Tamlyn RichardsSince the pandemic, Singapore has added a host of must-see attractions and activities that are worth exploring. We’re talking about virtual reality galleries, go-karting, display houses that simulate the experience of climbing up tropical forest treetops, and more!
Without further ado, here are eight new attractions in Singapore to bookmark for your next visit! Or if you’re a local, then there’s no better time than now to see more of what the Little Red Dot has to offer.
New scenic city and nature attractions in Singapore
1. Kingfisher Wetlands
Image credit: Gardens by the Bay
Seeking sanctuary away from the bustling city? The perfect place to catch your breath from the city is the newly opened Kingfisher Wetlands at the world-renowned Gardens by the Bay. It’s a 15,000 square metre reserve home to over 130 bird species and 200 native mangrove trees such as the firefly mangrove and upriver orange mangrove.
Impressively, the Kingfisher Wetlands is home to almost one-third of the whole bird species found in Singapore! In fact, its name is an ode to Singapore’s nine kingfisher species that can be found at its location. You can even spot the elusive Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher, as well as animals like the Malayan water monitor and smooth-coated otter.
Capture the gentle peace of nature amidst serene waterfalls, lalang fields, and sculptures in this one-stop sanctuary.
2. Tropical Montane Orchidetum
Image credit: National Parks Board
Be entranced by tropical forest at the newly enhanced Tropical Montane Orchidetum! It is situated at the country’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site — Singapore Botanic Gardens — and features trails with flourishing flowers and gorgeous greenery.
The Sembcorp Cool House features over 1,000 species of orchids and hybrids, including Singapore’s national flower: the Vanda Miss Joaquim! The air-conditioned environment also provides the perfect escape from the sweltering heat.
It’s the perfect spot for family outings and romantic dates as you traipse around the luscious floral and fauna trails.
3. SkyHelix Sentosa
Image credit: Mount Faber Leisure Group
If you’re looking for front row seats to the best city view, SkyHelix Sentosa offers a 360-degree view of Sentosa and the surrounding waterfront in an open-air gondola!
The SkyHelix takes just two minutes to ascend and descend. At its peak, you’ll be suspended 35 metres above ground. The gondola will then slowly rotate for 10 minutes, offering you an incredible bird’s eye view of your surroundings.
The good news for visitors is that phones are allowed onboard, so snap away at the Instagram-worthy city view to your heart’s content.
4. Clock Tower at the Victoria Theatre & Concert Hall
Image credit: Victoria Theatre & Concert Hall
First built in 1862, Victoria Theatre & Concert Hall is Singapore’s second oldest building! It attracts visitors with its steep history, timeless neo-classical facade, and impressive 54-metre-tall Clock Tower.
Fortunately, visitors won’t have to admire the Clock Tower from afar as it is open to visitors on selected dates. The 60-minute tour of the Clock Tower offers a glimpse into the internal workings of the tower’s five bells. These bells have been sounding the Westminster chime, made popular by London’s Big Ben, since its construction in 1905!
Once you’ve reached the top, behold the tower’s five bells and feel the reverberation in your chest as they chime. Soak in the atmosphere while gazing down upon the city and surrounding Singapore River.
Two final tips: firstly, come in comfortable and close-toed walking shoes. Secondly, check the weather forecast before you make your way down as the topmost story will be closed when it rains.
New immersive art attractions in Singapore
5. Spacewalkers at Singapore’s ArtScience Museum
Image credit: Marina Bay Sands
For dreamers with their heads in the clouds, Spacewalkers at the ArtScience Museum is the virtual reality (VR) gallery you’ve been waiting for! It invites visitors to immerse themselves in artworks exploring life beyond Earth.
Spacewalkers features two exhilarating VR artworks: 1st Step – From Earth to the Moon, and 2nd Step – From the Moon to Mars and Beyond. Both debuted at the first-ever expanded section of the Venice Film Festival in 2020!
Using exclusive archived records and footage from NASA’s Apollo missions, Spacewalkers offers visitors the chance to experience space through the eyes of astronauts who travelled to the Apollo and back. This exclusive insight was carefully worked into the VR artworks by some of the world’s most renowned artists, museums, and film festivals to create a more realistic experience as a human on the moon.
6. Museum of Ice Cream Singapore
Image credit: Museum of Ice Cream Singapore
Fulfil your wildest inner child and sweet tooth fantasies at the Museum of Ice Cream! Originally from the US, it made its first international venture in Singapore in 2021. You’ll be transported to a world of sweet sights and delights across 14 multi-sensory installations!
Snap the perfect Instagram pictures with its vividly bright colours and activities or call on your inner artist and rock to some classics on their jukebox. You can do this all while savouring unlimited servings of delicious flavours reinvented with a local twist: Pina Colada and Pulut Hitam Potong ice cream; Lemon Bliss Balls, Apple Pie Soft Serve, Lychee Bandung and Taro Milk Tea ice cream sandwiches.
Also read: A Treat for Your Senses: Here’s What to Expect From the Museum of Ice Cream Singapore Pop-up Store
New attractions for adrenaline junkies in Singapore
7. Singapore’s largest F1-inspired go-karting circuit
Image credit: KF1 Karting
This is one activity for adrenaline junkies and thrill seekers in Singapore. Visitors can compete in a friendly race on the indoor KF1 Karting Circuit, which boasts a length of 750 metres and 16 corners!
A look at the course may raise some safety concerns. Not to be afraid, safety measures are strictly implemented to ensure a smooth ride for all karters. There are novice and advanced levels so karters can opt for which suits them best. The novice level karting sessions have a speed limit of 30 kilometres per hour. Conversely, the advanced level sessions have a speed limit of 50 kilometres per hour. To drive at the novice level, a driver’s licence isn’t necessary, so children as young as nine years old can kart! However, do note that there is a minimum height requirement of 140cm.
Put the pedal to the metal for a friendly race with friends or for a unique family outing.
8. Singapore’s first waterbike adventure
Image credit: @chew.cereal via Waterbike Singapore
Take on this fresh thrill and be the first to cycle on water with Waterbike Singapore! The water bike is a real bicycle mounted on two floats to make “cycling” on water possible. The bicycle has a lightweight frame, enabling cyclists to glide on water at a speed of up to 15 kilometres per hour. The ultimate family-friendly experience, it is said to be so easy to pick up that both a seven year old or 70 year old would be able to ride easily!
Cruise through without getting a single drop of water on yourself and enjoy the wind blowing in your hair!
Also read: VTL Trip Preparation: Essential Information for Travelling to Singapore
Ready to take in all the sights of nature, art and adventures? These new attractions in Singapore are just waiting to be experienced! Click here to find out more.
Information and photos extracted from a press release issued by Singapore Tourism Board.
