We can't believe it's already November - 2020 has gone by so quickly! While our dreams of overseas travel have been dashed (for now) there's no shortage of exciting attractions and activities in Singapore to keep us occupied. In fact, quite a few new things to do popped up in Singapore this year, so we're not surprised if you've lost track. ? From a new wetland park to sub-zero paintball to a water obstacle course, here are the top 8 new things to do in Singapore in 2020! We've even included some halal options nearby for some post-fun refuelling. ?
1. Sembawang Hot Spring Park
One of the first new attractions to open in Singapore this year was the Sembawang Hot Spring Park! While it's not quite the same as getting to soak in an onsen in Japan, it's the perfect place to relax and unwind after a stressful week. Just dip your feet into the cascading pools and feel the stress soak away. ?
After you've destressed, continue your rejuvenating journey with a delicious meal at one of the halal spots nearby! Sembawang and Woodlands have plenty of halal eateries you should try next, from Tenderbest Makcik Tuckshop's Western favourites to Thai-style jumbo noodles at Flying Wok. Find more options in our halal food guide to Sembawang, Marsiling, and Woodlands!
Admission: Free
Opening hours: Open daily; 7AM - 7PM
Address: Along Gambas Ave
2. Hydrodash Singapore
On a hot day there's nothing better to do than cool down and have some fun at a water theme park - and Hydrodash is just the place you need to be! It's Singapore's first-ever floating aqua park with an inflatable obstacle course consisting of slides, trampolines, and so much more. ?
Once you've worked up a sweat on the obstacle course, it's time to recharge with some yummy food. ? Beach Station has some halal eateries nearby including Good Old Days for local fare, and Marrybrown for fast food with a Malaysian twist! Resorts World Sentosa has several eateries open to the public including Streats Asian Cafe and Malaysian Food Street (only Kampung Nasi Lemak and Roti Canai & Nasi Briyani stalls are halal) or you can travel a little farther to VivoCity and beyond for even more halal options.
Admission: Hourly passes starting from $18 (7+ years) and $13 (5-6 years). Families and friends can also get a 4-person group pass starting from $60 for 1 hour.
Opening hours: Mon-Fri; 12PM - 6PM, Sat-Sun & PH & School Holidays; 10AM - 7PM
Address: Palawan Beach, Sentosa Island
3. Hampstead Wetlands Park
Visited all the popular outdoor spots like Sungei Buloh or Pulau Ubin already? Add Hampstead Wetlands Park the latest green sanctuary in Seletar to your to-do list next! This rustic spot is a haven for local flora and fauna and (at least right now) is a quiet weekend getaway in the middle of the busy city. ? Take a stroll down the winding boardwalk, and get ready to spot some interesting birds flitting about!
P.S. Another underrated nature spot in Seletar is Upper Seletar Reservoir Park! Its scenic views and Instagrammable spots will make it look like you're in a different country. ?
Credit: Flavour Flings
Travel to nearby Sengkang, Punggol, and Hougang for a yummy meal to recharge after your walk through the Wetlands. The north-east is full of halal options including Flavour Flingsand their mouth-watering Swiss Raclette cheese, Buey Tahan See-Food's seafood bucket, and Big Fish Small Fish's classic fish and chips!
Admission: Free
Opening hours: Open daily; 24 hours (Lights on from 7PM-7AM)
Address: Along Baker St
4. Keppel Marina East Desalination Plant
Credit: Keppel via Urban Redevelopment Authority on Facebook
Marina Barrage is no longer the only green spot in the city that's picnic-ready! ? The rooftop of the Keppel Marina East Desalination Plant opened to the public this year, and is a recreational space where you can picnic, relax, and admire the Singapore skyline while catching up with your friends. However you won't be able to go kite-flying or fly model aircrafts as the area is along the flight path of Paya Lebar Airbase. ?
P.S. Here are 8 more spots to get the most scenic view of Singapore!
Head over to Marina Bay for some world-class halal food once you're done at the Plant. Feast on fusion fare at Noosh at the Esplanade, grill up a storm at Seoul Garden, or get some affordable halal zi char at Jiak Modern Tze Char right in the middle of the city!
Admission: Free
Opening hours: Open daily; 8AM - 9PM (Might be temporarily closed due to space constraints)
Address: 1 Marina East Dr, Singapore 029996
5. Adventure HQ Khatib
Singapore's weather can be hit-or-miss so it's important to have some indoor options for when the thunderstorms arrive. The newly-opened Adventure HQ Khatib is one adventure park where you can work up a sweat while staying indoors! Challenge yourself to 10 adventure elements here like the first indoor roll glider (coming soon), the longest 14m indoor slide, an indoor artificial caving experience, a Ninja Course, challenge ropes courses and more. It's especially perfect for kids! ?
Regain your energy afterwards by dining at a halal eatery in nearby Woodlands, Marsiling, or Sembawang. ? Magic Wok's Thai food is great for getting your energy levels back up - or you might prefer something sweet like Sueno Cafe's ice cream and waffles!
Admission: From $45 (Guest), $42 (Affiliate), $32 (HomeTeamNS member)
Opening hours: Tues-Fri; 2PM-10PM, Sat-Sun & PH Eve & PH & School Holidays: 10AM-10PM (Closed Mondays)
Address: 2 Yishun Walk, Singapore 767944
6. Changi Jurassic Mile
Credit: Changi Airport
Singapore's latest family attraction in the East is the aptly named Changi Jurassic Mile which boasts 22 life-sized dinosaur exhibits and lots of dino facts! Located near Changi Airport Terminal 4, Jurassic Mile is just 1KM long which is perfect for a short and leisurely cycle or a brisk jog. Get creative with your poses - and listen out for the occasional roar from the exhibits! ?
If your stomach is rumbling after an afternoon of posing with the dinosaurs, we recommend checking out the halal food at Changi Airport or enjoying a halal meal at Jewel Changi Airport. There's so much to eat there from your favourite K-fried chicken at Jinjja Chicken to halal pho at So Pho and Western classics at Earle Swensen's!
Admission: Free
Opening hours: Open daily; 24 hours
Address: Near Changi Airport Terminal 4
7. Singapore Discovery Centre (Reopening)
Credit: Singapore Discovery Centre
The Singapore Discovery Centre finally reopened on 31 Oct 2020 after 6 months of renovation! And with their reopening comes lots of new attractions like a 2-storey escape room, Crossfire Paintball Arena, Black Lake Laser Battlefield for laser tag matches, pedal-boating, and more. ? It's definitely been worth the wait!
Credit: The Bread Gang on Facebook
After you've worked yourself up to a sweat, relax and unwind with a yummy meal at any of these top 13 halal eateries in Jurong. Feast on authentic Korean galbi-jjim stews at Hanok by Massizim, Singapore's best (and halal!) prawn noodles at Deanna's Kitchen, or chow down on a cheese-laden Roti John at Aiman Cafe.
Admission:Check out the ticket options here
Opening hours: Daily, 10AM-10PM (differs according to attractions, check out the timings here)
Address: 510 Upper Jurong Rd, Singapore 638365
8. Snow City's Winter Shooting Arena
Credit: Snow City Singapore
Snow City has been a popular indoor attraction for many years but they added on a brand-new Winter Shooting Arena in 2020 for even more frozen fun. Challenge your family and friends to paintball shooting and see who gets more hits, or sign up for the Close Quarter Battle for the ultimate showdown! ?
Snow City is a short walk away from Jurong East MRT so you won't be too far from any of the amazing halal eateries in Jurong. Authentic Lanzhou beef noodles at Tongue Tip Lanzhou Beef Noodles anyone? ?
Admission: From $21 (Singaporean & PR, 14 years and older only)
Opening hours: Tues-Fri; 10AM-1PM, 2PM-5PM, Sat-Sun & PH & School Holidays; 10AM-1PM, 2PM-6PM
Address: 21 Jurong Town Hall Rd, Snow City Building, Singapore 609433
After finishing all this, you won't ever think Singapore is boring again. ?