Audience: Family

Looking For Something Meaningful To Do This September? These 5 Events Are Going To Give You Major Good Feels!

While most of us can afford luxuries like the newest gadget or a taxi ride after a long day, there are some Singaporeans out there who cannot afford even daily necessities. Struggling to make ends meet, some Singaporeans rely heavily on local non profit organisations for daily expenses.

So if you’ve ever sympathised with that old auntie collecting cardboard boxes or that kid in school who couldn’t keep up with the rest, do not worry because there are a lot of local non profit organisations you can donate to or volunteer with!

We’ve sourced out 5 events you can head down later this month if you’re looking to support a cause, volunteer or just give a little something back to the community!

1. Walk For Rice

(image source: South East CDC Facebook.

2. SOSD Adoption Drive

(image feature: for more information on their adoption drive!

(image source: 6 blood drives going on this month, and they’re scattered all over the island so you don’t have to travel far to give back to society!

However before you decide to head down to any of these blood drives, check out some of the basic requirements you need to fulfil. And if you have a fear of needles, don’t worry! There are other ways you can contribute to the National Blood Programme, like being a Volunteer Blood Ambassador!

For more information on being a blood donor, check out Red Cross Singapore.

4. The HeART of Painting

(image source: Eventbrite)

Rhemaworks, a coaching and therapy organisation is collaborating with the Singapore Children’s Society (SCS) and the OCBC-TODAY Children’s Fund to bring your a Charity Art Jamming event!

The SCS was established in order to protect and nurture children and youth, most of whom come from under privileged backgrounds or neglected households. The SCS constantly runs programmes that aid in rebuilding the children’s sense of self-worth and character!

Held at ARTEASTIQ, the HeaART of Painting is all about giving back to society while also showcasing your artistic side! Participants pay $50 (more than half of which goes to the SCS!) for a canvas, where you can unwind and let your imagination run wild! Best part? You get to bring the canvas home!

So if you’re looking for an opportunity to give back to society by also doing something fun and relaxing, head on down to HeART of Painting!

The heART of Painting
26 Sept; 6pm-9pm
ARTEASTIQ
Mandarin Gallery
333A Orchard Road, S238897

5. Project Ware House

Who says that giving back to society has to be boring? There are loads of fun events that are supporting meaningful causes. And Project Ware House is one of them!

Project Ware House is the brainchild of Community Chest, The Local People and Gushcloud. Project Ware House is all about the different facets of art! An art market, art auction and movie screening! The great thing about this event is that all funds raised will go to building the Adult Disability Home (ADH), an initiative by Community Chest. The ADH aims to offer a safe and comfortable home environment for adults with autism.

The weekend event (24-25 Sept) held at the Annexe Studio at the Esplanade is bringing together various local artists and craftspeople while showcasing artworks from the Cerebral Palsy Alliance at an Art Auction happening on 25th September, 3pm.

Can’t make it to Project Ware House? You can still donate to this really meaningful cause at Giving.sg!

So if you’re looking out for an event that gives back to society while you spend time with friends and family, Project Ware House is a PERFECT weekend event to head down to!

For more information, check out Also Read: Singaporean Men Not Creative? These 7 Tearjerking Wedding Proposals Prove Otherwise

Sentosa Is Now Home To Singapore’s FIRST Bungee Tower – 47 Meters Above Ground!

Great news for all adrenaline junkies out there, Sentosa is now home to Singapore’s first bungee tower! The bungee tower is part of AJ Hackett Sentosa. Set up by AJ Hackett International, this heart pounding recreational site is a 2,500 sq m adventure playground!

If you’re all about sky diving, bungee jumping…basically doing anything that would render me catatonic, you would have definitely heard of AJ Hackett International’s founder, A.J. Hackett. This New Zealander is seen as one of the pioneers of bungee jumping, so you know this bungee tower is the real deal!

Standing at 14 storeys high with two high jump decks and a 40m long sky bridge, this bungee tower is definitely a force to be reckoned with!

The best part about this bungee tower? It’s not just about bungee jumping, there are several other activities you can take on!

1. Bungee Jumping

(image source: AJ Hackett Sentosa)

If you’re a true thrill-seeker, Bungee Jumping will probably be the first activity you run to when you get to AJ Hackett Sentosa, and to be honest who can blame you?

Not for the faint of heart, participants jump off the high deck of the bungee tower, 47m above the ground! Best part about the bungee jump? There’s a 3.5m deep pool of water waiting for you at the bottom so you can let your head get dipped in the water!

2. Vertical Skywalk

(image source: AJ Hackett Sentosa)

If you want the thrill to last, try out the Vertical Skywalk! Supported by 2 ropes, participants get to walk down the main tower’s shaft (that’s 44m)!

Used by Navy Seals, The Army, Hollywood (of course) and now the average thrill-seeker! AJ Hackett Sentosa is the first AJ Hackett site to have this Vertical Skywalk!

Best part? You don’t have to do it alone! The Vertical Skywalk can take up to 3 people at any one time!

3. Skybridge

(image source: AJ Hackett Sentosa)

If thrill-seeking activities aren’t your style, don’t fret! There’s still the Skybridge! The tamest of the lot, participants can stroll out along the exposed skybridge, 47m above ground!

The only activity by AJ Hackett that doesn’t need a harnessing system. This activity is perfect for kids and those who prefer their feet firmly on the ground.

4. Giant Swings

(image source: AJ Hackett Sentosa)

Want to do something heart pounding but need a hand to hold? Giant Swings a great option if you and your friends want to enjoy the thrill together!

Set away from the bungee tower, the Giant Swings can accommodate up to 3 people and participants will get a bird’s eye view of Siloso beach 40m above ground!

Reaching speeds of over 100km/h, this activity may be the best out of the lot!

Unfortunately AJ Hackett Sentosa is not open to the public until March 2017! But hey, at least you have to something to set your sights on as a New Year’s resolution!

(feature image: AJ Hackett Sentosa)

Also Read: Free Diving In Singapore – How Long Can You Hold Your Breath Underwater?

Wanna Share? 7 Steakhouses With Portions So Huge, You Need To Call Your Entire Squad!

Who can resist a good steak? Be it Wagyu or Angus, a seared chunk of peppered beef never fails to tickle our taste buds.

But not all of us are built to chow down 300g-portions effortlessly. For the light eaters, sharing a meal with friends is the perfect solution! Here are 7 steakhouses that offer some of the most generous sharing portions you can find in Singapore!

1. Morton’s The Steakhouse

Start off your steakhunt with one of the more atas spots: at Mandarin Oriental Hotel!

Swanky international restaurant Morton’s maintains its name by using the highest quality, US Department of Agriculture-designated ‘prime’ steak.

Image: pinkypiggu.com

We recommend the Double Porterhouse Steak (1.3kg at $250++), which can serve around four to five pax! If you’re still craving for more, get a ribeye (460g at $102) to share between two to three peeps.

Morton’s The Steakhouse
Address: 5 Raffles Avenue, Fourth Storey, Mandarin Oriental Singapore, Singapore 039797
Tel: 6339 3740

2. Badoque Café

Nothing beats a food joint with friendly service!

Not only does Badoque Café have warm and approachable service staff, but they also whip up a really good steak too.

Image: thehalalfoodblog.com

Feast like royalty with their “King & Queen” promotion, which unites 1.2kg worth of ribeye with a 1.3kg king crab for $298. The set also comes with two starters (blue oyster and Greek salad), four soups and four drinks. This serves about five to six pax!

Badoque Café
Address: 246 Upper Thomson Rd, Singapore 574370
Tel: 6552 1646

3. iSTEAKS Diner

This grill-specialist has gathered a sizable fan following since its conception as a humble hawker stall in Serangoon Gardens years ago.

Having evolved into a modern diner, the long queues at both its current branches at MyVillage (Serangoon) and Holland Village are no doubt due to the superb and affordable grilled meats that iSTEAKS whips up.

Share a 1.2kg Australian Wagyu D-Rump amongst four pax at $85 (includes four complementary sides), or a 600g Australian Porterhouse T-bone for $49. They make fantastic burgers too! Yummeh!

iSTEAKS Diner
Address: MyVillage, 1 Maju Ave, Singapore 556679
Tel: 6285 8839

4. Bedrock Bar & Grill

Think chic dark wood, plush leather and dim lights on a hot date night. We like!

Tucked in the middle of Somerset Road, Bedrock Bar & Grill was named Singapore’s top restaurant in 2015 by Wine & Dine.

Image: facebook.com/BedrockBarAndGrill

The must-try F1 Tomahawk Steak serves up to three persons at 1.4kg (market price), while the double cut dry-aged Porterhouse feeds two (1kg at $180).

Complete your meal with a side of bedrock mac n’ cheese. Ooh. La. La.

Bedrock Bar & Grill
Address: 96 Somerset Road, #01-05 Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Orchard, Singapore 238163
Tel: 6238 0054

5. Pepper Steakhouse & Bistro

When all else in life fails us, we need a no-frills, value-for-money diner we can fall back on.

Look no further than Pepper Steakhouse & Bistro! The Australian Tomahawk is available here with an 800g option at $98, that comes with crushed green peppercorn and feeds around two pax.

Image: peppersteak.com.sg

Light-eating duos can try the 500g Chateaubriand tenderloin fillet at $74 (each sharing option also comes with thick-cut fries, sautéed spinach and a sauce of your choice). Apart from the meats, Pepper also offers an affordable lunch special that comes with five main-course items (at $15-18 each) and a buffet for salads and soups!

Pepper Steakhouse & Bistro
Address: Great World City, #01-66/67, 1 Kim Seng Promenade, Singapore 237994
Tel: 6887 3229

6. Bistecca Tuscan Steakhouse

Italian restaurants don’t just serve pasta and meatballs okay!

Bistecca Tuscan is one of the best fine-dining steakhouses in Singapore, using only organic-fed Australian F1 Wagyu for their steaks (with an impressive marbling score of 6+). Their Florentine-style cooking method produces steaks with juicy cores and charred crusts.

Image: facebook.com/BisteccaTuscanSteakhouse

Dig into a sumptuous 1.1kg Bistecca alla Fiorentina T-bone or Bistecca alla Costata ribeye ($188++ each) with one or two other friends. Don’t forget to take a wefie in the breezy al fresco area.

Bistecca Tuscan Steakhouse
Address: 25 Mohamed Sultan Road, Singapore 238969
Tel: 6735 6739

7. Cocotte

Nestled on the ground floor of the quaint Wanderlust hotel along Jalan Besar is the snug French restaurant-bar Cocette.

They serve up family-esque rustic French cuisine inspired by homemade meals enjoyed by the entire kampong (or the French-countryside equivalent).

Image: facebook.com/restaurantcocotte

Order a Tasmanian grass-fed Prime rib Côte de Boeuf to share in a group ($18++ per 100g), or the Truffle Wagyu for one (250g at $69++).

Still got space? Top your meal off with a helping of mussels and clams (350-400g at $35).

Cocotte
Address: 2 Dickson Road, Singapore 209494
Tel: 6298 1188

Steaks come from different sources, in various cuts, and the taste varies based on individual cooking styles.

Depending on the number of people you are eating with (and how much you can eat) you should try out different types of steak, as they all have unique experiences to offer.

If the quantitiy is too much for you, it’s okay! You can always share with your friends! Bon appetite!

Also, read We Hopped On The Makan Bus And Didn’t Wanna Get Off – Here’s Why!

We Hopped On The Makan Bus And Didn’t Wanna Get Off – Here’s Why!

Yup. Finally the first one-of-its-kind hop-on-hop-off Makan Bus tour has arrived in Singapore. Don’t dismiss this food tour as a tourist thingy yet. Otherwise, you are missing out on fun even locals can enjoy!

We all know Singapore is a food paradise, but the best local food are usually not near MRTs or in town.

Makan Bus

It can be pretty hard to enjoy good food if you don’t have a car. With the launch of the Makan Bus on 26 August 2016, reaching out to these great local food is now so much more convenient for everyone.

Recently, I was fortunate to be invited for a free MakanBus tour. Getting on the tour meant I had the opportunity to taste some of the highly acclaimed local food along the 10 specially-curated stops.

What I did not know was it is more than a mere foodie bus bringing us from the central to northern heartlands in Singapore.

Our Makan Bus Journey

We received a warm welcome from the guide upon boarding the cheery yellow bus at Orchard Gateway. After an introduction, we set off!

Besides recommending good eats near each stop, he would share insights of noteworthy buildings throughout the journey too.

Interesting history that we never knew about our sunny island

We thought we knew Singapore so well since we grew up here.

But we did not know that the Burma Chinese settled in Singapore as early as the 19th century!

In fact, I highly recommend you to alight at the Sun Yat Sen Memorial stop, where the Sun Yat Sen Memorial and Burmese Buddhist Temple are.

In the main worship hall of the Maha Sasana Ramsi (Burmese Buddhist Temple) sits the majestic 11-foot marble Buddha statue. This religious landmark is the only Burmese Buddhist temple of its kind in Singapore.

The statue was carved from a 10-tonne slab of marble found in Burma’s Saygin Hill and transported here in 1925.

Bond with your family over nostalgic hawker food settings

The 10 stops on the tour will bring you through buzzing town areas to the old shophouses in Balestier and Thomson, and finally into the HDB heartlands.

This is a specially curated route to showcase the evolution and development of Singapore over the past 51 years.

Bring your whole family, including your parents onboard, so they can reminisce about the good old days.

They will certainly be able to resonate with traditional eateries such as Boon Tong Kee and Original Herbal Shop at Balestier, and Hua Nam Restaurant at Thomson.

Image Credit: Makan Bus

It’s easier to strike conversations as you enjoy the food and nostalgic ambience with your family.

Who knows if these used to be their favourite haunts during their “paktor” days!

Discover yummy novel hawker food delights

While it’s obvious Makan Bus will bring you to yummy food places, you may be surprised at hidden gems within the heartlands.

Ang Mo Kio was the place I grew up in, and I thought I knew everything there. But I did not even know that there is a hawker stall selling sedap Mee Rebus Tarik for over 2 decades!

In case you are wondering, Mee Rebus Tarik is not prepared by simply “pulling” the noodles as the Malay word “tarik” implies.

Instead, the mee rebus is laden with satay gravy and served together with either chicken or mutton satay. Such an innovative twist to the signature mee rebus!

I have tasted different versions of our favourite Indian roti prata, with egg, cheese etc for enhanced flavour.

However, it was my first time trying out some Roti Tissue along Upper Thomson Road. The prata looked like an interesting thin piece of tissue (hence its name) as seen in the image above. This is a sweet crispy prata seasoned with sugar.

Hop on and off the bus whenever you wish, wherever you fancy

There is no limit to the number of times you can hop on and off the Makan Bus.

Your $28 ticket is valid throughout the day when the bus runs from 11am to 7.30pm.

Indeed, there were times when we were engaged in such interesting conversations with the guide that we missed alighting at the designated stop.

Just continue on the looped journey and alight where you wish to tuck into the good food in the desired area.

Furthermore, you do not need to alight if you don’t find anything you fancy. Unlike other expensive food tours where you don’t get to choose the food, this is a truly flexible tour!

Makan Bus definitely changes the way we can explore the hidden food joints and other untold stories of Singapore.

Bring your foreign friends on the Makan Bus tour and introduce them to life in the heartlands.

After all, this is a uniquely Singapore experience that they will not find at the usual tourist attractions. Besides, it is definitely more economical if you are travelling together in a group of 5 or more. Check out more details of this one-of-a-kind experience at Makan Bus!

(Featured image: Makan Bus)

Also, read 9 New Desserts So Wacky, You Need To Try Them At Least Once!

Because Parallel Parking Lots Suck, These Locals Are Turning Them Into Cool PopUps Tomorrow!

Looking for something unique and interesting to do tomorrow (16 Sept)? Look no further because tomorrow is Singapore’s annual PARK(ing) Day!

So What Is PARK(ing) Day?

(image source:
(image source: thegaltravels)

PARK(ing) Day was first introduced to our shores in 2013 by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA). PARK(ing) Day Singapore 2013 brought students from SUTD  and community members together to create ‘GREEN PARK(ing)’. A movement in MacPherson to increase road safety awareness.

In 2015, PARK(ing) Day Singapore saw 70 miniature parks popping up all over the island! A pop up barber and even ping pong tables were just some examples of the interesting parks being curated!

(image source: puresnow63)

This year, 78 local parking spots are turning into 52 miniature parks scattered all over the island! Look out for a mini carnival being erected along Sam Leong Road. Watch skits and even participate in some really retro carnival games! If you’re still really into Pokemon, check out the Pokemon-themed parks scattered between Kampong Glam and Bugis!

We love that URA and local Singaporeans are joining in on this global movement! It might only be a temporary event but it’s really exciting to see so many Singaporeans collaborating together. Transforming run of the mill parking lots into interesting spaces where people can gather, hang out and even participate in fun activities!

It might be too late to register for your own parking lot but you can still join in on the fun!

Want to find out more about the PARKs cropping up tomorrow? Check out the PARK Locations!

(Feature image: De rong)

Also Read: Gardens By The Bay Presents Yet Another Date Night Opportunity. Hint: It Ends This Week!

Gardens By The Bay Presents Yet Another Date Night Opportunity. Hint: It Ends This Week!

From 3 to 18 September, in conjunction with Mid-Autumn festival, Gardens by the Bay will be transformed into a whole new light.

With dazzling displays of elaborately handcrafted lantern sets, multimedia installation, nightly performances and many other amazing highlights, Gardens by the Bay’s event is one you must not miss. Check out the line ups for this exciting event happening at the Gardens!

1. Be Amazed By Giant Lantern Displays

Join in the spectacular display of lanterns at the Gardens this Mid-Autumn. Giant lanterns measuring up to 27 metres will be displayed at various locations in the Gardens.

Time: 7pm – 11pm daily
Location: Golden Garden, near Conservatories, Supertree Grove and Dragonfly Bridge

2. Stroll Through The Colonnade Of Lights

As you take a stroll along the Colonnade, appreciate the 4,000 colourful lanterns hanging above.

These paper lanterns are decorated by the community including local and international students and senior citizens.

Time: 7pm – 11pm daily
Location: Colonnade (Supertree Grove)

3. Be wowed by Ron Arad’s  720°

Brought in by the Singapore International Festival of Arts, be wowed by the massive installation by designer extraodinaire Ron Arad.

He presents 720°, a monumental outdoor video installation with great creativity. At 18 metres in diameter, the installation is made up of 5,600 silicon cords of over 37 kilometres in length.

Drop by the Meadow to experience this magical interactive stage.

Time: 7pm – 11pm daily
Location: Meadow

4. Indulge In A Hearty Spread

Not only will you get to feast on some of your salted egg yolk favourites, there’s even chilli crab mantous!

Indulge in your favourite Asian goodies and eat to your heart’s content while you soak in the festivities.

Time: 6pm – 10.30pm daily
Location: Colonnade (Supertree Grove)

5. Craft And Fringe Activities

Try out various activities from lantern decorating, calligraphy to guess the riddle at the craft booths. Do note that some activities are chargeable.

Have fun reliving your childhood decorating and making lanterns and put them to good use for the night!

Time: 7pm – 10pm daily **Chinese Riddles: 8pm – 9.30pm
Location: Supertree Grove

6. Enjoy Cultural Performances By Traditional Art Groups

Though Mid-Autumn festival is largely celebrated by the Chinese community, multi-ethnic groups will be putting up cultural performances at the Supertree Grove.

Themed “Moon | Conversations”, traditional art groups will be putting up performances ranging from evergreen Chinese songs to contemporary Indian music.

Time: Mon to Thurs 8pm to 8.45pm, Fri to Sun, 7pm to 7.45pm & 8pm to 8.45pm, *12 Sep (Mon): 7pm to 7.45pm & 8pm to 8.45pm
Location: Supertree Grove

There are so many events happening at the Gardens this Mid-Autumn Festival!

Don’t forget to bring those lanterns and relieve your childhood memories of celebrating Mid-Autumn Festival. If you’re still thinking of where to go during this year’s Mid-Autumn Festival, the Gardens is definitely one you must not miss out!

(All images are by Your Ultimate Guide To The Most Decadent And Epic Singapore F1 After Parties