Valentine’s Day can be an incredibly expensive affair. While it is commonly known to be a romantic event for lovers to express their undying love to one another, many people also think of it as a money sucking holiday where people go broke because they feel the need to splurge on their partners in fear of looking like an utter scrooge.

If you’re feeling a tad bit broke this month and you’re still reeling from the damage done to your wallet during Christmas, fret not as we have come up with 11 affordable places for a romantic dinner that won’t make you look like a cheapskate.

COMO CUISINE

From the buttery whiff of freshly baked viennoiseries to the chocolatey aroma of fresh coffee grinds in the morning, COMO Cuisine is the ideal place to head to for a date with your special one. Luxuriate in their all-new menu that features all-day comfort fare that will leave a lasting impression this Valentine’s Day.

A meal for two should cost around S$50 to $60.

Block 18A Dempsey Road,
Singapore 249677
Tel: 1800 304 6688
Mon to Sun: 8am – 9pm
Breakfast (Mon to Fri): 8am – 12pm
High Tea (Tue & Fri): 3pm – 5pm
Brunch (Sat & Sun): 8am – 3pm

DUCKLAND 

If you and your date love duck, this would be the perfect place to have your Valentine’s Day meal! Duckland serves up a pretty impressive range of both Asian and Western-style duck dishes that will change the way you eat duck. Despite using the finest quality of Irish duck, the prices here are kept affordable so you are truly getting more bang for your buck.

A hearty meal for two here should cost no more than S$50.

United Square Shopping Mall #B1-09&64/65
101 Thomson Road
Singapore 307591
Tel: +65 6259 5668
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Novena

FRAPASBAR BY SAVEUR 

The newly opened FrapasBar by the renowned Saveur serves up delectable, authentic French fare and tapas with modern twists here and there—all while keeping prices affordable. Not only is the food here fantastic, but the ambience of the place is also really classy and cosy, creating the perfect atmosphere for a romantic dinner date with Bae.

You can expect a meal for two to cost around S$30 to S$40, which is pretty decent for the food.

2 Tampines Central 5, #01-35
Singapore 529509
Tel: +65 6789 1121
Daily: 11.30am – 12pm
Nearest Station: Tampines

FRESH FRUITS LAB

Fresh Fruit Labs is one of our favourite places in Singapore to get an affordable meal for two. We love how the crux of their food creations revolve around fruit, which definitely is a factor that makes them stand out. The colourful ambience of the cafe also makes it a quirky destination for you and your partner to celebrate your relationship and feel like kids again.

The wallet damage here for two people should be less than S$40.

28 Clementi Road
Singapore 129754
Tel: +65 6803 7472
Tues to Fri: 12pm – 12am
Sat & Sun: 11am – 12am
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Kent Ridge

FYNN’S

Tucked away at South Beach Avenue is Fynn’s, a beautiful, modern all-day dining cafe. Here, they serve up scrumptious Australian fare that is sure to please you and your date. The cafes aesthetic marbled tables, rattan chairs and stylish decor also makes this the perfect setting for that quintessential Valentine’s Day photo for the gram.

The cost of a meal for two people should be around S$40 to S$50.

26 Beach Road
#B1-21, South Beach Avenue
Singapore 189768
Tel: +65 6384 1878
Tue to Sat: 11am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Sun: 10.30am – 4.30pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Esplanade 

ICEHAUS

Icehaus is an all-day dining restaurant at Alley on 25 that offers cold cuts, sustainable seafood, heirloom salads and locally-inspired desserts. Guests hankering for a light yet satisfying desserts can also opt for Icehaus’ famous desserts that beautifully encompass the elements of local street sweets but with a modern approach.

5 Fraser Street, Level 25
Andaz Singapore
Singapore 189354
Daily: 6.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

LA NONNA

If Bae is hankering for some Italian food, then the one place that you both should go to is La Nonna. La Nonna serves up authentic, mid-priced Italian food that will leave you both with full, happy bellies. The portions are also incredibly large so it’s great for couples who have larger appetites.

Despite the generous portions, the prices here are still kept affordable. The bill for two can be less than $60, which is really decent for authentic Italian fare.

26/26B Lor Mambong
Singapore 277685
Tel: +65 6468 1982
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sat & Eve of PH: 12pm – 11pm
Sun & PH: 12pm – 11.30pm
Nearest Station: Holland Village

THE BETTERSHIP

The Bettership is a sashimi-centric eatery that serves up boats of fresh restaurant-quality sashimi as well as stellar bowls of donburi. Their open kitchen concept also allows you to watch the chefs prepare your food right in front of you, which definitely adds an interesting touch to the meal.

For less than S$40 for the both of you, you can get restaurant-grade Japanese fare that will leave you and your partner with happy, satisfied bellies.

2 Handy Road #01-03,
The Cathay
Singapore 229233
Tel: +65 6835 9006
Daily: 12pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Dhoby Ghaut

Photo Credit: The Marmalade Pantry 

THE MARMALADE PANTRY 

The marmalade pantry takes pride in serving up modern comfort food at affordable prices. We are also in love with the decor of the place; chic, minimalistic and tasteful, this place will wow you and your date in terms of both food and ambience.

A meal for two here should cost less than S$45.

The Marmalade Pantry At Downtown
Oasia Hotel Downtown, #01-01
100 Peck Seah Street
Singapore 079333
Tel: +65 6385 0741
Daily: 12pm – 3pm, 4pm – 7pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

WAA COW! 

For some mind-blowing wagyu beef bowls that will leave you and your partner craving for more, Waa Cow is the place to go. Here, you can get some life-changing value-for-money bowls of flame-torched wagyu donburi. You’ll find yourselves coming back here again even after Valentine’s Day is over!

Each bowl of this quality goodness costs less than S$25 each and for such premium cuts of meat, it really is a very good deal.

5 Straits View, #01-09 Marina One
The Heart West Tower,
Singapore 018935
Tel: +65 9851 1552
(Closed on Saturdays & Sundays)
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Downtown

Staycations are hugely popular among couples during Valentine’s day. A few days away from the familiarity of your own home, playing tourist and exploring your own country as if you were overseas. Staycations are great, but here in Singapore, they are crazy expensive—especially if you’re looking for a place that’s beautiful and grand.

A good option to get over this problem is just across the causeway. Johor Bahru is home to a plethora of gorgeous hotels that cost just a fraction of the ones here in Singapore and it’s great for a quick, short getaway to relax and rejuvenate.

For those of you who are looking for an affordable place to have a staycation with Bae to feel like royalty for a day or two, we have here a list of 10 picturesque hotels in Johor Bahru for a luxurious getaway that you can consider below S$110.

AMARI JOHOR BAHRU 

Amari Johor Bahru is located just next to the causeway and directly opposite City Square Shopping Mall and Komtar JBCC. This makes it incredibly convenient to access and you can always pop by over to one of the malls to get a little shopping done!

82C, Jalan Trus, Bandar Johor Bahru
80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +60 7-266 8888

Prices start from S$90.

DOUBLETREE BY HILTON

Tucked away in the heart of Johor Bahru is Doubletree by Hilton Johor Bahru. This luxurious staycation destination has rooms with beautiful wooden furnishings, carpeted floors and gorgeous city views. The rooms are also fitted with a minibar and plush bathrobes are provided so you’d feel like a king when relaxing in your room.

No. 12 Jalan Ngee Heng,
80000 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Tel: +60 7-268 6868

Prices start from S$92.

HOTEL JEN PUTERI HARBOUR

Hotel Jen Puteri Harbour is just a convenient three-minute walk away from the Puteri Harbour Family Theme Park and a five-minute drive to Legoland Malaysia, making it an ideal place to stay at if you’re planning for an adventurous day out. Some of the rooms even have adorable themes which is perfect for people who are looking for something a little different.

Persiaran Puteri Selatan, Puteri Harbour, Nusajaya,
79000 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Tel: +60 7-560 8888

Prices start from S$106.

KSL HOTEL AND RESORT 

KSL Hotel & Resort is located within the popular KSL Shopping Mall, so it’s great for shopaholics out there! The hotel’s luxurious rooms and plush beds are practically made for an intimate, romantic getaway with Bae. To top it off, there are interesting on-site facilities such as a golf simulator, a cinema, and a karaoke centre that you can use to your heart’s content!

33 Jalan Seladang, Taman Abad,
80250 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Tel: +60 7-288 2999

Prices start from S$62.

Photo Credit: Agoda 

KSL HOT SPRING RESORT 

The newly opened KSL Hot Spring Resort has exactly what its name says: hot spring spas! It is definitely one of the more exciting hotels in Johor to check out, especially if you’re dying for a good soak. Aside from the hot springs, they also have other facilities such as a golf simulator, a sauna room and a children’s playground.

31, Jalan Kangkar Tebrau, Taman Daya
81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +60 7-288 2999

Prices start from S$61.

Photo Credit: Booking.com

MIDORI CONCEPT HOTEL 

If you’re looking for a place that has a theme going on then you need to check out Midori Concept Hotel. The entire hotel is dressed up in a modern Victorian theme and the rooms are beautifully furnished with colourful, vintage decor. Located in the heart of Mount Austin, it is also surrounded by a plethora of cafes that sell amazing food.

57, Jalan Austin Heights 8/1, Taman Mount Austin
81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +60 7-364 6555

Prices start from S$54.

Photo Credit: Booking.com

RENAISSANCE JOHOR BAHRU

Renaissance Johor Bahru is the one place you should go to if you want to feel like a King. This luxury hotel by Marriott is equipped with all that you need for that much-needed getaway. The surrounding area is also filled with an abundance of eateries so you’ll never have to worry about feeling hungry.

No. 2, Jalan Permas 11, Bandar Baru Permas Jaya
81750 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +60 7-381 3333

Prices start from S$101.

THISTLE 

Thistle Johor Bahru provides you with a magnificent view of the Straits of Johor and aside from that, they have spacious hotel rooms that feature sexy interior designs which are accentuated by the right choice of colour blocking furnishings. Their pool area is also a pretty solid place to chill at!

Jalan Sungai Chat,
80100 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Tel: +60 7-222 9234

Prices start from S$61.

Photo Credit: Agoda 

TROVE JOHOR BAHRU 

Trove Johor Bahru provides stylish and luxurious accommodation for their guests, especially couples. It is located only a couple of minutes away from the causeway and City Square Shopping Mall, making it an ideal and convenient spot for Singaporeans and shopaholics.

Jalan Dato Abdullah Tahir, Taman Abad
80300 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +60 7-272 8888

Prices start from S$52.

Photo Credit: Expedia

THE ARDENS

Tucked away in a corner of Mount Austin is The Ardens, a small boutique hotel that provides their guests with a cosy, welcoming escape from the city life. Each room is simply yet beautifully furnished and their minibars are stocked up with snacks for when the midnight hunger pangs strike. We recommend getting the room with the bathtub!

19&21, Jalan Austin Perdana 2/22, Taman Austin Perdana
81200 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +60 7-354 9323

Prices start from S$35.

February may be the shortest month of the year, but that doesn’t mean that there is any lack of activities out there to keep you entertained. With some pretty major holidays such as Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day creeping up on us, get ready for a never-ending list of events that will keep you on your toes.

Prepare your calendars and mark down these special dates, because while you may be busy with all the New Year festivities, gambling and feasting, you should take some time off to have a go at some of the other exciting things that February has in store for you.

From the annual Chingay Parade to seeing popular Kpop girl-group BLACKPINK perform live, buckle up because February is going to be one roller coaster of a good time!

ANTI-VALENTINE’S VALENTINE’S DAY @ HUSTLE CO

Valentine’s day is always so overly-hyped up every year — all the flowers, mushy photos of couples making out, overpriced dinners and expensive gifts. It can quite sickening, especially for singles.

If all you single ladies (and men) feel a little forgotten, fret not, as Hustle Co, a bar tucked away at Tanjong Pagar, will be having an event called Anti-Valentine’s Valentine’s Day where there will be cheap S$6.90 craft beers and affordable dinner items. Definitely sounds like our kind of Valentine’s Day!

When
14 February 2019
9am – 11.59pm

Where
Hustle Co.

Photo Credit: We Heart It 

BLACKPINK CONCERT 

BLACKPINK is no doubt one of the hottest k-pop groups in the world right now and it is no surprise; it is pretty hard to resist these pretty yet sexy girls with their angelic voices and mesmerising dance moves.

If you’re a BLACKPINK fan, good news for you is that you get to catch them performing live this February at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. For all you fanboys out there, treat this as a little Valentine’s Day gift to yourself!

Ticket prices range from S$243 – S$769.

When
15 February 2019

Where
Singapore Indoor Stadium

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CHINGAY PARADE 2019 

We all know that the Chingay Parade is the most important street performance every Chinese New Year and we always look forward to all those intricately decorated floats, stunning displays of lights, laser shows, pyrotechnics, fireworks and talented performers and dancers!

This year’s theme, Dreams Funtasia, features an impressive 270m-long painting depicting the past, present and future of Singapore as well as dancing dragons, stilt walkers, wushu masters and so much more. No wonder is one of the biggest events of the year!

Ticket prices range from S$28.50 – S$60.

When
15 – 16 February 2019
8pm – 9.30pm

Where
F1 Pit Building

Photo Credit: Darren Bloggie 

DAHLIA DREAMS AT GARDENS BY THE BAY 

Welcome in the Lunar New Year with a stroll through this floral odyssey that is sure to leave you in awe. With over 100 varieties of gorgeous dahlias in a Chinese garden setting, the entire experience is definitely a treat for the sight and senses.

This beautiful garden paradise is also a great place for you to snap some aesthetic Chinese New Year photos for the gram, so get your cameras ready!

When
18 January – 24 February 2019

Where
Flower Dome

FOOD TRAIL @ LITTLE INDIA

To all you foodies out there, this one is for you. At the Little India Food Trail, get to know more about all the different Indian foods that can be found at Little India and treat your senses to all the variety of flavours, textures and smells of authentic Indian food.

Ticket price is S$20 per pax.

When
2 February 2019
10.30am – 1pm

Where 
Indian Heritage Centre

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GIN JOURNEY SINGAPORE

All our alcoholic friends out there, listen up, because The Gin Journey is finally here in Singapore and it is an event that you definitely do not want to miss out on!

Hop around Singapore and sip on delicious cocktails and glasses of refined gin from all over the country while learning about the rich history of how gin is made as well as how it is connected to Singapore. This is truly an enriching experience for both the mind and the tastebuds!

Tickets are S$140 with a S$7.70 booking fee.

When
9, 16 & 24 February 2019

Where
Meeting point will be given a week before the event.

Photo Credit: Discover SG

I LIGHT SINGAPORE 

Night owls, the artsy fartsy and people who are just looking for aesthetic places for photos for the gram would be able to appreciate this one! Previously known as iLight Marina Bay, i Light Singapore will be back again to provide us with another series of mesmerising light displays that will with no doubt leave you dazzled and in awe.

The event will feature a total of 32 gorgeous artworks that comprise of 32 alluring light art installations as well as an entertaining multimedia show. Apart from that, there will also be an artisanal market and bazaar that will be chock full of fun activities to do and delicious food to munch on.

When
28 January – 24 February 2019

Where
Marina Bay Waterfront, Civic District, Singapore River and Fort Canning Park

Photo Credit: 8 Days 

LIGHT TO NIGHT FESTIVAL 

If you can’t get enough of pretty lights, fret not as there will also be the Light to Night Festival, which is an annual urban event that celebrates the Civic District of Singapore.

It comprises of 2 weeks: Art Week (18 Jan – 27 Jan) and Singapore’s Bicentennial (28 Jan – 24 Feb) and these aim to make art accessible to the public. Here, you get to appreciate the work of local artists, enjoy percussion performances as well as feast on some of the delicious food available. Sounds like a pretty chill night, sign us up!

When
18 January – 24 February 2019

Where
Civic District & Marina Bay

Photo Credit: Amazon

NICKELBACK CONCERT 

Fans of old school rock band, Nickelback will be thrilled to know that they will be coming down to Singapore in February to perform at BIGBOX.

Get ready to belt your hearts out to all the songs that you loved from your Secondary school days whilst reminiscing the good times!

Ticket prices start from S$128, excluding booking fee.

When
20 February 2019

Where
Zepp @ BIGBOX

Photo Credit: Sistic  

OFF CENTRE 

Off Centre is a play that daringly confronts mental illness and the stigma associated with it. In this captivating performance that will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout, two patients meet at an event for recovering mental patients and form an interesting friendship that meets with a nasty ending.

Written by the renowned Singaporean playwriter Haresh Sharma, be prepared to go through a whole different range of emotions while watching this!

Ticket prices start from S$36.

When
7 – 17 February 2019

Where
Victoria Theatre

PETIT MARCHÉ

If you love French food, you’d want to note down this date on your calendar. PETIT MARCHÉ is a traditional French market that will be selling premium and unique French produce, food and beverages for you to indulge in. Everything here is shipped over directly from France and a number of other Mediterranean and European countries.

The entrance fee is a dollar and it will be donated to the Salvation Army.

When
23 February 2019
8.30am – 1pm

Where 
The Salvation Army @ 356 Tanglin Road

RIVER HONGBAO 

The popular annual Lunar New Year event that is held religiously at Marina Bay is back again to provide you with non-stop entertainment that is a treat for the senses. There is something there for everyone and there will be an array of exhilarating amusement rides, food booths and other carnival attractions.

Besides all the fun on the ground, don’t forget to watch the skies for the beautiful laser show and the grad fireworks that will light up Singapore’s skyline. We recommend taking boomerangs!

When
3 – 10 February 2019
2 – 11pm

Where
The Float @ Marina Bay

Photo Credit: Space Bib

RUN FOR HOPE 2019 

For our more active friends out there, read on. The annual Run For Hope is back again to let you run for a good cause. The event is by Four Seasons Hotel Singapore and they aim to raise some much-needed awareness and support for ongoing cancer research.

So this February, why not lace up your shoes and get into shape while doing something good for the community. You’ll feel both physically and mentally good!

Fee prices start from S$26.

When 
17 February 2019

Where 
Singapore Sports Hub, OCBC Square

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Photo Credit: Expat Living Singapore 

“THIS IS DOPE” EXHIBITION 

If you’re into extremely loud and creative artworks, “This is DOPE” is the exhibition that you need to go to this February. Featuring unique masterpieces by 18 artists, you’ll definitely find yourself being sucked in and wanting more even after you’ve seen everything they have to offer.

The energy here is absolutely electric, so if you’re looking for some positive vibes, this is the place to be at!

When 
17 January – 17 March 2019
10am – 7pm

Where 
TAKSU Gallery

VALENTINE VENDETTA 2019

If you’re feeling a little sad about being single this Valentine’s Day, don’t be and celebrate your singlehood instead by heading down to Valentine Vendetta!

Back for its 8th year running, Valentine Vendetta is here again to provide you with an array of fun games and activities to encourage all you single ladies and men out there to mingle and meet new people. Luckier singles will even get to win up to S$2,500 or a trip to The Farm at San Benito in Manila. Valentine’s Day sure is looking up!

Tickets are S$25 and are inclusive of one drink. There are also early bird tickets going for S$20 that come with 2 free drinks!

When 
14 February 2019
6.30pm – late

Where 
Clarke Quay Fountain Square