[UPDATED, Aug 20]
Working from home has become the norm for many of us during this Covid-19 period but yes, it can get monotonous.
And while we would like to have a change in working environment sometimes, observing social and safe distancing measures is something we'd have to consider.
Public libraries used to be an option for working outside of the home, but it's not viable now as visitors are limited to a 30-minute time slot in view of the current situation.
That said, Starbucks is not the only place you can work from and neither or co-working spaces. Here are some others you might want to check out!
Changi Lounge at Jewel Changi Airport
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Changi Lounge at Jewel now offers patrons access to its lounge at a special promotional rate of $12 for two hours.
For the price, you can enjoy high-speed internet at the lounge with ample charging and power points for devices. There will also be free drinks and snacks available.
Need to use the lounge for more than two hours? It’s $4 for every extra hour. And if you book a minimum of four hours, parking is free.
More information available here.
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Work from Home? How about Work from Hotel?
Several hotels in Singapore have created work-from-hotel-room packages so you can enjoy the perks of a staycation while you work during the day. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, coffee, and F&B credit.
Some hotels also allow guests access to the swimming pool or gym – perfect for a quick swim or run during your lunch break.
Hotel G
Available weekdays from $90++, this promotion includes the use of a guestroom from 7am to 7pm for one person and a set lunch from their inhouse restaurant, Ginett Restaurant & Wine Bar, with two glasses of housepour wine.
Wi-Fi, parking, coffee, tea and juices are free, with morning and afternoon snack boxes included. Overnight stays are available for an additional $50++ including breakfast.
More information available here.
Crowne Plaza at Changi Airport
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Price: $160++
The Work from Hotel Room package is from 7am to 7pm and comes with a $30 dining credit.
Complimentary wifi, coffee and tea.
Find out more here.
Sofitel Singapore City Centre
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Price: $190++ (per person)
Guests can book Luxury Room or Prestige Suite for a total of eight hours, between 7am to 7pm. Besides the usual Wi-Fi and coffee or tea, guests are also free to partake from the mini bar.
Find out more here.
Intercontinental Hotel Singapore
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Price: Starts from $150++
A room is available for your use between 7am to 7pm, with a Nespresso machine and TWG tea at your disposal. Besides free parking, a bento lunch and energy shooter are also provided.
Email Jocelyn.loi@ihg.com for more information, or call +65 9186 3460
Fullerton Hotel Singapore and Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore
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Prices: Start from $210 nett and $300 nett respectively
The hotel offers flexible 12-hour usage between 7am to 11pm and includes $50 dining credit. Other perks include an in-room Nespresso machine, TWG tea and free parking. You'll also get to use the pool and gym.
Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium
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Price: $200 nett
Instead of a room, the hotel's Work From Hotel package allows you access to a private meeting room for up to 12 hours, with Wi-Fi, refreshments and complimentary parking included. Bento meals are also available for $8 nett.
Email catering.sinhi@ihg.com for more information.
Cafes
Cafes are more than just a place where you eat and drink, sometimes, it can be a great environment for working too.
Apart from the usual go-to chain cafes like Starbucks or The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, here are other options for you to work from.
Cat Cafe Neko No Niwa
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The cafe usually charges a fee of $12 for the first hour but you can opt for a whole day pass to work in peace, priced at $32.
There is free Wi-Fi and tables provided for your laptops, and plenty of furry friends to cuddle with! However, do make a reservation online beforehand.
Address: 54A Boat Quay (Level 2), Singapore 049843
Opening hours:
- Mon, Wed to Fri: 11am to 10pm (last entry at 9pm)
- Sat and Sun: 10am to 10pm (last entry at 9pm)
- Closed on Tuesdays
Coffeemin
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A home away from home, you can work, play games or read a book at this cafe. Everything there is free, including Wi-Fi, snacks, drinks and board games.
You only need to pay for the time you spend there, which is $6.50 for the first hour on weekdays and $30 for the entire day.
Address: Orchard Gateway, 277 Orchard Road, #02-01, Singapore 238858
Opening hours: 1.30pm to 9.30pm daily
The Book Cafe
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This cosy cafe is not only for book-lovers but it's great for working as well, complete with resources like free Wi-Fi and power sockets.
Call the cafe at +65 6887 5430 to make a reservation and secure a spot.
Address: 20 Martin Road, Seng Kee Building, #01-02, Singapore 239070
Opening hours: 8.30am to 10.30pm daily
Community centres/spaces
There are various community centres and spaces spread across the country for people to play sports, exercise, study or work at. And it's usually free for use too..
Our Tampines Hub
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Open 24 hours daily, there are multiple tables located across all floors for you to pick the perfect spot to work at.
Wi-Fi is available at the Hub and you can even catch a free movie at the open space on the ground floor if you need a break.
Address: 1 Tampines Walk, Singapore 528523
Opening hours: 24 hours
JCube
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There's Our Tampines Hub in the East and then there's JCube in the West. Nestled in the mall is a study area for people who don't mind a little background noise to work at.
The mall has free Wi-Fi and the study area is located next to the escalators on the second and third floors, with a handful of powerpoints and seats available.
Address: Jcube Level 2 & 3, 2 Jurong East Central 1, Singapore 609731
Opening hours: 10am to 10pm
Sengkang Community Club
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Most people may not be aware but Sengkang Community Club has a study room with Wi-Fi, power sockets and occasionally, free food.
However, do note that due to the current pandemic, only 10 people are allowed in the study room at any one time, on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Address: 2 Sengkang Square, #01-#01, Sengkang Community Hub, Singapore 545025
Opening hours: 24 hours
MacPherson Community Club
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The MacPherson Community Club also has a study room for people to work in. But in light of social distancing measures, the room capacity is limited to five people, on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Address: 400 Paya Lebar Way, Singapore 379131
Opening hours: 10am to 10pm
Nee Soon East Community Club
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The study room at Nee Soon East Community Club is open for Northies to work at and is larger than the ones at Sengkang and MacPherson.
Similar to the others, there is also a cap on the room capacity, with 15 people allowed in the room on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Address: 1 Yishun Avenue 9, Singapore 768893
Opening hours: 10am to 6pm
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This article was originally published on August 18, 2020.