Things To Do Alone in Singapore | Pan Pacific Destination Insights

panoramic view of Little Guilin panoramic view of Little Guilin

Singapore Staycations: Best Free Activities for Singles

Feel like taking a break from the daily grind and looking for things to do alone in Singapore? 

If you are looking for some time away from work to spend quality time with yourself, a solo staycation may be just what you need. Most people think of staycations as a romantic local getaway for two, or a mini holiday with the family, but there is no reason why you cannot enjoy a cost-effective staycation as a single. 

You do not have to break the bank for a Singapore local staycation. Choosing the right accommodation and shrewdly planning your free self-care holiday activities can result in a fulfilling solo vacation.

 

Where to Stay On Your Singapore Local Staycation

PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay

 

Step into a green respite from the urban jungle and bask in the arms of nature. Nestled in the heart of the Central Business District with a “garden-in-a-hotel,” PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay is designed with environmentally mindful travellers in mind. A stay here lets you unwind in a garden-inspired sanctuary while you explore the attractions in the Marina Bay area. 

 

PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering

PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering

 

Immerse in lush greenery at PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering—an eco-friendly garden concept hotel located a stone’s throw away from Singapore’s vibrant Chinatown. From cooking, mixologist classes to weekend yoga sessions, a stay at this hotel-in-a-garden is rejuvenating for singles or solo holidaymakers looking to indulge their passions. 

If you are single and planning for a wallet-friendly Singapore local getaway, here is our guide on the top free Singapore local places to visit.

 

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Walk around Chinatown for its Cultural Sights

young woman travelling in Chinatown young woman travelling in Chinatown

 

Address 2 Banda Street, Singapore 059962 (Visitor Centre)                                        

 

Start your staycation itinerary at Singapore’s Chinatown—a labyrinth of narrow streets, delicious street foods, and retail shops steeped in local Chinese history and culture. Arm yourself with a camera, and walk through the area to appreciate the Baroque and Victorian- inspired architecture of the precinct’s shophouses, restored to greet visitors with cheerful pastel colours. You can also visit several worship places here, including the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum, and the Sri Mariamman Temple. 

 

Get directions to Chinatown (Visitor Centre) from PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering

Get directions to Chinatown (Visitor Centre) from PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay

 

Admire Street Art in the City

 

Did you know that there are other parts of Singapore where you can enjoy free urban street art apart from Haji Lane? You can find these murals in Chinatown, Tanjong Pagar, Tiong Bahru and Little India; each area’s street art has a different style, drawing inspiration from its location. These artworks either depict Singapore in its earlier kampong (rural village) days, or are fantastic figments of their artist’s imagination. 

At Upper Cross street (Chinatown), a soaring dragon wraps around the side of a shophouse building, while a mural of a provision shop adorns the side of a building in Everton Road. These artworks are created by different artists, each bringing their distinct style to their creation.

 

Immerse in Avant Garde Art at the Parkview Museum

 

Address 600 North Bridge Rd, Level 3 Parkview Square, Singapore 188778                                                                                      
Phone Number
+65 6799 6971
Opening Hours 12pm to 7pm (Monday to Saturday)

 

Acquaint yourself with contemporary art at the Parkview Museum—a private attraction that often hosts solo exhibitions and thematic showcases. Free to enter with a seasonal calendar of exhibitions, the 1,500 square-metre museum is known for its eclectic collection of paintings, sculptures and print. Do check out its website for updates on its latest exhibitions. 

 

Get directions to the Parkview Museum from PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering

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Gape at the World’s Tallest Indoor Waterfall

 Indoor Waterfall at Jewel Changi Airport  Indoor Waterfall at Jewel Changi Airport

 

Address Airport Boulevard, T1 Arrival Cres, Singapore Changi Airport, Singapore                                                                          
Phone Number
+65 6956 9898
Opening Hours
9am to 11:30pm daily

 

Stand in awe of the majestic rain vortex at Jewel Changi Airport. Cascading from a steel and glass roof surrounded by a lush “forest valley”, the 40-metre waterfall is the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. If you are there in the evening, stay for the light-and-sound show, which runs at 7:30pm and 11:30pm. Do also go on walking trails like the Shiseido Forest valley—a four-storey indoor garden around Jewel Changi Airport’s perimeter. 

 

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Snap Instagram Worthy Photos at Fort Canning

Woman in Fort Canning Park Woman in Fort Canning Park

 

Address River Valley Rd, Singapore 179037                                                     
Opening Hours
24 hours

 

Parks in Singapore are mostly free. Among those worth exploring in the city area is the age-old Fort Canning Park. The park has nine historical gardens, a reservoir and an abundance of walking trails that takes you to all its different corners. Look out for different themed sections—from spice gardens and Bali-themed waterscapes, to former World War II bunkers. One of the park's must-visit spots is the Tree Tunnel, an underground tunnel with a spiral staircase that offers the perfect backdrop for an Instagrammable photo.

 

Get directions to Fort Canning Park from PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering

Get directions to Fort Canning Park from PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay

 

Saunter Through History at Fort Siloso

 

Address Siloso Rd, Singapore 099981                                                                                                                                                  
Phone Number
+65 6736 8672
Opening Hours 10am to 6pm

 

Hungry to learn more about Singapore’s wartime past? Consider making a trip to Fort Siloso in Sentosa—a hidden military fortress used in World War II to defend Singapore’s south from invasion. A solo trip here allows you to soak in the enormity of the fort’s purpose, study the different cannons on display, and appreciate the tranquility of the island resort away from the maddening crowd. 

 

Get directions to Fort Siloso from PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering

Get directions to Fort Canning Park from PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay

 

Explore the Bizarre at Haw Par Villa

 

Address 262 Pasir Panjang Rd, Singapore 118628                                                                                                                                  
Phone Number
+65 6773 0103
Opening Hours
10am to 4pm daily

 

Journey to the world of kitschy macabre figurines at the Chinese mythology theme park Haw Par Villa. Entry to the park is free. The 8.5-hectare Asian cultural park, the last of its kind in the world was built in 1937.  The eclectic park is a treasure trove of Asian culture, history, philosophy and religion. 

 

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Get directions to Haw Par Villa from PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay

 

Appreciate Art at the Gillman Barracks

gillman barracks gillman barracks

 

Address 9 Lock Rd, Singapore 108937                                                                                                                                                    
Opening Hours
11am to 11pm

 

Housing more than ten contemporary art galleries in colonial barracks, Gillman Barracks is the perfect place for a quiet afternoon of art appreciation. Set against a backdrop of lush greenery, the galleries house artworks from both established and upcoming artists around Southeast Asia. After your art escapade, pop by one of the many cafes here for a cup of coffee before your next destination. 

 

Get directions to Gillman Barracks from PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering

Get directions to Gillman Barracks  from PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay

 

Catch a Free Performance at Esplanade

exterior of the Esplanade exterior of the Esplanade

 

Address 1 Esplanade Dr, Singapore 038981                                                                                                                                               
Phone Number
+65 6828 8377
Opening Hours
8:30am to 6:00pm

 

Nourish your creativity with a visit to Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay. The national performing arts centre hosts a variety of performing art shows encompassing music, theatre and dance. Not many people are aware of this, but there are frequent free performances at the Esplanade’s Outdoor Theatre to make art accessible to everyone. Do also check out the Esplanade’s free monthly concert series, as well as its free art activities and workshops.

 

Get directions to Esplanade from PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering

Get directions to Esplanade  from PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay

 

Catch the Light and Music Show at the Supertree Grove

Night time at the Supertrees at Gardens by the Bay Night time at the Supertrees at Gardens by the Bay

 

Address 18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953                                                                                                                                 
Phone Number
+65 6420 6848
Opening Hours
5am to 2am

 

The Supertree Grove at Gardens by the Bay features otherworldly giant trees that are an ecosystem of their own. Soaring to 50 metres tall, these man made “supertrees” provide shelter for plants around the world. Visit them in the day to soak in their majesty and grab that Insta-worthy shot. Stick around to the evening for the spectacular Garden Rhapsody music and light show at 7:45pm and 8:45pm daily. 

 

Get directions to Gardens by the Bay from PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering

Get directions to Gardens by the Bay from PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay

 

Go Kite-watching at the Marina Barrage

kite-flying at Marina Barrage kite-flying at Marina Barrage

 

Address 8 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018951                                                                                                                             
Phone Number
+65 6225 5782
Opening Hours
8am to 9pm daily

 

On weekend afternoons and evenings at the Marina Barrage, families, friends and couples hang around the clearing at the roof to light up the skies with kites. Take time out to sit back, relax and watch kites of varying shapes and colours dance in the sky. The area’s expansive, windy clearing creates the perfect kite-flying environment in Singapore. As a bonus, you can also enjoy a picturesque view of Singapore’s city skyline.

 

Get directions to Marina Barrage from PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering

Get directions to Marina Barrage from PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay

 

Admire Charming Peranakan houses at Joo Chiat

Colourful Peranakan houses in Joo Chiat Colourful Peranakan houses in Joo Chiat

 

Address 287 Joo Chiat Rd, 427540                                                                                 

 

Fancy spending half-a-day exploring a facet of Singapore’s multifaceted culture? Consider paying a visit to the Joo Chiat Peranakan heritage precinct. Beyond shops offering Nonya food, Bibik fashion, and exquisite Peranakan earthenware, Joo Chiat also houses colourful Peranakan-styled conservation buildings with ornate facades and detailed motifs in vibrant colours. These would definitely light up your Instagram feed.

 

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Get directions to Joo Chiat from PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay

 

Relax and Chill at Siloso Beach

Siloso Beach Siloso Beach

 

Address Siloso Beach, Singapore 099000                                                                    

 

Get some vitamin D with an escape to the sunny paradise that is Siloso Beach on Sentosa Island, where you can enjoy a cooling dip in the lagoon or bask in the sun. You can also patronise the various beach bars, restaurants and cafes should you need a breather from the sun, sand, sea and beach volleyball (a popular sport in these parts). The beach is also great for people-watching, or making a new friend or two, so don’t be shy.

 

Get directions to Siloso Beach from PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering

Get directions to Siloso Beach from PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay

 

Volunteer at the Animal Care Centre for a Day

man walking a dog man walking a dog

 

Address 59 Sungei Tengah Road Blk B, #01-03/04 The Animal Lodge, Singapore 699014                                                               
Phone Number
+65 6583 7371

 

Do something that puts a smile on your face, such as volunteering at an animal care shelter. Over at Mutts and Mittens, you can show your love to the felines and canines by being their buddy until they find their forever home. It’s meaningful, fulfilling and a great way to spend your solo staycation time. 

 

Get directions to Mutts and Mittens from PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering

Get directions to Mutts and Mittens from PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay

 

Frolic at the Singapore Botanical Gardens

pavilion at the Singapore Botanic Garden pavilion at the Singapore Botanic Garden

 

Address 1 Cluny Rd, Singapore 259569                                                                                                                                                   
Phone Number
+65 6391 0450
Opening Hours
5am to 12am

 

With over 10,000 types of plants—including a significant collection of orchids, gingers, orchids and palms—it is little wonder that the Singapore Botanic Gardens is the only tropical botanical garden listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The charming 74-hectare garden is a great place to spend a day surrounded by lush greenery. Apart from its lakes, pavilions, sculptures, swans, fishes, and rainforests, the Botanic Gardens also feature thematic sections like the Learning Forest, the National Orchid Garden and Jacob Ballas Children's Gardens. 

 

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Get directions to Singapore Botanic Gardens from PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay

 

Get Up Close with Nature at the Sungei Buloh Wetlands

sungei buloh sungei buloh

 

Address Visitor Centre (nearer to Migratory Bird Trail): 301 Neo Tiew Crescent Singapore 718925;
Wetland Centre (nearer to Forest Trail and Mid-Canopy Walk): 60 Kranji Way, #01-00 Singapore 739453                                                      
Phone Number
+65 6794 1401
Opening Hours
7am to 7pm

 

Uncover a marshy world brimming with biodiversity as you explore the wetlands of Sungei Buloh Wetlands Reserve. From diverse bird species (kingfishers, sunbirds, herons and waders) to swamp-based inhabitants like mudskippers, monitor lizards, shellfish and crabs, the sanctuary is rich with mangrove-forest wildlife. 

 

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Get directions to Sungei Buloh Wetlands Reserve from PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay

 

Take a Canopy Walk at the Southern Ridges

Aerial view of Henderson Waves Aerial view of Henderson Waves

 

Address Henderson Rd, Singapore 159557                                                            

 

Put on your walking shoes for a series of walking trails at the Southern Ridges. These scenic trails, stretching 10km long, are filled with verdant greenery. The connecting bridges of these trails are its highlight, especially the Henderson Waves—the highest pedestrian bridge in Singapore designed in a wave-like form. End your walk at Faber Park (situated at the top of Mount Faber). There you will be rewarded with a panoramic view of the HarbourFront precinct.

 

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Get directions to Southern Ridges from PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay

 

Cycle at the Punggol Waterway Park

Punggol Waterway Park Punggol Waterway Park

 

Address Sentul Crescent, Singapore 821313                                                                                                                                  
Phone Number
+65 1800 471 7300
Opening Hours
24 hours

 

Clear your mind with a walk, jog or bike ride at the picturesque Punggol Waterway Park dotted with bridges and walking paths that surround a lake. The park has sand play areas, fitness corners and Nature lawns that cater to different users. A visit here puts you in touch with the park’s rich biodiversity of riverine plants and animals.

 

Get directions to Punggol Waterway Park from PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering

Get directions to Punggol Waterway Park from PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay

 

Nourish Your Mind at the Library

 

Address 1 HarbourFront Walk, #03-05 VivoCity, Singapore 098585                                                                                                       
Opening Hours
11am to 9pm

 

A visit to the Library at HarbourFront would dispose visitors of the notion that the library is an old boring research and study place. With rows of bookshelves jam-packed with books, magazines, comics and more, you can easily lose yourself in this bright, aesthetically pleasing library. Beyond offering collections of the latest bestsellers, the sea-facing library also features sweeping views of Sentosa island. 

 

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Get directions to Library at Harbourfront from PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay

 

Admire Art Sculptures Along Singapore River

Singapore River Singapore River

 

Address 10 Eu Tong Sen Street, Singapore 059815                                                     

 

Many may not know this, but Singapore’s Central Business District (CBD) is also home to many interesting sculptures—they include the famous “Fat Bird" sculpture by world-famous Columbian artist Fernando Botero along the Singapore River. Look out for these public art pieces as you take a relaxing stroll down the Singapore River. As you do so, look out for the towering skyscrapers that dominate the business district as well as the occasional bum boats cruising along the river. 

 

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Get directions to Singapore River from PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay


Need help to plan your staycation? Send our team at PARKROYAL COLLECTION an enquiry, and we will gladly assist you in suggesting a suitable staycation plan.

 

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