New & upcoming attractions in Singapore
If you’ve checked off your list of all your favourite things to do in Singapore, like strolling around the ArtScience Museum or even sailing your way to the Southern Islands from Marina South Pier, then it’s time for something new.
Lucky for you, we’ve rounded up a list of new and upcoming attractions in Singapore this year. We’re talking new art festivals, rainforest trails, and Minion and Mario theme parks. Pen these into your calendar for your upcoming weekend activities:
Table of Contents
- New & upcoming attractions in Singapore
- 1. Spend a day outdoors at a forest trail on Sisters Island
- 2. Venture into prehistoric waters at Singapore Oceanarium
- 3. Cast spells at Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience
- 5. Walk amongst the treetops at Rainforest Park Singapore
- 6. Visit Minion Land in Universal Studios Singapore
- 7. Immerse yourself in an interactive VR cinema
- 7. Ride futuristic cable cars over Mount Faber
- 8. Book a playdate at the revamped Kidzania 5.0
- Bonus: Explore Mushroom Kingdom in Super Nintendo World
1. Spend a day outdoors at a forest trail on Sisters Island
Image credit: NParks
Nature lovers will soon have a new spot to ground themselves: a 230m-long coastal forest trail on Sister’s Island, which will be opening at a later date this year. Unlike other trails in Singapore such as Clementi Forest and Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, this trail will feature critically endangered coastal species such as the Putat Laut and Penaga Laut.
Sisters Island is currently closed to the public.
Image credit: NParks
We’re looking forward to the hilltop view deck at the end of the trail, where you’ll catch a glimpse of nearby offshore islands and birds like the Spotted Wood Owl. But that’s not all, the lagoon will also be transformed into a tidal pool – a perfect way to cool yourself down after your hike.
2. Venture into prehistoric waters at Singapore Oceanarium
Image for illustrative purposes only.
Image credit: Resorts World Sentosa
Deep sea documentary lovers and Jurassic World fans, this one’s for you. S.E.A. Aquarium will be renamed to Singapore Oceanarium later this year, and the attraction will include brand-new prehistoric and deep sea exhibits.
Image for illustrative purposes only.
Image credit: Resorts World Sentosa
The Singapore Oceanarium was previously slated for a 2025 opening, but it’s set to be completed even earlier than expected. Once opened, it will be 3 times the size of the original aquarium and will include more interactive experiences for curious marine explorers.
In addition to the existing 1,000 species, the oceanarium will use interactive installations that digitally bring prehistoric creatures back to life.
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3. Cast spells at Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience
Image credit: Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience in Singapore
If you’ve always wanted to be part of the wizarding universe of Harry Potter, you’ll soon be able to. Sentosa Coastal Trail has transformed into a mystical maze with Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience. Visitors can expect to take a stroll into the forest and be met with iconic scenes from the films that we all loved as children.
Image credit: Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience in Singapore
Starting 3rd February, those who dare enter will be met with life-sized animatronics of mythical beasts – such as hippogriffs, unicorns, and gigantic spiders – straight from the movies. You’ll also find Potter and Gang’s infamous crash site, car and all, on top of a smashed weeping willow.
Image credit: Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience in Singapore
Be prepared to fully immerse yourself into a night of whimsy with wands that cast spells to illuminate the forest depths. This is the first experience of its kind in Asia, after previously taking place in the UK and various states in the United States. Remember, magic waits for no one, so get yours ASAP. Tickets are currently available for purchase online.
5. Walk amongst the treetops at Rainforest Park Singapore
Image for illustrative purposes only.
Image credit: Mandai Parks
If you’re on your way to becoming the next Steve Irwin and are planning to venture into a forest, make your first cuts in the upcoming Rainforest Wild Park. Adventurers can treat themselves to an immersive tropical journey with rivers and lush greenery. Spreading over 2 hectares, the park will connect to other attractions like Bird Paradise and Singapore Zoo.
Image credit: Mandai Parks
The 2 major attractions here will be an 11m-high canopy walk filled with platforms and walkways for visitors to weasel their way into the forests, as well as a 250m-high suspended treetop walk for a bird’s-eye view of the park.
There will also be more animals you can get up close with at exhibits like a Butterfly Garden and a Primate Kingdom. Additionally, you can look forward to exhibits showcasing the attire, traditions, and culture of the native inhabitants of Singapore.
6. Visit Minion Land in Universal Studios Singapore
Image credit: Resorts World Sentosa
If you’ve missed Despicable Me’s world of supervillains and adorable dungaree-clad henchmen, shout out “BANANA” for the opening of Minion Land at Universal Studios Singapore this year. Spend the day with Kevin, Stuart, Bob, and other beloved characters as they take you into a mischief-filled wonderland.
Minion Land in Universal Studios Beijing.
Image credit: Universal Studios Beijing
Taking over the previous Madagascar zone, Minion Land will include an SG-exclusive immersive 3D ride called Despicable Me Minion Mayhem. Riders will head on an adventure with life-like projections of the yellow fiends. Before you leave, snag Minion-themed snacks and merch scattered throughout to ensure an utterly despicable time.
7. Immerse yourself in an interactive VR cinema
Image for illustrative purposes only.
Image credit: Sim Leisure Group
If you’ve ever shouted NO! at the characters in a horror movie over the decisions they make, it’s time to see if you would do any better in Haven XR’s upcoming VR choose-your-own-adventure cinema. This experience aims to go beyond just viewing but putting the viewer in the very environment they’re making their choices in.
Screenshot from the Haven XR Teaser Trailer.
Image adapted from: Haven XR
Using location-based VR technology, the game moves and breathes along with audiences who can interact with all of the elements, including smells and objects. The first story that players will be able to experience is “The Keeper”, which will be available in the first quarter of 2024 in Singapore and Malaysia.
Plot details are still under wraps, but you can watch a teaser on Haven XR’s website.
7. Ride futuristic cable cars over Mount Faber
In this modern age, the collision of old and new will always persist. This is evident in one of our first tourist attractions: the Singapore Cable Car, which will be adding new cabins to its fleet. Soaring over Mount Faber, the NexGen cable cars will be new spherical and illuminating cabins that look like something pulled straight from a spaceship.
The NexGen cable cars will soon join these existing cabins.
These cabins can hold up to 6 people and are sleek with LED borders that change colours during special occasions, like turning red for National Day. They’ll also be equipped with a glass bottom for nearly 360-degree views of Mount Faber and Sentosa.
The new cable cars will be unveiled in March 2024 and will be in operation by the second quarter of this year.
8. Book a playdate at the revamped Kidzania 5.0
Previous Kidzania building
Image credit: @shadesoftl via Instagram
Kids won’t have to keep wondering about what they want to be when they grow up. It’s time for them to put on their big boy or girl shoes in a variety of jobs at the shiny new Kidzania 5.0. Slated to re-open on Sentosa’s Palawan Beach in the first quarter of the year, Kidzania will have more roleplay activities for children and updated exhibits.
An exhibit at the previous Kidzania
Image credit: @darylcaden via Instagram
Some of these exhibits include YouTube Entrepreneur, Animation Studio, and Makers Space. There are also still the popular hospital, theatre, and grocery store zones, as well as a variety of job titles for kids to take on for the day like firefighters, police officers, and fashion designers. You can expect to start watching your little ones experience a taste of adult life by the first quarter of this year.
Address: 31 Beach View Road, #01-01/02, 098008
Opening hours: TBC
Contact: Kidzania website
Bonus: Explore Mushroom Kingdom in Super Nintendo World
Super Nintendo World in Japan
It’s finally time for Mario and Luigi, the classic Italian Duo, to jump their way to Singapore. If you’re looking for a star or just hopelessly looking for Princess Peach, put your hats and gloves on because Super Nintendo World is making its way to our little red dot.
Image credit: Universal Studios Japan & Nintendo
Granted, Super Nintendo World Singapore is slated to open only next year in Universal Studios Singapore – but we’re already excited about it. Expect similar attractions to those found in the parks at locations in Japan and Hollywood – including a Mario Kart ride bringing the video game experience to life, a family-friendly Yoshi ride to meet all of the beloved characters, and Mario-themed eats.
Save these new & upcoming attractions in Singapore
That’s our list of all the new and upcoming attractions in Singapore for you to look forward to this year. In fact, with all of these, there may still not be enough long weekends to explore.
So, don’t just twiddle around and get your feet out of that door and head onto any of the venues or festivals that may just be happening right as you’re reading this.
For other attractions that are still fun and fresh:
Cover image adapted: Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience in Singapore, Mandai Parks, Resorts World Sentosa