PUBLISHED February 23rd, 2016 04:01 pm | UPDATED June 2nd, 2020 06:42 pm
In an effort to promote environmental consciousness and a car-lite lifestyle in Singapore, the government has initiated “Car-Free Sunday”, where roads are closed in and around the CBD from 7am to 9am every last Sunday of the month. The scheme – which runs till July – will see a string of fun-filled activities organised for the public around different zones in the city.
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the inaugural car-free Sunday experience, here are the seven things to look forward to when the roads get shut.
Breakfast @ Empress Lawn
Food and music are arguably two of the greatest things in the world; and both elements will be out in full force at Victoria Concert Hall’s Empress Lawn this car-free Sunday. Visitors can get their fill of popular Singaporean breakfast dishes such as Toast with Soft-boiled Eggs and Roti John, while homegrown musicians will also be showcasing their talents at this day-time carnival.
Breakfast @ Empress Lawn is happening on Sunday, 28th February from 7am to 5pm outside Victoria Concert Hall.
GO LOCAL with Fullerton Heritage Tour
The Fullerton Hotel will be introducing an exclusive tour that affords visitors insights to Singapore’s rich and diverse history. The program will last for about an hour and features visits to the newly-minted National Monument, as well as exclusive access to specially-preserved areas within the hotel compound. A breakfast at Post Bar is included as part of the tour.
Price: $18/adult, $9/child (Limited to 20 pax)
This tour is happening on Sunday, 28th February from 8am to 9am at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore. Click here for bookings.
Outdoor Yoga with Yoga Seeds
Find your inner-peace and get a good workout at the same time this car-free Sunday with complimentary yoga sessions at Esplanade Park. Stretch-masters Yoga Seeds will be holding two free sessions for yoga enthusiasts – an early morning Hatha Yoga exercise that focuses on balance and posture, and a sunset Yoga Flow workout that comprises of the soothing and intricate Vinyasa Flow.
Please click here for registration details and yoga schedules.
Street Performances
From Connaught Drive to Empress Place, car-free Sunday will feature an eclectic range of street performances at the various road closures. Mime artists, lion dancers, martial arts performers and musical instrumentalists are just some of the acts to look forward to at this inaugural event, and wherever you may be, you can be assured that there’ll be something interesting happening at every street corner.
Visit a World-Class Museum
With the newly-renovated Asian Civilisations Museum and the recently-opened National Gallery Singapore opening from 9am this Sunday, a museum should definitely make your itinerary. Most of the event activities are held around the vicinity of these two establishments, and there’s no reason to not pop in for an hour or two.
Go Cycling Around Town
Car-free Sunday is a lot of about living a healthy lifestyle, and there’s no better way to do that than to make use of the road closures by hopping on a bicycle and enjoying the extra space. Roads that are fully closed to vehicles include St Andrew’s Road, Stamford Road and Connaught Drive and Fullerton Road, while Shenton Way and Robinson Road will be partially closed for people to cycle, walk or jog.
Heritage Dim Sum Brunch at Clifford Pier
Besides road closures, free events, and activities, there’s a whole lot of good food to be expected this car-free Sunday. Clifford Pier will be serving a heritage dim sum brunch on 28th February, and diners can indulge in classic yum cha delights like Steamed Siew Mai with Tobiko Roe and Steamed Custard Bun alongside local favourites, such as Carrot Cake and Hainanese Chicken Rice.
Priced at $48 per adult and $24 per child (between 6 and 11 years old), please click here for reservations.