Singapore is no stranger to light shows. With events like iLight and Light To Night Singapore, we are consistently dazzled by exquisite displays in the night. Well, here’s another one for you! Arriving all the way from Canada, illumi 2024 presents a captivating experience of carefully crafted exhibits to enjoy to your heart’s content.
The world’s largest light, sound and multimedia show of its kind, illumi 2024 is filled with ingenious light installations, colossal animatronics and incredible structures. In Singapore for its international premiere, illumi 2024 illuminates (pun intended) the Singapore skyline from the Bayfront Event Space, elevating it to a whole new level! Created by the same minds behind the critically acclaimed Cavalia in 2014, their team once again blows us away with the sheer scale of the event.
Brought to life with 20 million LED lights in total, this event is one that you don’t want to miss. So grab your cameras and get ready to give your Instagram feed a glow-up as we explore the 9 worlds that illumi 2024 has to offer!
The Magical Forest
This fantastical world kicks off the start of your journey! The Magical Forest welcomes visitors with quirky animals and a plethora of bedazzled trees. Spot clusters of toadstools and reach for fruits hanging from the trees. As you amble through this mesmerising forest floor, you’ll encounter creatures the likes of which you’ve never seen before! From monkeys with peacock tails to birds with the head of a horse, pose with the wildest animals from beyond your imagination.
As you go deeper into the forest, the flora and fauna become more extravagant. The Magical Forest is something borne out of a fairy tale. Life-sized flowers droop their petals as though inviting you to smell them as mushrooms gleam a multitude of colours by your feet. Little critters hide in the sparkling bushes as berries dot the forest floor. As an avid reader of the fantasy genre, it was as if I had transmigrated into those novels. Teeming with life, these mystical woods set the mood for what’s to come!
The Infinite Poles
Do you feel the icy breeze in the air? It’s no surprise as we’ve stepped into The Infinite Poles! Leaving behind the lush greenery of The Magical Forest, new companions join you on this next stretch. This snowy landscape hosts several golden reindeer alongside polar bears and their adorable cubs.
As you wander through this frosty world, make sure to veer off the path and duck into one of the shining igloos scattered around. Perhaps it’s just me, but being in one of these feels like I’m in a private little cubby hole. These beautiful white domes make for the perfect place to snap a picture, transporting you to a wintry wonderland. And who knows? You might be welcomed in by some feathered friends!
Weave through the stunning stalagmites and turn your gaze up as they reach towards the skies. Hidden amongst these towering structures are little penguin chicks and their parents. Aren’t they so cute? Despite the bustling atmosphere on the day of the event, The Infinite Poles brought about a sense of calm and serenity. Definitely one of my favourite worlds there!
The Dune Palace
Too cold for you? Well, the vibes turn tropical in The Dune Palace. As the night grows deeper, the palace grows more radiant with hundreds of shimmering lights. Arguably one of the most sensational installations at illumi 2024, this world will take your breath away. Seemingly straight out of the Sahara Desert, this Aladdin-esque world will take you for a magic carpet ride.
With lively music and life-sized fruits spilt about the warm sandscape, stroll through the market and admire the glittering stalls that line the path through this world. Let’s kick it up a notch and inject some adrenaline into this night, shall we? Catch a ride on the Flying Chairs! Down past the market, they spin and whirl as the camels munch on fallen fruit.
On the other side, several genies greet visitors as they wander towards the scintillating palace backdrop. Here you’ll spy some familiar look-alikes and have a chance to pose with some interactive cut-out standees! Following the path brings you several palace structures. Undeniably eye-catching, this section of The Dune Palace is a must-have on your Instagram feed. Sparkling gold under the night sky, be sure to snag a photo under these incredible installations.
The Tunnel Of Colours & The illumi Tree
Next up, this world is short and sweet! The Tunnel Of Colours is a simple walkway cascading with colour-changing flowers, presenting a classic photo-op. Watching them change from hue to hue was mesmerising! From an ombre of purple and blue to a deep charming pink, these blossoms make you feel like the main character of a rom-com. Ambling through this corridor of colour, I was transported to a pocket of reality that transcended time and space.
At the end of the tunnel, the pathway opens up to a new world: the iconic illumi Tree. Like a lighthouse at sea, the tree can be spotted from any of the worlds featured and even beyond the event space. As the face of illumi, it stands at a statuesque 47 metres, the same height as the Statue of Liberty in New York. With a trunk made from recycled materials and the glimmer of 50,000 luminous spheres, the illumi tree twinkles against the Singapore skyline.
Powered by 190,000 LED lights, this world is a feast for the eyes! Gazing up from under the tree presents an enchanting view. A kaleidoscope of butterflies flutters above your head, spheres of multicoloured light bouncing off their wings. Against the backdrop of the dark sky, they seem to glisten even brighter.
This world is perfect for a break! Lining the diameter of the tree are multicoloured benches to chill at. Feeling peckish? Well, grab a bite from the small tent selling snacks and drinks located at the base of the trunk. After all, it’s not every day that vibrant lights dance and swirl around you as you eat. If you were born in the 2000s like me, don’t be shy and bop along to the familiar tunes blasting from the speakers!
Jurassic Kingdom
Is it just me, or is that the theme song of Jurassic Park? That’s right, your ears do not deceive you as illumi has a dinosaur-themed world as well! To the left of the illumi tree, you’ll see the head of a Brachiosaurus peeking at you, as though waiting for you to approach. So let’s not keep it waiting, and venture into the Jurassic Kingdom!
Right near the entrance, a Velociraptor screeches in greeting as visitors stroll past. A little ways down, a Tyrannosaurus Rex swivels its head as though watching for its prey. Step off the path and snap a photo with them! Don’t venture too close though, or you might be jump-scared by the roars and blasts of smoke that come with these magnificent beasts.
Following the path, many other shining dinosaurs alongside a multitude of prehistoric creatures dot the rest of the world. If you’re a little squeamish, here’s a heads-up. The caterpillars here are probably the same height as you. Glowing a bright neon, they cling to their branches. Frogs of all sizes and cacti line the walkway as you traverse deeper into their sanctuary.
I don’t know about you, but when I was younger, I was a dinosaur fanatic. So seeing an installation like this made the child in me jump for joy! Like something out of a Hollywood blockbuster, illumi has gone above and beyond with the Jurassic Kingdom.
The Enchanted Maples
Travel back to our time and get transported to a world the hue of reds and oranges. A nod to the outskirts of Canada, The Enchanted Maples encompasses the beauty of autumn in the rural countryside. As someone who’s never travelled to a country during this picturesque time of year, I honestly did not know what to expect. But seeing the vibrancy and warmth that is signature to the season, I certainly get the hype!
Inspired by the rustic elements of Canada, this world features a barn, a chicken coop and a plethora of farm animals. In the true spirit of autumn, pumpkins are scattered throughout this cosy landscape. Spot several families of chickens, with charming baby chicks. I couldn’t resist the urge to fill my camera roll with them!
Be sure to hop onto one of the horses at the carousel and enjoy a relaxing ride in the night. With cheerful music and a soothing atmosphere, The Enchanted Maples is a sight to behold. Psst… sweet tooths, remember to stop by the Sugar Shack if you want an authentic Canadian sweet treat!
Walls Of Lights
Leaving behind the autumnal season, we step into a winter paradise. The Walls Of Lights presents a maze-like world filled with layers of dangling lights. Simple and minimalistic, this world is a surefire way to a beautiful Instagram post. With its labyrinthine nature, it’s easy to miss the garden gnomes speckled through the world, so pose with one when you come across them.
Blending into the ice and crystals of this dreamy snowscape are little bunnies hopping about! They might appear at unexpected places so watch where you step. With billowing curtains of white and snowflakes decorating the walls, walking through the draping garlands of light made me feel like an ice princess.
Now, I’m not someone that likes taking pictures in a crowded area. Thankfully, the flowy nature of this world created an illusion of privacy. Due to its vast nature, the Walls Of Lights leaves you in a pocket universe of your own. So if you’re like me, don’t be shy and snap a picture to commemorate your night!
Puppies And Kitties
Are you a cat or dog lover? Well, there’s no need for argument here as this next world features both! Wrapping up your adventure of the night, lovely pets greet you at the entrance. Sprinkled throughout this world are puppies and kittens as far as the eye can see, as though bidding you farewell as you traipse through this furry utopia.
Besides the numerous normal-sized companions, several cats and dogs are larger than I remember. Personally, I am biased toward larger breeds of dogs and cats so you cannot imagine the delight when I saw the giant tabby cat and golden retriever structures. Standing guard, these gentle giants oversee the park, acting as a guide to the end of your evening.
Glowing softly in the night, these fluffy companions bring a sense of playfulness and joy that only spending time with animals creates. And with so many furkids roaming about, it reminds me of my very own furbaby waiting for me back home!
With such a slew of different worlds, there is sure to be something to your liking! From 13 September 2024 to 2 February 2025, illumi is here to throw a wrench into your usual hangout plans. And a little birdie told me that illumi adapts itself to the themes different holidays bring, so be sure to check it out then as well!
illumi 2024
Convinced? Well, head down to illumi’s official website for full details of the event! With a huge range of ticket types available, be sure to check out which one is for you.
🗓️Date: 13 September 2024 to 2 February 2025
📍Location: Bayfront Event Space, 12A Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018970
💲Price:
- Child (2 – 12 years): From S$15
- Adult: From S$25
- VIP: From S$50
Photos by Leo Chia of the DANAMIC team
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