Haze day survival guide: Where to go in Singapore when the PSI is high

Singapore is known for its sunny weather, with many of us often lamenting “wah damn bright sia”. But when the haze drifts into Singapore, as it does yearly, I often feel sad, perhaps because of the gloomy smog and distinct smell of the haze lingering around. When the air begins to feel less than pleasant and outdoor plans may not be able to proceed, don’t shut yourself in your home.

Instead of cancelling your plans entirely, you can take the opportunity to explore Singapore’s various indoor attractions and activities. Do note that you should always check the National Environment Agency’s 24-hour PSI and 1-hour PM2.5 readings before heading out. Without further ado, here are 15 things to do in Singapore when the haze is bad.

How I chose these best things to do in Singapore when the haze is bad

These are the 3 main criteria I used to decide which activity to recommend:

• Variety: The activities on this list cater to a range of interests.
• Wide price range: From paid events to free events, there’s something for everyone.
• Indoor activities: I included events located indoors so you can get away from the haze.

I have also grouped them into 5 different categories, so you can find what suits you best:

• Museums & educational attractions
• Scenic attractions
• Sports & physical activities
• Games & entertainment 
• Arts, crafts & relaxation

This isn’t a ranked best-to-worst things-to-do list, but a collection of the most enjoyable activities overall, in no particular order. 

— Museums & educational attractions —

1. National Museum of Singapore

The National Museum of Singapore is our oldest museum, so there’s much to explore and discover here. You can expect to understand more about our red dot’s story, heritage and culture through the various programmes and exhibitions available to view. It offers more than simply reading boards and timelines, as the museum has carefully curated displays and multimedia elements to truly bring the experience to life. 

Recently, its flagship Singapore History Gallery has also reopened. Here, you’ll be able to follow the continued evolution of Singapore’s identity through 7 immersive zones. Each zone details the progression of Singapore’s journey from a maritime settlement to a global metropolis. Don’t miss out on snapping adorable pictures with their new mascot — Stoney — inspired by the Singapore stone as well. 

Best of all, admission to all permanent galleries is free for all Singapore citizens, Permanent Residents and children aged 6 and below. Simply present your Pink or Blue NRIC for scanning. For tourists and foreign residents, tickets cost S$18 for adults and S$13 for concessions. 

Get your tickets from S$13 HERE

93 Stamford Road, Singapore 178897
+65 6332 3659
Daily: 10am – 7pm
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2. Asian Civilisations Museum

The Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) is the only museum in Asia with a pan-Asian scope. What this means is that it focuses on the vast interconnecting webs between cultures and civilisations in Asia, as well as between Asia and the wider world. Thus, you can expect to discover the history of Asia overall, not just Singapore, through its exceptional collection of artefacts and spectacular exhibitions.

The museum utilises Singapore’s history as a port city to display the history of Asia. You can look forward to stories of how people, ideas and goods moved between regions. Plus, ACM has one of the most comprehensive collections in the region. With their display items being presented across 3 themed floors, you’ll get a new experience entering each different floor. Admission to permanent galleries is free for all Singaporeans and Permanent Residents. Do note that you will have to show your Pink or Blue NRIC.

For more details on tickets, including costs, click HERE

1 Empress Place, Singapore 179555
+65 6332 7798
Daily: 10am – 7pm
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3. Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum

The Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum is located at the National University of Singapore. The building will be hard to miss as it’s shaped like a rock, apt for it being a natural history museum. The museum is home to over a million specimens, field notes, drawings and photographs from all over Southeast Asia. 

I would say the key highlight of this museum is its 3 diplodocid sauropod fossils on display. They have not just 1 but 3 of them, with 2 of the skeletons having skulls, which is a rarity for such fossils. The fossils are believed to be part of a herd, or even a family, and were discovered between 2007 and 2010 in a small town in the United States. If your childhood (or current) hyper fixation is on dinosaurs, you definitely wouldn’t want to miss this out. Prefer marine life? Another key exhibit is their 10.6-metre-long sperm whale display. This exact whale was discovered deceased off Jurong Island in 2015, marking the first record of the animal in Singapore. 

Get your tickets from S$9 HERE

2 Conservatory Drive, National University of Singapore, #01-03, Singapore 117377
+65 6601 3333
Tue to Sun: 10am – 6pm
Closed on Mon
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4. Science Centre Singapore

Science Centre Singapore is located in Jurong East and has equal parts education and fun. The venue introduces STEM in engaging ways with its hands-on exhibits, immersive experiences and activities. There are more than 1,000 exhibits across 14 galleries depicting the wonders of science. For example, you can learn more about your fears and hopefully face them at Phobia: The Science of Fear. 

Instead of simply reading up on the scientific topics, visitors can experiment, play and interact with the exhibits, learning in tangible ways. Heading out with younger children? Make a stop at KidsSTOP, their dedicated children’s science centre. It is designed for children aged 8 and below and requires an adult of at least 18 years of age to accompany the child. There are more than 20 exhibits here for the little ones to explore. Similar to the main centre, it utilises hands-on, immersive play to engage the kids with STEM topics.

Get your tickets from S$4 HERE

15 Science Centre Road, Science Centre Singapore, Singapore 609081
+65 6425 2500
Tue to Sun: 10am – 5pm
Closed on Mon
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— Nature & scenic attractions —

5. Gardens by the Bay

Who says you have to forgo looking at nature because of the haze? At Gardens by the Bay, there are conservatories with lush greenery that you can enjoy without being affected by the haze. Firstly, at the Flower Dome, the world’s flora is literally brought under one roof in the world’s largest glass greenhouse. It is also a cooled conservatory, so you can get away from both the heat and haze. You can admire plants and flora galore as the Flower Dome’s volume is equivalent to a whopping 75 Olympic-sized swimming pools. No two visits are ever the same as well; there are rotating seasonal displays, which makes this venue great for a repeat visit.

Another indoor experience at Gardens by the Bay is the Cloud Forest, featuring a 35-metre-tall indoor waterfall. It also houses atypical vegetation usually found 2,000 metres above sea level, native to cloud forest habitats. 

Get your tickets HERE

18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
+65 6420 6848
Daily: 9am – 9pm
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6. Singapore Oceanarium

Singapore Oceanarium, located in Resorts World Sentosa, is also a good option to get away from the haze while enjoying a fun day out. It has 22 immersive zones spread across 6 areas and houses over 40,000 marine creatures. There’s much to explore and see while here, but I’ll mention a few of my personal favourites to look out for. Firstly, Shark Seas offers a chance to view these apex predators closely, with a massive viewing panel as well as the Shark Tunnel. Furthermore, once you step into the Shark Tunnel, you’ll be mesmerised watching the sharks glide overhead and around you.

The other highlight in my opinion is the Open Ocean exhibit. 36 metres wide and 8.3 metres tall, this viewing panel allows you to see marine life such as manta rays, zebra sharks and spotted eagle rays glide around the water as if they’re flying. With the exhibit holding 18 million litres of water, it’s a smidge of an actual vast ocean and one you’ll want to catch.

Get your tickets from S$43 HERE

24 Sentosa Gateway, Sentosa Island, Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore 098137
Mon to Thu: 10am – 8pm
Fri & Sun: 10am – 4pm
Sat: 10am – 6pm
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— Sports & physical activities —

7. Bowling

Bowling is a classic indoor sport, with Singapore having many indoor bowling alleys which shelter you from the haze. Whether you’re a pro or someone who sends the ball straight into the gutter, bowling is (pretty) easy to pick up and enjoy. Some bowling alleys have snack bars, so you can have a quick bite and/or drink, turning your activity into a quick meal as well.

Some things to consider before choosing your bowling alley: accessibility, price, presence of bumper lanes, presence of a snack bar and the number of lanes. 

8. Indoor rock climbing

Indoor rock climbing has been trending lately; if you’re interested in taking up this sport, why not try it out now? This activity is a fun and active way to escape the haze while challenging yourself both mentally and physically. Singapore has several rock climbing gyms offering a variety of walls, routes and levels of difficulty, so it’s suitable whether you’re a beginner or seasoned at this sport. Be sure to fill your tummy up at nearby indoor food spots after your workout, too.

Some things to consider before choosing your venue: accessibility, entry price, equipment rental price, item storage price, presence of beginner walls and number of walls.

9. Trampoline parks

Who else was always flipping around their beds as a kid? Well, take this chance to relive your childhood memories during Singapore’s haze season with the various trampoline parks here. Trampoline parks offer an exciting way to get your body moving and heart pumping. Here, you can defy gravity for that split second when you jump on the bouncy surfaces to launch yourself up into the air — how thrilling! After your exhilarating experience, you can also choose to relax and enjoy a meal at indoor restaurants in the vicinity.

Some things to consider before choosing your trampoline park: accessibility, pricing, availability of grip socks, session duration, age and height requirements and variety of facilities.

10. Adventure HQ

Adventure HQ at HomeTeamNS Khatib is Singapore’s largest and first multi-installation indoor adventure hub. Instead of only challenging yourself with one type of experience, there are 8 different installations for you to conquer. With a diverse range of both high and low elements, this place is a dream for adrenaline junkies. 

You can expect to experience Singapore’s first indoor roll glider and 165-metre indoor artificial caving, Singapore’s longest 14-metre indoor slide and their biggest 15-metre 2-tiered indoor challenge ropes course. Do note that participants should be within the weight range of 15 – 120kg as well as 1.25m tall or above. In accordance with National Environment Agency guidelines, activities will be suspended if the 24-hour PSI exceeds 200 and hits the very unhealthy range at the scheduled start of your session. Fear not; if this were to happen, there will be a complimentary rescheduling. 

Get your tickets from S$50 HERE

2 Yishun Walk, HomeTeamNS Khatib, Singapore 767944
Sat & Sun: 10am – 2.30pm & 3pm – 7.30pm
Closed Mon to Fri
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— Games & entertainment —

11. Escape rooms

If you’re heading out in a group and prefer something mentally stimulating, why not experience an escape room? You can expect to be placed into a themed environment where you’ll have to solve clues, find hidden objects and work together with your teammates to complete a mission before the time limit. Escape rooms’ themes vary by venue and may involve mystery investigations, adventure stories, historical or spooky scenarios. Be sure to customise your experience by choosing the one which best suits your group’s preferences. Furthermore, you can pair your escape room experience with a nearby indoor eatery, and you’ll have a complete day out.

What to consider before choosing your escape room: accessibility, pricing, themes, session duration, age requirements and difficulty level.

12. Board game cafes

Board games are an easy way to bond with friends and also an easy way to break friendships (I’m just kidding). If your friends or family prefer a more relaxed activity, go for board game cafes. There are quite a number in Singapore and they offer a wide selection of games for your choosing. Pick from quick party favourites to strategy-heavy challenges that can occupy the whole afternoon. If the cafe permits, you can even bring your favourite from home and play it there.

What to consider before choosing your board game cafe: selection of board games, pricing, session duration, and whether they allow outside games to be brought in.

13. Karaoke

Belt out your ultimate haze-fuelled frustration in a dramatic karaoke anthem. Instead of jamming out to tunes indoors with the haze surrounding you, book a private room and jam out there instead. You’ll be able to choose from a wide selection of songs, be it classic love songs or modern pop; you’ll be the star of the performance. Some karaoke places offer snacks and drinks, so you can have the ultimate day ‘in’.

What to consider before choosing your karaoke room: pricing, session duration and whether they offer F&B. 

— Arts, crafts & relaxation —

14. Craft workshops

Feeling overstimulated because of the haze and all the precautions you’ll have to take because of it? Slow down with a craft workshop of your choice. Go for pottery workshops if you want to get your hands dirty while creating a masterpiece of your own. Other workshops you can consider are felt keychains, decoden (decorating objects with cream and charms), perfume-making as well as kintsugi, amongst many others.

What to consider before choosing your craft workshop: pricing, session duration and the type of craft you prefer to do.

15. Wellness hubs

Beat the haze with some well-deserved TLC. Unwind indoors at local wellness hubs — from rejuvenating spas and soothing massage spots to hot saunas. These establishments provide quiet treatment rooms and relaxation areas away from the hustle and bustle (and polluted air), giving you a peaceful space to unwind and recharge. Additionally, you can opt for a foot or whole-body massage to relieve your stress. If you have more time to spare, unwinding at a spa or sauna is another great option.

What to consider before choosing your wellness hub: pricing, session duration and the type of wellness activities you would like to engage in.

How to choose indoor activities in Singapore during the haze

For history and learning, choose the National Museum of Singapore or Asian Civilisations Museum, while the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum suits dinosaur enthusiasts, and Science Centre Singapore offers hands-on exhibits for families. Gardens by the Bay and Singapore Oceanarium are options for nature and marine life.

For exercise, consider bowling, indoor rock climbing, trampoline parks or Adventure HQ, subject to its PSI restrictions. Groups can opt for escape rooms, board game cafes or karaoke, while craft workshops suit creative afternoons. If you prefer quieter plans, wellness hubs offer massages and spa treatments. Compare prices, accessibility, age requirements and session lengths before deciding.

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