blog | Cove

discover our insider lifestyle features covering Singapore’s co-living scene, well-being, things to do, places to visit, trendy eateries and beyond.

What have we gained from this isolation experience?

A year after Circuit Breaker

It’s been exactly a year since all of us were confined to the four walls of our home and restricted from going out, all in the effort to reduce COVID-19 community cases. 


7 April 2020 was the first day all of us entered Circuit Breaker (CB), and it has impacted our lives greatly ever since. Even McDonalds had to shut down!


This World Health Day, we look at the positive outcome that’s emerged from staying at home during the CB period.


Yes, it’s true that Phase 3 has allowed us to head down to the office to do our work for half of the time, but it seems like working from home will be the new norm and is here to stay even a year after CB.


WFH sure has its advantages. You don’t have to iron your clothes the night before or worry about arriving late to the office. I know that some of you are actually wearing your pajamas while attending zoom meetings with your team, right?


Working from home also means more time with your family or flatmates. Before Covid, you may only see them after 7 in the evening each day. But now, you see them for almost the entire day! 


It’s great to have someone to talk to, be it about work or about personal matters. You know you can always count on them.


We know some parents are thankful that they can work from home because that means more time with their young ones, just like how our Software Engineer shared with us!


Being cooped up at home for almost 24 hours has brought out the creative side in all of us. 


If before 2020 (or pre-Covid) you only know how to fry a sunny side up egg, now you probably can prepare a 4-course meal in 2 hours. Maybe you can now knit your own blankie, take care of your own indoor plant or workout right at home!


I’m pretty sure some of us have picked up new skills or hobbies too. For instance, our fellow Covey, Jake, has been uploading YouTube videos of him singing songs while strumming the guitar.


Those are some of the positive outtakes that we gained during Circuit Breaker. Now, let’s look at what we can look forward to in 2021, a year after CB.


Travel bubble to Australia, Taiwan, Bintan and many more locations are still in discussion. Let’s just hope for the best. 


While we patiently wait for these travel bubbles, why not pamper yourself to a staycation at your favourite local hotel? You can use up your SingapoRediscovers vouchers before they expire!


Take a day off and sleep in while you enjoy the view from your hotel room. Or bring your friends along to party in the room. Responsibly, of course!


If you really feel like going overseas, you can always hop on to the cruise which will bring you through the seas to enjoy the breathtaking seaview.


You can also dip yourself in the pool, play lots of arcade games, indulge in delicious buffets and watch live performances while on the cruise. Amazing, isn’t it?


Thankfully, you can now bring your date out to watch a live theatre, musical, concert or stand-up shows. 


Some of the shows that I’d recommend you to watch are I am Kumar by Dream Academy, LUNGS by Singapore Repertory Theatre and Don’t Call Him Mr Mari Kita by Wild Rice!


If you’re not the artsy type of person, be glad that movie theatres are finally open! Just remember to bring your Trace Together token or have the app in your phone before entering the cinemas.


Movies you should totally catch are Raya: The Last Dragon, Godzilla vs Kong, Chaos Walking and many more!


With the ease of Covid-19 restrictions, we can now meet up in groups of 8. That’s one of the best things ever! 


That’s because some of us have bigger families and so many friends so meeting in groups of 5 wasn’t the most convenient. No more splitting tables, we can all sit together!


This also means that we can meet more friends at one time to have a good time drinking during the weekends or partake in team bonding activities with our colleagues!


While most of us may not be vaccinated yet as elderly and frontline workers are given priority, we can still do our part to encourage other individuals who are eligible to get their vaccine!


And even once you’re vaccinated, do remember to always wear a mask and maintain social distancing at all times!


Covid-19 may have eased in Singapore but the battle is far from over. Let’s not be complacent and always keep ourselves on high alert! 


Like the saying goes, prevention is better than cure! 


Don’t miss out on these lifestyle reads:

The ultimate guide to food deliveries
Top 4 bargain malls in Singapore

Nature spots for your next trekking adventure

Don't just foolishly believe what you've been told!

Debunking common co-living myths and misconceptions

“It’s expensive! There’s no privacy! I don’t wanna live with a stranger!”


Those are probably the excuses that you’ve given yourself when you’re considering moving into a new place. We totally understand, moving in is such a big deal and that’s why you’re beginning to have so many questions or second thoughts.


But don’t worry, we’ll debunk these myths and clear up the misconceptions you have about co-living!


For those of you who just discovered what co-living is, you must be wondering what the craze is all about. In short, it’s similar to renting a room in any apartment. Just that there are multiple added perks to it. Such as a friendly community and the amenities found in the common spaces which you can use! To know more about co-living, read up the blog post which we have here.


One look at the monthly price may scare you away and you’ll probably avoid visiting any co-living websites forever.


It may seem like it’s not within your budget at first but I’m pretty sure if you really do the calculations, it’s actually the perfect deal for you!

Spacious living room at Lorong Sarina, fully equipped with sofa set and coffee table!


At Cove, the price listed on our website includes not just the basic monthly room rent. The monthly rent includes wi-fi, aircon, housekeeping, dedicated maintenance support, community events, perks and more! If you’re living in a condominium, the gym and pool are also accessible at no extra charge.


So what you’re paying for is really the whole experience of living with Cove - all inclusive! Yup, you read that right, you pay for your room and you can utilise the whole house.


Whether you need to cook in the common kitchen or binge on Disney+ from the smart TV in the living room, you’re free to do that!


Forget dodgy landlords who offer you “cheaper” rooms but exclude all the things you need such as wi-fi or limited use of the kitchen. They’ll even ask you to pay extra for such things in the apartment!


It’s like living in a hostel or dormitory!


Unlike in a dormitory or a typical college hostel where you probably share the room with more than 5 other students and have to wait so long just to use the shower cubicle, I assure you you won’t have to experience this when you’re with Cove.


You don’t only have the room to yourself, you can also choose to stay in a room that comes with an ensuite bathroom. So you can take your own sweet time freshening up in the bathroom without having to worry about someone else knocking on the door while you’re enjoying your hot shower!

A room at Geylang that comes with an ensuite bathroom!


Sharing a home doesn’t mean your privacy is compromised at all. You get your own room all to yourself, that’s for sure.


The only places where you’ll share with your flatmates are the kitchen, dining area and living room. These are the spots where you’ll bump into your flatmates the most. Why not start a conversation with them and talk about your day, at least there’s someone acting as a listening ear, isn’t it? That’s what flatmates are for!


Co-living may be a little daunting for introverted individuals due to the fact that you need to talk to new people and such, you can always invite a friend over if you’re shy and start a chat with your new flatmates in groups! Your friend can also stay the night if he/she wants!


But, if you’re the type of person who actually prefers to live alone, Cove also has studio rooms for you to check out!


Exclusively for millennials or hipsters only!


While most Coveys are indeed from the millennial generation, co-living is not only for them. It’s for everyone!


And by everyone, we mean everyone! Not just hipsters! It’d be silly if we only accept hipster individuals to stay with us.


In fact, we have Coveys from different professions. Entrepreneurs, chefs, engineers, students and many more. To know more about our fellow Coveys, check out Coveys Got Talent blog series here!


Not to mention, Cove has provided homes to over 900 people from 57 nationalities so far! 


Whether you’re single, moving in with a friend, or a married couple waiting for your BTO to be ready, you’re more than welcome to stay with us. 


Instead of expressing your frustration or being passive aggressive towards your flatmates when they’re somehow ticking you off, why not be the bigger person?


If they’re not washing their dishes after a meal, don’t barge into their room and demand them to do it. You can always ask them politely and find out why they’re not doing it.


It could be they’re having a bad day or just waiting for more food to arrive so they can wash it up in one go!


At the same time, you can also tell your flatmates that if anything you do doesn’t sit right with them, you’re always open for a conversation. That way, you can always avoid misunderstandings. 


Read this blog post for more tips on how to get along with your flatmates.


You’ll never know, your new flatmate could be your new bestie!


Now that we have debunked the myths, it’s time for you to view our available homes. Check it out here!

Why you should fork out a few dollars for the latest streaming platform!

Disney+: To subscribe or not to subscribe?

We’ve all seen the ads splashed everywhere. Be it on the MRT platform or that few seconds ad before your YouTube video where they showcase the grand light show throughout Marina Bay.


Even though Disney+ has reached our shores for almost a month, some of you may still be contemplating whether or not to subscribe to the newest streaming platform available in the market.


Here are some reasons why we think you should subscribe to Disney Plus!


It’s cheaper than the other streaming giant


While Netflix allows you to have up to 5 profiles per account, on Disney+, you can have up to 7.


Yes, you read that right! Seven profiles! 


This means you can share the monthly subscription with 6 other friends and split the cost equally (assuming none of your friends are freeloading this Disney+ account).

You can choose from the extensive Disney characters for your profile avatar!


Need me to convince you further? I’ve done the math for you.


Assuming you have 6 other friends to share Disney+ account with, you’ll only be paying $1.71 per month as compared to $3.99 per month for Netflix if you share with 4 other friends. That’s cheaper than a plate of chicken rice! 


If you’re a die-hard Marvel fan like myself, a Disney+ subscription is a necessity. 


How else can you catch up with the things that are happening within the Marvel Cinematic Universe if not for Disney+


The recent 9-episode of WandaVision was out of the world! Plus, it’s important for you to watch to understand what’s going to happen in Doctor Strange 2 - Multiverse of Madness, which hopefully will be in theatres next year.


Out next is The Falcon and the Winter Soldier series. You don’t want to miss that, do you? 


Some of the other MCU series coming soon to Disney+ are Loki, Hawkeye, Ms Marvel and more!


One of the misconceptions people have regarding this new streaming platform is that you’ll only get Disney and Pixar animation movies which are not really up their alley.


Well, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to watch Finding Nemo, Lion King or Frozen while you snuggle up on bed alone, but Disney+ sure has a wide variety of shows. But, there’s more than just Disney animated movies on this streaming platform.


Star Wars fans can rejoice as all Star Wars movies are available on the platform. From the first one from 1977, till the latest one. They even have The Mandalorian series, featuring the popular baby Yoda!


For you documentary freaks out there, binge on National Geographic originals such as The World According To Jeff Goldblum, Meet The Chimps, Thailand’s Wild Side and more!


Besides singing with your favourite Disney princess, you can also sing your heart out while watching popular musicals such as The Greatest Showman starring Zendaya, Zac Efron and Hugh Jackman or The Hamilton.


If you’re the type who loves thriller, drama or action-packed movies, you’ll certainly be spoilt for choice!


Popular shows such as Scandal, Dollface, Sleepy Hollow, Die Hard and lots more are also available for you to binge on.


I hope this article has convinced you on why it’s worth subscribing to Disney+. So what are you waiting for? Call 6 other friends to sign up with you and start streaming today!


In case you didn’t know, we’re also on Telegram! Join our channel so you won’t miss out on the latest guides, exclusive deals and perks!

We know you're bored of the same meals you always eat. With this list, you'll be spoilt for choice!

The ultimate local guide to endless food deliveries

Ordering in for lunch and dinner has become a norm for us since quite a number of us are still working from home occasionally. Just like you, I too get bored with the food options that are readily available within the comfort of my home. 😢


Thankfully, there are many apps and websites that actually offer a wide variety of food options to choose from! So no matter what your dietary preferences are, there’s always something for you.


Here’s a local guide on how to not get bored with food delivery options while we’re working from home!


We all know these three apps. I’m pretty sure at least 1 of these apps is already in your smartphone right now! 


What’s amazing about these apps is that they offer multiple food options located within your proximity and also the ones a little further away. 


Popular chains like Starbucks, Popeye’s and Stuff’d are on these apps too! 😍


Psst… we actually have an exclusive promo code for foodpanda! Get $12 off* with minimum spending of $20 when you quote “COVENEW”. Only valid for first time users!


And yes, we also have a special code for existing foodpanda users! Get 15% off Pick-Up orders and an extra 5%* when your quote “COVEPU”.


*terms and conditions apply, code valid till 31st March only.


Having a hot and healthy meal is important, especially when you’re at home, spending most of your time doing work. This is when Prepped comes in handy!

Prepped meals are not ready-to-eat meals. Instead, they’re ready-to-cook meals! So you don’t have to worry about your food going cold because you can decide when you want to cook it. 👩‍🍳


Hey, cooking is indeed a fantastic way to relax from your workload! Also, it’s very easy to cook Prepped meals as it comes in vacuum-sealed packaging and easy instructions.


Lucky for you, you can get 10% off* total bill from Prepped when you quote “PREPPEDXCOVE” for both online and in-store purchases!


No time to do your grocery shopping to stock up your snacks? 


That’s alright. With Tasty Snack, you can get curated snacks from all over the globe delivered right to your doorstep!


The perk of Tasty Snack?  There will always be new snacks for you to try, so you will never get bored. They have brands such as Irvin’s, Setempe, Springlee, Calbee and many more!


You can also purchase some snacks for your office pantry to be shared with your colleagues! Don’t worry if your colleagues are particular about halal, vegan or keto-friendly snacks. Tasty Snack takes care of that! Convenient, huh? 


Use “COVEXTASTYSNACK” to get 10% off* your first purchase or quote “TASTYLIVING” for 5% off* with every minimum $50 purchase.

Thank god for Oddle Eats! Now, even if your favourite restaurants are not on other food delivery apps, I’m pretty sure you might find them on Oddle Eats!


What’s great about Oddle Eats? They provide island-wide delivery and you can pre-order bulk purchases a few days (or maybe even weeks) in advance when you’re hosting a party for your friends and your flatmates! 🥳


But of course, no more than eight people for a social-distancing party, yeah?


Another thing I love about Oddle Eats is that we can also show our support for small home-based businesses via this platform. In fact, food from these small businesses always tastes homely and better!


Leave your meal planning to Grain and let them settle everything for you. In fact, you won’t get bored of the meals as it’s a new menu every week!


Enjoy 10% off* with minimum spending of $30 with promo code “COVE10OFF”. For first time customers, quote “COVEMEALPLAN” for $10 off* your first meal plan order! Both promo codes are valid till 30 April 2021.


So there you have it, more menus for you to discover for your lunch this week! Don’t forget to use the discount codes we have for you so you can save!


Don’t miss out on our other lifestyle reads:

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All you need to book a room with us is your phone!

Creating extra spaces for your storage needs

Need more storage space in your room? Well, the solution is not to fork out more money to get a bigger room, but simply reorganise and repurpose your room! Here are some hacks you should try!


Attach a hook rack onto the back of your door to hide your towels, pair of jeans or even an umbrella. This way, you can maximise the empty space between your door and your wall! 🚪


Since travelling won’t be a thing anymore for quite some time now, why not use your old suitcases as a vintage night stand? Just stack a few of them on top of each other and voila! A new night stand.


You can also store some stuff in your suitcase to keep it stable! 🧳


Declutter the mess with drawer organisers so you’ll never lose your other pair of socks, or search high and low for your tie. You can also use them to store your accessories or make-up. 💄


When purchasing storage containers for your room, do make sure that the ones you’re about to buy are stackable containers!


This way, it’s easier to store it away and more organised when you pile it up in a corner.


Do you and your flatmate have a lot of different shampoos and soap, facial products and other toiletries in the bathroom? And… it kinda gets a little too messy on the rack?


Hang a fruit basket in the bathroom to solve this problem. Place all your shampoos and liquid soap on this basket. It’s easy to reach when you’re showering too.


Do you really need so many things? Do you really want to keep that teddy bear your ex gave you? Or that t-shirt which you haven’t worn for over 2 years? You know you don’t need it! Gather all the things you don’t need anymore and send them to your nearest recycling center.


You probably need to binge on Marie Kondo on Netflix before throwing away a bulk of your belongings for good. Learn how letting go is also a part of spiritual growth and is great for your mental well-being.



After decluttering, you’ll not only have extra space to store more stuff which you need, your mind will be at ease too. 😌


We hope that these tips will help you make your room and common areas more spacious and comfortable. For more tips on co-living, click here!

These activities are more romantic, trust me!

Valentine’s Day date ideas that won’t hurt your wallet

It’s the most romantic time of the year this weekend. Valentine’s Day is when couples exchange gifts to express their love for each other and typically celebrate being together by dining at romantic restaurants, under the starry sky.


Sadly we’re still in a pandemic this year. 😢 Which means it’s probably more difficult to book a table at a fancy restaurant cause it’s already taken up by other couples. What more, it’s a day after a long Chinese New Year weekend, and some restaurants or cafes might not be operating on that day.


But hey, a romantic dinner doesn’t necessarily have to be in a fancy place, right? You can always express your love for your partner anywhere! It’s the company that matters!


So here’s a few places where you can spend this special day with your other half, without burning a hole in your pocket.


But first, make sure you wear the right protection when you’re outside. And by that I mean, mask up! 😷 


Soak up the sun by having a picnic by the beach. Enjoy the beautiful sand and sea, while eating chips or reading a book on a picnic mat with your favourite person. Play some card games; the loser has to dunk in the sea! 🏖️


Remember, to book a reservation if you’re intending to head to the beaches at Sentosa!


Love some peace and quiet together? The museum is the place to go then! You can even flirt with your partner by saying some cheesy pick-up lines like, “the paintings here are beautiful, but the real masterpiece is you.” Cringe, I know.


Here are some museums that are perfect for couples:


Get up-close and personal with nature and your partner at the Singapore Zoo. Take loads of photos, and as a challenge, why not snap all the 12 animals from the Chinese Zodiac for fun? 🐃

Image: Wildlife Reserves Singapore’s Facebook


You can always head down to the other animal parks too such as River Safari, Night Safari or Jurong Bird Park!


Forget cafe hopping, that used to be a hipster thing pre-2020. How about starting a new tradition with your date by going to your favourite fast food restaurant all over Singapore every fortnight or so? 


This Valentine’s Day could be the start of something new! Plus, fast food is rather more affordable than food from bourgeoisie cafes, isn’t it? 🍟


Ate a little too much during Chinese New Year? Get rid of those calories by taking a walk in nature with your boo.


You get to spend time with your partner, enjoy nature and sweat it out. Seems like an ideal date to me! Here’s a list of our recommended trekking spots.


Giving flowers to your partner on this day seems like a ritual almost every couple practises up till today. What’s worst, bouquets’ prices tend to hike up during this season! 


This year, to break this costly tradition, why not bring your partner to see the flowers instead? 🌹


There are many places where you can bring them to do so. There’s Gardens by the Bay, Botanic Gardens, Hort Park to name a few. 


Remember to take tons of photos of each other overlooking the Instagram-worthy background!


Revisit Singapore from a tourist’s lens by signing up for heritage walks where you can explore the unknown parts of Singapore.


All you need to do is download this SmartGuide app and you’ll be on your way to rediscover the rich history of Singapore through this heritage trail.

Image: Ministry of Communications and Information


We hope you’ll have a memorable Valentine’s Day date this coming weekend. For those of you meeting your date for the first time, all the best! 💖


Listen to our Spotify playlist for a more romantic night with your other half.

How to pick the right co-living in Singapore?

Who says retail therapy has to be costly?

Top 4 bargain shopping malls in Singapore

Strapped on cash but needing retail therapy? Step away from Gucci and Chanel and indulge in some discount hunting. 


Singapore is one of the most expensive cities to live in, so here are some of the best ways to take your paycheck as far as it can go.


Home to factory outlets that sell off-season items at incredible discounts, IMM is the best place to find brand-name items at a price you won’t find anywhere else. From Coach, to Charles and Keith and Cotton On, both luxury and affordable retail options are available at amazing prices.


What's amazing is that it's located near 3 other huge shopping malls, namely JCube, Westgate and Jem, all these malls (including IMM) are linked to Jurong East MRT station via a sheltered walkway!


If you want a change from brand-name mega-stores everywhere, check out Bugis Street, a bustling indoor market packed to the brim with shops filled with every type of clothing imaginable.


Once you're done shopping, head over to Bugis+ or Bugis Junction to enjoy a delicious meal! 



Just a few minutes walk from Orchard MRT station, Far East Plaza hosts a variety of salons, retail stores, tattoo parlours and bespoke tailors for all your fashion and beauty needs. 


You’ll be able to find some truly unique pieces here, including rhinestone-studded gowns for depressed prices.


Home to wholesale retailers, the shops at City Plaza offer fashion at some of the lowest prices imaginable. 


With several second-hand stalls on the highest floors and a semi-regular flea market at the bottom, the mountains of clothing available for any eager shopper to sift through are filled with treasures waiting to be found.


So, where will your next shopping destination be? Remember to use these payment methods to even save more money when you shop!

Besides protecting your online parcels, these pockets of air can change your life!

What can you do with excess bubble wraps?

You just relocated to Singapore and moved into your comfortable home at Cove and you’re finally done unpacking. You caught yourself popping the bubble wraps that were used to protect your fragile belongings and you asked yourself, “what else can this brilliant invention do for me?”


Rather than popping these precious bubble wraps and throwing it away afterwards, why not use it to keep your cold food... well, cold?


In sunny Singapore, your favourite ice-cream pint might melt a little while you’re walking home from the supermarket. What you can do is add a layer of bubble wrap in your shopping bag to make sure your cold food stays cold!


Fruits such as peaches and pears are prone to bruising. To avoid this and to ensure that your fruits last longer, line your fridge compartment with bubble wraps to cushion your produce! 


This way, you and your flatmates can reduce wastage too.


If you’re the type who loves sweeping and mopping your room, this tip is about to change your life!


Attach bubble wraps around the handle of a mop or a broom, and voila! This little add-on feature will eliminate all the blisters you get on your palm or fingers when you do all the house chores. 


When storing less frequently used items such as a holiday hat or a luxury handbag, it may lose its shape when you need it the most.


But with the help of bubble wraps, you can stuff it to maintain the shape! Just throw in a few bubble wraps in your bag or your hat, and store it away. It will look just the same after months of being in storage.


So the next time you chance upon another bubble wrap when unboxing your online parcel, remember to not only pop it, but save it for more practical uses! If you really need a roll of bubble wrap now, you can always get it from Lazada!

Top 5 online fashion sites in Singapore

Welcome to Singapore, home of free shipping and land of the shopaholic. Anything you could possibly want can (and will!) be delivered right to your Cove doorstep. Here are some of our favourite online fashion retailers in Singapore.


Hosting the largest number of brands digitally, Zalora is an online marketplace that sells apparel from Aldo, Mango, Adidas and lots more! Think ASOS, except for the wider Southeast Asian region. 


It also has its own brand of clothing that is extremely affordable and chic. Zalora remains the undivided heavyweight of the online shopping arena.


A rising star in the high fashion industry, Pomelo’s minimalistic and edgy style won over our hearts with every new release. Perfect for the new-age professional, determined to set trends in the workplace. 


Pomelo’s the perfect choice for chic women.


For something ladylike with a pinch of quirkiness, head over to Love Bonito for no-brainer, go-to outfits and one-of-a-kind dresses. Not only do these outfits make you look good, they make you feel good too!


With gorgeous dresses and cute pieces for any occasion, MGP Label is the perfect shop for the woman who is still a girl at heart.


With a monthly subscription plan that delivers a unique outfit to your doorstep, MDS Collections never bores us. 

showing blogposts with #sgtips

A year after Circuit Breaker

Debunking common co-living myths and misconceptions

Disney+: To subscribe or not to subscribe?

The ultimate local guide to endless food deliveries

Creating extra spaces for your storage needs

Valentine’s Day date ideas that won’t hurt your wallet

Top 4 bargain shopping malls in Singapore

What can you do with excess bubble wraps?

Top 5 online fashion sites in Singapore

What’s so great about Geylang and Joo Chiat?

7 nature spots to kick off the new year

Where to buy random things you actually need for your home

What changes can you experience when living abroad in Singapore?

Homesick in the 21st Century

Secret hideouts for your drinking pleasure

A comprehensive guide to grocery markets in Singapore

Money-saving apps you should install...right away!

5 tricks to survive in Singapore

7 indoor plants that will make you feel relaxed

Keep it fridgin’ clean!

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