10 Secret Free Things To Do In Sentosa That Will Make You Want To Visit It This Weekend
Sentosa has been branding itself as the “The State of Fun”. Without a doubt, there’s really so much fun we can have on this small island. But all locals know that due to the touristy nature of the island, almost any type of ‘fun’ in Sentosa comes with an expensive price tag. No wonder there’s an inside joke that Sentosa stands for – So Expensive Nothing To See Also.
SG50 has brought about many promotional packages and discounts in Sentosa, but now in 2016, some of us might be trying to siam (avoid) Sentosa again because it’s bo hua (not worth it).
So today, be surprised by the amount of absolutely free things you can do in Sentosa for an entire day of fun!
1. Enjoying the scenic sea view at Sentosa Boardwalk
There are a few ways to enter Sentosa but definitely the cheapest way would be by foot via the boardwalk. This 670m long boardwalk is sheltered all the way, plus there are travelators along the way so you can just hop on and simply enjoy the amazing sea view.
The best part about the boardwalk? There are so many Instagram-worthy spots – both day and night!
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BBbJzAQxsVm/?taken-at=1331432[/embed] [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BA7bJMsEkGK/?taken-at=1331432[/embed]Remember not to miss the sunset on the way out, because why in the world would you want to miss out on a view like this?
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BB4spQ3plxj/?taken-at=1331432[/embed]DiscoverSG Tip: This is one of the best place in Singapore to catch a panoramic sunset view. You can even enjoy the small firework display for the 8pm Crane Dance at the RWS WaterFront from the viewing platform!
Opening Hours:
Daily – All day
*Free entry till 31st Dec 2016
2. Soak in the buzzing atmosphere at Sentosa’s Boardwalk Bazaar
Every weekend there will be a bazaar held along the boardwalk where you can find some unique handcrafted goods or steal some great deals!
Maybe a chance for you to grab a selfie stick before heading into Sentosa!
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BAmMkYNiUbv/?taken-at=1331432[/embed]Opening Hours:
Saturdays – 4pm to 11.30pm
Sundays – 2pm to 9.30pm
3. Take a billion photos at the Fort Siloso Skywalk
We all know the Henderson Waves and MacRitchie TreeTop Walk, but one of the super underrated, lesser known Skywalks in Singapore is the Fort Siloso Skywalk. This is the newest addition to Singapore’s skywalk block and the tallest one yet!
Standing at 11 storeys high, this elevated bridge offers amazing scenic views of the Western Sentosa as well as Mount Faber and Keppel Harbour. History lovers can also learn much about the defence by the British Army in the 19th Century Singapore at sheltered rest points. If you aren’t a fan of history, I’m sure the thrill of being this high up will satisfy your ‘wanderlusting’ spirit.
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/54jT6VQLSu/?tagged=fortsilososkywalk[/embed]And the thing is you can post photos with an overseas geotag on Instagram. Shhhh go ahead we won’t tell!
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BB7K8d7g-eS/?taken-at=776069788[/embed]Opening Hours:
Daily – All day
*The Skywalk is access via lift or stairs. The lift operates from 9am – 7pm.
4. Step into your history and social studies textbooks with the Fort Siloso Tour
If enjoy learning about history, this is definitely not to be missed!
Fort Siloso is one of most historically rich places in Singapore and it has the nation’s largest display of World War II relics with coastal guns, tunnels, photographs, films, life-sized replicas and exhibits. What’s more is that there will be free Fort Siloso Guided Tours on Fridays, Weekends and Public Holidays!
[caption id="attachment_3376" align="alignnone" width="750"]Siloso beach is known for their variety of recreational activities by the beach and of course, where you can find some of the hottest hunks and bikini babes 😉
Okay that aside, one of the free yet most fun beach activity is beach volleyball.
Drag your friends down for a game or simply just join people who are already playing on these courts!
[caption id="attachment_3370" align="alignnone" width="1280"]I don’t know about you but how about holding the next Sentosa Spookcular here?
DiscoverSG Tip: If you are feeling brave as hell, why not try going for an adventure here at night? 😉
Opening Hours:
Daily – All Day
9. Dreaming about the filthy rich lifestyle at Quayside Isle
Want to get a glimpse of the rich and glamorous life?
Head down to Quayside Isle in Sentosa Cove for a walk and dream about owning one of those yachts docked at the bay. And it’s definitely somewhere to bring your date to.
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BCLQ8_4OE-l/?taken-at=214825485[/embed] [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/_zY2bzFZga/?taken-at=214825485[/embed]Well, at least we can dream right?
Opening Hours:
Daily – All Day
10. Bring the kids to interact with animals and birds
The ‘Animals and Birds Encounter’ at Palawan is something for the kids since most of the free activities are targeted at adults.
It’s a short but entertaining education show where you can get up close with the animals and even pet them!
Also, there will be many photo-taking opportunities so you don’t need to go to the zoo to do so.
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/sCfzZ5IzFu/?taken-at=265841021[/embed]Opening Hours:
Daily – Different Showtimes from 2pm to 5.30pm
Check the Showtimes
4 Hidden Ice Cream Spots You Should Totally Check Out At Toa Payoh!
Some days you feel like having the nostalgic one-dollar ice cream from the neighbourhood ice cream cart, other days you feel a tad more fancy and want to splurge on atas ice cream. Well, this list is perfect for those “splurge-days” when you want to give yourself a treat.
1. Creamier
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BCDVc3eBUnk/[/embed] [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BBuoaN9Nb53/[/embed]First up is a well-known favourite. This ice cream and coffee cafe is constantly packed with people (yes, even on weekdays) looking to get a premium ice cream fix, with signature flavours like their Sea Salt Gula Melaka and Mango Passion Sorbet drawing in legions of fans.
If anything, you should probably try out their seasonal and limited edition flavours before they’re gone. These flavours include Black Sesame, Chocolate Banana, and White Peach Chardonnay.
Creamier
Blk 128 Toa Payoh Lorong 1 #01-835
+65 6250 1476
12:00pm – 10:00pm, closed on Mondays
2. The Dream Cafe
https://www.instagram.com/p/BAY-O3zKxwh/?tagged=thedreamcafe
[caption id="attachment_3171" align="aligncenter" width="800"]Just down the road from Creamier, The Dream Cafe is more popular among the student crowd, with student prices for some of their desserts.
Regular flavours like Vanilla, and Hazelnut are a given, but Salted Caramel Almond gelato is becoming a fast favourite. Pair the ice cream with their premium gelato and belgian waffles for that indulgent treat. If you need a meal before savouring some dessert, they serve mains like fish and chips too.
The Dream Cafe
Blk 163 Toa Payoh Lorong 1 #01-1016
+65 6258 3120
1:00pm – 10:30pm, daily
For more cafe-hopping ideas, here are some of the best cafes for coffee in Singapore.
3. The Little Prince Cafe
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/pLxow4FfCn/[/embed] [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/zcCmbigUZo/[/embed]This themed cafe considers itself “a refuge and a haven for those who wish to escape the realities of adulthood”. We heartily agree. Its cute interior, complete with whimsical wall sketches, is inspired by the classic tale of Le Petit Prince.
Of course, you’ll find the books of its namesake there as well. This makes it a great spot to savour their ice-cream, along with the tale that inspired this cafe. Try some fun flavours like Cotton Candy, or enjoy quality classics like Mint and Chocolate.
The Little Prince Cafe
Blk 47 Lor 6 Toa Payoh #01-134
+65 8684 8218
Tue – Thu: 12:00pm – 9:00pm
Fri, Sat: 12:00pm – 10:30pm
4. Shrove Tuesday
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/9ho1uVSi7V/[/embed] [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/_YNQaxAv7Q/[/embed]This last pick is another gelato spot. The menu offers tasty pastries including macarons and rainbow cakes, but we reckon it’s the gelato that takes the front seat. Their range of flavours include Raspberry Lychee Rose, Tiramisu, Madagascar Vanilla, and local-inspired favourites like Durian and Nyonya Chendol.
Shrove Tuesday
Blk 94 Lorong 4 Toa Payoh #01-32
+65 6258 2254
Tue – Thu: 12:00pm – 10:00pm
Fri, Sat: 12:00pm – 11:00pm
With such ice cream choices, it’s no wonder Singaporeans love to chill and have their dessert. Let us know if there’s a cool ice cream place we should know about!
Looking for more dessert options? Read about the 6 Best Churros Places in Singapore.
Chomp Chomp Food Centre – 5 Must Try Hawker Stalls Only Insiders Will Know!
Looking to satisfy your late night cravings? This iconic makan place retains much of its old charm.
Supper in the Singaporean context is a late evening meal comprising local fare that’s rustic, gratuitous, unpretentious and never nutritious – usually partaken in the company of compatriots at an outdoor hawker setting.
Chomp Chomp at Serangoon Gardens exists for supper-goers like me. The stores’ opening hours start at 6pm and extend beyond midnight. I was introduced to ‘Chomp’ in 2008 and have found myself returning religiously ever since.
Frequent visitors have a common process: Find a seat, remember your seat number, appoint someone to stay behind to ‘chope’ the seats while the rest split up and order food. In case you are unfamiliar with the iconic food centre, here are some food that you should absolutely order when you are there.
Ah Hock Hokkien Mee
On peak days, Ah Hock will inform you of a 40-minute waiting time so order this first. This drier take on Hokkien Mee pairs yellow noodles with normal bee hoon noodles instead of the popular ‘chu mee fen’ (thick bee hoon) strands. Because the noodles are cooked, or rather less cooked, to a firmer consistency, this pairing works better in this case.
My only gripe about Ah Hock is that on good days, the sauce is rich and flavourful, the prawns are fresh and the chilli is savoury while on other days, one or more elements of the dish will go awry. My tip: order no larger than the $5 serving to hedge your risk.
Chong Pang Huat BBQ Chicken Wings
Head next door and order good ol’ Chicken Wings – the classic supper food! Sure, Chomp Chomp is filled with other stalls selling chix wings, but while competitors have come and gone, this store has stood the test of time which should mean their doing something right. At least I think so.
Traditional Hai Nam Fang Yuan Satay
Facing the chicken wings stall, make an about-turn and you’ll find this Satay stall, but don’t order the Satay. I mean, you can, but that would be beside the point. You want to try their Rojak. The ingredients come in generous crispy chunks and the thick sauce has a nice smoky flavour about it.
Swee Heng Wanton Noodle
My definition of good Wonton Mee: firm but springy strands of thin yellow noodles seasoned with an almost colourless but flavourful sauce, of course embellished with thick cuts of Char Siew pork, blanched veggies and a side of Wonton Soup. This stall delivers just that – most of the time. If you’re a purist lard lover, you may want to look elsewhere because I couldn’t detect any trace of it.
Charlie Corner Healthy Juices
Finally, what better way to cleanse your palate than with a refreshingly healthy glass of fruit juice? For that, I like to go to Charlie (as you can see accompanied with my plate of rojak) if for nothing else than his jovial service.
***
Does Chomp Chomp serve the best food? I dare say, not really. But what’s unique about this place is the atmosphere. The place just comes alive at night and gives off a certain vibe. You have to visit to experience it.
No Places To Go? Here Are 5 Fun Places In Singapore For An Afternoon Of Activity!
We almost always head to the same few places every weekend. Is there really nowhere else to go?
With a bit of research, we’ve compiled a list of 5 fun places in Singapore (away from the bustling city) for an afternoon of activity!
1. Singapore Zoo/Night Safari/River Safari – Relive your childhood by going on an excursion
Be it school excursions or family outings, most of us have gone to the as a kid. Wouldn’t it be interesting to see how the Zoo has changed since then?
Go for a day out at the Zoo and feast your eyes once more on the magnificence of over 300 different species of wildlife that reside in the 26 hectare animal park.
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BAqq-_otR51/[/embed] [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BCJq_9cvC3X/[/embed] [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BCJyVL_lPhf/[/embed]Too busy in the day? No worries, because the is open from 7:15pm to midnight. As the world’s first safari park for nocturnal animals, the Night Safari can be touted as a unique experience in its own right.
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwxLCUgYTJQ[/embed]
Been to both the Zoo and Night Safari recently? We got it covered!
The latest addition to our wildlife reserves is the which was built with inspiration from the world’s greatest rivers. One of their more popular attractions include the Giant Panda Forest, where panda darlings Kai Kai and Jia Jia currently reside at.
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yXTpFqbMoA[/embed]
Singapore Zoo/Night Safari/River Safari
Address: 80 Mandai Lake Rd, Singapore 729826
Opening Hours:
Zoo: 8:30am – 6pm
River Safari: 10am – 7pm
Night Safari: 7:15pm – 12mn
Tel: (65) 6269 3411
Email: [email protected]
2. Bollywood Veggies – Discover Singapore’s countryside
Founded by Ivy Singh and her husband, Bollywood Veggies
Address: 100 Neo Tiew Road, Singapore 719026 (Kranji)
Tel: +65 6898 5001
Opening Hours:
Wed-Fri: 9.30am – 6.30pm
Sat, Sun & PH: 8.00am – 6.30pm
Mon-Tue Closed (except for PH)
3. Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve – Enjoy a serene walk with Mother Nature
As Singapore’s first ASEAN Heritage Park, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve has much to offer. Explore the vast mangroves and trails that span all over the reserve as you contemplate the beauty of your surroundings.
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BCInBTgKXhP/[/embed]Play a game of Hide-N-Seek with our native mangrove inhabitants such as mud lobsters, monitor lizards and otters amidst the muddy landscape.
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BCKmDqHElbE/[/embed]Between September to March, visitors can also observe the flocks of many different species of migratory birds.
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BCKd3JtJvvs/[/embed]According to a 2011 Bird Checklist released by the National Parks Board, over 200 different species of birds have been recorded on-site at the reserve!
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BCH22vPniI-/[/embed] [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BB-lhl0RvNh/[/embed]Guided tours are also available in English and Mandarin. Click here for more information!
4. Red Dynasty Paintball Park – Bond with your friends by firing paint-bullets at each other
Delight in the exhilarating thrill of an adrenaline rush as you feel paint-bullets brush past your mask. Since 2007, [email protected]
Red Dynasty also operates two other paintball parks in Singapore, click Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) and they provide a wide variety of select seafood such as fish, sting-ray, crabs, clams, as well as lobsters to many of our local food establishments.
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/5AkW97PrPL/[/embed]Their sources include local fish trawlers, fish farms, as well as in-shore vessels. Over here, you can get your hands on the freshest seafood available at wholesale prices. Now you know where to go if you’re planning for a cookout or BBQ.
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/tJvXdqqtGH/[/embed]Senoko Fishery Port
Address: 31 Attap Valley Road, #02-29, Singapore 759908
Opening hours: Tue-Sun from 2am – 6am
Tel: 6257 9760 / 6257 6721
So, who says Singapore is boring? If we’ve left out any must visit places in Singapore, leave us a comment!
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10 Best Places To Run In Singapore – #2 Will Make You Want To Put On Those Sneakers Now!
In search of running routes? Even among our office skyscrapers and high-rise HDB flats, there are countless pockets of surprises that bring us close to nature. Here’s our list of the 10 Best Places to Run in Singapore.
1. Best Nature Getaway – Macritchie Reservoir
The moment you step inside Macritchie’s trail, the hustle and bustle of the city is completely blocked out as you immerse in its lush, green jungle. Its terrain varies – the initial soil trail among tall trees lead to a wooden boardwalk by the reservoir. Then, it turns into a rocky path along a luxurious, manicured golf course. You are sure to spot plenty of monkeys on the way!
If you want to experience walking on a freestanding suspension bridge among the nature park’s canopies, the TreeTop walk is worth a detour.
For an arm workout instead, Macritchie also offers rental of kayaks.
One loop: 11km
Google maps here.
2. Most Surprises Along the Way – Southern Ridges
Coniferous trees overlooking the sea. Suspended walkways zigzagging through tree tops. Panaromic views of the city skyline. This is a long, undulating route but we absolutely love it because the sceneries along the way are just breathtaking.
The Southern Ridges connect the hills of Kent Ridge Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park, HortPark and Mount Faber Park. There are various entry points to choose from. If you want to enjoy the entire trail, Kent Ridge MRT is an accessible place to start.
One-way from Kent Ridge MRT to Harbourfront MRT: 8kmGoogle maps here.
3. Most Spectacular Night Run – Gardens by the Bay + Marina Bay
A popular route among joggers working in CBD. Despite running it during countless lunch breaks and after work, the city skyline never fails to impress each time.Time your run to catch the MBS light show daily at 8pm and 9.30pm
When there are events held at SportsHub (like SEA Games 2015 closing), you may catch a first-class view of the fireworks along the Kallang basin
Small loop around Marina Bay: 5km
Big loop including Gardens By The Bay, Marina Barrage and Singapore SportsHub: 15kmGoogle maps here.
4. Most Happening – Sentosa
Dodge tourists to avoid being a photo bomber as you run pass Resorts World Sentosa and Universal Studios. Say hi to beach hunks, bikini babes and the Merlion. Rub sweaty shoulders with the rich and famous joggers of the Sentosa Cove neighbourhood.
Loop around Sentosa: 14km
Google maps here.
5. Best for Beginners – East Coast Park
Singapore’s longest park. There are plenty of toilets, vending machines and food stops along the way (if you need a rest). There is the beach with sea breeze against your cheeks. Plus, it’s a straight route – start anywhere and you won’t get lost.
Two-way: 14kmGoogle maps here.
6. Best Blend of Nature and History – Labrador Park
Labrador Park is truly an eclectic mix of nature and history because you get to run amongst the mangroves, forest and beachfront – all while appreciating relics of Singapore’s past. No kidding, these include an actual cannon that defended our coastline in WWII and a symbolic replica of the Long Ya Men (or Dragon’s Teeth Gate) that used to stand at the gateway to Keppel Harbour.
The Long Ya Men was said to help Zheng He in navigating the waters around Singapore during his seven maritime voyages to the west between 1405 and 1433 AD.
Cross the bridge towards Keppel Island and end at Harbourfront MRT
One-way from Labrador MRT – Harbourfront MRT: 6kmGoogle maps here.
7. Most Rustic – The Green Corridor
The Green Corridor is 26km if you run from Woodlands Train Checkpoint to the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station. There is a certain charm to this place; each trip feels like an adventurous exploration with its beaten path surrounded by tall grasses and certain parts of preserved railway tracks (which has been around since 1903!).
Although we’ve ran and cycled parts of it, we haven’t done the full route (yet). If you want to catch a glimpse of the corridor, it’s an 8km run from Commonwealth MRT southwards, ending at Rail Mall past the iconic black metal bridge.
Partial one-way: 8km
Full Green Corridor route: 26kmGoogle maps here.
8. Heartland Favourites – Bedok Reservoir
Besides East Coast Park, Bedok Reservoir is a great alternative for those living in the East to enjoy a breezy run with a view.
One loop around Bedok Reservoir: 4km
Two-way from Simei MRT: 13kmGoogle maps here.
9. The Ditch
For Westies, the Ditch gives an enjoyable, cooling run along Pandan River with plenty of lush greenery along the way. The route is well-lit which makes for a great night run as well.
Two-way from Dover MRT: 11kmGoogle maps here.
10. Punggol Waterway
Even though Punggol Waterway is built with several man-made structures, it exudes a certain rawness in its beauty. Cross a beautiful metal bridge over its rivers, enjoy huge spaces of greenery and spot Malaysia, Pulau Ubin or Coney Island as you jog along our northern coastline.
Loop from Punggol MRT: 14kmGoogle maps here.
Where are your favourite running routes? Let us know if we’ve missed out any gems!
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This article was originally published on Instagram @explorerwoo.
Kranji Marshes Opens With Free Guided Walks To Restricted Areas, Perfect For Nature Lovers!
Bird watchers and nature lovers rejoice! The largest freshwater marshland, Kranji Marshes, has finally opened its doors to the public. For those unfamiliar with Kranji Marches, the 56.8-hectare freshwater marshland is home to unique biodiversity.
Here’s what you need to know for a trip to Kranji Marshes.
1. Public Area vs Core Conservation Area
[caption id="attachment_2125" align="alignnone" width="720"]Kranji Marshes is actually split into two main areas – the public area that is open to all members of the public, and the restricted core conservation area that is deemed to be ecologically sensitive. You can enter the core conservation area if you sign up for a guided tour.
2. Free Guided Walks
[caption id="attachment_2122" align="alignnone" width="700"]If you’d like to access the conservation areas, do sign up for a guided walk. NParks offers a 3km walk (2 hours) of the marshes once every month, bringing visitors through the different habitats of marsh, grass, and woodland.
Nature Society (Singapore) also organises guided walks that take visitors on a boardwalk exploration of the marsh.The walk takes about 3 hours and include opportunities for birdwatching.
While both tours are free, members of the public must register online beforehand. Visitors who turn up without registering will not be able to join the tours. Find out more here.
3. Home To Rich Biodiversity
[caption id="attachment_2123" align="alignnone" width="851"]According to NParks, Kranji Marshes is home to more than 170 species of birds, 54 species of butterflies, and 33 species of dragonflies! Alongside Sungei Buloh Nature Reserve, Kranji Marshes plays an important role in providing a habitat for the conservation of wildlife in the Kranji area.
4. Plenty of Shelter
[caption id="attachment_2120" align="alignnone" width="700"]A visit to Kranji Marshes will give you that breather you need! Have a moment at Moorhen Blind or Swamphen Hide and enjoy the therapeutic sounds of birdsong. Both stations have wooden seats that overlook marsh landscapes, are great places for birdwatching and taking in the sights of nature.
5. An Instaworthy Location
[caption id="attachment_2127" align="alignnone" width="700"]Are you always on keen lookout for instaworthy locations? Well, here’s one more to add to your list! Apart from making a good picture, the 10.65m Raptor Tower offers you a panoramic view of the surrounding marshes in the conservation area. There are also boards that help you identify the different species of birds you may catch glimpses of.
6. Look Up & Down!
While at Kranji Gate, look up and down! The glass roof has decals of birds in flight and when sun rays hit the roof, their shadows get projected on the ground.
7. Bird Watching Stations & Information Boards
[caption id="attachment_2121" align="alignnone" width="700"]If you’re worried about not being able to differentiate one bird from the next, fret not! Information boards are set up at every bird watching station to help you with the identification process. There are even fact files about some birds, and other little nuggets of information. Talk about bringing learning out of the classroom!
8. Other Park Information
[caption id="attachment_2116" align="alignnone" width="560"]The park is open from 7am-7pm daily. Do note that there is no lighting in the evenings! The park is also wheelchair- and pram-friendly, with the exception of the Raptor Tower. You may also refer to NParks’ website on Kranji Marshes for more information.
9. Getting there
[caption id="attachment_2119" align="alignnone" width="700"]Planning a visit to Kranji Marshes soon? Here’s how to get there.
From Kranji MRT Station, hop onto the Kranji Express Bus which operates daily from 8.30am-5.45pm. It will take you to Kranji Gate. Fares cost $3.00 for adults, $1.00 for children under 12 years old, and $1.00 for senior citizens 60 years old and above.
If you’re driving there, the address is 11 Neo Tiew Lane 2, and there is a car park with 20 parking lots, 10 motorcycle lots, and 30 bicycle lots at Kranji Gate.
If Your Date Brings You To These 8 Places In Singapore, You Know You Are Special
Living on an island-nation like Singapore, it becomes a challenge to find fresh activities and places to go to for dates. You either go back to the same places for your usual dates, or follow the crowd and check out trending cafes you saw your friends posting about on Instagram or Facebook.
If your other half ever brought you to the places below, you know you must be that special someone who made him or her go the extra mile to discover them. Some of them could be tucked away in a quaint and cosy corner of Singapore; some not the most common activities; and others you could hardly associate dating with (and yet it could be proven otherwise!).
1. NOX – Dine in the Dark
You know you are exceptional when your partner is willing to try something different with you, such as savouring a mystery set dinner in complete darkness. It’s not easy to dine comfortably with someone when nothing is in sight. You must be absolutely at ease with your dinner date, knowing that conversations will keep coming through while you engage your other senses during the meal.
Seated in a pitch-black dining room, in the comfort of your company, you will be served their exquisite European menu crafted from the finest ingredients. A truly human experience like this is not something he or she will share with just anybody!
2. Bollywood Veggies
(Image Credits: Bollywood Veggies Official Website)
A farm and a bistro in the rustic environment of the Northwest Kranji side, this place is a rare find on our little red dot. Besides enjoying a farm-to-table experience as you indulge in their local and fusion cuisine, there are many other fun, hands-on activities available. These activities include a guided farm tour, potting session, culinary class, and more.
Honestly, a trip to Bollywood Veggies would make a fresh date, literally. If your significant other has made the effort to plan a trip with you there and was happy to explore a more rural routine with you for a day, he or she is quite a keeper because you know no one usually goes for farm dates in Singapore.
3. DIVINE Wine Extraordinaire
(Image credits: DIVINE Official Website)
Located in so-called Singapore’s Gotham City (an art-deco business complex Parkview Square), DIVINE is a lush wine bar featuring bold decorative art designs and textured planes of the Jazz-Age. The highlight of this extravagant wine bar is definitely its spectacular centerpiece – a 12-metre high wine cellar. Holding up to 3,000 bottles, it chills over 200 varieties of the world’s finest wine vintages. The most fascinating part is that, they actually use a wine fairy (yes, it’s a human wine fairy dressed up with fairy wings) who “flies” up to retrieve the bottle of wine you order from the cellar! We guess your partner must have done his or her homework to uncover this beautiful and intriguing bar for you?
4. Cups N Canvas
(Image Credits: CupsNCanvas Instagram Page)
Arteastiq might be a recent hit for couples wanting to paint together, but did you know about the conceptually similar cafe-studio Cups N Canvas? Housed within a characteristic art-decor shophouse with a peculiar personality, Cups N Canvas is a great place to enjoy a sensual painting experience with your significant other while sipping an aromatic cup of coffee. They provide art-jamming sessions on weekdays, and guided art painting sessions with experienced tutors on weekends. Choose from not just acrylic paint, but also watercolour and oil paints. Brownie points for your partner if he or she managed to introduce this place to you!
5. Whale & Cloud
(Image Credits: Whale & Cloud FB Page)
Unlike the usual cafe, Whale & Cloud is only open for a few hours during weekends, caps the maximum number of guests at 12, and does not have an obvious main entrance. Well, we wouldn’t disagree with what their Instagram profile states – “Many will seek and not all shall find” – it does actually require prior research to locate the cafe! If you have been there on a date before, you know the chance did not come by easy. (P/S: Heads up if you want to try going – The last we heard, the secret café has gone on hiatus for a while.)
6. Homerun Baseball
(Image Credits: Homerun Baseball FB Page)
Forget the mainstream sports that the both of you might have tried together before. You must be someone who is spontaneous and game enough for an alternative recreational activity if your date brought you along for some swinging action! As Homerun Baseball provides an automated indoor baseball and softball batting cage location, you can perfect your swings and work on your batting accuracy without sweating under the hot sun. Even if you are not a baseball enthusiast, this is a great place to de-stress, work your arm muscles, and just have fun with your date.
7. Palm Ave Float Club
(Image Credits: Palm Ave Float Club Official Website)
Who says a date necessarily means that both of you have to be together doing something all the time? Here’s something different for the adventurous: Floatation. After engaging in your usual activities, reset your mind and body as you experience floatation in a special tank. With your mind from distraction and body free from gravity, floating benefits you through rapid stress relief, faster recovery of the body, and many other ways. The float rooms are for individuals, but we are pretty certain it is definitely a one-of-a-kind experience that you cannot wait to share with your partner once each of you is done with it!
8. Raffles Lighthouse
(Image Credits: The Straits Times)
Not everyone will think of bringing their other half to visit a lighthouse, and that’s something interesting by itself! Raffles Lighthouse, built in dedication to Sir Stamford Raffles, is located at Singapore’s Southern-most island of Pulau Satumu, which is also known as “One Tree Island”.
If you have ever climbed the 88 spiraling steps to the glass-paneled dome that sits 29 meters off the ground, you were pretty lucky because the lighthouse is usually not open to visitors. It is only accessible to the visitors during certain times of the year, with the most recent public access during Singapore Maritime Week 2015. Besides exploring and learning about the beauty of the towering lighthouse, the island also provides lovely scenery with its clear waters, sea breezes and fresh air. Guess what – there are occasional rare sightings of wild dolphins in the waters near the lighthouse too! If you are keen to go with your date next time, keep a lookout for the next tour provided by Singapore Heritage Fest or MPA.
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Not sure where to go for your date? Join us as a beta-tester for our new and upcoming app – WhereTwo! WhereTwo is all about helping you find the best places in Singapore to go for dates, be it by areas, themes or occasions. On the app, users contribute real reviews from their couple experiences on a dining, activity, or event location. In short, it provides date recommendations by couples, for couples and dating singles.
Interested? Sign up with your email in this link and you will receive a unique download link for exclusive access to our beta version! 🙂
This article is written by Yuting Lai from Between.
Katong Welcomes Its Newest Dog Cafe – And We Think You Will Love It!
Looking for a place to eat, chill and play with your beloved canine friends? Well, the newly opened 3 Barks Cafe has got you covered!
Finally, you can say goodbye to the pangs of guilt that strike as you walk out of the door and see your dog gazing up sadly at you..
Photo credits: Katong Kids Inc
Located beside Scanteak in Joo Chiat, 3 Barks Cafe is situated beside an open car park and 200m away from a bus stop (Take Bus 16 from Bedok Interchange). So getting here is not difficult at all!
Photo credits: Katong Kids Inc
3 Barks Cafe was recently founded by 3 passionate dog lovers whose aim is to deliver the best dog cafe experience in Katong for you and your loved ones.
Photo credits: 3 Barks Cafe
Friendly staff are also on site to play with your furry friends and attend to their every need!
Upon entering, the homely decor and aroma of hot, tasty food making you feel welcome instantly.
Photo credits: Katong Kids Inc
https://www.instagram.com/p/-wbJTyqI86/?taken-by=3barkscafe
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/-iBe6xqI-O/?taken-by=3barkscafe[/embed]The first floor is the cafe area for food, chilling and good times. Dig into hearty finger food with options such as sesame chicken wings, pepperoni pizza and even a mixed platter for the indecisive folks.
Artisanal ice cream sandwiches, molten lava cake and waffles are also available to satisfy your post-meal sinful dessert cravings.
And don’t feel guilty about your pet going hungry while you dig into your food – there is a menu just for your beloved dogs! Options include a nutritious serving of chicken breast or salmon complete with brown rice, mashed sweet potato and steamed carrots!
Watch the pups play with each other as you savour your delicious food! / Photo credits: Katong Kids Inc
After a satisfying meal downstairs, head up to the Fun House on the 2nd floor and be greeted by…
Photo credits: Katong Kids Inc
…A wide collection of obstacles for your furry friend to train his/her agility and simply have a good time!
Watch in delight as your dogs repeatedly conquer the mini hill and race through the tunnels / Photo Credits: Katong Kids Inc
And you know they will absolutely love this doggy slide! / Photo credits: 3 Barks Cafe
Photo credits: 3 Barks Cafe
The 3rd floor is the Sky Suite – 3 Barks Cafe’s event space. This is perfect for your dog’s birthday party or a gathering for friends with fellow pooches.
So if you’re thinking of what to do this weekend, why not take your four-legged friend and family out for a meaningful bonding experience?
ADDRESS:
327 Joo Chiat Rd
Singapore 427584
OPENING HOURS:
12pm – 9pm (Mon – Thu), 12pm – 10pm (Fri), 10am – 11pm (Sat), 10am – 9pm (Sun)
Featured image credits: Katong Kids Inc
