Top 10 fun and free things to do in Singapore at night

This article first appeared on Skyscanner’s Top 10 fun and free things to do in Singapore at night

Sure things can be a little expensive around here at times, but in fact there are loads of fun rewarding ways to spend your time that don't cost any more than the train or cab fare to get there. Here are ten of Skyscanner’s favourite fun free things to do, whether it's your birthday or just an ordinary weekend like any other.

1. Marina Bay Sands show

Every night, Marina Bay Sands erupts into fiery life with Wonder Full, its free water and light show at the Event Plaza along the Promenade. Watch the water transform into scenes of ethereal images, dancing fountains and blazing lights, accompanied by strains of music and song.

The best part is that it doesn't cost a cent. The shows start at 8pm and 9.30pm, and on Friday and Saturday nights, there is an additional show at 11pm. You have to be on the Marina Bay Sands side to catch the Water Show, although the Light Show can be seen all the way across the bay.

You can catch one at 8pm and then stroll over to the other side to watch the other at 9.30pm.

Address: 10 Bayfront Avenue, Marina Bay South

Phone: +65 6688 8868

Show times: 8pm and 9.30pm, daily, additional show on Friday and Saturday at 11pm

Closest MRT station: Bayfront

Website: Marina Bay Sands

Marina Bay Sands puts on an impressive show nightly and its totally free!

2. MovieMob

Whether you love watching movies as a family, or like to make it a date night, going to the cinema is always a fun affair, but Movie Mob takes it one step further to give you the best old-school outdoor movie experience you can dream of.

Screenings take place at different locations all across Singapore, a drive-in concept and picnic event that has proven to be very popular. Participants can even vote for the movie being screened!

I say this beats having to shell out about $12 for a weekend movie ticket at the cinema. Follow their Facebook page for updates.

This is the perfect event that is reminiscent of the good ol' days of drive-in cinemas, but even for those who can't afford the COE or are just passing through, Movie Mob also organises non drive-in film screenings at heartland locations such as the fields outside White Sands and even Bedok Central.

Website: Movie Mob

Have a picnic under the flickering lights of a movie projector with MovieMob.
Photo: Lifestyle Around Town

3. Walk the Southern Ridges

The perfect blend of fine art and natural beauty, the Southern Ridges is a 9km chain of green and outdoor space that will take you through Mount Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park, Kent Ridge Park and West Coast Park. The Ridges consist of foot trails and amazing connection bridges, including the very iconic Henderson Waves.

This bridge is even more impressive at night, when the soft lighting and the vault of heaven create an unforgettable atmosphere, perfect for picnics or drinks al fresco.

If you're lucky, you'll be able to catch some friendly monkey pals, though hide your plastic bags full of goodies from them, please!

You can start at Hort Park whose trail will take you to Alexandra Arch, over the forest and then arrive at Henderson waves for beautiful aerial views of Singapore's south lit up at night. Or if you prefer, get to Mount Faber Park by taking Exit D from Harbourfront through Marang Trail.

Address: Henderson Road, Southern Ridges, Bukit Merah

Closest MRT station: Harbourfront

The Southern Ridges are where art and nature meet for a picnic.
Photo: Yeowatzup / Flickr

4. 56th level of ION Orchard

The ION Sky, located on the 56th floor of ION Orchard, is free to enter and gives you an eye-popping panoramic views of our humble little island.

Open daily from 10am to 8pm, the viewing area has some impressive vistas of Orchard and beyond, and our sources say the best views are from sunset onwards. Go to the art gallery on the 4th floor where you will find a dedicated elevator that will take you to ION Sky.

Address: 2 Orchard Turn, 238801

Phone: 6238 8228

Opening Hours: 10am - 8pm

Closest MRT station: Orchard

Website: ION Orchard

See this all from a different perspective atop ION Orchard.
Photo: Michael Gwyther-Jones / Flickr

5. MAAD Flea

MAAD stands for Market of Artists and Designers and is currently Singapore's largest recurring creative marketplace. Its goal is to promote creations, designs and innovations of the creative scene in Singapore, and we think they're doing a great job.

Initiated in 2006 by the reddot design museum, it is the place to go to eyeball the latest work of Singapore's brightest young talent. You can check out the MAAD Flea on a Friday night every month and submerge yourself in the local creative scene, which is booming at the moment.

If you consider yourself a creative, why don't you utilise this opportunity to test-market some of your own ideas or talents? It will also help you connect with the rest of the scene and community.

Address: 28 Maxwell Road

Phone: 6534 7194 Hours: 5pm - 12am, one Friday a month

Closest MRT station: Tanjong Pagaer

Website: MAAD

The MAAD Flea is a fun and creative night event for all.
Photo: pequitobun

6. Esplanade free concerts

The Esplanade isn't just for big-ticket events, it's also the place to go to catch free concerts. These are typically held in the indoor concourse area or the outdoor theatre in the public spaces around the area. The performers range the gamut from singers, dancers, actors and everything else.

Be sure to check their website as there's something on almost every week. The rotating displays never fail to intrigue, and all the artistic types here in Singapore will find ample inspiration at Esplanade.

The rooftops are a wonderful place to take a break from the rat race, especially with the incredible skyline views. Esplanade also the perfect place for photographers and selfie addicts.

Address: 1 Esplanade Dr

Phone: 6828 8377

Show times: Frequent, visit website for timetable

Closest MRT station: Esplanade

Website: Esplanade

The Esplanade's free performances always delight and awe.
Photo: Chee Yong Goh / Flickr

7. Night cycling

Some places are way better admired at night. Why? it feels cooler and it's less crowded! Night cycling in Singapore is a great experience, allowing you to tone those leg muscles while enjoying the breeze.

Try night cycling in places like Changi Village, Punggol Waterway, or Ulu Sembawang Park Connector, to name just a few examples. Remember to bring your helmets and cycle lights, and wear light-coloured clothing too. If you're lucky, you'll be cycling under a starry dark velvet sky.

See a side of Singapore you rarely glimpse on night time cycle.
Photo: Money Sense

8. Gardens by the Bay

This gigantic slice of Edenic greenery on a square patch of reclaimed land is one of Singapore's newest mega-projects, and with its many free zones which don't require any tickets, it's also one of the city's best freebies.

Located adjacent to Marina Bay Sands, and easily accessible by MRT, Gardens by the Bay boasts world-class waterfront views and a staggering selection of unique and rare plants from around the world.

Our personal favourites are the Super Trees, magnificent constructs that seem pulled straight from the pages of a science fiction novel. Towering skyward, they are a sight to behold. And you don't need a ticket to access them.

Address: 18 Marina Gardens Drive

Phone: 6420 6848

Opening hours: 5am - 2am

Closest MRT station: Bayfront

Website: Gardens by the Bay

Gardens by the Bay is Singapore's latest prestige project and definitely worth a visit.

9. Somerset Skate Park

Just outside of Somerset MRT is a sight many didn't think could actually exist here, a grimy graffiti-drenched skate park where locals and tourists alike can strut their stuff on their boards and flex their spraycan muscles.

Kids come from all over the island to show off and compete, and with its excellent central location, powering up after a good ride is no problem at all. For budding street artists, the walls surrounding the park are completely open to being decorated.

Whether this is your first time, or you are a street legend, you can participate in Singapore's urban underground culture. It's free, and you won't have to worry about fines, either. Sounds good to me!

Address: 1 Somerset Rd

Closest MRT station: Somerset

Get a glimpse of Singapore's street culture at Somerset Skate Park.
Photo: Raihan Muhaimin / Flickr

10. Keppel Island

Just off the coast of Singapore, linked to the main island by a narrow bridge, lies Keppel Island. Home to the Marina at Keppel Bay, it is a place where the very wealthy park their aquatic toys, but you definitely don't need a yacht or even a boating license to visit this lovely patch of green.

With its scenic views and proximity to attractions like Sentosa and Harbourfront, it makes an easily accessible haven of peace and quiet for picnics and more. For some quiet time with family and friends on well-manicured lawns, we think Keppel Island is a winner.

From Harbourfront, take Exit B and walk along Telok Blangah Road, for about 8 minutes and you will see the entrance to Keppel Island on the left. Enter through here and walk until you get to the Marina at Keppel Bay.

Address:2 Keppel Bay Vista

Closest MRT station: Harbourfront

Keppel Island is a well-maintained island of calm in our busy little city

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