You’ve probably heard these nuggets of wisdom from your parents and grandparents since you were young. Or perhaps everyone around you has been doing these acts since the dawn of time, so you assume that it definitely has to be right.

No matter where you hear from, these health myths are actually old wives’ tales that carries no evidence of being true.

Sure, there’s no harm to your health in continuing to do them, but there’s no real scientific evidence to show they are actually harmful or beneficial to your health.

Read on to find out which of these you’ve fallen prey to!

1.       “Don’t sleep with your hair wet, it’s not good!”

Imagine having a nice, warm, and relaxing bath when you return home after a long and tiring day outside. All you want to do when you come out of the bath is hit the sack immediately and fall into a deep slumber, right?

But upon seeing your full head of wet hair, your mother warns, “Don’t sleep with wet hair! You will catch a cold/get pneumonia/get a headache/grow fungus in your hair!” (or insert your mum’s health scare of choice)

In fact, the only result from sleeping when your hair’s wet is a wet pillowcase!

While sleeping with wet hair might make you feel colder, it won’t give you a cold. We only catch a cold through viruses.

Fungal diseases or scalp infections require contact with contaminated sources, so unless your pillowcase has fungus growth, you won’t have fungus growing in your hair just because you slept with wet hair.

There is also no scientific evidence that links headaches to sleeping with wet hair.

2.       “I can finally sleep in this Saturday to clear the sleep debt I’ve accumulated over the week.”

Can’t sleep at night, can’t wake up in the morning.

Living in this day and age, this is a sentiment most of us can relate to. As a result of keeping up with our homework or revising for exams, we often end up sleeping less than 6 hours every night during the week.

“Oh well, I’ll catch up on my lost sleep and sleep for 12 hours this Saturday,” is what most of us will think.

That’s where you’re wrong! This deprivation of sleep, or a “sleep debt”, cannot be repaid just by having an extended sleep marathon.

In fact, if you sleep too long at one go, you might wake up feeling even more tired than before. You end up in a state of sleep drunkenness for the rest of the day!

The best way to recover from your sleep debt is to gradually add 1 or 2 more hours of sleep every night, until you recover from your fatigue and regain your focus and attention, and then keep up the regular recommended 8 hours per night!

3.       “When you have a fever, sweat it out under layers of blanket.”

 Most of us have definitely done this before. When you’re down with a fever, your mother will come along and tuck you in under the blanket.  Soon, you feel hot and end up drenched in your sweat, but you have to stay under the blanket to “sweat out the fever”.

Guess what. This actually escalates your fever!

Being cooped under the blanket will keep the heat in and cause your body temperature to increase even more, thus increasing your fever.

Technically, sweating does help to bring the body temperature down. So this method might occasionally cause your fever to break, if you’re lucky.

But it is actually a dangerous way to break a fever because of the high body temperature and dehydration that occurs.

There are better and safer ways to bring your fever down, such as taking a shower or applying a cold washcloth to your forehead.

So your exams are over and the much awaited June holidays are finally here. It’s time to refer to the list of activities you’ve been building since the start of the school term.

Let’s see… Sleep in till 12 noon. Shopping at Bugis Village. Korean drama marathon. DOTA or WOW the entire day and night in your room! You’ve probably already done some of these things, right?

Well, here’s something different to add to your list!

This holiday, why not get out of your comfort zone and go on an adventure close to nature? Fresh air, green pastures, and a spotless sky unblocked by tall buildings await you.

You’ll find that there’s a lot to Singapore you have yet to discover!

1)      Kusu Island

Kusu Island, also known as ‘Tortoise’ island, is a reclaimed island that’s a 15-minute ferry ride away from the South of Singapore. It is famous for housing the Da Ba Gong Temple, as well as Malay shrines, or keramats.

The swimming lagoons, the pristine beaches, and the serene environment of Kusu Island will make for a chillax day with your friends or family.

The island is also bordered by coral reefs with abundant marine life. You can join the Blue Water Volunteers guided reef walk to see and discover more about the reefs and its inhabitants, including clown anemone fishes, anemone shrimps, and giant clams!

2)      Pulau Ubin

Did you know that Pulau Ubin is the second largest off-shore island of Singapore, after the well-known Sentosa Island? Just a 10 minute bumboat ride away from Changi Jetty,  Pulau Ubin is  the last ‘kampung’ you can find in Singapore.

There are plenty of fun things to do on this island. You can rent a bike and spend the day cycling around the island on its rustic roads under swaying coconut palms, or join one of the many guided walks available.

The most popular attraction on Pulau Ubin is Chek Jawa, a 1 hectare intertidal flats with seagrasses, sand flats, and coral rubble surrounded by coastal forest and mangroves.

You can explore all these different ecosystems along the 1.1km boardwalk or up the 20m Jejawi Tower!

3)      Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is located within the Kranji Countryside, easily reachable via a 10-minute express bus ride from Kranji MRT.

The mangroves and freshwater wetlands are home to an amazing diversity of flora and fauna.

You can take any of the multiple walking trails or the boardwalk, all of which will bring you closer to nature and the inhabitants of these wetlands.

If you’re lucky, you may even see the family of otters and the lonesome crocodile living there!

4)      MacRitchie Tree Top Walk

Even if you aren’t a fan of heights, the views on the MacRitchie Tree Top Walk are well worth challenging your fears!

The MacRitchie Tree Top Walk is a 250m long suspension bridge that spans across the two highest points in MacRitchie, at 25m from the ground!

Walking on the bridge will bring you closer than you can ever get to the canopy of the forest. Some 80 species of birds and 18 rare trees have been spotted in the forest. You’ll get a better view of the forest birds, flying lemurs, and even monkeys!

To get there, you can hike from MacRitchie Reservoir Park via the MacRitchie Nature Trail. Challenge your friends to complete the hike together, and be rewarded with the magnificent views from the Tree Top Walk!

No matter which place you pick , you are bound to have an exciting time.  So why not have a picnic at the same time, it would also be a fun activity for you and your friends.

Here’s what you could pack to recharge yourself midway through your adventures:

1)      Lots of water – You’re going to sweat loads, so drink loads!

2)      Edamame – A Japanese favourite, these beans  make a delicious snack on the go and it is also a great source of dietary fibre and antioxidants.

3)      Sandwich – Obviously, since they are simple to make and fuss-free to eat!

Use wholegrain bread (instead of white), put in some grilled chicken breast (instead of ham), a slice of cheese and fresh vegetables such as lettuce, tomato and onions to add crunch to your sandwich. Finally, use guacamole or hummus as dressing (instead of mayo/butter which will spoil easily in the heat!).

4)      Fruits – Pack fresh fruits like apples, oranges and bananas to round off your picnic meal.

Got any other suggestions? Let us know in the comments section below, or better yet, send us your opinion on Facebook or Twitter!

This article is brought to you by guest writer,Tan Hui Jeng Aileen, currently studying at NUS. Thanks for the great tips!

What if I fail my test tomorrow? What if they hate me? What if I chose the wrong career? What if the world ends tomorrow?

Youth are just as prone to worrying as adults.

Excessive worrying, however, can disrupt our performance at school, sleeping patterns, and  appetite. It interferes with our lives and causes us to become emotionally fragile. At times, it may even result in unwanted panic attacks.

Unfortunately, we all have to deal with problems every day. Sometimes, the more we think about a problem, the bigger our worries get.

But at the end of the day, worrying doesn’t help, but actions do. Here are some tips to help you sort out your endless worries and toss the unnecessary ones away.

1. Know what you can and cannot fix

Constant dwelling on a problem will get you nowhere. List out your worries and categorise them into current and future concerns. Do you have any control over the situation? If the answer is “no,” put that thought aside and focus on tackling the problems that you can solve at the moment. (Hint: Write your concerns downon a piece of paper.)

2. Consider the worst-case scenario

One tried-and-testedmethod of tackling excessive worrying is to consider the worst. Ask yourself: “What are the chances of this happening?” Chances are your worst fears may never come true. So why spend precious time worrying?

3. Engage in mindless tasks

Be it watching a short video clip or reading a good comic, performing mindless tasks help take your mind off present concerns. Try taking a shower if it helps you to think clearer. Think of it as a productive bath or even multi-tasking. This simple 15-to-30 minute break could be the best escape from reality!

4. Sleep your worries away

If all else fails, sleep. Once you feel refreshed, you will be in a better position to face any problem that comes into your way.

However, research shows that people who worry tend to have difficulty sleeping. If you are one of those individuals, here’s a tip you could try:

Close your eyes and take a long deep breath. Relax all muscles in your body. Imagine that you’re in a serene environment like a beach…Empty all thoughts and visualise a calm, blue sky. Visualise yourself dipping your toes into the water or into the warm sand… Listen to the soothing sound of the waves. Breathe in… breathe out……….

Got any other suggestions? Let us know in the comments section below, or better yet, send us your opinion on Facebook or Twitter!

This article is brought to you by Justine Koh, currently studying at NUS. Thanks for the great tips!

Have you ever noticed how we seem to have too many problems and tasks to tackle daily? How we often feel like we don’t have the energy to get through the day?

Well, you’re not alone!

Some of us find it increasingly difficult to psych ourselves up, even for activities we usually enjoy doing!

Sure, there’s little we can do about the amount of responsibilities we face in life. But we can change the way we feel about them!

After all, feeling energised is a key to feeling happy, and studies have shown that when you feel energetic, you feel better about yourself!

Here are 4 energy-boosting tips you can add into your life today to fuel your energy:

1. Listen to music

It’s no surprise that music can really affect your mood.

Research shows that our brain’s pleasure centres light up when we hear music.

So why not come up with a playlist of songs you like to jam to, and plug those earphones in whenever you are on the go. A sure-way to combat fatigue!

2. Get some sunshine

Most of us spend lots of time indoors toiling under artificial lights.

But did you know that spending just 10 minutes in the sun can do you good?

Firstly, getting outside can be refreshing. Secondly, stretching stiff muscles gives you some quick energy boost. Thirdly, sun exposure improves mood and help you sleep better at night.

3. Drink tea

It is essential to replenish our bodily fluids every now and then. How about a cup of tea to do the trick?

A recent study has found that drinking tea helps to reduce stress hormone levels in your body, suggesting that it “may speed up our recovery from the daily stresses in life.” So, drink up and feel better already!

4. Take a power nap

Finding it hard to combat fatigue and stay on top of things?

Taking a 15 to 30-minute power nap is just enough to refresh your body and mind!

Sometimes, sleep deprivation is what’s really holding us back. A short nap can give you a burst of alertness and better performance. A tip is to have an eye mask to block out the light so that you can fall asleep faster.

As you can see, there are many different ways to boost your mood and energy!

Got any more tips? Let us know in the comments below, or send us a message on Facebook or Twitter!

We recently caught up with Patricia Tang (Not her real name) – Youthpal/volunteer at Audible Hearts Singapore – as she shared what motivates her to help others and how being a youthpal/volunteer at Audible Hearts has made her more appreciative of life!

Breathe.sg: Hi Patricia, why did you want to become an Audible Hearts Youthpal/ volunteer?

Patricia: I identify with Audible Hearts’ objective to reach out to individuals who may be facing a difficult time in their lives. Having been through some difficult phases myself, I know how a listening ear and support can help get through tough times. Hence, I hope to extend this help received and pay it forward as an Audible Hearts volunteer.

Breathe.sg: How did you hear about the Audible Hearts programme? And what made you want to become a Youthpal/volunteer?

Patricia: I heard about Audible Hearts through a Health Promotion Board programme on youth mental health awareness. After meeting some of the volunteers at an event roadshow and learning more about it, I happened to receive a recruitment mailer some months later and decided to apply. I guess the age limit for applicants also played a part as I was already 24 then and they cap it at 25. So, I jumped at the opportunity to join this commendable group before I was “too old” haha.

Breathe.sg: What drives you each day to help your peers in need?

Patricia: Knowing that my words of encouragement and empathy can help them see the light in situations to persevere through a difficult time or to stop someone from taking the helpless way out; acknowledgement of the comfort I brought to someone when ensuring them that they are not alone; and appreciation for the portal itself helps drive myself as well as all AH volunteers to continue sustaining this platform and being a better friend to our loved ones.

Breathe.sg: Have you experienced a traumatic or distressing event in your life before? If yes, how do you draw on your learnings to help others?

Patricia: Yes, I have and believe everyone experiences at least one at some point in their life. It has helped me understand the pain and emotions which come with difficult situations, and empathised better with the peers I help. I am also able to put myself in their shoes and share appropriate personal learnings or advice I received from the experiences.

Breathe.sg: What is the best bit of advice you’ve received to help you get through an emotional time?

Patricia: “Time heals, but we need to be patient and take each day as it comes. Step by step, we will be able to walk out of the difficulties faced and learn to cherish each moment of life as a blessing. No matter how unhappy, hurt or lost we may be, nothing is really as bad as it seems because there will always be someone who would have been through it as well, and someone who’s willing to help shoulder your burden if you would just be kinder to yourself.”

Breathe.sg: Do you have an inspirational figure that you look up to (i.e. family member/celeb/musician/actor/etc.)? If yes, why does that person inspire you?

Patricia: I don’t have a specific inspirational figure, but I draw my inspirations from various people, acts and readings. I think everyone is able to amaze themselves and each other with the little things they do, be it by serving the nation, raising a family, supporting a friend, making a child or elderly laugh, helping to hold the lift or clear the tables, etc. Because, “sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart” (A.A Milne, Winnie the Pooh).

Breathe.sg: Is there an example you can give (Please do not use real names) of how you helped someone overcome an emotional period in their life? If yes, what was the problem and what advice did you give? How did that person relay their gratitude?

Patricia: I had a friend who had been through a really rough patch after ending a very long relationship. She had not been able to work or see any meaning to life in general anymore as she was too deeply hurt and distressed by the loss. It was painful for me as her friend, to see her usual high spirited and together self be so defeated and despondent for an extended period, but I did my best to be there for her through the entire period, supporting and reassuring her whenever she got caught up in the chaos of anguish and doubt. I checked in on her frequently and gathered her family and friends to help as well.

By showing her that her loved ones accept her as she is, and are still there for her regardless, we managed to help get her back on track.  She still has a long road ahead and may not have moved on entirely but it is my hope that the support she received during that darker period will give her the strength she needs to persevere. Our focus was making the best of our next steps and cherishing each day as it is. She’s a good friend and has been there for me though some difficult times as well, knowing she’s well and determined to move forward is the best “thank you gift” I could ask for.

Breathe.sg: Can you give three benefits (i.e. spiritual, sense of self purpose, a general feel-good factor, etc.) of being an Audible Hearts Youthpal/volunteer?

Patricia: It broadens one’s mind and heart, raises our self-awareness, and teaches us to be more accepting of the differences in beliefs and values. We also learn to be more appreciative of life and what it has to bring, and how blessed we truly are.

If you’d like to join the Audible Hearts team or would like to speak to a youth counselor, simply visit http://www.audiblehearts.sg/

Holidays are over, which can only mean back to school blues and late night study/home work sessions and not to forget, those dreaded dark eye circles.

Ever feared that your eye bags may grow bigger than your eyes one day? We regularly stay up to finish our seemingly never-ending workloads; however forget that it is essential for us students to get eight hours of sleep daily to avoid sleep debt. Such sleep debts are certainly harmful to our body and have more dire consequences than you might think. Besides the unsightly panda eyes that we all fear, insufficient sleep may lead to memory problems, and weaken your immune system.

Hence, I present to you my personal formula to avoid panda eyes, which you can test out before school term starts. Believe me, these tips work better than any concealer or bb cream we extensively pile on to hide those dark circles

1. Don’t go to bed preoccupied

Have a “winding down” period before heading to bed. Switch off your cell phone, log out of your email, and shut down your computer. The few minutes it takes to disconnect and put your mind at rest will make all the difference in getting a good night’s rest.

2. Let the bed be a bed

All of us are guilty of making the bed our second home. Instead, read on your couch, work at your desk, and eat at your table. The bed is only for sleep and rest! Limit the activity in your bed and head there when you’re feeling sleepy. This will help to train your brain to associate your bed with sleep, and lets you get an optimum amount of undisturbed sleep.

3. Limit caffeine intake

Yes, the regular promotions at Starbucks are enticing but, if you think that coffee taken during the day has no effect on your sleep at night – think again. Caffeine six hours before bed has been more disruptive than caffeine 3 hours before bedtime.  Munch on some fruits and nuts if that class is really making your eyelids droop. Besides, think of the amount of money you can save from not getting a Starbucks coffee fix first thing in the morning

4. Choose a wake-up time

Set your alarm and train your body to wake up at the same time every day, regardless of the time you went to sleep. Keeping your biological clock going in the right direction helps promote a healthy sleep-wake pattern, and ultimately regular rest. For the heavy sleepers, I present to you your greatest nightmare – 10 alarm clocks from hell. Waking up will certainly be a breeze using them J

5. Get physical

Incorporate some physical activity into your day. Take the stairs at school. You can save time and enjoy a little smirk as you beat frustrated crowds in the elevator queue. An active body will enable you to feel more ready for a good nights’ rest. (Just avoid strenuous workouts one hour before your bed time.)

6. Invest in a bed

It may sound silly and obvious, but you want to be at your most comfortable when you’re ready to sleep. Find a suitable bed, comfortable pillows, pajamas, blankets and bed sheets. You’ll look forward to heading to bed in no time!

Remember how your bedtime was 10pm when you were young? Let’s change our sleeping habits and bid goodbye to being mistaken as pandas, or walking zombies whenever we see familiar faces in school

Got any other tips? Let us know in the comments section below, or better yet, send us your opinion on Facebook or Twitter!

This guest article is kindly brought to you by Chua Mei qi Audrey ,currently studying at NUS. Thanks for the great tips! :)

Tired of the fast-paced city life? Feeling all choked up and frustrated? Then, it is time for you to take a break and immerse in the tranquil kampong life!

Yes, right here in this tiny red dot! There are still remnants of simple life tucked within this busy city.

You may think that these “old school” areas are boring and a waste of time.

But hey, these places have many exciting activities to help you de-stress.

Here are a few enjoyable “kampong” spots in Singapore. So, start planning your itinerary now and experience them yourself.

1) Kampong days

Go back in time to a much simpler life at Kampong Buangkok, the last surviving village on mainland Singapore.

Yes, people still live there.

This forgotten land has a rustic environment filled with nostalgia. It’s now a picturesque spot for photography lovers.

Residents there are keen to talk to visitors about their traditional way of life.

So, do stop by and chat with them over coffee.

Sadly, this piece of history will be destroyed soon in the name of urbanisation.

So, what are you waiting for? There isn’t much time left to capture the way things were “back in the old days”.

Opening hours: All day

Transport: Take bus service 70, 103, 854

http://blog.omy.sg/oureverydaythings/2010/07/visiting-kampong-buangkok-singapores-last-surviving-kampong/

2) Nature lover

Escape from the rat race to the kampong island of Pulau Ubin.

Enjoy the fresh air and serene unspoiled beauty of nature that will rejuvenate your senses.

Take a quiet stroll or rent a bike for a short ride around the island. There are simply too many surprises waiting to be found there.

Opening hours: 8.30am – 6.00pm 

Transport: Take bus service 2, 29, 59 or 109 to Changi Village Bus Terminal. Then walk to Changi Point Ferry Terminal to take bumboat to Pulau Ubin.

http://singaporesearchsite.com/how-to-get-there/pulau-ubin-map-direction/

3) Prawn Fishing

Craving for some fresh prawns?

You don’t have to go to restaurants for these now. Experience greater satisfaction by catching them yourself!

What’s even better is that you enjoy a savory prawn barbeque after your catch, to reward yourself for the effort.

So hurry, gather your family and friends to have a relaxing fun time while prawn fishing together at Hai Bin Prawning.

4) Catching Guppies

Your parents may have spent a great deal of their childhood catching small fish in longkangs (a malay word for drains) with their friends. It used to be a popular pastime in the kampongs.

Longkang fishing is a great way to experience community spirit.

But, don’t worry if you can’t find any fish in the drains. Pasir Ris Kids Kampongwill provide the venue and gear you need to catch guppies.

Opening hours: 9.00am – 6.00pm 

Transport: Take bus service 88, 359

http://www.prkidskampong.com/contact/

Got any tips you’d like to share with us? Send us a comment on Facebook or Twitter!

Have you ever heard the expression “there’s no such thing as a free meal”?

Well, I have, but I think it’s WRONG!

We may be living in a very materialistic society, but I know for a fact that there are many many things out there that don’t require money to make you feel good!

If you really think about it, some of the best things in life are free, and they come with no strings attached!

Need some examples? Read on!

1.       Advice

Ever felt stuck with a problem that seemed unsolvable?

I’ve felt that many times! Whether it has to do with school or with friends, there’s always something happening that can make you feel as if the whole world is against you!

Thankfully, not everyone is against you. In fact, if you step back and take a moment to really look at things, you’ll find that a lot of people are happy to give you some advice.

I’m not saying everyone out there gives good advice, but hey, at least they care enough to give it a try, right?

And the best part is, once you’ve gotten excellent advice you can then pass it on to someone else when they ask for your opinion on something!

Just make sure they actually ask for your advice before you start dishing it out!

Sometimes we’re not really after advice, but are looking for someone to listen to us.

Whether we’re feeling down about something or whether we need to discuss something we’re going through, it’s always nice to know you can count on someone for support.

Friends, family, teachers, or helplines such as Audible Hearts, there’s always someone out there to listen to you!

And there’s no shame in needing to talk to someone, even the toughest of the toughest people out there need a shoulder to cry on from time to time.

‘Respect” is one of those words people use a lot but don’t really get how deep and important it really is.

It’s hard to say what respect really is. Some people confuse it with being polite, others think it’s the same as being obedient. It’s actually a mix of that with a bit of tolerance, courtesy, and friendliness thrown in the mix.

Actually, it’s much easier to know when you’ve been disrespected than when you’re being respected. When someone makes fun of you or your opinions, that’s disrespect. When people trample other people’s feelings and don’t listen, that’s disrespect. When you can’t express yourself because you’re afraid someone won’t like it, that’s disrespect.

Wouldn’t the world be a much nicer place if we all respected each other?

Sure, many activities in Singapore require money. But not all of them do!

Walking, cycling, chatting, singing, dancing, smiling, hugging, sharing, loving, and many other activities don’t require any money at all!

Having FUN can be done with friends, on your own, in your house, in a crowded space, pretty much anywhere you want!

Can you think of other ways to have fun for no money at all?

As you can see, there are many nice things in life that don’t cost a fortune!

Got any other tips? Let us know in the comments section below, or better yet, send us the links on Facebook or Twitter!.

Download the Live It Up Without Lighting Up Global Movement Toolkit and spread the smoke-free lifestyle message among your friends!

This guest article is kindly brought to you by Samantha Anne Leong, currently studying at NUS. Thanks for the great tips!

A common gripe among youths in Singapore is that this tiny island is just not conducive for romance.

We don’t have an Eiffel Tower, the weather makes picnics a sweaty mess, and everything just costs so much money!

Romantic candle-lit dinner? Oh please, where do I get 500 bucks or so for those stuffy classy places?

And anyways, come Friday, most youths just want to go and do the same old thing: go for drinks. They spend all their allowance on over-priced drinks to impress boys and girls that won’t even give them the time of day, and then they wake up feeling awful.

You know what? Weekends don’t always have to be about drinking, drinking, and drinking!

I’m sure you’ll agree that there are much better ways to spend your money, time, and calories!

Here are three alternative ideas to make the most of your weekend!

1. Have a cuppa at Papa Palheta

Boost your street cred with a visit to this top-secret, “indie” coffee joint.

Papa Palheta is a speciality coffee boutique, tucked away in Hooper Road. Folks, this place is so “underground” it doesn’t even have a front entrance.

The shop is a cozily-furnished room leading to an open veranda. In short, it feels just like home.

The unique thing about Papa Palheta is that it doesn’t have a menu. Just let the friendly baristas know what gets you going and they will fix you up with the perfect blend.

Another special thing about this place is that there are no fixed prices – it’s completely up to you to tip as generously as you wish.

Papa Palheta
140 Bukit Timah Road
Singapore 229840
Opening hours:
Weekdays 9.00 am to 6.00 pm (Closed on Mondays)
Weekends 9.00am to 7.30 pm

2. Cuddle puppies & kitties at the Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Aww! Who can resist puppies and kittens. Seriously! Who?? No one, right?

Trust me on this one – girls totally dig guys who show compassion to animals. What better place to show it than at the SPCA, home to several dogs, cats and a variety of small animals just waiting for a home!

The dogs available for adoption are kept in individual kennels. Due to a shortage of resources, they are walked briefly just once or twice a day.

By volunteering your time to play with the dogs, visitors do a great favour by alleviating their boredom and helping these animals get socialised.

There is also a cattery where older cats can freely roam. Entrance is free, so cuddle an animal today!

Better yet, sign up for the SPCA’s volunteer programme together and help out on a regular basis. Who knows, you might even end up with a new addition to the family!

Singapore Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
31 Mount Vernon Road
Singapore 368054
Opening hours:
Monday to Saturday 10.00am to 4.00pm (Closed on Thursdays)
Sunday and Public Holidays: 11.00am to 3.30pm

3. Romancing under the big “Durian”

All dressed up and nowhere to go? No, don’t hit the clubs, get down to the Durian instead!

Third on our list is the good old fashioned cultural nourishment that the Esplanade brings you on a daily basis. It’s like watching a movie, only 10 times more awesome!

The local arts scene has been flourishing over the years, and it’s high time to check out the buzz.

Alternatively, the area makes for a beautifully scenic walk! What’s not to love? Sounds like the perfect date already!

The Esplanade
1 Esplanade Drive
Singapore 038981
(Check website for events and ticketing details)

As you can see, it’s quite easy to have a nice romantic time without the discomforts of alcohol and cigarettes!

Got any other tips? Let us know in the comments section below, or better yet, send us the links on Facebook or Twitter!

Photo by Electrofever