Things to Do Solo in Singapore: 20 Must-Tries
What can singles do in Singapore, you ask? You’ll be glad to know that there are dozens of things to do solo that are both fun and enriching.
Today’s post presents some best date ideas in Singapore that don’t require a better half—because all you need to have a great time is yourself!
Here are some fulfilling things you can do on your own:
Broaden your skills
- Putter around with pottery at The Potter’s Guilt
- Cook for one at Commune Kitchen
- Learn leathercrafting at Maketh Project
- Achieve artsiness levels at HiArt
- Make your mark with marketing at Equinet Academy
Learn a bit of history and local culture
- Know the nation via the National Museum of Singapore
- Understand underground bunker life at The Battlebox
- Consume Chinatown cuisine (and culture)
- Swoon over Singapore Botanic Gardens’ attractions
- Partake of some Peranakan food
Volunteer for something worthwhile
- Protect pregnant teens in crisis
- Feed the famished with Food From the Heart
- Run with Race2Share for a cause
- Help the homeless with Habitat for Humanity
- Aid abandoned pets with Action for Singapore Dogs
Treat yourself!
- Freshen your face at Freia Aesthetics
- Seek self-care at Shugar Spa
- Preen and primp up at The Pamper Room
- Craving cake? Order one from Oscar’s!
- Schedule a solo soul-searching trip
Broaden your skills
Sometimes relationships can get in the way of learning more skills to become your best self. So if your status is single, consider some workshops to broaden your horizons.
1. Putter around with pottery at The Potter’s Guilt
Location: 195 Pearl’s Hill Terrace, #01-03, Singapore
How to get there: Take the East West Line or the 143, 147, 166, 33, or 400 Bus
Singleton suggestion: There’s free Wi-Fi on the premises, so take pics of your potter progress and share them on the ‘gram!
The Potters’ Guilt is where you can learn some hands-on skills and come up with pieces worthy of display at art galleries and showrooms. It’s a fully equipped ceramic studio that welcomes learners of all ages.
Students aren’t required to have prior pottery experience, so this is perfect for those who want to learn a new skill at any point in their life.
There are short sessions that run from 1.5 to three hours if you just want to test the waters. But consider enrolling for several sessions if you wish to have a go at a pottery hobby (or career).
2. Cook for one at Commune Kitchen
Location: OUE Social Kitchen Level 3, Downtown Gallery 6A Shenton Way, Singapore
How to get there: Take the East West Line or the 10, 100, 106, 97, or 970 Bus
Singleton suggestion: Prefer plant-based fare? Sign up for vegetarian and vegan cooking lesson schedules.
We’ve already reviewed the Commune Kitchen in our post on the best cooking classes in Singapore. We’re featuring it here again for those who prefer doing things solo in the kitchen.
Take your pick of classes on making xiao long bao, tikka masala and curries, middle-eastern kebabs, and other yummy international fares. You can also sign up for private cooking classes for special occasions.
And if you want to know how to whip up plant-based meals, the Commune Kitchen holds numerous lessons for those too.
3. Learn leathercrafting at Maketh Project
Location: 68B Race Course Rd Singapore, 218571
How to get there: Take the North East Line or the 131, 174, or 64 Bus
Singleton suggestion: Choose courses according to the stuff you want to make.
Always wanted to make your own wallets or bags but don’t know where to begin? The Maketh Project can help you out.
Its leathercrafting lessons are ideal for single people because they require the kind of focus and concentration better achieved independently. It’s also an excellent place for socialisation and meeting like-minded crafters (and making new friends).
4. Achieve artsiness levels at HiArt
Location: 101 Thomson Road, #17-04 United Square Office Tower, Singapore 307591
How to get there: Take the North South Line or the 143, 156, 166, 186, 5, 56, or 851 Bus
Singleton suggestion: There are Art for Adult classes too!
Being single is the ideal time to add more art to your life. Thankfully, art classes like those at HiArt can make this happen.
The classes are created for all ages, abilities, and artistic skills, so don’t worry about feeling left out. You can take your pick between digital or physical art and enjoy different creative activities.
Studio-based adult art classes cover sketching, oil painting, watercolour, and acrylic painting. Around 1.5 hours are devoted to each class, so you can sign up for several if your schedule allows it.
5. Make your mark with marketing at Equinet Academy
Location: Equinet Academy 10 Anson Road #25-08, International Plaza Singapore 079903
How to get there: Take the 10, 57, 97, 100, 131, or 502 Bus or the Tanjong Pagar MRT
Singleton suggestion: View the course schedules to plan ahead.
It’s never too late (or early) to take up digital marketing courses to help you on your career path. It’s even better if there’s structured learning involved.
The Equinet Academy offers lessons via core modules so you’ll know where to start. The lectures are also interactive and hands-on so you can handle real-world case studies.
Those who are new to digital marketing can start with a one-day essentials course to learn the fundamentals. Once you’re ready, you can follow it up with more advanced courses.
Learn a bit of history and local culture
Even if you’ve spent your entire life in the country, you can still learn colourful facts about Singapore. And one way to do that is to explore its nooks and crannies on your own.
6. Know the nation via the National Museum of Singapore
Location: 93 Stamford Road, Singapore 178897
How to get there: Take the 7, 14, 14e, 36, 64, 77, 106, 124, 128, 162, 167, 174, 174e, 190, or 700 Buses or the Bencoolen MRT
Singleton suggestion: Service dogs are allowed if you need your canine companion with you.
The National Museum of Singapore will never run out of historical facts and wonders to present. It’s one of the best museums in the country, after all.
It has programmes for families, kids, and adults. You can check out current and permanent exhibitions to plan your visit ahead and to know what to expect.
You can also bring your service dog along if you need to. And if you prefer noise-free visits, the museum has regular Quiet Mornings so you can take in the art and history in silence.
7. Understand underground bunker life at The Battlebox
Location: 2 Cox Terrace, Singapore 179622
How to get there: Take the Dhoby Ghaut, Bras Basah, or City Hall MRT
Singleton suggestion: Look up the schedule for complimentary guided tours.
Do you want to delve into the history of the British presence in the country via an authentic historic site? Then head on over to The Battlebox at Fort Canning to find nuanced answers.
It’s a 1930s underground command centre that witnessed how the British surrendered Singapore to the Japanese invasion.
It’s not a walk in the park, as the Battlebox presents what’s called “the worst disaster and largest capitulation in British history.” But it does give the kind of perspective needed to get to know Singapore better.
8. Consume Chinatown cuisine (and culture)
Location: Outram area in the Central Region of Singapore
How to get there: Take the Outram Park of Clarke Quay MRT or the 147, 166, 197, 33, 51, 61, or 80 Bus
Singleton suggestion: Don’t like crowds? Then avoid Chinatown during CNY and other festivals.
A foray into Chinatown Singapore is always a treat for all the senses. There are tours, treats, temples, and activities to keep you busy, educated, and entertained.
Chinatown has bustling markets, sacred temples, authentic Chinese cuisine, and enough history to make you appreciate the cultural melting pot that makes up Singapore.
And to get to its nooks and crannies, you’re better off by your lonesome. We believe you can also cover more ground that way!
9. Swoon over Singapore Botanic Gardens’ attractions
Location: 1 Cluny Road Singapore 259 569
How to get there: Take the Orchard MRT or the 48, 66, 67, 151, 153, 154, 156, 170, 186 Bus
Singleton suggestion: Sign up for walking tours of the gardens’ four core areas.
The Singapore Botanic Gardens is a UNESCO World Heritage site that should be visited more than once. And it’s not just a romantic spot for lovers either.
You can do yoga, have a picnic, or simply enjoy the gardens as a gorgeous sunset spot by yourself. The gorgeous and lush backdrop of foliage is a great nature immersion activity.
But if you want to understand the heritage behind the gardens, sign up for a walking tour of the core areas to see their attractions. You can learn about the hundreds of plant species and the unique ethnobotany that makes up Singapore.
10. Partake of some Peranakan food
Location: Block 17A Dempsey Road, Singapore 249676
How to get there: Take the Thomson East Coast line or the 105, 106, 123, 174, or 7 Bus
Singleton suggestion: Prefer to dine in private? Book a table ahead.
Here’s your chance to understand the fusion that makes up the uniquely Singapore culinary landscape. You can go try some of the best Peranakan food in town on your own or with your fave food buddy.
One of the top restaurants for Peranakan food is Candlenut. It’s a bit pricey since it’s a Michelin-starred dining spot.
But if you want to sample a mouth-watering blend of Indonesian, Chinese, and Malaysian flavours, you’ll be in for a treat at this place. There’s a good reason why it’s a favourite among locals and tourists.
Volunteer for something worthwhile
A fulfilling life doesn’t always have to involve a romantic partner. Sometimes giving your time, care, and effort to volunteer centres and worthy causes is all the fulfilment you’ll need.
11. Protect pregnant teens in crisis
Location: Blk 328 Sembawang Crescent #01-02 S750328
How to get there: Take the North South Line or the 859 or 962 Bus
Singleton suggestion: Not sure about your schedule? You can try event-based volunteering first.
Not everyone can afford to have a planned pregnancy and be financially, physically, and emotionally prepared for it. To address these, the Babes Pregnancy Crisis Support group has been giving support to pregnant teens since 2005.
You can get involved in a number of ways, including being a donor or helping with fundraising projects. However, the centre also needs regular volunteers for different tasks to support beneficiaries.
Consider manning the 24/7 helpline, or being part of the centre’s ad hoc support team. If you want to learn more about volunteering opportunities, click here.
12. Feed the famished with Food From the Heart
Location: 130 Joo Seng Road #03-01 Singapore 368357
How to get there: Take the Bartley MRT or the 100, 135, 155 or 561 Bus
Singleton suggestion: You can do bread runs, food package delivery, or other tasks as needed.
Food from the Heart is a non-profit Singapore food charity that’s been around since 2003. It continues to help less privileged Singaporeans via its food distribution programmes supported by private donors and corporations.
The centre doesn’t have stringent requirements for volunteers. Different activities like food packing, being a facilitator at events, and even office work are available to anyone who wants to help.
You can also opt to donate in cash or in kind if your schedule doesn’t allow volunteering at the moment.
Location: 1 Irving Pl, #08-01 The Commerze @ Irving, Singapore 369546
How to get there: Take the Circle Line or the 151, 158, 58, 80, 90, or 93 Bus
Singleton suggestion: Get fit and lend a helping hand in one go by signing up as a volunteer.
Race2Share is a worthwhile cause to volunteer for especially among those who like physical fitness. It’s backed by the belief that sports can be an effective tool for positive change.
The group holds fundraising campaigns and organises sports and fitness-based activities to encourage healthier lifestyles for anyone and everyone.
So if you’re the sporty type and want to spread physical fitness to the community, consider volunteering at Race2Share. You can facilitate exciting activities like swimming, cycling, dragon boat racing, running and others.
14. Help the homeless with Habitat for Humanity
Location: 56 Lorong 23 Geylang, Century Technology Building, #05-00 Singapore, Singapore 388381
How to get there: Take the East West Line or the 100 or 63 Bus
Singleton suggestion: Choose from skilled to event-specific volunteering tasks to suit your schedule and experience.
Habitat for Humanity Singapore has become a solid fixture in the country’s fight against poverty and homelessness. Through its donors and volunteers, the organisation has helped improve living conditions for a lot of the nation’s most vulnerable families.
You can get involved in a number of helpful, handy ways. As a volunteer, you can lend your skills and knowledge, start a fundraiser, clean up neighbourhoods, or help build livable homes.
And if you have sewing skills, consider participating in the Sew Much Love project. It helps create warm blankets for the organisation’s most vulnerable beneficiaries.
15. Aid abandoned pets with Action for Singapore Dogs
Location: 80 Lim Chu Kang Lane 1, Singapore 718911
How to get there: Take the Kranji, Yew Tee, or Choa Chu Kang MRT
Singleton suggestion: Fill up the volunteer page to get a slot.
What can you do solo in Singapore at a dog shelter? Aside from getting to see (or cuddle) cute dogs all day? Plenty!
With its strict no-kill policy, Action for Singapore Dogs is one of the most compassionate Singapore animal shelters. Its mission is to properly rehome the dogs they save by getting them adopted by responsible fur parents.
As a volunteer at this shelter, you can opt to foster, rescue, rehome, and help with logistics and transport or publicity and fundraising. Even the smallest task can make a world of difference for these abandoned dogs.
Treat yourself!
Being on your own doesn’t have to be a lonely experience, not when you can treat yourself in different ways!
So if you want to get great massages or hit the sales in your favourite shopping malls, go ahead because you deserve it.
16. Freshen up your face at Freia Aesthetics
Location: 101 Irrawaddy Road #14-14 Royal Square at Novena, Singapore 329565
How to get there: Take the Novena MRT or the 143, 166, 48, 5, 54, or the 960 Bus
Singleton suggestion: Select a facial treatment that’s best suited for your skin type or concerns.
Getting the best facials is one great step towards serious self-care and pampering. They take this to heart at Freia Aesthetics.
The centre takes pride in giving highly personalised skin care that goes beyond primping and into actual detoxification. It treats a variety of skin concerns ranging from acne to pigmentation.
But if you simply want to have rejuvenated skin or have a special reason for getting a facial, Freia Aesthetics can definitely accommodate you too.
17. Seek self-care at Shugar Spa
Location: 83 Punggol Central, #01 – 35 / 36, Singapore 828761
How to get there: Take the 39 or 62 Bus or the Punggol East LRT
Singleton suggestion: Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are appreciated.
As its name implies, Shugar Spa is where you can feel like you’re made of everything nice. It’s a nail, face, and body salon aiming to provide a pressure-free experience to its clients.
You can get a pretty mani-pedi treatment, feel energised with a rejuvenating facial, or have a therapeutic massage. You can even opt for a home spa treatment if you don’t feel like stepping out of the house.
So if you’re looking for head-to-toe pampering minus the glitz, glamour, or garishness of other salons, try this on for size.
18. Preen and primp up at The Pamper Room
Location: 211 Holland Avenue, #03-14 Holland Road Shopping Centre, Singapore 278967
How to get there: Take the Circle Line or the 106, 48, 61, or 970 Bus
Singleton suggestion: Check out the salon’s off-peak hour promotions!
The Pamper Room wants you to “be your own kind of beautiful” (or good-looking), and its services reflect this motto. It offers an interesting range of treatments, from express lunchtime ones to customised sessions to suit different skin types.
So if you’re the busy type who can only practise self-care during your lunch break, you can feel invigorated in just half an hour at The Pamper Room.
There are also full detox treatments that run for an hour to an hour and a half if you want a deep cleanse, scrub and peel session, massages, and other treatments that can make you feel like your best self.
19. Craving cake? Order one from Oscar’s!
Location: Online bakery service
How to get there: Email [email protected]; live chat support on the website
Singleton suggestion: Check out the Cake of the Month for the freshest, most inventive flavours.
Oscar’s Cakes has become one of the most reliable cake delivery services in Singapore. And since it’s an online delivery service, you won’t have to worry about long queues to get your cake fix.
It does free same-day delivery, so you can satisfy your sweet tooth anytime you feel like it. The flavours range from fruity to rich, with favourites like Salted Caramel and Durian Divine on the menu.
There’s a Cake of the Month if you’re feeling adventurous about dessert. All of Oscar’s Cakes cheesecake products are Halal-certified and flash-frozen to ensure freshness too.
20. Schedule a solo soul-searching trip
Location: 36 Petain Road Singapore, Singapore 208102
How to get there: Take the North East Line or the 131, 139, 147, 64, or 65 Bus
Singleton suggestion: Live the Singapore shophouse life in artful studios designed for those who like solitude.
The great thing about being a single person in Singapore is that you won’t have to bring loads of luggage every time you think of going on a retreat. It’s a small nation that offers many solitary spots for mindful contemplation.
Some of these places give people a chance to unleash their creativity or find their identity in a free-range living situation. And Figment boutique homes can offer this.
It has over 30 curated shophouses meant for mixed-use living or short stays and places with a special emphasis on living locally. Plenty of artists, startup incubators, and others who need inspiration or solitude have checked in at a Figment space.