Tag: Kusu Island

12 Valentine’s Day Date Experiences That Don’t Involve Dinners And Movies

Don’t get us wrong, the dinner and movie date will always be a classic. But if you’ve been together for a while now, you must be a little bored by this date combination.

This special occasion, Valentine’s Day, is when couples should spend time together doing something more memorable. Shake things up by taking your pick amongst these fun, relaxing and romantic activities guaranteed to give both of you quality time. You’ll make memories to keep for a lifetime.

Make this Valentine’s Day an extra special one, with these 12 date experiences you won’t forget!

1. Live Music at the Botanic Gardens

If the standard picnic isn’t quite special enough for you, try one where you and your date are serenaded by incredible live music, against the backdrop of a moonlit sky.

The Singapore Botanic Gardens Bandstand will be showcasing a series of melodic live acts the weekend before Valentine’s Day. So grab your sweetheart and a picnic mat for two unforgettable nights of soul soothing indie pop in the middle of a natural scenic setting.

What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than with good music, lush greenery and a sky full of stars? Head down with your loved one early enough to grab a good spot and catch the sunset together before a relaxing night.

Valentine’s Day 2017 @ Botanic Gardens
Where: Singapore Botanic Gardens, Bandstand
Date: 10-12 Feb 2017
Time: 6pm to 10pm
Price: Free
Website

2. Marina Bay Sands Light & Water Show

If you haven’t seen the Wonder Full Light and Water Spectacular at Marina Bay Sands yet, this is something uniquely Singaporean that you and your loved one have to experience together at least once. This is one majestic water-fire-light show that’ll take your breath away.

The show begins with a single drop of water, signifying the beginning of life, and matures into a vibrant extravaganza–so much like your ever growing love. Fall in love again amidst the amazing convergence of light, music and sound, with the stunning cityscape of Singapore lit up in the backdrop.

If you’re enjoying a post dinner stroll along the Marina Bay, be sure not to miss this majestic show that will add that spark to complete your romantic and breezy evening at the waterfront.

Wonder Full Light and Water Show
Where: Marina Bay Sands Event Plaza at the Promenade
When: Sunday-Thursday 8pm, 9:30pm; Friday-Saturday: 8pm, 9:30pm, 11pm
Price: Free
Tel: 6688 8868
Don’t just promise your beloved the moon and the stars–show it to them! If there’s a most stereotypical romantic nighttime date, stargazing has to be it. And yes, you can do that right here in Singapore.

[caption id="attachment_22402" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Image credit: Telegraph[/caption]

For one night each week, the Science Centre Observatory offers free star-gazing sessions. Peer at the surrounding constellations in both the northern and southern celestial hemispheres through their super telescopes, and perhaps catch a meteoroid shower while you are it. Andromeda is also a lesser-known observatory where you catch glimpses of star clusters in the Andromeda Galaxy.

For a little more privacy, you can also try West Coast Park, Fort Canning Hill, (or any secluded spot far from the city lights, really!) in the evenings to immerse yourselves in the celestial spectacle.

Science Centre Observatory
Where: Singapore Science Centre Omnitheatre, 21 Jurong Town Hall Road
When: Every Friday, 7.30pm to 10pm
Price: Free
Website

Andromeda Observatory
Where: Woodlands Galaxy Community Club, 31 Woodlands Avenue 6
When: Every Friday and Saturday, 7.30PM-9.30PM
Price: $1 per visit

4. Couple Spa

Noticed that work has been taking a toll on your loved one? Stress can take away the sweet moments you’re supposed to be spending together, so take this Valentine’s Day to relax and pamper yourselves at with a couple spa package!

We recommend Auriga Spa specially for this V-day. Chill in one of its four couple spa suites that come with their private garden. Their PS I Love You head-to-toe treatment starts with a relaxing foot massage with rose scrub, followed by a indulgent full body massage.

A candlelit bath–yes, with rose petals and the lot–and two glasses of champagne round off your intimate session.

Auriga Spa
Address: Capella Singapore, 1 The Knolls, Singapore 098297
Open: Daily 10am-10pm
Tel: 6591 5023
Price: PS I Love You Treatment $688 for two/165 minutes
Website

Also, read Nothing Above $60 – Indulge In An Affordable Full Body Massage

5. Perfume Workshop

Embrace your chance to create a custom fragrance with your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day. At Je T’aime Perfumery’s couples perfume workshop, you’ll be able to design the perfect blend of unique ingredients based on you and your partner’s traits and preferences.

For starters, you’ll be given a perfume personality questionnaire. Shake things up by filling it in for each other, and you may be surprised by the results! You can then use that as a guide to match the oils in olfactory families and create the formula for a signature scent only you two will have. #couplegoals

Je T’aime Couples Perfume Workshop
Where: 90 Good Man Road, Block O, #01-57 Singapore 439053
When: Monday & Tuesday 10am to 4pm; Wednesday-Sunday 10am to 8pm
Price: $250
Tel: (65) 91814871
Email: [email protected]
Website

6. Island Hopping

Thinking of a short getaway with your sweetie?

Spend the day on one of Singapore’s scenic Southern islands, or explore the lot of them! Singapore Island Cruises runs daily ferrying services to Singapore’s many secretive islands off the coast.

Kusu Island boasts Malay shrines, a Chinese temple, tortoises and beautiful beaches, while Sisters’ Island allows for camping and snorkeling. St. John’s Island has great trekking, swimming and fishing, while Lazarus Island is perfect for suntanning and picnicking.

No matter where you go, you’re bound to feel like you’re on vacation.

Try island hopping to create an exclusive and memorable Valentine’s Day for you and your beloved!

Singapore Island Cruise
Where: #01-04 Marina South Pier, 31 Marina Coastal Drive, Singapore 018988
When: See site for individual ferry schedules
Price: $18 per two-way ticket
Tel: 6534 9339
Here Are 6 Singapore Offshore Islands You Can Visit To Get Away From The Crowd!

7. Say It With Love

Celebrate Cupid’s season with your loved one by heading down to The Meadow at Gardens by the Bay for Say it with Love–an assortment of activities to enjoy with your partner, and even friends and family.

Create a field aglow with dreams by penning your wishes for each other on a glow-in-the-dark windmill to plant on an expanse of green.

You can also art jam with artists from Band of Doodlers, buy a unique handcrafted item for a good cause, or create a gift for that special someone at fun workshops. The highlights of the event are the cosy evening picnic and movie under the stars.

Pack your own picnic or get a couple’s picnic bag ($60-$65), which comes with a mat, snacks and a choice of either wine, a platter of finger food or a box of sandwiches.

Say It With Love
Venue: The Meadows, Gardens By The Bay
Address: 18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953
When: Friday 24 Feb 2017  Saturday 25 Feb 2017
Price: Free

8. Dance Classes

Venture out of your comfort zone and learn something new together this Valentine’s Day by signing up for a couple dance class! John & Josephine Dance Creative offers Latin, Waltz, Cha Cha and many other styles for you to Tango the night away.

Partner dances are beautiful, intimate, and require much communication and coordination. That should pretty much strengthen your relationship, and we promise that you will have a ball of a time!

Ballroom dancing may be a good one to start with, since you’ll have to learn to do it at your wedding anyway. Hint hint.

John & Josephine Dance Creative
Where: John & Josephine Dance Creative, 1 Sophia Road, #06-27/28, Peace Centre, Singapore 228149
Open: Monday-Friday 12 noon to 10pm, Saturday-Sunday 12 noon to 6pm
Price: $100 per Lesson (per couple), $350 for 4 Lessons
Tel: 6334 6230
Email: [email protected]
Website

9. Pasta Making Workshop

The couple that cooks together, stays together.

That’s why Plentyfull has put together a pasta-making workshop specially for the month of February. You and your partner will follow Head Chef Victor Loy in learning how to make gnocchi from scratch!

Each of the three workshops showcases something different: Russet Potato Gnocchi with Mushroom & Spinach (14 Feb), Pumpkin Gnocchi with Kale & Pecorino (21 Feb), and Gratinated Gluten Free Gnocchi with Anchovies & Capers (28 Feb).

Drop by to pick up a new recipe for a hearty, wholesome, home-cooked meal you can make together for dinner!

Plentyfull Pasta Making Workshop
Where: 9 Raffles Boulevard, #01-79/80 Millenia Walk, Singapore 039596
When: 14, 21 & 28 February 2017
Price: $38 per person
Tel: 6493 2997
Email: [email protected]
Facebook

10. Walk in Nature

With so many green spaces in Singapore, a leisurely stroll amongst our ample greenery makes for a great date idea. You can share a peaceful day in your own world, traipsing through leafy shrubs under the shade of the towering trees.

Take your pick from the many walking guides provided by NParks.

Take your love to new heights at the MacRitchie TreeTop Walk, relive history amongst the Changi Heritage Trees or Fort Canning Park, or go completely off the beaten track at Pulau Ubin.

Hike hand in hand through these walking trails and reconnect in the wilderness this Valentine’s Day!

NParks Walking Guides
Website

11. Cosmic Bowling

Remember the good old days dating at the bowling alley? How about some late night, glow-in-the-dark bowling this Valentine’s Day?

It’s as cool as it sounds. Luminous balls and pins, blasting dance music and disco lighting will surely make for a date night to remember.

Choose amongst Rock, Retro, Kpop and R&B themes on separate nights, and head to your favourite. Get pumped up be prepared to bowl your partner over with your moves both on the alley and the dance floor!

Orchid Bowl Cosmic Bowling
Where:
SAFRA Yishun,  60 Yishun Avenue 4 Singapore 769027
The Chevrons, 48 Boon Lay Way, Singapore 609961
E!hub, Downtown East, 1 Pasir Ris Cl, Singapore 519599
When: Saturdays; individual dates listed on website
Price: $24.50 (SAFRA members), $30 (non-members)
Tel: 6752 6219
Email: [email protected]
Facebook

12. AcroYoga Classes

Yes, you too can be one of those cool couples on Instagram who are always trying fun new things.

This Valentine’s Day, take an Acroyoga class with your loved one! The dynamic aerial postures not only increase core strength and flexibility, but more importantly unites your mind, body and spirit.

This zen sport calms you down, reduces stress and anxiety, and puts you in a better mood. Partner yoga in particular deepens the practice by including your lover in postures where breathing and moving together is key.

At the end of it, expect improved levels of communication, deeper expressions of postures and higher levels of trust.

Acroyoga Jam Singapore
Where: Raffles Place on the outdoor grass lawn in front of The Providore, Raffles MRT
When: Every Thursday 8pm to 10pm, Sunday 4pm to 6pm
Facebook

Shelve your dinner and movie plans, have them another day instead. This Valentine’s Day, we’ve suggested special date night (and day) plans for you already.

Take this chance to spend some good old quality time bonding with your special someone, with some of these memorable activities you can experience as a couple. All you’ve got to do is grab your sweetheart and head to these romantic events happening all throughout the sweetest month of the year!

Also, read 8 Awesome Valentine’s Day Dinner And Gift Ideas For A Truly Special Date

6 Absolutely Beautiful Spots In Singapore That You Can Actually Dive In!

Surprising to many, Singapore is not just a stopover for feasting and shopping. Do you know what we also have a range of diving sites? You probably thought that we have no marine life at all, but our research has proved us wrong!

It doesn’t matter whether you are a seasoned or novice diver, check out our list of diving sites in Singapore. Get your game on for your next adventure!

1. Sisters’ Island Marine Park

Opened to the public recently, scuba divers are now able to register to explore the underwater trails at the Sisters’ Island Marine Park. A wide range of marine life has actually been found in the waters and NParks has developed a first dive trial. It’s located at Pulau Subar Laut or the Big Sister’s Island. Divers have spotted huge seafans and many seawhips along the dive trail.

How to get there: Check out the Dive Trail schedule by NParks here.

2. Pulau Hantu

A 30-minute boat ride from Singapore, Pulau Hantu is a popular diving site for local recreational divers due to its accessibility and sheltered reefs. Pulau Hantu is made up of 2 islands, Hantu Besar and Hantu Kecil. Visitors are able to walk between the islands during its low tide season.

Although Pulau Hantu is located in close vicinity to the Pulau Bukom’s refineries, divers are able to spot rich marine life and reef collection. The high density of divers has led to some coral damage. However, it is still the best and nearest spot for diving in Singapore.

How to get there: Join one of the many dive groups that organise regular trips to Pulau Hantu.

3. Kusu Island

Unlike Pulau Hantu, the reefs of Kusu Island are not as well known to recreational divers. This island is great for divers looking for a less crowded setting. Located just 5.6km from Singapore, Kusu Island houses a 8.5 hectare holiday resort. The island is home to one of the highest densities of anemones and anemonefishes known in Singapore!

How to get there: Ferries depart daily from Marina South Pier. Prices for a two-way trip are fixed at $18 for adults and $12 for children aged 1 to 12 years old.

4. Pulau Salu

Pulau Salu is a small island located to the South of Jurong Island. The coast consists of many coral formations and is a popular spot for scuba diving. Divers would be able to see sharks, barracudas and even dolphins if you’re really lucky. However, currents here can be quite strong thus you must be an experienced diver.

How to get there: There are no scheduled ferries to the island. Charter your own private boat or join dive groups that organise trips to Pulau Salu.

5. Pulau Jong

Being a tiny island, one would not expect Pulau Jong’s waters to be filled with rich marine life and reefs. Black-tip sharks and schools of parrotfishes which are rarely seen on our reefs in Singapore are often spotted in Pulau Jong. Recently, pipefish has also been found there. It’s a new sighting and record for Singapore’s waters.

Due to its location and size, Pulau Jong’s reefs can experience strong and tricky currents of up to 3 knots. There may also be choppy waters in bad weather conditions during the monsoon season. Do check the weather before heading out to dive in Pulau Jong.

How to get there: There are no scheduled ferries to the island. Charter your own private boat or join dive groups that organise trips to Pulau Jong.

6. Labrador Reef

Labrador Reef remains as our last stretch of coral reefs on the mainland. This spot is a popular destination for students, nature lovers and recreational divers who want to explore a natural shore. Even at high tide, interesting marine life is spotted here.

As Labrador is a Nature Reserve, diving there requires the prior permission of NParks. Under NParks regulations, dives are allowed at Labrador reef, but dive trainings are not to be conducted.

How to get there: Labrador Reef is located South of the mainland island.

Nothing beats the thrill of diving in our very own Singapore waters! Call all your diving kakis and make a trip down to one of these islands. They’ll definitely amaze you!

(Header image by WaikikiDive)

Also, read There Are Wild Dolphins In Singapore’s Waters? We Did The Research & Uncovered The Spots.

Singapore’s 63 Islands – Here Are 6 Islands You Can Visit To Get Away From The Crowd!

Singapore is actually made up of 63 offshore islands! 62 surround the main island that we live in. If you’re looking to spend your weekends at somewhere less crowded, you can try island-hopping in Singapore! Yes, time to correct that mindset. Singapore is not just a city of one island. It’s SIXTY THREE!

Besides the main island, these are the largest offshore islands; Sentosa, Pulau Tekong, and Pulau Ubin. The smallest island is Pulau Sejarat Kechil. It has a land area of just 0.1 ha!

With interesting islands you can visit without a passport, you can have more fun in the sun! Why not try something unique during your off-day or weekends? You’ll never imagine Singapore as so alluringly attractive with its many hidden islands.

Here are 6 islands you can visit for a quiet day trip away from the city!

1. Pulau Hantu

Located only 30 minutes away from Singapore by boat, Pulau Hantu is a popular haunt for fishing, swimming, snorkelling, and scuba diving.

Credit: Credit: Mulloway Dive[/caption]

Pulau Hantu is made up of two smaller islets – Pulau Hantu Besar (Big Ghost Island) and the Pulau Hantu Kechil (Little Ghost Island). The name came about because the mid part of the island “disappears” during high tide.

If you’re not into water activities, both islands are great places to settle down for a nice, cosy picnic. It is also popular with campers and day-trippers who enjoy a unique outdoor experience away from the hustle and bustle of the city. If you’d like to camp overnight, a camping permit is required.

How to Get There: There are no scheduled ferries to Pulau Hantu. But you can get there by joining one of the weekend dive trips or by charter boats at the West Coast Ferry Terminal.

2. Kusu Island

Known for its religious Chinese temple and Malay shrines, Kusu Island is packed with people during the ninth lunar month. During this period, Chinese devotees will flock to the island to visit the isolated Chinese temple where Da Bo Gong (God of Prosperity) and Guan Yin (Goddess of Mercy) reside.

Others make the laborious climb up to the top of the hill to pray at the shrines of three Malay saints. If you’re looking for a quiet refuge, visit the island when it’s not pack during the pilgrimage period.

There are two lagoons, beach shelters, and barbeque pits for you to laze your day away. Enjoy picturesque views and various aquatic plants and animals. What’s more, you may even get to see countless wild tortoises in the area too! Do note that overnight stays are not permitted.

How to Get There: Ferries depart from Marina South Pier daily. Visit their Image credit: islandcruise.com.sg[/caption]

Despite its dark past, St John’s Island has been transformed into an idyllic getaway with an abundance of outdoor activities suitable for all ages.

Spot dolphins by the water, trek up hills or play a game of soccer in the fields. If you’re tired after a long day under the sun, there are several bungalow chalets and bunks in this island that can accommodate up to 60 people.

Be it a family outing or a get-together trip with friends, you’re bound to enjoy this island and have a comfortable place to stay!

How to Get There: Ferries depart from Marina South Pier daily. Visit their 4. Lazarus Island

If you love the sun and beach is your thing, you’ll adore Lazarus Island. Connected by the short causeway to and from St John’s Island is Lazarus Island, a hidden oasis for beach junkies.

Compared to Sentosa and East Coast Park, the beach at Lazarus Island is calm and the waters are cleaner.

Since Lazarus Island is undeveloped, it’s perfect for a visit before it gets too crowded or turns into another Singapore resort. Do note that there are no shower points on the island. The nearest ones would be a short walk away at St John’s Island.

How to Get There: Take a ferry from Marina South Pier to St. John’s Island. Lazarus is a jetty-walk away from St. John’s island.

If you intend to stay overnight at these islands, it’s best to pack wisely! Because there are no amenities or shops, you won’t be able to run out to buy facial wash or tissue.

Here are some essentials you’ll need to bring along: all toiletries, wet and dry tissue papers, water and snacks, mosquito repellent and sunblock! If you’re intending to stay overnight with your BF/ GF as a couple retreat, don’t forget to bring along contraception such as Durex! You’re definitely not going to find any store to purchase contraception in these islands. Even if you’ve been with your partner for a long time and STI is not a concern, you still need to prevent against pregnancy if you’re not ready for a family. Always play safe!

5. Sisters’ Island Marine Park

Home to Singapore’s marine biodiversity, the Sisters’ Island is a dedicated site for marine conservation and research. Visitors to the island will be able to observe marine life such as such as sea fans, sponges and sea anemones.

With many trees providing shade for a leisurely picnic and BBQ pit around the area, Sisters’ Island is the place to visit for a quiet weekend day-trip or evening camping a night here. Yes, you can camp overnight with an approval obtained from Sentosa!

For a more unique experience, sign up for a guided walk to learn about the Marine Park’s amazing biodiversity. These walks are conducted free of charge! Click here for more information on the schedules. In addition, to encourage a deeper appreciation for Singapore’s marine biodiversity, NParks is organising guided dive trails.

How to Get There: Charter your own boat from West Coast Pier or Marina South Pier. Boats will be chartered for participants of NParks’ guided walks.

Bonus: Pulau Satumu

Tiny in size, Pulau Satumu is Singapore’s most southern island and is surrounded by crystal clear waters and an abundance of marine life. Home to the Raffles Lighthouse, this island is a beauty!

Unfortunately, this island is not open for public visit. However, there are some golden opportunities at certain times of the year when you can join a guided tour operated by Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority!

Bored of spending your weekends and free time in the main Singapore island? Call all your kakis and have a fun time out in the sun! It’s time to discover the other side of Singapore you’ve never seen before!

(Header image by mothership.sg, edited by writer)

Also, read Stuck In Singapore? Here Are 10 Uncommon Places To Visit For A Different Kinda Fun!