Single? Things to do with your girlfriends this V-Day in Singapore

It's easy to want to hide away from the smug couples on Valentine's Day night, but burying yourself under the covers won't make you feel much better.

We think this is a great excuse to go out and celebrate your current relationship status: Single and happy. After all, it's not just couples who know how to have fun. Get your girls and go!

LAUGH IT OFF

Sure, it's pretty standard. But a good chick flick with your best girls is always a great idea, particularly on the dreaded V-Day. We say ditch the rom-com and go for something that makes you laugh or cry.

Maybe a thriller, or if you dare, a supernatural flick so you can scream your hearts out. Make it a fun night by going for drinks after. Make sure you book in advance though, as cinemas are sure to be packed that night.

CHILL OUT AT THE BEACH 

Instead of fighting it out with the crowds in town, why not head to the beach (Sentosa or East Coast Park work) with your best mate, where you get to enjoy a lovely sea breeze while you share a heart-to-heart talk?

Make a picnic out of it - pack a blanket, some pillows and a picnic basket with some of your favourite nibbles. Don't forget to put on some music, then lie in comfort as you gaze at the stars. And hey, bring along some bubbly too if you're in the mood!

GET YOUR HANDS DIRTY

Gather a few of your single friends and go grocery shopping together. Pick your favourite flavours and ingredients, then go to someone's home and bond over an evening of baking and cupcake decorating.

It'll be great fun, not to mention you'd get yummy desserts to pig out on after slaving in the kitchen. For extra fun, dare each other to make the boldest dessert you can think of (cookie dough M&Ms and apple cupcake, anyone?). Food fight optional.

SING YOUR HEART OUT AT KARAOKE

Is there anything more fun (and therapeutic) than singing, nay screaming, along to your favourite tunes in a soundproof room? While away the hours on Valentine's Night by enjoying some serious karaoke fun with your pals. Some places even offer themed rooms and props, so you can goof around while you're at it.

Best of all, your besties won't judge if you go off key. On the playlist? Single Ladies, natch. KStar, Teo Heng, HaveFun Karaoke, Ziggy's and Party World are some places you can head to.

GO BOWLING

Bowling is a fab way to have fun with a group of mates so why not book yourself an alley with your single mates on V-Day? Make a competition out of it and let loose! Heck, even couples can join in if they're not interested in the smushy romance stuff.

Not sure where to book? Try Planet Bowl, Orchid Bowl, Westwood Bowl or SuperBowl.

LADIES NIGHT

Falling on a Thursday this year, there are sure to be some extra special 'ladies only' deals at bars around the island. From cheap alcohol beverages to one-for-one deals, make your V-Day night one to remember by enjoying some well-deserved drinks with your squad. But where to go?

Kilo Lounge offers 'Ladies First' every Thursday, where aside from special 'Ladies First' cocktails all night, there's one-for-one on selected drinks like Sapporo, housepours, cocktails and wine by glass for just under $20. With a DJ blasting tunes all evening, you'll be able to dance all troubles away.

Or try Bar Rouge, who is aptly throwing a 'In Memory of Love: An Anti Valentine's Day Party.' With free entry all night (they're open 5pm to 3am), they're offering food and beverage packages featuring bites with tongue-in-cheek names like A Pizza My Heart and Tempurary Love. The cocktail of the evening? Named 'My Ex's Tears' - nice touch.

Capital (Zouk) gives females free entry every Thursday as well as complimentary drinks from 9pm to 1am.

'Nuff said.

PAMPER YOURSELF

There's no better day than Valentine's Day to remind yourselves that you are beautiful and fabulous, and you should take care of yourself. Have a spa party with your friends where you get to enjoy pampering massages, facials and/or mani-pedis at the comfort of someone's home.

Try Aleyda Mobile Spa or SoleHouse, where experienced therapists will set up a spa station complete with a relaxing spa ambience, and knead your troubles away.

RETAIL THERAPY 

Let's be honest, we Singaporeans love a shopping mall. Rarely do we need an excuse to enjoy a little shopping trip. Albeit solo or with friends, head to your favourite mall on Valentine's night to check out any sales, grab an indulgent hot drink or even just window shop your 'future goals' pieces.

From Vivocity, Suntec City and NEX, to ION Orchard, JEM, Junction 8 and Plaza Singapura - there're copious malls to choose from.

DINING

An obvious choice for Singaporeans - if in doubt, let's meet and eat. Foodies to the core, we adore a decent meal out with our fam and friends. You don't need a significant other to look lovingly across the dinner table in a restaurant - take your best mate on a 'date' instead to enjoy luxury dining.

Try spots such as TWG Tea on the Bay at Marina Bay Sands (B1-122/125, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 2 Bayfront Avenue), which is offering a special Valentine's Day set menu, perfect for you and your best girl (or guy!). A great choice and lovely ambience for those with a sweet tooth, and who love tea…obviously.

Or perhaps you want to splash out and make this night one to remember - then head to Esquina. Whether you just fancy oysters and bubbly or you want to pick from their a la carte menu, pull up a stool at the open kitchen bar and have a fab, and delicious, evening.

Make your reservations early though - they're bound to be fully booked really early.

This article was first published in Her World Online.