Ifah SakinahIt has been three weeks into Phase 2 of Singapore’s reopening and more activities are gradually resuming – with enhanced precautionary measures in place, of course. That’s good news for us! Being cooped up at home will be a thing of the past now.
While unwinding on a tropical beach in an exotic destination or exploring quaint villages in rustic cities during this COVID-19 period may not be happening any time soon, you can have an equally exhilarating time in Singapore. It will take some time before the situation ameliorates and international travel resumes. So, why not quit lamenting that Singapore is too boring lah and make the most out of this truly unique year. Here’s what you can do in Singapore during Phase 2 to take great delight in the ‘new COVID normal’.
1. Watch the latest blockbuster at a cinema
Image credit: Golden Village
Yes, it’s finally happening. Cinemas across the little red dot will reopen its doors to moviegoers from 13 July. Fret not, safe distancing measures will be upheld. There will be a limit of 50 patrons per cinema hall and seats are reconfigured to ensure safe distancing of at least 1-metre between patrons. Does that mean I won’t be able to sit next to my family of friends and discuss the plot (in hushed tones)? Well, if it is a group of 5, you may sit together in the cinema hall without the 1-metre safe distancing requirement. So, make sure to gather no more than 5 individuals for your next movie outing.
Just a heads up, highly-anticipated movies like Train to Busan 2 (15 July) and Mulan (20 August) will be screening. Make sure to book your tickets online in advance – the early bird catches the worm. Last I check, they are selling out fast.
2. Have a staycation
Image credit: Marriott International
I was planning to save this for the last, but I could not wait to share it with you! A handful of hotels in Singapore were just given the green light to accept staycation bookings. Who else is excited for this nippy rejuvenation option?
Staycation is the new rage these days – you get to enjoy a genuine break from the humdrum of daily life without breaking the bank. It’s truly a hallmark of a frugal innovation – enjoying more, with less money forked out. From swimming in the pool to catching some shuteye and tasting culinary specialties to exploring the nearby precinct, your desire to visit a foreign country will slowly ebb away.
You can opt for a staycation in one of these hotels for now:
- Capella Hotel, Singapore
- Crockfords Tower
- Hotel NuVe
- Hotel YAN
- lyf Funan Singapore
- Marina Bay Sands Singapore
- Oasia Hotel Downtown
- ONE15 Marina Club
- Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Beach Road
- PARKROYAL On Beach Road
- Raffles Hotel Singapore
- Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel
- Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa
- The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore
- The Fullerton Hotel Singapore
- The St. Regis Singapore
- The Warehouse Hotel
- W Singapore Sentosa Cove Hotel
Be sure to check out the Singapore Tourism Board’s website for the updated list. STB will review more applications of hotels to reopen accommodation and guest services for the purposes of leisure with safe management measures in place in the time to come.
3. Visit Singapore’s must-see attractions
Image credit: Wildlife Reserves Singapore
When was the last time you appreciated the biodiversity the world has to offer or took in picturesque sights from a gondola lift? No, your memory is not failing you. It may just be an eternity ago when you made time out of your busy schedule to enjoy the urban and natural attractions in our Lion City. Or, maybe never before because they tend to be a hotspot for holidaymakers, right?
It is an ideal time to play tourist in your own backyard and while time away at the various top-rated attractions opened in Singapore during phase 2. With a slew of safety measures in place, including regular cleaning routines and limited capacity, you can immerse yourself in a wholly different experience sans the massive tourist crowds. Trust me, visiting such places, especially if you are a local, is not passé at all. You will acquire a refreshed sense of belonging in your home town and acquaint yourself with the unique culture of Singapore.
Here are some attractions that have reopened:
- Bounce
- Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay
- Jurong Bird Park
- Madame Tussauds
- River Safari
- Singapore Zoo
- Zero Latency
- ArtScience Museum, Sands SkyPark and Observation Deck, and Casino at Marina Bay Sands
- Universal Studios Singapore, S.E.A. Aquarium, and Casino at Resorts World Sentosa
- Jewel Changi Airport’s Canopy Park attractions
- Changi Experience Studio
- Singapore Cable Car
- Flight Experience Singapore
- Forest Adventure
- AIRZONE
- National Orchid Garden
4. Dine in at a new restaurant
Image credit: Koma Singapore
We can all agree that eating is a national pastime in Singapore. With an array of diverse dining options – from street side stalls to Michelin-starred restaurants – Singapore’s food scene has been heralded as one of the best in the world. Why not indulge in good food that represents our thriving multicultural identity? Or, if you are yearning to savour exotic flavours present in international cuisine, you will be delighted to know that Singapore is renowned as a global culinary capital.
With approximately 4600 restaurants in operation as of 2018, make the second half of 2020 the time you set out to try a new eatery every week. I’m sure you are striving to wean yourself off food delivery services that has become the new norm ever since the circuit breaker. Now that Singapore is in Phase 2 of its reopening, why dine in when you can dine out? Make a booking at a restaurant you have never patronised before and eat to your heart’s content. Ensure that you don a mask at all times except when you are eating or drinking.
5. Avail yourself to discounts at brick-and-mortar stores
Image credit: Kevia Tan
Those who think money can’t buy happiness just don’t know where to shop. If you aren’t already aware, retail therapy can positively affect your mood – just make sure to spend within your means. While being frugal during this COVID-19 pandemic that has brought about an unprecedented economic crisis is essential, you may be in the mood to get out of the house and buy yourself something nice.
Keep a lookout for exclusive promotions and sales so that you can fork out cash without feeling guilty. You can treat yourself to something reasonably-priced to beat the COVID blues or boost your well-being. With retail establishments reopened as Singapore enters phase 2 of its reopening, you can relish the unique experience you get from physical stores that cannot be replicated online. Before making your way to a mall, check out SpaceOut.Gov.Sg, a portal that shows the crowd levels at shopping centres across Singapore.
6. Get your fitness back on track
Image credit: Humphrey Muleba
Chances are that the shutdown of social spaces and stay-at-home orders may have put your fitness goals into the backseat. What not with sports, recreation and outdoor facilities such as gyms and fitness studios grinding to a halt. Staying motivated to exercise within the confines of your home during the circuit breaker was surely challenging (I am guessing).
There’s no reason anymore not to stick to the exercise routine you have painstakingly come up with before COVID-19 happened. You can finally work off all the blubber ‘concealing’ your six-pack by hitting your go-to gym. Now, more than ever, exercise is important. It can protect you from infection by boosting immunity. As gymming counts as strenuous activity, you can remove your mask when doing exercises. Just remember to promptly put it back once your workout concludes. FYI, ActiveSG public sports facilities have implemented booking systems and specific usage periods as part of its safe reopening.
7. Groom yourself for success
Image credit: Kris Atomic
Getting a hair treatment, threading your eyebrows, painting a fresh coat of nail polish, and enjoying a relaxing massage – all at the hands of professionals – are on the cards at long last. You can now finally bid adieu to frizzy hair and say hello to eyebrows on fleek.
One thing we all surely missed during the circuit breaker was enhancing our appearance to look and feel good. Being well-groomed is a demonstration of wanting to present yourself in the best way possible. Doesn’t mean you are on zoom or other video chats lately, you don’t have to pay attention to how you look. If you look good, you feel good, and if you feel good, you do good. With beauty care operators back in business, book an appointment at a tried-and-tested parlour to tart yourself up. With social distancing measures, like hairdressing chairs set apart and temperature-taking before entry, you can have a worry-free ‘me time’.
Also read: Top 32 Things to Do in Singapore Including FREE activities! [Updated March 2020]
There you have it: what you can do in Singapore during Phase 2 of its reopening. Make sure you wear your mask out at all times as it is mandatory whenever you head outside. Also, observing basic personal hygiene and being socially responsible at this point of time is key. Remember, the battle is not over. Let’s play our part to keep COVID-19 at bay!
