Tag: stargazing

8 Best Places In Singapore To Stargaze And Catch The Lunar Eclipse

If you didn’t already know, something big is happening this Saturday, 28 July 2018.

There’s going to be another LUNAR ECLIPSE happening! And not just any typical lunar eclipse.

Set to last 1 hour and 43 minutes from 3.30am to 5.13am Singapore time, this will be the longest lunar eclipse of the century and will be visible from Asia, Australia, Africa and Europe.

However, with Singapore being a well-developed city, our light pollution is intense, so it might be hard to find a good spot to get a good look and photo.

So here are some places that might be dark enough to enjoy the lunar eclipse (a.k.a blood moon) in all its scarlet glory.

1. Seletar Rocket Tower

Located in Upper Seletar Reservoir, the Seletar Rocket Tower makes for a great spot to catch the lunar eclipse.

The place is mostly secluded and it has 3 carparks a short walk away so it’s still accessible by car. Other than the lunar eclipse, it’s also a great place to catch amazing sunsets and stargaze too.

Address: Along Mandai Road Track 7, off Mandai Road

2. Changi Boardwalk

Changi Boardwalk is one of the more popular spots for stargazing and other astronomy-related pursuits.

Stargazing parties are still being organised and held at Changi Beach.

It’ll be best to bring a party of people if you intend to go there for lunar eclipse because Changi Beach is infamous for being “dirty”, if you know what I mean.

4. Lim Chu Kang Cemetery

Another spot with great views of the moon and stars and a spook factor.

However, Labrador Nature Reserve comes with its own spooky tales so tread cautiously.

Labrador Park Nature Reserve
Address: Labrador Villa Road, Singapore 119187

6. Lorong Halus Bridge

The Lorong Halus bridge stretches over the Punggol Waterway and offers amazing views of the sunrise. It’s also great for stargazing and moon-viewing.

If you’re in the far north-east, this is your best spot for all your astronomy pursuits.

7. Singapore Botanic Gardens

The Singapore Botanic Gardens is one of the least light-polluted places in Singapore, along with the Labrador Park Nature Reserve.

Open fields for stargazing and moon-viewing are aplenty here. These include the spaces near the Eco Lake, Symphony Lake, Swan Lake, and the Bandstand.

Singapore Botanic Gardens
Eco Lake: Enter via Bukit Timah Gate
Symphony Lake: Enter via Nassim Gate
Swan Lake and Bandstand: Enter via Tanglin Gate
Opening Hours: Daily: 5am – 12am
Admission: Free

8. Springleaf Nature Park

The Springleaf Nature Park is one of the top 3 least light-polluted spots in Singapore.

It is popular among astronomy groups that organise stargazing parties.

If you’re looking for a quiet spot to observe the lunar eclipse in the North, this is it.

Springleaf Nature Park
Address: 1230 Upper Thomson Road, Singapore 787129

So there you have it, 8 of the best places in Singapore to stargaze or observe the lunar eclipse. Remember to pack your cameras and telescopes!

Also read The Longest Lunar Eclipse Of The Century Is Almost 2 Hours – Witness It In S’pore On July 28

(Header Image Source:

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

9 Unique And Romantic Date Ideas That Will Have You Falling In Love All Over Again

If you’re in a relationship, you’ll most likely have heard your significant other (SO) ask this dreaded question plenty of times, “What to do next weekend?” After all, good date ideas are few and far between.

Sure, with many popular attractions like the Singapore Zoo and Universal Studios Singapore, it seems like Singapore is a never-ending city of fun. But what happens when you do exhaust that date ideas list of ‘Best places couples can go on a date’?

With this article, we’ll bring you date ideas that will make you go, ‘Why didn’t I think of that before?” Here are 9 that will surely up you and your SO’s street cred.

1. Arteastiq

I have art… I have tea… Ugh… Arteastiq! (Sorry, we just had to.)

This place is a paradise for those who have a passion for both the arts and food. With free canvases, unlimited art supplies and a free drink courtesy of Image Credit: Arteastiq[/caption]

Arteastiq has a one-for-one deal on Monday for couples, so you should probably take advantage of that.

It’s totally killing two birds with one stone because you can chase those Monday blues away.

[caption id="attachment_15684" align="alignnone" width="960"] Image Credit: Arteastiq[/caption]

Trade away your teh-si and kaya toast for one day and enjoy some high tea.

Arteastiq
Mandarin Gallery, #04-14/15
Weekday, 11am – 10:30pm; weekend, 10am – 10:30pm
6235 8705

Plaza Singapura, #03-70/72
Daily, 10am – 10pm
6336 0952

2. Kayak

Escape the concrete jungle for a real jungle!

[caption id="attachment_15674" align="alignnone" width="1459"] Image Credit: Asian Detours[/caption]

If you’re a stranger to kayaking, you need not worry. At [email protected]

3. Stargaze

If you’ve heard or even used the line, “I see stars in your eyes” then you’ll want to come here.

At the Image Credit: Scrobbers

These sessions, called Night Sky Ramblings are free. The activity takes place every Friday from 7.45pm to 10pm. The Science Centre also offers free solar observations if that’s your kinda activity.

Depending on the month you go, you might be able to see Jupiter, Mars, Saturn and Venus.

So why not pop over on a Friday night and gaze at something besides your SO’s eyes for once?

Stargazing @ Science Centre
From now – 18 Nov 2016; From 1 Jan 2017 onwards
Every Friday, from 7:45pm – 10pm
The Observatory at the Omni-Theatre building

Solar Observation @ Science Centre
22 Nov 2016 – 30 Dec 2016
Every Tuesday and Friday, from 10am – 12pm
The Observatory at the Omni-Theatre building

Website Image Credit: SportDiver UK[/caption]

Though these dive spots are no Great Barrier Reefs, there is no shortage of beautiful sea creatures like the Fan-bellied Leatherjacket and the Ocellated Pipefish.

At Image Credit: KT Tan[/caption]

Look! I found Nemo!

OrpheusDive
16 Zion Road, Singapore 247733
6887 3631
Monday to Friday, 12pm to 8pm; Saturday & Sunday, 12pm to 6pm

Also, read 6 Absolutely Beautiful Spots In Singapore That You Can Actually Dive In

5. Island hop

It’s like cafe-hopping, but with islands. And yes, in Singapore too!

[caption id="attachment_15707" align="alignnone" width="630"] Source: The Smart Local[/caption]

Did you know that Singapore is actually part of an archipelago? Singapore is made up of 63 islands with both natural and artificial islands. Well-known islands include Sisters island, Kusu island and St Johns island.

Some of these islands are accessible by boat and will make for a nice relaxing day trip. However, pack your own food as most of them don’t have food places. An excuse to have a nice romantic picnic!

There are also lagoons around some of the islands where you and your date can take a dip and chill.

[caption id="attachment_15706" align="alignnone" width="533"] Source: The Smart Local[/caption]

If your date wants to you to bring them overseas, bring them here! I mean it is over the seas right?

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

6. Feed some prehistoric creatures

Not dinosaurs obviously. What were you thinking?

[caption id="attachment_15681" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Image Credit: The Wacky Duo[/caption]

You’ve heard of the famous goat farm and alligator farms but a turtle/tortoise museum?

At this museum, you’ll be able to learn all about these ancient creatures and also, have a hand at feeding them.

[caption id="attachment_15680" align="alignnone" width="550"] Image Credit: Trip Advisor[/caption]

Look out for rare creatures like the matamata (No, not the police!) and the snake headed turtle.

The Live Turtle and Tortoise Museum
1 Chinese Garden Road, Singapore 619795
6268 5363
Daily, 9am – 6pm
Image Credit: Nox[/caption]

Ever experienced a blackout and had to eat in the dark? Well, at Image Credit: Nox[/caption]

The restaurant is located at Beach Road and is reservation only so make sure you call before you head over.

Nox – Dine in the Dark
269 Beach Road Singapore 199546
Monday to Friday, 6pm to late; Saturday, 5pm to late; Sunday, 5pm to 11pm
6298 0708

8. Cycling in Pulau Ubin

Old but gold.

[caption id="attachment_15676" align="alignnone" width="674"] Image Credit: Viator[/caption]

Nothing beats feeling the wind while cycling down a slope. There’s also no other feeling like hanging out with your love. Combine the two together and you have a nice cycling date in one of Singapore’s most popular islands.

You can even  try the coconuts from the famous Pulua Ubin ah ma. Or head down to the quarry – a piece of Singapore’s past and check out the scenery at the same time!

Take a break from hunting Pokémon and explore animals like boars and tide creatures at the nearby Chek Jawa.

9. Custom make your very own perfume

Wearing matching clothes isn’t the ‘hip’ thing anymore – smelling like each other is the new black!

[caption id="attachment_15688" align="alignnone" width="617"] Image Credit: Minorinc[/caption]

At Je taime, you’ll be able to blend all kinds of fragrance ingredients to create your very own scent.

Both you and your partner will be required to take a personality quiz to determine the right kinds of scent for you. Or you could always go with your imagination and mix away!

Feels kind of like a science experiment but with a ton of nice smelling chemicals, no?

[caption id="attachment_15689" align="alignnone" width="550"] Image Credit: Trip Advisor[/caption]

When you’re done with your concoction, you’ll probably be like this:

 

We know it’s difficult to plan a really good date so we’ve taken the initiative to help you out. You’ll thank us one day when everyone starts commenting on those Instagram photos with #relationshipgoals!

Header Image Source: Huffington Post

Also, read 6 Romantic & Secluded High-Tea Spots That Your Date Will Surely Approve Of!