Visit Singapore Over Chinese New Year?

by Kathy
(USA)

I am on a cruise that will be ending in Singapore on February 13, 2010. I had planned to spend 2 nights in Singapore before flying to Angkor Wat.

How reasonable is that, given the fact that - I just found out - it is Chinese New Year's Eve. Would I be able to do any sightseeing? Would travel to airport be impacted? Should I just plan to fly out the night of the 13th?

Thanks.

Kathy

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Visit Singapore Over Chinese New Year?

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Aug 27, 2009

No Problem for Visitors Over Chinese New Year!
by: Gabriel Tan

Hi Kathy

I feel you should go ahead and book your Singapore accommodation for Chinese New Year 2010. It's an interesting time to be in Singapore.

Chinese New Year's Eve (13 Feb 2010)

There are lots going on in Chinatown and near the Esplanade.

After freshening up at your hotel and taking your dinner, take the MRT (our subway) to Chinatown Station. You'll see the last segment of the Chinese New Year night market.

Just before midnight, there's the Countdown Show near the MRT station. This usually culminates with a short display of fireworks at midnight.

There're 2 downsides though:

1. Taxis are hard to come by on Chinese New Year's Eve. But you can overcome this but a phone booking when you need to travel: +65 6552 1111.

2. You'll expect a huge crowd, both in the trains as well as near the night markets. But it's all part of the festivities. The trains run till late, so if you book a hotel near an MRT station, you're fine.

Chinese New Year's Day 1 (14 Feb 2010)

Chinatown shuts down totally. But there's a lot of action going on elsewhere:

1. Sentosa Flowers Festival

This is an annual affair, incorporating interesting flower displays on Sentosa Island. Everthing else on the island remains open.

2. Singapore Zoo, Night Safari & Jurong Bird Park

Business as usual at these award-winning parks.

3. Little India & Kampong Glam Malay-Arab Quarter

You won't notice any different here. Vibrant shopping and food places.

4. In the evening, head for the River Hong Bao Festival, a mainstay during Chinese New Year.

Chinese New Year's Day 2 (15 Feb 2010)

Do some last-minute shopping at Mustafa Centre in Little India before heading for your flight out.

See you in Singapore during Chinese New Year!

Aug 27, 2009

Chinese New Year's Eve Celebrations
by: kathy

Is the new year's eve celebrated on Feb 13, 2010 or Feb 14? Would Feb 13 be a regular day - with stores open, etc?

Thank you for all your comments and suggestions.

Kathy

Aug 27, 2009

Shopping On Eve and Day 1 of Chinese New Year
by: Gabriel Tan

Hi Kathy

Chinese New Year's Eve is 13 Feb 2010. Chinese New Year's Day 1 is 14 Feb 2010.

The countdown that I mentioned takes place in the evening of 13 Feb 2010.

Shopping options are indeed limited on both Chinese New Year's Eve and Day 1. Most shops close around mid-day on Chinese New Year's Eve and all day on Chinese New Year's Day 1.

During this time, your shopping opportunities are restricted to the non-Chinese shops in Kampong Glam, Geylang Serai and Little India.

So if your primary intention for staying in Singapore during this time is to shop in the malls and shops, you'll be quite disappointed.

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