New things to do in May 2023
We may be almost reaching the mid-point of the year, but it seems like there are many exciting things happening that’ll ensure your calendar is filled with things to do and see. We’re talking new additions to Mandai Wildlife Reserve, Pokemon-themed cable cars, and even a kukubird-themed exhibition.
For those who are already planning out their schedule, check out these 16 new things to do in May 2023.
Table of Contents
1. Catch a Pokemon-themed cable car ride with 5 different characters
Start the month on a high by taking one of the Pokémon-themed cable cars along the Singapore Cable Car Sky Network that’ll be running from 1st May to 30th September 2023. The 67 cabins have undergone a makeover to resemble a Pokéball, each containing 1 of 5 different Pokémon as the theme for its interior.
There are several photo opportunities for you to take photos with iconic Pokémon standees. Their gift store will also have exclusive merch all the way from Japan.
Those who purchase tickets will also get a complimentary Pokémon-themed sun visor that comes in 4 different designs – Pikachu, Quaxly, Fuecoco, and Sprigatito. In the true spirit of Pokémon, come in a group of 4 to collect ‘em all.
Sign Up with TSL Connect
Date: 1st May-30th September 2023
2. Unleash your inner child in SG’s largest Timezone
90s kids, it’s time to go wild at the newest and biggest Timezone outlet, Timezone Orchard Xchange. At 22,000 sqft, it’ll be a miracle if you don’t end up making loops and getting lost while trying to navigate your way through the numerous games available. You’ll also be able to fully experience the exclusives such as mini bowling & bumper cars – as well as the largest VR arena Timezone has seen.
Don’t worry, classics like claw machines, rhythm games, and basketball hoops are here to stay. It’s time to get competitive, especially when the prizes you can redeem now include the PS5, Bearbricks, and Pop Mart blind boxes.
3. Check out the new SAFRA clubhouse in Choa Chu Kang
Image credit: SAFRA
The new SAFRA Choa Chu Kang clubhouse will be chock-full of amenities and activities to check out once it opens sometime in May. Rain or shine, you’ll be able to get your laps in the 50m-long and 1.2m-deep sheltered pool or run on their 150m-long “skytrack”.
Image credit: SAFRA
Those who want to try their hands at martial arts can join the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or Taekwondo classes that cater to both children and adults. For a bonding day with the fam, plan a day out at Bouncetopia – an indoor inflatable park – or have a cookout at one of the BBQ pits available.
Address: 28 Choa Chu Kang Drive, Singapore 689964
4. Visit Doujin Market, Singapore’s largest pop culture art convention
Image credit: @unfinishedtails.art via Instagram
Whether or not you’re an anime or pop culture fan, you’d probably find something to take home from Doujin Market 2023, more commonly referred to by fans as Doujima. It’s a marketplace for creatives to sell their products ranging from postcards to enamel pins, based on original concepts or fan art of games and anime.
This year’s event will have over 400 booths, so get your wallet ready for some serious damage. There’s even a Doujin Market scavenger hunt prepared for attendees, and the first 50 to complete it will get special goodie bags. Single-day passes for Doujin Market start at $10, but they come with $10 worth of Timezone game credits.
Admission: Single Day Pass: $10 | 2-Day Weekend Pass: $18
Location: 1 Raffles Boulevard Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre (L4) Halls 403/404, 039593 Singapore
Date & Time: 6th May 2023 12pm-8pm | 7th May 2023 11pm-7pm
5. Try artisanal spirits at Singapore Cocktail Festival
Image credit: @tipple.my via Instagram
We all have that one friend that pai tao when y’all make plans to drink or party. There’ll be no excuses for them not to join you for the Singapore Cocktail Festival, since it’ll be up and running from 5th-21st May 2023.
Take bar-hopping to a new level with over 100 signature cocktails from 45 different local bars. Called the SGCF City Takeover, this event allows participants to get these signature drinks at a discounted price of $18, from the usual price of $25. Don’t forget to get your City Takeover wristband ($10) to present to participating bars for the discount.
Image credit: @ritzcarltonmilleniasingapore via Instagram
The main event, Festival Village, takes place at Bayfront from 5th-7th May. It’ll have pop-ups from various bistros and restaurants, as well as live performances from DJs and bands. And while it’s a cocktail festival, teetotallers can still come down for good food and vibes.
Oh, and those getting Festival Village passes get the City Takeover wristbands too for the full Singapore Cocktail Festival experience.
Get your passes for Singapore Cocktail Festival.
Admission: Single Day Pass: $45 | 3 Day Weekend Pass: $70 | City Takeover Wristband: $10
Location: Bayfront Event Space (Next to MBS) 12A Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018970
Date & Time:
Festival Village
5th May 5pm-10.30pm | 6th-7th May 4pm-10.30pm
City Takeover
5th-21st May 2023
6. Stroll through 2 public art trails by Singapore Arts Museum
Image credit: Singapore Art Museum
Who says art can only be found in galleries? You may not have realised – but your neighbourhood could be part of art trails by Singapore Art Museum. There are 2 new trails in Tanjong Pagar and the Rail Corridor that you can explore from 29th April 2023 to 9th March 2025.
Image credit: Singapore Art Musuem
The Tanjong Pagar trail, Port/raits of Tanjong Pagar, has 6 artworks including the chicken “BTO flats” that’s gone viral on TikTok recently. Explore the installations and murals at your own pace across the neighbourhood while learning more about its history and developments.
Nature buffs can hit the Rail Corridor trail, Singapore Deviation, which has 3 installations. Don’t worry, you won’t have to walk the entire 24km trail to see them – they can be found at 2 Wilton Close, 55a Commonwealth Drive and Kampong Bahru Bus Terminal. We do recommend coming in comfortable footwear for a better experience.
7. Be among the first to enter Bird Paradise
You might not believe you’re still in Singapore when you visit Bird Paradise, formerly Jurong Bird Park. Waterfalls, elevated canopies, and even a penguin cove are some of the things you’ll get to see when you come down for a visit once it opens on 8th May 2023.
You’ll even get the chance to feed some feathered friends for $8/session or dine while watching penguins dive in the aquarium beside you. Don’t miss the 2 bird shows, Predators on Wings and Wings of the World to see what these feathered creatures can do. Hey, “bird brained” might not be an insult after all.
Admission (8th-26th May 2023): $38/adult | $23/child | $20/senior citizen
8. Put your thinking caps on to solve an IRL murder mystery game
Image credit: Murder Mystery Singapore: A Novel Homicide via Google
Those who are experienced at solving their friends’ problems can put their skills to the test at Murder Mystery Singapore: A Novel Homicide. This immersive murder mystery game will require the group to find clues around the location, interrogate suspects, and piece together information to help find who killed the local mystery novelist, Niven Markandu.
It won’t be that easy, especially since you can’t use your smartphones to help you out – you can keep them, but remember to put them on silent. Yup, that’s right. You’ll have to rely solely on your own or your group’s collective brainpower to solve the mystery during the 1.5-hour experience.
Admission: From $68
Location: Fairy Point Chalet 6 3 Andover Road, Singapore, 509987
Opening hours: Fri 7pm & 9.30 pm | Sat-Sun 3.30 pm, 6pm & 8.30 pm
Duration: 1.5 hours
9. Escape civilisation with a getaway in tiny houses on Lazarus Island
Image credit: Tiny Away Escape @ Lazarus Island via Google
You don’t have to look far away for an island getaway when you can book a mini house with Tiny Away Escape @ Lazarus, launching on 5th May. Folks who enjoy a minimalistic way of life will be able to appreciate staying in these 150-170sqft houses. You’ll even be surprised that you can fit up to 3 guests comfortably in such a small space.
Image credit: Tiny Away Escape @ Lazarus Island
These houses come equipped with a TV, wifi, and even air conditioning – all powered by solar energy. That’s as much as you need for a quick and peaceful getaway from civilisation. Plus, this will be the first time folks get to stay overnight on Lazarus Island, so it’ll be a novel experience to see the island after sunset.
There’s an early bird promo where you can score discounts of up to 29% off stays until 30th June 2025. Register your interest on the Tiny Away Escape @ Lazarus website.
Address: Lazarus Island, 098593
Rates: From $199/night
10. Westies have a new place to put their prawning skills to the test
Image credit: @prawningatorto via Instagram
Westies who enjoy only the freshest prawns can rejoice and visit the newest Prawning at Orto outlet in the West Coast, which has relocated from Khatib. Their basic package starts at $22/hour and includes a drink as well as a guarantee that you walk away with 4 prawns, even if there weren’t any biting that day.
Choose to cook your catch yourself or get the pros to cook it for you at the zhi char stall 88 Seafood, where they’ll turn your catch into a plate of Sambal Spicy Prawns ($11.90/kg) or Steamed Egg Prawns ($13.90/kg). Do note you’ll need to give them at least a kilogram of prawns to work with, so fingers crossed the prawns are biting when you head on over.
And even if they don’t, you can still enjoy the live football matches they screen with a plate of ‘pay to win’ prawns to munch on.
Address: 27 West Coast Highway, Singapore 117867
Price: From $22/hour
11. Stay in the world’s first NFT hotel
Image credit: @WassiesAsia via Twitter
Hotel by Wassies is not a virtual place – it’s actually a real hotel themed after an NFT. Those familiar with NFTs may recognise the hotel’s mascot which is from a popular NFT collection on Twitter called “Wassies by Wassies”.
Image credit: Hotel by Wassies
49 of the rooms are Wassie-themed while the remaining 6 feature his other crypto buddies like CryptoPunks and Pudgy Penguins. You’ll even find their faces on the toiletries and mugs. Plus, those who own an actual Wassie NFT also get to enjoy a 20% off their rooms and 69% off items at the in-house cafe.
12. Take a “trip” to Turkey at Tulipmania 2023 at Gardens by the Bay
Tulipmania 2023 at Gardens by the Bay has visitors feeling like they’ve been transported to Türkiye. You won’t be able to miss the 6m-tall hot air balloon display that’s right at the entrance of the exhibit. It’s very much like the real deal – without the whole “being in the sky” part.
Other than Turkish decor and models of popular attractions in Türkiye, admire the variety of tulips at the Flower Field that looks like a scene from a movie. It makes quite the romantic spot for a date or a fun “getaway” with the family. You can even join craft workshops where you’ll learn how to make tulip earrings ($15) or domed tulip light ornaments ($15) to bring home.
Admission (Singaporeans and PR): $12 for adults, $8 for children and seniors
Admission (Standard): $20 for adults, $12 for children and seniors
Date: Until 21st May 2023
Time: 9am-9pm, Daily
Venue: Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 01895
13. Bring a garang friend to the Phobia Exhibit at the Science Centre
While this isn’t exactly a new exhibit, many might not know about the Phobia exhibition at the Science Centre. Here, you’ll be able to learn more about the science behind what makes you afraid – with a few jump scares here and there.
There’s a makeshift coffin you can slide underneath to experience the fear of being buried alive.
The interactive exhibits give you a chance to experience what it’s like for a person with a specific phobia. But those who are faint-hearted beware – there are animatronics and sound effects that may cause you to shriek in fear. There’s even a booth to scream in and test how loud you can go, so don’t hold back and let all that stress out.
14. Test your maturity at the free weenie-themed exhibition
They’re hugging deez, in case you’re wondering.
Image credit: @7879galleryandclayworks via Instagram
For those with the mental maturity of a teenager, a trip to the Chin-Chin Exhibit will definitely have your sides in stitches from all the giggling. After all, there’s no end to the number of phallic-shaped art installations at the gallery. It gets better – you can interact with them by sitting on or touching them.
Those who just can’t get enough of these schlongs can even bring home some souvenirs like pins, art prints, or even postcards – wear them like a badge of honour or send a postcard with a willie on it to someone overseas.
Admission: Free
Date: Until 2nd May
Opening hours: 1pm to 8pm daily (Closed on Mondays)
Address: 105 Desker Road, Singapore 209627
15. Celebrate the anime’s 20th anniversary at the Naruto Exhibit
Image credit: МАНГА НАРУТО-NARUTO vk via vk.com
Naruto fans might be reminded of their age when they come down for the Naruto 20th Anniversary Exhibition. Be prepared to take a trip down memory lane if you’re a fan as there’ll be several iconic scenes that have been recreated IRL. There are also interactive elements for you to try your hands at casting one of the popular jutsus from the show.
Image credit: МАНГА НАРУТО-NARUTO vk via VK.com
If that hasn’t sold you on coming yet, maybe the sale of limited-edition merch might help you make up your mind. While the event only starts on 29th May, you can get your tickets now to avoid missing the chance to release your inner child and geek out on everything Naruto.
Admission: Weekday Ticket $22 | Weekend Ticket $25
Date: 29 May – 02 Jul 2023
Opening hours: 10am-8pm, Daily (last entry at 7pm)
Address: 6 Raffles Boulevard, Marina Square #03-208/209, Singapore 039594
Things to do in May 2023
Step out of your comfort zone and try something new this month – you may find something new to enjoy doing. From staying in a tiny house on Lazarus Island to exploring the new bird aviary on the block, this list of things to do in May 2023 will help you decide on what adventure to set out on next.
For more things to see and do, check out:
- Rainbow-coloured roller-rink in Punggol
- Qian Hu Fish Farm
- Guide To Chek Jawa Wetlands
- Things to do in Singapore in April 2023
- Things to do in Singapore in March 2023
Cover image adapted from: Tiny Away Escape @ Lazarus Island