16 New Things To Do In May 2023: Quirky Art Exhibitions, Thrill Rides, Bird Paradise, Coach Cafe & More
Labour Day might just be another public holiday to most of us, but in light of the significance of the occasion, it's also worth taking the opportunity to reflect on how hard you've worked thus far - and how you definitely deserve a break. So take it a little easier this month, and spend some time catching your breath with our list of fun new activities and events.
Here are 16 new things to do in May 2023 in Singapore including quirky art exhibitions with free entry, thrill rides, and the opening of Bird Paradise at Mandai, aka the successor to the now-defunct Jurong Bird Park.
#1: Attend a Korean-style candle-making workshop at Miyo Candle
Photo from Miyo Candle
Scented candles have been popular ever since they became a thing, but Korean-style candles in cute animal- and dessert-themed designs are stealing everyone’s hearts these days. Not only is Miyo Candle the first physical store in Singapore to sell such creations, they’re also offering Korean candle-making workshops where you can DIY your own.
Photo from Miyo Candle
Select your preferred dessert candle design, or opt for the wax diorama candles, where you’ll be putting together a miniature beach scene complete with tiny figurines of humans and palm trees. Prices for beginner-friendly classes start from an affordable $37, but those who wish to get serious about candle art can also sign up for the esteemed Korea Candle Craft Association (KCCA) certificate courses here.
#2: Play VR games, bowling, bumper cars & more at the massive new Timezone Orchard
Photo from Timezone
Timezone outlets just keep getting bigger and better. Their newest one at Orchard Xchange, right above Orchard MRT station is a 22,000 square feet mammoth of a arcade with over 160 games - thus easily dethroning the Westgate branch as the largest Timezone in Singapore.
Photo from Timezone
Usual suspects like classic carnival games, claw machines, shooters, racing games, and Japanese rhythm games are all at your disposal, but beyond that are also more unique experiences that you won’t be able to find at most other game centres. Outlet-exclusives include the Arkadia VR arena that’ll transport you into another dimension, along with The Hillbilly’s, an animation-based shooting gallery.
Photo from Timezone
Amping up fun are bumper cars and an eight-lane bowling zone, with four full-sized and four mini bowling lanes so both adults and young ‘uns alike can get in on the action.
Photo from Timezone
It’s also possible to host your birthday party or private event here, as there are two fully-equipped private rooms.
Timezone Orchard Xchange
Address: 437 Orchard Road, B1-01 to 04/07 to 18/25 to 44 Orchard Xchange, Singapore 238878
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday: 11am - 10pm | Friday: 11am - 11pm | Saturday: 10am - 11pm | Sunday: 10am - 10pm
Website
#3: Visit the 3-storey Coach Play Singapore Shophouse for bag personalisation & a Coach Cafe
Photo from Coach
It’s been a while since Coach’s Bagel Shop popped up in town, and the fashion brand is back with yet another New York-inspired space called the Coach Play Singapore Shophouse. This time, it’s permanent, and it’s not only the first of its kind in Asia - it’s also the largest Coach global concept store that's ever been.
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Browse the brand’s latest handbag launches, ready-to-wear fashion, and even get your own items personalised with monogramming and a selection of stylish appliques and embellishments.
Photo from Coach
There are also plenty of photo opportunities including stylish feature walls and Coach World, an immersive art experience.
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
The icing on the cake is the Coach Cafe, serving up New York-style bites like pancakes, chicken and waffles, donuts, and milkshakes in collaboration with Brawn & Brains.
#4: Experience sights, sounds, & smells at Sensory Odyssey, an immersive 360° exhibition
Photo from Sensory Odyssey
Not everyone can say they’ve seen the grand glaciers of Greenland, swum next to whales, or camped out at an African savanna - but you can check these off your list (well, somewhat) at Sensory Odyssey, the newest exhibition to grace our ArtScience Museum. This immersive 360° experience will have you thrown right into hyperrealistic scenes of nature, accompanied by soundscapes and even smells that mimic that of the real thing.
Photo from Sensory Odyssey
Another highlight includes a mysterious dark cave illuminated by streaks of light, where you’ll hear bats going about their food hunts.
#5: Admire colourful paintings & sculptures with a whimsical childlike quality
Photo from Nonage Gallery ft. Joi Murugavell
Large museums are always a reliable pick for an artsy day out, but smaller, independently-run galleries are also worth a visit - you just have to search for the right visitor-friendly ones that welcome casual browsers. One of these places is Nonage Gallery, which often hosts exhibitions by guest artists.
Photo from Joi Murugavell
This month, they’re welcoming Australia-based artist Joi Murugavell, who’ll be gracing the space with her quirky and colourful paintings, drawings, and sculptures.
Photo from Joi Murugavell
With the usage of bright paint streaks, crayon doodles, and even pom poms, Joi’s playful and humour-infused artwork looks like it has an almost childlike quality at first glance. But peer closer and you’ll spot hidden Easter eggs that reveal deeper and perhaps heavier topics, from cultural change and self-identity.
Photo from Nonage Gallery ft. Joi Murugavell
Many Ways Home by Joi Murugavell
Date: 5 May to 20 June 2023
Location: Nonage Gallery
Price: FREE
Website
#6: Say hi to feathered friends at the new Bird Paradise
Photo from Mandai Wildlife Group
The news of Jurong Bird Park’s closure was met with dismay by many, but plot twist - it’s reopening as Bird Paradise this May, to be parked in closer vicinity of the Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, and River Safari as part of the integrated Mandai Wildlife Reserve.
Photo from Mandai Wildlife Group
This massive new bird park is home to 8 themed bird aviaries, with environments closely replicating that of the birds’ natural homes. They’re also devoid of cages, which means that birds can fly freely while guests get to be further immersed in nature - a win-win.
Photo from Mandai Wildlife Group
Other highlights include a penguin enclosure, a wetland with a man-made waterfall, and animal shows, among many others.
Photo from Mandai Wildlife Group
As Bird Paradise is still in its soft opening stage, you can snag tickets at the discounted price of $38 (U.P. $48) from 8 to 26 May 2023.
Bird Paradise Singapore
Address: 20 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729825
Opening hours: TBC. From 8 May 2023 onwards.
Website
#7: Scream your lungs out on the GX-5 Extreme Swing
Photo from GX-5 Extreme Swing
Previously known as the G-Max Reverse Bungy, this famous thrill ride at Clarke Quay has since reopened as the GX-5 Extreme Swing after a temporary closure a couple of years back. Brace yourself to scream your lungs out as you get strapped into the 5-seated capsule before being hurled high into the sky - liquid courage from nearby bars, optional.
Photo from GX-5 Extreme Swing
There’s also the Slingshot ride, which will have you catapulting 70 metres into the air. The view from up there will be pretty awesome - if you can bring yourself to pry your eyes open, that is!
#8: Have a soothing staycation at the new Citadines Connect Rochester Singapore hotel
Photo from The Ascott Limited
Craving for a staycation but don’t wish to be in the thick of the concrete jungle? The new Citadines Connect Rochester Singapore hotel will be perfect for you.
Photo from The Ascott Limited
Located far, far away from town at Rochester but not devoid of nearby bars, restaurants, and one of the prettiest Starbucks outlets in Singapore, this clean and modern hotel that’s surrounded by greenery has soothing nature-themed rooms with direct garden terrace access, as well as a gorgeous pool deck with partially submerged deck chairs.
#9: Spot quirky installations like these glowing “trees” in an art trail
Photo from @julianatan.co for @space.objekt
Find art in the most unexpected places with Singapore Art Museum’s new initiative to make art more accessible for all. One of the many installations to spot - as part of the Ports/Raits of Tanjong Pagar trail - is this series of tree-like structures by Space Objekt that glows neon at night. There are also other artworks along the Rail Corridor as part of the Singapore Deviation trail, all located across common neighbourhood spaces like open fields and a bus terminal.
Check out the full list of locations here.
Ports/Raits of Tanjong Pagar and Singapore Deviation
Date: Ongoing
Location: Tanjong Pagar and Rail Corridor.
Price: FREE
Website
#10: Meet the girls at Avenue On 3 for shoe shopping, cafe bites & champagne
Photo from Avenue On 3
Shopping, sweet treats, spa treatments and champagne are some of the ingredients for the perfect girls’ day out, and you can check all three of your list at Avenue On 3, a new multi-label boutique at Orchard. Though their main draw is shoes from high-end brands, they also carry a selection of handbags and accessories for the modern woman.
Photo from Avenue On 3
Once you’ve got your shopping fix, head on over to their beauty zone for a pampering manicure or massage, and end the outing on a sweet note with their Patchi chocolate counter or some bites at their cafe. There’s also an in-house coffee and champagne bar for that extra buzz, whichever way you like it.
Photo from Avenue On 3
#11: Soar through the sky in a Pokémon Cable Car and redeem free Pokémon merch
Photo from Mount Faber Leisure
The Singapore Cable Car has gotten a cute Pokémon-themed makeover, where a bunch of their cabins have been plastered with cute Pocket Monster decor featuring longtime faves like Eevee and Pikachu, as well as newer entrants Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly. Ticket holders are also entitled to a free Pokémon sun visor, as well as some refreshing strawberry or mango ice cream - just what you need on a sunny afternoon.
Photo from Mount Faber Leisure
The Pokémon invasion doesn't stop there; Mount Faber Peak has also been anime-fied with themed photo spots, from 12 character standees spanning across two floors, along with vintage Cable Cars spruced up with Pokémon decor.
#12: Enter a celestial fairytale with this new VR experience
Photo from ArtScience Museum
The VR Gallery at ArtScience Museum has switched things up once again with a brand new immersive storyline for visitors to be part of. Based on a Japanese myth, The Starry Sand Beach follows the legend of an island and how its star-shaped sand organisms - the foraminifera - first came about.
According to the legend, these single-cell microorganisms are the thousands of star children of the Southern Cross Star and Polar Star, which fell into the sea of Okinawa.
Photo from ArtScience Museum
In this journey, you’ll be reduced to a tiny grain of sand, and get to observe the magic of marine life from a whole new perspective that you otherwise wouldn’t be able to. As you float past colorful coral formations and mythical sea creatures, it’ll almost be like you’re transcending all time and space in this enchanting fairytale brought to life.
Photo from ArtScience Museum
The Starry Sand Beach VR experience
Location: VR Gallery at ArtScience Museum
Price: From $16 for Singaporean Adults. 30% off for Sands Rewards LifeStyle Members
Website
#13: Zoom around at Singapore's largest rollersports rink
Photo from Rink@Punggol East
Erratic weather is no longer an excuse to sit at home idling, for Rink@Punggol East, Singapore’s largest sheltered rollersports rink, is now open. Rain or shine, get your adrenaline pumping in this multi-coloured facility that includes sloes, ramps, and even seesaw-like platforms for you to challenge yourself with.
Photo from Rink@Punggol East
Whether you’re more comfortable on two wheels or four, they’ve got you covered. Pick from a generous range of bicycles, four-wheeled mini cars, skateboards, roller blades, and more. There’s no need to confine yourself to just one type of vehicle either, because you’re free to make unlimited switches as you please throughout your session.
Photo from Rink@Punggol East
Entry typically costs $21 for a 2-hour pass inclusive of equipment and protective gear, but it’s currently going at a special opening price of $16.
Rink@Punggol East
Address: 50 Punggol East, Punggol East Container Park
Opening hours: Saturday & Sunday, School Holidays & PHs: 10am - 8pm
Website
#14: Check out anime & pop culture illustrations & merch at Doujin Market 2023
Photo from Doujin Market
Anime-lovers, self-professed weebs, and those with a penchant for all things cute - this one’s for you. With more than 400 booths helmed by both local and international creatives, the largest-ever Doujin Market (aka Doujinma) in Singapore will be happening over the first weekend of May.
Photo from @yankasmiles via Instagram
For the uninitiated, “doujin” comes from the Japanese word “doujinshi”, which refers to illustrations, prints, and other works by independent artists. Look forward to their unique take on popular manga and game characters, as well as their own original creations.
Photo from @jarofrubies via Instagram
Tempting merch aside, you’ll also get the chance to interact with VTubers, and participate in ConQuest, a scavenger hunt that rewards the first 50 completions with a special goodie bag.
Doujin Market 2023
Date: 6 & 7 May 2023
Time: Saturday: 12pm - 8pm | Sunday: 11pm - 7pm
Location: Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Center
Price: Single day pass: $10 | Weekend pass: $18
Website
#15: Catch Korean singer Lee Hi at the Twist to the Night music festival
Photo from Lee Hi
Fans of Korean songstress Lee Hi are not gonna want to miss out on Twist to the Night, a one-day-only musical festival that she’s headlining. Other acts taking the stage include international names like Balming Tiger, rapper Ramengvrl, and the local brb. Fusion food carts will also be present so you can grab a bite if you feel the munchies as you party into the night.
This festival is a collaboration with homegrown booze brand Tiger, as part of their grand launch of the Tiger Soju Infused Lager that currently comes in Gusty Grape and Cheeky Plum. You’ll get both drinks for free as part of your $20 entry fee.
Twist to the Night
Date: 12 May 2023
Time: 7pm - 12am
Location: Pasir Panjang Power Station
Price: $20
Website
#16: Visit the new Disney shop in Singapore for exclusive Disney100 merch
Photo from DIsney
Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy! There’s a new Disney store in Singapore with all the amazing Disney-themed merch a fan could ever dream of - from blind boxes with secret collectible figurines, to apparel and handbags, and even practical home items bearing images of your favourite characters. Dubbed The Wonder Store, this physical outlet also has exclusive limited edition Disney100 items to celebrate the cult brand’s 100th anniversary.
Photo from DIsney
Mickey, Pooh, and Princesses aside, you’ll also find superhero-themed items from Marvel as well as vibrant merch from Pixar.
