Author: Ariel Sia

The Best Study Spots All Students Should Know About

One of the many things most Singaporean students can agree on is that we can never study where we are supposed to study. Classrooms are great learning places but they’re just not so great mugging spots. While there are some lucky students who can focus in the comfort of their own bedrooms, most students find that the bedroom is the worst place to study. Mainly because there is usually a bed in the bedroom and where there’s a bed, there’s sleep… and sleep and study do not really go well together (tried and tested).

We all know the must-haves to a good study spot, mainly; air-con, Wi-Fi, and power plugs. So, to help all the muggers out there, here’s a list of places with the essentials for a good mugging session:

Libraries

Libraries are one of the best places to go to if you’re mugging. There’re more than enough power plugs and tables to go around, the noise levels are kept to a minimum and the environment is generally clean and cosy. All libraries are air-conditioned and most of them have food places just around the corner, so you can grab a quick bite when you get distracted hungry. Below are the top 3 libraries that we think are awesome study spots:

Library @ Esplanade

The library @ esplanade is one of the quietest libraries in Singapore. The Esplanade, being a hub for performing arts and theatre, is frequented by very few people on weekdays, thus making the library a very peaceful place to study in. You won’t have to worry about being swarmed by large groups of school kids talking at the top of their voices, or toddlers running rampant among the bookshelves. A quiet atmosphere, coupled with great views, make the Library @ Esplanade the number one library to study at.

Library @ Esplanade
Address: 8 Raffles Avenue #03-01, Esplanade, Singapore 039802
Opening Hours: 11am – 9pm, daily
Wifi: Yes
Power Plugs: Yes
Aircon: Yes

Library @ Orchard

Being one of the newest libraries in Singapore, the facilities at Library @ Orchard are relatively new. Besides the cool architecture and new books, the library also has many seats available for reading and studying. Located near Somerset MRT station, Library @ Orchard is very accessible and is surrounded by many retail stores, perfect for a little shopping therapy to (escape reality) relieve the stress from studying.

Library @ Orchard
Address: 277 Orchard Road #03-12/#04-11 Orchard Gateway, Singapore 238858
Opening Hours: 11am – 9pm, daily
Wifi: Yes
Power Plugs: Yes
Aircon: Yes

National Library

The National Library is the largest library in Singapore. It houses both the Central Public Library and the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library. In this 16 storey building, you never need to worry about not being able to find a seat. The noise level in this library depends on the section and floor of the library. Avoid the children’s section if you’re looking for a quieter spot to study at. Other than that, the National Library makes a pretty decent study spot for students.

National Library
Address: 100 Victoria Street, Singapore 188064
Opening Hours: 10am – 9pm, daily
Wifi: Yes
Power Plugs: Yes
Aircon: Yes

Starbucks

Ahhh… Starbucks… One of the most well-known study and hangout spots in Singapore, other than McDonald’s. Comfy seats, power plugs, air-con and Wi-Fi, all the things needed for a productive study session. Not to mention, being able to sip on your favourite Starbucks drink while revising, makes the chore of studying just a little more bearable. Listed below are some Starbucks outlets that are open 24/7, for the hardcore students who study better at night.

Starbucks (United Square)
Address: 101 Thompson Road, #01-01 United Square, Singapore 307591
Opening Hours: 24 hours, daily
Wifi: Yes
Power Plugs: Yes
Aircon: Yes

Starbucks (Plaza Singapura)
Address: Plaza Singapura #01-53, 68 Orchard Road, Singapore 238839
Opening Hours: 24 hours, daily
Wifi: Yes
Power Plugs: Yes
Aircon: Yes

Starbucks (The Cathay)
Address: The Cathay #01-05, 2 Handy Road, Singapore 229233
Opening Hours: 24 hours, daily
Wifi: Yes
Power Plugs: Yes
Aircon: Yes

Starbucks (Raffles City)
Address: Raffles City Shopping Centre #01-46, 252 North Bridge Road, Singapore 179103
Opening Hours: 24 hours, daily
Wifi: Yes
Power Plugs: Yes
Aircon: Yes 

Starbucks (NUS University Town)
Address: Education Resource Centre #B1-01, 8 College Avenue West, Singapore 138608
Opening Hours: 24 hours, daily
Wifi: Yes
Power Plugs: Yes
Aircon: Yes
Accessible to the public 

Cafés

Besides libraries and Starbucks outlets, some students study better in cafés where they can mug and eat at the same time. For gluttons people like these, finding a good café that is mugging-friendly can be challenging. But don’t worry; we’ve already done the homework for you! Here are 3 cafes with air-con, Wi-Fi, power plugs and awesome food.

Do buy some food and drinks while you’re at the cafe, and make way for other customers if you really need to!

The Book Café

The Book Café is a cosy book-themed café, located along Robertson Quay. The interior is filled with many seats and sofas. Customers can browse through the books available on the shelves while they sip on a cup of freshly brewed coffee. Enjoy a plate of Eggs Royale with Smoked Salmon ($12.95) or a delicious Shibuya Toast ($10.50) while you study. The café also offers free Wi-Fi and has many power sockets available for their customers.

The Book Cafe
Address: Seng Kee Building, 20 Martin Road #01-02 Singapore 239070
Opening Hours: Sun – Thu: 8:30am – 10:30pm; Fri – Sat: 8:30am – 12am
Wifi: Yes
Power Plugs: Yes
Aircon: Yes

The Coffee Daily

Looking for a quiet café for an afternoon of mugging? The Coffee Daily is the perfect spot. With so much food on the menu, you’ll never stay hungry for long in this café. Tarts ($6.50), and waffles ($4.50) are available on the menu for a sweet treat while studying. Their coffee (a wide range) provides the added boost for concentration as well!

The Coffee Daily
Address: 75 Brighton Crescent, Serangoon Gardens Estate, Singapore 559216
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 12pm – 10:30pm; Sat – Sun: 9:30am – 10:30pm
Wifi: Yes
Power Plugs: Yes
Aircon: Yes

Five And Dime

At Five and Dime, you can find the most important thing that all students who study outside need in order to survive: stable Wi-Fi connection. The café also provides power plugs and free parking spaces for those who drive. Five and Dime also has different menus for different times of the day.

Feast on their sumptuous Big Brekkie ($22) at lunchtime or have their Beef Tataki ($15) for dinner. Meeting all the essential needs for a good mugging spot and serving delicious food at the same time, Five and Dime is definitely one of the most mugging-friendly cafés you can find in Singapore.

Five And Dime
Address: 297 River Valley Road, Singapore 238338
Opening Hours: Mon – Thu: 12pm – 12am, Fri: 12pm – 2am, Sat: 10am – 12am, Sun: 10am – 10pm
Wifi: Yes
Power Plugs: Yes
Aircon: Yes

With these study spots, you’ll know exactly where to go to chiong for your upcoming exams! Know any other mugging-friendly places? Let us know!

Also read: Study Spots In Town That Will Make Every Mugging Session A Conducive One!

7 Must Try Food Places At Ang Mo Kio – From Seafood To Desserts!

We’ve already named so many chill out spots and cafes in the Northern, Eastern and Western parts of Singapore, what else are we missing? Hmm…

Living in the heartlands of Singapore? Well, fret not, we didn’t forget about you! Think the Eastsiders have the coolest cafes? That means you haven’t explored your neighbourhood enough. But don’t worry because we’ve already done the exploring for you! Here are 7 delicious food places in AMK that are way cooler as awesome as the ones in the East.

1. Twenty Grammes

For a nice tea time spot to chill and hangout at, Twenty Grammes is definitely on the top of the list. Offering up delicious cakes, savoury waffles and divine coffee drinks, Twenty Grammes is the place to be if you have a soft spot for dessert. Besides their well-known Belgian + Charcoal yuan yang waffle ($15), Twenty Grammes also offers a wide selection of coffee ($3.50 – $5), tea ($4.90) and salads ($13.90).

Twenty Grammes
Address: 529 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10 #01-2353 Singapore 560529
Tel: +65 6816 1916
Opening Hours: Daily, 12pm – 10pm

2. Murphy’s

With a history dating back to 1967, Murphy’s started off as a humble café in Hitchin, United Kingdom. Well known for its award winning fish and chips, café owner Matthew Chun decided to bring the divine recipe to Singapore. Besides the signature fish and chips ($16), Murphy’s also serves burgers ($15) and many kinds of pastas ($15 – $17).

Murphy’s also has an all-day-brunch menu, suitable for people who believe that toast and eggs should not just be eaten during breakfast. With such an extensive range of food under their belt, you’ll definitely shop eat till you drop!

Murphy’s
Address: 532 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10 #01-2495, Singapore 560532
Tel: +65 6452 9863
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri 11am – 3pm, 5pm – 10pm; Sat & Sun 10am – 10pm

3. GRUB

Located at the heart of the Bishan – Ang Mo Kio Park, GRUB is a treasure trove filled with food that will satisfy all tummies (and wallets too!). With 3 different menus at different times of the day, you’ll always have something new to try. Besides serving savoury main courses such as the famous GRUB double cheeseburger ($18), GRUB also has a wide range of coffee on their menu.

Whether you’re looking to have a family dinner or a coffee date with a friend, GRUB is definitely one of the must try food places in AMK.

GRUB
Address: 510 Ang Mo Kio Ave 1, Singapore 569983
Tel: +65 6459 5743
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri 11am – 3pm, 5:30pm – 10:30pm; Sat, Sun & PH 9am – 4pm, 5:30pm – 1030pm

4. Double Scoops

What’s better than having gelato on a hot day? Well, having gelato with waffles, of course! Less than a year since its grand opening, Double Scoops has already scooped up the hearts of dessert lovers living in the central parts of sunny Singapore. Besides the usual gelato flavours (vanilla, chocolate, strawberry etc.), Double Scoops also has other flavours that we’re sure you’ve never tried before, such as cotton candy, sea salt gula melaka and even Yakult. Yup, you heard that right. Yakult flavoured gelato.

Speaking about flavours, have you ever had gelato on top of a charcoal flavoured waffle ($8.70)? Or a cotton candy flavoured ice cream shake ($6)? At Double Scoops, with such a diverse range of flavours to choose from, you’ll wish you discovered this gem sooner.

Double Scoops
Address: Block 226A Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1 #01-627 Singapore 561226
Tel: +65 6452 0208
Opening hours: Sun – Thurs 12pm – 10pm; Fri – Sat 12pm – 11pm

5. Rainbow Cottage Cafe

Looking for the perfect place to satisfy that sweet tooth of yours? Look no further, Rainbow Cottage Cafe is here! Located along the streets of Ang Mo Kio avenue 10, Rainbow Cottage Cafe is one of the most homeliest cafes you’ll ever step into. Decorated with cosy furniture and cute paintings on the walls, the cafe will make adults and kids of all ages feel at home. The mouth-watering cakes on their menu is sure to delight everyone. From their eye-catching Rainbow Paddlepop Cheesecake ($7.50) to their Waffles and Gelato ($7.50), you’re sure to find your favourite dessert from this hidden gem in Ang Mo Kio.

Besides serving up delicious cakes in their store, Rainbow Cottage Cafe also provides cake catering and delivery services. Order up a batch of fresh cupcakes for your special baby shower or a whole box of unique macarons for a wonderful birthday surprise. Whatever the occasion is, the cakes from Rainbow Cottage Cafe will definitely stand out from the crowd.

Rainbow Cottage Cafe
Address: 452 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10, #01-1777, Singapore 560452
Tel: +65 6451 2483
Opening Hours: Daily 11am-9:30pm

6. Mellben Seafood

Calling all crab lovers! This is one seafood place you don’t want to miss! Mellben Seafood, located at the heart of AMK, serves delicious crabs. Their legendary Crab Bee Hoon ($55/kg) features a mouth-watering, earth-shattering sauce that brings customers back for more. The restaurant also serves Singapore’s signature dish: Chili Crab ($55/kg) and many other types of crab.

The queue for a table can get very long, even on weekdays. Our tip: make a reservation before heading down. However, the restaurant does not take reservations for weekends, so arrive early to secure a table if you’re planning to go on a weekend. Don’t worry if you get caught in the queue though, because as we Singaporeans know, “Good things must wait!”.

Mellben Seafood
Address: 232 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3, Singapore 560232
Tel: +65 6285 6762
Opening Hours: Daily 4:30pm – 11pm

7. Canopy Garden Dining

As the name suggests, the Canopy Garden Dining is a restaurant located beneath the canopy of the Ang Mo Kio – Bishan Park. Have brunch while enjoying nature and sip on delicious fruit juices as you take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Tickle your taste buds with desserts such as the Apple Crumble ($13) and Sticky Date Pudding ($13) or fill your tummy with savoury main courses such as the Yoroshire Pork Rack ($26) and Sakura Chicken ($26).

The restaurant also has a pleasant range of eggs available in their brunch menu. From the classic Eggs Benedict ($16.80) to the heavenly Eggs Sardou ($22.80), you’re bound to have an eggcellent brunch.

Canopy Garden Dining & Bar
Address: Bishan Park 2, 1382 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1, Singapore 569931
Tel: +65 6556 1533
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri 9am – 10pm; Sat, Sun & PH 9am – 11pm

There you have it! 7 cool and yummy places to eat at in AMK. Bring your families and friends, especially your eastside friends and let them be jealous awed by the awesome food we have at AMK!

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Under SGD500 – 5 Nearby Places For A Weekend Getaway

Have you been wishing to spend a leisurely weekend by the beach, sipping on cool drinks and getting that dream tan? Or are you itching for some retail therapy to relieve all the stress from work? Well, here are 5 destinations for that perfect weekend getaway, in just under $500!

Hanoi Halong-Bay, Vietnam

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Things to do:

Famous for its abundance of limestone islets and pillars, Halong Bay is a popular tourist destination. Boats are allowed to sail into the many limestone caves along the bay, giving tourists a chance to learn about these stunning limestone structures. Not only will you be away from the hustle and bustle of city life, but sailing down Halong Bay will also bring you closer to Mother Nature than you’ve ever been before.

https://instagram.com/p/BENXVdViXoA/

Getting there:

There are many flights going to Vietnam that cost anywhere from $115 to $300. Average cost: $151 for a round trip flight from Singapore to Vietnam. No stopovers, via VietJet Air (going there) and JetStar (coming back). The average flight time from Singapore to Hanoi is around 2 hours.

Accommodation:

There are many Airbnb places available for immediate booking. Most Airbnb homes also provide amenities such as air conditioning, wireless internet and breakfast, at a cost as low as $16 per night!

Bangkok, Thailand

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Things to do:

Is retail therapy your way to relieve stress? Well, we’ve got the perfect destination for you! Stroll down streets filled with all kinds of clothes and souvenirs in Bangkok. Bangkok is most famous for its markets and the Chatuchak Weekend Market is one of Thailand’s most well-known tourist destinations. Items on sale are affordable. With some bargaining, prices can be pushed even lower. With more than 8,000 market stalls, you will need more than a weekend to finish shopping.

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Getting there:

There are many flights going to Bangkok daily, most of them ranging from $190 to $220. Average cost: $191 for a round trip ticket from Singapore to Bangkok via AirAsia. The flight time from Singapore to Bangkok is about 2 hours and 30 mins, just enough for a nice nap!

Accommodation:

There are many rooms on Airbnb that cost as low as $14 a night and entire apartments with a price range from $30 to $50 a night.

Bali, Indonesia

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Things to do:

Imagine a weekend by the sea, with a glass of ice cold lemonade in hand, feeling the sand seep through your toes and the wind blowing through your hair. Well that imagination could be a reality in Bali, Indonesia. With more than 20 luxury resorts in Bali to choose from, booking a weekend by the beach is just one click away. Activities such as windsurfing and kite surfing are also available and many scuba diving enthusiasts also travel to Bali for its well known scuba diving and snorkelling spots. With the sun, sand and sea, Bali is definitely one of the best places to go to for a relaxing weekend getaway.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BEBH1YKIfEo/?taken-by=explorebali

Getting there:

The cost of a direct flight from Singapore to Bali ranges around $200 to $250. Average cost: $215 for a round trip ticket to and from Bali via TigerAir. The average flight time from Singapore to Bali is around 2 hours and 30 mins.

Accommodation:

There are many hotels by the beach that cost $50 a night and apartments on Airbnb that cost $20 a night. Most accommodations also come with amenties such as breakfast and free wifi.

Boracay, Philippines

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Things to do:

Located at the south of Manila, Boracay is jam packed with many award winning beaches and is the number one spot to enjoy tranquillity. There are also many other activities to do in Boracay such as Paragliding, snorkelling, horse riding, kite surfing, and cliff diving. These activities make Boracay an ideal travel destination for everyone, from sporty gym nuts to people who are just looking for a relaxing stay by the beach. Night activities are also available so the fun and relaxation never stops. With so many things to do, you will never get bored!

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Getting there:

There are a number of ways to get to Boracay. Direct flights are available from $99 to $158 via airlines such as TigerAir. Average cost: $99 (departure flight) + $108 (return) = $207. The average flight time from Singapore to Boracay is about 3 hours and 45 minutes.

Accommodation:

There are many apartments and rooms available for booking and most of these accommodations cost around $20 to $50 per night, depending on the size and location of the apartment.

Phuket, Thailand

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Things to do:

For a nice sightseeing getaway, head down to Phuket over the weekend. With so many museums and attractions, you will be wow-ed over and over again by eye-opening sights and monuments. Forested hills and cliffs are open for exploration, and tour packages, where guides lead visitors around the forests, are available. Besides sightseeing and exploring forests and mountains, tourists can also spend their time shopping or relaxing by the beach. All you need is a weekend to be fully recharged and loosened up.

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Getting there:

There are many flights departing for Phuket from Singapore daily. A round trip flight ranges from $140 to $200 and can be booked online easily.  Average cost: $141 for a round trip ticket to and from Phuket via AirAsia. The average flight time from Singapore to Phuket is around 1 hour 45 minutes.

Accommodation:

It is easy to find apartments in Phuket and they cost as low as $14 per night for a private room, to $27 a night for an entire apartment.

With the five destinations above, doesn’t a weekend getaway under $500 sound easier than you thought? Well, what are you waiting for? Get booking now!

(Header image credit: How To Survive 30 Days In Korea (Seoul & Jeju) With Just S$60 Per Day!