Travel + Leisure - India & South Asia
EXPLORERS
DESPITE ITS MODEST size, there’s lots to see in Singapore. Navigate through Changi Airport and discover why it is repeatedly voted the world’s best airport, with its delightful zones, Butterfly Garden, Orchid Garden, and Cactus
Garden. Don’t just go sightseeing, venture into unfamiliar places and go on expeditions like the River Safari (Asia’s first river-themed wildlife park) or the world’s first Night Safari. Take a heritage walk of Chinatown, Little India, Kampong Glam, and Fort Canning, or hike off the beaten path and do the TreeTop Walk at MacRitchie Reservoir. Discover hidden gems and vibrant street art as you explore charming precincts— Bugis, Bras Basah, the colourful shophouses in Haji Lane, and Peranakan houses in Joo Chiat. At the Indian Heritage Centre, trace the cultural transfusion from South Asia into Singapore through waves of migration over the years.
A new experiential showcase at Fort Canning tells the stories of Singapore’s early settlers, historic trails feature projection installations at iconic places like Telok Ayer Street, and augmented reality trails of the Singapore River and Fort Canning Park transport you back in time. If you are drawn to historical insights, Singapore has several must-see places— Singapore Philatelic Museum, Peranakan Museum, Changi Museum, Malay Heritage Centre, ArtScience Museum, Asian Civilizations Museum, National Museum of Singapore, Singapore City Gallery, and the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum.
Light Singapore MARCH
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The bright lights of Singapore get brighter with the bicentennial edition of the sustainable light art festival and the theme ‘Bridges of Time’. Every evening in March, stroll down Singapore’s iconic riverfront, Marina Bay, the Civic District, and Fort Canning to appreciate interactive installations by local and international artists.
Singapore Festival of Fun I
MARCH 8-18
A 10-day festival with dining and entertainment activities, besides stand-up acts at Clarke Quay, which is a hip riverside district.
Indian Culture Fiesta APRIL
I Celebrate the diversity of Indian culture at Indian Cultural Fiesta— a showcase of traditions, rituals, and arts of 16 ethnic associations held in Little India.
Hari Raya Light Up JUNE
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Marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan is the festival of Eid or Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Watch the streets of Geylang Serai, Singapore’s largest Malay enclave, light up with displays inspired by Malay art and culture.
Rainforest Lumina I
JUNE-DECEMBER
As part of Singapore Zoo’s 45th anniversary celebrations, take a walk on the wild side. Uncover stories and sensory treasures of nature with a first-of-its-kind show in Southeast Asia—an audio-visual walking experience at 10 interactive zones from 7.30 pm onwards.
Singapore Night Festival I
AUGUST
For two weekends in August, the Bugis-Bras Basah heritage precinct is transformed into a themed mid-summer celebration with interactive light installations and events at cultural institutions.
Mid-Autumn Festival Light-Up SEPTEMBER
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Marking the end of the autumn harvest, the thanksgiving festival sees beautiful lanterns adorning Chinatown. Sample mooncakes and teas at the bazaars, watch night performances, and take part in lantern-painting competitions.
Deepavali NOVEMBER
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A major cultural highlight, the Silver Chariot Procession is held twice in the lead-up to Deepavali from Chinatown to Little India.
Visit the Indian Heritage Centre building inspired by the Indian baoli (stepwell) where Augmented Reality takes storytelling to another level. Choose a pagri/topi for a selfie at the headgear section.
Singapore River Festival I
NOVEMBER
A two-day extravaganza across Boat Quay, Robertson Quay, and Clarke Quay. Dine at discounted prices at eateries along the riverside. From smoky tandoori meats to seafood and funked up local fare like Chicken Rice Arancini with Sambal Aioli, nibble your way through the festive atmosphere with lights, outdoor dance floors, and art installations.
Christmas Wonderland I
NOV 30-DEC 26
The annual Christmas Wonderland at Gardens by the Bay is a highlight of Singapore’s exciting year-end celebrations, with carnival games and rides. The Gardens house a massive wonderland with stunning luminaire light sculptures stealing the show. Go skating at a synthetic skating rink at The Meadow at Gardens by the Bay, or shop for Christmas gifts at the annual Festive Market.
Christmas on a Great Street DECEMBER
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As the Christmas season dawns upon Singapore, one of Singapore’s most popular places among shopaholics—Orchard Road, comes alive with thematic decor and lighting. The light-up ceremony happens by midNovember, and the sensory spectacle stays up till January 1, so if you’re a photographer looking to capture the festive spirit, you are in for a treat.