10 awesome places in Singapore for a corporate retreat

With just over 5 and a half million people spread over an area of 283 square miles (734 sq km), Singapore is one of the world’s smallest countries. But this tiny city-state in Asia punches above its weight. It’s known for its cleanliness, lush greenery, and thriving economy, having the second-highest GDP per capita in the world. Companies planning a retreat in Singapore may want to look into the options for team bonding events. These include indoor events such as cooking classes, escape rooms, or karaoke, or outdoor events at one of the city’s many green spaces. As a thriving business center, Singapore offers many options for

corporate meeting venues

, including hotels, studios, and galleries. 

This landmark five-star hotel is located along Marina Bay in the heart of downtown Singapore. Owned by Las Vegas Sands, it was the world’s most expensive casino property at its opening. Along with the casino, the resort includes a convention center, a mall, a museum, a theater, pavilions, restaurants, and more. Venues and operators: Marina Bay Sands offers several corporate events packages. Host a dinner at one of the

venue’s ballrooms

and event spaces, plan a trade show in its exhibition halls, or

enjoy a tour

, workshop, art or science exhibit, or VR experience. You can also book a stay in the resort’s hotel, which has over 2,500 rooms. Hotel guests also have exclusive access to the world’s largest rooftop infinity pool. How to get there: The resort is located in central Singapore, near the scenic Gardens by the Bay. It can easily be accessed via the Bayfront MRT station, or by local bus routes such as the 97, 106, or 133. Best time to visit: Singapore is at its sunniest and least humid from February to April. If you only have a short time to spend at Marina Bay Sands, head there in the evening to catch the sunset from the SkyPark Observation Deck. Average budget: $$$$

Located off Singapore’s southern coast, Sentosa Island is separated from the main island of Singapore by Keppel Harbour. It was once a British military base, but is now a popular tourist attraction. There’s lots to do on the island, and visitors can explore its beaches, golf courses, theme parks, casinos, and museums. Venues and operators: For events and retreats, visitors can head to the

Outpost Hotel

,

One 15 Marina

, or

Siloso Beach Resort

, among other venues. Team building operators in the area include

Team Music

and

Scentopia

.     How to get there:To get to Sentosa from the main island, walk via the Sentosa Boardwalk at VivoCity Shopping Mall, which can be reached via the Harbourfront MRT station. You can also take a bus, cable car, or the Sentosa Express tram. Best time to visit: Sentosa is less crowded on weekdays and in the months of October and November. Average budget: $$$-$$$$

If you’re looking for a fun activity that will get your team moving, why not try dragon boating?

Sports Hub

offers an exciting team building experience on the Kallang River. Participants will work together to pilot a dragon boat through the water at high speed while enjoying views of the Singaporean skyline. Venues and operators: Along with dragon boating, Sports Hub also offers a number of other activities, such as indoor and outdoor sports, shopping, and dining. Nearby hotels include the Ibis Budget Singapore Crystal, the Ibis Budget Singapore Emerald, and Hotel Traveltine, among others. How to get there:You can get to Sports Hub via the Stadium MRT stop or the National Stadium bus stop, which is served by many bus lines including the 10, 14, 16, 70, and 196. Best time to visit:Enjoy a cheaper rate on dragon boat rentals during non-peak hours, which are during the week from 9-5 pm. Also, keep in mind that rentals are non-refundable, including during inclement weather. The months of May to July, when Singapore’s Dragon Boat Festival is usually held, are a good bet.  Average budget: $-$$

For a more relaxed activity, try your hand at a cooking class. This is an amazing opportunity to explore Singapore’s multicultural heritage through food. At

Commune Kitchen

, teams can complete challenges and learn to cook a variety of cuisines, including Singaporean, Indian, Thai, Italian, Middle Eastern, and more.Venues and operators: Commune Kitchen is located near the Singapore City Gallery. Nearby hotels include the Dao by Dorsett AMTD Singapore, The Scarlet Singapore, and the Duxton Reserve Singapore, among others. How to get there:You can reach this area via the Opp GB Building bus stop, which is served by the 57, 131, 167, 186, 400, and 970 buses. You can also use the Maxwell MRT station. Best time to visit: Since this is an indoor activity, any time of year is suitable. Average budget: $$

Have you heard of padel? This sport is a mix between tennis and squash which is becoming increasingly popular around the world. It’s typically played in doubles on an enclosed court. A day out playing padel can be a fun part of a corporate team building or retreat agenda, especially for a small group. Venues and operators:

Singpadel

offers classes and court bookings. The Genting Hotel Jurong is nearby, and has a ballroom, several meeting rooms with audiovisual equipment, and a rooftop lounge. How to get there: You can reach the padel club via the Jurong East MRT station, or by one of the local bus stops served by bus routes such as the 41, 52, 105, 183, 188, 333, 502, 657, or 990.Best time to visit: For a 30% discount, visit at off-peak times: Monday to Friday, from 7 am to 5 pm, and from 9 pm to 10 pm. Average budget: $$

Paintballing is a popular team building activity for good reason: it offers a hands-on adrenaline rush and helps build camaraderie. Players compete to meet game objectives and eliminate others by hitting them with balls of paint. Games are moderated by a facilitator and usually last about 15 minutes per round, broken up by breaks in between. Venues and operators: Some paintball operators in Singapore that offer corporate events include Red Dynasty Paintball Park and HomeTeamNS Bukit Batok (for Singapore National Servicemen and families).  How to get there:Red Dynasty Paintball Park is under renovations as of June 2024, but can be reached via the Commonwealth MRT station. HomeTeamNS Bukit Batok can be reached via the Bukit Gombak MRT station.Best time to visit:Since rain can ruin a paintball session, it’s best to try it during the driest months in Singapore (usually February to April). Average budget: $$

Singapore is known for its thick vegetation and primary forests, and what better way to observe the scenery than with a treetop obstacle course? From ziplining to playing strategy games and dodging obstacles, groups will love this rope course experience and outdoor adventure. Venues and operators:Forest Adventure is a treetop obstacle course where your group can enjoy a team building day. It’s near hotels like the Q Loft Hotels@Bedok and the Park Avenue Changi Hotel. How to get there:To reach Forest Adventure, use the Tampines West MRT station or take a local bus like the 8, 15, 69, 118, 168, or 513, among others. Best time to visit:Corporate programs at Forest Adventure are only available on weekdays, and not on public holidays. Average budget: $$

In the mood for something more Zen? Why not host a wellness retreat at one of Singapore’s many high-end hotels? Team members can relax at a spa, soak in a hot tub, or practice yoga as part of a revitalizing incentive day. Venues and operators: Try a one-day wellness retreat at Arise, hosted at Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort and Spa. Or, enjoy a staycation at the Capella or a pampering at the Ritz Carlton Spa.  Best time to visit:Many wellness retreats are indoors and can be held at any time of year. How to get there: Reach Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort and Spa and the Capella with Bus A or B on Sentosa. The Ritz Carlton Spa is located near the Promenade MRT stop.  Average budget: $$$

If your team members are outgoing and love to sing, a late-night karaoke session could be just the ticket! Belt out your favorite hits and see your colleagues in a whole new light as you explore Singapore’s nightlife.Venues and operators: You can host events at K.Star Themed Karaoke Bar, HaveFun Karaoke, or Ziggy’s, among others.  Best time to visit:Enjoy karaoke in the evening or at an all-day event. How to get there: All the karaoke venues mentioned are located near Fort Canning Park, and they can be accessed via the Clarke Quay, Somerset, or Dhoby Ghaut MRT stations. Average budget: $$-$$$

Get outdoors with a family-friendly tour of an organic farm, and enjoy a kampong (village) environment right in the city. Learn about plants and animals as you take a leisurely stroll through the farm’s green pastures. This memorable experience will improve your team dynamics and build team spirit.Venues and operators: Bollywood Farms offers personal farm tours for small groups. The farm is by Kranji Sanctuary Resort and NSRCC Kranji Golf Course.  Best time to visit: The farm is open from 7 am to 6 pm on weekends and Mondays, from 9 am to 6 pm on Thursdays and Fridays, and is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. How to get there: Drive or take a motorbike, or else head to Kranji MRT station and take a taxi from there.  Average budget: $$