10 interesting things to do this Hari Raya Haji

Hari Raya Haji is a festival is about compassion, sharing wealth and remembering blessings. During this day, Muslims observe the ritual of ‘korban’ (sacrifice), where live sheep, lambs, goats and cows are slaughtered by a quick slit to the jugular as prayers are recited and a third of the meat is usually distributed to the poor and the needy.

This year, Hari Raya Haji falls on a Friday (1 September) and, given that it’s a public holiday, Singaporeans have a long weekend ahead. If you are not commemorating the Muslim holiday, why not make full use of the free day and line up your three-day break with these fun and relaxing plans.

1. Take a staycation

Source: Gardenasia

Taking a staycation has become an increasingly popular substitute for a “getaway”. Not many of us can afford to leave the country or are simply not willing to spend on an overseas vacation that will only last a few days. With so many tempting spots to pick from locally, you can book yourself a relaxing holiday without having to leave the country.

For a rustic staycation experience, consider staying at Farmstay. Nestled in the heart of the Kranji Countryside, the villas take you away from the city, where you will wake up to peace and tranquility and be a part of the landscape, the scenery, and the farm life. A little too last-minute for you? Well, why not stay home to plan your next getaway?

2. Visit Legoland

Source: Legoland Malaysia

Head across the border and make your way to Legoland Malaysia Resort. Fun awaits you with more than 70 hands-on rides, slides, shows and attractions for families and children of all ages. The LEGOLAND adventure continues at the LEGOLAND Water Park for more splash-tacular action, and at LEGOLAND Hotel for awesome end-of-day activities plus spectacular stays in LEGO-themed rooms. Spending your short holiday in Malaysia also gives you the opportunity to experience how Hari Raya Haji is celebrated in another country. We would, however, recommend to drive over on Thursday rather than Friday to avoid the long jams.

3. Visit the best amusement park in Asia

If Legoland doesn’t seem all that fun to you or you are not too keen on leaving Singapore, you can still have fun at an amusement park by heading to Sentosa. Universal Studios Singapore has been named the best amusement park in Asia for the fourth year in a row. Immerse yourself in the seven zones and experience cutting-edge rides, shows, and attractions based on your favourite blockbuster films and television series, including Battlestar Galactica: HUMAN vs. CYLON™, TRANSFORMERS The Ride: The Ultimate 3D Battle, Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure™ and more. We would recommend getting an express ticket to skip the long regular queues, especially since it’s a public holiday.

4. Plan a museum day

Instead of spending your day at an amusement park which can be pretty tiring, visit enticing museums. You can still enjoy a fun-filled but less-tiring day as you wander through the exhibits and snap cool pictures. Some museums worth visiting include the Trick Eye Museum, the internationally-renowned optical art museum which has introduced Augmented Reality features to its exhibits, bringing the art installations and paintings to life; and Madame Tussauds Wax Museum.

5. Paw Patrol is coming to Singapore!

Source: SISTIC

Is your kid as obsessed with these adorable pups as Agent G’s little one? The beloved characters of Paw Patrol are coming to RWS this weekend, from 1 to 3 September. The tickets seemed to be selling out fast when we last checked: https://www.sistic.com.sg/events/paw0917

6. Feast on durian delicacies

Source: PARKROYAL on Pickering

Savour the rich goodness of durians all evening long and get your fill of the thorny fruit at Thorny Temptations at PARKROYAL on Pickering hotel’s Lime Restuarant. Thorny Temptations serves up all-you-can-eat “Mao Shan Wang” and other durian variants. Your tastebuds will be treated to creative dishes such as Foie Gras Torchon with Torched Meringue, Durian Ravioli with Sage and Garlic Butter, Butter Durian Prawn with Curry Leaves and Chilli Padi and Wok-Fried Prawn and Petai with Sambal Durian. Other must-haves include sweet durian pastries such as Pandan Crepes with Durian Mousse, Deep-Fried Durian Ice Cream, Mini Durian Crumble and the evergreen Durian Cream Puff. As Thorny Temptations is available only between 7 July and 2 September 2017, make your bookings early to avoid disappointment.

7. Schedule a self-pampering day

With the three-day weekend, why not set aside one day to pamper yourself from head to toe? Here are exclusive special offers for Beauty Undercover readers that are too good to resist and that will save you a few bucks. We suggest starting off with a refreshing scalp and hair treatment, followed by a pampering manicure and pedicure session, and to end off the day with the ultimate form of relaxation – a relaxing massage and rejuvenating facial at Le Petit Spa (voted Best Spa for Massage and Facials by Expat Living). A day dedicated to pampering yourself will not only melt the stress away but leave you revitalised for the upcoming work week!

Many hair salons appear to be open on 1 September, but its best to make an appointment to avoid disappointment. Do check our list of hair and beauty promotions before you go down.

8. Celebrate this day with your Muslim friends

Although Hari Raya Haji celebrations are more subdued, this is also a great time to connect with your Muslim friends over nasi briyani, satay, ketupat and other delicious food!

9. Take a walk along Kampong Glam

You don’t have to wait till your kids are in primary school to visit Kampong Glam. It’s a happening place that holds all the history and culture of the Malay community in Singapore. Don’t forget to stop by Masjid Sultan or Sultan Mosque if you do. It’s a mosque with lots of history and definitely one of the most iconic buildings in Singapore. There are also night markets around the area on Hari Raya Haji, and you can even stop by the neighbouring hipster enclave of Haji Lane and Arab Street for a walk down the fashionista’s memory lane!

If you want to get your hair done though, we’d highly recommend you to make an appointment at our FAVOURITE hair salon in the area – Picasso Hair Studio.

10. Catch up on the Presidential Election 2017

If you’re a laggard like Agent G when it comes to Singapore’s Presidential Election, today is possibly a day you can catch up on all the latest news and gossip on our three candidates: Mr Salleh Marican, Mdm Halimah Yacob and Mr Farid Khan. The election is, after all, coming up in two weeks (on 23 September 2017) and its always good to find out more about who we might be voting for.

Regardless what you do, we hope that you’ll have a restful holiday this Hari Raya Haji!