19 Things To Do In January 2021 For Dates With Bae & Outings With Your Friend Squad

By Rachel Yohannan on 31 Dec 2020

Senior Digital Editor

Crazy cat lady who loves afternoon tea, kawaii Japanese fashion, and all things Sanrio.

After what seems like an eternity, we’ve finally gotten through the crazy storm that was 2020 - thank goodness. While we wait for a much-anticipated vaccine, let’s kick off this new year and fresh beginning on a much happier note, as normalcy slowly but surely returns to us. After all, life goes on!

On our list of things to do in January 2021 in Singapore are events like Light to Night Festival, a virtual escape game set in Sentosa’s Fort Canning, and unbelievably cheap Jurong Bird Park tickets at just $2.50.

Read on for things to do in January 2021 in Singapore!

#1: Appreciate tea at Tom’s Tea Passion, a new teahouse at Tanjong Pagar

Photo from @tomsteapassion via Instagram

Walking along the rows of Korean BBQ joints and Japanese izakayas at Tanjong P agar, it’s easy to miss out on Tom’s Tea Passion on the second floor of a shophouse unless you’re actively looking for it. This traditional teahouse was just opened a couple of months ago, born out of the owner’s love for Chinese tea.

Photo from @tomsteapassion via Instagram

They hold weekly 2-hour tea tasting and appreciation sessions so you can get hands-on and learn more about proper brewing methods and different grades of tea leaves. According to netizens, a session costs just $28 and is inclusive of $18 store credits!

Photo from @tomsteapassion via Instagram

If you find yourself falling in love with their teaware, you can always purchase some of their exquisite teapots and tea cups, with special customisation options available too. Of course, tea leaves are also up for sale, with all sorts of variants from oolong to white tea and green tea.

Address: 88A Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088509
Opening hours: 10am - 10pm daily
Telephone: 9784 6478
Website

#2: Put your sleuthing skills to the test at an otter-themed escape room

Photo from El Masnou

By the same people behind the Instagram-worthy Bubble Tea Factory is Otah and Friends - a new pop-up escape room with a cheery otter theme. The objective of the game is to seek out Otah the otter in his bubblegum pink home before his cookies burn in his oven.

Photo from @otahandfriends via Instagram

Suitable for both children and adults, this escape room experience will have you rewarded with lemonade and soft cookies from local bakery Whiskdom at the end, with a merchandise store where you can pick up souvenirs like plushies too.

Read our full article on Otah & Friends here.

#3: Enjoy $2.50 tix (U.P. $32) to Jurong Bird Park, just like in the good old days

Photo from Wildlife Reserves Singapore

It’s almost hard to believe, but Jurong Bird Park is going back to their original ticket prices of $2.50 circa 1971 as part of their 50th birthday celebrations! Considering that a single Adult ticket will usually set you back more than 3 red notes ($32), this rare deal is one you don’t wanna miss - and the best part is that it’s SingapoRediscovers eligible.

Photo from Wildlife Reserves Singapore

Watch penguins gobble up fish during feeding sessions, look up at majestic birds of prey soaring the skies, and admire the vibrant plumage of exotic feathered friends as you revisit this childhood favourite.

This $2.50 promotion will be running till 31 January 2021. Get your tickets here.

Address: 2 Jurong Hill, Singapore 628925
Opening hours: 8.30am - 6pm daily
Website

#4: Enter a VR haunted house and play classic arcade games at New World Carnival

Photo from @shermaine_ss via Instagram

We love old-school carnival classics just as much as we enjoy newfangled VR games made with cutting-edge technology. New World Carnival, Singapore’s first integrated arcade with 12 VR games and iconic arcade favourites, brings the best of both worlds together.

Photo from New World Carnival

Located at Marina Square, this new establishment includes everything from AR driving experiences to a VR haunted house and tons of claw machines.

Read our full article on New World Carnival here.

#5: Go on a hiking adventure at Dairy Farm’s newly-extended trail

Photo from NParks

Adventure-seekers who think they’ve conquered it all in Singapore can now sate their hunger for even more outdoor fun with Dairy Farm Nature Park’s newly-extended Wallace Trail, which now starts from the nearby Hillview MRT and snakes deep into the forest. Now at 2.2km long instead of its original 1km, this enhanced trail now comes with a scenic new viewing deck which will get you closer to the flora and wildlife.

Photo from NParks

There’s also a new permanent exhibition at the Wallace Education Centre, which includes interactive elements like real microscopes and fun trick-eye zones.

Photo from NParks

Address: Along Dairy Farm Road
Opening hours: 7am - 7pm daily
Website

#6: Go crazy at Bears & Friends, Singapore’s first gummy bear specialty store

Photo from Bears & Friends Singapore

Sweet-tooths, especially those who love chewy candy, will have a ball of a time at Bears & Friends - Singapore’s first gummy bear specialty store at Haji Lane, with origins in Germany.

Photo from Bears & Friends Singapore

Their gummies come without artificial flavouring and colouring, and include unique variants such as prosecco, G&T, and even chilli pepper.

Read our full article on Bears & Friends here.

#7: Soak in the fresh air as you dine at an al fresco rooftop restaurant

Photo from Vue

Some of us can’t stand wearing face masks, and that’s perfectly valid - it’s just no fun in Singapore’s humidity, where your face gets all sticky and oily after spending just a while out. Life hack: Plan your outings around food, because you can be mask-free while eating. If you’re in need of some fresh air, book a seat at an al fresco restaurant which comes with stunning views to boot.

Photo from Panamericana

Italian restaurant Art overlooks the city, while Panamericana gives you an eyeful of rolling green fields and the sea. Both are perfect for a romantic date with your boo!

Read our full article on 10 al fresco rooftop restaurants in Singapore here for more.

#8: Sign up for the Rilakkuma Run and get fit the cute way

Photo from Klook

If you need some extra motivation to stick to your new year’s resolution of keeping fit, perhaps the Rilakkuma Virtual Run 2021 can help with that. Attempt this 3km run in your own time, anywhere you like - all you need is to sign up online via Klook, turn on your smart tracker, and get going!

Photo from Klook

Race entitlements include a super cute Rilakkuma medal, duffel bag, and themed hand towel, all of which will be mailed to you. You can opt for an add-on of a Rilakkuma race tee for an additional $22. Submit a screenshot of your completed distance and you might just score yourself some additional prizes in a lucky draw!

Date: Until 31 January 2021
Price: From $38. Get your tickets here.
Website

#9: Go on a pirate treasure hunt with Sentosa’s first virtual escape game

Photo from @sunnyoctopus via Instagram

Embark on The Quest for Lost Gold, Sentosa’s first-ever pirate-themed virtual escape game set in the history-rich Fort Siloso! You start off by discovering a key, which leads you to more puzzles and clues to eventually uncover long-forgotten treasure hidden by the pirates that used to rule over Sentosa’s seas.

Photo from @sunnyoctopus via Instagram

There are 2 game modes available - free play and facilitated play. The former is more family-friendly, for parents to try with their young kids, while the latter is great for groups of friends.

Photo from @sunnyoctopus via Instagram

Those who complete the game with the best timing each week will win Sentosa Fun Passes worth $60 while everyone who participates will be eligible for the grand draw to win one of 3 staycations at Sentosa’s hotels.

Date: Until 10 January 2021
Time: All day for free play mode. Check out the guided play timings here.
Location: Fort Siloso
Price: $20 for team of up to 6 (from ~$3.30 per person). Get your tickets here.
Website

#10: Take advantage of the many affordable hotel staycation deals around

Photo from Hyatt

With hotels in Singapore busting out tons of value-for-money deals, now’s the best time to book a staycation for a quick breather. Whether it is 5-star hotels or cheaper boutique options, there are picks for every budget, and many of them come with additional perks like free set meals, breakfast, and dining credits.

Photo from Klook

A lot of these are eligible for SingapoRediscovers Vouchers (SRV) too, so you might not have to fork out much at all! Check out these hotel staycation deals we’ve specially curated:

#11: Go on a IG-worthy neon light trail across town at Light to Night Festival 2021

Photo from @amndn via Instagram

After a bleak year, Light to Night Festival 2021 is here to start off the new one on a lighter, brighter note - and hopefully this will be a prelude of more good things to come! This year’s edition follows the theme “ ___”-in-progress, where the blank space can be anything from “creativity” to “exploring” and “learning” - it’s up to your interpretation!

Photo from @moebius via Instagram

As with previous years, this year’s event will span across the Civic District and feature neon light art of impressive proportions. There will probably also be light projection shows screen across iconic landmarks like the Arts House and National Gallery.

Photo from @mervyn.fd2r via Instagram

More details and photos of Light to Night 2021’s line-up will be released soon.

Date: 22 - 31 January 2021
Time: Evenings (exact timings TBC)
Location: Civic District
Price: FREE
Website

#12: Watch K-dramas in HD quality the same time they air in Korea with English subtitles

Photo from iQIYI International

Tired of waiting for your Korean dramas to be subbed days after they are launched? Try watching them for free on iQIYI instead, a streaming platform that airs Korean shows in HD quality the same time they are screened in Korea. Yes, it’s perfectly legal, so there’s nothing to fear!

Read our full article on iQIYI here, with drama recommendations included!

#13: Unwind with a couple onsen experience with massage at 78% off

Photo from GirlStyle SG

Most of us haven’t taken a single holiday in 2020, but with a little imagination and Elements Wellness’ couple onsen spa experience, you can whisk yourself off to Japan for a couple of hours. This is currently under an ongoing promotion of 78% off, we kid you not - and you’ll get to enjoy not just a private 40-minute onsen soak but also a 1-hour massage and 10-minute foot detox.

Read our full article on Elements Wellness’ couple onsen spa here.

#14: Visit Timezone’s largest outlet with standard-sized bowling & themed party rooms

Photo from Timezone Singapore

Timezone has been around since we were wee kiddos and they’ve expanded their game range steadily over the years. Now, get ready for their newest and largest-ever outlet in Singapore at Westgate, with a massive slew of over 200 arcade games.

Photo from Timezone Singapore

They also have a bowling zone with retro vibes that uses standard-size bowling balls. Bowling shoes are not required!

Photo from Timezone Singapore

Read our full article on Timezone Westgate here.

#15: Return to your childhood days with Fate: The Winx Saga on Netflix

Photo from @preciousmustaph via Instagram

Most of you have probably watched Winx Club on television back in the day, or at least heard about it from your friends. That fairy heroine cartoon series was iconic. The show has since gotten its very own live-action remake, Fate: The Winx Saga, on Netflix, so it’s time to take a trip down memory lane and relive those adventures with our favourite Magix squad!

Photo from Winx

Many fans have pointed out how the actresses in this live series don’t look true to their cartoon counterparts, with some doubting the authenticity of the show. Either way, we’re excited to catch the first episode to see how things will pan out - who knows, you just might end up hooked.

Watch it here from 22 January 2021. In the meantime, check out the trailer below:

#16: Catch golden hour at the most scenic sunset spots in Singapore

Photo from @yehlenarevz via Instagram

The early bird catches the sunrise, but you don’t have to wake up at the crack of dawn to view a sunset. Watching the sun descend into the horizon with your partner is such a romantic way to end a date, so if you’re planning an outing with bae, try to factor in one of the many prime sunset locations in Singapore as part of the itinerary for an evening you won’t forget.

Read our full article on the 10 best sunset spots in Singapore here.

#17: Marvel at ancient fossils at Sentosa’s new geology gallery

Photo from Sentosa

You know of Sentosa as a fun tourist destination and quick getaway spot for locals, but betcha' didn’t know that it used to be the lakebed of the prehistoric Lake Sentosa, which dates way back to 200 million years ago.

Photo from Sentosa

Sentosa’s new Geology Gallery pays homage to the formation of the island we know and love today, highlighting natural rock formations, coastal forests, and even real ancient fossils! Best part is that admission is free.

Address: Sentosa Nature Discovery, 40 Imbiah Road, Singapore 099702
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm dailiy
Telephone: 1800 736 8672
Website

#18: Admire adorable Sanrio-themed light installations at Siloso Beach

Photo from @_huisi via Instagram

Sentosa Island Lights is back once again to dazzle up our nights, and this time, it’s a kawaii Sanrio edition featuring larger-than-life statues of your favourite characters like Hello Kitty, My Melody, Little Twin Stars and Pompompurin.

Photo from Sentosa

Highlights include a pink heart tunnel, a mini maze, and a rainbow-hued structure that pays homage to the now-defunct Fantasy Island water theme park that many of us loved as children.

Photo from @reychris90 via Instagram

Read our full article on Sanrio Island Lights here.

#19: Check out the new Canberra Plaza with A&W, Daiso and Taiwanese fruit tea

Photo from HDB

Northies now have a new haunt in the ‘hood other than Northpoint City and Sun Plaza. Shortly after the launch of the new Canberra MRT station, adjoining shopping mall Canberra Plaza has now opened their doors to the public with a handful of F&B outlets and retail stores.

Photo from @litteltraveller_ via Instagram

Some big names here include A&W and Daiso - now there's no need to take a feeder bus ride over to Sembawang Shopping Centre for $2 steals!

Photo from @yifangtea.sg via Instagram

Bubble tea lovers would be excited over Yifang Taiwan Fruit Tea, a beverage store which serves specialty fruit drinks and bubble tea. Speaking of bubble tea, check out our article on 12 new bubble tea stores to check out in 2021!