10 Indoor Activities in Singapore That Will Leave You Speechless!
- Monster Day Tours
- Apr 18
- 8 min read
Singapore's tropical climate brings a mix of scorching sunshine and sudden downpours throughout the year. Fortunately, this innovative city-state offers an impressive array of world-class indoor attractions where visitors can escape the weather while enjoying unforgettable experiences. From architectural marvels to immersive entertainment, here's your comprehensive guide to Singapore's most spectacular indoor activities.
Complement your indoor adventures by discovering Singapore’s vibrant outdoor culture through our engaging free walking tours.
1. Gardens by the Bay Cloud Forest & Flower Dome
Location: 18 Marina Gardens Drive
Operating Hours: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM daily
Step into a world where nature meets futuristic design at Singapore's most iconic horticultural attraction. The Cloud Forest dome houses the world's tallest indoor waterfall (35 meters) cascading dramatically from a mountain covered in lush vegetation. As you ascend the walkways, explore nine different zones showcasing plant life from tropical highlands.
The adjacent Flower Dome holds the Guinness World Record for being the largest glass greenhouse globally. Inside, you'll discover meticulously curated gardens representing different regions—from Mediterranean landscapes to South African savannas and California gardens. The dome also hosts seasonal floral displays that transform the space throughout the year.
Visitor Tips:
Purchase combo tickets for both domes to save money (SGD 28 for adults, SGD 15 for children)
Visit on weekday mornings to avoid crowds
Allocate at least 2-3 hours to fully explore both domes
Download their mobile app for interactive experiences and additional information
Bring a light jacket as the air conditioning can be quite cool
Don't Miss: The nightly Garden Rhapsody light and sound show at the Supertree Grove (can be viewed from inside the domes).
Afterwards: Cool down in the domes, then join our free walking tour around the Marina Bay area to uncover Singapore’s natural-meets-urban story.
2. ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands
Location: 6 Bayfront Avenue
Operating Hours: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM daily
Instantly recognizable by its lotus-inspired architecture, the ArtScience Museum stands as a symbol of Singapore's commitment to innovation. This cultural landmark hosts an ever-changing lineup of world-class exhibitions that blur the boundaries between art, science, technology, and culture.
The museum's permanent exhibition, "Future World: Where Art Meets Science," created in collaboration with teamLab, features interactive digital installations that respond to visitor movements. Walk through cascading waterfalls of light, construct virtual cities, or immerse yourself in a universe of illuminated crystal strands.
Visitor Tips:
Tickets start from SGD 18 for adults (SGD 14 for children)
Exhibition-specific tickets or all-access passes are available
Plan your visit around specific exhibitions that interest you
Weekday afternoons typically see fewer visitors
Photography is permitted in most areas (without flash)
Current Highlights: Check their website for the latest featured exhibitions, which have previously included works by renowned artists like Andy Warhol, Salvador Dalí, and M.C. Escher.
3. S.E.A. Aquarium, Sentosa Island
Location: 8 Sentosa Gateway, Resorts World Sentosa
Operating Hours: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM daily
Dive into an underwater wonderland at one of the world's largest aquariums, home to more than 100,000 marine animals representing over 1,000 species. The S.E.A. Aquarium is organized into 50 different habitats, taking visitors on a journey from the coastal waters of Southeast Asia to the mysterious depths of the ocean.
The centerpiece of this magnificent attraction is the Open Ocean Habitat, featuring a massive viewing panel (36 meters wide and 8.3 meters tall) that creates the illusion of being submerged beneath the sea. Watch as majestic manta rays, imposing sharks, and schools of gleaming fish glide gracefully overhead.
Visitor Tips:
Standard admission costs SGD 41 for adults and SGD 31 for children
Book online to avoid queues and potentially secure discounts
Plan to spend 2-3 hours for a thorough exploration
Attend feeding sessions and diver presentations (schedules posted daily)
Visit on weekdays to enjoy a more peaceful experience
Special Experiences: For the adventurous, the aquarium offers premium experiences like diving with sharks and sleeping overnight with the fishes (advance bookings required).
4. National Gallery Singapore
Location: 1 St. Andrew's Road
Operating Hours: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM (until 9:00 PM on Fridays)
Housed within two of Singapore's most iconic national monuments—the former Supreme Court and City Hall—the National Gallery is a masterpiece in itself before you even view its collections. This cultural institution houses the world's largest public collection of Singaporean and Southeast Asian art, with over 8,000 works spanning the 19th century to present day.
The gallery thoughtfully combines historical architecture with modern design elements, creating a unique setting for artistic discovery. Wander through carefully curated exhibitions that tell the story of the region's artistic development and cultural identity.
Visitor Tips:
General admission is SGD 20 for tourists (free for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents)
Free guided tours in multiple languages are available daily
The Gallery Explorer mobile app enhances your visit with audio guides
Visit the rooftop for spectacular views of Marina Bay
Allow 3-4 hours to properly appreciate the collections
Culinary Highlight: The gallery houses several notable dining establishments, including Odette, a three-Michelin-starred restaurant, and National Kitchen by Violet Oon, which serves authentic Peranakan cuisine.
5. iFly Singapore (Indoor Skydiving)
Location: 43 Siloso Beach Walk, Sentosa Island
Operating Hours: 10:00 AM - 9:30 PM daily
Experience the exhilaration of freefalling without jumping from an airplane at Singapore's premier indoor skydiving facility. iFly Singapore boasts the world's largest themed wind tunnel, creating controlled wind speeds up to 300 km/h that allow visitors to float safely on a cushion of air.
The 18-foot-wide vertical wind tunnel is surrounded by clear acrylic walls, offering spectacular views of Siloso Beach while you "fly." Professional instructors guide you through the entire experience, ensuring safety while teaching basic body flight positions.
Visitor Tips:
Packages start from SGD 89 for two flights (equivalent to three skydives)
Book in advance, especially during weekends and holidays
Arrive 60 minutes before your scheduled flight time
All necessary equipment is provided
No special fitness level required, but weight restrictions apply (under 120kg)
For First-Timers: The "Challenge Package" includes personal coaching and a personalized flight certificate—perfect for beginners wanting to learn basic skills.
6. Escape Room Experiences
Location: Multiple venues across Singapore
Operating Hours: Vary by venue, typically 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Put your problem-solving skills to the test in Singapore's elaborate escape rooms, where teams work together to decode puzzles, find hidden clues, and complete missions before time runs out. The city boasts several premium escape room providers, each offering unique themes and challenges.
Top Venues:
Lost SG (1 Sophia Road): Features movie-inspired rooms with cinematic elements
Xcape Singapore (Bugis Village): Offers horror-themed adventures with special effects
Trapped Escape Room (Orchard Central): Known for puzzles with ingenious mechanisms
The Escape Artist (Clarke Quay Central): Features rooms with local cultural themes
Visitor Tips:
Prices range from SGD 21-35 per person depending on venue and time
Group sizes of 3-6 people work best for most rooms
Book online at least a few days in advance
Each game typically lasts 60 minutes
Different rooms have varying difficulty levels—choose according to your experience
For Enthusiasts: Some venues offer connected storylines across multiple rooms, allowing you to continue your adventure over several visits.
7. Jewel Changi Airport: Rain Vortex & Forest Valley
Location: 78 Airport Boulevard
Operating Hours: 24 hours daily (attraction hours vary)
Much more than just an airport, Jewel Changi is a destination in itself, featuring the spectacular HSBC Rain Vortex—the world's tallest indoor waterfall at 40 meters. Surrounded by the verdant Shiseido Forest Valley, this engineering marvel recirculates rainwater through the building's oculus, creating a mesmerizing centerpiece that's illuminated with visual effects after dark.
The Forest Valley houses over 2,000 trees and 100,000 shrubs from around the globe, arranged in terraced gardens that visitors can explore via walking trails. The complex seamlessly integrates nature with architecture, shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Visitor Tips:
Entry to Jewel is free; some attractions within require tickets
Don't miss the light and sound shows at the Rain Vortex (hourly from 7:30 PM - 11:30 PM)
Visit Canopy Park on the top floor for additional attractions like the Hedge Maze and Manulife Sky Nets
Early morning or late evening visits offer fewer crowds
Consider the Jewel Tour for behind-the-scenes insights
Hidden Gem: The Changi Experience Studio on Level 4 offers interactive exhibits about the airport's history and operations (separate admission fee).
8. Singapore's Museum Trail
Singapore offers a collection of world-class museums where visitors can delve into everything from national history to specific cultural niches.
National Museum of Singapore
Location: 93 Stamford Road
The nation's oldest museum uses cutting-edge displays to chronicle Singapore's development from fishing village to global city. Don't miss the immersive "Story of the Forest" digital installation.
Asian Civilisations Museum
Location: 1 Empress Place
Housed in a colonial building along the Singapore River, this museum showcases the diverse cultural heritage that has influenced Singapore.
Singapore Philatelic Museum
Location: 23-B Coleman Street
Currently undergoing renovations, this charming museum uses stamps to tell fascinating stories about Singapore's history and global connections.
Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum
Location: 2 Conservatory Drive, NUS
Home to over a million specimens including three impressive dinosaur fossils and the heritage-rich Raffles Collection.
Visitor Tips:
Museum Pass options are available for those planning to visit multiple institutions
Most museums offer free guided tours at scheduled times
Photography is typically allowed without flash
Weekday afternoons are ideal for quieter visits
9. Virtual Reality Adventures
Location: Multiple venues across Singapore
Operating Hours: Vary by venue, typically 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Step into alternate realities through Singapore's cutting-edge VR entertainment centers. These venues offer immersive experiences ranging from thrilling adventures to educational simulations, all using state-of-the-art technology.
Top Venues:
Virtual Room Singapore (Suntec City): Offers team-based VR experiences with time-travel themes
VR Zone Singapore (Orchard Central): Created by Bandai Namco with exclusive gaming experiences
Visitor Tips:
Prices range from SGD 35-65 depending on venue and experience package
Book in advance, especially for multi-player experiences
Wear comfortable clothing
Age restrictions apply for some experiences
First-timers should start with shorter experiences to adjust to VR
For Gaming Enthusiasts: Look for limited-time experiences featuring popular game franchises that are regularly rotated through these venues.
10. Singapore's Premium Shopping Experiences
Singapore's reputation as a shopping paradise is well-deserved, with its world-class malls offering much more than retail therapy.
Marina Bay Sands Shopping Mall
Location: 10 Bayfront Avenue
This luxury shopping destination features a canal running through its center, where visitors can take sampan rides. The complex houses over 170 premium brands and is connected to the iconic hotel and casino.
ION Orchard
Location: 2 Orchard Turn
A futuristic architectural marvel with eight levels of shopping, ION houses both high-street and luxury brands. Don't miss ION Sky on the 56th floor for panoramic city views.
Funan
Location: 107 North Bridge Road
Recently redeveloped as a lifestyle destination, Funan combines retail with urban farming, a rock climbing wall, bicycle track, and tech experiences.
Jewel Changi Airport
Beyond the Rain Vortex, Jewel offers a carefully curated retail experience with over 280 shops and restaurants, including many Singapore-first concept stores.
Visitor Tips:
The Great Singapore Sale (June-July) offers significant discounts
Many malls extend hours until 10:00 PM on weekends
Tourist Privilege cards are available at customer service counters
Large malls offer prayer rooms and premium lounges for shoppers
Tax-free shopping is available for tourists (minimum spend applies)
Planning Your Indoor Singapore Activities
Singapore's efficient public transportation system makes it easy to navigate between these attractions. Consider these tips to maximize your indoor exploration:
The Singapore Tourist Pass offers unlimited travel on public transport (1-day, 2-day, and 3-day options)
Many attractions offer bundle deals when purchased together
Download the Visit Singapore app for real-time information and exclusive promotions
Most indoor attractions are concentrated around the Marina Bay, Orchard, and Sentosa areas
Consider staying at hotels connected to malls or attractions to minimize outdoor walking
Whether you're seeking shelter from a sudden downpour or refuge from the tropical heat, Singapore's indoor attractions promise world-class experiences regardless of the weather outside. From engineering marvels to cultural institutions, these destinations showcase the innovation and creativity that have made Singapore a global destination for travelers seeking unique experiences.
