Singapore is boring? It’s time to put that statement to rest. As Singapore gears up for the F1 season, the city also comes to life with a myriad of new things to do. There’s a selection of exhilarating outdoor and indoor activities to beat the heat, alongside new restaurant and cafe openings you should check out over the long weekends.
Whether you’re a single bloke looking for the best new happenings around town, or one that’s happily spending time with his wife and kids, these are the new things to do in September 2023.
Things to do
DoujinFes @ SAFRA Tampines
If you’re a fan of Japanese Anime, head on down to DoujinFes @ SAFRA Tampines on 9 and 10 September 2023. Check out the different booths and showcases by passionate artists and cosplayers on the first level of SAFRA Tampines. The event is free for all.
Don’t miss the Stamp Rally, where you can stand a chance to win a prize. All you have to do is spend a minimum of $5 to get a stamp at the vendors. Collect four stamps in the respective areas (A,B,C and D) and proceed to the ticket redemption counter located at SAFRA Tampines Lobby. Then, present the completed stamp card and show that you liked DoujinFes@Heartlands (@doujinfes_heartlands) and SAFRA Tampines (@safratm) on Instagram to get a lucky draw ticket.
9-10 September 2023 at SAFRA Tampines; more info at safra.sg/whats-on/doujinfes-safra-tampines
Beer, Music, Play 2023
Beer lovers, this is an event you shouldn’t miss!
On 21 October 2023, SAFRA Mount Faber will be buzzing with live music, an abundance of free-flow craft beers and exciting fringe activities for the whole group all night long! Choose from 5 variants of craft beer from local renowned breweries like Brewerkz, Lion Brewery and Brewlander as you dance the night away to live performances by Too Much Drama and DJ Reiko.
Those with kids will have to leave the young ones at home – the event is strictly for those above 18. Registration fees for SAFRA members is at $35 per pax and $45 per pax for guests.
21 October 2023, 6pm-12am at SAFRA Mount Faber; find out more and register at safra.sg/whats-on/beer-music-play-2023
Neon Night Fest
Bring the whole family for 2 days of of unlimited LED arcade games, exciting stage performances, a live DJ Show and even a Singing Competition! Pre-register for the BBQ Cookout and Free Flow Beer (for 18 years above only) on 27 October for $38 per pax for SAFRA members and $58 per pax for guests. Otherwise, there’s also a Beer + Lok Lok Party on 28 October at $10 for SAFRA members and $12 for guests, inclusive of 1 cup of beer or non-alcoholic drink, and 5 sticks of lok lok per pax.
Songbirds should also showcase their singing talent and win up to $1,200 in cash. Plus, all participants get a $30 Jewel Music Box voucher. Registrations close on 9 October, so don’t miss your chance.
27-28 October at SAFRA Jurong; more info and register at safra.sg/whats-on/neon-night-fest
Installation of EV Chargers at SAFRA clubs
If you’re driving an electric vehicle (EV), here’s good news. SAFRA has installed EV Chargers at all its clubs in support of the Singapore Green Plan 2030, and they’re available to use at Tampines, Mount Faber, Toa Payoh, Punggol, and Jurong. The EV chargers at Yishun and Choa Chu Kang will be ready by the end of September. The latter will have 4 EV chargers each, while the other clubs will have 2 EV chargers each.
And it’s really simple to get charging, too. Simply download the ChargEco app and sign up for an account. Then, insert the charging gun into your vehicle’s charging port and scan the generated QR code to begin charging. It might take a while, so use the opportunity to avail yourself of SAFRA’s many facilities while you’re at it!
SAFRA members enjoy 5% off EV Charging at ChargEco Electric Vehicle charging stations in SAFRA clubs.
Download the ChargEco app from chargeco.global. For more info on how to use the EV chargers and SAFRA member discounts, visit safra.sg/lifestyle/chargeco
HyperDrive
Ahead of the official Singapore Grand Prix, you too can be Lewis Hamilton or Lando Norris at HyperDrive. Newly opened in Sentosa, it’s Asia’s first indoor gamified electric Go-Kart circuit with real-life racing around a 3-level racetrack. Each session lasts 8 minutes, so make plans with your group chat to head down and race each other until a winner emerges.
There’s also an in-house cafe with milkshakes, cocktails, juices, and mocktails. If you’re hungry, you don’t have to leave the building, either. There are plenty of food options such as sandwiches and burgers (from $17), savoury crepes (from $19), salads (from $18), and an array of finger food.
54 Palawan Beach Walk, Singapore 098233
Travel
Legoland Malaysia Splash Carnival
For those planning a short getaway with their fam, Legoland Malaysia has its Splash Carnival happening this month. Save 20% off your 1-day water park ticket and take part in splash-tastic activities, such as Lego boat races, epic Aqua Battles and even a Treasure Hunt where you stand a chance to take home a prize. These activities are perfect for those with a competitive spirit.
On Saturdays, there are celebrity guest performances from Malaysian names such as Naim Daniel, Dayang Nurfaizah, and Heerraa. Besides that, there’ll also be a Beach Dance Party, Brass Band, and Zumba performances.
7, Persiaran Medini Utara 3, 79100 Iskandar Puteri, Johor, Malaysia
Shop
Skechers’ Hands-Free Slip-ins collection
If you’ve been thinking of getting a brand new pair of kicks, Skechers has just launched a new Hands-Free Slip-ins collection. The upgraded collection features a range of designs from GOwalk 6 and Ultra Flex 3.0 for walking, Max Cushioning Elite for light running for women, and Garza, Delson 3.0 and Max Cushioning Premier for men.
But let’s focus on the Max Cushioning Premier, a game-changer for joggers. With the new slip-in design, you don’t have to worry about retying your shoelaces mid-run. It’s also designed with Skechers’ exclusive Heel Pillow, which makes it lightweight with responsive cushioning. The breathable upper mesh and internal and external hot melts also provide great support for the feet while running – great for Singapore’s humidity.
Available progressively at selected Skechers concept stores, as well as online via skechers.com.sg and Skechers’ official Lazada and Shopee stores.
Samsung Viewfinity S9
Elevate your WFH set-up with Samsung Viewfinity S9. It’s a new 5k monitor, perfect for those in the creative and visual industries. After all, it has a 27-inch screen with a 5K resolution, vivid colours, and a smart calibration feature for easy adjustments controlled with smartphones. Each monitor is also equipped with a 4K SlimFit camera, and has connectivity for users of both Mac and Windows PCs.
Available at major electronics stores and online at Samsung.com, Amazon and Shopee.
Dining
Onigiri Planet
Popular Taiwanese brand, Onigiri Planet, has finally arrived on our shores. It’s located in Bukit Panjang, in the basement of Hillion Mall.
If the mention of “onigiri” has you thinking of rice balls with dried bonito flakes, seaweed, and egg, think again. The onigiris here aren’t the traditional Japanese snack. In fact, the ones here come in unique flavours such as Grilled Mentaiko, Kimchi Chicken, Ebi Tempura, and Peanut Butter Katsu.
Prices are affordable, starting from $4.90, with the option to top up for sides and drinks. And while Onigiri Planet isn’t halal-certified, their onigiris don’t contain pork or lard.
17 Petir Road, #B2-36 Hillion Mall, Singapore 678278
Nesuto at Jewel Changi Airport
Japanese-inspired patisserie, Nesuto, has just opened its second outlet in Jewel Changi Airport. Slightly different in design from its cafe at Tras Street, the 30-seater outlet at Jewel has stylish and minimalistic interiors that are slightly more atas. Perfect for your wife’s or girlfriend’s Instagram shots, the store features curved lines and soft edges.
There’ll also be outlet-exclusive cakes such as Matcha Chestnut and Whiskey Chocolate Cake, along with its latest Chocolate Bon Bons – think flavours like Sesame Rum, Raspberry & Lime, and Bergamot & Earl Grey.
78 Airport Boulevard, #01-236 & 237 Jewel Changi Airport, Singapore 819666
Margaret Market
Many Singaporeans would remember the Commonwealth Avenue Wet Market, one of the first covered market-and-food-centres in Singapore. It may have closed down, but a new “market” has taken its place. Called Margaret Market, it’s a chic and modern collection of restaurants, eateries, and lifestyle establishments, all in one 2-storey building. There’s even a 24-hour gym and a clinic for the residents living in the area.
Expect F&B brands such as Urban Folks, The Homme Baker and Creamier, among others. There’s also Emart24, which sells Korean banchan, snacks, drinks, and ready-to-eat meals. With everything under one roof, you can easily have breakfast, lunch, and dinner here while exploring the Alexandra neighbourhood.
38 Margaret Drive, Singapore 141038
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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