Singapore’s Central, East, and West regions.
20- ATTEND A FESTIVAL
If you’re lucky enough to plan your travels to coincide with major festivities or festivals in Singapore, you are in for a treat.
Other important dates are listed below, besides the usual festivities such as Chinese New Year or Christmas.
First up, a festival that places a lot of emphasis on night celebrations is the Mid-Autumn Festival.
It is held in August or September, depending on the lunar calendar, where the date will coincide with a full moon.
Traditionally used to celebrate and pray for a bountiful harvest ahead, these days, the tradition is carried on in the form of lantern-carrying and mooncake eating.
Lanterns of various shapes and sizes light up places of interest.
Next up is Halloween, and Universal Studios Singapore leads the pack with its annual Halloween Horror Night, where the attraction is open into the wee hours of the night.
Sentosa has its own local version at Fort Siloso, which is an even hair-raising experience with its history of being an actual fort during the Second World War.
An honorary mention goes to Haw Par Villa, where the dioramas and sculptures creep me out even during the day.
Last on this non-exhaustive list is the annual Singapore Night Festival.
Spectacles of light, sound and colour will transform the city’s heart into a surreal playground for adults and children alike.
Get caught up with the festival-like mood, participate in the numerous interactive exhibitions and attend some art performances.
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