I typically inform those that Singapore has two seasons: sizzling and moist, and hotter and wetter. As a tropical nation on the equator, the Singapore’s climate could be very changeable – blazing sizzling one minute, after which raining buckets within the subsequent. For travellers, sightseeing in Singapore is usually a little irritating in case you are not ready for sudden rain; all the time make some moist climate plans simply in case! I’ve put collectively my suggestions for vacationers on issues to do in Singapore when it rains that also allow you to get that quintessential Singaporean expertise.
The following pointers are primarily based by myself experiences from dwelling in Singapore all my life. I’ve additionally been giving digital experiences round Singapore’s vacationer areas and have needed to make plans on the fly when it abruptly rains in the course of my excursions! Most different articles about indoor actions in Singapore offer you moderately generic issues to go the time, however as a fellow traveller I do know that guests who’ve come all the best way right here from their dwelling international locations nonetheless wish to see what makes Singapore particular. These are solutions on how I feel you’ll be able to sightsee in Singapore whereas mitigating the wet climate.
This submit shouldn’t be sponsored however was written as a visitor submit for Klook and contains affiliate hyperlinks by Klook – clicking on these is not going to value you something however might give me a small % of affiliate earnings. All of the analysis, expertise and opinions are my very own. I personally use Klook after I journey and I do just like the comfort of reserving stuff by means of the app which is why I selected to work with them.
Recommendations on Singapore climate
Small delays: The excellent news is that rainfall in Singapore tends to be heavy for only a quick interval, and we normally don’t get that misty continuous rain all through the day (what I name London climate). It normally pours abruptly and closely, and is sort of humid proper earlier than and after the rainfall, so that you don’t normally must cancel any plans fully however simply wait out the worst bits.
Carry an umbrella: Carrying a small foldable umbrella with you is helpful each for sudden rainfall or when the solar will get method too sizzling within the mid afternoon. Our tropical sunshine will burn you, so study from the native aunties and canopy as much as shield your pores and skin!
Verify the climate: Your finest wager to determining the climate is to take a look at the NEA web site (there’s an Android/iOS app known as myENV which you could obtain to your smartphone) and have a look at the cloud cowl/motion to estimate whether or not it should rain – verify within the hour or so earlier than your exercise, something earlier will not be notably correct in my expertise.
Carry a lightweight jacket: I additionally recommend carrying a lightweight jacket or scarf round with you as nicely as a result of right here in Singapore, it’s colder indoors than open air. Our air-conditioning tends to overcompensate for the tropical climate and procuring malls or theatres particularly are fairly chilly, particularly for those who’re dressed for the out of doors climate.
Marina Bay
Marina Bay is a well-liked vacationer attraction for its iconic skyline and there’s a lot to do, rain or shine.
Getting there: take the MRT to Bayfront Station on the Circle Line (CE1) or Downtown Line (DT16) – you’ve gotten a sheltered stroll to Gardens by the Bay or straight linked to Marina Bay Sands.
Gardens by the Bay
One among my favorite moist climate plans for travellers in Singapore is to go to Gardens by the Bay to take a look at the cooled conservatories. The local weather within the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest are what Singapore needs its climate was like – pleasantly cool and dry. This can be a failsafe moist climate plan that permits you to dry and funky whereas exploring one among Singapore’s high vacationer points of interest and luxuriate in just a little little bit of our backyard metropolis.
You will get your tickets straight from Gardens by the Bay, however they solely allow you to e book 10 days upfront, whereas Klook’s Gardens by the Bay ticket [affiliate link] allows you to e book as much as two months forward. Ordinary worth of entry to each domes is S$28 (for vacationers) and S$20 (for Singaporeans). The Supertree Observatory prices S$14/S$10 whereas the OCBC Skyway prices S$8 for all.
When it stops raining
- Head outdoors to take a look at the alien-esque Supertree Grove (for those who’ve watched Loopy Wealthy Asians, that’s the place the marriage passed off!) – there’s a 15-minute music and light-weight present within the evenings known as Backyard Rhapsody at 745pm and 845pm that’s fairly fashionable with vacationers, many individuals pop by just a little early to get a very good seat beneath the timber.
- Past the domes, there are many out of doors gardens at Gardens by the Bay to discover with some cool large artwork sculptures amidst the greenery
- The OCBC Skyway that takes you as much as the cover of the Supertrees is a pleasant strategy to look out over the park. I personally suppose that is extra attention-grabbing (and cheaper!) in comparison with the Supertree Observatory, however I haven’t tried the latter for myself.
ArtScience Museum
When it rains in Singapore, museums are the best choice to remain dry and study in regards to the native tradition, and the ArtScience Museum is sort of a well-liked one with each locals and vacationers. The everlasting exhibition Future World: The place Artwork Meets Science with its interactive digital artwork items by TeamLab is a favorite for the Instagram crowd and also you’ve in all probability seen many of those footage on-line already. On the whole the exhibitions on the ArtScience Museum are typically extra fashionable and accessible to the general public, so it’s an effective way to entertain households as nicely.
Normal grownup tickets for Future World value S$21 (for vacationers) and S$18 (for Singaporeans) on the ArtScience Museum web site with reductions for those who’re a sands Rewards Member, ArtScience member or they’re working any promotions. The ArtScience Museum ticket on Klook [affiliate link] doesn’t appear to distinguish between vacationer and native worth (S$18 for normal grownup), so it could be a less expensive possibility for vacationers!
When it stops raining
- Take a stroll alongside the promenade space outdoors, particularly within the night when the constructing lights are on. It makes for a beautiful view, however do observe that most of the lights will change off round 9-10pm onwards, so don’t go away your night time photographs until too late.
- Most vacationers prefer to go as much as Marina Bay Sand’s Sky Park Commentary Deck for a birds eye view – ensure you go up solely on a transparent day. As a substitute of shopping for a ticket, you might wish to contemplate
- Each night time there’s Spectra – a lightweight and water present which entails some fancy fountains and lasers within the bay proper in entrance of the resort at 8pm, 9pm with a further 10pm present on Friday and Saturday. In the event you’re quick on time and wish to see the Backyard Rhapsody present as nicely, I’d recommend heading to Backyard Rhapsody first, after which leaving just a little early so you’ll be able to catch Spectra proper after because the stroll in between isn’t too far.
Marina Bay Sands Shoppes
The Marina Bay Sands Shoppes is related to the MRT station and an expansive luxurious shopping center constructed by well-known architect Moshe Safdie. Most individuals know of the resort due to the Sky Park Commentary Deck and infinity pool 50+ storeys up on the roof – I don’t advise going up there if the climate is poor as there received’t be a lot of a view. The mall itself is sweet sufficient for a wander round in whereas ready out the downpour however issues right here do are typically costlier.
- Try the Apple Retailer impressed by Rome’s Pantheon, a sphere that appears prefer it’s sitting in the course of the water – you entry it through the basement degree of the Shoppes
- Admire the swirling whirlpool that’s formally known as the Rain Oculus by Ned Kahn in collaboration with Moshe Safdie and see for your self why some locals colloquially name it the ‘bathroom bowl’
- There are 15-minute sampan rides throughout the mall which you could take which may make for enjoyable pictures although personally I feel it’s a extremely quick experience, however it does carry you below the Oculus
- If the rain hits within the night and also you’re within the temper for a present, you would strive see if there are any native exhibits occurring on the Sands Theatre – the present choice tends to be extra worldwide and it’s seasonal so it’s a matter of luck
- Alternatively for those who’re hungry, there are a lot of movie star eating places and fancy nightlife bars and golf equipment right here. CHINOISERIE Trendy Asian and JustIN Flavours of Asia are helmed by Singaporean movie star chef Justin Quek, whereas Jumbo seafood is a failsafe possibility for some chilli crab. Rasapura Masters is a meals court docket within the basement and doubtless your most cost-effective possibility for native meals on this space
Sampan rides usually value S$13/particular person and Sky Park Commentary Deck entrance is S$26 (for vacationers) and S$18 (for locals) – you should buy your tickets direct or through Klook [affiliate link] which doesn’t appear to distinguish between native and vacationer worth for the Sky Park, and in addition has a package deal supply of each these points of interest for VISA playing cards for some additional financial savings.
Metropolis Corridor
Metropolis Corridor is close to a variety of heritage websites just like the Singapore River, Fort Canning and the Civic District.
Getting there: Take the MRT to Metropolis Corridor Station on the East-West Line (EW13) or North-South Line (NS25). From right here you might be related by means of a sprawling underground mall known as Citylink to locations like Funan Mall, Suntec Metropolis, Marina Bay Buying Centre or the Esplanade with no lack of meals and procuring choices within the occasion of dangerous climate. Different MRT stops are Esplanade on the Circle Line (CC3) or Clarke Quay on the Northeast Line (NE5).
Nationwide Museum of Singapore
The Nationwide Museum of Singapore (NMS) is Singapore’s oldest museum relationship again to 1887, and for those who solely have time for one museum to study in regards to the historical past of Singapore, that is the place it’s best to go. Regardless of its age, it’s not a stuffy outdated museum in any respect – the displays are up to date, interactive and fairly partaking for all ages. The everlasting displays hint Singapore’s key historical past from its island roots by means of the British colonial interval, Japanese occupation and at last independence and extra fashionable occasions.
When it stops raining
- Fort Canning Park is true on the doorstep of the museum and has plenty of smaller parks and WWII historic websites price testing
- Clarke Quay is on the opposite facet of Fort Canning Hill. It’s a well-liked vacationer spot and has plenty of bars and eating places to relax out in, and if the climate’s clear you would take a Singapore River Cruise [affiliate link] to discover the sights alongside this historic river
- Orchard Street with its multitude of procuring malls shouldn’t be too distant – the closest mall is Plaza Singapura and you’ll take the MRT to Somerset or Orchard for those who’d moderately not stroll an excessive amount of
Nationwide Museum of Singapore is free for Singaporeans and prices S$15 for vacationers with extra prices for particular exhibitions. You will get your Nationwide Museum ticket from NMS straight or from Klook [affiliate link] the place you would possibly get reductions – there’s at the moment a ten% low cost on tickets.
Nationwide Gallery Singapore
Spend your wet days perusing Singapore’s largest assortment of contemporary artwork works by premier Singaporean and Southeast Asian artists on the Nationwide Gallery Singapore like Chua Mia Tee, Wu Guanzhong, Liu Kang and Georgette Chen simply to call a couple of. It’s a enjoyable visible strategy to find out about Singapore’s historical past and tradition by means of artwork. For these with households, the child’s part is sort of interactive and funky as nicely.
In the event you’re on a funds or simply not that into artwork, the Nationwide Gallery constructing itself is historic and exquisite to stroll by means of. Housed within the former Supreme Courtroom and Metropolis Corridor, you’ll be able to benefit from the restored structure and historic panels as you stroll across the hallways. I recommend taking a guided tour as a result of they will even present you a few of the extra hidden areas like the place the previous prisoner holding areas have been amongst different issues.
When it stops raining
- Nationwide Gallery is within the Civic District, former authorities district throughout our British colony days, so plenty of preserved British colonial structure just like the Victoria Theatre and Victoria Live performance Corridor, Fullerton Lodge and the Arts Home within the former Parliament Constructing
- If museums are your factor, the Asian Civilisations Museum has extra exhibitions about Southeast Asian cultures price testing
- The historic Singapore River is the place commerce first flourished in Singapore, plenty of attention-grabbing issues to see alongside the river just like the nationwide monument bridges and Boat Quay throughout the river
Basic Admission grownup tickets to Nationwide Gallery’s everlasting exhibitions value S$20 (for vacationers) and free (for locals) – particular exhibitions value S$25/S$15. You will get your tickets straight from the Nationwide Gallery web site, although as of writing the usual worth of the Nationwide Gallery ticket on Klook [affiliate link] is S$15 for vacationers which is cheaper! You may also e book the Again of Home tour on Klook which prices S$15 on each websites, however the Nationwide Gallery web site has extra tour choices price contemplating.
Esplanade
From afar, the Esplanade’s spiky durian-shell aesthetic makes for enjoyable pictures, however on a wet day you would possibly be capable to catch some free performances on this performing arts centre. On some weekday nights and weekends, they typically have music and different performances within the indoor or within the out of doors theatre with Marina Bay as a backdrop. They typically run small festivals that showcase each native and worldwide artists, and generally there are workshops you’ll be able to take part in.
In case you are a fan of structure or what goes on behind the scenes, their guided excursions could be attention-grabbing for you – I’ve by no means executed them for myself, however you’ll be able to study in regards to the historical past of the venue and see it with the lights up on the Esplanade Tour. If the climate will get higher, I’d contemplate the Evening Tour because the Esplanade has an ideal location on Marina Bay so it’s best to be capable to get some nice night time photographs.
When it stops raining
Marina Bay is true in your doorstep – take a stroll clockwise in the direction of the Helix Bridge and Marina Bay Sands, or head within the different route throughout the Jubilee Bridge in the direction of One Fullerton the place the Merlion statue is positioned.
Try the Esplanade web site for particulars on their line up and extra in regards to the Guided Excursions.
Chinatown
One among Singapore’s oldest neighbourhoods and the Chinese language heritage space
Getting there: Chinatown MRT Station on the Northeast Line (NE4) and Downtown Line (DT17) can take you proper as much as the pedestrianised Pagoda Road which is partly sheltered.
Chinatown Advanced
In the event you occur to be in Chinatown when it begins raining, disguise out in Chinatown Advanced and perform a little native meals tour of your personal to go the time. The meals centre on the 2nd flooring is the biggest in Singapore with 226 stalls of wonderful meals to select from. Most famously, it’s dwelling to the 1-Michelin Star Hawker Chan stall the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in a few of the most cost-effective Michelin meals on the planet! However in my view, there are a lot of different improbable meals choices in Chinatown Advanced that are much less overvalued – when unsure, simply comply with the lengthy queues. ieatishootipost and Johor Kaki have some nice recs.
The primary degree has dried items and sundries which is attention-grabbing sufficient for a stroll about or some kitschy souvenirs, and for those who’re there within the morning you’ll be able to pop right down to the basement to take a look at the contemporary produce on the moist market. Preserve a watch out for a number of wall murals that may be discovered throughout the bottom flooring degree of Chinatown Advanced.
Guided strolling excursions round Chinatown gives you extra context to the historical past and tradition of one of many oldest neighbourhoods in Singapore – take a look at this strolling tour with an area [affiliate link]. For foodies, contemplate the Chinatown meals tasting and strolling tour [affiliate link] or the hawker snacks tour [affiliate link] to get a style of the native meals scene.
Chinatown has a number of nice hawker centre choices in addition to Chinatown Advanced – Maxwell Meals Centre is legendary for its hen rice stalls, Amoy Road Hawker Centre on the Telok Ayer facet has two flooring of low cost good meals whereas Hong Lim Meals Centre is a neighbourhood favorite.
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
A brief distance from Chinatown Advanced is a grand trying Chinese language temple referred to as the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. This can be a working Buddhist temple on the decrease ranges however its higher ranges are a free museum with 11,111 Buddha and Bodhisattva statues and the relic that gave this temple its identify: what they declare is the Buddha’s left canine. Whether or not you consider is as much as you, however I feel this temple remains to be price testing regardless–entrance is free!
Singapore Musical Field Museum
One among Singapore’s extra uncommon small museums may be discovered alongside Telok Ayer Road, hidden within the Chong Wen pavilion and former dwelling of the Hokkien Clan Affiliation. This non-public museum by a Japanese collector holds tons of of musical bins together with a uncommon one which was made in Singapore, doubtless influenced by the early Europeans who introduced their hobbies over with them. Not your most typical museum, however watching the curator wind up and showcase a few of the extra uncommon music bins is an attention-grabbing strategy to spend a wet afternoon.
Basic tickets value $12 per particular person and reservations should be made to go to the Singapore Musical Field Museum through e-mail. In the event you e book through Klook [affiliate link], you’ll be able to embody some native snacks or lunch from the bottom flooring cafe in your package deal for two pax. Solely guided excursions can be found they usually usually final 40-45 minutes. The museum is closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
When it stops raining
- The Buddha Tooth Relic is only one of a number of vital non secular buildings on this district. Head down South Bridge Street to take a look at Sri Mariamman Temple, one of many oldest Hindu temples relationship again to 1828, or the mosque known as Masjid Jamae a bit additional down the street.
- Cross South Bridge Street in the direction of Membership Road/Ann Siang Street which is a pleasant space for nightlife which is pedestrianised on the weekends
- Telok Ayer is the previous shoreline of Singapore and residential to a group of spiritual buildings of assorted faiths facet by facet – in addition to Thian Hock Keng which is true subsequent door to the Musical Field Museum, you can even see the Chulia mosque Al Abrar and the Nagore Dargah shrine.
Little India
The Indian heritage space is vibrant and vibrant even within the rain
Getting there: take the MRT to Little India Station (NE7/DT12) to get to Tekka Centre, or to Jalan Besar (DT22) which is barely nearer to the Indian Heritage Centre. Little India is finest loved by strolling its streets, but when it does rain you continue to have some good choices on issues to see.
Indian Heritage Centre
The Indians are the third largest ethnic group in Singapore and tremendous numerous, so there’s rather a lot to study in regards to the totally different subgroups and their practices. The Indian Heritage Centre is sort of an uncommon constructing within the Little India district principally due to how starkly fashionable the constructing appears to be like compared to every part else round it. Inside this contemporary construction is a well-curated interactive museum documenting the historical past and tradition of Indians in Singapore by means of interactive displays – it’s fairly kid-friendly for households, and in addition informal sufficient that the final layman received’t really feel prefer it’s too stuffy both.
Indian Heritage Centre Tickets value S$8 for vacationers and is free for Singaporeans. You will get your tickets on the door or through Klook [affiliate link] on-line just about immediately. There’s a household package deal on the door for five pax (3 adults max) costing $24 that could be price it when you have a household group. Take into account taking one among their free day by day guided excursions for some indepth insights.
Tekka Market & Meals Centre
Tekka Market and Meals Centre has fairly an attention-grabbing historical past first as Kandang Kerbau Market, arrange within the 1900s for the cattle commerce that the Indian’s managed on this space. Immediately it’s one of many extra fashionable markets in Singapore and has a sprawling moist market on the primary flooring, a great way to see day by day Singaporean life and meals.
When it will get to moist for strolling, take that point to perform a little Singaporean meals exploration! Tekka Meals Centre is an incredible hawker centre with a wide selection of low cost and good Singaporean hawker favourites, and naturally Indian meals since we’re in Little India in spite of everything – Allauddin’s Briyani, Temasek Rojak and Sri Tiffin are good locations to take a look at native Indian favourites!
A guided tour round Little India gives you extra context to this vibrant neighbourhood. Try this Little India Strolling Tour [affiliate link]
When it stops raining
- Try the various great avenue artwork and murals throughout Little India – most of those are a results of the annual ArtWalk Little India artwork competition
- Peek into the various Indian temples across the space just like the Sri Veeramakaliaman Temple or the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple to get a glimpse of Hindu rituals – you can even spot many flower garland stands close to the temples as you usually purchase these contemporary garlands as choices when praying
- The rainbow colored Tan Teng Niah Home is an outdated model Chinese language villa that’s extremely popular with the Instagram crowd for its vibrant facade
Searching for extra issues to do in Singapore? Try all my Singapore posts for extra.
