We’re finally in October, and spooky season is here with some of the scariest haunted houses and events. But that’s not all this month has in store. There are also plenty of new things to do across the island, from fueling your wanderlust through food and celebrating the 100th birthday of our founding father.
Excited to find out what’s new in October 2023? Read on.
Things To Do
SPLASHtastic
You probably didn’t think you’d see the words “Halloween” and “pool party” together, but SAFRA Yishun is stepping up with SPLASHtastic, a Halloween-themed pool party taking place on 14 October only.
Pack your swimsuits and get ready for a splash-tastic time. Guest DJ Casey will also be spinning beats you can dance to while you indulge in poolside games, and a selection of bar snacks and beverages from Eatzi Gourmet Steakhouse & Bistro, HaveFun Karaoke, and Taste So Awesome.
Tickets cost $15 per SAFRA member and $20 per guest, inclusive of 1 cup of welcome beer and a goodie bag per ticket. Dress up in your best Halloween costume, and you might just win a $100 SAFRA Rewards Voucher as part of the Best Dressed Competition.
Bundle Set Promotion
Until 14 October 2023, enjoy discounted ticket prices when you purchase a set of 4 tickets.
SAFRA Members: $45
Guests: $60
Do note that SPLASHtastic is only open to those aged 18 and above.
14 October 2023 at SAFRA Yishun; more info at safra.sg/whats-on/splashtastic-ys
EnergyRush 2023
Fitspos, listen up. EnergyRush is back – and there’s a brand new concept this time.
This year, the fitness challenge will kickstart at District level, held at all EnergyOne gyms across all 7 SAFRA clubs from 14 October to 5 November 2023. It’s time to put 5 fitness components to the test – Endurance, Strength, Agility, Flexibility and Power. As motivation, know that there are $10,000 worth of prizes to be won.
After smashing all the categories, the top 20 District Challengers of each gym can then progress to the Grand FITnale on 18 November at EnergyOne Choa Chu Kang, where they will be grouped into teams to compete.
14 October – 5 November across all EnergyOne gyms. Grand FITnale on 18 November at EnergyOne Chua Chu Kang; find out more and register at safra.sg/whats-on/energyrush-2023
LKY: The Experience
Singapore’s founding father, Lee Kuan Yew, would have turned 100 this year. And you’d probably have seen countless exhibitions, programmes, and activities celebrating the man. But here’s where LKY: The Experience stands out – it’s located in a 3-storey building that takes you on a journey through his life.
Expect 20 Instagrammable rooms featuring interactive displays that are both fun and educational. You’ll also get to hear over 100 narratives about Mr Lee Kuan Yew as shared by citizens.
Tickets are priced at $18 per person and can be purchased online.
6 October – 31 December 2023 at 11 Prinsep Link, Singapore 187949; tickets and more info at lkyexperience.com
Halloween Horror Nights
It’s that time of the year again when Halloween Horror Nights takes over everyone’s feed. This year, it’s even better than ever with 5 haunted houses, 3 scare zones, and 2 shows. Plus, two of the haunted houses are inspired by pop culture – think a horrifying nightclub featuring songs by The Weeknd and one that resembles a scene from Netflix’s “All Of Us Are Dead.”
If you’re ready for a night of endless jumpscares, tickets start from $79 and you can book them on Universal Studios Singapore’s website.
Till 4 November 2023 at Universal Studios Singapore, Resorts World Sentosa, 8 Sentosa Gateway, Singapore 098269
Shopping
Lojel travel accessories
If you’ve been on the lookout for good quality luggage, Lojel has a range of travel essentials to consider. The Cubo suitcase comes in 4 sizes – small ($360), medium ($420), large ($480), and fit ($480) – and features a clever flat-top opening for full access without needing much space in the room. There’s even a front compartment that gives you easy access to your electronics – perfect for security checks at the airport.
They’ve also got a selection of stylish daypacks, tote bags, and accessories to pair with your luggage. You’ll have a functional yet chic set to explore the world with.
Shop online or in-store at The Travel Store outlets and departmental stores such as Tangs, OG, Takashimaya, and Metro.
Gaston Luga x Nikon backpack
All photographers know that a good backpack that stores their camera and accessories safely is a must-have. Well, beloved camera brand Nikon has teamed up with Swedish bag designer Gaston Luga for their new GL x Nikon backpack.
It has all the qualities you’re looking for in a camera backpack: water-resistant, equipped with a detachable camera holder and adjustable dividers, inner pockets to fit a laptop and tablet, and can open up fully like a suitcase. There’s also a top attachment that securely fastens your tripod with a velcro strap.
The backpack is retailing at $269 online. It’s out just in time for the launch of the Nikon Z F, the camera brand’s new mirrorless camera.
Available online at the Gaston Luga website
Dining
Cedric Grolet
If you love French pastries like croissants and pain au chocolat, head to the new Cedric Grolet outlet at Como Orchard. This marks the brand’s first Singapore outpost, and its 4th in the world.
For those who aren’t familiar with the French pastry chef, he’s basically Insta-famous with 9 million followers. So it comes as no surprise that there were snaking queues outside the patisserie when it first opened.
Cedric Grolet is famous for his pastries that look like fruits, and you’ll find Singapore exclusives here such as the Lychee and Dragonfruit. Both are selling at a premium price of $26. But if you want to try something that’s easier on the pocket, order his highly raved croissant ($8) and pain au chocolat ($10).
30 Bideford Rd, Level 1 COMO Orchard, Singapore 229922
Merchant Coffee Roasters
Melbourne is said to have the best coffee in the world. But now, caffeine fanatics don’t have to hop on a plane for a good flat white because Merchant Coffee Roasters recently opened in a restored building in Dempsey. Stepping in, you may feel like you’ve been transported to Australia, with its minimalistic interiors and laid-back seating options.
Prices aren’t expensive, either, starting from $4.50, with lattes, mochas and flat whites going at $6.
71 Loewen Road, #01-05, Singapore 248847
Katsu-an
For those who love katsudon (pork cutlet rice bowl), it’s time to bookmark Katsu-an at Suntec City. If the name sounds familiar to you, that’s because it’s a popular chain in Japan with over 50 outlets there. The one at Suntec is its first international restaurant, something for Singapore to be proud of.
The food here is relatively affordable. Their Signature Don starts at $5.90 for a medium portion, and you can upsize to an L or XL portion. There are also sets to choose from, which comes with miso soup, pickled veggies, and shredded cabbage.
3 Temasek Boulevard, #B1-149A Tower, #2 Suntec City, 038983
Save more with SAFRA! Enjoy special deals and discounts on dining, shopping, entertainment, travel, fitness and more from over 1,500 merchant outlets islandwide. Sign up or renew your SAFRA membership for three years at the price of 1 year ($43.20 inclusive of GST)! Plus, get your spouse and children on board to enjoy the same privileges too – 1st dependent pays $5.40/year, and it’s free for the 2nd dependent onwards. Visit safra.sg/savemore for more details.
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