Audience: Family

Best Picnic Spots: Eat, Laugh, Talk, And Chill The Day Away With Your Friends!

Clear skies, bright, sunny weather – Singapore is essentially the perfect place for a good picnic. Imagine tucking into a homemade and scrumptious spread of good food, with hearty conversations and peals of laughter filling the air. With numerous picnic spots to choose from, what are you waiting for?

It’s time to roll out those picnic mats and enjoy the abundance of lush greeneries in the great outdoors. To help you make planning for the picnic easier, here are the best picnic spots in Singapore!

Fort Canning Park

If you walk towards the picnic field, you will pass by the spice garden where you get to explore interesting archeological remains before furling out that picnic mat.

The picnic field is a great space for a game of frisbee or a long awaited catch-up session.

Position the picnic under a large shady tree, and you’ll be set for a great time!

Fort Canning Park 
River Valley Rd, Singapore 179037
Opening Hours: 24 Hours

Hort Park

This one-stop gardening hub consists of huge, green lawns that are splendid for picnics.

There are 20 different themed gardens in the park, so you’ll get to do some exploring before you settle down at a spot!

Besides the themed garden, there’s also a butterfly garden. You’ll learn all about all the distinctive qualities of the different plant and butterfly species on this picnic trip!

Hort Park
33 Hyderabad Road, Singapore 119578
Opening Hours: 6am – 10pm

Gardens by the Bay

Spacious open lawns, swaying palm trees and a modern, contemporary view of the Marina Bay skyline – a picnic at Gardens by the Bay is going to be such an experience.

Take your pick from a variety of open spaces that are great picnic spots. You can choose to settle at the boardwalk (dragonfly & kingfisher lakes), bay east garden, or even at the super tree grove, just to name a few picnic spots.

If you’d like to combine picnic and activity, just head down to the conservatories to enjoy the air-conditioning and ever-changing display of flowers and plants.

Gardens by the Bay
18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953
Opening Hours: 5am – 2am

Also, read 5 Secret Spots In Gardens By The Bay That’ll Make You Wonder WTH They’re Doing There

Upper Seletar Reservoir

Arrive at Upper Seletar Reservoir in the evening to savour a striking view of the gorgeous setting sun.

For nature lovers, you can take a leisurely stroll and appreciate this quiet, simple park.

This is one of the most tranquil picnic spots if you are looking for a calm and peaceful hideout away from the concrete jungle.

Upper Seletar Reservoir
Along Old Upper Thomson Road
Opening Hours: 7am – 7pm

Labrador Nature Reserve

The panoramic sea-view at Labrador Nature Reserve is sure to take your breath away!

This very zen park is a hidden paradise nestled in our bustling city – a great excuse for a short relaxing escapade from your usual busy lifestyle.

There are also barbecue pits available if you are thinking of organising an evening barbecue picnic.

Labrador Nature Reserve
Labrador Villa Road, Singapore 119187
Opening Hours: 24 Hours

Kranji Reservoir Park

Kranji Reservoir Park is a quaint little space perfect for a picnic spot.

If you’d like to try your hand at fishing, don’t forget the fishing rods! There are two designated fishing spots at the park if you are up for a therapeutic fishing experience.

If you are just looking to spend some time with your loved ones, nab one of the pavilions and get a kick out of the spectacular view of the Straits of Johor.

Kranji Reservoir Park
11 Neo Tiew Lane 2,Singapore 718814
Opening Hours: 7am – 7pm

Mount Faber Park

Planning a romantic picnic for your other half? Mount Faber Park is the way to go!

You get to rejoice in some of the best scenic views of the island.

If you are up to some physical activities, go on a hike at the Southern Ridges. Comprising of 10km of green, open spaces, you can stroll through Mount Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park, HortPark, Kent Ridge Park and Labrador Nature Reserve all in a day.

Mount Faber Park
Telok Blangah Road, Singapore 099448
Opening Hours: 24 Hours

Hindhede Nature Park

Hindhede Nature Park is a hidden, quieter spot at the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve.

Roll out your picnic mat and revel in the view of the photogenic Hindhede Quarry over the delectable picnic grubs that you’ve prepared.

Hindhede Nature Park
Hindhede Dr
Opening Hours: 24 Hours

The Lawn @ Marina Bay

This picnic space is the ultimate urban oasis that is facing the ever-evolving Marina Bay Waterfront.

Credit: URA

Inspired by Byrant Park in New York, this 13,000 square feet park features lush green lawns lined by park benches and shady trees.

Lawn @ Marina Bay
8A Marina Boulevard, Singapore 018984
Opening Hours: 24 Hours

Organising a picnic is not tough at all. Simply pick a location from the various picnic spots featured, pack some food, call up your friends and you are good to go! An awesome picnic session is awaiting you.

Header Image: Norsu Marketing

Also, read Ultimate Guide To Dog-Friendly Places: Hang Out With Your Doggy All Day, Every Day!

Cirque Adrenaline’s Death-Defying Acrobatic Acts Had Us Gasping “Oh My God” At Every Turn

Looking for an event to head to that will have you at the edge of your seat? Look no further because Cirque Adrenaline has arrived in Singapore and it’s got the crowd spell-bounded. From the producers behind acclaimed shows The Illusionists and Le Noir, Cirque Adrenaline showcases some of the most daring and death-defying acrobatic acts!

Cirque Adrenaline

Cirque Adrenaline’s troupe of over 30 performers is renowned for its theatrical flair and jaw-dropping acrobatic displays. We headed down to Cirque Adrenaline and we must admit, we were spellbound by the displays of strength, agility and sheer bravery.

Wheel Of Death

The piece de resistance of Cirque Adrenaline had to be Wheel of Death, with two agile trapeze artists perched precariously on a structure hanging above the audience the Wheel Of Death had even us gasping with shock. By far our favourite act of the entire show, the Wheel of Death pushes the boundaries of high-risk stunts.

If you’re a fan of Cirque De Soleil, the Duo Strap might just be your favourite aeriel act. It was amazing how flexible and agile the performers were. Watching them move so gracefully and in tandem with such careful precision, made us mere mortals feel slightly more than clumsy!

Sphere of Fear

Another Cirque Adrenaline act that will make it worth every cent spent is the Sphere of Fear. Once an act that was often witnessed at carnivals. This particular act sees a motorcyclists make 360 turns within a metal sphere. The feat is difficult and dangerous enough, but Cirque Adrenaline sets a whole standard for this high-risk stunt. With 3 motorcyclist making synchronised stunts missing each other by split seconds the Sphere of Fear was certainly a heart-pounding act worth catching.

The Fire Act not only caught our attention, it also made us realise the sheer bravery, time and effort that goes behind every act during Cirque Adrenaline. The Fire Act saw fire-breathers twirling multiple rods of flames. If we doubted the authenticity of the flames, we were proven wrong when the smell of ash and flames filled the theatre.

Our ambassador Stephanie Ler headed down to Marina Bay Sands Mastercard Theatres to catch Cirque Adrenaline. This is what she had to say about the amazing acrobatic death-defying acts:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BOKAGonAT55/?taken-by=piinkmasquerade

So if you’re keen to catch acrobatic acts that will push the boundaries of gravity (plus it’s fun for the whole family), head on down to Marina Bay Sands and catch Cirque Adrenaline! Not only will it keep you at the edge of your seat you’ll be amazed at the sheer grit and agility of the acrobatic performers.

Tickets are on sale now, get your tickets from SISTIC:
8 Unmissable And Fun Events To Attend So You Can End Your Year With A Bang! [16-31 Dec]

These 7 Spoil Market Proposals Will Really Make You Panic If All The Good Guys Are Taken

There’s nothing like watching a wedding proposal.  The romance, the nervous energy, the overall #Feels you get and of course watching the look of pure joy from the bride-to-be’s face could melt a heart of stone. Here are 7 reactions from Singapore girls who were proposed to all over Singapore!

1.

This Singapore proposal starts off with the bride-to-be (Melissa) sitting at a cafe in Singapore’s Changi Airport before she’s surrounded by a singing and dancing flash mob.

Of course her husband-to-be (John) heads the dancing flash mob with the Singapore Show Choir Academy performing the old classic ‘Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love For You’.

The proposal ends with happy tears, a huge crowd and even a few dancing flight attendants!

Props to John for going big on his proposal. The time and effort it probably took to pull this off! And let’s not forget, nothing is as nerve wrecking as proposing in front of a huge audience!

Check out the very cute and musical proposal HERE!

2.

Taking place backstage, a huge dance crew sits to watch a dance performance (by their very own).  9 dance performers pull the ‘bride-to-be’ centre stage before there’s a skip in the song.  Lo and behold! The ‘bride-to-be’ pulls one of performers on the seat on stage instead (the look of shock-surprise definitely got to us)!

Fiance-to-be (Faliq), stands up from the audience belting out along to “Marry You” causing girlfriend Shazi to start tearing up. Faliq then goes on to to tell his girlfriend and the crowd, the many reasons why he fell in love with her (despite failing the MRT test)!

Faliq pulls off a stunning proposal. Funny, romantic and taking bride-to-be Shaz completely by surprise this Singapore proposal had us feeling all warm and fuzzy!

Check out the EPIC proposal HERE!

3.

Taking place at Marina Barrage, this Singapore proposal started off with a bit of a squabble (“You want to sit here?!”) before groom-to-be, Raihan turns his fiancee-to-be, Huda around to check out ‘the view’.

The view being dancers from EYED movement doing a small flashmob performance along to a remix of “Treasure”. Raihan then further surprises Huda with a gathering of family and friends, he then of course goes on bended knee and pops the question to a teary eyed Huda.

Family and friends made this particular proposal really heart-warming. Reminding us that even though only two people are joined in matrimony family and friends play a major role as well.

Check out the family filled proposal HERE!

4.

What’s more romantic than a destination proposal? A romantic destination proposal which takes you completely off-guard of course! Bride-to-be Meiting was treated to a slideshow made by boyfriend Shunxiong (who took several late nights to finish it).

Already teary-eyed, Meiting is then brought to the sandy beaches of Maldives where Shunxiong is already waiting with a bouquet of red roses.

He then pops the question on bended knee whereby teary eyed Meiting replies with a pretty Singaporean answer, “Yes lah!”.

While the destination proposal is probably a rarity among Singaporeans, what really got us impressed was the time and effort groom-to-be Shunxiong took to do up the slideshow.

Check out the romantic destination proposal HERE!

5.

Unsuspecting bride-to-be Karen watches a flashmob perform along to the Bruno Mars hit “I Think I Want To Marry You”. Karen doesn’t suspect a thing, until the flashmob performers unveil the message ‘Will U Marry Me?”. Karen then has friends and family gather around her making way for groom-to-be Ivan. Ivan proclaims his love for Karen before popping the very important question.

While the proposal was pretty simple compared to several big proposals, the simplicity of the proposal just made it all the more romantic.

Check out the cute proposal HERE!

6.

Set at the Botanic Gardens, unsuspecting bride-to-be Elizabeth is brought out of the park’s restaurant with her arms full of single stalk flowers. She’s brought around the Botanic Gardens with friends and family handing her hand written notes, balloons and flowers.

The peak of the walk comes when she’s brought to the park’s pavilion where boyfriend Gary is awaiting her arrival. He hands her a huge bouquet of red roses and pops the question we all know is coming.

This simple proposal had no flashmob, music or performances. Yet it’s the presence of family and friends who were around to spend the special day with, that made this proposal all the more romantic.

Check out the simple and romantic proposal HERE.

7.

Bride and groom-to-be, Johnathan and Patrina walk into a church together. Unsuspecting Patrina then gets a pleasant surprise when Johnathan pulls out a guitar and starts serenading her (with his own composition mind you!).

Patrina instantly tears up as the church starts to fill with family and friends. The Singapore Show Choir that joins in on the performance singing backup for Johnathan.

Johnathan hands her a bouquet of flowers before going down on bended knee. Patrina, with teary eyes and a big smile replies with “Of course I will”.

The proposal was all the more romantic when you pay close attention to the lyrics of the song Johnathan composed. Offering viewers a small snippet of their lives together. And of course the way Johnathan looks at (now) fiancee Patrina, got us all hoping that one day we might be so lucky!

These 7 Singaporean proposals, not only got us girls daydreaming about our own proposals (that are hopefully going to come someday)! Let’s hope 2017 will see a lot more jawdropping – romantic proposals come our way!

Also Read: Dessert Buffets In Singapore: So You Can Gorge On Ice Cream, Cakes & Chocolate!

7 Places For A Christmas Feast So You Can Gorge Yourself Silly Like A Stuffed Turkey!

2016 is coming to an end, you’ve worked hard this year. It’s really time you and your loved ones indulge in some good food. DiscoverSG did the homework for you – we have compiled a list of restaurants with exclusive Christmas specials for you to choose from.

1. Oasis Restaurant

A poolside barbecue buffet? YES PLEASE! Known for their all-day dining poolside restaurant that is set among the lush greeneries in the tranquil outdoors, Oasis has something special in store for you this Christmas Eve.

Indulge in their Christmas Specials – roasted turkey with chestnut stuffing, salmon coulibiac and for the beef lovers, quality grass-fed Australian beef sirloin. All these at their special carving and barbecue stations.

Complete the feast with some lovely Christmas treats such as their Christmas stollen, cookies and pudding.

Oasis Restaurant
Address:10 Scotts Road, 5th Level Terrace Wing, Grand Hyatt Singapore
Christmas Eve buffet begins at 7:00pm
Price:
$108++ per adult (with alcohol)
$58++ per child (ages 4 to 12)
Website

2. Oscar’s Cafe & Terrace

Can’t decide on a particular cuisine? Fret not, because we’ve totally got you covered.

Be sure to check out the very impressive international buffet spread at Oscar’s Cafe & Terrace. From our favourite local delights to international cuisine, fresh seafood and a huge variety of desserts, the spread is bound to satisfy your palette.

Remember to look out for the various Christmas activities that Oscar’s has put in place for the occasion. Aside from Christmas Carol sing-along sessions with the National University of Singapore’s choir, you can also enjoy a photo-taking-session with Santa!

Oscar’s Cafe & Terrace
Address: Conrad Centennial, 2 Temasek Boulevard, 038982
Christmas Brunch (25 December 2016) starts from 12.30pm till 3.30pm
•       $218++ per person with free flow of Champagne, house wines and selected cocktails
•       $158++ per person with free flow of soft drinks and juices
•       $  79++ per child from the age of 6 to 12 years old enjoys
Dinner Includes Dessert House 6pm to 10pm
•       S$158++ (Adult) / S$79++ (Child) Child from the age of 6 to 12 years old enjoys 50% off the buffet pricing.  Includes free-flow of soft drinks and juices
•       S$218++ (Adult) Child from the age of 6 to 12 years old enjoys 50% off the buffet pricing.  Includes free-flow of Laurent Perrier champagne, house wines, beers or cocktails
Credit: Grand Hyatt Singapore[/caption]

Celebrate Christmas the Italian way. Pete’s Place presents a classic Italian experience with their rustic trattoria settings.

What’s more, they specialise in authentic Italian cuisine – serving up rustic homemade pastas, risottos and wood-fired oven pizzas.

[caption id="attachment_17566" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Credit: Grand Hyatt Singapore[/caption]

This year, Chef Cataldo Chiloiro has designed a special Christmas menu for the restaurant.

On top of their traditional pastas and pizzas, you can also savour a huge selection of appetisers such as spicy Italian devilled eggs, and classic buffalo mozzarella caprese salad. Also, do not forget to try the baked Christmas turkey and mediterranean style roast barramundi cartoccio from the craving station. Che Delizia!

Pete’s Place
Address: 10 Scotts Rd, Grand Hyatt Singapore Hotel, Singapore 228211
Christmas Eve buffet begins at 7:00pm
Price: 
$108++ per adult (with alcohol)
$58++ per child (ages 4 to 12)
Website

4. Lawry’s The Prime Ribs

[caption id="attachment_17568" align="alignnone" width="1600"] Credit: Lawry’s the Prime Ribs Singapore[/caption]

This year, Lawry’s is committed to bringing you and your loved ones a classic and memorable festive feast.

A meal at Lawry’s is incomplete without their Signature Roasted Prime Ribs of Beef carved from the iconic silver cart. That’s not all though, because the team at Lawry’s has crafted a special festive menu this year.

[caption id="attachment_17569" align="alignnone" width="1700"] Credit: Lawry’s the Prime Ribs Singapore[/caption]

Seafood lovers are in for a treat – try the Atlantic Lobster Tail and Salmon Roll-Up with Crab Meat and Spinach drizzled with Balsamic cream sauce or the White Cod and Hokkaido Scallop.

Then, complete your feast with a Croissant Pudding served with a scoop of delectable vanilla ice-cream. Fantastic!

Lawry’s The Prime Ribs 
Address: 333A Orchard Road, #04-01/31 Mandarin Gallery, Singapore 238897
Christmas Eve Dinner
1st Seating at 5-8pm, 2nd Seating at 8:30pm
Christmas Day Brunch available on Sunday, 25th December 2016
Price:
Varies according to your order

5. Jamie’s Italian

[caption id="attachment_17572" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Credit: Sg Asia City[/caption]

Fancy a three-course feast curated by Jamie Oliver himself – in Singapore?

Book a table now at Jamie’s Italian! With that modern Italian-vibe and a menu endorsed by Jamie Oliver himself, this will certainly be a special treat for you and your loved ones.

[caption id="attachment_17571" align="alignnone" width="2464"] Credit: Alainlicious[/caption]

The special Christmas menu includes a selection of starters, mains and of course, desserts.

What really attracted us was the Gennaro’s Porchetta. It’s a main dish consisting of slow-cooked pork belly stuffed with apricot, apple, fennel & garlic, then served with braised red cabbage & pan juices.

Also, did we tell you that all guests will be presented with a glass of bubbly upon arrival? What a perfect way to start a Christmas feast!

Jamie’s Italian
Address: Jamie’s Italian Forum, 583 Orchard Road, #01-01/04 Forum, Singapore 238884
Jamie’s Italian VivoCity, 1 HarbourFront Walk, #01-165/167, Vivo City, Singapore 098585
Christmas menu available from 28 November – 31st December 2016
Lunch available on Mon-Sun from 12-4pm, dinner available on Mon-Sunday from 5-10pm
Price:
$49.90 ++ per person for lunch
$65.90++ per person for dinner
Website

6. The Black Swan

[caption id="attachment_17573" align="alignnone" width="1042"] Credit: The Black Swan[/caption]

Housed in the heart of Singapore’s Central Business District, The Black Swan injects a fresh breath of air into the dining scene with it’s classic European glamour decor.

You might just go back in time to the 20s with their detailed and sophisticated interior.

[caption id="attachment_17574" align="alignnone" width="1700"] Credit: The Black Swan[/caption]

In the lead up to Christmas, The Black Swan will feature a live carving station with an Oven-roasted 150 Days Grain-Fed Black Angus Côte de bœ. A highlight at The Black Swan this year will be a one-night only Jingles & Jazz – a luxurious 4-course dinner featuring Hokkaido scallops, seared foie gras and juicy tenderloin.

The Black Swan
Address: 19 Cecil St,, Singapore 049704
The Black Swan Christmas Lunch Specials
Monday-Friday from 28th Nov-30 Dec 2016, $42++ per person for two courses
The Black Swan Christmas Dinner Live Carving Station
Monday-Friday from 19th–22nd Dec & 24 Dec 2016, $48++ for 300g
Jingles & Jazz
23rd December, Friday
4-course Dinner & Jazz at $118++ per person
Credit: Venuerific[/caption]

Tucked in a spacious and cosy space over at Dempsey Hill, Don Quijote is the place you have to check out for authentic, Spanish cuisine.

Besides the usual tapas, paellas and salads, Don Quijote is of course, ready for the festive season with their usual Christmas classics.

[caption id="attachment_17575" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Credit: Sethlui[/caption]

You can look forward to good old Christmas classic dishes such as Oven Roasted Turkey and Honey Baked Ham. When you’re there, be sure to order the special Turkey and Ham Paella as well! We guarantee that friends and family are bound to fall in love with their homely food and ambience.

Don Quijote
Address: Dempsey Road, #01-02,Block 7, 249671
Price:
Varies according to your order

Header Image: Expat Living Singapore

Also, read Crab Buffets So Amazing That You’ll Have To Crabwalk Out The Door After!