We are nothing if not spoilt for choice on this fab island. We know this is not the first list of its kind but one so oft’ searched it’s worth updating from time to time. And certainly worth your reading if you’re always on the lookout for new ideas – latest beats, eats, treats, and a few, well, off beats (like learning pole dancing or going to a poetry slam).
BEATS
1. Rock at least one music festival
To the delight of music aficionados, Singapore has been getting amped up by a load of music festivals hitting our shores. It’s about time, we say! From the always-amazing Australian indie import aka Laneway Festival, Hostess Club Weekend (headlined by The National and Mogwai) from the land of the rising sun, and Singapore Rock Festival which promises to be a head-bang fest, 2014 is going to be one darn awesome year. Rock on!
2. Sing, your way
The guy who invented karaoke is a genius – but he’s also who you should go after when your friends sound like strangled cats. In Singapore, there is the lup sup (sleazy) KTV and the type frequented by young people (this shouldn’t be the case, ‘cause karaoke is fun for ALL ages). For the budget conscious who don’t mind a no-frills environment, go to Teo Heng, Cash Studio, or Topone KTV. If you need a modicum of food or alcohol to sing like a canary, K Box, K Suites, or Party World is the place to go.
3. Take in a (free) outdoor concert
Think afternoon picnic in the great outdoors with a side of groovy earworms. Pack your own munchies and head to Singapore Botanical Gardens for free music concerts on their Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage, or seek respite within the urban jungle at Esplanade Outdoor Theatre, where local emerging artists take to the stage on weekends.
UPBEAT
4. Laugh till you cry
In case you didn’t know, the stand up community in Singapore is thriving, to say the least. The most popular has to be Comedy Masala at Home Club (every Tuesday, 9pm), where entrance costs a mere $10 and includes a free drink. Feel free to check out up and coming spots like Blu Jaz and their Talk Cock Comedy every Wednesday night, as well as Thirsty Thursday Comedy at Penny Black.
5. Awaken your inner domestic goddess
It’s time to curb your addiction to Betty Crocker and learn how to really bake (or cook). If you can’t get enough of macarons, learn to whip up these Francais treats at Bakecalf, while ice-cream junkies will be glad to know that Udders runs an ice cream making workshop (all-you-can-eat ice cream buffet included). Our personal fave, Glace Patisserie, holds weekly baking classes (from chiffon cake to earl grey roll), and so does heartland gem Maple & Market! Calling all fans of Overdoughs, you need to book a place at their baklava-making classes pronto.
OFF BEAT
6. Pick up a skill that will thrill – pole dancing anyone?
Telling people you know something unique (and really cool) is not only an awesome conversation starter but also gives your street cred a boost. Just make sure you hunt down something you’re interested in. Circus arts? Go aerial with FlyAcro @ GymKraft – they’re the same people who used to teach at Circus Swingapore. So you think you can dance? Take up pole dancing at Bobbi’s Pole Studio or Acro Polates. If you have regular house parties, why not pick up basic bartending skills at Drink Dings?
7. Attend a poetry slam
This monthly affair organized by the folks at Word Forward sees aspiring poets battling it out in a three-part poetry contest at the cozy Blu Jaz. The last we were there, a young gentleman professed his love for his partner through a very touching spoken poem that got the audience aww-ing in unison. Before the slam, there is an open mic session and everyone is encouraged to sign up and have some fun – Eminem style. Don’t worry if you (like most of us) can only rhyme by accident; just sit back, have a beer, and enjoy a good laugh or two with your friends!
8. Take on an escape room challenge
Calling all Hudinis! We sure didn’t see this coming – but the new trend in Singapore is locking yourself (and your friends) in a room where the only way to escape is to solve puzzles and discover hidden clues. Yes, really. Given a time limit of 50 minutes to an hour, only those with the perfect combination of wits, reasoning prowess, and a keen eye will gain freedom. Intrigued? It’s time to ditch virtual gaming and delve into this first-person reality game that replicates escaping from Dracula’s castle, surviving a Zombie outbreak, and Prison Break-esque scenario. With a whole bunch of options like Xcape, Lockdown, Exit Plan, The Escape Artist, you’ll be spoilt for choice!
9. Hunt the haunted
Most of you will be familiar with Old Changi Hospital, but what about Neo Tiew Estate, the different coloured houses (Red in Pasir Ris, Green in Hill View, and White in Punggol), or the Old Seletar Airbase? Ghost hunting can be scarily fun (safety in numbers is probably a good idea though). Pick up a video camera, film your exploits and post them up on Youtube – who knows? You might be talent-spotted by Nat Geo to be the next host of “I Wouldn’t Go In There”.
10. Learn the ukelele
Ditch the oh-so-common instruments and pick up the ukulele! Epitome of Hawaiian grooves, the ukulele is an easy peasy (and affordable) instrument to learn. With only four strings, as compared to the guitar’s six, even the ladies with their dainty hands – and kids, won’t have a problem. We suggest starting off with introductory classes; local guitar-makers cum music gurus Maestro Guitars offer small-group ukulele classes at their centrally-located Peninsula Plaza branch. Psst… keep a look out on Groupon, one of the honey gals snagged a $25 voucher for four 60-minute trial lessons!
OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
11. Go trekking
Experiencing shopping mall fatigue right about now? Head off for a spot of fresh air at one of Singapore’s nature trails. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at the diverse flora and fauna on our tiny island. Our top picks for immersing yourself in some tropical forest greenery: Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, the Treetop Walk and along the (defunct) KTM railway track.
12. Go rock climbing at a quarry
Work those triceps and experience the real deal at Dairy Farm, Singapore’s only natural outdoor rock climbing destination! Dairy Farm used to be an old quarry, but has since turned into a nature reserve. The site is home to some of Singapore’s avid pro rock climbers, so don’t be surprised should you see them scaling the rocks near you! Workshops are regularly held by the expert climbers so join their Facebook group to stay updated!
13. Spend a day in Pulau Ubin
Known to most locals as Singapore’s last Kampung (village in Malay), Pulau Ubin is one of the last few areas in Singapore that remains untouched by urban development. Time to unplug from smart phones and have a social media detox; rent a bike and discover the nature of the island on wheels. While you’re at it, cycle to Chek Jawa and check out Singapore’s hidden ecosystem gem of mangroves and beautiful corals. #welovenature!
14. Giddy up
Cosy up to four-legged friends; it is the Year of the Horse, after all. The best part – most equestrian clubs don’t require you to be a member to take lessons. We like Bukit Timah Saddle Club, and not just because there’s the extremely popular Rider’s Café on its grounds. An Eastie? No problem, there’s Gallop Stable, which holds the bragging rights to being the largest public riding centre in Singapore. Those living in the North, you’ve got the experienced folks at Singapore Turf Club Riding Centre.
15. Go island-hopping (St John’s Island, Kusu Island, Sisters Island)
Take the day off and explore some of the islands just off the coast of our city by ferry! We say the tranquil beaches of Kusu Island are perfect for a picnic-day-out! If you prefer sightseeing, we hear the tortoise sanctuary is a hit with the kids. St John’s Island has undergone a revamp since its war camp days during World War II to offer visitors quiet holiday bungalows complete with barbeque pits. For a more outdoor-sy experience, go snorkeling, camping, or hiking on Sisters’ Islands and get back in touch with Mother Nature.
16. Explore the heartland neighbourhoods
They say you haven’t really been to Singapore till you’ve explored the treasures the heartlands have to offer. Take a bus or train, and explore heartland neighbourhoods like Bishan, Toa Payoh and Bedok. Make friends with the aunties and uncles at the wet markets early in the morning as you do some fresh grocery shopping and be sure to dig into some of the most authentic local fare like chicken rice and Nasi Lemak! This can be quite an experience if you have kids in tow – it will open their little urban minds to life beyond cold storage!
17. Spend a day at Sentosa
We know 24 hours just isn’t enough to cover all that this beach paradise has to offer, but here’s one possible itinerary: Start the day with brunch and a massage at the Capella. Then take it to Adventure Cove Waterpark (or Port of Lost Wonder for those with kids) or maybe take a few thrill rides on the Luge to get your heart started again. Stroll through the S.E.A. Aquarium before relaxing with a sunset cocktail or two at Coastes; followed by dinner at Quayside Isle. Save the entire next day for Universal Studios Singapore. Or perhaps do it the other way around!
18. Commune with the animals
We might be known as a concrete city, but that doesn’t mean we lack cute, furry animals to cuddle or coo over. Spend a day with giraffes and white tigers at the Singapore Zoo, and watch out for flying squirrels at the Night Safari. Some of us went ga-ga over the adorable kitties at Singapore’s first cat café, Neko No Niwa, too. If you’re into dogs, then the cosy We Are The Furballs (WTF) cafe is the place for you.
ON THE BEATEN TRACK
19. Sign up for cultural tours around Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam
Singapore isn’t all about towering skyscrapers and the concrete jungle. Discover hidden historical gems by visiting the ethnic enclaves around the island. Hop onto a trishaw for a ride around Chinatown’s main attractions like the Thian Hock Keng Temple and Heritage Museum. Drop by the Malay Heritage Centre (the former palace of Sultan Hussein Shah) in Kampong Glam for exhibitions, tours, and workshops on the Malay culture in Singapore. Revel in the bustling atmosphere of Little India and get your taste buds tingling with a hearty South Indian meal of thosai and masala chai at the famous Komala Villas eatery.
20. Shop till you drop at the Great Singapore Sale
As the temperature rises in summertime, shopaholics in Singapore ready themselves for the annual shopping bonanza: The Great Singapore Sale. During the months of June and July, stores island-wide offer a dizzying array of amazing sales (up to 70% off), promotions and giveaways that’ll satisfy even the most voracious bargain-hunter.
21. Go late night shopping at Mustafa Centre
Grocery shopping at 4am – why not? Night owls and insomniacs with an aversion to crowds can get their shopping fix at Singapore’s only 24-hour shopping mall. From fresh produce to electronic gadgets, jewellery, DVDs and rare Indian products, Mustafa Centre is truly an Aladdin’s cave located in the heart of Little India. But be warned: at such low prices, the temptation to buy everything will be hard to resist.
22. Alternative shopping – flea markets
We know you ladies love a good bargain, so we scoured the island for some alternatives to the malls. Check out For Flea Sake for regular updates on the best flea markets around town. Public Garden also organizes flea markets for Singapore’s independent businesses and designers. We love their regular weekend flea where a mix of art and vintage treasures are offered. The unexpected array of unique crafts and trinkets gives us a pleasant surprise every time!
23. Appreciate art
Build up your creds as a connoisseur of fine art by trawling through all our quirky art offerings this year. Start this weekend with Art Stage Singapore, the best of contemporary Asian art across four days. Explore Southeast Asian artwork at the Singapore Biennale, or take a peek into art spaces at offbeat locales like Gillman Barracks. Up your “chic” factor by installing an Andy Warhol print from ARTSPACE@Helutrans in your bedroom.
24. Book a staycation at Singapore’s heritage hotels
The Lion City might be a young nation, but we’ve got quite a lot of historical clout. Step back in time as you nibble on delicate teacakes in Raffles Hotel, our finest colonial-style lodging. If you like romantic strolls by the Singapore River, then choose to stay at The Fullerton Hotel, which used to be a post office in its past life – its plush, fancy digs will definitely leave you gasping with delight.
EATS
25. Try exotic nose-to-tail dining
It’s no secret that Singa folk are real foodies (if you’re new in town, we’re warning you first) – from all day breakfast, café-hopping, buffets, to late night suppers, the chow down never ends. Not only do we have a helluva appetite, our inquisitive palate is always open to trying new grub. This year, it’s time to go exotic with a host of hot new tables that are serving up unusual game. Tuck into kangaroo sliders and Tandoor-style croc skewers at Intrepid Gastro Bar, or savour nose to tail dining (think pig’s head and trotter brawn and beef lips and oxtail stew) at WOLF. Bon appétit (if you dare)!
26. Take romance to new heights
What could be better than a romantic dinner for two? One with a killer view, of course! Take your romance to new heights by having a meal amongst the stars. The Singapore Flyer offers a decadent four-course meal with personalized butler service and panoramic views of the city, all in the privacy of your own capsule. The Jewel Box’s Sky Dining is another option where you can dine in a cable car atop Sentosa Island.
27. Go to a farmers’ market
Head to Pasarbella for a fun family day out! With over 30 stores offering a global array of fresh produce, gourmet food, wines, craft beers and personal services, there is something for everyone! Watch out for the farmer’s market held by the people at The Pantry on the first and third Saturday of every month. Find gourmet cheese, wine, bread and homemade baked goods by passionate foodies & locavores.
28. Enjoy craft beer at hawker centres
Think Tiger is the only local beer we produce? Think again. Local breweries are popping up in the unlikeliest of places, but they sure are close to our hearts. Check out The Good Beer Company at Chinatown Complex as you enjoy some hearty hawker centre grub. Join a monthly free-flow and brewery tour and sample Jungle Beer’s uniquely Singaporean offerings: they’ve garnered a few notches on their belts at the Asia Beer Awards, but we’ll let you be the judge!
TREATS
29. Spend a day at a CBD spa
They are not called Day Spas for nothing. Looking for a convenient way to refresh dull, tired skin or soothe those aching back muscles? Don’t look too far: you’ve got plenty of options right smack in the heart of Singapore’s CBD! Pop by any one of these spas in the city for some much-needed R&R (yes, you do deserve it).
30. Salute the sun with Mother Nature
If you’re tired of doing the downward facing dog or the half moon in a stuffy yoga studio, take your favourite activity outdoors and enjoy it amidst Mother Nature. You have more than a few options even in highly urbanized Singapore – Om Shiva Yoga, Yoga on Nassim, Yoga in the Park, Yoga Divas, and Green Yoga (last Saturday of every month).
31. Go for a dip in Singapore’s best pool
Psst – we think W Hotel has a pool that could rival the Infinity Pool at the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark! From Mondays to Thursdays, spend the afternoon lounging by the pool and perfecting that tan for $45++. Here’s an even sweeter deal we dug out during our dip – get free access to the pool when you have W Hotel’s Sunday Remix Brunch at $148++ – free flow bubbly, beer, red and white wine included! You know where to find us this Sunday!
32. Try a water workout
Think aqua aerobics is a matronly workout? We had the same misconception, and boy, were we proven wrong. An excellent way to lose weight, beat cellulite and tone up faster, this form of exercise is also gentle on the joints, which is perfect for all of you former athletes (who stopped working out after entering the corporate world). Check out (our tried-and-tested) Willow Stream Spa or Sports Lifestyle Initiatives.
33. Feel good by doing good
We know this is a really old suggestion but, trust us, it never gets old because there’s just so much you can do to help others in Singapore. Have an interest in women’s welfare? Sign yourself up with Association of Women for Action and Research (AWARE) or Asian Women’s Welfare Association (AWWA). In light of recent events, you might want to help out the migrant workers in Singapore at TWC2 or HOME. If your heart goes out to animals, check out Cat Welfare Society and Action for Singapore Dogs, or see how you can volunteer with your dog.
SWEEEEEETS (DUDE)
34. Try wakeboarding at Ski360°
Sports enthusiasts: here’s another activity to add to your to-do list. Ski360° is Singapore’s first cable-ski park where intrepid thrill-seekers can try their hand at wakeboarding, water skiing, or knee boarding at East Coast Parkway. Instead of being pulled by a boat in the open waters, skiers will be pulled by an overhead cable at speeds of over 50km/h in an enclosed lagoon.
35. Skydive – indoors!
If the idea of skydiving from over 12,000 feet scares you silly, experience the same thrill with none of the danger at iFly Singapore. Located at Sentosa, it is the world’s first and largest wind tunnel for indoor skydiving. With the aid of experienced instructors in a controlled environment, it’s the perfect (and safest) way to get a taste of skydiving before taking on the real deal. Best part of it all? No uncomfortable airplane rides or bad weather to hamper your experience.
36. Learn to play tchoukball
If this is the first time you’ve heard of Tchoukball, we don’t blame you. This international sport, hailing from Switzerland, is still a newbie in the local sporting scene. Somewhat similar to Handball, requiring identical ball-handling skills and muscles, Tchoukball is a team sport where athletes score by executing fancy shots at a mini-trampoline. Here’s your chance to pick up a new sport and hone razor-sharp reflexes, check out Tchoukball Association of Singapore’s introductory workshops!
37. Play paintball
Rustle up your posse and get your protective masks ready for a wicked paintball game with Crossfire or Red Dynasty. Whether you’re building up team spirit or finding a way to unleash your inner Rambo, this sure makes an adrenalin-pumping weekend activity.
38. Wax on, wax off
Turn yourself into a lean, mean fighting machine this year! (Consider it your own personal tribute to Jackie Chan who turns 60 this year). Learn how to wriggle out of a vice-like grip on your neck at Evolve Mixed Martial Arts, and build up your confidence by tackling big scary bullies at Impact Mixed Martial Arts.
MEETS
39. Get trackside at the Singapore F1 Grand Prix – vroom vroom
The annual F1 Grand Prix in Singapore is a sell out event; and we are not surprised. This year, the night race will be held on 21 September and tickets will go on sale soon. Singapore goes all out on this weekend attracting headline concerts by the likes of Katy Perry and Rihanna, and parties with appearances by top celebrity DJs. Trust us, we still remember the crazy champagne hangover we had last year. Get your tickets early; our favourite seats are the ones on the grandstand facing the amazing view of the Singapore skyline (and the fireworks, yes the fireworks!)
40. Experience the Rugby Sevens tournament
Football may reign supreme in Singapore but for a couple days a year, rugby madness takes over at the Singapore Cricket Club Rugby Sevens Tournament. Grab your tickets and witness some of the world’s top rugby teams as they duke it out (blood, sweat, tears, and some teeth as well) for the coveted Ablitt Cup trophy.
ON THE SEAS
41. Go stand up paddling
Get fit like how the ancient Hawaiians did! With Hollywood celebrities, like Jennifer Aniston, Cameron Diaz, and Pierce Brosnan, and even Olympic athletes turning to Stand Up Paddling for muscle toning and balance training, we ought to drop our scepticism and take this sport more seriously. Mana Mana Beach Club at East Coast Park is a good place to get acquainted with the water sport, with their two hour training courses for first-timers.
42. Go prawning
Want a taste of fishing without having to go out to sea? Give prawning a try! Our favourite’s got to be East Coast Prawning at East Coast Park. Its beachy vibe puts us in the mood to chill and relax as we put our baits to work. For a more heartland experience, try Hai Bin Prawning’s outlets at Punggol and Jurong. We love that there’s a beer garden right next to these areas for a good chug that won’t break the bank. But here’s our favourite part – having seafood on the barbie at the end of our prawning sessions – yup, grilling pits are available!
43. Rent a yacht for a private party
Thinking of ideas to top last year’s party? How about bringing it to the seas! We love Neo Yacht’s party packages that will be perfect for your next planned surprise or corporate event. Have a whole day to spare? Yacht Charter Singapore offers day trips for groups around the islands surrounding Singapore. Throw in a boom-net and that’s what we call a one-of-a-kind party your guests will be unlikely to forget!
44. Go on the Singapore River Cruise
Take a 40-minute river cruise on one of Singapore’s iconic bumboats and treat yourself to a tour of some of Singapore’s best dining and entertainment spots along Boat Quay, Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay. We recommend taking the cruise after sunset; the night view of Singapore’s skyline is absolutely breathtaking!
WITH THE SMALL FRY
45. Slip & sliiiiiiiiide
All denizens of our Lion City should be well versed in the art of water play, given our tropical climate. We have the big guns like Adventure Cove in Resorts World Sentosa and old-timer Wild Wild Wet at Downtown East in Pasir Ris. You could just keep soaking in the heartlands as well – the slides at Sengkang Swimming Complex and Jurong East Swimming Complex are just as exciting (and easy on the wallet).
46. Hit an adventure playground
Let loose your inner chimp as you swing from the treetops at the Forest Adventure Course. With over 50 obstacles, four zip lines and even a kids’ course set amongst the leafy surroundings of Bedok Reservoir Park, it’s a great way to overcome your fear of heights, hone your climbing skills, and spend a thrilling afternoon with the family.
47. Do Farmville IRL
Get off Facebook with its farm-related games and visit a local farm in Singapore’s countryside (yes, we do have one) instead. Animal lovers, head to Hay Dairies to see how goats are milked, Farmart Centre (semi petting zoo), and Jurong Frog Farm for a close encounter with our amphibian friends. If you’re more interested in organic fruits and veggies, hit up Bollywood Veggies or Fireflies Health Farm (sorry, no actual fireflies included).
48. Take the kids zorbing
Although popular with adrenaline junkies in New Zealand, zorbing is (unfortunately) still a relatively new and unknown sport in Singapore. For the uninitiated, Zorb participants are placed inside a giant, clear plastic bubble and pushed down a slope. Sound dangerous? Nope! This is one safe (though head-spinning) sport for everyone.
49. Beach frisbee at Sentosa
Rethink the notion that Ultimate Frisbee is merely flinging a plastic disc around. This competitive team sport has its set of rules, official refereeing courses, a host of leagues and tournaments, and a strong fan base in Singapore. Give it a shot and you’ll understand why! Sengkang field and Singapore Botanic Gardens are popular spots for novices and pros alike, while the field next to Parkview Square is the unofficial pick-up spot for aspiring professionals. If you like the sun, sand, and sea, head to Sentosa for some beach Frisbee!
50. Jump
Singapore’s first indoor trampoline park, Amped, is officially open! It’s time to gather the pals (or family) and take on 5000 square feet of interconnected trampolines. Don’t underestimate what an hour of tumbling jumping can do to you, be prepared for a full-on work out. With cool areas like the foam pit and parlour walls, an afternoon at Amped is guaranteed to be a riot. Tasked to plan a private event or birthday party? Full facility rental or group bookings are available!
51. Fly a kite at Marina Barrage
With its sprawling grounds and sweeping views of the city skyline, Marina Barrage is a hotspot for families, couples, and just about everyone in Singapore during the weekend. If the crowds don’t faze you, it makes a great scenic location for a bout of picnicking and kite flying in the heart of the city.
52. Go prehistoric
Caveman diets might not be your thing, so we’ve got another terrific primeval suggestion for you. Get up close to fearsome fossils at the ArtScience Museum’s “Dinosaurs: Dawn to Extinction” exhibition and marvel at these garguantuan creatures who once walked the earth. Or put on your thinking caps and delve deep into how various species from the Mesozoic era to the Ice Age survived at the Science Centre’s “Titans of the Past – Dinosaurs and Ice Age Mammals” display.