19 New Things To Do In August 2021 Including 2 Pax Date Activities & Fun Ways To Pass Time At Home
Just as some promising progress was being made, we’ve gone 10 steps backwards with community cases spreading like wildfire, and we’re now back in Phase 2 once again. Big sigh. Truth is, there’s no moving forward unless we all cooperate, so this is a due reminder to get your shots if you haven’t already done so, both for your own protection and that of your loved ones. And please, no more breaking of safe distancing rules - here’s looking at you, KTV ham sup kias.
To keep yourself entertained while waiting for the dine-in ban to lift once more, here’s a list of 2 pax date activities in Singapore for August 2021, along with fun ways to pass time at home. Fingers crossed that this will be the final P2HA we’ll ever have to be in.
Read on for things to do in August 2021 in Singapore!
#1: Visit Universal Studios Singapore for just $56 (U.P. $75)
Photo from Resorts World Sentosa
As part of their National Day 2021 promotions, Universal Studios Singapore is offering discounted entry tickets at the price of just $56, in an ode to Singapore’s 56th birthday. Considering that tickets for local Adults typically cost around $75, this is one solid deal not to be missed!
Photo from Resorts World Sentosa
This promotion will be running till 31 August 2021. As the theme park has to abide by safe distancing measures and operate on a limited capacity, do purchase your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. Find out more and make your booking here.
#2: Sort out your aches with a $38 1-hour full body massage deal
Photo from Elements Wellness
Being hunched over our workstations all day sure takes a toll over our bodies. Give yourself a much-needed treat and have some R&R with a 1-hour full body massage at Elements Wellness or Spa Infinity, which between them have 4 outlets all conveniently located in town. As part of an ongoing deal, this’ll only set you back $38 ($40.66 with GST) instead of the usual $149.80, so you don’t even have to spend time considering - just go ahead and make your booking!
Read our full article on Elements Wellness Group’s massage deal here.
#3: Design your own ethereal soap bars embedded with real crystals
Photo from Saltwater Atelier
As the green movement grows, more people are being receptive to the usage of bar soaps, which are more eco-friendly and result in little to no plastic waste. Learn how to make your own in a special Crystal Soap Workshop, with homegrown artisanal soap brand Saltwater Atelier. That’s right, these aren’t ordinary bar soaps, for they come with all sorts of iridescent finishes, gold flakes, and real crystals embedded within.
Photo from Saltwater Atelier
Some things you’ll learn during this 3-hour session include the basics of melting and pouring soap, colour and scent mixing, as well as different design techniques like ombre, cloud swirls, and layering. You’ll also get to try your hand at cutting the soap into a geodesic shape.
Photo from Saltwater Atelier
A session for 2 pax costs $240 ($120 each) and you’ll each be bringing home 4 large 120g pieces of crystal-embedded soap bars. Groups of strangers will not be mixed, so you’re essentially having a private session with your plus one! Find out more and make your booking here.
#4: Stretch those muscles with the Crayon Shincan Run 2021, free merch included
Photo from @crayonshinchanvrsea via Instagram
Now that we’re stuck at home most of the time, we’re barely moving about, and the urge to snack is stronger than ever. Yup, that WFH weight gain is real. Motivate yourself to stay fit with the Crayon Shinchan Run 2021, a virtual event that’ll allow you to attempt the race distance anytime and anywhere you fancy, so long as it’s within the stipulated event period. In fact, you don’t even have to run - cycling is perfectly fine too, so long as you clock your distance.
Photo from @crayonshinchanvrsea via Instagram
It costs just $19 to sign up, and you’ll get a whole slew of free character-themed merch including a finisher medal, t-shirt, drawstring bag, and sticker sheets, among other exclusive items.
Photo from @crayonshinchanvrsea via Instagram
#5: Be swept away by the new VR Gallery at the ArtScience Museum
Photo from Marina Bay Sands
Photo from @artsciencemuseumsg via Instagram
Watch your reality shift as you enter another world via the brand new VR Gallery, a permanent exhibition at the ArtScience Museum. Enter a dark room, pick an egg pod, don the VR headgear, and transport yourself to a different dimension created using cutting-edge technology.
Photo from Marina Bay Sands
We won’t give you any spoilers, but we can tell you that this immersive, cinematic journey will have you navigating your way through a series of stunning VR artworks and more using a set of handheld controllers. Avoid the FOMO and try it out for yourself!
Photo from Marina Bay Sands
#6: Art jam at home with an affordable home delivery kit
Photo from Cafe de Paris
While the dine-in ban is preventing us from savouring Cafe de Paris’ $22.50 nett afternoon tea, the Korean cafe at Somerset still has their doors open for art jamming sessions. Those who would rather stay safe at home can also get in on the fun, for Cafe de Paris has worked hard to put together home art jamming kits with free doorstep delivery.
Photo from Cafe de Paris
There are 3 types of individual packages to pick from: Canvas, tote bag with drawstring pouch, and log with small easel and stone. These cost $38 per package, or $74 for 2 ($37 each). Each set contains all the materials needed, including acrylic paint in 10 colours, brushes, a sponge, palette, stationery, and an apron. Reference images and a guidesheet will also be included.
Photo from Cafe de Paris
For better value for money, go for the Family Bundle Package at $99 (U.P. $112) which contains each of the 3 individual packages, or the Luxurious Family Bundle Package at $119 (U.P. $147), which has everything the Family Bundle has with an additional canvas, tote bag, and extra set. Essentially, that’s 5 persons’ worth of materials, working out to just $23.80 each! Find out more and place your order here.
#7: Stroll along ABC Waters at Jurong Lake, Singapore’s largest man-made floating wetlands
Photo from PUB
For such a small city island, Singapore sure has a lot of nature spots to offer. Though many of them are man-made, they’re no less beautiful, and the latest one to check out is ABC Waters at Jurong Lake, aka Jurong Lake Floating Wetlands - the largest man-made wetlands in Singapore.
Photo from PUB
Connected to Lakeside Garden, this extension not only offers scenic waterfront views, but also helps improve the quality of the water in the reservoir while offering a natural space for flora and fauna to thrive. Come at the right time and you might even catch otter families swimming about!
Photo from @ramboll_studio_dreiseitl via Instagram
Photo from PUB
Unsurprisingly, photo opportunities are plenty here. Well, every part of the boardwalk is scenic, but some standout spots include the blue bridge at the entrance, and the vivid red pavilion where you can take a rest on the wooden benches and snap that winning symmetrical shot.
Address: Jurong Lake Gardens, Yuan Ching Road
Opening hours: 24 hours
Website
#8: Cosy up with an alpaca-themed glamping staycation with free Universal Studios tix
Photo from Sofitel
The staycation deals just keep coming, and hotels are getting extra creative with themed setups. If you missed out on the previous Miffy staycations and McDonald’s-themed staycations, fret not, for the adorable alpaca-themed glamping staycations at Sofitel Sentosa will soon make you forget all about those.
Aside from alpaca plushies, teepee tents, string lights and other IG-worthy decor, you’ll also be treated to complimentary breakfast, $120 worth of dining credits, and - get this - free Universal Studios tickets. What’s not to love?
Other new staycation articles to check out:
#9: Paint a wall mural in a free workshop conducted by a pro mural artist
Photo from *SCAPE
Whether along Chinatown or the Bras Basah arts district, you must have marvelled over the impressive wall murals splashed across the rows of shophouses there. And good news if you’ve ever had seemingly lofty dreams of creating your own wall art, for local art studio Mural Lingo is teaming up with *SCAPE to host an in-depth, beginner-friendly mural painting workshop.
Photo from *SCAPE
Conducted by A’shua Imran, the Artistic Director of Mural Lingo himself, the 3-day hands-on session will cover everything from prepping a wall, designing the preliminary sketches,digitising them, and finally bringing your vision to life using paint - in this case, on *SCAPE’s sprawling Practice Wall.
Photo from *SCAPE
The workshop is free-of-charge, but a $30 deposit is required. This will be refunded upon completion of the sessions.
#10: Go crazy over cute character merch and photo ops at the Disney Tsum Tsum pop-up
Photo from Goldwood Souvenirs
Calling all Disney lovers: The basement of Suntec City is now home to a Tsum Tsum pop-up, with a Sweets Town theme to boot! Stretching across the one wall of the kiosk is a mock ice cream truck, with a vintage-style bicycle and standees with the characters in ice cream form.
Photo from Goldwood Souvenirs
Head over to the other side and you’ll find a merchandise corner that’ll have you feeling like a kid in a candy store! Tees, plushies, and small accessories aside, one highlight is a figurine “buffet”, where you’ll get to stuff as many mini Tsum Tsum into a jar for a set price.
Photo from Goldwood Souvenirs
Every corner of this dessert-themed space is photogenic, so go wild! Read our full article on the Tsum Tsum pop-up here.
#11: Snap your own portraits using a remote at BLANK BOX SG, now at 1-for-1 prices
Photo from BLANK BOX SG
BLANK BOX SG is a new self photo studio where you’ll be snapping your own glam portrait shots using a remote control button sans photographer - perfect for shy people who prefer not to have strangers watching them pose!
Photo from BLANK BOX SG
As part of their opening promotion that’s running till the end of August, their $30 sessions are now at 30 minutes long instead of the usual 15-minutes - it’s essentially a 1-for-1 deal! You’ll be given usage of 4 solid coloured backdrops, along with props such as plants, chairs, and stuffed toys! There’s also a dressing room if you’d like to do a quick change of clothes in between shots.
Photo from BLANK BOX SG
With the current restrictions, they’re only allowing bookings for 2 pax - perfect for couple photoshoots. Don’t worry if you’ve got no boo, bring your furkid along instead, for pets are also welcome!
#12: Get giant Harajuku-style flower-shaped cotton candy from a vending machine
Photo from @xavierlur via Instagram
If you’ve ever been to Harajuku, Tokyo, you would have seen tons of people walking around with giant rainbow-coloured cotton candy that’s larger than a human head. While a visit to Totti Candy Factory is out of the question right now, you can still have a similar experience with Singapore’s first cotton candy vending machine at Sembawang Shopping Centre.
Photo from jhackett2 via Reddit
Priced between $3 to $6, there are 18 over-the-top cotton candy variants to choose from, including tri-coloured, heart-shaped, and flower-shaped ones.
Photo from @xavierlur via Instagram
Simply pick your favourite, and watch it being spun right in front of you! Warning: According to netizens, this machine does not dispense change, so make sure you have the exact amount or risk losing a few bucks.
Photo from @xavierlur via Instagram
Address: 604 Sembawang Road, Level 3 Sembawang Shopping Centre, Singapore 758459
#13: Catch the latest Korean and Chinese dramas airing in August
Photo from MBC
Fewer social activities means more time to binge-watch dramas - a homebody’s dream. As with every month, we’ve put together a list of new Korean dramas to watch out for, including a romance featuring Girl’s Day’s Minah, a mystery-crime thriller, and one full of handsome oppas in uniform. If you’re more of a C-drama person, check out You Are My Glory, a much-anticipated love story starring Yang Yang and the gorgeous Dilraba Dilmurat.
#14: Admire precious stones at The Gem Museum Singapore
Photo from The Gem Museum Singapore
We’re no stranger to the ArtScience Museum, Asian Civilisations Museum, and the Vintage Camera Museum with giant film cam statues. But here’s a lesser-known one full of literal hidden gems that you don’t wanna leave unturned: The Gem Museum Singapore, the first and only of its kind in our country.
Photo from The Gem Museum Singapore
Photo from The Gem Museum Singapore
While admiring beautiful precious gems, including birthstones, you’ll also gain insight on how these raw stones are mined, and eventually cut and polished into multi-faceted beauties used to make jewellery. There’s also a glamorous bespoke jewellery showroom where you can create your own pieces.
Photo from The Gem Museum Singapore
They also conduct frequent workshops, including crystal appreciation and jewellery-making classes! .
Address: 26 Kandahar Street, Level 2, Singapore 198888
Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday: 12pm - 5PM | Saturday: 11am - 3pm (Closed on Sunday & Monday)
Telephone: 6734 3172
Price: FREE (workshop charges apply)
Website
#15: Shop at the many new stylish Instagram-worthy stores in town
Photo from Superga
The malls along our shopping belt are getting new life in the form of new fashion stores with stylish clothes, shoes, and bags. And these aren’t just your ordinary boutiques, for they’re made to be extra eye-pleasing with special Instagram-worthy set-ups. Think floral swings, pastel pink walls, and sweet patterned wallpaper!
Photo from Senreve
These brands include Superga, Swarovski, Beyond the Vines and more, and they’re all conveniently located near each other, either along Orchard or close by in town.
Photo from Superga
Read our full article on these new IG-worthy stores here.
#16: Light up mundane nights with neon splatter art jamming at Arty Party
Photo from Arty Party
Regular art jamming studios now have serious competition, for Arty Party is here to shake things up with their new Neon Party art jamming sessions where you’ll be painting in a dark room using special glow-in-the-dark paint! And in an added twist, there won’t be paintbrushes - you will instead be pouring or squirting paint across your canvas using nozzle bottles to create an abstract work of hard! Feel free to use your hands if you so choose.
Photo from @kimberlychia / @kphoto_moment
Photo from Arty Party
Things are gonna get messy for sure, but coveralls and umbrellas are provided to shield you from any spills. While in the thick of the action, it’ll be a good idea to stop for a quick mini photoshoot within the funky neon-lit setting - the outcome will have a similar vibe to night street photography, but with a more unique edge!
Photo from Arty Party
#17: Make cute bunny snowskin mooncakes with an easy DIY kit
Photo from Gobblin
Mooncake festival is around the corner, but there’s more than enough time to perfect your skills if you’re thinking of making your own festive treats this year. For those who would rather not deal with the hassle of big messes, here’s something for you too: An easy DIY kit for bunny snowskin mooncakes in pretty pastel shades. All you need to do is add water and stir before moulding the flour around premium lotus paste!
Read our full article on this bunny snowskin mooncake kit here.
#18: Take yourself to Japan with this Kyoto-themed exhibition
Photo from @lianjunvera via Instagram
Transport yourself to Japan’s tranquil side with the Life in Edo | Russel Wong in Kyoto exhibition at the Asian Civilisations Museum. This two-part exhibition will feature a series of photographs capturing Kyoto’s rich culture, traditional architecture, and beautiful nature, along with a showcase of Japanese woodblock prints celebrating the trends of the Edo period.
Photo from @kesidina via Instagram
Along the way you’ll come across a display of sakura trees, geisha art, and a print featuring a white cat gazing out a window at a festival, with Mount Fuji in the background.
Photo from @kesidina via Instagram
Read our full article on Life in Edo | Russel Wong in Kyoto here.
#19: Watch the National Day Parade on television with your family
Photo from Galmon
This year’s National Day celebrations are gonna be a little different, to say the least. While we could still camp out for fireworks in town and around our neighbourhoods last year, this has been scrapped for this coming August to prevent large crowds. But the show must go on, and you can still catch it on the telly at home for a cosy celebration with your family!
Remember, NDP 2021 has been postponed to 21 August despite the Public Holiday still being on the 9th, so make sure you get the date right and avoid missing out on the big show’s live telecast!
Share this with a friend who needs outing and activity ideas!
Text by: GirlStyle SG
