August, as always, is filled with tonnes of activities to do – from watching fireworks, to outdoor films at Fort Canning, and plenty of singing. After all, it is Singapore’s birthday month.
With a public holiday upon us on 9 August and lots of celebrations to attend, we’ve rounded up the best things to do – from new cafes and restaurants and cool exhibitions, to a new ferry service for a quick weekend getaway. Here are the best new things to do this August.
Things To Do
Participate in the Proud to Call Singapore Home Contest
Singapore turns 57 this month. As we celebrate this happy occasion, let us reminisce about all the reasons we are proud to call Singapore our home. Majulah Singapura!!
If you have red and white running in your blood, take a moment and tell us what makes you proud to call Singapore your home.
Participate and stand to win a Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 Earbuds worth S$280.
Stay connected for more chances to win with SAFRA on Telegram, Instagram and Facebook.
National Day events at SAFRA clubs
Celebrate this National Day at the SAFRA clubhouses! From 5.45pm on 9 August, catch the National Day Parade live screening at all SAFRA clubs with other club members, and revel in the camaraderie and patriotic spirit. At the same time, you can also pen a thank you note to our NSmen for all their sacrifices.
From 8 to 12 August, SAFRA members and NSmen can also claim 22% off their Caltex fuel purchase. And treat yourselves while topping up your fuel to any 2 boxes of Magnum Mini at $17.90 at Caltex Star Mart, till 31 August.
The young ones aren’t left out either. They can partake in free activities at Kidz Amaze such as National Day Art & Craft and Balloon Sculpting on 9 August itself – so it’s fun for the whole family!
From 1 August at all SAFRA clubhouses; more info at www.safra.sg/whats-on/ndp2022
Activities that do good
SAFRA Cares is a year-long series of initiatives that aims to raise funds for a diverse group of beneficiaries to help less privileged and vulnerable families and children (under the President’s Challenge) and servicemen disabled due to service (via the SAF Care Fund). Here are 3 fun ways you can do your part!
SAFRA Diaper Dash
Update: Registration has been extended till 25 August 2022
For those with kids and toddlers, sign your young ones up for the SAFRA Diaper Dash, the cutest race in town. Taking place at SAFRA Punggol and SAFRA Toa Payoh on 3 to 4 September (qualifying rounds) and at SAFRA Punggol on 10 to 11 September (finals), it’s open to babies aged 6 to 18 months old. Fees are at $55 and will go towards raising funds for the less privileged – so your baby can partake in the race to be crowned the SAFRA Cares Baby Ambassador while advocating for a good cause. Registration is open from now till 21 August 25 August (extended!). For more info, visit safradiaperdash.sg.
SAFRA Charity Bowl 2022
The adults can take part in the SAFRA Charity Bowl from 1 August to 18 September (from $40), and do their part for charity when they buy limited-edition merchandise signed by Team Singapore bowlers. Nett proceeds from registration fees, games fees and merchandise sales will be donated to beneficiaries of President’s Challenge and SAF Care Fund. Go to www.safra.sg/whats-on/safra-
Swim For Hope 2022
If you love swimming, you can also register for SAFRA Swim for Hope, from 1 August to 30 September. Clock the laps anywhere and anytime, or look out for special swim sessions at all swimming pools at SAFRA Clubs in October. The iconic annual charity event lets NSmen and their families and friends bond through sport, and at the same time do their part for charity. Get the details and sign up here.
Run at the SAFRA Singapore Bay Run & Army Half Marathon 2022
Runners, listen up! Here’s your call for registration for the SAFRA Singapore Bay Run & Army Half Marathon 2022. The event will return this year as a virtual run from 25 September to 23 October 2022. What that means is that you can chart your own preferred running routes and run anytime during the month-long event.
So it’s time to take up the challenge of running the 21km Half Marathon, 21km Cumulative Challenge and Families for Life 10km Cumulative Challenge. There’s also a new NS55 Cumulative Team Challenge where NSmen can sign up in teams of up to five members and complete a total distance of 55km. Register here – sign ups are closing on 21 August.
More info at www.safra.sg/whats-on/safra-singapore-bay-run-army-half-marathon-2022
Films at the Fort
Outdoor movies are a great way to spend time with your loved ones. Well, you’re in luck because the ever-popular Films at the Fort are coming back this August. Similar to past editions, this year’s will take place at the natural amphitheatre of Fort Canning Park.
Choose from a quality selection of movies, such as The Survivor, Licorice Pizza, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent and Everything Everywhere All At Once. You may even want to return over a few nights to catch ‘em all.
The best part? You don’t have to settle for just popcorn and soda while watching your movie. Munch on gourmet food by The Providore alongside a selection of wine, sparkling wine, beer and cider at affordable prices.
Tickets at $36.80 each. From 10 to 21 August, Fort Canning Green (within Fort Canning Park)
Wayang Spaceship at Singapore Art Museum
Singapore Art Museum @ Keppel Distripark has a new outdoor art installation, called Wayang Spaceship. It’s modelled as an old school wayang stage and comes to life at 7.15pm daily with flashing lights, sounds, and moving images.
The artist behind the art work is Singaporean Ming Wong, who’s dreamt up a scholar-warrior character time-travelling through Singapore’s past, present, and future. Here’s the best part: from 4 to 7pm right before the daily activation, visitors are invited to come up to the stage to admire the structure and snap a few pics for the ‘gram.
Entry to Wayang Spaceship is free for all – so get ready for a fun time with your bros or special person.
7.15pm daily at 39 Keppel Rd, #01-02, Singapore 089065; Tel: 6697 9730
Lim Tze Peng and Hong Zhu An at Ode to Art Gallery
This National Day, celebrate two of Singapore’s most illustrious artists at Raffles City’s Ode to Art Gallery, which is showing curated pieces from the two artists from now till the end of August.
For the uninitiated, Lim Tze Peng is Singapore’s oldest artist who turns 101 this year, while Hong Zhu An has been perfecting his sublime abstract works since he was a child. So is there a better way to show your patriotism? Head on to the gallery for an art-filled time, entry is free for all.
11am to 9pm daily at 252 North Bridge Rd, #01-36E F, Raffles City Shopping Centre, Singapore 179103; Tel: 6250 1901
Shopping
Build Your Own Bike Workshop at Unspokin
Ever wanted to build your own bike? Now you can do it at Unspokin’s Build Your Own Bike (BYOB) workshop. For $1,300, you can have a hand in building your own bike, getting to choose your own custom parts while at it. That way, you can have everything personalised – from your handlebars and pedals to your own unique paint job.
There’s a range of colours for you to choose from and you can work with the pros at Unspokin to develop the exact colours you like. Your bike will then get a fresh coat of paint, and you’re guaranteed to have the most unique bike in town.
Garmin Rally XC200
Here’s more great news for those who love cycling. Garmin Singapore has just launched its Rally XC200 dual-sensing power meters for off-road cyclists, which are compatible with Shimano SPD cleats.
These new pedals enable cyclists to measure right and left leg data metrics independently – from cadence, total power, left-right balance and advanced cycling dynamics. The dual-sensing pedals also track time spent seated versus standing so riders can gauge position effectiveness and where power is applied on the pedal to ensure proper cleat position.
To get the most out of your workout, pair the Rally power meters with compatible Edge cycling computers and the Garmin Connect app to seamlessly upload data and update software.
Available at Lazada, Shopee, the Garmin Online Store and selected authorised retailers.
Travel
Desaru Link Ferry Services
Finally starting to plan a trip? With the opening of a few swanky new resorts, Desaru is an upcoming destination for a quick beach getaway. And with the new Desaru Link Ferry Services, a trip to the coastal town has been made even more convenient, getting you to resorts in Desaru – think the new, family-friendly Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast, and the luxurious Anantara Desaru Coast Resort – in just under 90 minutes.
From Thursdays to Sundays, the ferry service loops between Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal and Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal. Just want to visit the Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast? You can even make a single day trip, departing at 8.30am from Singapore and at 5.30pm from Desaru.
More info at desarucoast.com
Dining
Restaurant Born
You’ve probably seen the historical Jinrikisha Station along Neil Road. Now, the distinctive building is home to one of Singapore’s hottest new fine dining spots: Restaurant Born.
Chef Zor Tan’s menu features contemporary cuisine that’s an amalgamation of French fine dining with Chinese gastronomy. Its nine-course Contemporary Cuisine Menu is inspired by nine guiding principals: Birth, Roots, Memories, Craft, Relationship, Vicissitudes, Time, Progress, and Legacy.
Expect innovative dishes such as the dry-aged pigeon with barley risotto with corn and green Sichuan peppercorn and garlic aioli sauce; or the crab miso tangyuan with chargrilled Alaskan King crab.
1 Neil Road, #01-01, Singapore 088804; Tel: 6223 3292
1932 Story Cafe
For those whose aim is to check out every cool cafe in town, though, you mustn’t miss this. The storied Bukit Timah Railway Station has recently been refurbished, and is now open to the public. But there’s an even cooler spot within the area – the 1932 Story Cafe, which takes over the station’s former staff headquarters.
Step inside, and you’ll find pieces of nostalgia scattered throughout. For some fresh air, head outside to the al fresco sitting area. On the menu are fusion dishes such as Cajun Chicken with Fries ($16.90) and Garlic Pizza ($18.90) alongside local fare like Mee Rebus ($7.90), Ayam Masak Merah ($8.90) and Nasi Lemak with Chicken Wing & Otak ($10.90).
1005 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 596121; Tel: 9427 7177
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