Surf Cat

“When asked to think of where I’d most like to visit in Singapore, I initially struggled to think of a spot. And then it hit me—I really want to visit the ArtScience Museum again. I’m guilty of forgetting that there’s plenty to do here and that my country boasts over 50 museums that have attracted millions of visitors over the years. As someone who loves visiting museums when abroad, I now ask myself why haven’t I done the same at home? The ArtScience Museum holds a special place in my heart for a couple of reasons. One, the first exhibition that I went for was Harry Potter: The Exhibition back in 2012 so as a proud Potterhead, that experience was unforgettable. Another sweet memory I hold is standing outside the museum at night with my boyfriend during the early days of our relationship as we ogled at its impressive facade. To me, the Moshe Safdie-designed museum makes up the centrepiece of the beautiful Marina Bay waterfront.

Since I’m keen on being more conscious of my plastic usage and to lead a more sustainable lifestyle where possible, I intend to visit the Planet or Plastic? exhibition by National Geographic at the museum soon. It is also the ArtScience Museum’s first exhibition to launch since re-opening after Singapore’s circuit breaker period.”

—Andrea Saadan, assistant digital editor

“Living in Singapore is great—we have a world-class reputation for being one of the safest and cleanest cities—but if there’s one complaint I’ve heard from many Singaporeans, it is the fact that we don’t have four seasons here and that’s probably why many Singaporeans I know (including myself) enjoy travelling to colder, winter countries for their holidays. However, since jetting away to Japan or Korea is not an option in the near future, I’m looking to escape the heat at Snow City this holiday season instead.

While the indoor snow centre has been open since 2000, I’ve never actually included it in my recreation plans even when I was a kid. But in the spirit of rediscovering Singapore, I think it is high time to visit and make full use of my winter gear while I’m at it. Each admission to Snow City includes playtime in the snow chamber where you can snow tube, indulge in a snowball fight, or build a snowman; as well as a bumper car ride on ice. I’m particularly psyched for the new winter shooting arena, where I can challenge my friends in a shoot-out.”

—Chloe Pek, senior writer

(Related: Dine Underwater at Resorts World Sentosa’s New Pop-Up Restaurant in S.E.A. Aquarium)

“One of the few things I enjoy as passionately as I do a fine meal is a well-staged performance—be it a musical or a dance. And while there is much to be savoured virtually or even via a crafty documentary, like food, there is no substitute for the magic of a live performance. No doubt, there is a decent digital programme for this year’s da:ns festival, which includes live streams, talks and workshops. I’ve already bought tickets to a documentary about the delectably gifted Friedemann Vogel, which follows the principal dancer for leading German company Stuttgart Ballet around the world for over half a year in 2018.

But, suffice it to say, I would not think twice about splurging on a chance to watch him perform Béjart’s Boléro live at the Esplanade. Or perhaps he could do a duet with Dada Masilo or Rocío Molina (I still get goosebumps recalling Molina’s Bosque Ardora for da:ns festival 2017). The Esplanade is currently closed until further notice but if Phase 3 allows for safe live performances—by local and eventually international artists—I’ll most certainly be craving to follow an early dinner with an evening at the ballet.”

—Don Mendoza, dining content director

“For every friend visiting Singapore for the first time, I would always recommend they put the Night Safari on their travel itinerary. But guess what? I’ve never been there myself.

Nonetheless, I have fond memories of family weekends spent at the Singapore Zoo, especially waking up bright and early to make the “trek” (and I say this with much affection) to Mandai from our home in the Eastern part of Singapore so that we could get there before the park opens, picnic lunch in hand. We would take our time exploring the rainforest zoo, before stopping by the gift shop on our way out to purchase a memento of a day well spent.

The last time I was at the zoo was probably more than 10 years ago. So I would definitely take some time to experience the Night Safari next, to discover native species such as pangolins and binturongs, as well as nocturnal residents such as the clouded leopards. What’s even better, 50 cents from every ticket purchase goes towards wildlife conservation in the region. Like many other modern zoos, Wildlife Reserves Singapore has dedicated itself to protecting biodiversity.

The thing about the pandemic is that it offers us time to explore what’s in front of us. While we lament the cancelled year-end trips overseas, why not make it a holiday at home and discover the charms of our sunny island? Excuse me while I dust off my #touristathome updates on Instagram. And to the offshore islands, I’m coming for you next!”

—Hashirin Nurin Hashimi, sub-editor