A Look Beyond the Veil: Immersive Tours that Bring You Behind-the-Scenes of Local Attractions

We’ve been to these places, possibly more than once. We know what happens and we know your way around. We also know there’s more to these places than meets the eye.

These 5 family-friendly immersive tours will let you have a peek at the work that goes on behind the scenes where our eyes don’t reach and the dedicated staff who carry them out.  

1. Take a Walk on the Wild Side with Singapore Zoo’s Wild Discoverer Tour

Ever felt like the idea of going to the zoo is a bit boring? We understand if you do, but there’s a way to add a bit more thrill to your trip and that is the Wild Discoverer Tour.

You will board a buggy which will bring you around to say hi to all the inhabitants in this man-made tropical rainforest and along the way you will get to pick up some secrets about the animals, learn about how they’re cared for, and even get up-and-close with rhinos and giant tortoises!

Location: Singapore Zoo, 80 Mandai Lake Rd, Singapore 729826
Date: Daily
Hour: 10.30 am – 11.30 am | 4.30 pm – 5.30 pm
Admission: Paid

Photo credits Singapore Tourism Board

2. Drift Off to Ocean Dreams at S.E.A. Aquarium

If you thought the aquarium was a marvel to behold before, wait till you see it after opening hours.

Your guided tour, which will start after the aquarium closes, will bring you on a journey where you’ll discover all about the residents like the sharks, dolphins, manta rays, and coral reefs. You can observe the feeding of fishes and even feed some of the smaller ones.

When night falls and you spread out your sleeping bags alongside the marine lives to go to sleep, you might find it a bit hard to close your eyes with such a wondrous sight before you.

The S.E.A. Aquaium’s Ocean Dreams tour is as much an exciting experience as it is an enriching one. Be sure to book and pay for your tour at least two weeks in advance.  

Location: S.E.A. Aquarium, 8 Sentosa Gateway, Sentosa Island, Singapore 098269
Date: Check site for updates
Hour: 6.30 pm – 10.00 am the following day
Admission: Paid

Photo credits Resorts World Sentosa

3. Step into the Lives of Our Firefighting Heroes at a Fire Station

Held every Saturday of the month, the Fire Station Open House gives visitors a glimpse into the lives of our heroic fire fighters.

In addition to meeting firefighters and learning more about their job, you’ll also get to handle equipment like the water hose, board the prominent fiery red truck, and even witness a live demonstration of firefighting.

While the open house is available at several locations, we would recommend visiting the Central Fire Station where there is a Fire Station Museum that showcases the history of firefighting through a fascinating collection of artefacts.

RELATED: BYKidO Visits – Central Fire Station Open House

Location: Available at selected Fire Stations
Date: Saturday
Hour: 9 am – 11 am
Admission: Free

Photo credits Government of Singapore

4. Enter the World of Broadcasting at Mediacorp Experience

If you’ve ever watched the news and wondered what it’s like to be behind the screen, the Mediacorp Experience tour gives you an idea.

Stand on a replicated set and experience what it feels like to star in a drama, present the news of the day at the simulated news studio, find out how well you’ll fare as a radio DJ, and more.

The tour is currently only available for group bookings and you are advised to book at least a month in advance. So, gather your family and friends, and make your plans early!

RELATED: BYKidO Visits – The Mediacorp Experience Tour

Location: Mediacorp, Campus, 1 Stars Avenue, Singapore 138507
Date: Mon – Fri (unavailable on weekends, PH and eve of PH)
Hour: 10 am | 11 am | 2 pm | 3 pm | 4 pm
Admission: Paid
Suitable Ages: Above 10 yrs (no entry for kids below 3 yrs)

5. Go Behind the Curtains at Esplanade Backstage Tour

As much exciting as it is to watch a play brought to life by skilled artistes, it is that much more exciting to explore behind the stage!

Esplanade Backstage Tour will take you from the orchestra pit to the dressing rooms and Green Room, where famed artists lounge, places usually barred to the public. Your exhilarating tour of uncovering all the hush-hush that goes on behind the curtains will be wrapped up with some light refreshments.   

Location: Esplanade, 1 Esplanade Dr, Singapore 038981
Date: Mon – Fri (excld PH)
Hour: 8.30 am – 4.30 pm (Duration: appx. 2 hrs)
Admission: Paid

Photo credits The Esplanade