Long Weekend Ideas For Things To Do In May

Things To Do In May: Heritage Experiences Worth Pursuing

Explore Singapore’s varied cultures and heritage over the long weekends in May.

Photos: National Heritage Board

Long weekends are like a dream come true. For those staying in Singapore (and waiting for our renewed passports), there’s still plenty to explore in town. Here are recommendations on what you can pursue to recharge yourself and gain new perspectives:

Immerse Yourself in Local Heritage Stories

The Singapore Heritage Fest is back this year for its 19^th edition from May 2 to May 29.

As 2022 marks several national milestones – the 75^th anniversary of Singapore Airlines, 50^th anniversary of Sentosa Development Corporation, 50^th birthday of the Merlion statue, and 10^th anniversary of Gardens by the Bay, expect a line-up of activities focusing on Singapore’s travel history and rich natural heritage.

Explore the lesser-known stories of Singapore with more than 100 heritage programmes. Spread throughout various precincts, these programmes showcase local heritage through engaging workshops, talks, exhibitions, tours and much more.

A highlight: Local tour guide agency TRIBE, which previously weaved gameplay into a captivating storyline for heritage area Chinatown, has now created a Heritage Hunt @ Bugis Street.

The Heritage Hunt brings you on a sensory scavenger hunt that uses pictorial clues, riddles, and puzzles to let you discover heritage stories behind the Bugis precinct.

The Sultan – a boutique hotel housed in a 100-year-old shophouse

Photos: The Sultan, Heritage Collection on Arab

Explore Kampong Glam

For the festive season of Hari Raya, enjoy a slice of culture and heritage by staying at The Sultan – a boutique hotel housed in a 100-year-old shophouse. It’s a stone’s throw away from the Malay Heritage Centre and the Sultan Mosque.

If you prefer a more chic and modern vibe, look to the Heritage Collection on Arab as well as their other offerings in the civic and cultural district.

Photos: Amazing Chambers

At Amazing Chambers, housed within the historic Gedung Kuning (“yellow mansion” in Malay), engage with folklore via stories told through the escape room experience.

Based on local folklore like Princess Radin Mas and Sang Nila Utama, the escape rooms offer a deeper understanding of the stories that shaped Singapore. With child-friendly experiences, Amazing Chambers is a great option for families.

Pitch in for a Good Cause

During the month of Hari Raya and Vesak Day, let’s rally our loved ones together to do good and support communities in need. Giving.sg has myriad volunteering opportunities available, from facilitating activities for children to befriending the elderly.

Learn About Peranakan Heritage

Apa Khabair: Peranakan Museum in the Making is a pop-up exhibition at the Asian Civilisations Museum that details the Peranakan Museum’s past, ahead of its reopening in 2023. Get a peek into the vibrant culture of the Peranakans, admire the masterpieces from the National Collection and learn about their significance to Peranakan culture.

To learn even more, take part in Khabair Baik! Saturdays, a series of conversational tours and workshops led by members of the Peranakan community.

Khabair Baik! Saturdays and Apa Khabair: Peranakan Museum in the Making both run till May 28 and 29 respectively.

Photo: Asian Civilisations Museum

Cruise around in a vintage sidecar

If you feel like you’ve seen all that Singapore has to offer, hop into these vintage sidecars and experience the city in an entirely novel way. Sit back and admire the scenery as you are brought to Instagram-worthy places across the island.

Singapore Sidecars offers rides in heritage-rich neighbourhoods like Tiong Bahru, Kampong Glam and Katong. Don’t forget to bring your fur-kid with you – pets ride for free till July 2022.

Photo: Singapore Sidecars

Interact With Living Heritage

Heritage transcends the boundaries of museums and continues to thrive in trades passed down from generation to generation.

To preserve and strengthen such businesses, the National Heritage Board has created Street Corner Galleries that transform these spots into “living galleries”. Experience these galleries first-hand in Kampong Glam, Balestier and Little India.

Photos: National Heritage Board

Or discover the stories of heritage sites through walking tours led by knowledgeable guides who dish up hidden insights. If you prefer a self-directed approach, you can check out these self-guided heritage trails.

With a flurry of activities happening in May, there’s bound to be something that catches your eye. Many of these heritage programme spots are quickly snapped up – run to register right away!