COVID-19 has made it challenging for many of us to have face-to-face interactions with our loved ones and kakis.
During the Circuit Breaker period for instance, we avoided going out, and abided by the strict measures in place, which made it even harder to sustain social interactions.
Nevertheless, with the concerted effort from everyone, we’ve managed to keep community transmissions low.
Now that operations have resumed for most attractions, we’ve put together five activities that we can relax and do during this holiday season! While having fun, remember to keep safe and follow safe management measures.
1. Take a morning hike at MacRitchie Reservoir
WHERE: MacRitchie Reservoir Park, Singapore 298717
WHAT: Up for a morning workout with your family or friends at the MacRitchie Reservoir? Take a hike around the 11-kilometre MacRitchie Trails, situated around Singapore’s largest reservoir.
When trekking on these paths, you may come across rich biodiversity – the reservoir is home to an impressive diversity of plants and animals. So, stretch those legs, and come experience the fresh balmy air and gorgeous scenery.
PRICE: Fresh air is free; the park is also free for walking too 😊
KEEP SAFE TIPS: → Keep to groups 5 people or less. While you are there, remember to maintain a safe distance between you and other fellow visitors, and avoid gathering in groups. → Mask up properly at all times, except when doing any strenuous exercises. → Check in and out of the park with SafeEntry and use TraceTogether App/Token to facilitate contact tracing. |
2. Find volunteering opportunities at Giving.sg
WHERE: Giving.sg is a national giving platform to donate, volunteer and fundraise for any of the 550 non-profits in Singapore.
WHAT: More people in Singapore may need assistance during these tough times. Give your time, talent, and other resources to support a cause you are passionate about in all ways, big and small.
Distribute food, tutor less-privileged kids, or even distribute flyers – these are just some of the simple volunteering activities you can sign up for this season of giving.
Simply visit the website, browse the volunteer activities, and sign up for one that you feel for.
You may also make a monetary contribution to registered charities, like the Singapore Children’s Society and Club Rainbow.
The Government is matching donations to charities dollar-for-dollar till 31 March 2021, so your donations on Giving.sg will be doubled during this period.
PRICE: Any amount of time and donations you wish to make
KEEP SAFE TIPS: → If you are physically volunteering at a certain location, do always remember to adhere to safe management measures and wear your mask properly. → If unwell, don’t go for any activities → Check in and out of physical locations with SafeEntry and use TraceTogether App/Token to facilitate contact tracing. |
3. Admire art at National Gallery Singapore
WHERE: 1 St Andrew’s Rd, Singapore 178957
WHAT: Nurture your inner artist and appreciate some beautiful artwork and installations at National Gallery Singapore. The National Gallery just turned five this year during this holiday season – so there are many exciting programmes you can join!
If you’re a history buff, check out the Georgette Chen: At Home In the World’s exhibition at City Hall Wing, Level 4 Gallery. It features the story of Georgette Chen (1906-1993), a key figure in the development of modern art in Singapore. This exhibition spans two galleries – first, showcasing Chen’s time in Malaya and Singapore where she painted her most symbolic works; and second, exploring Chen’s early years, her academic training and the increasing recognition she gained as a professional artist globally.
Children can also come along for this artistic ride. The Keppel Centre for Art Education is located at the National Gallery, and young ‘uns can interact with art installations inspired by artworks of well-known artists. Check out the “Who's in the Woods” special display, which will allow you to digitally create animals using different colours and patterns and see how they interact with other digital creatures.
Pre-purchase tickets for admission into the various galleries here: tickets.nationalgallery.sg. The gallery is opened from Monday - Sunday, 10am-7pm and admission and ticket sales end 30 minutes before closing time.
PRICE: General admission is free for Singaporeans and PRs. For more info: nationalgallery.sg/admissions
KEEP SAFE TIPS: → Wear masks properly, undergo mandatory temperature screening and check in using SafeEntry and TraceTogether App/Token → Check out the digital dashboards at the entrance to find out the current available capacity at the gallery → Wash your hands frequently and sanitise your hands after using any interactive displays → Keep a safe distance and adhere to Safe Management Measures |
4. Connect with other kakis digitally and learn a new instrument
WHERE: Learn to play the ukulele and join Dick Yip and the Minstrels to jam on Facebook Live
WHAT: Interested in learning a new musical instrument?
72-year-old ukulele teacher Dick Yip got creative and found an alternative platform online for seniors to jam together on the ukulele during the pandemic. Join the livestream on Facebook every Wednesday evening to learn how to play this fascinating instrument!
In case you missed reading Dick’s story earlier: go.gov.sg/sbm-yip
PRICE: It’s absolutely free of charge! Dick is doing this to share his passion with fellow seniors, as well as those who are interested to learn the ukulele.
| KEEP SAFE TIP: → Staying at home and learning to play music virtually is an absolutely safe activity! |
5. Catch the Christmas lights at Gardens by the Bay
WHERE: 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
WHAT: As night falls, take a leisurely stroll around Gardens by The Bay (GBTB) this festive season. You’ll find stunning light installations – including the Spalliera, Path of Tranquility, Cassa Armonica and more. The Gardens by the Bay’s Walk of Lights is on from 4 to 27 Dec 2020, 6.30pm – 11.00pm.
If you’d rather stay home with your family, you don’t need to #FOMO because you can join a virtual tour to view this enchanting wonderland digitally. What’s more, it’s packed with interactive content, festive performances and games galore for all ages. While you’re at it, take a virtual tour of the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome to learn more about the plants on display.
PRICE: Membership to the Virtual Christmas Wonderland starts from $8 for the whole family. Standard admission at the Gardens By The Bay Walk of Lights is $5/pax. Purchase your tickets online prior to arrival.
KEEP SAFE TIPS: → Avoid crowds, enjoy the festive feeling by participating virtually at home with your family and friends → If you’re heading down to the Christmas Wonderland, pre-book a 30-minute session and purchase your tickets online up to an hour prior to your visit → Keep to Safe Management measures: A maximum of 430 people per 30-minute session, and a maximum of five persons allowed per group → Remember to check in with SafeEntry, and use TraceTogether App/Token |
Time to Singapoliday this festive season!
Check out local attractions and support local tourism businesses with your SingapoRediscovers vouchers! For more information on how to redeem them, click here.
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