Author: Farhanah

(UPDATE) Neon Lights Festival Is Finally Back This November – Interpol And Yuna To Headline

Neon Lights Festival has been one of the biggest events on the local live music calendar. Since its inception in 2015, crowds have thronged to this festival to enjoy the biggest names in the world of indie music.

Unfortunately, this highly raved festival took a hiatus in 2017, for reasons yet unknown. With Foals, Sigur Ros and Crystal Castles having performed back in 2016, fans are definitely looking forward to another exciting line-up this 2018!

[caption id="attachment_36694" align="aligncenter" width="1875"] Image Credit: Neon Lights Facebook[/caption]

Guess Who’s Back, Back Again

A few days ago, Neon Lights finally updated their Instagram page which got all their fans excited again.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmuqTQVnjMR/?taken-by=neonlightsfestivalsg

We know you’ve been on the edge of your seats, praying for updates but good news is coming very soon! Neon Lights is finally coming back this November for a spectacular 3-day festival.

It’s time to camp in front of your laptops guys because we’re pretty sure their tickets will sell out in a couple of minutes.

[caption id="attachment_36693" align="aligncenter" width="750"] Image Credit: Misshapes Facebook[/caption]

Neon Lights is back this November, bringing you a music and arts festival that promises a selection of eclectic acts performing at this three-day event. Malaysia’s sweetheart Yuna and Indie Rock band Interpol will be headlining Friday and Saturday respectively.

The line-up following these acts include big names in the Indie world such as Cigarettes After Sex, The Vaccines, Sticky Fingers.

And for those hoping to #SupportLocal, homegrown acts like Mediocre Haircut Crew, FAUXE and Perk Pietrek have recently been added as well!

Fastest fingers first!

Tickets are available at Ticketflap and SISTIC right now, with early bird deals still available at $99.

Meanwhile, you can relive Neon Light’s 2016 music playlist Facebook

Also Read Take A Break From Crowds At The Singapore Night Festival At This Indie Pop-Up Market At SOTA

(Header Image Source: Neon Lights Facebook)

Swimming With Sharks And 9 Other Activities That Prove You Can Live Life On The Edge In S’pore

What to do in Singapore ah?

We’re sure that many of you might have asked this question at some point or another and wondered if Singapore is really THAT boring. Well, if you’re looking for something new and exciting, there are plenty of places to go in Singapore that offers a thrilling experience.

From breezing your way through a ninja warrior obstacle course to swimming with sharks, here are 10 activities you must check out if you’re a thrill seeker!

1. Swim With Sharks At S.E.A. Aquarium

Does the thought of swimming in waters full of sharks make you shiver? Fear not, because sharks are actually not as violent as we portray them to be.

At the Ultimate Marine Encounter: Shark Dive at S.E.A. Aquarium, you’ll get a chance to dive with over 100 sharks from 12 different species. The Shark Dive is great for adventurous thrill seekers with a passion for sharks and marine animals.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=27&v=TPiqveP1NhM

From swimming with sharks to strolling under the water or even an open ocean life, you’ll get to experience the thrill of interacting with these predators in a safe environment.

In this 30-minute programme, you’ll dive into their Shark Seas Habitat for the rare opportunity to get up close and personal with over 100 sharks across 12 different species, including the endangered scalloped hammerhead shark, silvertip shark and sandbar shark.

However, this activity requires a current SCUBA diving certification from a nationality or internationally recognized organization. So if you are an active diver, grab your wetsuits and channel your inner Steve Irwin.

Shark Dive (S.E.A. Aquarium)
Price: SGD150 (Adult) | SGD148 (Senior) *Adventure Cove Waterpark admission ticket is required
Sessions: Mon – Fri (1pm)

2. Ride The Waves At Wavehouse Sentosa

We’re not blessed with natural waves for surfing unlike Australia and Bali, but Wavehouse Sentosa lets you experience what it’s like to surf the waves.

For beginners, the Double FlowRider lets you learn the basics of flowboarding together with a friend. It’s also the more gentler of the two waves available at Wave House Sentosa, and is the first step to your exhilarating flowboarding experience. Even if you have never tried flowriding, don’t worry, there are instructors to guide you.

And for the more experienced surfers, the FlowBarrel creates endless barrelling waves that can rival those from international surf meccas.

Set on Siloso Beach at Sentosa, it’s also a great place to chill with drinks as you soak up the sun! 

Wavehouse Sentosa DoubleFlowrider
Price: From $35 (weekdays), $40 (weekends)
Sessions: Mon – Fri: 12.00pm to 9.00pm (last session starts at 8.00pm),Sat – Sun & Public Holiday: 11.00am to 9.00pm (last session starts at 8.00pm)
Website

Wavehouse Sentosa FlowBarrel
Price: From $30 (Mon – Sun)
Sessions: Mon – Sun & PH: 12.15pm to 8.45pm (last session starts at 8.15pm), Closed on Tues & Thurs
Website

3.  Water JetPack At Ola Beach Club

Ola Beach Club is home to Asia’s first and only water-propelled JetPack thrill ride.

These are water-propelled jetpacks that can elevate you up to 30 feet in the air. Basically, you’re flying thanks to controlled water pressure blasting you into the air.

The best part is you don’t need prior experience for this sport. So, strap in, engage the throttle, and up, up, and away you go!

JetPack (Ola Beach Club)
Price: $198 (45 Minutes), Top up of $60 for additional 15 mins
Image Credit: Bounce Inc Singapore[/caption]

The X-Park may be a tad bit smaller than the original to cater to children but it’ll still give you a good workout if you run through the course at full speed. And it’s quite the test of agility and balance, so don’t go writing this off as child’s play just yet.

Give it your best as you battle to be the last Warrior standing. Maybe we’ll see you on Mt. Midoriyama.

Check out the full course here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=uDiH60ScAcA

Bounce Singapore
Address: Cathay Cineleisure Orchard, 8 Grange Road, #09-01, Singapore 239695
Opening Hours: Mon-Thurs: 10am – 10pm, Fri: 10am – 11pm, Sat: 9am – 11pm, Sun: 9am – 10pm, *For Public Holidays: 9am to close
Price: General Access: $26/per person for 1st hour, $20/per person each additional hour
Website

5. Scale The Trees At Forest Adventure

For many of us, the last time we’ve gone on a high elements course probably dates back to our primary/secondary school camps. If you think obstacle courses are only meant for kids, think again.

Forest Adventure is back at Bedok Reservoir Park with an impressive new trail. Following a six-month overhaul, Singapore’s first and only treetop course is back and 40 per cent larger than before. With 69 crossings and six zip lines, it’s time to gear yourself up for the ultimate adventure.

The 2.5 hours tree top Grand Course is perfect for adults as you attempt to cross wobbly bridges in mid-air and Tarzan-swing from tree to tree!

Forest Adventure
Address: Bedok Reservoir Park,Bedok Reservoir Road, Singapore 479244
Opening Hours: Tue-Sun: 9.30AM – 6.30PM (closed on Mondays)
Price: Grand Course: $50 per pax, $46 for tertiary student (weekdays only)
Website

6. Go-Kart At The Karting Arena

Who says you need a driving license to get behind the wheel?

Channel your inner Lewis Hamilton and race your friends at The Karting Arena where there’s no pesky red lights to stop you.

The 500m track at The Karting Arena has nine turns, consisting of sweeping corners, a hairpin and a chicane (bends intended to slow drivers down). The friendly competition, shrieks of excitement and need for speed – everyone is almost guaranteed to have a ball of fun.

The Karting Arena
Address: 200 Turf Club Road, #01-01B The Grandstand, South Car Park Singapore, 287994
Opening Hours: 10am – 9pm daily, Closed on Mondays
Price: $38 (non-member, off-peak), $45 (non-member, peak)
Website

7. Bungy Jump at AJ Hackett Sentosa

AJ Hackett houses Singapore’s first and only bungy tower, standing 50m above the ground on Sentosa’s Siloso Beach.

There are 3 activities for you to choose from to get your adrenaline pumping. Drop and swoop on the Giant Swing with your family members or test your will and conquer your acrophobia on the 47m Bungy Jump.

The site also features the Skybridge, a 40m walkway with see-through sections. On it, is the Paulaner Sundowner Deck, which has the best sunset views in Siloso.

For those who prefer not to tempt fate, food and beverages are served al fresco, which is open daily, from 11am onwards. Siloso’s new landmark is also the perfect spot to grab a cold one by the beach!

AJ Hackett Sentosa
Address: 
Opening Hours: Mon – Thu: 11am – 8pm, Fri – Sun and Public Holidays: 11am to 9pm
Price: Bungy Jump: $139, Skybridge: $16
Website

8. Kayak/Canoe At Kallang Basin

If you’ve always wanted to try your hands at kayaking, canoeing or pedal boating, here’s your chance to do so.

Enter our very own Water Sports Centre. Catered for public and community use as well as for national athlete training, the Water Sports Centre offers a variety of canoes, kayaks and pedal boats for rent.

Pedal boats are ideal for beginners and children, while experienced kayakers and canoers can challenge the 500m long Regatta course.

Rental charges are as follow:

Water Sports Centre
Address:  8 Stadium Walk, Singapore 397699
Opening Hours: Mon –  Sun: 7:00am – 8:00pm, Public Holidays: 7:00am – 10:00pm
Website

9. Cable Skiing at Wake Park

Singapore Wake Park is the country’s only cable-ski park built in a lagoon at Singapore East Coast Park.

Promising all level of fun and challenges, the park features three cable-systems. One full sized cable system for the experienced riders and two straight-line system for the complete novice and intermediate riders from as young as six years old.

Instead of the traditional motorboat tow system, you hang on to to a handle suspended from a motorised cable high up in the air; they can control the speed and you can do huge loops around the lagoon – they even have an obstacle course!

Singapore Wake Park
Address: 1206A East Coast Parkway, Singapore 449891
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 10am to 10pm; Sat – Sun and Public Holidays: 9am to 9pm
Image Credit: Sentosa[/caption]

The MegaJump lets you replicate the experience of a free fall parachute jump with a 15m drop with a stunning view of ocean, jungle and white sandy beaches.

If you’re looking for some exciting aerial thrills and car rides, there can be no better place for you than Mega Adventure Park.

Mega Adventure Park
Opening Hours: Daily: 11am – 7pm
Address: Mega Adventure 10A Siloso Beach Walk, Sentosa Island  Singapore 099008
Website

Also Read Take A Break From Crowds At The Singapore Night Festival At This Indie Pop-Up Market At SOTA

(Header Image Source: S.E.A. Aquarium)

This Shop In Outram Sells Customised ‘Kim Zua’ Handmade By A 65-Year-Old Uncle

It’s that time of the year again. The strong smell of smoke fills the air which indicates the beginning of the Hungry Ghost Festival.

We’re quite the superstitious lot. From lucky numbers and urban legends to sticking to a few rules for Hungry Ghost month, we love indulging in the unexplained.

For the unacquainted, the Hungry Ghost Festival (also known as 7th month) is in full force, which is also the time when getai and kim zua companies enjoy their peak sales.

But just like many traditions, the practice of burning kim zua is slowly fading away and no longer practiced by the younger generation unless reminded by their older relatives.

However, this hasn’t stopped 65-year old Li Yao An who has been making and selling religious paper offerings at his shop for almost 40 years.

A Dying Trade

Nestled within a housing estate in Jalan Minyak, Li Yao An runs Yew Chye Religious Goods Trading. In this old neighbourhood, the only notable sign of activity is a small coffee shop beside it – its yellowed walls and chipped paint stand as a testament to its age.

He prides himself on making his own paper offerings by hand, unlike others who’d import the kim zua instead. Having being in the business since the 1970s, Li is a master craftsman in this traditional trade.

As I walked to the entrance, Mr Li looked up at me as he sat on on a stool working and flashed me his widest smile. He welcomed me with a question: “Were you the one that called me yesterday?”

Humble Beginnings

Prior to joining this business, Mr Li previously worked a multitude of odd jobs, ranging from a plumber to an electrician.

“I started doing this not out of choice. But because I’m not educated. It’s a skill I picked up from a guy in Chinatown”, he exclaimed as he moved about his workspace, stripping and bending bamboo which I then realised was used to make the skeleton for a paper effigy.

Mr Li starts his day as early as 4/5am and knocks off at 9pm everyday.

“I have a responsibility to my customers. I open everyday, 7 days a week. Because I agreed to take the business, so I open everyday to work”, he added.

Despite the long hours at work, one can tell how happy and passionate he is when it comes to crafting his own paper offerings by hand. He complained that it was back-breaking work but also added that he could not imagine doing anything else besides what he’s doing now.

As we began talking about his works from the past, his eyes widened and immediately got out of his seat to reach out for an old photo album that was stored within his stack of paper and brochures – an organised mess they say.

Just like a proud father, he said: “These are some of my favourite works!”

He flipped through the album and told us more about each photo.

“The most expensive one I’ve made was 13 golf club replicas. This man brought 13 golf clubs to me, and asked me to make replicas of all 13.”

Mr Li typically takes a few weeks to a month to finish each order as it involves a lot of thought for the creation process . However, if the end product isn’t satisfactory, he will redo the entire process because he believes that it’s his responsibility to deliver proper kimzuas to honor the dead.

Traditional Materials And Methods

40 years have passed but Mr Li still uses traditional method and materials from when he first learnt the trade. For instance, he has kept the type of paper consistent over the years. He also makes his own glue from rice flour as it is cheaper and saves him time from going out to buy whenever he runs out.

Mr Li also recycles the flyers he receives to make shoes for the dolls.

“Come I show you how to make. Very easy one!”

A 40 Year Old Journey

Much has changed over the years. Traditional kim zua includes houses and servants, while the more modern offerings include iPads, laptops, Rolex watches, and even treadmills.

“Uncle ah, then after this, who taking over your business?”

He paused momentarily and chuckled, “Not everybody can do what I do.”

“Nobody to pass it down to because nobody else knows or wants to learn how to do what I do.

Despite the rise of online stores that sells kim zua such as PO-PI.com.sg and STORE.KIMZUA.com.sg, Mr Li shared that he still has plenty of customers coming to him requesting for his service as “nobody else does what I do”.

Making paper offerings is not just a livelihood to him. It’s an art that he believes will die with him someday.

“I will do this for as long as I am able to walk and work, until the day it’s time for me to sleep”, he smiled to himself.

Yew Chye Religious Goods Trading
Address: 5 Jalan Minyak, #01-330, Singapore 161005
Contact No.: 6734 3389

Also Read Take A Break From Crowds At The Singapore Night Festival At This Indie Pop-Up Market At SOTA

(Header Image Source: Discover SG)

Sprucing Up Your BTO? Here Are 6 Affordable Furniture Stores That Are Not IKEA

You’ve got the keys to your BTO, so what’s next?

When it comes to sprucing up your new home, IKEA is typically the first place that pops into mind. There’s no doubt that it offers cheap furniture at decent quality.

However, this option is sometimes not ideal, because you’ve got to put the furniture together yourself (which can go terrible). Also, when friends and family start spotting the same furniture as you, it gets a little too predictable.

From online to brick-and-mortar (or both), these shops will be your new go-tos, serving up an array of stylish furnishings that won’t break the bank because who says you have to be rich for your home to look like a million bucks.

1. Second Charm

Going for a vintage or retro-style for your living space? Look no further with Second Charm!

Carrying vintage-retro furniture including antiques and collectibles, this is the perfect place to source for one-of-a-kind pieces that is bound to induce envy amongst your home visitors. Additionally, Second Charm also carries customised furniture and has even ventured into Scandinavian and Danish-inspired furniture.

With antique chairs looking like these, you will almost get a nod of approval from the old folks! These chairs will certainly create a tinge of nostalgia and homely feel to your living space – which is exactly how a home should be!

Alternatively, incorporate some quirkiness into your bedrooms with these century bedside cabinets. Only available in this particular mixed blue and white colour, these bedside cabinets definitely scream quirky, eccentric, and retro!

Do note that you will have to drop Second Charm an email on the specific measurements for your furniture in order to receive a quotation from them. Though it might seem troublesome, perhaps the thought of knowing that most of your furniture pieces are exclusively customised for YOUR home might make you think otherwise!

Second Charm
Address: Blk 21 Kallang Avenue, #05-165 Mapletree Industrial Building, Singapore 339412
Operating hours:  Tue – Fri: 11:30am – 5.30pm; Sat: 11:00am – 5:30pm,  Sun: 12pm – 5pm (Closed on Mondays)