12 Places to Go This CNY if You’re the Ninth Visitor from Your Household

The festive Chinese New Year period will soon arrive on our shores, and it’s surely a source of joy for all the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth visitors.

For the ninth visitor? Well, not so much.

Though the regulations in Singapore have sort of laxed following a reasonably successful run, visitors are still capped at eight pax as a form of safety measure.

And after witnessing the state of things across the causeway, we’re not questioning anything.

But even so, we can’t help but feel for all the ninth visitors out there.

They’re just as essential to the family as the other eight, but due to underlying circumstances…

They’ve been viciously kicked aside with all the empathy of a peanut butter cookie.

12 Places to Go This CNY if You’re the Ninth Visitor from Your Household

And that is why we, the Goody folks, have taken it upon ourselves to craft a CNY guide, in hopes of enlightening all the woeful folks out there and prospectively securing some profits along the way.

Sure, you may be the outcast this CNY period, but you don’t have to feel like one.

With these twelve places in tow, your CNY festive period will be just as eventful as your peers, if not more.

1. Universal Studios Singapore

Drop by the ever-charismatic Universal Studios Singapore for some long-awaited festivities and joy.

Witness loveable characters such as Kung Fu Panda‘s Po, Shrek and the adorable Minions as you explore the gigantic theme park this CNY.

Apart from the grandiose Majestic Dragon, the likes of Optimus Prime and Megatron will also roll out to greet selected guests in Mandarin.

There has never been a better time to be the odd one out.

Address: Resort World Sentosa, 8 Sentosa Gateway, Singapore 098269

Price: From $43

You can click here for more details.

Note: Eligible for SingapoRediscovers Vouchers

2. Dahlia Dreams

For a long time, Gardens by the Bay’s Flower Dome has entertained the masses with its large and vibrant floral display, and the trend looks set to continue this CNY.

Lest you’re unaware, the Dome features 2,000 dahlias – all supposedly grown in-house.

In light of the upcoming festive period, the floral beauties will be on full display, alongside Chinese New Year classics like azaleas, chrysanthemums, and cymbidiums.

Aside from auspicious elements, do also keep your eyes peeled for tributes to the dragon and the ox – nestled surreptitiously between the fine blooms.

When: 15 January to 21 February 2021

Address: 18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953

Price: $8-$20

You can click here for more details.

3. One Raffles Place

Need a change of pace this Chinese New Year?

Well, One Raffles Place may be that prime destination for you to take a breather.

This CNY 2021, indulge in your ninth-man fantasy with Forecast Your Fortune – where you’re able to learn more about the Zodiac signs across three levels of the mall.

Also, feast your eyes and tastebuds on a wide selection of seasonal snacks and CNY goodies at the CNY Festive Bazaar.

Amidst these sweltering times, window shopping has never been more pleasant-sounding.

Address: One Raffles Place, 1 Raffles Pl, Singapore 048616

You can click here for more details.

4. Chinatown

Fancy a walk across a street full of festivities and good cheer?

Chinatown’s Chinese New Year Celebrations are certainly for you.

From 23 January to 12 March 2021, the 880-metre-stretch along Eu Tong Sen Street and New Bridge Road will be adorned with 888 brightly-lit lanterns.

In addition to meaningful symbols such as pomelos, blossom trees and ingots, there will also be lanterns of the twelve zodiac signs dangling along South Bridge Road.

And I haven’t even mentioned the oxen centrepiece – a towering 10-metre-tall oxen installation that certainly serves as the centre of attention.

Meanwhile, for those who are more home saavy, you can choose to take the 360-degree virtual tour at Chinatown.

You can click here for more details.

However, do note that MSE has warned that you should try to head there during off-peak hours as there have been instances of overcrowding without safe-distancing occurring last week. You can read more here.

When: 23 January to 12 March 2021

5. Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre

Looking for something a little ‘unconventional’ this CNY period? Well, the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centreis set to shake things up.

For the first time in Asia, there will be an actual drive-through exhibition taking place – in none other than sunny Singapore.

Immerse yourself in an outdoor experience in none other than the centre’s car park. Learn more about the year of the ox through digital masterpieces by eight local artists – which have been deftly turned into 3D installation art, selfie filters, and augmented reality murals.

There’s even a “talking” red packet – a piece of artwork that manages to come to life in the shape of an ox sculpture!

Forget your petty relatives; the ninth visitor is just as deserving of a fun CNY experience as well!

Address: Raffles Place, 1 Strait Boulevard, Singapore 018906

Price: $5 (walk-through), $10 (drive-through)

You can click here for more details.

6. S.E.A. Aquarium

Edged out of the annual ‘Lou yu sheng’ event?

No worries; you can still get a hefty ‘serving’ of fishes elsewhere.

This CNY, pop by the S.E.A. aquarium to drown out your sorrows, and in the meantime comb the Trail of Fortune for hidden gold ingots.

And let’s not forget the loveable marine critters – some of which are actually living symbols of prosperity!

Price: $41

Address: Sentosa Island, 8 Sentosa Gateway, Singapore 098269

You can click here for more details.

Note: Eligible for SingapoRediscovers Vouchers

7. Wan Qing Festival Of Spring

Keen to savour a majestic lion dance performance this CNY?

The folks over at Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall are more than glad to help.

Apart from lion dance and festive drum workshops, Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall will also host heritage walking trails and kid-friendly craft activities this festive period.

Also, remember to take a picture with the Double Prosperity – the hall’s outdoor installation that features two ‘Foo Dou’ Guardian Lions.

When: 1 February – 21 February 2021

Price: Free

Address: 12 Tai Gin Rd, Singapore 327874

You can click here for more details.

8. Andaz Singapore

Alternatively, you can also opt for a healing staycation to rest your mind. And in that aspect, Andaz Singapore appears to be the front runner for both quality and affordability.

Having come out with a room & F&B credits package, you can now indulge in a 1-night stay at the prestigious Andaz hotel, complete with your room of choice, daily breakfast, access to hotel facilities and SGD100 F&B Dining Credits that can be utilised in all in-house F&B outlets.

It may be a tad bit different from your usual CNY experience, but it’s still going to be a fulfilling one.

You can peruse more details here.

Note: Eligible for SingapoRediscovers Vouchers

9. Jurong Point

This one’s for all the Westies in Singapore.

The annual Lunar New Year is a time of surprises and fun, and Jurong Point looks set to jump on the bandwagon.

From 8 January to 28 February 21, the shopping mall will be introducing a host of events to validate your indulgent shopping experiences.

Apart from free red packets and merchandise, you can also stand a chance to win prizes worth more than $8,000!

And let’s not forget the mall’s new A&W outlet – a notion that has escaped the West side for far too long.

When: 8 January to 28 February 2021

Address: Jurong Point, 1 Jurong West Central 2, Singapore 648886

You can check more details here.

10. Changi Airport

In spite of the Covid-19 situation, the terminals remain a favourite hotspot for many sight-seeking individuals…

And the incentive to go has only grown this CNY.

Usher in the year of the ox with Changi Airport, as an abundance of retail and dining offers line the runway.

Also, earn rewards when you dine at Changi Airport from 12 February to 11 March 2021. With $200 spent in a single receipt, you’ll be entitled to a S$30 Changi Gift Card, S$10 Changi Eats promo code and 2-hour free parking.

You can click here for more details.

11. River Hongbao 2021

So you thought there’d be no River Hongbao this year.

You’re wrong.

In a twist that even surprised M. Night Shyamalan, it’s announced that River Hongbao will still go on this year, albeit a tad differently: it’ll be at Gardens by the Bay, and you need to book a slot to enter.

Thankfully, there’s still God of Fortune.

You can click here for more details.

When: 10 February to 16 February 2021

Address: Gardens by the Bay

12. The Movies

Your significant other may have let you down. Your parents may have let you down. You may have let yourself down.

But the cinema will never disappoint you.

As such, “sneak” into theatres this CNY as you vent your frustrations of being the ninth visitor, over a bag of popcorn and the latest screening of Jackie Chan’s Dragon Balls.

You can click here for more movie-related details.

With that said, happy advanced CNY, folks.

Here’s hoping that you won’t find this article relevant to your cause.

Featured Image: Facebook (Gardens by the Bay & Wan Qing Yuan – Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall 晚晴园-孙中山南洋纪念馆) & River Hongbao 2021 Organising Committee