Evenings and night in Singapore

Question 1

What is there to do in Singapore at night?

Accepted Answer

Start with the free light shows at Marina Bay, then eat late at Lau Pa Sat, where the satay carts take over the street. With a second evening, we'd go to the Night Safari. For a drink, walk the river at Clarke Quay or take the lift up to a rooftop bar. Bay lights on foot strings the first part into one evening.

Question 2

What time are the Spectra and Garden Rhapsody light shows?

Accepted Answer

Garden Rhapsody plays at 7.45pm and 8.45pm daily, and Spectra plays at 8pm and 9pm, plus 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Both are free to watch, though a short festive show replaces Rhapsody around Chinese New Year, and Supertree Grove may charge for ticketed events such as Christmas Wonderland. We'd pair the 7.45pm Rhapsody with the 9pm Spectra, which leaves time to walk between them. Bay lights on foot has the route.

Question 3

What can I do in Singapore at night for free?

Accepted Answer

Watch Garden Rhapsody and Spectra, both free, then keep walking, because the outdoor gardens at Gardens by the Bay stay open until 2am. The Botanic Gardens close at midnight, and East Coast Park and Fort Canning Park are open 24 hours. For a quieter stroll after the shows, we'd head to the seafront at East Coast Park.

Question 4

Is the Night Safari worth it, or is it just the zoo at night?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you like animals awake and active: it's a nocturnal wildlife park of its own, with over 900 creatures, four walking trails and a tram ride. The gates open at 6pm and close at midnight, and the trails and tram start at 7pm. We'd ride the tram first, then walk, and book a seat for Creatures of the Night. Night Safari has the prices.

Question 5

How do I get to the Night Safari without a car?

Accepted Answer

Take the M2 bus from Khatib MRT, Exit A, to the Singapore Zoo stop at Mandai Wildlife EAST, where the Night Safari is. It runs daily from 8.30am to midnight, every 15 minutes and every 20 after 11pm, and costs S$2.50 a ride, with children under 7 free. The bus takes contactless payment only, so tap a bank card or EZ-Link.

Question 6

Where can I get supper after midnight in Singapore?

Accepted Answer

Go to Satay Street at Lau Pa Sat, where the grills on Boon Tat Street run until 3am, from 7pm on weekdays and 3pm at weekends. Lau Pa Sat itself is listed as open 24 hours, though stalls typically keep their own hours, so we'd head for the satay carts first.

Question 7

Do I need to reserve a rooftop bar in Singapore?

Accepted Answer

Not always: CE LA VI's Sky Bar at Marina Bay Sands welcomes walk-ins for general entry, with free seating and free standing at the bar. A reserved table is how you guarantee a seat, and it needs a minimum spend. Lantern at the Fullerton Bay Hotel may hold your card against a no-show fee. We'd walk in for one drink and book only for a table.

Question 8

Is Clarke Quay worth visiting at night?

Accepted Answer

Yes, for one loud, lit-up evening at Clarke Quay: the riverside is free to walk, the shophouses are brightly painted and cruises leave from the jetty. Drinks and cover charges are where the night costs money, so pick your bar with care. For a calmer stretch of river, we'd walk on to Robertson Quay.

Question 9

Does Singapore have night markets?

Accepted Answer

Satay Street at Lau Pa Sat is the one to visit in any month, with grills along Boon Tat Street from the early evening. Festival bazaars add more: Geylang Serai's Ramadan bazaar, with festive lights for the month before Hari Raya, and the Deepavali Festival Village along Campbell Lane in Little India.

Question 10

What should I wear to a rooftop bar in Singapore?

Accepted Answer

Rooftop bars typically ask for smart casual: CE LA VI and Lantern both do, and CE LA VI doesn't allow slippers, sandals, beachwear or activewear. Marquee admits only guests aged 18 and over with photo ID, and CE LA VI applies the same age rule from 10pm. We'd wear covered shoes and a top with sleeves, and carry photo ID.

Question 11

Is there a fireworks show in Singapore every night?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Sentosa says Wings of Time is Singapore's only daily fireworks show. It plays at 7.40pm and 8.40pm over the sea at Siloso Beach, lasts about 20 minutes and ends with a fireworks finale. Tickets start from S$22, and you also need to book a reservation after buying one, because admission is refused without it.