Another year has passed by in the blink of an eye. But thankfully, there was a glimmer of hope when Vaccinated Travel Lanes (VTLs) were finally announced, officially ending the two-year (leisure) travel drought. Although Omicron slowed down our travel plans a little, we’re keeping our fingers crossed! As we look back on the year, 2021 was undoubtedly a wild ride. But there were good moments too.  Join us as we pick out some of our top stories from 2021 – from unique dating spots to free things to do in Singapore. We hope you’ve been able to experience some of our recommendations as many of us spent the year as local tourists!

10. The best bread: Exploring unique bakeries in Singapore

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Looking for things to do in Singapore? Why not go around the island to explore and feast on some of the most delectable breads and pastries? From crispy baguettes to chewy naans, the best breads are aplenty here.

Everyone was a “circuit-baker” at some point during the Covid-19 pandemic. Whether it was fromthe lack of things to do during the lockdown, or rediscovering hobbies and passions while working from home, the obsession with pastries and bread was one of the greatest! -. For those who came to the realisation that baking was not for everyone, there was always an option to buy it off the shelves! For bread lovers, we collated some of the most unique bakeries that offer the best bread in Singapore. Have a read and pop by the bakeries to show your support for these F&B businesses, if you haven’t already!

9. Things to do in the East for a fun-filled weekend

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Enjoy a quick getaway in the East of Singapore with these fun things to do.

You probably hear this a lot, but I’m going to say it again – East side, best side! How can it not be when there are so many fun-filled activities to be discovered? It doesn’t matter if you’re young or old, there’s always something for everyone. The best part is, most of the activities are free or at the very least, wallet-friendly. In this story, we took you through some of the. From indulging in the age-old tradition of horse riding at Gallop Stable in Pasir Ris Park to trying your hand at standup paddling at Aloha Sea Sports Centre, read the article and find your groove!

8. Take a walk down memory lane with Swensen’s, Changi Airport’s oldest restaurant

swenson’s restaurant, terminal 1 jewel changi airport singapore swenson’s restaurant, terminal 1 jewel changi airport singapore

Swenson’s is the oldest restaurant in Changi Airport, nestled in the corner of Terminal 1, not far from the newly built Jewel.

Did you know that Swensen’s is the oldest restaurant in Changi Airport? A household name and the go-to restaurant for many families in Singapore, who could forget some of its signature dishes such as fries in a cone, the colossal Earthquake sundae, and Fish & Chips – a staple on their menu since 1981! As Terminal 2’s operations were temporarily suspended due to upgrading works, Swensen’s was relocated to Basement 2 of Terminal 3. So, you know where to go if you’re craving for some good ol’ Fish & Chips, probably after a productive shopping trip in the terminal’s public areas and Jewel, maybe? Read the story, take a walk down memory lane and learn more fun facts about Changi’s oldest restaurant.

7. 3 unique date ideas at Singapore Changi Airport for young couples

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Every couple looks forward to a nice date together. Make the most out of your time in Jewel Changi Airport with these three unique date ideas.

Looking for things to do with your special one in Singapore? With Covid-19 restrictions in place for the most part of 2021, one has to get creative when it comes to planning a date with your better half. But that’s what we are here for - to give you ideas when you run out of them and of course, inspire your next visit to Changi Airport 😉 Have you ever dined in one of Jewel’s many restaurants facing the majestic HSBC Rain Vortex? How about relaxing at Changi Lounge? If not, it is perhaps the time to impress your date with these three unique and fun date ideas at Jewel Changi Airport! From what to eat and where to shop, we definitely got you covered at this food and shopping paradise. (ps. Valentine’s Day not too far away!)

6. 7 exciting things to do with kids in the West of Singapore

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As a parent, you are always on the lookout for ways to entertain your children. Get the kids excited with this list of fun things to do in the West of Singapore.

As travel was not possible due to Covid-19, I ventured out to the West one day and was positively surprised by how beautiful it is. Tranquil with lots of greenery and activities to explore. As a mum of two, I’m always on the lookout for new things to do with the kids around the island and I must say this list did not let me down! From exploring the Jurong Lake Gardens to electric Go-Karting, the adventure seems never-ending. Check out the list of things to do in the West of Singapore!

5. Instagrammable cafés in Singapore to take your best shot

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Feeling bored and looking for things to do with your friends? Why not put on your best outfit and head to these five best Instagrammable cafés in Singapore? We've rounded the cafés that will always give you a surreal ambience and a perfect backdrop for all your Instagram shots.

CafĂ©-hopping is part and parcel of life as a Singaporean. There’s just something about whiling our time away in a cafĂ© with a Kindle in hand that sounds oddly enticing. Paired with our obsession of taking nice photos for the gram, it’s no wonder that a story on Instagrammable cafĂ©s in Singapore landed as the fifth most-read story of 2021. CafĂ©s also make great places to study in Singapore and get your head in the game. Check out our list and remember to get your cameras ready. Leave a comment below to let us know if we left out any of your favourite Instagrammable cafĂ©s!

4. Singapore streets with unique names and interesting activities nearby

free things to do in singapore, kay poh road at river valley free things to do in singapore, kay poh road at river valley

Some streets in Singapore are famed for their quirky names. What’s more, there are plenty of free things to do around these areas.

Singapore is a melting pot of culture, with an eclectic mix of people, food and even street names. In this story, we curated a list of streets with quirky names, alongside their history and interesting activities to do nearby. The next time you’re looking for free and interesting things to do in Singapore, these places will provide the perfect opportunity to create new memories.

3. 7 Things you never knew you could redeem your SingapoRediscovers vouchers for

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From cycling to sailing, we've got you covered with these unique activities to do in Singapore with your SingapoRediscover vouchers.

To encourage ‘Singapoliday’ among Singaporeans, all eligible citizens were given up to S$100 worth of SingapoRediscover vouchers for us to play tourist in our own country. While you can use the vouchers for eligible attractions and experiences up till 31 March 2022, booking must be made by 31 December 2021, so we hope you’ve made your booking! Did you manage to book for any of these unique activities using your SingapoRediscover vouchers?

2. 5 Must-visit places in Singapore to satisfy your wanderlust

free things to do in singapore, johor straits lighthouse free things to do in singapore, johor straits lighthouse

Check out these beautiful places in Singapore that make you feel like you’re overseas on a holiday.

Wanderlust is so real especially during the pandemic. If you’re not going to travel to any of the VTL destinations any time soon, perhaps the next best thing is to turn to local alternatives that remind you of your travel escapades. In this story, we rounded up some of the places in Singapore that will make you feel like you’re overseas. Go on and take that breath of fresh air we know you desperately need.

1. Your complete guide to the best cycling routes in Singapore

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Cycling not only keeps you fit and healthy, it also allows you to explore new places for free! But how do you know where to go? Here are the best cycling routes in Singapore to consider.

As an editor for Now Boarding, I must say I am totally not surprised that a story on the best cycling routes in Singapore turned out to be the number one, most-read news story of 2021. As we battle the pandemic, we are generally more aware of the need to take care of our health, both physically and mentally. So, it is no wonder that cycling around Singapore became one of the hottest activities. At one point, foldies were even sold out everywhere! With Singapore’s growing park connector networks and different types of cycling equipment made available, cycling around our sunny island has become such a breeze. Read the story and check out some of our recommended cycling routes in Singapore!

Summary of 2021: Our most popular Now Boarding stories

We hope you enjoyed our roundup of the most popular Now Boarding stories from 2021. Did your favourite story make the list? If not, tell us which is your favourite Now Boarding story in 2021 via the comments below!

 

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