Things to Do in Singapore

Pulau Ubin

Singapore's flashback to yesteryear, a little island off the northern coast where people still live in fishing villages in houses on stilts. The island is covered in '''biking trails''' and is an excellent spot for a little steamy jungle offroading. Bike rentals go for as low as $2 a day, and the 45 hectare '''Ketam Mountain Bike Park''' has a good 10 km trail. At the east end of the island, reachable by bike or shuttle bus from the jetty, are the '''Chek Jawa Wetlands''', with a mangrove boardwalk, an observation tower and a visitor centre. Access to the island requires a bit of effort though: take the MRT to Tanah Merah, then ride Bus 2 to the bus terminal in Changi Village (alternatively MRT to Simei, then Bus 9 that passes Changi Village or Bus 29 that loops at Changi Village Bus Terminal from Tampines Bus Interchange), find the jetty, and hop on a '''bumboat''' ($2.50 each way) for the 10 min ride to the island.

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MacRitchie Reservoir

Rather more exciting than it sounds, this serene artificial lake is surrounded by acres of virgin jungle (and not a few golf courses). On the north side, the '''HSBC Treetop Walk''' is a 250 m bridge suspended as high as 27 m above the ground. Trails range from 3 to 11 km, and are of different difficulty levels. One can even hike all the way to Bukit Timah. There is a basic food court at the south entrance, and a ranger station with toilets and water at the 4.5 km mark (near Treetop Walk) on the north side. The park is also a popular haunt of canoeing enthusiasts, joggers, and strollers. For history buffs, this was also the site of a '''Shinto shrine''' (then called the ''Syonan Jinja'') built by the Japanese during World War II, and the ruins of the shrine, while largely inaccessible without navigational equipment, still survive.

Lornie Rd

Park open sunrise to sunset, Treetop Walk open 09:00-17:00 Tu-Su

Free

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East Coast Park

The largest park in Singapore and a highly popular hangout for couples, groups of friends and families. You can take Bus 401 there (only operates on Saturdays from 2.00pm to 10.00pm and Sundays from 10.00am to 8.00pm). It goes past East Coast Park Service Road. The water's on the murky side, but the (imported) white sand, palm trees, and rollerbladers zooming past on the promenade make up for it. '''[http://www.manamana.com Mana Mana]''' and '''[http://www.water-venture.org.sg Water-Venture] ''' rent watersports gear (kayak $5/hr, windsurfing, etc), while '''[http://www.ski360degree.com Ski 360]''' offers cable-towed wakeboarding (from $32/h). Bicycle rental is available.

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The Grandstand

Following a fresh facelift, The Grandstand is set to reinvent the Singapore lifestyle experience, completely surrounded by nature. This 1 million square feet property is home to an eclectic mix of retailers, dining and services outlets, kids’ activities clusters, and one of the biggest pre-owned car mall. The North Grandstand comprises 7 levels while the South Grandstand comprises 6 levels. Regardless of which side you’re at, both are dedicated to accommodate everyone’s needs on every level. If you’re looking to shop, dine or simply sit back and relax, here is a refreshing place where you can spend quality time with family, friends and colleagues.

200 Turf Club Road

10.00 - 22.00

Free

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Universal Studios Singapore

The first Universal Studios theme park in Southeast Asia. It can take a whole day to try out all the rides. There are seven zones: Hollywood, New York, Sci-Fi City, Ancient Egypt, The Lost World, Far Far Away and Madagascar. The star of the park is Battlestar Galactica, the world's tallest "dueling" rollercoaster, with two tracks battling it out simultaneously: "Cylon" suspends you in the air, with plenty of loops and inversions, while "Human" is seated and reaches speeds of up to 90 km/h. Inclement weather can put a damper on plans, although some rides do remain open. Buy the tickets from a trusted local travel agent for a discount price.

Daily 10:00-19:00, F-Sa 19:00-22:00 (Hollywood After Hours)

One-day pass $74/54, two-day pass $118/88, all rides included

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Esplanade Theatres on the Bay

Singapore's equivalent of Sydney's famous Opera House, except that the two-lobed spiky Singaporean version deliberately bears a striking resemblance to the durian, a tropical fruit related to the jackfruit which is notorious for its sharp odour. Opera, dance, classical concerts and similar entertainment is offered daily. Prices for the main entertainment start from $20-30 for poor seats, up to over a $100 for good ones. For the traveller on a budget, there are usually free productions on the outdoor riverside stage on weekends. Head up to the rooftop for alternate views of the Marina Bay area.

1 Esplanade Dr

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Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix

The Singapore Grand Prix is a motor race, currently on the calendar of the FIA Formula One World Championship. The first race held at the Marina Bay Street Circuit was the 15th round of the 2008 FIA Formula One World Championship. It was also the first, and thus far only, nighttime event in Formula One history. Night races are held in September, in conjunction with a comprehensive entertainment schedule. Officially known as the Grand Prix Season Singapore, the lead-up to the final race will include parties, race-themed events, music concerts, exhibitions, and dining and shopping .

Marina Bay Street Circuit, Singapore

September

Adventure Cove Waterpark

Has Southeast Asia’s first hydro-magnetic coaster and a gigantic wave pool. Grab a tube and journey down Adventure River, passing through 14 themed zones including a tropical jungle garden and a sea creature grotto. Snorkel over a colourful coral reef with 20,000 friendly fish or wade amongst dozens of rays. Lockers cost $10 for small ones and $20 for large ones, so try not to bring too many things. Food is not allowed to be brought into the waterpark, bags will be checked. Dress code applies, check the waterpark's website for details.

10:00-19:00 daily

$36/$26 adults/children

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Singapore Polo Club

Dating back to 1886, the colonial-style clubhouse is a good spot to quaff a gin tonic below lazy ceiling fans while watching toffs pootle about on the polo field. Practice sessions Tu, Th, Sa and Su at 17:00, plus scheduled competition events, all free and open to non-members. Riding lessons also available, although these are primarily intended for members and residents and various conditions apply. Even if you aren't a polo fan, the daily $19.90 three-course lunches at the Mountbatten Room are a pretty good deal.

80 Mount Pleasant Rd

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Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

At 166 metres this is Singapore's highest point — if you don't count the city's skyscrapers. It is also one of the last places in Singapore that is home to the original primary tropical rainforest that used to cover the entire island. You can scale the hill in 15 minutes if you follow the paved road (boring) or 45-50 minutes if you do it the long way around (more interesting). Watch out for monkeys! Don´t expect a stunning view from the top, though. Almost nothing can be seen through the thick trees.

Hindhede Drive

Free

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Changi Beach

Right next to '''Changi Airport''', you can watch (and hear) the neverending parade of airplanes from here. You can take Bus 9 from Bedok or Simei MRT, Bus 19 from Tampines Bus Interchange or Bus 89 from Hougang Bus Interchange. All 3 buses pass by Nicole Drive, which is adjacent to Changi Beach. Usually full of local picnickers, but not too many sunbathers or swimmers around. If you walk along the beach to the southeast, you will eventually pass by Bedok Jetty and arrive at East Coast Park.

near Changi Village

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Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall

Originally built by the British in the 19th century, this was Singapore's premier arts centre until the Esplanade came and stole the limelight. Still hosts various smaller events that can't fit in (or afford) the Esplanade. History buffs may also want to do a detour: the Raffles statue in front dates to 1887, and the People's Action Party was founded here in 1954, as commemorated with a plaque showing a very young-looking Lee Kuan Yew.

9 Empress Place

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Singapore Flyer

Singapore's newest tourist trap, this 150 m tall observation wheel modeled on the London Eye is no less than the world's tallest. One rotation takes about 30 minutes, and for an extra $22 you can sip on a cocktail while admiring the views, but expect to share your capsule with as many as 28 people unless you stump up a cool $1,000 for a private ride. Discounts are widely available, grab a brochure from any tourist information counter.

30 Raffles Ave

08:30-22:30

$29.50/20.65 adult/child

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West Coast Park

Much less crowded than East Coast Park, with fewer amenities, although you can explore it on pedal-go-kart. Love pets? Bring your poochies for a nice walk and some doggy snooping at the local dog run. West Coast Park is an excellent place to bring the children. There are many activities like kite flying, a huge playground and rental barbeque pits. The western starting point of the Southern Ridges Walk.

Parallel to West Coast Highway

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Singapore Tchoukball

Newly located at West Coast Park, you can organise a game of tchoukball with your friends here in Singapore. Often used by companies for teambuilding activities, tchoukball is a game that promotes character building, discipline and a fun game for you and your friends to bond and make merry! Just rent the equipment for an hour and they have a professional coach that will teach you for free.

West Coast Park/NUS MPSH

Fish Reflexology

For a spa treatment with a difference, pop in to have fish nibble dead skin off your feet. You have a choice between "gentle" Turkish fish and "aggressive" African ones: neither will cause damage, but the African ones are pretty ticklish! The treatment concludes with foot reflexology or head and shoulder massage, performed more traditionally by humans.

Underwater World

Daily 10:00-19:00

$35 for 40 min

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Sentosa Luge & Skyride

Up the hill in a ski lift and down again in a steerable bobsled. Kids safe. Good attraction for younger kids as the incline of the track hinders going very fast. Not very exciting for those over 15. If you are inclined to go, resist temptation to purchase multiple trips until trying it the first time. Luge trail is closed during wet weather.

Beach Station

10:00-21:30

$17 single ride, plus $3 for child riding with adult

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Forest Adventure

Live out your Tarzan in the jungle fantasies by completing this two-hour obstacle course: swing from trees to trees, climb rope ladders and finally, abseil down across the reservoir. Kids Course minimum age/height 5 years/1.1 m, Grand Course 10 years/1.4 m (under-18s must be accompanied by adult). Advance booking required.

825 Bedok Reservoir Rd

$34/22 Grand/Kids Course

Lucky Plaza

Various beauty salons can be found on the fourth floor. Facials, a wax and mani-pedis for a fraction of the cost at salons in the rest of the city. Get a stylish haircut at a full-service salon for about $10, even for ladies. The best salons accept most major credit cards to cater to the demand of tourists.

304 Orchard Rd Level 4

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Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

If you want to see a mangrove forest, this is your chance. As the reserve is basically a swamp, bring ''plenty'' of mosquito repellant and keep an eye out for crocodiles. The nature reserve is a site of international importance for migratory birds. It is also Singapore's first ASEAN heritage park.

Daily 07:30-19:00

Free M-F, $1 Sa/Su

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Wave House Sentosa

Artificial waves to go along with the artificial beaches, there's the Double Flowrider (easy) and the Flowbarrel (hard). Or just come and watch surfers bust up the waves, with a nearby beach bar and the occasional party event. Need to register at least 30 minutes before a session.

Beach Station

10:30–22:30

$35-50 for one hour, $60-90 for two, sessions run on the half hour

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Snow City

The first permanent indoor snow center in Singapore; interesting enough for residents of the tropics but probably not on the top of the agenda for pallid Europeans escaping their own winter. Sledding, snowboarding and other wintry pursuits, including the inevitable sub-zero bar.

21 Jurong Town Hall Rd

Tu-Su 10:30-18:30

$12/18 for 1/2 hours

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Andana@Orchard

Singapore's largest spa, with 22,000 sq.ft. of space, partly outdoors thanks to its rooftop location. Basic day package $82, including use of spa facilities and all you can eat/drink from the menu. Massages and treatments charged separately. Couples packages available.

Paragon #06-19/26

10:00-23:00 daily

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SG Flight Simulations

Captain an Airbus A320 and choose from 20,000 different flying scenarios, which can take 30 to 90 minutes. There's a full flight deck and a 180-degree curved screen, and you even get to don the captain's jacket. Aviation instructors will be nearby and ready to assist.

Orchard Central #04-31/32

M-Th 11:00-21:00, F/Sa 10:00-22:00, Su 10:00-21:00

$69-195

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The Cathay

A modern shopping mall (partly) hiding behind a stately 1939 art-deco facade, the main draw here is the eponymous cinema on the top floor. The Picturehouse, Singapore's first and only arthouse cinema, shows movies uncut, but many are restricted to 21 and above.

2 Handy Rd

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Singapore Turf Club

Host horse races, most commonly on Fridays (starting 18:30) but occasionally on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday as well. Betting is allowed, making this a major draw for local gamblers. The Upper Grandstand is air-conditioned, while the Lower is not.

1 Turf Club

$3/7 Lower/Upper Grandstand

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Southern Ridges Walk

On the mainland, it's a 9 km long walk starting from Mt. Faber that passes over treetops and through housing estates. Offers an easy getaway from shopping centres and tourist attractions. The Henderson Waves are the first major stop on the trail.

Mt Faber

Free

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Skate With Us Skate School West Coast Park

Skate With Us offers professional inline skating and holidays camps at West Coast Park They offer free trial classes every month where you and your children can learn for free with supervision from a professional coach.

West Coast Park Near McDonalds Area 3

Every Sa 09:00-12:00

i Light Marina Bay

Asia's first sustainable light art festival that places 30 vivid and innovative light art installations around the bay, as well as a host of interactive events and activities throughout a three-week period in Mar-Apr.

Free

Spahaven

Spread over 279 sq m in a charmingly restored shophouse, this day spa offers hair removal (IPL/AFT) for women and men, waxing and skin treatments, with jazz and bossanova playing in the background.

45 Amoy St

Mon-Sat, 11:00-21:00

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Toy Factory Theatre Ensemble

A theater group that constantly pushes the limits of free expression in Singapore. Performances at the '''Attic''' (21 Tanjong Pagar Rd, 4F) and the '''Theatrette''' (17A Smith St).

Singapore Institute of Management University (SIM)

Singapore's private university with a number of international degree courses. The school offers a wide range of first degrees, from the arts to business to technology studies.

Damai

Damai is the lifestyle centre at the Grand Hyatt, offering a spa, pool, fitness centre and healing treatments based on Chinese, Malay, Indian, and European traditions.

10 Scotts Road

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Spa Botanica

Singapore first self-proclaimed "tropical garden spa". Shared facilities are limited to a swimming pool and a mud bath, but a wide range of treatments are available.

2 Bukit Manis Rd

$100-300

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Estheva Spa

All sorts of aesthetic and spa treatments in an Italian-inspired interior. Advance booking advised. Popular with the ladies. Couple spa packages are also available.

Ion Orchard #03-25

Daily 10:00-22:00

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Bath Culture Foot Therapy

A massage parlour focused on foot massages. Uses traditional techniques and herbal remedies with natural ingredients and plays oriental music during the massage.

59 Temple St

12:00-24:00

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iFly Singapore

A giant wind tunnel five storeys high that gives visitors a chance to try out indoor skydiving and is even big enough to accommodate eight-way formation flying.

43 Siloso Beach Walk

$69-89 for two skydives

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California Fitness Orchard

Formerly at Orchard Building, this is over 28,000 ft of gym equipment smack dab in the middle of Orchard Rd. Has a reputation for being a gay cruising spot.

Lvl 8, Ngee Ann City

M-Sa 06:00-24:00, Su 08:00-22:00

Day pass $40

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Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD)

The fourth autonomous university in Singapore, established in collaboration with MIT. Teaches engineering and architecture with a special focus on design.

Sentosa Golf Club

The only golf club in Singapore open to the public, it features two famously challenging 18-hole courses and hosts the yearly Barclays Singapore Open.

27 Bukit Manis Rd

M-Th $120, F-Su $220

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True Fitness

Cavernous two-floor gym packed with equipment. Busy in the evenings, but come here in the afternoon or weekend and you'll have the place to yourself.

30 Raffles Place #07-00

M-F 06:00-23:00, Sa-Su 08:00-18:00

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Incanto

Illusionist Joe Labero carries out death-defying illusions and is supported by the astonishing acrobatic sequences of the Shenyang Acrobatic Troupe.

Festive Grand

M/Th-Fr 20:00, Sa-Su 16:00 & 20:00

$48-$148

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Nanyang Technological University (NTU)

The second university in this island state, more geared towards engineering, media and business studies. Host for the Youth Olympics 2010

Mangrove Boardwalk at Pasir Ris Park

One of the few remaining stretches of mangroves in Singapore. You can spot mudskippers, fiddler crabs, and a wide variety of butterflies.

Orchard Central Via Ferrata Wall

There's a Via Ferrata wall and separate rock climbing facilities if you need to stifle the urge to scale the high-rises of Singapore.

Orchard Central #04-22

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Rustic Nirvana

Balinese-style spa with over 80 face and body treatment options, including the inimitably named Kung Fu Bouncing Herbs. Ladies only.

25 Cantonment Rd

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University of Chicago Booth School of Business

The Asian campus of the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business, offering one of the most expensive MBAs in the world.

National University of Singapore (NUS)

Singapore's oldest university, strong in law, medicine, computing and science. One of the premier universities in Asia.

MegaZip Adventure Park

Zip wires, aerial obstacle courses, simulated parachute landings and trampolines, all for the adrenaline pump.

Imbiah Lookout

11:00-19:00

$38/zip, $38/obstacles, $18/jump

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Singapore Management University (SMU)

The third, and the only publicly-funded private university in Singapore. Geared towards finance and business.

Changi Boardwalk

A boardwalk that hugs the scenic Changi coastline from Changi Beach Club to Changi Sailing Club.

near Changi Village

Living Wellness

Colon hydrotherapy, coffee enema, and infrared sauna in a private and relaxing environment.

24A Pagoda St

10:00-21:00

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Fitness First

Compact little gym, but there's a rooftop swimming pool, two Jacuzzis and a tennis court.

1 Raffles Place #06-00

M-F 06:00-22:00, Sa 07:00-19:00, closed Su/hols

Day pass $40

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DigiPen Institute of Technology

The Asian campus of the DigiPen Institute of Technology, Redmond, Seattle, Washington.

Gallop Stable

Singapore's first public riding school. Ponies only, maximum weight for riders, 70 kg.

61 Pasir Ris Green

Tu-Su 08:00-12:00, 14:00-19:00

$10/ride

@ Corner

Large net cafe popular with gaming addicts. Promotional rates from just $2/hour.

1 Goldhill Plaza #01-11

Flying Trapeze

Learn how to swing like Tarzan on the trapeze. Closed during wet weather.

M-F 14:30-18:30, Sa-Su 14:30-19:30

$10/swing, $20/3 swings

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G-Max Reverse Bungy

Get strapped in and flung upwards with a giant rubber band at 200km/h.

3E River Valley Rd

M-F 15:00-24:00, Sa-Su 12:00-01:00

$45

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Delta Sports Complex

ClubFITT gym, swimming pool, badminton, hockey and petanque courts.

900 Tiong Bahru Rd

09:00-20:00 (hours may vary by facility)

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Qimantra

Traditional Chinese remedial massage in a hip modern setting.

83A Club St

Treatment prices range from $30 (30 min) to $120 (2 hr)

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Toa Payoh Sports Hall and Swimming Complex

Huge swimming pools, basic ClubFITT gym, badminton courts.

301 Toa Payoh Lorong 6

Daily 09:00-20:00

Gym $2.50, pool $1

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SP Jain School of Global Management (SPJ)

International campus of the business school in Mumbai.

INSEAD

The Asian campus of European business school, INSEAD.

ESSEC

International campus of the business school in Paris.

Sun Byrd

Broadband Internet for $1.20/30 minutes.

#01-21 The Bencoolen, 180 Bencoolen St