We’ve made it! 2016 has finally arrived, and boy is it going to be one happenin’ year indeed. The world is abuzz with US’ big presidential election coming in August, and Rio de Janeiro will play host to yet another Olympic Games. Gosh, has it really been four years since London? As much as new year’s resolutions are hard to keep, I am going to strive to inject a little more fun and excitement in my life than just surfing the net and going to the occasional cafe. There’s no better time than now to start introducing quirky and thrilling activities into your schedule!
Ring in the new year with fun happenings that are going to create your best memories yet. Here are 20 new and fun things to do to get you started. Time to start planning January’s itinerary!
Set out for an idyllic day of boardwalk strolls and bargain hunting at the Sentosa Boardwalk Bazaar. Stalls are set up day through night and peddle clothes, accessories, handmade knick-knacks and even food for cheap. Look out for signs displaying meaningful stories of certain sellers who may be facing struggles – you’ll be supporting a good cause while snagging a great buy at the same time!
Date: Every Saturday and Sunday in January
Time: Sat 4 pm – 11.30 pm, Sun 2 pm – 9.30 pm
Venue: Sentosa Gateway
Website
The long-awaited Laneway Festival is back again and better than ever. Held at The Meadows within Gardens By The Bay, there’s no better setting for you to rock out to the fantastic lineup. There’ll be all sorts of crazy talent from Australia, Philippines, Canada, UK and the States. I don’t know about you but my jaw almost fell to the ground when they announced that The 1975 is set to perform. It’s going to be one rockin’ day out, that’s for sure!
Date: 30 January
Time: 10 am
Venue: The Meadow, Gardens By The Bay
Tickets: $180 via Sistic
Put your phone down and give those dating apps a rest. This year, get out of your comfort zone in more ways than one by participating in a bubble bump session: the special SINGLES ONLY edition. Organised by matchmaking service GaiGai, the event includes a 120 minute round of games followed by a chance to have a hearty chat with your new mates over refreshments. Who knows? You just might find The One!
Date: 23 January
Time: 2.30 pm – 5 pm
Venue: The Cage, 28 Jalan Benaan Kapal S(399635)
Tickets: $49 via Eventbrite
Perhaps 2016 is the year to introduce a furry little companion to your life. Give the cuddly canines at Gentle Paws a loving home by attending their open house. All dogs are vaccinated, microchipped and HDB approved, with sterilisation and heart guard protection taken for those above 8 months old. Have a playful day out with these pups and pooches, and you may have your heart melted by your new best friend.
Date: Every Saturday and Sunday in January
Time: 1 pm – 4 pm
Venue: 16 Pasir Ris Farmway 2 S(519316)
Website
If one of your new year’s resolutions is to get in shape and conquer a marathon, kill two birds with one stone by running for a good cause! With over 10,000 patients diagnosed with cancer each year, the Run For Hope aims to raise much-needed awareness and support for cancer research.
Rope in your friends and family for the 3.5km Fun Run and enjoy coursing through the scenic cityscape while supporting this worthy course. There’s also a 10km category for the avid runners out there!
Date: 31 January
Time: 7 am
Venue: The Promontory @ Marina Bay, 11 Marina Blvd S(018940)
Tickets: $55 via Digital Race Solutions
This one’s not just for the geeks! With over 20 seminars and 30 exhibits, Suntec City’s RoboUniverse expo is THE place to be if you wanna get up to all sorts of techy and terrific things. Whether you’re already well versed in the tech scene or you’re looking to start learning the first bit of info, there’s something for everyone. Expect a ton of stuff pertaining to robotics, virtual reality and even 3D printing!
Date: 26 – 27 January
Time: 9.30 am to 5.30 pm
Venue: Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre
Tickets: Free to pre-register here, $20 per online ticket
Shopaholics, rejoice. Blogshop & Co will be holding their legendary fashion bazaar at Tampines 1’s atrium. Besides stunning shoes and apparel going at low prices, there’ll also be handmade artisanal trinkets and antiques too pretty to resist. The loot usually gets swept up swiftly by the nimble-fingered crowd, so get there early to snag all the best deals!
Date: 25 to 31 January
Time: 10 am to 10 pm
Venue: Basement 1 Atrium, 10 Tampines Central 1 S(529536)
Website
An annual festival celebrating an eclectic mix of music, dance, theatre, visual arts and mixed media, the M1 Singapore Fringe Festival is back again with more contemporary and cutting-edge showcases.
This year’s theme is Art and the Animal, so expect an array of performances and exhibits that will engage the mind as well as your senses. They’re not afraid to push boundaries with meaningful yet provocative art, just look at the mindblowing promotional artwork merging humans and wildlife!
Date: 13 – 24 January
Assorted timings and venues
Click here for event calendar
Tickets: $19 per show via Sistic
An essential part of our daily lives, the MRT stations actually sport some pretty spectacular artwork. It’s hard to slow down and appreciate their beauty with the hustle and rush of commuting, so Art Outreach is hosting a free guided tour along the North-East Line.
As part of Singapore Art Week, embark on the Art In Transit walking trail spanning from Dhoby Ghaut to Outram Park station. Marvel at the stunning sights from Chinatown’s oriental displays to the sprawling murals at Dhoby Ghaut, vibrantly depicting the community’s rich cultural legacy.
Date: 16 – 17 & 23 – 24 January
Time: 10 am & 2 pm
Venue: Starts at Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station, ends at Outram Park MRT Station
Tickets: Free
Website
The ultimate showcase of timelessness and tradition mixed with contemporary choreography, Drum Tao is back with their 2016 show, Hyakkaryoran Hanabi. The multiple Tony award nominated performance will feature the art of Taiko drumming through music, athleticism and humour. Held at Mediacorp Campus’ spanking new theatre, prepare to be taken on a high-octane ride fuelled by precision and stamina.
Date: 7 – 9 January
Time: Thur & Fri 7.30 pm, Sat 1.30 pm & 7.30 pm
Venue: The Theatre @ MediaCorp 1 Stars Avenue S(138507)
Tickets: $68 onwards, via Sistic
Website
More than just stunning stretches of Peranakan houses and Instaworthy walls to up your #OOTD game, Joo Chiat is a colourful part of local history boasting Peranakan culture and traditions. The hidden eastside gem is filled with surprising things to see and do that you’ll never find anywhere else. Be sure to try your hand at a beading class and visit a Peranakan private home museum for the first time!
Get the lowdown on all the must-see spots here!
There’s no room for scanty sales offers, IMM is the perfect example of “go big or go home”, with huge discounts on all your favourite brands from electronics to high-end fashion, and everything else in between. With the addition of post-holiday promos, prepare to lug home epic hauls and rake in the savings while you’re at it.
Read about our trip to IMM to get a headstart on all the best deals!
Leave the snore-worthy date ideas behind in 2015. This year, it’s all about excitement packed bae activities. Even better, save a whopping amount of money while you’re at it by making use of the Entertainer Singapore app’s 1-for-1 deals.
With everything from aerial pilates and scuba diving sessions to fancy restaurant deals and pampering spa sessions, the only thing behind the snores will be the ultra luxe couple massage sessions.
Click here and start planning the best dates of your life!
Nobody can resist a delectable meal that’s as much a feast for the eyes as it is for your stomach. Besides tasting incredible, it makes for a fabulous #foodporn shot that’ll have all your followers drooling from the other side of the screen. For all those uber sexy dishes that you always see on your feed but never got to try, now’s the time to go all out!
Here are the top 30 most Instagrammable foods of 2015, which ones are top notch, and where to get them from. You may put on a couple of pounds but hey, that photo gallery is going to look phenomenal.
Believing in the power of a smile, the good people of The Morning Greeters are on a quest to spread joy around the nation in the easiest way possible. In what they call an “island-wide run movement”, The Morning Greeters embark on runs through every major park in Singapore on Sundays and greet everyone they encounter during their routes. You never know how much a simple “good morning”, coupled with a cheery smile can brighten up someone’s day!
Check out their Facebook page for more info, and if you’d like to become a Morning Greeter yourself!
There’s nothing better than digging into a scrumptious Sunday brunch with your loved ones while enjoying the picturesque view of the riverside at Clarke Quay, except having all that at HALF the price. A total of 12 participating outlets are having 1-for-1 discounts which are going to make your Sunday brunch affairs that much sweeter of a deal.
We spill the deets on #SundayFunBrunch promo here!
You know the most scenic, OOTD-worthy spots of Singapore. Now take it up a notch by going to incredibly stunning nightspots around our island! Photos just look that much more awe-inspiring when it’s set in the darkness of sundown, illuminated only by twinkling lights of the city.
No matter if it’s a secret spot boasting ultimate tranquility or everyday places bustling with life for hours upon sunset. I sure didn’t know the humble bus stop could make for such gorgeous shots! We headed out to the best spots for night photography here!
If tucking into food while you’re in a regular setting has become too mundane for you, try dining in some unconventional spots this year. From a cable car high in the sky to a floating restaurant off mainland Singapore, take your pick of whether you’re feeling fancy or looking for some major kampung vibes.
Wacky locations aside, there are also dining establishments with cool concepts. The DMZ Dinners in particular provides your meal for free. All you have to do is share a story of your experiences about language, race or religion. How’s that for a meaningful meal as well as great way to meet new people?
Check out our full list of unconventional food spots and go forth on your dining adventures!
Nope, that wasn’t a typo! Contrary to popular belief, a vacation to Dubai does not require a king’s ransom. In fact, there are attractions in Dubai that can cost less than a USS ticket back home! What’s more, Skiddoo is having a lucky draw until the end of this month where you could stand a chance to win free flights.
Meanwhile, we uncover all of Dubai’s secret promotions and discounts here, including exhibits that cost absolutely nothing!
If 2016 is the year you plan to indulge your wanderlust, Hokkaido should definitely be your first stop. With landscapes that look straight out of a fairytale illustration, it is THE destination that will make a trip of a lifetime. All I can say is that everything about it is next-level. From quality fresh food to breathtaking scenery, it makes for an overall unbeatable experience.
Read all about our trip here and you’ll be blown away!
January is going to be one action-packed month, with plenty to see and do no matter what you like! There’s something in store for the artsy, the shopaholics and even those with a case of wanderlust. Go forth and check them all off your bucket list: the 2016 edition.
Happy new year!
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