A recently announced Singapore Tourism campaign will see citizens of the ‘red dot’ receive SG$100 in tourism vouchers. Gayatri Bhaumik finds out a bit more about the scheme – and the best places to spend your dollars.
Fun on the water with Kayak Fishing Fever.
In a bid to boost the city’s flailing tourism economy, the Singapore Tourism Board recently announced that all citizens aged 18 and above will receive SG$100 SingaporeRediscovers vouchers to use on staycations, attractions, and tours.
They’re a great way for locals to get out and enjoy their city after months of pandemic-induced lockdown. Released as a series of ten vouchers valued at SG$10 each, they can be used between December 2020 and June 2021 on some of the city’s best experiences. Get ready – you’re about to discover another side to life in the city state!
Kayak Fishing Fever
Fishing gets a fun, playful twist with Kayak Fishing Fever. This unique tour operator invites participants to fish Singapore’s waters from the comfort of a kayak - you’ll want strong legs through, as the kayaks are leg-powered! Beginners should get their feet wet on The Playground tour, while more experienced anglers can fish in the world’s busiest shipping lanes alongside massive cargo ships.
Having a blast at NERF Action Xperience.
NERF Action Xperience
Remember playing with NERFs as kids? Well, here’s your excuse to do it as an adult (you can bring the littles, too!). Grab a gun and hone your skills at the Challenge section; tackle challenging landscapes and harsh conditions (read: volcanoes, glaciers, and mountains); when you’re ready, slip into a real life video game of good versus evil in the Compete Zone, where you’ll be up against zombies or try to save the world!
Tuck-in with Wok 'n' Stroll.
Wok ’n’ Stroll
Think you know everything about Singapore’s food scene? Think again. Wok ‘n’ Stroll offers a lively series of themed food tours that’ll help you discover a different side of this foodie city, even if you’ve lived here for years. Will you discover the city’s farm-to-table scene on “Progressive Singapore”; tickle your five senses on the “Street Art and Food Tour”; track down film-famous spots on the “Crazy Rich Asians – “Behind the Scenes” tour; or hone your food photography skills on the “Food on Film” tour?
HeadRock VR
Enter a mind-bending alternate reality at Singapore’s very first virtual reality theme park. Located within Resorts World Sentosa, HeadRock VR invites visitors to embark on high-octane adventures while immersed in make-believe worlds. If you’ve ever wanted to slay zombies, shoot arrows with Robin Hood, go jungle rafting while running from a T-Rex, brave a blizzard, or Tarzan your way through a jungle, this is your chance.
Oriental Travel & Tours
This homegrown tour company offers a series of unique small-group adventures that’ll take you to parts of Singapore you’ve probably never thought of exploring on your own. “A Journey Across the Heartland” takes you through the Lion City’s local residential neighbourhoods, but we’re more enamoured of the more esoteric offerings. Book “Creepy Tales of Singapore” to delve into the city’s ghostly past; find the best late-night eats and bars in town on “Nocturnal Gems”; and discover the city’s best foodie gems on “Private Michelin Premium Food Tour.”
Making feathered friends at Jurong Bird Park.
Jurong Bird Park
Opened in January 1971, Jurong Bird Park is one of Singapore’s original tourist attractions, created just six years after the city state declared independence from Malaysia. As the name suggests, this expansive aviary is dedicated to all things birds. From critically endangered Philippine Eagles to exotic Violet Backed Starlings from Africa, you’ll find all sorts of winged creatures here. Be sure to check out the elegant Caribbean flamingos at the Flamingo Pool and the hand-reared rare and endangered species at the Breeding and Research Centre. There’s also a full schedule of shows and activities – don’t miss the exciting Kings of the Skies show or your chance to feed the penguins.
KIZTOPIA
Want to slip a little sneaky learning into your kids’ play? KIZTOPIA is the perfect place to do it. On the surface, this does-it-all destination seems like a children’s paradise with story time sessions, arts and crafts activities, dedicated play zones, and treasure hunts. In reality, everything here is creative according to the principles of Gardener’s multiple intelligences theory, so they’re designed to discover and develop your child’s unique skills and strengths. The activities here also help kids cultivate great core values like patience, confidence, honesty, and kindness.
Wild Wild Wet
Located right by the equator, Singapore gets a lot of sun. So, why not escape to Wild Wild Wet to beat the heat? This expansive water park is packed with adrenaline-fuelling flume rides, twisty water slides, and even a gravity-defying 50-meter free-fall water drop. For younger children, there are the more relaxed Kids Zone, Splash Play, and Professor’s Playground areas. For grown-ups who want to kick back while the kids splash around, the Jacuzzi will soothe all your aching muscles.
Jane’s Tours
Discovery an unseen side of Singapore on these small group tours. Jane’s Tours specialises in themed tours that delve into the history and heritage of the island. Learn the secrets behind Singapore’s famous Black and White houses; follow in the footsteps of the Peranakan people through Joo Chiat; uncover the city’s Jewish heritage; or delve into how Singapore fared during the Japanese Occupation in World War Two. All you have to do is decide what part of Singapore’s past you want to explore.
Sunsets and water sports at Ola Beach Club.
Ola Beach Club
Take all your beach club expectations and throw them out before you arrive at Ola Beach Club – this venue will shatter them all. This beachfront spot features sun loungers and umbrellas aplenty, but there’s so much more. Take to the waters on banana boats, stand-up paddle boards, banana boats, and kayaks – or perhaps soar 30 feet above with the help of a jetpack. All these options are on the table here. When you’re done, grab a table and refuel with Hawaiian-inspired food and cocktails.