Housed within the Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay, Hortus—formerly known as Fennel Cafe—is a new Mediterranean restaurant by the Unlisted Collection which runs many exciting F&B concepts in Singapore including Burnt Ends, Basque Kitchen by Aitor, Meatsmith, The Market Grill and more.

Helmed by Chef/Owner Michael Wilson, Hortus is a new concept that specialises in Mediterranean cuisine and it is officially opening to the public on 6 October 2021.

Hortus is an all-day dining restaurant which serves lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. The prices range from S$8 – S$30 for a small plate, S$15 for salads, and S$28 – S$45 for a main course.

Some of the things that you can look forward to at Hortus:

• Mediterranean salads
• Mediterranean dips
• Home-baked breads
• Mediterranean mains
• Housemade cakes, tarts and pastries

Hortus will be taking over the space vacated by Fennel Cafe while another new concept will be replacing the former Pollen Restaurant and it is slated to open in the next few weeks.

Hortus
18 Marina Drive, #01-09 Level 2 Flower Dome
Singapore 018953
Wed – Sun: 10am – 9pm

Fennel Cafe is a garden-themed cafe at Flower Dome within Gardens By The Bay which offers panoramic views of Marina Bay and Singapore Flyer. It is easily one of the prettiest places to have afternoon tea in Singapore.

The Afternoon Tea Set is priced at S$45++/pax (deposit is required for reservations).

Here’s what you can expect from Fennel Cafe’s Afternoon Tea Menu.

Savoury

• Egg salad sandwich with tomato chutney
• Chicken liver parfait cherry
• Salmon rillettes and cucumber sandwich
• Gruyere cheese gougeres
• Buttered leek and cheddar quiche

Sweet

• Mandarin choux
• Peanut butter and jelly macaron
• Salted caramel and pine nut tart
• Mango cream doughnut
• Whole wheat shortbread with chocolate and marshmallow

Devonshire

• Homemade scones with clotted cream & berry jam

Coffee/Tea Selection

• English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Green Tea, Chamomile, Peppermint, Rooibos Vanilla
• Espresso, Macchiato, Long Black, Cappuccino, Latte, Flat White, Mocha

At S$45++/pax, we were perhaps expecting more from the afternoon tea set, but it wasn’t the most impressive spread. The sandwiches, scones and doughnuts were great, but everything else wasn’t that memorable.

It is also worth mentioning that Fennel Cafe offers free-flow coffee/tea for the Afternoon Tea set (one beverage per person to be served at a time).

Having said that, we would still return to Fennel Cafe for the afternoon tea for the ambience and the complimentary access to the Flower Dome. It’s a lovely place to enjoy a leisure afternoon tea and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Do take note of the following if you are planning to go to Fennel Cafe for the afternoon tea.

There is a free buggy service from Gardens by the Bay’s arrival plaza to the Flower Dome and the service runs every five minutes from 11.30 am onwards.

You can also get complimentary access to the Flower Dome without paying the entrance fee which saves you S$12/adult. Make sure to take a stroll in the Flower Dome after having your afternoon tea at Fennel Cafe.

Fennel Cafe
S$45++/pax
3pm – 5pm (last seating at 4pm)

The first thing that springs to mind when we mention Singapore’s nightlife is clubs, clubs and more clubs. For the hardcore partygoers out there, that may sound like plenty of fun but at the same time, a whole night of getting high and wasted may not be everyone’s cup of tea.

For those of you who would like a break from all the clubbing jios, we have some good news for you: Singapore’s nightlife does not just involve clubbing and there are a number of other fun and fulfilling activities that you can do at night in Singapore.

With that, here are a few of our favourite things to do when the sky turns dark and we can’t fall asleep.

Photo Credit: The Fun Empire 

COSMIC BOWLING 

You may have tried bowling, but have you tried cosmic bowling? It is a completely different experience altogether and we find it absolutely mesmerising to watch those neon-hued balls roll down the lanes. Get together a bunch of friends and challenge each other to see who gets a better score!

One place we recommend you to go to for cosmic bowling is The Fun Empire.

5B Guillemard Road
Level 3 Wing Fong Building
Singapore 399685
Tel: +65 6515 4146
Daily: 9am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Kallang

DON DON DONKI 

The popular Japanese discount king store was all over the news in 2017 because they had finally opened an outlet in sunny Singapore. This megastore sells a plethora of things such as food, household items, makeup and novelty items. We also love how it is open 24-hours so that we can do some late night shopping when insomnia strikes.

Orchard Central, B1 & B2
181 Orchard Road
Singapore 238896
Tel: +65 6444 2422
Daily: 24-hours
Nearest Station: Somerset

EAT SUPPER 

It would be a complete crime for us to leave out food from this list! Having supper is our number one favourite thing to when we can’t fall asleep at night and we are always on the lookout for places that open into the wee hours of the night to curb our hunger pangs.

One of our favourites, albeit mainstream, is the famous Swee Choon. Located in the heart of Jalan Besar, Swee Choon Tim Sum Restaurant is a humble dim sum eatery that offers a wide array of scrumptious dim sum that is affordably priced. Its long queues may be quite a pain but we promise you that it is well worth it!

Swee Choon Tim Sum Restaurant 
191 Jalan Besar
Singapore 208882
Tel: +65 6225 7788
Mon to Sat: 11am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 6am
Sun: 10am – 3pm, 6pm – 6am
(Closed on Tuesdays)
Nearest Station: Farrer Park

Nestled within the folds of Bedok 85 Fengshan Centre is Chai Chee Pork Porridge, a humble porridge stall which is open till 2 am every day. They offer a selective but enticing range of porridge dishes, with their speciality being their pork porridge. A standard-sized bowl features a massive portion of velvety smooth porridge with a side of crispy dough fritters.

Chai Chee Pork Porridge 
85 Bedok North Street 4
85 Fengshan Centre #01-23
Singapore 460085
Tel: +65 9672 0521
Daily: 5pm – 2am
Nearest Station: Bedok

Aside from the mentioned 3, Singapore has a plethora of other supper spots and 24-hour eateries that you can pay a visit to when cravings hit!

GARDENS BY THE BAY 

Gardens by the Bay is absolutely gorgeous in the day but come night when the sky darkens, the park shows us another side of its beauty. Watch the majestic supertrees light up in all its glory and splendour, giving the entire park a lovely, warm glow. We feel that it’s the perfect place to escape to at night when you need some peace and quiet to reflect and rest.

18 Marina Gardens Drive
Singapore 018953
Daily: 5am – 2am
Nearest Station: Bayfront

HENDERSON WAVES 

Henderson Waves is a bridge that stands 36 metres above Henderson Road and is Singapore’s highest pedestrian bridge. To see the bridge in a different light, you can come down at night from 7 pm to 2 am to watch the bridge become illuminated with mesmerising LED lights that give it a lovely, soft glow.

Henderson Road
Singapore 159557
Daily: 24-hours
Nearest Station: Telok Blangah

Photo Credit: The Mind Cafe 

THE MIND CAFE 

If you and your friends like playing mind-challenging games, The Mind Cafe would be a good place to check out. The cafe was started by a group of board game enthusiasts to encourage people to play more intellectual games. In our honest opinion, a night of board games sounds more interesting and intellectually stimulating than a night of clubbing.

60A Prinsep Street
Singapore 188664
Tel: +65 6334 4426
Mon to Thu: 2pm – 11pm
Fri: 12pm – 6am
Sat: 10am – 6am
Sun: 10am – 2am
Nearest Station: Bencoolen

MUSTAFA 

Mustafa Centre is a 24-hour shopping mall that is a shoppers paradise; they have almost everything and anything that you could ever need or want. Packed head to toe with common things that you can find in your usual supermarket to oddities such as camel’s milk, Mustafa does not lack in any area.

145 Syed Alwi Road
Singapore 207704
Tel: +65 6295 5855
Daily: 24-hours
Nearest Station: Farrer Park

NIGHT SAFARI 

Night Safari is a nocturnal animal paradise that offers a host of activities to dispel boredom of any kind. From its nightly interactive shows to tram rides and hiking trails around the compound, this place is also perfect for animal-lovers who think it’s too hot to pay a visit to the Singapore Zoo during the day.

80 Mandai Lake Road
Singapore 729826
Tel: +65 6269 3411
Daily: 7.30pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Marsiling

NINETEEN80

Nineteen80 is an 80′s-inspired arcade-pub conveniently situated in the CBD. What we love about this place is how aside from being a bar, they have an array of old school arcade games for you to reminisce the yesteryears. Some of the games they have are Space Invaders, Golden Axe, Puzzle Bobble and Street Fighter 2.

21 Tanjong Pagar Road #01-05
Singapore 088444
Tel: +65 9183 6073
Tue & Thu: 5.30pm – 1am
Wed, Fri & Sat: 5.30pm – 3am
(Closed on Sundays & Mondays)
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

PONG SINGAPORE 

PONG Singapore at Clarke Quay doesn’t just have your usual beer pong. It is home to the first ever PongConnect beer pong table; a digital beer pong table that guarantees each round to be a fun and action-packed experience. Aside from that, you can also expect dart machines, an array of beers on tap, hand-crafted cocktails and scrumptious fusion-style food.

3B River Valley Road #01-17,
The Foundry
Singapore 179021
Tel: +65 8808 7664
Sun to Tue & Thu: 5.30pm – 2am
Wed, Fri & Sat: 5.30pm – 3am
Nearest Station: Fort Canning / Clarke Quay

PRAWNING 

If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, you should try prawning. Most prawning spots are open till the wee hours of the morning and we love that the atmosphere is reminiscent of a rustic kampong gathering where everyone sits around waiting for a bite to happen. The best part is that you get to eat your catch after!

One prawning place that we recommend is Hai Bin Prawning.

Hai Bin Prawning 
6 Tebing Lane, #01-04
Singapore 828835
Tel: +65 6447 8693
Daily: 24-hours
Nearest Station: Riviera LRT Station

The month of May has been a fantastic one with plenty of great events that have kept us incredibly busy and entertained. We are glad to tell you that the month of June will be similar with a whole line-up of exciting activities to look forward to.

With the June holidays coming up, there will be plenty of children related events such as Children’s Biennale and Children’s Festival 2019 that will keep the little ones occupied. For the adults, fret not as June has a plethora of activities available for you too such as the much anticipated Ultra Singapore to Chijmes Summer Beer Festival.

So, get those calendars for another hectic, fun-filled month!

CHIJMES SUMMER BEER FESTIVAL 

Beer aficionados, it is time for you to get your tastebuds and bellies ready for the CHIJMES summer beer festival! Featuring over 20 beer choices from around the world which include Chocolate IPA, Spiced Mead and Pilsner Urquell, indulge yourself in your favourite beers and even discover some new favourites while you’re at it!

You can also look forward to live performances by The Rocketeers and DJ Red as well as play games such as Beer Pong (of course!) and Cup Flip Challenge.

It’s time to drink to your heart’s content!

Tickets start from S$20.

When
1 & 2 June 2019
4pm – 11pm

Where
CHIJMES The Lawn

Photo Credit: Arts Republic 

CHILDREN’S BIENNALE 

For children and adults who are children at heart, you can play till your heart’s content at the Children’s Biennale 2019. Happening from 25 May 2019 to 29 December 2019, have an out of this world experience via 11 unique installations that are all inspired by a child’s innocence.

Aside from the 11 installations, there will also be a series of films that will be presented in collaboration with Singapore International Children’s Film Festival as well as a variety of interesting tours and artist-led workshops.

Entry is free for Singaporeans and PRs.

When
25 May 2019 to 29 December 2019
10am – 7pm

Where
National Gallery Singapore

Photo Credit: Gardens by the Bay 

CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL 2019 

For those of you who love Toy Story, you’ll be thrilled to know that the theme for this year’s Children’s Festival will revolve around the well-loved Disney Pixar movie. Held at Gardens by the Bay, the famous Supertree Grove will be transformed into a colourful carnival packed full of family-friendly games and activities.

Game booths that the little ones (and adults!) can look forward to are Star Adventurer, Bo Peep’s Adventure and a Toy Story 4 themed marble run track.

Entry is free.

When
15 June 2019 – 30 June 2019
10am – 9pm

Where
Supertree Grove, Gardens by the Bay

GREAT SINGAPORE SALE 2019 

We all know one thing that happens without fail every June: The Great Singapore Sale! Get your wallets and credit cards ready for an intense few weeks of shopping, splurging and dirt cheap deals!

When
21 June 2019 – 28 July 2019

Photo Credit: City Nomads

ICE CREAM SUNDAYS X MUGIC: HAW PAR THRILLA 

For all you party people out there, get your happy feet ready for Ice Cream Sundays x Mugic: Har Par Thrilla. Boogie to the beat of a mix of house, disco and funk music spun by Ice Cream Sundays resident DJs such as Bongomann and Muto Masahi as well as Mugic crew members Ulysses, Kentaro and Dang.

Entry fee ranges from S$15 to S$20.

When
8 June 2019
3pm

Where
Har Par Villa

Photo Credit: Gardens by the Bay

ROSE ROMANCE FLORAL DISPLAY @ GARDENS Y THE BAY 

If you’ve run out of date ideas with Bae for the month of June, why not bring her to Gardens by the Bays new floral showcase, Rose Romance Floral Display? With over 40 varieties of gorgeous roses, this place is a flower lovers paradise! It also makes for a great opportunity to snap some photos for the gram.

When
31 May 2019 to 14 July 2019

Where
Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay

Photo Credit: Gardens by the Bay

SATURDAY BEER CLUB

Saturday Beer Club is a beer lovers paradise and the event features a variety of different beers from all over the world. Held at Bar MF by Morganfield’s, one of the best craft beer bars in town, you can be sure that you’ll be getting the best and only best beer available! Aside from all the chugging, you can also learn more about craft beers and how to pair them at the event.

With 10 free flow craft beers on tap from around the world and great food, you’ll definitely be in for a great time!

Entry fee is S$55 per pax.

When
15 June 2019
3pm

Where
Morganfield’s, Orchard Central

ULTRA SINGAPORE 

The biggest party event is back again this year and we are totally psyched! Packed full of high energy performances with stunning stage designs and mesmerising pyrotechnics, this is one event that you don’t want to miss. Get ready to be blown away by performances from popular DJs such as Axwell, Martin Garrix and Jamie Jones.

When
8 & 9 June 2019

Where
Ultra Park

WINE CARNIVAL SINGAPORE 2019 

Love wine? Then the Wine Carnival Singapore 2019 is the event for you. The people behind the event are known for their wine exhibitions, wine fairs and wine competitions so you know that you’ll be in for a good time. With a massive range of wines and spirits, you can discover new found favourites and drink to your heart’s content!

Prices start from S$28.

When
29 & 30 June 2019

Where
Tanjong Pagar Centre Level 1 Urban Park

YUMMY FOOD EXPO 2019 

Gluttons, prepare your stomach for the Yummy Food Expo 2019 which entails an endless range of scrumptious foods that will make your bellies very happy! Make sure you bring an empty stomach to this 4-day event because there will be over 150 F&B stores and suppliers that will leave you spoilt for choice!

When
27 June to 30 June 2019
11am – 10pm

Where
Singapore Expo Hall 5

Time flies by way too quickly—it may feel like the December holidays were just over, but in reality, the March holidays are just around the corner! For parents, this means fretting over where to bring the kids to keep them entertained for a week and that in itself is no easy task.

It can be quite a chore to find activities that kids will gladly put down their electronic devices for, but don’t worry, we have you sorted with this list of 16 kid-friendly outdoor activities in Singapore that will keep your children away from their iPads and phones this March holiday.

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Photo Credit: The Straits Times 

ADMIRALTY PARK PLAYGROUND

Admiralty Park Playground is heaven on earth for children and all of you who are children at heart. The sprawling playground features hilly terrains filled with 26 slides, bridges, burrows and a plethora of other fun structures that will leave the kids entertained for hours on end!

Admiralty Park Playground 
31 Riverside Road
Singapore 730000
Daily: 24-hours
Nearest Station: Woodlands

ADVENTURE COVE

If your kids love theme parks and water, Adventure Cove would be the perfect destination for your family during the March holidays. The park features high-speed rides, thrilling slides and a winding lazy pool that the children will love. The place even has a corner for you to watch the manta-rays and tropical fish swim by; it’s the perfect spot for a nice family photo!

Adventure Cove 
8 Sentosa Gateway
Singapore 098269
Tel: +65 6577 6000
Daily: 10am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Harbourfront

CHINESE GARDEN EXPLORING 

Chinese Garden—this gem in the west is not just another park in Singapore. The beautiful gardens are chock full of activities and there is plenty of room for exploring. With its gorgeous pavilions, towering pagodas, and large grassy lawns, Chinese Garden is a great place to have some playtime with your children.

Chinese Garden 
1 Chinese Garden Road
Singapore 619795
Mon to Sun: 6am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Chinese Garden

Photo Credit: Mapio.net 

BUILDING SANDCASTLES AT THE BEACH 

This age-old activity still works like a charm — kids love building sandcastles and it is one activity that can keep them occupied for hours. Singapore is also no short of clean beaches such as Palawan Beach and East Coast Park, so having a day out at the beach building sand castles and getting a tan would be a safe and fun option this March holiday.

EXPLORING SUNGEI BULOH WETLAND RESERVE 

This hidden gem at the northwest side of Singapore is teeming with different species of animals. The natural habitat is known to be home to a large variety of plants, birds and other animal inhabitants, making it the perfect place for the kids to immerse themselves in nature and to learn a little more about Singapore’s wildlife.

FARM VISITS 

Singapore is well-known to be a concrete jungle, but did you know that we still have our fair share of farms? Most of these places are tucked away in the North side of the country and it is a great opportunity to bring your kids away from the hectic city life to let them see another side of Singapore. We are sure that they’ll love the adorable animals!

Some farms to check out are Hay Dairies Goat Farm and The Animal Resort.

Hay Dairies Goat Farm 
3 Lim Chu Kang Lane 4
Singapore 718859
Tel: +65 6792 0931
Wed to Mon: 9am – 4pm
Nearest Station: Kranji

The Animal Resort 
81 Seletar West Farmway 5
Singapore 798061
Tel: +65 6482 1160
Tue to Sun: 10am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Fernvale

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GARDENS BY THE BAY 

Singapore’s famous and futuristic Gardens by the Bay is a massive, gorgeous space that is home to the renowned Supertrees. Aside from that, the gardens have an abundance of trees and plants just waiting to be discovered and it is the perfect place to bring your kids to immerse themselves in nature.

GO-KARTING 

Are your kids dying to learn how to drive but they are underage? Bring them for a round of go-karting and let them feel like little adults! Round up your whole family and have a race to see who’s the better driver!

One place you can go to go-kart is The Karting Arena.

The Karting Arena 
200 Turf Club Rd, #01-01B The Grandstand
Singapore 287994
Tel: +65 9627 6771
Tue to Sun: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Sixth Avenue

INLINE SKATING

Test how well your kids can balance themselves on wheels by teaching them how to inline skate! Once they’ve gotten a hang of it, you guys can zip around and take part in friendly races with each other.

You can learn how to inline skate at Inlinex Henderson.

Inlinex Henderson 
201 Henderson Road, #07-05 APEX
Singapore 159545
Tel: +65 6858 2887
Mon to Fri: 12am – 8pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

Photo Credit: NParks

JACOB BALLAS CHILDREN’S GARDEN 

Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden was designed specifically with children in mind and its main aim is to educate and instil a love for nature in children. The whole garden is a learning environment that will teach kids more about Mother Nature as well as allow them to have fun at the same time.

Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden 
481 Bukit Timah Road
Singapore 259769
Tel: 1800 471 7300
Daily: 8am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Botanic Gardens

KAYAKING 

Kayaking is a fun-filled activity that will train kids to not only paddle a kayak but also to have teamwork. There are different programmes out there for kids of different ages and capabilities, so you don’t have to worry about your kid not being able to manage.

One place that does a great job in teaching kids how to kayak is the Singapore Canoe Federation.

Singapore Canoe Federation 
Kallang Water Sports Centre, 10 Stadium Lane
Singapore 397774
Tel: +65 6344 6337
Nearest Station: Kallang

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Photo Credit: The Straits Times

KITE FLYING 

The beauty of kite flying is that it really shows you and your kids that hard work does pay off. After labouring over your kite and putting it together, you get to reap other benefits by watching your beautiful creations take off in the sky. Singapore also has plenty of open areas for you to fly your kites, making it a convenient activity.

Photo Credit: Orto 

LONGKANG FISHING 

People from the kampung days really knew what’s up when it came to keeping kids entertained; kampung fishing is a classic activity that the older generation did when they were kids, and this simple yet thrilling activity will with no doubt keep the children entertained for hours. The look on their faces when they successfully catch a fish is absolutely priceless!

One place in Singapore that you can bring the kids over too for some kampung fishing is ORTO. For only S$12, your child will get a plastic tank and a fishing net (returnable) to catch small fishes.

ORTO 
#01, 81 Lor Chencharu, 01
Singapore 769198
Tel: +65 6257 8858
Sat, Sun & Public Holidays: 10am – 8pm
School Holidays (Tue to Fri): Timing varies, refer their Facebook for updated timings
Nearest Station: Khatib

Photo Credit: Unscrambled.sg

POKEMON HUNTING 

The Pokemon craze has not died down just yet! Pokemon Go is the perfect activity to keep your kids active and alert while they have fun. Bring them around Singapore for a Pokemon hunt and let them explore our sunny little island as they run around trying to catch ‘em all!

SINGAPORE ZOO

If your kids are animal lovers, the perfect place to bring them to would, of course, be the Singapore Zoo. The Zoo has a plethora of different animals to check out and the interactive exhibitions allow kids to be able to learn more about the animals while having fun.

Singapore Zoo 
80 Mandai Lake Road
Singapore 729826
Daily: 8.30am – 6pm
Tel: 6269 3411
Nearest Station: Kranji

HSBC TREE TOP WALK @ MACRITCHIE 

The tree top walk is perfect for those of you who have very hyperactive kids! Take your little bundles of energy on a walk here and let them submerge themselves in the lush greenery. The view from above is also pretty magnificent and some shots of your kids here would look great as your new phone wallpaper.

Tree Top Walk @ Macritchie 
601 Island Club Road
Singapore 578775
Tel: 1800 471 7300
Mon to Fri: 9am – 5pm
Sat & Sun: 8.30am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Marymount

We are still recovering from all the Chinese New Year festivities and trust us when we say that the withdrawal symptoms are real. Life seems a little dull without all the feasting, gambling and merrymaking with our friends and family and we feel the need to look for something to help us through the post-Chinese New Year blues

Thankfully, there are some exhilarating events lined up for the month of March that we are pretty damn excited about. From a number of concerts by popular bands such as Kodaline and Maroon 5 to pub crawls that you can drink away your sorrows at, here are 11 events to look forward to this March 2019.

Photo Credit: Eventbrite

FEAST UP POP-UP MARKET 

The Feast Up pop-up creative market is back again with an exciting line-up involving local creative makers, artisan vendors, curated performances by young artists and a plethora of scrumptious food to tuck into for free. This time around, they’ll be holding the event at a pretty interesting venue; the BW Monastery!

Entry is free.

When
30 March 2019
4pm – 9pm

Where
BW Monastery Hall of Jewels

FOOD AND BEVERAGE FAIR 2019 

Foodies, this event is for you! The Food and Beverage Fair 2019 promises to treat your tastebuds to tons of delicious food from all over the world. This is also a great place to snag some amazing deals that you can share around with your family and friends; It’s a foodies paradise!

Entry is free.

When
21 – 24 March 2019
11am – 10pm

Where
Singapore Expo Hall 5

Photo Credit: Sistic 

HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN IN CONCERT 

Fans of the magical world of Harry Potter will be thrilled to know that The Harry Potter Concert series is returning to the Esplanade Theatre with a Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban concert. Be blown away by the Metropolitan Festival Orchestra as they perform all the songs from the well-loved movie while the entire film plays in high definition on a 40-foot screen.

Ticket prices range from S$79 to S$249.

When
1 (8pm) and 2 (7pm) March 2019

Where
Esplanade Theatre 

Photo Credit: Bandwagon Asia 

KODALINE 

Popular Irish band Kodaline will be performing in Singapore for their world tour this March at ZEPP@BIGBOX! They will be showcasing songs from their recent album, Politics of Living. So for all you diehard fans out there, this is your chance to catch them live in Singapore!

Tickets cost S$128 per person.

When
5 March 2019
8pm

Where
ZEPP@BIGBOX Singapore

Photo Credit: Wikipedia 

MAROON 5 ‘RED PILLS BLUES’ TOUR  

One of the worlds greatest pop bands, Maroon 5, is finally setting foot on our little red dot this March to give us a performance of a lifetime! We can’t wait to treat our ears to classics such as She Will Be Loved, Girls Like You and Sugar and seeing the handsome Adam Levine in the flesh!

Ticket prices range from S$118 to S$268.

When
7 March 2019
8pm – 11pm

Where
National Stadium

MY TIONG BAHRU HERITAGE TOUR 

Take a stroll around Singapore’s only conservation housing estate to explore the pre-war and post-war architecture as well as to learn more about the culture, arts, food and people that built up the place to be what it is today. There is plenty to learn and admire here in this picturesque neighbourhood!

When
3 March 2019

Where
Meeting point is at Tiong Bahru Community Centre

Photo Credit: Little Day Out 

SAKURA MATSURI 

If you didn’t manage to book tickets to Japan to catch the gorgeous cherry blossoms, fret not as Gardens by the Bay will be having a display for you to make you feel like you’re in Japan itself. The event also features adorable Japanese dolls being planted amongst the flowers to evoke the feel of a “magical sakura forest”.

When
9 March – 31 March 2019
9am – 9pm

Where
Gardens by the Bay

SINGAPORE ST PATRICK’S DAY PUB CRAWL 

Who says you can’t celebrate St Patrick’s Day in Singapore? Paint the town green this St Patrick’s day by heading out with your buddies for a super intense and fun Irish pub crawl! The event will take you to 3 different locations as well as one club and the drinking starts at registration; get ready for a pretty lit day!

When
17 March 2019

Where
Meeting point is at UOB Plaza, 80 Raffles Place

STUPID CUPID PUB CRAWL 

Did you just break up with someone and all you feel like doing is downing yourself in a never-ending amount of alcohol? This is where the Stupid Cupid Pub Crawl comes in to save the day! Drown your sorrows in different kinds of alcohol at pubs across Singapore. You’ll never know, you may even meet someone new while you’re at it!

Tickets cost just S$28.

When
13 March 2019
7pm – 10pm

Where
1 Keong Saik Rd

Photo Credit: eventfinda.sg 

SYMPHONY IN THE GARDENS 

The Symphony in the Gardens is the perfect event for those who appreciate music! Be blown away by the mesmerising music at the one-hour, open-air concert at the Gardens by the Bay. Some songs to listen out for are Hungarian Rhapsody No 2, Capriccio Espagnol and Morning Mood.

When
9 March 2019
6.30pm – 7.30pm

Where
Gardens by the Bay, The Meadow

A charming, beautiful dining spot that’s a surefire way to impress a date, POLLEN Terrace astounds with its lush botanical surroundings, stellar service and delicious French-Mediterranean food that presents itself in the most vibrant of colours.

POLLEN Terrace takes up a large space in the Flower Dome at Gardens By The Bay and you can get there by hopping onto a personalised buggy ride at the arrival plaza—how fun is that?!

All POLLEN’s guests are also given complimentary access to the flower dome so you really do get so much more out of your meal there!

While the main draw of POLLEN is the restaurant at level one that offers multi-course dining, the terrace bar on level two is equally worth visiting too. Unlike many open bars in Singapore where you will have to bear with the midday heat, the temperatures at POLLEN will always remain at a cool 20 degrees Celsius.

It is always a great time to have a tipple at POLLEN; the curated beverage menu comprises their signature cocktails, wines and beers from both international and local brands.

Have a starter to whet your appetite. POLLEN’s couscous, duck ham, date and pomegranate salad (S$19++) is a visual feast that is refreshing and palatable on the taste buds as well.

One of our favourites on the menu, the Saffron risotto with beef cheek (S$34++) came with a chunk of juicy beef cheek placed on a bed of creamy saffron risotto that reminds us of the Spanish paella. We would, however, recommend this only for the light eaters or for sharing with other mains as the serving size is not substantial.

POLLEN’s 1,000 Guineas Shorthorn Beef (Striploin – S$38++, Ribeye – S$48++) is a treat for the senses.

From the perfectly seared edges to the medium pinkish interior, this one is for all the meat lovers. Accompanied on the side is a serving of fluffy, buttery mashed potato and a grilled portobello mushroom.

Pollen Terrace
18 Marina Gardens Drive
#02-09 Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay
Singapore 018953
Tel: +65 6604 9988
Daily: 9.30am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Bayfront

The festive yuletide is soon upon us and we’re all gearing up for a solid month of celebration and activities. There are many events in store and each presents a unique and magical experience. The absence of snow may be a bummer for many but year after year, Singapore has proven that you don’t need snow to properly soak up the feeling and vibes of Christmas.

Here, we have come up with a list of 12 places and things to do in Singapore during this festive season—from a life-sized replica of Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade, to a slew of fun activities for your little ones—to fully immerse yourselves in the jolly spirit of Christmas.

Photo Credit: HoneyKiids Asia 

ART SCIENCE MUSEUM 

Future World at the Art Science Museum will be having a special festive installation called Sketch Christmas, where you get to make Santa deliver presents with a few taps on a screen. Aside from that, immerse yourself in 10 new and exciting interactive artworks on display!

When: December 1 2018 – January 6 2019

6 Bayfront Avenue
Singapore 018974
Tel: +65 6688 8898
Daily: 10am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Bayfront

Photo Credit: The Straits Times 

A WIZARDING WORLD HOLIDAY AT CHANGI 

Muggles and wizards alike will be thrilled to know that for Christmas 2018, Changi Airport will be having a massive Harry Potter set up that involves landmarks from the movie such as Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade and the Whomping Willow with 4 separate installations scattered around the various terminals.

There will also be Harry Potter activities and merchandise up for grabs; it’s a Harry Potter fans dream come true!

When: 16 November 2018 – mid-February 2019

Airport Blvd
Changi Airport Terminal 1, 2 & 3
Tel: +65 6595 6868
Nearest Station: Changi Airport

Photo Credit: BYkidO

CHRISTMAS ON A GREAT STREET @ ORCHARD ROAD 

Orchard Road never fails to leave us in awe at its elaborate festive decorations each year. This year is no different and the theme for 2018 will be Disney. Look out for the Disney-inspired displays and pop-up stalls as well as the roads that will be lined with pretty lights.

When: Till 1st January 2019

CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND @ GARDENS BY THE BAY 

Christmas Wonderland at Gardens by the Bay has become a must-visit place every festive season for the beautiful light structures that are perfect for that insta-worthy shot. This year, for their fifth edition, they will be having new highlights such as luminaire mirror maze and a world-class magical experience with illusionist Rob Lake.

When: 30th November 2018 to 26th December 2018

Supertree Grove and The Meadow
18 Marina Gardens Dr
Singapore 018953
Tel: +65 6420 6848
Daily: 4pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Bayfront

Photo Credit: Tickikids 

HANSEL & GRETEL’S WINTER ADVENTURE @ SNOW CITY 

Want to experience snow this Christmas but you don’t have the time or funds to travel out of Singapore to do so? Fret not, because you can experience snow at Snow City! This year, their Christmas event revolves around Hansel & Gretel, so don’t forget to have your picture taken with them and Santa Claus himself!

When: 18th November 2018 – 31st December 2018

Snow City
21 Jurong Town Hall Road
Singapore 609433
Tel: +65 6560 2306
Daily: 10am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Jurong East

Photo Credit: Capitaland 

JUNCTION 8: GATEWAY TO SPACE

Reach for the stars at Junction 8 this Christmas with their space theme, Gateway to Space. With every S$50 spent, you get to redeem a free pass that allows you to take part in activities such as their VR ride Straight Into Space and Galaxy Explorer. You can also walk and take pictures at the mesmerising star-lit path with your loved ones.

When: 19 November 2018 to 2nd December 2018

9 Bishan Pl,
Singapore 579837
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bishan

Photo Credit: The Finder Singapore 

POINSETTIA WISHES @ GARDENS BY THE BAY FLOWER DOME 

Fans of Disney Tsum Tsum will be delighted to know that the theme for Christmas this year at the Flower Dome is Tsum Tsum! Watch the adorable characters dance alongside the mesmerising festive decor as well as admire the pretty lights that adorn the entire dome. Get your camera ready for some instagrammable shots!

When: 2 November 2018 to 6 January 2019

18 Marina Gardens Dr
Singapore 018953
Tel: +65 6420 6848
Daily: 9am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Bayfront

Photo Credit: Singapore Motherhood

PRUDENTIAL MARINA BAY CARNIVAL 

The ever-popular Prudential Marina Bay Carnival is back again with a whopping 50 rides and game stalls that will be situated solely at the Bayfront Event Space. Thrill-seekers can look forward to more of the carnivals fast-moving rides while those who like to be challenged can attempt to win prizes at the many game stalls.

When: 22 December 2018 – 24 March 2019

12A Bayfront Avenue
Singapore 018970
Daily: 4pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Bayfront

SINGAPORE DOG FESTIVAL: A CANINE CHRISTMAS 

Christmas isn’t just for us humans — dogs too deserve to have fun this festive season! This year dog lovers can bring their canines to the first ever Christmas-themed night market for man’s best friend. Treat your furry friend to specially curated animal products as well as goodies to feed your hungry puppers.

When: 14 December 2018 – 16 December 2018

The Grandstand
200 Turf Club Road
Singapore 287994
Tel: +64 6463 4610
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Sixth Avenue

Photo Credit: Singapore Travelholic

SNOWY PLAYTIME @ CITY SQUARE MALL 

Feel the magic of Christmas at City Square Mall with Barney and Friends! Have fun taking pictures with your favourite purple dinosaur as well as dance along to Barney themed Christmas songs. There will also be a foam snow party for everyone to have fun in.

When: 16 November 2018 – 30 December 2018

City Square Mall
180 Kitchener Road
Singapore 208539
Daily: 8.15pm – 9.15am
Nearest Station: Farrer Park

Photo Credit: Honeykids Asia 

TANGLIN MALL’S CHRISTMAS WINTERLAND 

Tanglin Mall is back again with its famous annual Christmas Wonderland which features falling snow! Children (and even adults) can have fun frolicking around in the foam snow while dancing along to the merry Christmas music.

When: 9 November 2018 – 1 January 2019

163 Tanglin Road
Singapore 247933
Tel: +65 6736 4922
Weekends: Avalanche 7.30pm – 7.45pm, Snow 7.45pm – 8pm
Weekends: Avalanche 7.30pm – 7.45pm & 8.30pm – 8.45pm, Snow 7.45pm – 8pm & 8.45pm – 9pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

Photo Credit: Channel NewsAsia 

THE GREAT CHRISTMAS VILLAGE @ NGEE ANN CITY 

Bask in music by local talents such as Raw Love. Supersonic and The Common People while you munch on some of the goodies that can be found at the stalls that surround the stage area. You can also bring your kids to Santa at the Hitachi Santa House or view the Christmas lights from a bird’s eye point of view by riding the Double Storey Carousel.

When: Till 25 December 2018

391 Orchard Road
Singapore 238873
Sun – Thu: 11.30am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 11.30am – 11pm
Dec 20 – Dec 24: 11.30am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

The most magical time of the year is near and yes, we are talking about Christmas! Who doesn’t love the season of giving and sharing? And… we are excited to share that Christmas Wonderland is back again for the third year!

Entrance to Christmas Wonderland is no longer free this year, though. Admission tickets are going at S$4 from 02 to 04 December 2016, S$6 from 09 to 15 December 2016 and S$8 from 16 December to 01 January 2017. Starting from 28 October 2016, you can purchase your tickets online. Complimentary entry is given for up to 3 children under 0.9 metres with each paying adult.

Happening from 02 December 2016 to 01 January 2017, it is scheduled to open daily from 3.30pm to 11pm. Here’s what you can expect from Christmas Wonderland 2016 At Gardens By The Bay.

#1 DOUBLE THE SIZE, DOUBLE THE FUN

The event space has expanded to twice the size in order to cater for more attractions such as carnival games and rides at Christmas Wonderland, comprising a total of 57,000 square metres of land.

Not only that, even the Snow Playground at the Ice Palace will also be doubling up in size!

#2 THE MAGNIFICENT SPALLIERA CASTEL DEL MONTE

Under the 19.7m tall Spalliera Castel del Monte is where visitors can experience periodic “snowfalls” during the daily Blizzard Times at 8pm, 9pm and 10pm. This is where you will be able to take your Instagram picture of the year with the largest Luminarie built in Southeast Asia.

Also, you should not miss out on the stunning Luminarie Sculptures of Light which are designed based on the 17th and 18th century Baroque architecture. A huge amount of effort is required to build these magnificent sculptures of light which took more than a month to complete. The sculptures are made by hand using white wood from the south of Italy.

#3 LOTS OF FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES

Head down to the Ice Palace which will include an ice skating rink (S$18 for 45 minutes), 25 metres long ice slide (S$4 per person) and a snow playground (tickets start from S$12).

In addition, a collaboration with Hi-5 this year will see the young at heart screaming with joy! Step into the Hi-5 Funtastic House where your young ones will be entertained with a bouncy castle and they can show off their best dance moves to Hi-5 songs.

Hi-5 Style It Up is where kids can dress up in Hi-5 costumes for the camera, get a temporary tattoo and bring home gifts such as a polaroid picture and balloon as souvenirs!

Be sure to pre-book sessions for these activities here before heading over to avoid disappointments.

Christmas Wonderland will be introducing bumper cars this year! If you are bringing your little ones, there are mini Ferris wheel and motorised Bug Car rides for them. You can also expect the usual carnival games stalls such as “Fishy Fishy” and “Ring Toss”.

Separate tokens are to be purchased for the rides and game stalls.

#4 MEET SANTA CLAUS IN HIS COTTAGE

Christmas is not Christmas without Santa Claus! If you want to meet Santa, walk through the Magical Forest and you will find him awaiting your arrival in his cottage. Remember to take lots of pictures!

Photos Credit: Gardens by the Bay

#5 A FESTIVE MARKET AND AN IMMERSIVE DINING EXPERIENCE IN A GLASS HOUSE

You will be spoilt for choice with the endless dining options you can find at the 27 food and craft outlets in the Festive Market!

Otherwise, enjoy a wonderful festive spread from Harry’s which will take place in a two-storey Glass House where you can admire the view of the Spalliera Castel del Monte, giant Supertrees of Gardens by the Bay and the Festive Market.

Just looking at the lineup of activities is enough to get us all hyped up for Christmas Wonderland 2016. With activities suitable for all ages, we are sure you will have a lovely time with your loved ones!

Cherry Blossoms in Singapore is no longer just a fantasy. From now until 27 March 2016 from 9am to 9pm daily, the Flower Dome at Gardens by The Bay will showcase these pretty sakura or Japanese cherry blossoms, with more than 20 varieties on display.

As of Monday 14 March 2016, most of these cherry blossoms are already in full bloom and if you are planning a visit down, it is a great time now.

This has been dubbed as an ‘experimental floral display’ and the main aim is to showcase flowers that are not usually seen or found in Singapore. The display is aptly named ‘Blossom Beats’ and is styled as a traditional Japanese garden with different coloured cherry blossoms – from pure white to different shades of pink.

We made our way down to Gardens By The Bay to experience the magic of these ethereal Japanese sakuras and enjoy them in full bloom.

The main central area of the Flower Dome is designed like a Japanese garden with kimonos and other Japanese decor and elements all around. You would have to queue to get into the main area to look at the cherry blossoms up close.

The place was generally pretty packed even on a weekday afternoon, so be prepared for even longer queues on weekends and peak hours.

While not all of the cherry blossoms are in full bloom right now, most already are and they are mainly the Prunus Yedoenis Yoshino which stands out with its stark striking white flowers. The paler pink flowers are of the Prunus Accolade variety.

We were most enchanted by the deeper pink and red flowers and they were so stunning up close.

The great thing about the Flower Dome is that it is air-conditioned, so you can enjoy hanami in comfort.

The display ends on 27 March 2016.

Time: 9am to 9pm daily
Admission Fees
- S$12 per entry for adults to Flower Dome only for Singapore Citizens only
(Children 3 to 12 years old, and Senior Citizens above 60 years old – S$8 per entry)

- S$28 (adult) for all conservatories for tourists, visitors and everybody else
(Children and Senior Citizens – S$15 per entry)

Flower Dome at Gardens By The Bay
18 Marina Gardens Dr
Singapore 018953
Nearest Station: Bayfront

Read: Cherry Blossoms in Japan 2016 Forecast and Where To See Them.

Christmas Wonderland at Gardens By The Bay – Singapore’s biggest yuletide fair - is probably the most talked about attraction in Singapore this Christmas.

Christmas Wonderland is for everyone – young and old, lovers and friends. The Garden lights up in full glory when night falls, and it is a picturesque sight that is nothing short of stunning. It is little wonder everyone is putting this on their Christmas to-do list.

It runs from 27 November 2015 to 03 January 2016, and is open from 4pm to midnight daily. If you are planning a trip, here is a simple guide on What To Expect At Christmas Wonderland at Gardens By The Bay.

THE PARKING SITUATION IS CRAZY

Set off earlier, because chances are, you are gonna be stuck in a queue – a queue to turn in to the car park, and a “queue” to park your vehicle. We joined the long line of cars at about 7pm, and only got an unofficial lot at 7:45pm.

There are various car park and entrances, but we suggest turning in to the Meadow car park because it is a relatively shorter walk to the rides and carnival games area. There is also a “designated area” for unofficial parking – if you know what we mean.

Of course, the main entrance sees the longest queue, so those with more patience can turn in from that entrance.

WEAR LIGHTER CLOTHES

Singapore doesn’t have the kindest humidity level; we all know that, yes? Even more so at Christmas Wonderland at Gardens By The Bay, where the human density is high and being less than one arm’s length apart from another human means it is going to be even hotter.

Go dressed in lightweight apparels and fuss-free clothes. Breathable sportswear works best, as with a pair of good walking shoes. You are gonna walk a lot, so ditch them heels. It may be a Christmas Wonderland but we ain’t gonna survive with furry capes and high heeled boots.

Skirts and dresses aren’t advised unless you do not mind the “exposure” when you take the rides and fool around on the Trickart set (we will talk about this in a bit).

DO NOT BRING BIG BAGS

This is not a rule, but it is always easier to move around with minimal baggage, yes?

And when it is going to be so crowded, all you want is to simply enjoy the night without having to worry that someone might stick their hands into your bag through your blind spots.

ADMISSION TO CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND

is free. Yay!

But rides and games are payable – optional, of course. Strolling around the beautiful compound is still free, so is snapping a thousand and one photos.

PREPARE (LOTS OF) CASH

While admission is free, you should still be prepped with cash on hand – for the rides, for the games, for the food, for candy floss, for souvenirs…

The rides and carnival games are payable via tokens, and generic tokens are sold at various token booths across the compound. To give you a gauge, a go on the big slide costs S$8 per person, and a carousel ride is S$10 per person. Yes, that is why you need lots of cash.

CARNIVAL GAMES

Expect many booths of carnival games that are suitable for both young and old. They are mostly kids-friendly, but of course, the help of an adult may increase your chances of winning that Minion/ Toy Story stuffed toy.

We tried most of them, and let’s just say there is a reason why we could easily count the number of visitors who walked away with prizes with a pair of hands.

LUMINARIE

Light sculptures after light sculptures, these architectural gems are handmade in Italy and can be spotted throughout the Garden.

LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW!

The 20.3-metre wide Ice Palace is a highlight of the Christmas Wonderland, and it features both a Snow Playground and an Ice Skating Rink.

Open from 4pm to 11pm daily, it costs S$12 for a 30-minute session at the Snow Playground (inclusive of boots) and S$14 for a 45-minute session at the Ice Skating Rink (inclusive of skates). The admissions are payable via tokens only, so get your tokens ready (buy them at the Token Booth) before you queue up!

You should bring your own socks and gloves, though. Otherwise, they can be purchased at the booth.

FOR THE YOUNG ONES

The kids will have a ball of a time with the many rides that are favourites at typical European Christmas fairs.

The vintage Carousel is the most gorgeous, and makes a perfect backdrop for photos! Hop on for a ride at S$10 per ride per person.

There is also a big slide that is 14 metres tall. Toddlers are not advised to take the ride unless it is with the company of an adult. It costs S$8 per ride per person.

Kids will also love the Magic Swing – a safe ride with harness and the accompaniment of the evening breeze. It costs S$8 per ride per child.

And something for the whole family is a ride on the Christmas Train, where you will be taken for a spin around the Garden to admire the festive lights alongside all the other happy souls onboard. It costs S$6 per ride per person.

Do note that for all the above, the payment mode is via tokens and the tokens have to be exchanged at the Token Booth prior to the ride.

FOOD AT CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND – YOU CAN GO WITHOUT DINNER

Lots of dining options are available at the Garden, including food trucks, pop-up restaurants and a food court.

Some names include Harry’s, Waterfall Ristorante Italiano by Shangri-La Hotel Singapore and Culina.

PICNIC, MAYBE?

But of course, you are more than welcome to pack your own basket and have a picnic on the many grass patches and corners at Gardens By The Bay. That is quite some unadulterated fun you can enjoy under the Christmas lights with your loved ones!

TRICKART

Have fun with the original 3D optical mirror-illusion at the TrickArt corner and create a portrait that is one of its kind! This is probably the only time you get to “sit on Marina Bay Sands”, and go on a Sleigh Ride. *cues Christmas carols*

PHOTO BOOTH

Otherwise, there are regular photo booths that you can have fun at and get some photos taken. They are at S$5 per session.

Have fun at Christmas Wonderland at Gardens By The Bay. Merry Christmas and have a happy new year!

Want to enjoy a day out in the sun without paying admission fees to some of our most popular outdoor attractions in Singapore?

Although frequently listed and singled to be the most expensive city in the world, a day (or two, or three!) on a shoestring budget is completely possible. Many of these attractions are conveniently located in close proximities to MRT stations, with some right smack in the heart of the city.

There are also, in fact, many overlooked and forgotten (and hidden) gems in our Garden City. Here are 11 free outdoor activities in Singapore to consider that will not cost you a single cent (well, maybe just transportation, food and drinks)!

#1 SINGAPORE BOTANICAL GARDENS

Whip up your favourite dishes and pack your picnic baskets, because a picnic in the Singapore Botanical Gardens is a treat for all your senses! Delicious food for your tastebuds, fragrance from the flowers, a wide spectrum of colours from your surroundings and beautiful music, all combined for an immersive experience.

A place rich in history and of monument significance in the history of Singapore, the Singapore Botanic Gardens has also won over the hearts of its visitors, many of whom have special memories of time spent wandering around the Gardens. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Singapore Botanic Gardens has a lot more to offer, from the various trails such as the Evolution Garden or the Rain Forest Trail, to outdoor recitals at Symphony Lake.

Daily: 5am – 12am

#2 TREETOP WALK

Rising above the forest canopy of MacRitchie Reservoir Park is a bridge like no other. Step onto the bridge and be awestruck by the 50 shades of green right right before your eyes (and blue in the distance)!

The TreeTop Walk is definitely a highlight for many visitors to MacRitchie, but getting to it can be challenging for the uninitiated. The shortest route possible would be to enter from the Venus Drive entrance of the park, but even so, it is a 3.5km trek to the TreeTop Walk and a similar distance back to the same entrance.

Tue to Fri: 9am – 5pm
Sat, Sun & PH: 8.30am – 5pm

Read: Guide on 5 Incredible Nature Walks in Singapore.

#3 HAW PAR VILLA

Step into the mythical world of Chinese folklore and learn more about stories such as Journey to the West and Romance of the Three Kingdoms through the many sculptures and dioramas in Haw Par Villa.

Built by the elder brother of the Haw Par brothers (creators of Tiger Balm), Haw Par Villa, as it is known today, is a brother’s display of love to his Western-educated younger brother, and also as a reminder to stay true to his roots.

The history of Haw Par Villa goes way back to the 1930s, and the park has seen many incarnations – from a residential compound to a lookout for the Japanese soldiers during the war, and even a theme park in the 1980s and 1990s. Although the park has seen better days, many sculptures and dioramas of the Chinese mythological folklores have been retained, including the famous and somewhat gruesome depiction of the 10 Courts of Hell (visitor discretion advised).

Daily: 9.00am – 7.00pm (Last entry at 6.00pm)

#4 GREEN CORRIDOR

Go back in time into the eyes of travellers of yesteryears and experience how it was like travelling on the railroad en route to Malaysia. The Green Corridor is a proposed nature area that spans the length of the former KTM railway tracks from Kranji in the north, to Tanjong Pagar in the city centre.

Years of non-existent development along the railway tracks has encouraged the many different species of trees and plants to colonise the areas surrounding it, providing a lush buffer and a fitting introduction to the garden city.

Spanning over 26km, you can choose to access various parts of the corridor by either taking a walk down the iconic bridge near King Albert Park, visiting the old Bukit Timah railway station, or simply taking in the sights and sounds of the surrounding greenery at any point along the corridor.

#5 NATURE AND HISTORY-THEMED GUIDED WALKS

Always amazed by the critters and desolated relics that are photographed right here in Singapore but unsure of where and how to find them? Or wondered about the history and story behind some of Singapore’s most well-known landmarks and districts? Put on your walking shoes/trekking boots and get ready for an adventure!

Volunteers from various interest groups and organisations frequently plan free guided walks, and some of them are Toddycats’ Love MacRitchie Walks, a.t.Bukit Brown, Naked Hermit Crabs and NParks. Stemming from their love towards conservation and the environment, these volunteers would be more than happy to share their encounters and even let you in on interesting snippets of their personal experience!

#6 GEOCACHING

X marks the spot!

Fancy going on a treasure hunt where you bash through jungles, explore hidden corners and travel to unfamiliar territories for its hidden “treasures”?

Geocaching is a fantastic way to explore and discover new and interesting places around the world. Simply download the app, select the geocache you would like to find and GPS your way to “X”. Remember to be a responsible “geocacher” by filling in the log book and returning the geocache to the exact spot where you found it.

PS. An abandoned Shinto shrine can be found somewhere in Singapore where a geocache is hidden.

#7 FARM-HOPPING AT KRANJI COUNTRYSIDE

Hidden in the Northern corner of Singapore is a lifestyle that is now considered a rarity in Singapore. Disconnect from urban Singapore and take in the sight, sound, smell and taste of rural Singapore.

Watch as goats are milked at Hay Dairies, be entranced by the myriad of ornamental fishes at Qian Hu Fish Farm, or see how vegetables and fruits such as aloe vera and wheatgrass are grown at Kin Yan Agrotech.

There are numerous farms spread out across the Kranji countryside, and you can find a wide range of produce and goods at each farm. If time only permits for one farm visit, head on to Farmart Centre, where kids can learn about, and have the opportunity to interact with various pet and farm animals.

#8 MARINA BAY – HELIX BRIDGE, JUBILEE BRIDGE, ESPLANADE, AND MERLION

Reclaimed from the sea during the 1970s, Marina Bay has seen amazing developments over the past two decades with the marquee developments such as the Marina Bay Financial Centre, The Sail Condominium, Marina Bay Sands and the Esplanade–Theatres by the Bay. As one of the hottest place in Asia to see and be seen, it has built a reputation of glitz and glamour with its snazzy architecture and world renowned events.

However, Marina Bay is not just a playground for the rich and famous. There are many things which visitors can do around the Bay – yes, absolutely free!

The construction of the Helix Bridge and, more recently, the Jubilee Bridge has made travelling around the bay a seamless loop. One can hop into the Marina Bay City Gallery to learn about the conceptualisation and development of Marina Bay, chill out at the roof terrace of the Esplanade with its fantastic view of the Bay, catch free performances that frequently take place at the Esplanade’s outdoor theatre or take a quirky selfie with the Merlion. There is always something for everyone in the family at Marina Bay.

#9 WONDER FULL AT MARINA BAY SANDS

Find yourself a comfortable spot at the platform outside Marina Bay Sands, bring along some snacks and drinks, and be prepared to be enthralled by a lights and sound extravaganza.

Presented in a unique setting where water fountains are magically transformed into cinematic screens, Wonder Full tells the tale of the journey of life, from the beginning of life on earth to the journey of a child into adulthood. Laser projections, fire displays and beautifully choreographed water fountains, adds an additional dimension to the already stunning display.

PS. Avoid being too close to the front on windy days, unless you do not mind the water splashing on you!

Show Times
Sun to Thu: 8pm, 9.30pm
Friday & Saturday: 8.00pm, 9.30pm, 11.00pm

#10 MARINA BARRAGE

We all get flashbacks from the past and often reminisce about the good old days of being young and innocent. Most of us would definitely have fond memories of Marina South where, as a child, we would watch the kites soar high up into the sky, or even attempt to (successfully or unsuccessfully) fly one on our own.

Although the Marina South area has since gave way to the futuristic Gardens by the Bay, with its SuperTrees and temperature controlled Conservatories, a new spot has now established itself as the go-to place for kite flying; well, even Drone flying!

The Marina Barrage was purpose-built to increase Singapore’s water supply and created the Marina Reservoir, which is not only the newest, but also the largest reservoir in Singapore.

It is also masterfully designed — the green roof of the building not only keeps the building cool, it is also a big, open-space picnic spot favoured by families and couples. Whether planned, or by sheer coincidence, Marina Barrage has successfully revived the Marina South of the 90s and a space for kite flying enthusiasts to call their own.

#11 GARDEN RHAPSODY AT GARDENS BY THE BAY

Grab a space underneath the SuperTrees and wait for the magic to unfold! Immerse yourselves in a spectacular display of lights and sounds that make everything around you come alive!

The Garden Rhapsody celebrates the harmonious co-existence of Man and the Garden. The stars of the show, the SuperTrees, are also an architecture marvel that complements and creates a balance to the architecturally impressive skyscrapers at Marina Bay. Not only are they a sight to behold, they are also equipped with green technology, harvesting solar energy to power the SuperTrees and collecting rainwater for irrigation.

Show Times
Daily: 7.45pm, 8.45pm (Showtimes varies seasonally)

About the writer:
A nature lover, biologist and an avid photographer, Jeremy enjoys exploring the various trails and natural areas around Singapore, photographing interesting critters and documenting unique behaviours along his treks. Never one to shy away from an adventure, Jeremy is always keen to explore new natural areas in Singapore and to discover what hidden gems our nature areas have to offer.

Singapore has always been known as a ‘Garden City’, and with the opening of Gardens by The Bay, it further strengthens and positions Singapore as a city in a garden. Some people have compared it to London’s Hyde Park and New York’s Central Park, and while the comparison is flattering, Gardens by The Bay is very much different and has its own character and X-factor.

Spanning 101 hectares, Gardens by The Bay is made up of three waterfront gardens – Bay South Garden, Bay East Garden and Bay Central Garden – and it houses over 250,000 rare plants. Alongside other main attractions like the Singapore Flyer, Marina Bay Sands, and the skyscrapers at the Marina Bay area, Gardens by The Bay has become an iconic part of the beautiful Singapore’s skyline. In years to come, I am sure it will become one of Singapore’s prominent national icons.

Gardens by The Bay also has a conservatory complex which comprises two cooled conservatories: the Flower Dome – the worlds largest columnless glasshouse – and the Cloud Forest. Entry admission to the two domes for local residents is S$20 per person, while the standard rate for all other visitors is S$28 per person. Besides the two domes, you can also take a walk on the OCBC Skywalk (S$5 admission fee), a 128-metre long walkway at the Supertree Grove with a height of 22-metres.

Another reason to visit Gardens by the Bay is to dine at the restaurants and eateries in the park. From fine dining restaurant such as Pollen by Jason Atherton – owner of Pollen Street Social in London – to popular local chains Canele Patisserie and Bakerzin, to casual eateries at Supertree Dining like Casa Verde, Peach Garden Noodle House, as well as the new open-air food court Satay by the Bay – it is a good excuse to visit Gardens by the Bay to have a meal, and take a long stroll after dinner.

Gardens by The Bay Singapore
18 Marina Gardens Drive
Nearest Station: Bayfront

Visiting Keukenhof – the famous tulip garden in Amsterdam – was one of those experiences that I will never forget. The best thing is now you can also witness the beautiful tulips in Singapore without flying to the Netherlands.

To celebrate 80 years in Singapore, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has partnered Gardens by The Bay to organise Tulipmania, the largest tulip-themed floral show ever to be held in Singapore. Drop by the Flower Dome from 29 April – 20 May 2013 to get a feel of the Netherlands.

Gardens by the Bay
18 Marina Gardens Drive
Tel: +65 6420 6848