February ushers in an exciting mix of experiences to elevate your month. From the much-anticipated debut of the Mandai Boardwalk – a picturesque nature retreat with scenic views of Upper Seletar Reservoir – to meaningful family-friendly activities at SAFRA’s Total Defence 2025 event, there’s plenty to explore. Foodies and anime fans can indulge in new restaurants and exclusive menus, while matcha lovers will find their sweet spot at Sugar Belly’s new self-serve outlet in Jewel.
Planning a trip? We’ve also heard news of new budget-friendly flights to Vienna from Singapore. Whether you’re hunting for Valentine’s Day inspiration, planning a family outing, or just looking for new ways to spend your weekends, February promises a fresh line-up of exciting finds.
Things To Do
Total Defence 2025 at SAFRA clubs
Mark Total Defence Day at SAFRA this February with a line-up of engaging activities from 15 to 28 February, all designed to raise awareness and resilience in a fun and interactive way.
Firstly, step into Singapore’s history with themed Guided Walking Tours on 15, 16, and 22 February. Explore iconic locations like Kampong Glam, Fort Canning Hill, and sites tied to the Japanese Occupation. Tours are moderately paced, with two-way transport provided from and back to each SAFRA club. Fees start at $10 per pair for SAFRA members.
There’s also the Cyber Safety Quest, where you embark on a fun cyber safety scavenger hunt within each SAFRA club. Follow clues to locate the posters around the club and complete a quiz to win prizes, including a Singapore-themed tote bag for the first 100 members with correct answers. And with the First Aid Rescue Hunt, challenge yourself to spot the medics and emergency scenarios hidden within the bustling park scene on the board at all SAFRA clubs.
In appreciation of their service, SAFRA members and SAF 11B card holders can redeem a sweet treat from the Customer Service Counter of each SAFRA club (limited to the first 100 members/11B card holders per club). Head down to SAFRA Choa Chu Kang, SAFRA Mount Faber and SAFRA Punggol on 15 February, SAFRA Jurong on 16 February, or SAFRA Tampines and SAFRA Yishun on 22 February.
And from 17 to 28 February, all seven SAFRA clubs will conduct an Evacuation & Power Disruption Simulation Exercise to prepare members and guests for potential crises.
For more information, visit safra.sg/whats-on/total-defence-2025-safra
POWER 98 LOVE SONGS refreshed line-up
Get ready for an all-new listening experience with POWER 98 LOVE SONGS’ refreshed line-up! Start your mornings with The Power Breakfast Show, where Joanna’s infectious energy and trending news will kickstart your day. Looking for a lunchtime rewind? Jeremy Ratnam takes you on a nostalgic journey with 80s and 90s hits on POWER 98 RETRO.
Afternoons are all about tech, gaming, and pop culture with Mister Young on GG With Mister Young, while evenings bring laughter and wisdom with Suhaimi Yusof and Bernard Lim on The Su-Bern Show. Don’t miss Own Time Own Target, where JK shares the latest SAF updates and SAFRA deals.
Wind down with POWER 98 RAW, hosted by Tabitha Nauser, featuring the hottest tracks and emerging homegrown talents. Tune in live or via the CAMOKAKIS app for an elevated audio experience tailored to every music lover!
88.3JIA refreshed line-up
88.3JIA is turning up the volume with its refreshed timebelt lineup, offering an exciting mix of bilingual entertainment for NSmen and music lovers. Start your day with Jia Ming as he takes you on a journey of unforgettable memories, or dive into nature’s wonders with Ivy’s mid-morning show. Need a dose of nostalgia? Tune into Nights Off with Ben and Jimmy, where cherished NS stories meet the latest SAF updates and exclusive SAFRA perks.
For K-POP enthusiasts, Siyun’s evening show delivers the hottest tracks and juiciest updates, while Jimmy keeps positivity flowing with trending stories and feel-good vibes. At evening drive time, be inspired on where to dine with Jiafa’s foodie recommendations.
Catch all the action on air, online, or via the CAMOKAKIS app, where 88.3JIA continues to shine as Singapore’s only bilingual station – bigger, better, and more engaging than ever.
Mandai Boardwalk
Nature enthusiasts have a fresh escape to explore with the opening of the Mandai Boardwalk. Stretching 3.3km along the perimeters of River Wonders and Singapore Zoo, this free-to-access boardwalk offers scenic views of Upper Seletar Reservoir and the Central Catchment Nature Reserve, all while immersing visitors in the sights and sounds of Singapore’s rich biodiversity.
Perfect for a leisurely stroll, the boardwalk features universally designed pathways suitable for all ages and abilities. Along the way, look out for iconic spots like Iora’s Nest, a lookout inspired by the nests of the common iora, or Kingfisher’s Cave, which celebrates Singapore’s nine kingfisher species. Rest areas like Eagle’s Perch and Damselfly’s Wing provide moments of pause and offer opportunities to learn about local wildlife, from the grey-headed fish eagle to dragonflies.
The Mandai Boardwalk opens daily from 7am to 7pm, and is an ideal outing for families or anyone seeking a tranquil connection with nature, right outside the bustling city.
80 Mandai Lake Rd, Singapore 729826
Amazonia exhibition
Step into the heart of the Amazon rainforest with Amazônia, an awe-inspiring exhibition by acclaimed Brazilian photographer Sebastião Salgado. Featuring over 200 stunning black-and-white photographs, the exhibition celebrates the unparalleled beauty of the Amazon while highlighting the urgent need to protect this vital ecosystem from deforestation and climate change.
Curated by Lélia Wanick Salgado, Amazônia goes beyond photography to create a multisensory experience. Wander through two projection rooms and listen to a specially commissioned soundtrack by Jean-Michel Jarre. Video testimonies from Indigenous leaders amplify the voices of the communities who have lived harmoniously with the rainforest for generations. For a truly inclusive experience, there are tactile image plates that cater to the visually impaired.
The exhibition also includes a dedicated space for Instituto Terra, the Salgados’ reforestation initiative, underscoring the importance of conservation.
National Museum Singapore, 93 Stamford Rd, Singapore 178897
Travel
Scoot’s budget flights to Vienna
Planning a family getaway for the June holidays? Scoot has made it easier and more affordable to check Vienna, Austria, off your travel bucket list. Starting from 3 June 2025, the airline will operate direct budget flights from Singapore to Vienna, with prices beginning at just $309 one-way, inclusive of taxes. That means a round-trip can cost as little as $618 if you snag the lowest fares – perfect for a family-friendly European adventure.
The flight is approximately 13 hours, so if you’re travelling with kids and need extra comfort, ScootPlus offers added perks like extra legroom, more baggage allowance, and included meals, starting from $659 one-way.
Vienna, the “City of Music”, is a dream destination for culture lovers. Explore grand palaces like Schönbrunn and Hofburg, visit iconic cathedrals, and immerse yourself in classical music at the city’s concert halls. For families, Vienna’s kid-friendly museums, sprawling parks, and interactive attractions provide plenty to keep little ones entertained.
For more information, visit www.flyscoot.com
Shopping
Philips Hairdryer 8000 Series
If you’re looking for the perfect gift for your wife or girlfriend, we’ve got you. The Philips Hairdryer 8000 Series is a sleek, portable solution combining advanced technology and stylish design. Ideal for women who appreciate efficient and effective hair care, this premium hairdryer promises salon-quality results in the comfort of the home.
Equipped with a cutting-edge Brushless Direct Current (BLDC) engine and Dual AirStream Technology, the 8000 Series delivers powerful yet gentle airflow. It dries hair in record time – up to three minutes for long hair – while reducing friction for smooth, frizz-free results. The lightweight and compact design make it perfect for both home use and travel, without sacrificing performance.
Priced at $299, this hairdryer is a sophisticated alternative to pricier options on the market, offering great value and premium quality. It’s sure to get you extra brownie points!
Available online and at Best Denki, Harvey Norman and Takashimaya
Dining
Sugar Belly at Jewel
Matcha enthusiasts, take note – Sugar Belly has opened its doors at Jewel Changi, offering Singapore’s first self-serve matcha-on tap-concept. Founded by Alexan Tang in 2020, this homegrown brand made waves at events like Artbox and Takashimaya Food Fiesta, and is now serving signature creations from a permanent spot in the east.
The star of the show here are two matcha beverages on tap: the creamy Iced Matcha Latte ($6) and the fruity Iced Matcha Strawberry ($7). The process is delightfully interactive – after receiving your cup (and a dollop of house-made strawberry jam for the latter), simply place it under the tap for a perfectly dispensed matcha drink every time.
Pair your drink with Sugar Belly’s famous mochi doughnuts, priced at $6 each. Popular picks include the Matcha Strawberry doughnut, topped with matcha white chocolate glaze and freeze-dried strawberries, or the Sakura Strawberry, which evokes the nostalgic taste of strawberry Pocky sticks.
78 Airport Boulevard, #B2-256, Jewel Changi, Singapore 819666
Aburi En Attack on Titan menu
Attention, anime fans! Aburi-En is celebrating the release of Attack on Titan: The Last Attack with a limited-time menu inspired by the beloved series. Available until 28 February 2025 at all 14 outlets, including Suntec City, Jewel Changi, and Orchard Central, this special menu is a must-try for fans of the franchise.
The highlight is the Special Don Wall Maria ($19), featuring smoky grilled Iberico pork arranged to resemble Paradis Island’s towering walls, along with shimeji mushrooms and crisp cucumbers on a bed of short-grain rice. Prefer chicken? The Special Don Survey Corps ($14) offers deep-fried chicken nanban and grilled sumibi chicken paired with a tangy yuzu kosho sauce, symbolising the “wings of freedom.”
Wash it down with Armin Arlet’s Blue Ocean Soda ($7), a tropical drink inspired by his dream of the ocean, or the Marley Red Virgin Sangria ($7.50), a nod to Zeke Yeager’s infamous wine (don’t worry, it’s Titan-free!).
Available at all Aburi-En outlets
Tonshou
Tonshou, the renowned tonkatsu restaurant from Busan, Korea, has made its debut in Singapore. Famous for its charcoal-grilled pork cutlets, this eatery has a reputation for long queues and reservations snapped up in minutes. Now, Singaporeans can experience what all the fuss is about.
Tonshou stands out by grilling its tonkatsu over charcoal, a method that imparts a smoky depth to the meat. Choose between the Hire Katsu Cutlet ($28) – lean and tender pork tenderloin – or the Rosu Katsu Cutlet (from $29), featuring pork loin with a good balance of lean meat and fat.
Each set comes with rice, miso soup, and unique additions like chilled corn soup and cabbage kimchi. Don’t miss the curry sauce ($5 top-up), a standout condiment packed with complex spices, or try the traditional pairing of Maldon salt and lemon for a refreshing twist.
For something different, the Katsu Sando ($21) offers perfectly balanced layers of meat and bread in a handheld delight.
51 Tras St, Singapore 078990
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