Singapore, Singapore Hotels and City Guide

Singapore - Entertainment

Singapore: When to Visit

There is always something to enjoy no matter what time you choose to visit Singapore - its world famous cuisine and shopping is available year-round, as are the gorgeous beaches and natural attractions. Feel the vibrancy and buoyant mood during Chinese New Year or savor a more laid-back Singapore during the July’s Food Festival where Singaporeans celebrate pan-Asian cuisine.

The Chinese Lunar New Year (in January or February) is incomparable: the mood, the atmosphere, and the crowds are unbelievable. Throughout the months of January and February, you will find colorful parades and festive air about the city. March brings both hotter temperatures and music and arts festivals. It’s a great time to experience some of Singapore’s cultural offerings.

During April you can enjoy the World Gourmet Summit, a celebration of food and wine from internationally acclaimed chefs and wineries. Participate in Singapore’s other main passion in May: shoppers will love the Great Singapore Sale, which brings out some wonderful deals for consumers. In fact, since Singaporeans love shopping so much, they extend the Great Sale into June and July. If you’re shopped out by July, indulge yourself in the Food Festival, when chefs pull out all the stops and show you why Singapore is the food capital of Asia.

September may be a little cooler, but the action is still hot in Singapore. Once again, a festive mood falls over the city when the Grand Prix comes to town. Streets are closed for the race, but seeing the world’s only night race is worth the trouble. Experience Singapore’s talent with dance festivals in October, the River Regatta in November, and the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon in December.

Annual Events

January/February
Chinese New Year: Parades, lion dances and temple worshipping to celebrate the lunar new year take place in Chinatown and various locations.
Thaipusam: One-day Hindu festival honouring Subramaniam with a colourful parade fromSri Perumal Temple to Sri Thandayuthapani Temple.

February/March
Huayi - Chinese Festival of the Arts: Chinese dance, opera and arts from local and international groups.
Esplanade and various locations.

April
Singapore International Film Festival: Two-week film festival showcasing movies from home and abroad at cinemas throughout the city.

May-June
Singapore Arts Festival: One of Asia's best and most varied arts festivals with international dance, music and drama staged at various locations.
Great Singapore Sale: Singapore loves to shop, especially during the ‘GSS' at Orchard Road,city stores and malls. (28 May – 25 July 2010).

June
Singapore Dragon Boat Festival: The two-day dragon boat race commemorates the search for a Chinese poet and patriot at Qu Yuan, Bedok Reservoir.

July
Singapore Food Festival: A four-week festival at various locations celebrating Singapore's pan-Asian cuisines.

August
National Day Celebrations: Parades and parties celebrate the date of independence from British rule at Marina Bay and Esplanade.

September
Singapore Grand Prix: The world's only floodlit night F1 race runs through the city streets and around Marina Bay.

September/October
Mid-Autumn Festival: The Chinese Mooncake Festival is a week-long harvest celebration in Chinatown and various locations during the year's fullest moon.

October/November
Deepavali: The Indian Festival of Lights features a three-week festival and carnivals in Little India.
Hari Raya: Singapore's Muslim families celebrate Hari Raya Puasa for the end of Ramadan at Geylang Serai.

December
New Year's Eve: Fireworks and live music form part of the annual New Year’s Eve party at Marina Bay.

Singapore After Dark: Bars and Nightlife in Singapore

The drinking age is 18 although some clubs have higher age limits. Alcohol is widely available but is very expensive due to Singapore’s heavy sin taxes. The local beer is Tiger, but Archipelago (Boat Quay), Brewerkz (Riverside Point), Paulaner Brauhaus (Millenia Walk) and Pump Room (Clarke Quay) offer alternatives. Happy Hours and two-for-one promotions are common, and the entry price for clubs usually includes several drinks.

The city’s nightlife is concentrated mainly along the three quays – Boat, Clarke and Robertson – on the Riverside. Many clubs have 24-hour licences and few close before 03.00. Zouk’s is regarded as one of the world’s best nightclubs, while the clubs on Sentosa are popular. The enormous St James Power Station at 3 Sentosa Gateway on the Harbour Front is home to nine vibrant venues of live entertainment, pubs and clubs. Friday is the biggest night of the week for going out, followed by Saturday.

Gay bars are mostly found around Chinatown and Sunday is regarded as gay night in many bars and clubs; Wednesday or Thursday is ladies’ night whilst most clubs are closed on Monday and Tuesday.

Karaoke chains include K-Box and Party World.

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