It’s that time of the year again, where lovelorn boys splash their cash on copious amounts of chocolates, roses, and restaurant reservations, while girls wait with bated breaths that their dates be the stuff of fairy tales.
And then there are those that have stopped wishing. At least for the next few days. Whether you are fresh off a break up, a seasoned single, or anything in between, we hear you. So quit playing that sad, sorry love song and watching reruns of The Noose to make yourself feel a little better. You’ve got things to do and places to be.
1. Palm Avenue Float Club
Pink balloon hearts and swooning couples on social media still causing you anxiety? Take your mind off it all with a rejuvenating float in one of Palm Avenue’s sensory deprivation chamber. Simply put, you can expect to float around inside a pod in a buoyant salt solution for up to 90 minutes a pop. Advocates of the concept claim that flotation helps release bodily tension, kickstart healing of physical ailments, and put one into a heightened state of consciousness similar to that attained by meditation.
So dissolve your worries in quality Epsom salt while you drift away.
Check out a review of our experience here.
2. Lazarus Island
If lying in a salty cocoon doesn’t float your boat, maybe sailing out to one of Singapore’s offshore islands will. Boasting one of Singapore’s most underrated beaches, it’s a wonder that more tourists than locals visit this place. But that also means that the space is free from the stench of an over-commercialised celebration an ocean away.
With a book in hand and a turquoise ocean gently lapping at your feet, a weekend getaway doesn’t get any better than that.
Simply take a ferry down to St John’s island ($18/adult), and upon alighting at St John’s Island’s jetty, turn left to head over to Lazarus Island. Check out the ferry’s schedule here.
3. SPCA
They say lovers come and go, but love a dog, and it’ll love you for the rest of its life.
Rather than blowing your cash on someone who’s “just-not-that-into-you”, keep that money and spend your time instead on some(thing) else that’ll definitely thank you for it. There’s nothing like a puppy’s lick or a feline’s nuzzle to melt your cold, cold hearts.
But if you’re uncertain of committing to Fido for the next 10 years, why not start out with doggy dates at the local SPCA. Main volunteering roles include being a shelter helper, dog walker, and shelter reception.
Because there’s much more to Valentine’s Day than just romantic love.
4. Willing Hearts Soup Kitchen
If mopping up poop and slobber isn’t quite your thing, a local soup kitchen like Willing Hearts will gladly take you in. The non-profit organisation relies on volunteers to cook and dish out daily meals to the underprivileged in the heartlands, and the kitchen starts rolling from as early as 5am.
Because sometimes we just need to bring back some good ol’ perspective to life. Also, you never know who you might meet there, and might just end up casually packing rice with Hong Kong superstar Cecilia Cheung. (True story)
5. Taboo Cafe & Bar
If chasing the opposite gender has resulted in less hits than misses, then maybe you’ve been swinging the wrong way (no just kidding). Taboo traditionally drew in a gay and lesbian crowd, though some say that mainstream clubbers too are joining in on the fun. Regardless of orientation, who doesn’t like a round of cheap drinks and playful midnight boogie? So grab your mates and soak in all the kitsch this place can give.
6. Club Kyō
True to their theme of Escapism for the month of February, if you feel like partying without being reminded of VDay and all that jazz, Club Kyō is the place to be. With a strict code to ignore Valentine’s Day and legendary DJs Osunlade and Paul Johnson behind the decks, you’ll soon forget the season ever existed.
If there even is a need to sweeten the deal, RSVP here for complimentary entry before 12.30am. Check out their Facebook event page for more details.
7. Home
Because trust me, there’s no better place to curl up in a cave than in your own little mancave itself. While the world outside stumbles over itself, treat yourself to a digital detox, a good novel and some chai latte – all while in your comfy PJs. You don’t even have to pretend to look unpretentious ’bout it.
