This February, don’t limit yourself to just Chinese New Year’s festive celebrations or Valentine’s Day romantic dates. If you don’t celebrate CNY, are romantically challenged or single by choice, we’ve got something that might pique your interest. In fact, here’s our round-up of things to do in Singapore that caters to all. So, what are you waiting for? Whip out your calendar, start calling your friends and plan for an oh-so-fabulous February!
1. Visit and explore the National Gallery Singapore (NGS)
Having post Art Week blues? Fret not! There’ll always be the National Gallery Singapore (NGS). Housing the largest public collection of Singapore and Southeast Asian art in the world, you can surely get your artsy fix here. Pick up insider knowledge of the art and artefacts on show by going on a docent-led jaunt around the museum. And if you’d rather not play catch-up at the guided tours, explore the massive NGS on your own with the Gallery Explorer App.
2. Dine at Saha Signature Indian Restaurant & Bar
Joining Violet Oon’s National Kitchen and adding yet another new fine dining establishment to the National Gallery is this modern Indian restaurant, formerly located at Duxton. Running the kitchen is executive chef, Preetam Singh Sodi, who serves up contemporary dishes engineered by celebrity chef Abhijit Saha. Look forward to signatures like the vegetarian paneer matar, Kasoor Methi seared foie gras served with spiced stewed mango, and baked gulab kamun cheesecake paired with saffron poached pears and macarons.
3. Laugh out loud at with comedian, Kevin Hart
Still feeling dreary ’cause it’s only the beginning of 2016? Cheer yourself up by grabbing yourself a ticket to Kevin Hart’s What Now? Tour on the 2nd of February at the Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre. Brace yourself for an evening of sidesplitting jokes as well-known American actor and comedian, Kevin Hart, takes to the stage for his debut Singapore performance.
4. Channel your inner Rastafarian at Refuge
If the only king you bow down to is the king of the reggae jungle himself, the late Bob Marley, then you’ll definitely wanna represent at this commemorative bashment. Held just one day shy of the dreadlocked legend’s birthdate (February 5th), this dubby party will also see a collaboration between Refuge’s Reverb residents, Nez and Submerge, and Singapura Dub Club ambassadors, selector Rumshot and emcee Masia One. There’s even gonna be an artist market selling reggae vinyls, handmade crafts and other Marley-approved merch.
5. Grab breakfast and beers while catching the Superbowl live
Dan Ryan’s is American and a sports bar, so it’s really no surprise they’ll be open bright and early to screen the game. If last year’s turnout is any indication, the atmosphere will be electric and the bar is certain to be packed with football fans. Going alone? Chances are you’ll be best buds with the guy next to you by the end of the game. Of course, you’ll also get a chance to fuel up on some hearty breakfast grub and a couple of pints to boot.
6. Ring in the year of the Monkey by catching a Lion Dance performance
A common sight during Chinese New Year is the Lion Dance, an elaborate ritual that is believed to start the year off (or a new business) on an auspicious note. Boisterous beats performed with traditional drums, cymbals, and gongs set the tone for this spirited and highly animated dance, which mimics a lion’s movements. Don’t be taken aback by all the noise; it’s meant to drive off bad luck! You can probably catch a glimpse of this lively act at the epicentre of Chinese culture in Singapore – Chinatown.
7. Go temple-hopping through Chinese culture
For a more immersive cultural experience, visit Chinese temples in Singapore to see Buddha statues, beautiful pagodas and Oriental architecture. If you’re looking to win that extra pot of gold at the mahjong sessions with friends during your CNY visits, you might want to visit Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple at Waterloo Street to seek blessings and luck from Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy. Want your nosey relatives to stop hounding you on your non-existent love life at the reunion dinner? Yueh Hai Ching Temple, also known as The Love Temple, might help!
8. Meet the animals with these family-fun activities
From February 6 to 9, usher in the Year of the Monkey with Chinese New Year activities at Jurong Bird Park, Night Safari, River Safari and the Singapore Zoo. There’ll be lively Lion Dance Performances, mascot appearances and fun animal-themed activities for the entire family. But remember, be there early or you might have to battle with the crowd to get into these places.
9. Enjoy some cultural performances at Huayi, Chinese Festival of Arts 2016
One of Esplanade’s annual cultural festivals, Huayi (February 21-21) features some of the most dynamic forms of Chinese artistic expressions. Held during the Chinese New Year, its variety of programmes includes music theatre, dance and visual arts, which means there’s something for everyone at this festival. Must-see acts include East-meets-West band named Sonic Traveler, Peking opera performance entitled One Hundred Years on Stage and a dramatic play called God of Carnage.
10. Be dazzled by Chingay Parade 2016
Happening on February 19 and 20 at the F1 Pit Building, experience Singapore’s most vibrant street parade that features colourful firework displays, dazzlingly decorated floats and eye-popping performances. To mark the first year of the country’s next 50 years to SG100, the parade’s theme is “Light of Legacy, Brighter Singapore.” And if you must know, Chingay means “the art of costume and masquerade” in the Hokkien dialect.
A slider with the ID of 392 doesn't exist.11. Stock up on the ultimate king of New Year goodies – the pineapple tarts
While you technically can eat this anytime of the year, you’ll only find the best (and most creative) pineapple tarts during the CNY period. Aside from the classic pineapple jam-filled tarts, Bakerzin offers an orange-infused version too. Their treats are all shaped like yuan bao ingots and cute lil’ leaves. Nicknamed “golf balls”, the pineapple tarts from Le Café are round, large, and oh-so-tasty (from $19.80). The crust may be a little thin, but they make up for it by being super generous with the pineapple jam filling.
12. Binge on decadent Chinese pork snacks called bak kwa
Its’s not really Chinese New Year (CNY) without pigging out on copious amounts of heart-burning festive snacks, the most popular of which is undoubtedly bak kwa. Homegrown favourite, Bee Cheng Hiang, is definitely one of the most popular choices and is practically a household name when it comes to bak kwa. If the ridiculously long queues during CNY are any indication, Bee Cheng Hiang is a pretty safe bet if you’re looking for the classic sliced pork bak kwa.
13. Munch on salted yolk croissants from Flavour Flings
Do the words ‘salted egg‘ make your heart flutter? If yes, head over to Flavour Flings where you can enjoy one of the best salted yolk croissants ever. In a true example of East-meets-West, this delightful dish celebrates the pairing of rich, molten salted egg with fluffy, flaky croissants. But take note, these pastries really fly off the shelves, and they go at $7.50 a pop. Worth it though!
14. Plan a short weekend getaway to Laos
But if you’re thinking of spending your Chinese New Year beyond Singapore, it’s time to pack your bag and escape to exotic destinations. Our recommendation: Laos. This South East Asia’s only landlocked country has often been overlooked by travellers in favour of neighbouring Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia. As the country is still off the radar, it remains authentic, and nothing epitomises this more than the giving of the alms that takes places every day. The three tier Kuang Si waterfalls just outside of Luang Prabang are more than worth the detour, and if you can’t get enough of beautiful nature, Si Phan Don (Four Thousand Islands) is bound to impress.
15. Pay With A Kiss at CÉ LA VI
Show your affection for CÉ LA VI’s newly-revamped Club Lounge, and we do mean that literally! Head to the summit of Marina Bay Sands on Valentine’s Eve, and proceed to enter its Elevate party…with one catch: entry is complimentary if you kiss your loved one at the door! Sounds like a swell idea if you wanna steal a kiss from your beau, eh? But if you prefer to pay up and not pucker up, you will get double complimentary house pours this festive month. Except open-format, Top 40 faves from CÉ LA VI’s resident DJs.
16. Persuade your lover to buy you a BaoBao for V-day
Issey Miyake has recently opened its first standalone store in Singapore – and there’s no resisting this one, folks. Located in ION Orchard, BAO BAO ISSEY MIYAKE is a 441 square foot space dedicated to accessory-lovers and fans of the Japanese label’s cult line of BAO BAO bags. That’s right: the boutique carries a full range of women’s bags, pouches, as well as men’s bags from the SPORTS LINE series.
17. Have a romantic picnic
What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than with good music, greenery and a moonlit sky? The Bandstand at the Singapore Botanic Gardens will host a series of fantastic live acts (February 13-14), so grab your sweetheart and a picnic mat for two unforgettable nights of soul-soothing indie-pop.
18. Stargazing at Science Centre Observatory
Few things are dreamier than stargazing with your lover right next to you. If you’re up for some astrological date, head over to The Science Centre Singapore’s Observatory Deck, happening every Friday. Also, be sure to jump on the bandwagon and catch the highly raved alignment of five planets (Jupiter, Mars, Saturn, Venus and Mercury) after a decade.
19. Fine-dining with your significant other at the newly opened Whitegrass
This newly opened restaurant, helmed by Sam Aisbet, alumnus of Tetsuya Wakuda’s acclaimed Tetsuya’s in Sydney aims to redefine modern Australian cuisine, placing a focus on fresh ingredients sourced everywhere from the Blue Mountains to Tekka market. The interior, designed by Takenouchi Webb, is a mix of pastel shades and whimsical wall art (the latter done by MessyMsxi), juxtaposed with chic retro-modern furnishings in a brightly lit dining space.
20. Throw a singles mixer this Valentine’s Day
Chances are, a few of your friends are just as single are you are. Planning a singles mixer is a lot less daunting than it seems – all you need to do is invite a handful of your single friends and get each of them to bring one of their single friends as well. But don’t sweat the party prep; we know Valentine’s Day isn’t a public holiday, so you don’t want to spend too much time prepping grub and grog for your guests. Save yourself the hassle and sort out the food situation with catering services and alcohol delivery.
A slider with the ID of 393 doesn't exist.21. Shots & Giggles Anti-Valentine’s Dinner at the 5th Quarter
If you roll your eyes whenever someone utters the word V-day, this might pique your interest. Happening on February 14th, Shots & Giggles’ Anti-Valentine’s Dinner at the 5th Quarter is a special event without the typical frills and frou frou of Valentine’s Day. Chef Drew Nocente will be dishing out a mega feast to show Cupid who’s boss. What’s more? You’ll be treated to a round of shots every hour (and some giggles that come along with said poison).
22. Split your sides with Russell Peters’ crass, brutally-honest jokes
Yes, you heard us right! Due to overwhelming demand, Russell Peters is returning back to Singapore for the Almost Famous World Tour, on February 15 at Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre. Presented by LA Comedy Live, get ready for a jolly good time as he makes you laugh your bum off with his witticisms and gags. While you can expect his signature act where he’ll interact with the audience (especially those in the front rows), Russell Peters Almost Famous World Tour 2016 also promises new exciting materials that’ll blow your mind.
23. Spend an evening with singer-songwriter Diana Krall
Canadian singer-songwriter Diana Krall is set to impress with a live performance of her 12th studio album, Wallflower, which covers pop and rock classics from artists like 10cc, Bryan Adams and The Eagles. Taking place on February 16 and 17 at the Esplanade Concert Hall, expect nothing less than spectacular as this talented songstress serenades you with her melodic vocals and graceful piano playing.
24. Witness jawdropping aerial performances at the Singapore Airshow 2016
Are you an airplane-otaku? Thrilled by the roar of jet engines? Don’t miss the jawdropping aerial performances and incredible static aircraft displays at this annual showcase. From February 16 to 21, aviation enthusiasts interested in aircraft technology can head over to Changi Exhibition Centre and learn more about the latest developments in the aviation industry.
25. Pop by the recently opened South Bronx for a hearty burger
When it comes to buns and patties, what really revs our engines is a good old-fashioned American style burger. South Bronx at PoMo seems to offer just that, in its edgy, graffiti-covered digs. Its signature burger is the Original Rump Shaker: a house-made beef patty with signature sauce, smoked bacon and a melted cheese slice. As an added bonus, you’ll get to pick a side of waffle-cut, curly or steak-cut fries. Of course, to wash that all down, South Bronx keeps their coolers well stocked with crafty brews like Yenda IPA.
26. Get sizzling hot at Lion City Burn at Tree Lizard
In case you haven’t heard, this CNY doesn’t just ring in the Year of the Monkey; it’s also the time to shine for the ‘Fire Monkey’. At this campy pop-up party at Dempsey (February 20), expect an otherworldly experience – circus-like fire performances, art installations, outdoor cinemas, 3-D projections and more, while DJs Passion, Anthony, Dr Foo and Joshen turn up the volume with bass, dubstep and house hits.
27. Go old school at The Analog Assembly at The Projector
While not exactly a rave, this gathering (February 20) hopes to bring together vinyl junkies of all sorts to buy, sell, or trade their records in the spirit of fostering analogue culture. Aside from an acoustic performance from Sean Lam (Hanging Up The Moon vocalist and scene doyen), DJ Koflow will crank up the revelries with his hip-hop picks and showy turntablism skills – and yes, it will be an all-vinyl set.
28. Kickstart your theatre journey with Pangdemonium’s The Effect
Local theatre company Pangdemonium kicks off its 2016 season with The Effect, a dark and edgy tale of romance between a beautiful psychology student (Nikki Muller) and a charming nomad (Linden Furnell) who find themselves sealed off together uring a clinical drug trial. The play is the first of three in the lineup, and it promises a spell binding evening.
A slider with the ID of 394 doesn't exist.29. Get back on track with Marina Run 2016
Feeling guilty after all the pineapple tarts and chocolates throughout the month? Then it’s time to get back to those New Year’s resolutions to stay fit, by taking part in this scenic run along Gardens by the Bay that offers spectacular waterfront views. Run distances range from 5km to the 21km half-marathon.
30. Experience some Skinny Love with Bon Iver
Mainstream audiophiles didn’t quite know who these mystery men were. But ask any fan of indie music, or anyone who’s heard any of the gazillion cover versions of worldwide hit, “Skinny Love”, and they’ll pretty much be screaming their heads off if you told ’em that Bon Iver was headed this way for a concert. Well hold on to your horses ‘cause this folk indie band is finally coming to our shores (February 26) to show us some Skinny Love.