ENG
English
Bahasa Indonesia
5 mins read
Copied!
Celebrate Chinese New Year in Singapore for a vibrant mix of tradition and modernity. Explore top spots like Chinatown, River Hongbao, and Gardens by the Bay with stunning lantern displays, cultural performances, and delicious dishes like Yu Sheng and Nian Gao. Plan ahead with early bookings, respect local customs such as wearing red, and secure travel insurance for peace of mind. From festive markets to family-friendly attractions, Singapore offers unforgettable celebrations. Gong Xi Fa Cai!
Spending Chinese New Year in Singapore offers Indonesian travelers a one-of-a-kind experience. The city comes alive with vibrant attractions like Chinatown, River Hongbao, and Gardens by the Bay, featuring dazzling decorations, cultural performances, and traditional delicacies such as Yu Sheng. Be sure to plan ahead by securing your travel documents and accommodations early. Embrace local traditions like wearing red and explore bustling spots like Orchard Road and Chinatown for festive souvenirs.
Chinese New Year in Singapore combines cultural heritage with a modern twist, making it an exciting destination for Indonesian travelers. Its close proximity to Indonesia makes it a favorite choice for celebrating the festive season. With spectacular lantern decorations and traditional New Year dishes, Singapore offers unforgettable moments. This guide will help you enjoy a safe and memorable Chinese New Year celebration in Singapore.
During Chinese New Year, Singapore transforms into a vibrant celebration of red lanterns, traditional arts, and festivities reflecting the rich Chinese culture. Here’s what makes the celebration unique:
City Decorations: Chinatown becomes the focal point, with thousands of red lanterns adorning the streets, creating a magical ambiance.
Cultural Performances: Enjoy lion dances, dragon dances, and traditional music across the city.
Fireworks Extravaganza: Marina Bay Sands hosts a stunning fireworks display, which is a must-see highlight.
Chinese New Year in Singapore blends tradition and modernity. The country’s diverse locations offer spectacular festive atmospheres, from lantern decorations to cultural performances. Here are the best spots to celebrate:
Chinatown is the heart of Chinese New Year celebrations, with a colorful and traditional atmosphere. During the festivities, major streets like Eu Tong Sen Street and New Bridge Road are adorned with red lanterns symbolizing good luck.
Chinatown Chinese New Year Light-Up: Featuring stunning lantern displays, often showcasing the Chinese zodiac animal of the year.
Chinese New Year Night Market: Vendors sell unique decorations such as angpao, lanterns, and lucky charms. Street food like dumplings and kue keranjang is also available.
Chinatown Food Street: A paradise for foodies, offering an array of delicious Chinese dishes.
Lion Dance Performances: Enjoy breathtaking lion dances at various spots, often accompanied by traditional music.
Held at the Marina Bay Floating Platform, River Hongbao is one of Singapore’s largest Chinese New Year celebrations. It attracts visitors worldwide with its wide range of attractions:
Spectacular Fireworks: A nightly fireworks show illuminates Marina Bay, creating a magical atmosphere.
Giant Festive Sculptures: Enormous zodiac sculptures and illuminated installations.
Cultural Stage Performances: Enjoy traditional arts, including dragon dances, Chinese opera, and classical music.
Rides and Games: Perfect for families, with carnival rides and games offering fun prizes.
This iconic site becomes even more enchanting during Chinese New Year with its spring-themed decorations.
Flower Dome: Featuring seasonal blooms such as peonies, orchids, and cherry blossoms, creating a tranquil and picturesque setting.
Cultural Performances: Watch traditional dances and musical performances celebrating Chinese heritage.
Art Exhibitions: Enjoy art and photography exhibitions showcasing Chinese New Year themes by local and international artists.
For a relaxed yet festive Chinese New Year experience, Sentosa Island offers various family-friendly events:
Universal Studios Singapore: The park is decked out with festive decorations and hosts a Chinese New Year parade featuring characters in traditional costumes.
Resorts World Sentosa: Attractions like the SEA Aquarium and Adventure Cove Waterpark hold themed shows blending modern and traditional elements.
Festive Walk: Stroll along a beautifully decorated pathway with live entertainment and delicious food options.
Esplanade offers a series of artistic and cultural events that are both entertaining and educational:
Traditional Music Concerts: Enjoy melodies from instruments like the guzheng and erhu.
Classical Dances: Performances depicting Chinese folklore through elegant dance.
Art and Craft Exhibitions: Participate in lantern painting or Chinese calligraphy workshops.
Orchard Road isn’t just a shopping haven during Chinese New Year—it’s also a hub for festive decorations.
Mall Decorations: Shopping centers like ION Orchard and Ngee Ann City feature grand displays of lanterns and zodiac sculptures.
Special Sales: Many stores offer significant discounts and exclusive Chinese New Year collections.
Festive Cuisine: Restaurants serve special dishes like Yu Sheng and Nian Gao.
Chinese New Year celebrations are incomplete without traditional dishes that carry rich meanings. Singapore’s multicultural food scene offers a variety of festive specialties.
Yu Sheng is a raw fish salad symbolizing luck and prosperity. It includes raw fish slices, fresh vegetables, peanuts, crackers, and sweet-sour sauces. Families toss the salad with chopsticks, shouting good wishes for the year.
Where to Try: Restaurants like Din Tai Fung, Jumbo Seafood, and Peach Garden serve authentic Yu Sheng.
A sweet, sticky rice cake symbolizing growth and prosperity. It’s often served as-is, fried with eggs, or incorporated into desserts.
Where to Find: Traditional bakeries in Chinatown often sell handmade Nian Gao, beautifully decorated with festive motifs.
Dumplings symbolize wealth with their purse-like shape. They can be steamed, boiled, or fried, with fillings like pork, shrimp, or vegetables. Bak Kwa, a sweet and savory Chinese-style jerky, is a popular snack and gift during Chinese New Year.
Where to Try: Dumplings at Din Tai Fung or Crystal Jade. Bak Kwa from Bee Cheng Hiang or Lim Chee Guan.
These glutinous rice balls, served in sweet soup, symbolize family unity and harmony. Fillings include red bean, black sesame, or peanut paste.
Where to Try: Ah Chew Desserts or Chinatown’s traditional stalls.
Tangerines are a staple during Chinese New Year, symbolizing wealth and good fortune. They’re also a common gift to wish recipients luck and prosperity.
Where to Buy: High-quality tangerines can be found in Chinatown markets or major supermarkets like NTUC FairPrice.
Visiting Singapore to celebrate Chinese New Year will be an unforgettable experience, especially if you prepare everything well. Here is a more comprehensive guide for your trip:
Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your departure date. This rule is strictly enforced in Singapore, so do not overlook it.
Is a Visa Required?: As an Indonesian citizen, you do not need a visa to visit Singapore for less than 30 days. However, make sure you have supporting documents, such as a return ticket and proof of accommodation, in case they are required during immigration checks.
Return Ticket: A return ticket is mandatory to confirm that your visit is temporary. Keep the ticket in printed or digital form.
Public Transportation: Use an EZ-Link Card or Singapore Tourist Pass for affordable and practical transportation on MRT, buses, and other transit services. These cards can easily be reloaded at MRT stations or convenience stores like 7-Eleven.
Supporting Apps: Download apps like Google Maps or Citymapper for navigation within the city. Transportation apps like Grab are also very useful for short trips or when public transportation is unavailable.
Strategic Locations: Choosing to stay in Chinatown, Marina Bay, or Clarke Quay will make it easier to access major Chinese New Year celebration locations.
Book Early: Since Chinese New Year is a peak holiday season, it is recommended to book accommodations at least two months in advance to get the best prices and more options.
Accommodation Options: Boutique hotels in Chinatown offer a unique traditional atmosphere. If traveling with family, consider renting apartments or staying at family-friendly hotels on Sentosa Island.
Essential Facilities: Ensure your accommodation provides Wi-Fi, is close to public transportation, and has positive reviews regarding cleanliness and comfort.
Exchange Money Before Departure: Exchange your money in Indonesia to get better rates compared to money changers at Singapore’s airports.
Use Cash Sparingly: While Singapore supports cashless transactions, small kiosks and traditional markets usually require cash.
Cards and Digital Wallets: Credit or debit cards that support international transactions, as well as digital wallets like GrabPay and ShopeePay, can be used at many places in Singapore.
Money Security: Spread your money across several different places to minimize the risk of loss. Keep some in your wallet, bag, or hidden compartments.
Bright Clothing: Wear red, gold, or other bright colors that symbolize good luck. Avoid black or white, especially if you are attending family or traditional events.
Bring Small Gifts: If you are invited to someone’s home during the celebration, bringing gifts like oranges, cakes, or tea is a polite and appreciated gesture.
Etiquette at Places of Worship: When visiting temples like the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees. Avoid speaking loudly or disturbing other visitors.
Avoid Taboo Practices: Do not sweep the floor on the first day of Chinese New Year, as it is considered to be sweeping away good luck. Also, avoid giving gifts like watches or sharp objects, as they have negative connotations in Chinese culture.
By preparing your documents, booking accommodations, and understanding local traditions, your trip to Singapore during Chinese New Year will go smoothly and leave lasting memories. Don’t forget to be polite and respectful of local culture for a more enjoyable experience!
Singapore is a shopping paradise during Chinese New Year. Here are some souvenir recommendations:
Chinese New Year Decorations: Red lanterns, angpao envelopes, or zodiac-themed ornaments.
Traditional Food: Kue keranjang (sticky rice cakes), kue lapis legit (layered cake), and traditional snacks.
Branded Items: Major discounts are often available at Orchard Road during the Chinese New Year period.
Traveling abroad, including celebrating Chinese New Year in Singapore, is an exciting experience. However, unexpected events can occur during your trip, which is why travel insurance is essential. Here are some key reasons why you need it:
Protection Against Travel Disruptions
Flight delays, sudden trip cancellations, or lost baggage are common risks. Travel insurance helps reduce the financial burden of these unpleasant incidents.
Medical Emergencies
Medical costs in Singapore are known to be high. With insurance, you’ll have coverage for emergency medical treatments without worrying about hefty expenses.
Financial Security
Travel insurance provides protection against unforeseen losses, such as the loss of valuables, important documents, or cash.
Visa and Immigration Requirements
Although Singapore does not require a visa for Indonesian citizens, having travel insurance demonstrates that you are prepared for emergency situations.
Peace of Mind
Vacations should be a time to relax and enjoy new experiences. Travel insurance ensures that you can focus on special moments without worry.
If you’re looking for reliable travel insurance, Oona Insurance is a smart choice to safeguard your trip to Singapore. Here are several reasons why Oona Insurance is your ideal travel partner:
Comprehensive Coverage
Oona Insurance protects you against risks such as trip cancellations, lost baggage, medical emergencies, and even accidents during your vacation.
Affordable Costs
With flexible and competitive insurance packages, you can enjoy maximum coverage without straining your travel budget.
Easy Claims Process
Oona offers a fast and efficient claims system, ensuring you don’t have to deal with hassle when unexpected situations arise.
24/7 Customer Support
Oona Insurance’s customer support is available around the clock, providing immediate assistance whenever you need it.
Partnerships with a Global Network
From hospitals to travel service providers, Oona works with an extensive network of partners to ensure you receive the best services wherever you are.
Additional Protection for Families
If you’re traveling with family, Oona Insurance offers extra coverage for children and other family members.
With Oona Insurance, you not only gain financial protection but also peace of mind, allowing you to fully enjoy every festive moment during Chinese New Year in Singapore.
Celebrating Chinese New Year in Singapore is an experience that blends cultural traditions with modernity. By visiting places like Chinatown, River Hongbao, and Gardens by the Bay, you can enjoy stunning decorations, cultural performances, and meaningful traditional cuisine. However, to ensure your trip runs smoothly, careful preparation is crucial.
From travel documents and strategic accommodations to understanding local traditions, all these steps will help you enjoy your holiday comfortably. Additionally, having travel insurance is a wise move to protect yourself from unforeseen situations, such as travel disruptions or medical emergencies. With Oona Insurance, you get comprehensive protection designed to provide peace of mind during your holiday.
Ensure that your trip is not only safe but also memorable, so you can savor every moment of Chinese New Year with joy and good fortune. Gong Xi Fa Cai!
Oona Insurance offers comprehensive coverage, an easy claims process, competitive prices, and 24/7 customer support. Additionally, we have a global network for assistance in various emergency situations.
Travel insurance protects you from risks such as trip cancellations, lost luggage, and medical emergencies. It ensures your holiday remains safe and stress-free.
No, Indonesian citizens do not need a visa for visits to Singapore of up to 30 days. Ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure and prepare supporting documents such as a return ticket.
Use an EZ-Link Card or Singapore Tourist Pass for easy access to MRT and buses. Download navigation apps like Google Maps or Citymapper for transportation guidance.
It is recommended to book accommodations at least two months before departure, especially in strategic areas like Chinatown, Marina Bay, or Sentosa Island.
Try Yu Sheng (raw fish salad), Nian Gao (sticky rice cake), dumplings, Bak Kwa, and Tang Yuan. These dishes are not only delicious but also carry deep traditional meanings.
Popular spots include Chinatown with its lantern displays and night markets, River Hongbao at Marina Bay featuring spectacular fireworks, and Gardens by the Bay with its stunning spring-themed decorations.
