Get Lost in Greenery
With over a hundred hectares of greenery to explore, Gardens by the Bay is the perfect way to escape the city bustle. The Supertree Observatory and Cloud Forest are always worth a repeat visit, but you’ll find fresh attractions as well. This festive season, the Flower Dome has been decked out with poinsettia, Christmas roses, and light sculptures to rival Orchard’s light-up. At the newly-reopened Floral Fantasy, take a romantic stroll through a rain oasis cascading with blossoms and a lush cavern overhung with glow lights. Then head to the West Lawn to peek inside literature’s most famous train, the Orient Express – this pop-up showcases the original 1920s carriages and artefacts.
Enjoy a Waterfront Staycay
Photo courtesy of Mandarin Oriental, Singapore
There’s nothing like a slice of the suite life to soothe your work stress, especially when it comes with waterfront scenery. For prime shopping and dining, there’s Marina Bay Sands, with a bevy of malls like The Shoppes and Marina Bay Link Mall at your disposal – not to mention the world-famous infinity pool. Mandarin Oriental, Singapore is ideal for your dose of rejuvenation, with custom-tailored spa treatments and rooms with floor-to-ceiling bay views. And there’s no better spot to dine in style than The Fullerton Bay Hotel – from its alfresco Gin Parlour to its rooftop bar set beside the pool.
Discover Art and Design
Photo courtesy of ArtScience Museum
Toured the National Gallery Singapore and itching for more? Head further downriver to the iconic ArtScience Museum, where art and science geeks alike can have fun. Explore interactive installations on nature and urban space at the permanent Future World gallery, or learn about the global plastic waste crisis at Planet or Plastic? – a powerful series of photographs on pollution by the National Geographic. Round up your day of art at the Red Dot Design Museum, where you’ll find futuristic design wares along with a breezy café-bar.
Take A Scenic Tour
Photo courtesy of Hide Ishi on Unsplash
You’ve probably passed through Marina Bay dozens of times, but when was the last time you could really slow down to soak up the sights? To see the best of the city and sea, hop on the Singapore DUCKtours for a spectacular ride round heritage and modern landmarks. History buffs will love Let’s Go Tour Singapore’s Trails of Tan Ah Huat, a historical bike tour bringing to life the bay area in the 1920s. Or simply enjoy some waterfront breeze and chill vibes with their Marina Bay Night Tour.
Bonus: Counting Down by the Bay
Making plans for New Year’s Eve already? There won’t be fireworks at Marina Bay this year, but the light show – starring 60 beams of light shining from The Promontory – promises quite the spectacle. The show happens nightly throughout December, so catch it with a post-dinner stroll along the bay, or head to sky-high gastrobar LeVeL33 for dining with a view.