Traffic Forecasts For 2nd Link & Woodlands Causeway This Chinese New Year

If you’re heading to Johor Bahru (JB) this Chinese New Year, you’re definitely not alone. Welcome to the club for all motorists who will be utilizing the Causeway and the 2^nd Link. Like Sun Tzu heading to war, it’s best to enter JB with a solid strategy…by arming yourself with these.

We’re referring to these amazing traffic jam forecasts we’ve uncovered! This way, you’ll be able to plan your entry into JB with maximum efficiency.

Be assured that this forecast is pretty accurate, as the reference data is based on the traffic statistics in Chinese New Year 2016.

2 days before Chinese New Year – 26 January 2017 (Thursday)

As the eve of Chinese New Year is on 27 January 2017 (Friday), most Malaysians tend to return home the day before, which is 26 January 2017. This explains the spike in the traffic from Singapore to JB at both the Causeway and the 2^nd Link, which will start to build up from 2 pm onwards. It’s best to be a bit more kiasu (aka wiser) and set off earlier if you can.

Eve of Chinese New Year – 27 January 2017 (Friday)

On Chinese New Year’s eve, set your alarm clock to ring even earlier. As you can see from the graphs, traffic flowing into JB will build up as early as 4am. However, it’s possible that traffic may ease before evening as most people would already be at their reunion dinners.

Chinese New Year – 28, 29 January 2017 (Saturday, Sunday)

In the mornings of the 1^st and 2^nd day of Chinese New Year, we can expect traffic to be at a low volume. However, the trends show that traffic will start increasing around noon at both sides of the border, probably due to Malaysians visiting Singapore or PRs returning home early.

Last day of the Chinese New Year Holiday – 30 January 2017 (Monday)

On the last day of the holiday, it is expected that many will be returning to Singapore in preparation for work the next day. It appears that the 2^nd  Link will be more affected as most of the people travelling back from the North of Malaysia will choose this route. In this case, it’s best to take the Causeway!

One day after the Chinese New Year Holiday – 31 January 2017 (Tuesday)

Given that it’s a work day, most people would already have arrived home the day before (30 January 2017). However, it’s not uncommon for some to take a day off or two. As such, do note that there may be more traffic heading into Singapore after lunch hour, especially on the 2^nd Link.

We hope that these forecasts do come in handy. Share this information with your friends and loved ones so they can enter JB or Singapore quickly and with ease.

Everyone gets frustrated in a jam, but don’t forget that safety is paramount. Drive safely!

Information credit and for real-time traffic forecasts at the Causeway and 2^nd Link: causewayjam.wordpress.com

Header image credits: HD Wallpaper

Also, read Savvy Local’s Guide: Fill Your Calendar To 15 Jan With These Must-Not-Miss Events!

Savvy Local’s Guide: Fill Your Calendar To 15 Jan With These Must-Not-Miss Events!

Rise and shine, peeps! It’s time to add another resolution to your list, “to make 2017 the greatest year ever” (if you haven’t already done so). In keeping with that, our calendars are fully marked till 15 January and we’re GOOD TO GO!

Calendar of Events (1 – 15 January 2017)

1. Singapore Art Week 2017

The fifth edition of Singapore Art Week is back with a dazzling array of installations ranging from visual treats, exhibitions, art workshops, to tours and performances.

All this will be take place across art galleries, museums and exhibition spaces across the island.

Singapore Art Week 2017
When: 11 January 2017 – 22 January 2017
Where: Various venues
Explore: https://www.artweek.sg and Into The Looking Glass: A Local Exhibition You Must Not Miss!

2. Legend of the Moon 3D Musical

Known as the first 3D musical of its kind, the Legend of the Moon showcases the life, culture and art of the Dong people, a minority race in China.

3. Chinese New Year 2017 happenings at Chinatown

Usher in the year of the Rooster with a bang!

[caption id="attachment_20948" align="alignnone" width="740"]

[caption id="attachment_20945" align="alignnone" width="960"] 5. Pongal Festival 2017

With its name derived from the Tamil term “pongu”, meaning to “boil over” or “overflow”, this Tamil harvest festival is traditionally celebrated from 14 – 16 January in India.

[caption id="attachment_20949" align="alignnone" width="640"] 6. DIY Prosperity Yu Sheng With Vegan ‘Raw Fish’ Class

[caption id="attachment_21028" align="alignnone" width="800"] Eventbrite[/caption]

If raw fish was never your thing, there’s no better time than now to learn how to DIY this Yu Sheng dish. What’s best is, vegans can dig in too.

DIY Prosperity Yu Sheng With Vegan ‘Raw Fish’ Class
When: 14 January 2017, 10.30 am – 12 pm
Where: Mahota Commune, Kitchener Complex, Level 3, 809 French Road
Explore: Eventbrite – DIY Prosperity Yu Sheng with Vegan Raw Fish

7. Simply Organic Brunch (Cooking Class Series)

8. Thaipusam Festival 2017

Join throngs of devotees as they partake in a traditional kavadi ceremony

[caption id="attachment_20955" align="alignnone" width="3456"] 9. Art Stage 2017

[caption id="attachment_20960" align="alignnone" width="1600"] 10. PJ Harvey (Mosaic Music Series 2017)

Musician, poet and artist PJ Harvey started out two decades ago, earning numerous Grammy and Brit awards nominations along the way. That’s not all – the iconic master of all trades has also worked alongside Thom Yorke, Nick Cave, Björk and more.

[caption id="attachment_21026" align="alignnone" width="752"] Esplanade Mosaic Music Series[/caption]

Stopping over in Singapore for her international tour, she and her band present music from her latest release The Hope Six Demolition Project.

PJ Harvey
When: 13 January 2017, 8 pm – 9.15 pm
Where: Esplanade Theatre
Explore: Esplanade Mosaic Music Series 2017 – PJ Harvey 

11. Michelin Guide Local Chef Showcase: Chen Kentaro

In this fifth instalment of the Local Chef Showcase, pursue the legacy behind renowned Szechuan delicacies with 2-star Michelin chef Chen Kentaro.

Michelin Guide Local Chef Showcase: Chen Kentaro
When: 13 January 2017, 7 pm – 10 pm
Where: Shisen Hanten, 333 Orchard Road, Mandarin Orchard Singapore
Explore: Eventbrite – Michelin Guide Local Chef Showcase (Chen Kentaro)

12. CNY Japanese Sake Warehouse Sale

Ready for a tipple or two, or heaven forbid, three?

[caption id="attachment_21031" align="alignnone" width="650"] Eventbrite – CNY Japanese Sake Warehouse Sale

If you thought this was all, well… We’re right smack in the middle of the Singapore Biennale which winds up on 26 February.

On top of that, Mulan the Musical is currently in full swing at the Resorts World Theatre till 5 February. Now, the countdown begins… Here’s to ticking off these unmissable activities on your bucket list!

Header image credits: Blacklimosg

Also, read Into The Looking Glass: A Local Exhibition You Must Not Miss!

Into The Looking Glass: A Local Exhibition You Must Not Miss!

If you haven’t heard, the Singapore Biennale is in town right now, as part of Singapore Art Week 2017!

From now till 26 February, grab your friends and family and attend this eye-opening arts exhibition. We visited Project Dreamcatchers 2016: Into The Looking Glass and it was a rewarding experience.

Project Dreamcatchers 2016: Into The Looking Glass

Project Dreamcatchers is an initiative to help youths with chronic illnesses express their aspirations through art. Despite the many odds these youths face, they soldier on and reveal their struggles through the art they produce.

This year, the exhibition at the Singapore Biennale is called ‘Into The Looking Glass’. Aptly named, this exhibition invites visitors to see the world through the artists’ eyes. ‘Into The Looking Glass’ certainly caught our eyes with its display of vulnerability and invitations to connect with its viewers.

Here are four reasons why you should drop by!

Support Local Artists

These budding local artists are partnered with mentors who guide and help them through the production of their art pieces.

Mentors include local artists Samantha Lo, Ho Wai Kit, Noor Iskandar and Tan Jia Hui, who worked closely with the youths to bring their messages to life through art.

Sparked by the initial question of what they wish to tell the public, these artworks are personal messages from the youths.

A Stunning Array of Unique Artwork

The artists and youths used mixed mediums and materials ranging from mirrors to plants. They were chosen carefully to best represent the artist’s journey and message, and to elicit the desired response from the viewer.

While touching the artwork is not permitted, viewers can interact with the artworks in different ways, like seeing themselves in the reflections of Rayna’s art piece.

From this, we can better experience and appreciate the depiction of the artists’ personal journey through life.

Touching Stories

Accompanying each art piece is a personal message by the artist about the inspiration behind their artwork.

Titled ‘Imperfect’, this plywood art piece was painted over with acrylic paint, and the words were scratched out using pigment ink.

Her words of truth, as of those of the other artists, come from a yearning to be heard, recognised and understood.

End Discrimination

Art is an expression of oneself, and a means throughout history of breaking down barriers. When we take the step to understand and look from the perspectives of these youths, we’re helping to end the discrimination they face.

In this art piece, items essential to the artist are put together and held up. When light is projected on these items, a silhouette of a human heart is formed.

Syringes and tablets may not be our essential items, but Toh’s art piece reminds us that we’re all the same inside.

With ‘Into The Looking Glass’, visitors stand to appreciate and support the fight against the discrimination of our youths. Listen to their stories through their art and acknowledge the difficulties they face, and their creativity and presence.

In our ever-increasing world of connectivity, it is exhibitions like Into The Looking Glass that will truly connect us with others on a deeper level.

Disconnect from the bombardment of stories and listen to individual ones by our local youths and artists.

A List Singapore – Your Guide To The Arts And Culture Scene In Singapore

If this exhibition has ignited a desire in you to attend more of such arts and culture happenings in Singapore, why not follow A List Singapore?

As Singapore’s first full-fledged arts and culture guide, you can find comprehensive event listings from music to dance, visual arts to theatre, and literary to family activities. Besides event listings, you can also be updated to the arts and culture scene with their plethora of thought-provoking articles.

Be in the know as they feature up-and-coming promising artists and the shakers and makers of the art industry.

For the latest arts & cultural events happening in Singapore, follow them on their Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

If you love the smell of a fresh magazine, keep a look out on their social media channels for when their January hard copy issue will be distributed at SMRT Stations island-wide!

Take the step to explore the rich and rewarding art and culture scene in Singapore; you never know what you might learn and experience along the way!

Also, read 10 Places To Fly Your Drone For Amazing, Never Seen Before Photos Of Singapore!

Huat Ah! 8 Restaurants To Book For Your CNY Reunion Dinner 2017!

That’s right, it’s that time of the year. Christmas and New Year have barely passed and here you are, planning for another big family gathering – CNY reunion dinner. Tables at the ever-popular restaurants are definitely filling up and you are starting to feel the heat. Why does Chinese New Year have to be so darn close to Christmas!?

Well have no fear, because obviously, we are here to save you from the festive stress (as much as we can). Whether you’re looking to book a restaurant or are in search of one that’s different from the usual go-to restaurants, listed below are eight restaurants to host your CNY reunion dinner at!

1. Tiffany Café & Restaurant

Situated at Furama City Centre is Source: Singsaver[/caption]

At $59.80++ for lunch and $69.80++ for dinner, embark on a gastronomical journey and indulge in festive dishes such as Braised Eight Treasures Chicken in Claypot and Torched Pacific Wrasse with Ebiko Wasabi Hollandaise & Chili Thread.

Enjoy a slate of discounts that include 20% off the first reunion seating (5.30pm – 7.30pm) and 30% off the second reunion dinner seating (8pm – 10.30pm). What’s more, there is a one-for-one credit card promotion running from 16^th January – 11^th February 2017! (excluding dinner on 27^th January). How awesome is this?

Tiffany Café & Restaurant
Address: Furama City Centre, 60 Eu Tong Sen Street, S059804
Tel: 6531 5366
Email: [email protected]

2. Mitzo

Located at Grand Park Orchard is Source: Mitzo[/caption]

Besides the popular Pearls of Prosperity Kanpachi Kigfish Yu Sheng, pamper your family with the Prawn/Lobster Grouper Fortune Pot, Lobster Fried Rice with Pork Liver & Preserved Sausage and Fish Maw Soup with Pumpkin, Bamboo Pith & Chicken. The CNY reunion dinner menu will be available from 14^th January to 11^th February 2017.

Do also take the opportunity to sample Mitzo’s artisanal cocktails such as the Spring Blossom, a smoky and sweet mescal cocktail.

Mitzo
Address: Level 4 Grand Park Orchard, 270 Orchard Rd S 238857
Tel: 6603 8855
Email: [email protected]

 3. Ban Heng

With five outlets in Singapore, Source: Ban Heng[/caption]

This year, Ban Heng Group offers a mouth watering Reunion Dinner Set menu that features dishes such as the Salmon Yu Sheng, Suckling Pig, Herbal Chicken and Wok-Fried Spare Ribs. Indulge in this reunion feast at a price ranging from $498 to $998 for a family of ten!

CNY reunion dinner on 27 January is available with two seatings from 5.30pm to 10pm.

Ban Heng
For locations and contact information for a specific outlet, click 4. Yan

Fans of Cantonese cuisine would have heard of this one. Located at the iconic National Gallery Singapore, Signature Shun De Style Yu Sheng with Yellowtail Fish & Golden Flakes
Source: Yan[/caption]

At prices from $118++ to $268++ per individual, indulge in dishes such as the Signature Yellowtail Fish Yusheng with Golden Flakes, the new Doubled-boiled Chicken Soup with Black Garlic Sea Whelk and the return of the popular Danggui Roast Duck and succulent Baked Half Lobster with Supreme Stock.

Prices may seem a little steep but for Yan, we’d say it’s worth the splurge. Yan’s CNY menus are available for lunch and dinner, from 9^th January to 11^th February 2017. Two reservation slots for dinner at 5.30pm and 8.15pm are available on Chinese New Year Eve.

Yan
Address: National Gallery, 1 St Andrew’s Road #05-02, S178957
Tel: 6382 5585
Email: [email protected]

5. Moi Lum

A traditional Chinese restaurant that is almost a decade old, Source: Openrice.com[/caption]

In light of Chinese New Year, Moi Lum has provided three (not very) different menus to cater to the size of your company. At ($80+/pax, $388+/6pax, $568+/10pax), indulge in dishes such as the Prosperity Abalone, Sautéed Broccoli with Scallops & Prawns, Braised Shark’s Fin Soup with Crab Meat and of course, the Majestic Roast Chicken.

Available from 18^th January to 27^th January 2017, the menu is available for both lunch and dinner. Lunch will be held from 11.30am – 3.30pm, whilst dinner will consist of two seatings; 6pm – 7.50pm and 8pm – 10pm.

Moi Lum
Address: 38 Maxwell Road S069116
Tel: 6226 2283
Email: [email protected]

6. Xi Yan Shaw Singapore

Hailing from Hong Kong is the much-acclaimed Roasted Herbal Chicken
Source: Xi Yan Shaw Singapore[/caption]

For really affordable rates, you’ll get to enjoy dishes such as its signature Prosperity Yu Sheng, Roasted Lychee Duck, Stewed Pork Belly in Sour Plum & Black Vinegar Sauce and Fried Pork Trotter Chestnut Bee Hoon.

Needless to say, Xi Yan Shaw Singapore enjoys overwhelming popularity during Chinese New Year so we’d start making our reservation now if we were you. Do note that Xi Yan Shaw Singapore will be closed on 28^th and 29^th January 2017. 

Xi Yan Shaw Singapore
Address: Shaw Centre, 1 Scotts Road #03-12/13, S228208
Tel: 6733 3476
Email: [email protected]

7. Golden Peony

Award-winning Chinese restaurant  Roast London Duck
Source: Golden Peony[/caption]

At $1198++ for a table of ten, enjoy an eight-course meal with dishes such as the Signature Roast London Duck, Fortune Glutinous Rice with Assorted Chin ese Sausages and Fried Nian Gao with Sweet Potato and Yam.

Looking to accommodate a smaller company? Golden Peony offers another option where you get to enjoy dishes including the Fortune Salmong Yu Sheng, Braised Pork Kunckle served with Seasonal Vegetables and Steam Nian Gao with Coconut Flakes at $100++ per person.

The CNY menu will be available for both lunch and dinner, from 10^th January to 11^th February 2017.

Golden Peony
Address: Conrad Centennial Hotel Level 3, 2 Temasek Boulevard, S038983
Tel: 6432 7482
Email: [email protected]

8. Jade

If you’re looking for an elegant, minimalistic restaurant that serves great food, Jade at The Fullerton is your answer.

At $68+ per person, you’ll get to enjoy a 5-course menu consisting of a medley of gourmet plates. Start off with the Eight Happiness Gold Rush Yusheng, served on a platter with the cutest rooster accompanied by raw salmon slices, house-made champagne jelly and drizzles of olive oil and pineapple dressing.

After which, tuck into the Poached Cockscomb-shaped Chicken Dumplings, Stewed Chicken and Crab Meat Duo with Red Wine and Chinese Wine in Claypot, where the Chef Leong Chee Yeng showcases his Cantonese rendition of the Surf and Turf.

Jade
Address: The Fullerton Hotel, 1 Fullerton Square S049178
Tel: 68778188

So there you have it, crisis averted. Of course, with just three weeks left to go, we highly recommend you to get started on those reservations because whilst we can help, we cannot ensure a table for you.

Also, read The Prosperity Burger IS FINALLY BACK!

7 Nearby Travel Destinations To Consider For Your 2017 Long Weekends!

Wanderlusters rejoice! This 2017 brings about a fantastic slew of seven long weekends, signalling you to dig out that travel bucket list and finally tick off some places.

If you are stumped for ideas on where to head to, here are some travel destinations you should totally consider. Whether you fancy a romantic getaway or an adventurous trekking expedition, we have complied a list of seven nearby travel destinations you can consider heading to for your 2017 long weekends!

1. Hua Hin, Thailand

Forget the shopping paradise of Bangkok. Thailand’s seaside beach town, Hua Hin, boasts a delightful mix of cosmopolitan meets seaside ambience. Located a short 3.5 hours bus ride away from Bangkok, Hua Hin is a cheaper and more convenient location than heading to the other resort islands!

2. Boracay, Philippines

Located right in the heart of Philippines, Boracay is no doubt the ideal weekend island getaway for sun-lovers and young couples. Its pristine white beaches and clear turquoise-blue waters are postcard perfect and will certainly make you want to lounge in the sun all day.

[caption id="attachment_20737" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Credit: www.lonelyplanet.com[/caption]

Besides suntanning, Boracay also offers various exciting water sports that are bound to keep you occupied the whole time! Indulge in exhilarating activities such as diving, snorkeling, paragliding, windsurfing and many more in the day.

At night, choose from a huge variety of restaurants and bars dotting the beach that serve up delectable multi-cuisines and cold drinks.

While the trek up both Mount Merbabu and Mount Merapi is relatively challenging, the views are absolutely breathtaking. Likewise, both treks can easily be completed within a day, though we highly suggest an overnight climb as climbing in the day would prove to be extremely hot.

Yogyakarta is also known for its rich culture and traditional arts. Of course, no trip is complete without paying a visit to the world-famous Borobudur Temple!

Ideal weekend getaway for: beginner and intermediate climbers

4. Sapa, Vietnam

Set in the mountainous region of Northern Vietnam, Sapa is increasingly becoming a hotpot for photography-enthusiasts. Host to several hill tribes, expansive rice terraces and lush vegetation, Sapa is a no doubt a picturesque town.

Take a stroll by along the seafront at Gurney Drive to walk off those full stomachs. Alternatively, explore the artsy-fartsy side of Penang by finding the numerous hidden street art located within the UNESCO Heritage site of Georgetown.

Ideal weekend getaway for: foodies and friends of foodies

6. Melbourne, Australia

Heading to Melbourne over the long weekend might seem a little far-fetched but it certainly is possible with the numerous flight deals! If cafe-hopping and getting high on caffeine sounds like your idea of a perfect long weekend getaway, then Melbourne is the place for you!

Host to an overabundance of cafes, you will easily be able to pop into any one along the streets and grab one of Melbourne’s signature cuppas. In addition, Melbourne also boasts a wide selection of shopping options, from local designers to international brands.

You absolutely cannot miss trying their local army stews, bibimbap and korean pancakes. Likewise, a food trip to Seoul will not be complete without indulging in delectable and savoury meats at a Korean barbecue restaurant! Additionally, if you have the time, you might even be able to catch a concert featuring some of Korea’s famous music artists or bands.

With the onslaught of shopping and departmental malls, coupled with plenty of night markets, restaurants and cafes, Seoul is undeniably a heaven for foodies and avid shoppers alike!

Ideal weekend getaway for: major Korean pop fans, foodies and those seeking some retail therapy

Escape the hustle and bustle of the Singapore city life by heading to these destinations over the long weekends! Whether you are looking for a mad weekend getaway or a quick digital detox, these travel destinations will certainly fit the bill.

It is never too early to start making those travel plans for the upcoming long weekends in 2017! Furthermore, with the brand new year already starting, we highly suggest that you start scouring for exclusive travel deals now. As the saying goes: if not now, then when?

(Header image credit: pexels.com)

Also, read 7 Incredible Places In SEA To Discover With Friends!