How to Experience an Awesome Autumn Getaway in Singapore

Think autumn vacation, and typically what comes to mind includes sweater weather, pumpkins and the world in hues of yellow, orange and red. Singapore’s evergreen trees and constant tropical heat is certainly the last thing on anyone’s mind, but when it comes to autumn, Singapore has much to offer. From autumn-themed cafes to festivals and holiday-themed fun, here are some of the activities you can consider when planning for your autumn staycation in Singapore.

 

Experience Fall at the Cafe Kreams

Photo courtesy of Timeout

With their ceilings and walls draped with autumn leaves and fairy lights, Cafe Kreams is breath-taking and perfect for those looking for a seasonal experience in Singapore. Serving up the ever-popular Dalgona Iced Latte (S$8), featuring whipped coffee and chunks of actual dalgona candy, along with Sweet Potato Scone (S$4.50), a mildly sweet but fragrant scone that highlights a mellow sweet potato flavour, Cafe Kreams is sure to invoke a sense of autumnal wonder. 

Cafe Kreams is located at 32 Maxwell Rd, #01-07 Maxwell Chambers, Singapore 069115, p. +6562262369. Open Mon-Sat 9am – 10pm. Closed Sun. 

 

Go Hiking for Malayan Crepe Myrtle Trees and Ketapang Trees

Photo courtesy of NParks

Planted throughout the parks and even highways of Singapore, the Malayan Crepe Myrtle Trees and Ketapang Trees are some of few deciduous tree species in the country. As a result, come autumn season, Singaporeans can look forward to seeing their foliage turn colours. Take a hike through East Coast Park or walk along North Buona Vista Road and admire the scenic autumnal landscape. In certain areas, the trees are planted so densely that walking through them truly makes you feel like you’re experiencing a real autumn season right here in Singapore. 

 

Celebrate the Lantern Festival in Chinatown

The Mid-Autumn Festival is one of Singapore’s most anticipated festivals - what’s not to love about stuffing your faces with delicious mooncakes while admiring parades of colourful, creative lanterns? And there is nowhere in Singapore that celebrates the festival as well as Chinatown. This year’s light-up sees a dazzling array of 900 lanterns lining the streets, from adorable jade rabbits to a 12-metre-tall centrepiece of the moon goddess Chang’e. You can also join the festivities from home with a slew of online activities, including a virtual Heritage Tour. 

Mid-Autumn Festival in Chinatown runs 7 September – 5 October 2021. More information on the programme is available on their website. 

 

Count Your Blessings at Gardens by the Bay

If you haven’t gotten enough of glorious lantern displays yet, head over to Gardens by the Bay. Centred around the theme ‘Blessings’, Gardens by the Bay is coming to life with lush, luminous sights. Over at the Supertrees, you’ll find jaw-dropping scenes of sky lanterns ‘floating’ upward against a mountainous backdrop. Don’t miss out on the equally stunning community lantern displays - ‘Origami Crane Trees’ features a whopping 2,000 origami cranes painstakingly scrawled with words of blessing, while ‘Colonnade of Lights’ is a sea of 1,000 hand-painted lanterns. It’s certainly a sight to bless your eyes. 

Mid-Autumn Festival 2021 by Gardens by the Bay runs 15 September – 3 October 2021 at the Flower Dome and Outdoor Gardens. 

 

Pumpkin Carving at Home

Photo courtesy of Pixabay

Another reason that the autumnal season is exciting is Halloween. While Singapore does not celebrate All Hallow’s Eve with the same rigour and enthusiasm as some other parts of the world, there are some things you can look forward to. Pumpkin carving is a classic Halloween activity that is easy to do at home. It is fun, affordable and can occupy you and your friends for hours as you make scary, innovative or even, funny images on the surfaces of your orange squash. Check out this tutorial on how to get started on your very own Jack-O-Lantern. 

 

Get Spooked with a Scary Sleepover

Another reason to get excited about the autumnal season is Halloween - a time for all manner of chills, thrills, and squeals. If you’ve got nerves of steel, put them to the test with the ultimate nightmare: a Scary Sleepover at Equarius Hotel in Resorts World Sentosa. The fear factor begins with a one-night Halloween-themed room stay (from S$298++), featuring eerie sightings tucked in every corner and your very own Scare Package of masks and treats. While you’re at it, head over to Universal Studios Singapore’s Halloween Horror Nights Exhibition to relive the last nine years of this popular Halloween event. Expect to get up close with notorious haunted houses and props from past years’ events, with monsters like The Wolfman and Dracula lying in wait for you. 

Scary Sleepovers by Resorts World Sentosa runs from now till 7 November 2021.

 

Look For Guidance with a Halloween Tarot Card Reading 

This Halloween, venture into the mystic with a tarot card reading by Eve Kern of Eventually Tarot. Sit tight as Eve guides you through your past, present and future with the help of Tarot cards and offers insights that will make you reflect on your life journey and purpose. Whether you’d like to find the answers to love, life or a difficult decision, a tarot card reading might light the way for you.

Halloween Tarot Card Reading is available at Crane, 46 Kim Yam Road 01-06 Herencia, Singapore, 23935, p. +6598269498. Open 9am – 9.30pm. 

 

Break Free From a Horror Escape Room

Photo courtesy of Desertrose7, Pixabay

Halloween is the season for thrilling scares and nothing beats the immersive experience of a horror escape room. Gather your friends and head down to xcape for a proper spook with their various horror movie themed rooms. From helping paranormal investigators overcome the demonic presence in the Annabelle doll to attempting to make it out of The Morgue of a haunted hospital, there are endless terrifying scenarios for that terrifying Halloween adrenaline rush.

Xcape is located at 161 Rochor Road, Bugis Village, Singapore 188436, p. +6569081918. Open daily 11am – 11.30pm. 

 

Top image: Photo courtesy of Benjamin Voros, Unsplash