Singapore 3 min read

Ramadan Activities In Singapore To Make The Holy Month Special

Author

Angela

Published

March 30, 2023

Ramadan begins in March this year for Muslims around the world, including in Singapore. As such, you can expect your Singaporean-Muslim friends to eagerly participate in this month-long event with prayers, fasting, self-reflection and also engaging in some leisurely activities with families.

The biggest adjustment to their routine that you might notice would be the fact that they will refrain from consuming food, water, and even other activities like smoking, from dawn till dusk. Don’t worry – they’re usually pros at this, so there is no reason to be anxious on their behalf and worry about them swooning from starvation should you decide to eat or drink in front of them. (Seriously, stop worrying. They’re FINE. Just occasionally hangry.)

That said, some of the most interesting activities begin during Ramadan in Singapore. Here are some that are unique to this month.

Iftar at Mosques in Singapore

1) Iftar / Breaking Fast at Mosques

One of the best ways to experience the spirit of Ramadan is by visiting a mosque. Singapore is home to some of the most beautiful and historic mosques in the world, including the Sultan Mosque, Masjid Al-Mukminin, and Masjid Abdul Gaffoor. Visitors are welcome to observe the evening prayers, known as tarawih, and learn about the customs and traditions of the Muslim faith.

And do you know? Some Mosques in Singapore offer a delicious spread for hungry Muslims – free-of-charge? Attendees at the mosque are invited to join in the feast and eat their fill before spending the rest of the night in prayers. While mosques are generally closed off from the public during this time, you may also find some that set up temporary spots in Singapore to distribute delicious porridge to everyone who drops by! And yes, these spots are open to both the Muslim and Non-Muslim population, so keep your eyes peeled for those little events. What a great way to celebrate the festive mood, we think!

City Tours tip: Hop on the FunVee Open Top Bus and hop off at Bugis Village Landmark Hotel and make your way towards Sultan Mosque (ETA 3 minutes!). The FunVee Hop-On Hop-Off City Sightseeing Bus Tour includes unlimited hop-on hop-off sightseeing for 24hrs on the double-decker open-top bus.

Ramadan Bazaars in Singapore

2) Ramadan Bazaars in Singapore (a post-Iftar event!)

What’s special during Ramadan in Singapore are these Ramadan Bazaars popping all around town. They’re primarily located at Geylang Serai, Kampong Gelam (near Masjid Sultan), or even at the residential housing void deck closest to you. So, what can be found there? These Bazaars are different from the Pasar Malams (or Night Markets) because they’re primarily focused on food, Hari Raya cookies, and, if you’re at the larger locations, carpets, clothes, household decors and more.

The Bazaar at Geylang Serai, for instance, is a Big Deal as it is home to over 700 stalls, 150 of which would be food-focused, while the rest would be retail-focused. It is a bustling market that opens only during Ramadan in Singapore and offers a range of halal food, traditional clothing, and handicrafts. You can find a variety of traditional Malay, Indonesian, and Middle Eastern food such as briyani, kebabs, and sweets like kuih tart.

For more information on the Bazaar, visit their official website here: https://www.facebook.com/WismaGeylangSerai/

The Kampong Gelam Bazaar on the other hand hosts over 80 food stalls and 20 retail booths operating between 15th March to 16th April 2023. It is the place to grab the iconic Ramly burgers, halal street food and enjoy a view of the Sultan Mosque lit up with light shows on its majestic walls.

City Tours tip: The easiest way to get there would be on our FunVee Open Top Bus! Not only will the bus ride allow you to enjoy paranomic views of the city in the comfort of your own seat – you’ll be able to see all the major attractions such as Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay and more! In order to visit the Kampong Gelam Bazaar however, simply drop off at Bugis Village Landmark Hotel and make your way towards Sultan Mosque (ETA 3 minutes!).

Ramadan light-up at Geylang Serai Singapore

3) Ramadan light-up

Geylang Serai, located in the east of Singapore, is known for its elaborate Ramadan light-up display. The streets are adorned with colourful lights, and there are various activities and performances to enjoy. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the cultural and religious significance of Ramadan in Singapore.

There are also light shows on the majestic walls of Sultan Mosque that only happens during the month of Ramadan.

City Tours tip: Book our FunVee Open Top Bus to enjoy paranomic views of Singapore while having the luxury to hop on and off at iconic places for a tour! Enjoy 20% off our Funvee bus when you book online now.

Iftar at Halal-certified restaurants in Singapore

4) Iftar Buffets

Iftar is a family affair, so you can expect restaurants to be fully booked by dusk. In Singapore, many hotels and restaurants offer special iftar buffets that showcase the best of local and international cuisine. This is a great way to experience the unique flavours and spices of Singaporean food while learning about the customs and traditions of Ramadan. Join in the feast and celebrations by sampling some of the best cuisine this city has to offer. The choice of spread is extensive. Whether you’re hankering for some Korean, Middle Eastern or even some Western cuisine, there’s always something to tickle your palate in all the right ways.

In conclusion, Ramadan is a beautiful time of the year in Singapore, and there are plenty of activities to engage in during the month. Whether you want to explore the gorgeous bazaars or just participate in iftar with some friends, there’s always something to do during this holy month.