4 February 2015, Singapore – Marching on our weekly Monday to Friday features comes the KAvenyou Wanderlust Wednesday. I have seen reports in local news that a huge chunk of Singaporeans are fleeing their country through the World’s Best Airport to other countries. What then for those who are unwilling to be ripped off by the Airlines?

Singapore is well known for turning into a “ghostly” garden city during the annual lunar new year festivities, as restaurants, retailers and entertainment outlets close their doors to business. Not so sure if this is still applicable nowadays since we have much more foreign talents to cover those retail and service roles.

Let me take a stab at telling you what is left to do in Singapore to still soak in the festive atmosphere.

1. Chinatown Chinese New Year 2015

Nothing much for me to tell you about this, as the first thing that anyone can think about the Chinese New Year should obviously be Chinatown. Duh…

As per every year, there is the Street Light-Up similar to what you see along Orchard Road during Christmas. Welcoming the year of the Goat, the light-up features a refreshing and innovative Goat theme design conceptualised by Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD). The light-up will continue from now till 19 March 2015 for all to enjoy. You should not also not miss out on the fire crackers display on the eve of lunar new year.

2. River Hongbao 2015 (春到河畔2015)

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Photo Credits: River Hongbao 2015

The next automatic choice where almost every remaining Singaporean and tourists congregate is the River Hongbao. Happening along the Singapore river at The Float @ Marina Bay, it features fireworks displays, large scale lantern displays, cultural performances, and the ever popular food street cooking up local and overseas cuisines.

3. Go on a family Staycation!

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This year’s lunar new year somehow coincides with Valentine’s day, and many Singapore hotels are offering staycation deals and packages. Instead of moving far away, why not experience travel by staying at the quality local hotels? For the record, I am in no way advertising for the hotels mentioned; they are just lucky I happen to stumble on them.

Marina Mandarin being with the River Hongbao across the road is offering a Spring Deal stay package with discounts off Best Available Rates, with  breakfast and wifi thrown in free. The Fullerton Hotel has a Lunar New Year package that gives you a room with daily breakfast, a little dinner dining credit and a heritage tour. Carlton City Hotel decides to do something a little more geeky with their Lunar New Year Movie Staycation by offering free movie tickets together with their rooms.

4. Chinese New Year at Resorts World Sentosa

Definitely not the cheapest thing around to do, and often over-crowded by tourists, Singaporeans, and foreign workers enjoying their well deserved off days. However, still a great place to spend a day at or even a staycation at one of the many hotels there.