There could be many reasons why you’re single. Perhaps you’re not ready for a relationship, are still holding out for “the one”, or simply have – if you’re willing to admit – no game. Whatever the case, there’s no reason why singles should have to miss out on the thrills and TLCs of dating.
Going out alone might seem lonely at times, but truth be told, you’re often your own best company. Plus, with these solo date ideas that have bona-fide “me, myself, and I” activities, you won’t have to feel unnecessarily awkward or judged. So put on your fav fit and block out your calendars, because you’re about to get wooed by you.
Being alone is the best time to learn to get comfy with yourself. And there’s no better way than getting fully nude at a Japanese bathhouse like Yunomori Onsen & Spa. Yes, you read that right, you’ll be expected to be dressed in your birthday suit to visit the onsen baths here.
There’s an option to get black disposable undergarments to wear in the changing area, but once they’re wet they leave hardly anything to the imagination. It’s just easier to embrace your bits to enjoy the signature mineral baths, hot and cold baths, and steam rooms and saunas. Don’t worry, these areas are separated by gender, so it’s not super awkward.
For further indulgence, you can top up for a massage or treatment like a facial or IPL hair removal. Packages for a massage and onsen admission start from $143, and include full day access to the onsen.
If you’ve ever been craving a smoky BBQ feast, but don’t have a smoking hot date with you, meet Yakiniku Like. This Japanese roast joint is known for its individual seating arrangements that pair each diner to their own grill.
Plus, with their electric grills, you won’t have to worry about wearing an Eau De Smokey on your clothes afterwards.
The staff at Yakiniku Like have also pledged to serve you under 3 minutes, and with plenty of single-serving options so you won’t have to worry about leftovers.
Set meals start from $9.80 and come with a choice of meat, rice, seaweed soup, and kimchi or salad. Meat-lovers should try their Tontoro 100g ($7.90), a succulent slab of pork with a juicy ream of fat. Bonus: all prices are nett, so don’t worry if you feel like eating for 2.
Full list of Yakiniku Like outlets
Image credit: @granianwingedhorse via Instagram
We know it may sound cliche, but it’s said that “books are the quietest and most constant of friends.” If you agree, head to Grassroots Book Room. It’s an independent bookstore specialising in Chinese titles, tucked in a pretty shophouse in Keong Saik for 10/10 main character vibes. But don’t worry if you don’t read Mandarin, there are also plenty of books in English.
Image credit: Gracelyn Lim
You may not have a Romeo or Juliet to write you love letters – but no worries, there’s a sibei wholesome corner where you can receive messages from or write letters to strangers. The bookstore provides pen and paper for you to write down a cute note or 2.
After browsing through the books or writing your letters, you might wanna head to the cafe at the back of the bookstore. It’s called Little Oasis and it’s greatly inspired by The Little Prince. Treat yo’self to a cappuccino ($6) and pair it with an earl grey lavender chiffon cake ($3).
There are also counter seats dedicated to solo diners where you can just chillax and read – who knows, you might just meet a fellow book lover.
Address: 25 Bukit Pasoh Road, Singapore 089839
Opening hours: Mon, Wed-Sat 12pm-8pm | Sun 12pm-6pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
Contact: 6337 9208 | Grassroots Book Room Facebook
Image credit: @thegympod via Instagram
Relationships might not work out all the time, but at least you can. Treat your body to a gym sesh at any of The Gym Pods in town, a 24-hour gym where you can work out in peace and privacy. That means no more queueing up for gym equipment and getting judged by other gym rats.
From $7.50/30 minutes, you can make full use of the cardio, dumbbell rack, and strength-training stations in the pod. Newer pods even have interactive screens where you can follow virtual classes and learn from fitness experts.
Image credit: @thegympod via Instagram
Besides the traditional gyms, they also have a bunch of other facilities like a Spin Pod at Changi City Point and an MMA-style Rumble Pod at Buangkok Square. See the full list of The Gym Pod locations to get started on your bangin’ bod.
Opening hours: 24 hours, Daily
Image credit: @staywithkinn via Instagram
Solo travel is a liberating phenomena that has become quite common these days. While we might not have the budget to indulge overseas, there are plenty of solo staycay spots here that can offer us a breath of fresh air.
For instance, the KINN Capsule Hotel at Clarke Quay has the minimalist-zen look down to a T and is perfect for those who live for and worship all things Muji. From $36.70/night, cosy up in a capsule with pull-down blinds, 2 charging ports, a concealed shelf, and a pull-out round mirror.
Image credit: KINN Capsule Hotel
Even their toilets look super sleek and come with backlit floor-length mirrors and hair dryers. Each guest at KINN will also receive a basic amenities kit, complete with a towel, earplugs, and a dental hygiene set.
KINN isn’t the only place for a solo staycay. Check out our guide to other capsule hotels in Singapore.
Image credit: @palmavefloatclub via Instagram
If the thought of being single weighs heavily on your mind, literally float your troubles away in a floatation tank at Palm Avenue Float Club. Floatation therapy deprives you of light, sound, and external stimulation so your mind can thoroughly relax and recuperate. You know, from the “pain” of being #foreveralone.
For $99, do nothing but give yourself a little R&R for 1 hour in a heated salt water bath.
Image credit: @city_hot_pot via Instagram
While steamboat is traditionally a communal dish, many of us often have the hots for a steamy bowl of hot pot but no one to share it with. Thankfully, City HotPot has a one pot per person concept that promises individual portions and 14 different soup bases to choose from.
Image credit: @wakeycow via Instagram
Also available here are set meals for when you can’t decide what to have, like the Signature Wagyu Beef Set ($25.99) and Wagyu Chuck Eye Roll Set ($27.99). Lone diners can grab a seat by the counter to catch the chefs whipping up soups and slicing up fresh meats too.
Full list of City HotPot outlets
Image credit: @cliquegaming via Instagram
E-boys and girls, if you haven’t found each other yet, maybe Clique Gaming is a good place to start. This internet cafe is also the largest of its kind in the west, with its new RGB desktop setups. From just $4/hour, get into battle mode with over 200 high performance LAN games like Halo, Counter Strike, and League of Legends.
Image credit: Fame Music & Entertainment
Once you’re done conquering the virtual world, reward yourself with a drink from the Fame Music & Entertainment bar and make a toast to yourself. SAFRA members and affiliated members can also enjoy 15% off on these activities.
Address: 333 Boon Lay Way, Singapore 649848
Opening hours: 9am-9pm, Daily
Contact: 9009 3707 | Clique Gaming website
Image credit: @heyitswh_ via Instagram
Finally, commemorate your “I don’t need no man or woman” day with a proud self portrait. Among the many self photography studios in Singapore, Photobytes is probably the most colourful one, with a selection of RGB backdrops and a few sunset lamps. You can also request for a B&W or neutral toned setting if you want a more sophisticated vibe.
From $35, get 15 minutes all to yourself with a tripod set-up and a remote control clicker. You’ll have another 15 minutes after to select your fav shots. There are no limits to the number of photos you can take, and all original soft copies can be downloaded at an extra $25.
Image credit: @thegoldensunshine via Instagram
Photobytes is also a pet-friendly studio, so don’t hesitate to top up $20 to bring your furbaby along for a “family portrait”.
Address: 61A Haji Lane, Singapore 189254
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 1pm-10pm | Sat-Sun 11am-10pm
Contact: 8202 4991 | Photobytes website
So you see, being by yourself doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. That goes for those in relationships too. So the next time you say “party of one”, say it loud and proud. After all, in the wise words of RuPaul, “If you don’t love yourself, how in the hell you gon’ love somebody else?”
For more things to do year-round:
Cover image adapted from: @thegympod, @heyitswh_ via Instagram, KINN Capsule Hotel
First published on 10th November 2022. Last updated by Raewyn Koh on 9th February 2024.
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