It never snows in Singapore? Try these 4 heat-beating retreats

It's a bizarre snowy arctic experience as Snow City maintains an even -5c temperature throughout.

When guidebooks talk about Singapore being hot, they aren't just talking about chili crabs and spicy dishes. For half the year temperatures on the island can run as high as 35 degrees Celsius. These Singapore 'igloos' will help you chill out.

1. Snow City

The only permanent indoor snow center in Singapore, Snow City offers snow 365 days a year. Temps are maintained at -5c in the Snow Chamber, where you can snow tube, snowboard or ski down a giant two-story snow slide. Come dressed for the weather or fork out S$3 for compulsory rental of a pair of waterproof pants.

21 Jurong Town Hall Road, Snow City Building, tel +65 6560 2306
www.snowcity.com.sg
S$16 for adult, S$14 for child for one hour; S$27 for adult, S$22 for child for two hours; S$49 package for two adults and two children.
Opens Tuesday-Sunday 9:45am-5:15pm; Monday-Sunday, school and public holidays 9:45am-6:45pm

2. Kallang Ice World

If you don't fancy beginner classes or twirling on skinny metal blades, the only ice-skating rink in Singapore has gallery seating where you can chill as a spectator. The temperature stays at -6c so, watch for frostbite.

#03-08, Leisure Park Kallang, 5 Stadium Walk
www.leisurepark.com.sg
S$14 for adult, S$13 for student, S$12 for children under 12 for two hours; S$3.50 ski rentals for adult, S$3 for children under 12
Opens Sunday-Thursday 10am-10pm; Friday, Saturday and public holiday eves 10am-12pm

3. National Geographic Climate Control Chamber

Sitting in the middle of National Geographic's second global store (the other is in London), a big red chamber that simulates climate conditions in extreme environments lets you try out explorer gear from the shop. If you think you can tough it out, step inside wearing your T-shirt and flip flops and see how long you can withstand temperatures that drop to as low as -15c and winds up to 10 meters per second, all while your body’s chilling thermographic temperature is displayed on a screen.

National Geographic Global Store
1 HarbourFront Walk, Singapore

4. Far East Flora Cold Room

Far East Floral reportedly spent S$1 million to construct a huge cold room for keeping imported flowers fresh. If you enjoy hanging around elaborate floral bouquets, this room set at 3c, will keep you, along with the gerbera and lily bulbs, from dying in the heat.

555 Thomson Road, Far East Flora, Singapore
www.fareastflora.com
Free. Daily, 8am-9pm