Author: Jia Xuan Goh

Cycling Routes In S’pore Just Got Better – Round Island & Coastal!

Guess what? Cycling around Singapore will no longer be a dream. It will not be occurring anytime too soon but it is definitely happening in the near future. So start pumping on your leg days and prepare your calves for some action. With major cycling routes underway, we reckon you’re gonna be cycling…real soon!

Round Island Route – Cycle Around The Island!

The Round Island Route, a continuous 150km park connector that goes around the island is set to begin development work by the end of this year. Spanning three times the length of Singapore, most areas of this cycling routes will be 6 metres wide (the current park connectors are 4 metres), giving cyclist and joggers more space to exercise. It also reduces the risk of bike-related accidents.

The developer will also be jazzing up the cycling routes with amenities such as shelters, washrooms, bike parking lots and self-help bike repair facilities.

Inter-town Cycling Routes

Currently, the government plans to develop more inter-town cycling routes to connect commuters from their homes to the city. We should be able to see a Queenstown-City and Geylang-City routes soon. Towns such as Bishan, Hougang and Bukit Timah will also be connected to the existing cycling routes to the city.

We can’t wait for these cycling routes to be ready! For now, we just have to make do with existing cycling loops – in yellow, orange, pink, green, and blue. Do you know of other great cycling routes around Singapore? Do drop us a comment and let us know!

Also, read Cycle X Makan – 5 Best Food And Night Cycling Paths In SG

Wisma Atria Brings Japan To S’pore – Tsukiji Sushi To Wagyu Beef!

It’s not cheap to fly all the way to Japan for a food adventure. Don’t even get us started on the language barrier! But guess what? Japan Food Town will officially open its doors at Wisma Atria, Orchard on the 16th of July 2016! It’s about curating and bringing the best of Japanese food to our sunny shores!

We Singaporeans loveeeeee Japanese food. From takeaway sushi rolls, cook-it-yourself curry rice or the ‘I saved for moths for this piece of Kobe beef’, there’s always an occasion for Japanese food.

Image source: Japan Food Town

But how about authentic Japanese food? How many of us actually had proper artisanal sushi (not machine pressed rice with corn and mayonnaise)?

What is Japan Food Town?

Known for their deep fried pork cutlet (specifically Japanese black-haired pork, also known as kurobuta) served with homemade sauce, you sure can count on Anzu for your Katsu cravings. Everything is prepared from fresh Kyushu produce. They even grow the vegetables themselves!

2. Onigiri @ Bonta Bonta

Do not underestimate the Rice Balls (onigiri) at Bonta Bonta. Every grain of rice is carefully selected by a ‘Rice Sommelier’ and processed to the highest standards to qualify as Kinmemai – low-calorie brown rice with high nutritional value. Certainly a humble dish prepared with lots of effort and love.

3. Sake @ Dassai Bar

Hokkaido’s unique geographical location means access to the best flavours of both worlds – the sea and the land. You’ve heard people rave about their seafood (Hokkaido crab!!) and soba from the Tanjong Pagar branch. How about trying it for yourself at Japan Food Town?

5. Handmade Udon @ Inaniwa Yosuke

Ramen Ramen Ramen! Need we say more?? We’d love to let the broth do the talking but what makes Machida Shoten really special is their “Iekei” concept, which translates to noodles that are cooked to the diner’s specified softness or hardness. Personalised Ramen, bring it on!

7. 2 Michelin Star Hotpot @ Nabe Seizan

Feeling under the weather? Maybe a 2 Michelin Star hotpot (nabe) will pick you up. Helmed by Tokyo-born chef, Haruhiko Yamamoto, Seizan strives to bring out the true flavours of each ingredient rather than rely on sauces. Be blown away by this nabe.

8. Premium Teppanyaki & Wagyu @ Osaka Kitchen

Ever wonder what a ‘premium Teppanyaki’ experience is like? Just head to Osaka Kitchen for the finest wagyu on hot stove. While you’re at it, order Okonomiyaki (savoury pancake) and Yakisoba (fried noodle) for a true blue Kansai dining experience.

9. Fried Chicken @ Rang Mang Shokudo

This isn’t just ANY fried chicken. Tokyo’s Rang Mang Shokudo’s fried chicken is marinated in buttermilk for 6 hours. It is then double fried in low heat to bring out the umami, that desirable Japanese flavour. Pair it with their signature frozen lemon cocktail…that’s definitely finger licking good!

10. Mackerel @ Sabar

Started in 1997, this eatery operated on a simple motto – “good quality food with reasonable price”. Try their beef and vegetable buffet Shabu Shabu or Sukiyaki and you’ll understand the true definition of amazing quality food and reasonable price.

12. Sushi Takewaka from Tsukiji Market

At Yakiniku Heijyoen, their beef is treated like fine wine – only top quality black haired wagyu beef from Japan is used. Before the beef even sees the kitchen, it is first aged for tenderness to bring out a deeper concentration of beef taste. Beef lovers, this is a treat you don’t wanna miss.

15. Yomoda Soba

“Yomoda” means many things – carefree, fun, easy going, but most of all, it’s a word used for friends to see things on the lighter side of life. Boasting freshly made soba served with “Yomoda” hospitality at a surprisingly affordable price, this is the kind of place you’d want to visit with your family and friends.

With such a wide range of authentic Japanese food to choose from, which eatery would you like to try out first? You can bet that we’ll be heading down with friends & family. Let’s pen this new food town in our food bucket list!

Japan Food Town
Official opening date: 16 July 2016
Location: 4th Floor, Wisma Atria Shopping Centre, 435 Orchard Rd, 238877
Operating Hours: 11am-11pm daily
Website: Japan Food Town

Header image source: Pexels

For more Japanese food in Singapore, click here.
Also, read A Rundown Of What’s Cooking At Food Opera – 8 Stalls You Must Check Out!

What To Expect At The Singapore Favourite Food Village 2016!

Attention foodies, the Singapore Favourite Food Village (SFFV) is back! Themed “A Wok Through Singapore’s Culinary Heritage”, the festival will be held at Rochor Event Space (Bugis MRT Exit A) for a period of 10 days, from 22 – 31 July 2016!

In celebration of good food, visitors (free admission yas!) can expect a helluva unique variety of local dishes with over 20 culinary partners from three different school of thoughts – Old Favourites, Modern Take and On The Go.

Culinary Face Off: Old Favourites VS Modern Take

The key feature of this year’s festival is the culinary showdown between two dominant groups of culinary talents – the traditional Old Favourites and the avant-garde Modern Take. The two waves would be presenting their version of our local dishes, where the best part has to be getting visitors to taste before deciding on the winning dish.

On top of that, there will be food trucks and pop-up cafes dishing lip-smacking street food, live cooking demonstrations and street performances to keep the lively atmosphere going. We understand going through all 20 culinary vendors can get a little tough on your waistlines so listed below is are our top 5 picks of the festival.

1. Chilli Crab In Prata Bag by Big Street

Chilli Crab in Prata Bag sure does sound like a heavenly combination. The birth of this signature dish from Big Street however, is certainly not by chance. After many unsuccessful attempts at flavour experimentation and presentation, this uniquely Singaporean dish was created. Thank you Big Street.

2. Cow’s Taco Bowls by The Travelling C.O.W

A favourite at any food festival, we’re more than delighted to hear of Singapore’s first gourmet food truck, sous-vide!

3. Rainbow Churros by Churros Factory

We’ve had salted caramel churros, chocolate churros, cinnamon coated churros, but have you head of Rainbow Churros? Inspired by the traditional Nyonya 9 Layers Kueh, Jeremy Chiang, founder of 4. Fortune Food [caption id="attachment_10814" align="alignnone" width="439"] Image source: fortunefoodsg[/caption]

With a variety of dishes that include Popiah (spring rolls), Kueh Pie Tee, Nyonya Laksa, Muah Chee to Ayam Koro Bun (a braised chicken in a bun), 5. Souperstar [caption id="attachment_10815" align="alignnone" width="596"] Image source: souperstarsg[/caption]

The brain child of Fortune Food, Image source: SSFV[/caption]

Now who is excited for the end of the month? We know we are! No better time than the present to make a list of dishes you wish to try at the festival, eh? What is the dish you’d love to try the most? Drop us a comment and let us know!

Singapore Favourite Food Village – A Wok Through Singapore’s Culinary Heritage
Date: 22 – 31 July 2016
Time: 5PM-11PM daily
Venue: Rocher Event Space (Bugis MRT Exit A)
Ticket: Free admission
Website: Singapore Favourite Food Official

(All images in courtesy of Singapore Favourite Food)

Also read: Lobster Chicken Rice? Gastronomic Event STREAT 2016 Is Here!

Summer Sonic Festival – Party Like There’s No Tmr In Japan!

Always wanted to go for the Summer Sonic Festival in Japan but don’t know how to go about the ticketing process? Worry no more, because 2016 might just be the year you’ll cross Summer Sonic out of your bucket list thanks to GigOut!

Get your tickets now!

For those who’d love to attend the festival but can’t get past the Japanese (and Engrish) ticketing system, GigOut will make it very easy for you to attend the Summer Sonic this year.

All you have to do is download their GigOut app (Summer Sonic 2016
Date: August 20 & 21, 2016
Venue: Tokyo (Chiba Marine Stadium & Makuhari Messe), Osaka (Maishima Arena)
Website:
GigOut app:Facebook: GigOut/ Summer Sonic

Header image source: Choo Choo! JR East To Open Very First Overseas Japan Rail Cafe In SG

7 Types Of Singaporean Guys You Will Meet On Tinder

You know how the older you get, the tougher it is to meet new people? Whilst not everyone on Tinder is on it for the same reason as you may be, you have to admit that it does, in one way or another, ease the communication process. Plus, making the first move as a girl can get pretty stressful. What if the guy thinks you’re a freak?

Whether you’re looking to meet new friends, casual flings or to find The One, listed below are the 7 types of guys you’re bound to meet whilst swiping left. Yes, left.

1. The Animal Lover

Aww, how cute. And by cute, you’re talking about the Golden Retriever puppy the guy is cuddling with. The amount of guys featuring puppies in their profiles are ridiculously high you start to wonder if this is the latest ruse to get the ladies to swipe right. Sure, it’ll be great if he really is an animal lover and not one who borrowed his friend’s pup for a photo before grumbling at the amount of fur it left on his shirt.

2. The Hipster

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="400"] Source:

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="500"] Source: You flinch as soon as his face appears on his screen. Has Tinder ran of guys already? 

Since you need to enter your location to use Tinder, you’re bound to come across someone you’ve met. In this scenario, you’d either swipe right to have a laugh/secretly hope that it’s a match or swipe left praying he did not notice your profile.

4. The Check Out My Matching Pipes

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="426"] Source:

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="500"] Source: With more stamps on his passport than you have stickers on your Koi loyalty card, this dude has seen it all. Also. 95% of his profile photos will feature a mountain or lake of some sort. Well, the good news is, this jet-setter will have enough stories to keep you intrigued over your dinner date. Though on the downside, he may appear a little snobby as you know, he has seen the world.

6. The Clinger

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="322"] Source:

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="430"] source: He may be no Ryan Gosling, but there are some genuinely cool guys on Tinder who are looking for The One. They’re in to enjoy conversations and to find out more about you. It may be hard to find them but trust us, they’re definitely out there. Somewhere. Amidst the creeps.

(Header image source: The Gateway Online, words by editor)

Also read: Got A Minute? Here’s How You Can Save Yourself From A Disastrous Dining Experience

These S’porean Youths Are Realising Their Dreams, What About You?

Work culture in Singapore used to be all about that stable 9 to 5 office job. You’re either white-collared or blue-collared. Everyone aspires to be a professional, be it doctor or lawyer. Aspire to be anything else, and you’ll be laughed at.

Fast forward to 2016, with the rise of technology, the Internet, and social media, there’s a new definition of ‘work’, ‘job’ and ‘occupation’. Over the years, with more space and room for artistic expression, we’ve seen the rise of a bunch of extremely creative workers and youths. They’re breaking old structures and redefining their own future.

If you’re an aspiring singer who doesn’t know where or how to kick-start your career, here’s something that’ll interest you! Come and hear it from Inch Chua, Peter Huang and Nicholas Chim as they talk about becoming DIY Musicians.

Hear about their experiences performing around the world, and get tips on how you can establish yourself as an independent musician, like them.

Becoming an Independent Musician
Date: 2 July 2016
Time: 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Venue: *SCAPE Talent Hub, Gallery

Click here to sign up for the session

Wanna be a YouTuber? This could be your first step!

“Never limit yourself because of others’ limited imagination; never limit others because of your limited imagination.”- Mae Jemison

Join witty YouTubers Tree Potatoes (347k subscribers) and Butterworks (41k subscribers) who will showcase their collaboration with their mentees. Be blown away as they wow you with their talent and passion.

Wanna become a famous YouTuber? Tree Potatoes and Butterworks will also be conducting a sharing session, so do attend the session and you might be on your way to becoming one!

“Go out there and make films. You’ll never be ready if you don’t go out, shoot films and make mistakes.”- TreePotatoes

Pop Culture TDP Mentee Showcase & Mentor Sharing Session
Date: 3 July 2016
Time: 7:15pm- 8:00pm (Butterworks), 8:30pm-9:15pm (TreePotatoes)
Venue: *SCAPE Talent Hub, Gallery

Seats are running out fast! Click Journey to producing film [caption id="attachment_10418" align="alignnone" width="654"] Image source: to sign up!

Always wondered what silk screening is all about? Just head down to the silk screening station and give it a go! You’ll learn to burn and print your chosen design (a wide range is available!) onto a screen and cloth.

If you’d like to try something more quirky, get crafty with marbling art! Not sure what that’s about? In short, it’s a method that allows you to produce beautiful patterns similar to smooth marble. Let your creativity flow, you’ll never know what you can come up with!

Available from 1^st – 3^rd July
Time: 12:00pm-10:00pm
Venue: Between Wisma Atria and Ngee Ann City, Civic Plaza

Don’t miss this opportunity to define your own future

“Trust your instincts and be bold about following your dreams.”- ShiGGa Shay

Be blown away by the 96 youth mentees, discover your hidden talent, or find your life’s purpose, SHINE Festival will help you think big and dream big! It’s a must visit event, so grab your buddies, realise your dreams together, and conquer the world!

Take this step to create your future, one that is full of energy and passion, with like-minded youths. What better time than now?

Fun fact: Do you know that July is Singapore’s Youth Month and Youth Day is celebrated on the first Sunday of July?

SHINE Festival is also a kick-start to Youth Month – an entire month filled with exciting programmes and activities that will be held over the month for the Youths, by the Youths! Do look out for Stars of SHINE, as National Youth Council (NYC) goes on the hunt for the next youth inspiration!

SHINE Festival – #YOURNEXTSTAGE
Date: 1-3 July, 2016
Venue: Orchard Road, from Ion Orchard to *SCAPE Talent Hub
Facebook: Facebook Page. You can also stand a chance to win passes to 박재범 Jay Park (AOM)’s sharing session for the best dabbers. Be sure to come down to ‪#‎SHINEFest to chase your passion, ‪#‎YourNextStage is only a dab away.

https://www.facebook.com/shinefestival/videos/1020831411286773/

It’s all about letting your creativity take the next stage. Hit us with your best dab in our dab challenge, and stand a chance to meet Jay Park! Here’s how –

1. Post an Instavideo of yourself doing a dab while doing something you’re passionate about.
2. Tell us why you are passionate about what you’re doing and hashtag ‪#‎YourNextStage ‪#‎SHINEFest.
3. Challenge 2 other friends to better your dab by nominating them!
4. Only 3 winners stand a chance to win passes to a sharing session by Jay Park on 3rd July, so best dabs only!
5. Contest closes on 2nd July, so stay tuned for more deets!

This article is brought to you by Discover SG x National Youth Council.

McDonald’s So Smart, Everyone’s Queueing For Salted Egg Burger

The salted egg yolk trend has been around for quite a while already. Just when we thought we’ve seen it all, guess who’s hopping on the bandwagon? Behold salted egg yolk lovers cause McDonald’s is now dishing up the new Salted Egg Yolk Chicken Burger! Yes, you’ve heard it right. The hipster of all burgers is now available at McDonald’s!

Singaporeans love queueing

Considering that the queue for the Salted Egg Yolk Chicken Burger is insane – we counted about 40 heads in this picture, we’re not surprised if people start choping tables with tissue paper.

Get your hands on these burgers!

If you’d like to join the queue, get behind us! We kid. The new offerings are available after breakfast hours at all McDonald’s branches. If you’re just way tooooo lazy to queue, good news for you!

The new menu is available on McDelivery, while stocks last.

The new McD’s menu

With salted egg yolk sauce slapped on breaded chicken patty, topped with curry leaves and chopped lettuce, this juicy burger is priced at $5.75 for a-la-carte. For an Extra Value Meal that includes a medium sized fries and a small drink, prices start from $7.50.

The Salted Egg Yolk Chicken Burger is only available for a limited time starting from June 30 2016. It is also halal so if you’re planning a break fast dinner, you can add that to your dining list.

For the other delish items in the new menu, read more here, Salted Egg York Burger? Here’s A Look At McDonald’s New Menu!

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="720"] Source:

For McDonald’s outlets in Singapore, click here.

For McDonald’s delivery service, click here.

Also, read Watermelon Fried Rice In Singapore, Have You Tried It?

Mumsy Or Wifey? 25 Things All Married People Know To Be True

The vows have been written and wedding gown returned. Everything returns to normalcy and you’re starting to get a little worried about what’s going to happen after the honeymoon ends. How much will a couple change after tying the knot? Or will there be any changes at all?

We may be no marriage experts, but some of us have been dating for so long we’re basically married, so that counts for something, right? Whether you’re newly weds or couples in a long relationship, below are 25 behaviours you’re likely to be more than familiar with.

1. Total Lack of Privacy

You guys have actually made a couple of big decisions whilst in the shower and know the passwords to each other’s social media accounts. Privacy? Please.

2. Dealing with Money Woes

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="550"] Source:

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="530"] Source: Now that you’re married, wifey’s gonna show who’s the real boss. Just kidding. Hand over all your finances and you’ll be fine. Trust us.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="500"] Source: Whether it is leaving dishes in the sink or making savoury French Toast instead of sweet, you’ll learn something new about your partner now that you’re living together. Sometimes you’ll even feel like you’re married to a stranger. This leads us to…

5. Stories About People Murdered By Their Spouses Are Starting To Feel Real

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="480"] Source:

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="500"] Source: Not only do you accept them, you find their quirkiness adorable. And you love them just a little more for being themselves.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="403"] Source: Pinterest[/caption]

You fear for your entire marriage, especially after your first major argument. “What if he/she decides to get a divorce? What about our future?” Though these thoughts may be normal (and kind of sweet), it’s the making up that is important.

8. … Before Realising How Common Bickering Is

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="500"] Source: “Honey, I might have bought another bike.” If that fails to set her off, we’re pretty sure she’s got a pair of Louboutin hiding somewhere.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Image source: Sure, you may love and respect them (to a certain degree) but sometimes, it’s hard to agree with everything they say or do. To compromise or not to compromise, that is always the question.

11. Mumsy or Wifey?

“If your mum and I fall into the ocean at the same time, who would you rescue first?” Ahh yes, the famous question. Well, we say best to just send them both for swimming lessons. There. Problem solved. But assuming you’re living with the wife and she’s your partner in crime, we’re pretty sure mumsy will understand if you take her stand every now and then.

12. Making A Big Deal of Your First Anniversary

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="500"] Source:

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="480"] source: Also known as the source of 70% of your arguments, we’re sorry to say that we’ve yet to find a solution for this one. Read our articles for dinner ideas maybe?

14. Slowing Down Your Activities On Social Media

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="408"] Source: Your single friends give up trying to get you out of the house whilst your married friends are busy with their own lives. The photos on Instagram may look great, but hey, snuggling under the blankets with Netflix can be fun too.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="500"] Source: Sure, you still put in the effort to dress up for special occasions or date nights but on most days, comfort is key. Besides, the wife donning only a sports t-shirt can be sexy too.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="630"] Source: Gym? Ain’t nobody has time pho that! Since you no longer need to impress the wife, working out can be a harder commitment than marriage. On the bright side, 17. Making The Other Happy

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Source: Etsy[/caption]

From romantic dinners to planning a surprise vacation, you’d  still go the extra mile (in your sweat pants) to make your partner smile. Whoever said getting married means slacking off in the relationship has a lot to learn.

18. Netflix and Chill Becomes An Integral Part of the Relationship

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="350"] Source: The default question everyone asks at gatherings and occasions will be “how’s marriage?”.  If you’re lucky, they’ll stop at that question but some won’t stop until you give them some juicy gossip. So let your creativity run or you know, always have a set of standard answers in your pockets.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="500"] Source: The question almost every couple hates, you’ll answer them with a smile on your face but roll your eyes as soon as their backs are turned

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="350"] Source: You’re both not sure if you’re ready for a baby so maybe a pet first? If you can’t even find the time of day to walk your dog, you may then want to delay parenthood for just a little while longer.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="2714"] Source: Doesn’t really matter if you guys are ready, but parenthood will be something you and your spouse will be talking about. A lot. You’ll find yourselves reading parenting sites and looking at potential baby names instead of catching up on the latest online gossip.

22.  Discovering How Everyone Is A Baby Expert

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="2716"] Source:

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="550"] source: Somedays it gets tough. How could he do that and why she gotta be so rude? Doesn’t she know you’re human too?

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="500"] Source: Yes, married life may not be easy but it’s not never entirely bad! How awesome is it to have someone always there for you, to share your joys and sorrows?

Also read: You’ve Surely Gone Through These 10 Mind-Boggling Thoughts If You Have A Pet

The Singaporean Bucket List – 10 Challenges You Die Die Must Complete

Boy does time fly. With half of the year now gone, it’s time to do possibly to a mini reflection, to ask if you’ve done anything worthy of a #throwback post for your future social media feeds. Oh the troubles of millennials, are we right?

Seriously, though, if you’re looking to create worthy memories you can churn into bar talk, here’s a bucket list of 10 challenges to complete before the year ends.

1. Go On  A Solo Bike Trip

https://www.instagram.com/p/BFgfupiqljt/?taken-at=209931

You’ve heard about all the good things about Pulau Ubin. How about taking things up a notch and experiencing them through a solo bike tour? Rental bike shops are aplenty on the island and once you’re good to go, cycle along the dedicated cycling track into the wetlands and see for yourself the beauty of the island.

The off-road track (especially the uphill climb) might get a little tough for the inexperienced cyclists but trust us, the scenery is worth all the effort. A little tip from us: check out the 2. Re-Visit Haw Par Villa

https://www.instagram.com/p/BFeSY5Qyn2x/?taken-at=214263195

Got your A game on? Stand a chance to walk away with a bucket of St. Miguel/St. Miguel light. Not available on Mondays? Molly Malone’s Quiz Night
Day/Time: Mondays / 7:30pm
Address: 56 Circular Rd, Singapore 049411
Contact number: +65 6536 2029

5. Take Up The Escape Room Challenge

https://www.instagram.com/p/ryxZG3se21/?taken-by=renechong&hl=en

Think you’re the next Sherlock Holmes? Then it’s time to recruit your friends and take on an Escape Room challenge! The game objective is too simple: solve the puzzles and escape from a locked room within a given time. The difficulty levels and themes vary according to the type or rooms you pick.

We’re pretty blessed to have a variety of escape games available here in Singapore-,

6. Beach Hop At Sentosa

Do check out our Beach Guide before if you’re intending on planning a beach day out!

https://www.instagram.com/p/_wOYwrBFPa/?tagged=pahlawanbeach

https://www.instagram.com/p/BG3t57bCrZy/?taken-at=1371397

7. Hunt The Haunted

https://www.instagram.com/p/BGZNN0zluUi/?taken-at=912509

This is obviously not for the faint-hearted. You’ve probably heard of the Old Changi Hospital, but have you tried exploring the abandoned Fort Serapong,  and Old Tanglin Camp?

Whilst you’re at it, strap on a camera, film your adventure and make your very own ‘True Singapore Ghost Stories’. But remember, safety is of utmost importance and try to be respectful when visiting these places.

https://www.instagram.com/p/_drI69KWAk/?tagged=fortserapong

https://www.instagram.com/p/zUFYPnHi49/?tagged=neotiewestate

8. Try All Salted Egg Yolk Dishes

https://www.instagram.com/p/BGotSjhsDU-/?taken-at=164558236

One of the biggest food trend in Singapore this 2016 has got to be having the salted egg yolk in every dish. There is the  Xiao Long Bao, Croissants, molten Cheese Tarts, Lava Toast, Onion Rings, Ice cream, Prata and also the super addictive someone-stop-us-from-eating-more Salted Egg Yolk Chips.

How many of these have you ticked off from your gourmet list? We’re not sure if Salted Egg Yolk is here to stay but be sure to try everything whilst the fad lasts. Do try to space out your dishes as y’know, high cholesterol.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BD2hspWAXaz/?taken-by=explodingbelly

https://www.instagram.com/p/BDlCYJcgXeL/?taken-by=explodingbelly

9. Volunteer For A Cause

https://www.instagram.com/p/BCrFvpeG2XR/?taken-by=asdsingapore

Let’s be honest. When was the last time you did something without expecting any returns? (and we’re not talking about mandatory volunteer work that you had to do to earn CIP hours). So take this time to do something good this year and volunteer at one of our many volunteer organisations!

If you’re more of an animal person, check out . All in for gender equality? Sign yourself up at Volunteer Guide for a thorough list of organisations where you can contribute to.

10. Bungy Jump

https://www.instagram.com/p/BFgSJfRMe9O/?taken-by=renechong&hl=en

Doesn’t matter if AJ Hackett Sentosa has yet to open but according to their For those who are not too fond of free falling, there is also the Vertical Skywalk (used by Navy Seals, The Army and Hollywood), Skybridge and Giant Swings (swing side by side reaching 120km/hr) to keep your adrenalin going.  Do follow their Facebook page for the latest updates.

Did our list get you all fired up? Do tell us how many challenges you managed to tick off the list!

(Header image by AJ Hackett, words by editor)

Also read: It’s Now Or Never – Snag These 8 Best Lifestyle Deals This GSS

Choo Choo! JR East To Open Very First Overseas Japan Rail Cafe In SG

Train enthusiasts, cafe hopper, or lover of all things Japanese, we have great news for you! East Japan Railway Company (JR EAST) has just announced that they will be opening their very first out-of-Japan, tourism-themed cafe this November. And the best part of all, this ‘train’ will be arriving in Singapore!

Get your Japan rail passes at the cafe

Set to open their doors on the ground floor of Tanjong Pagar Centre, the Japan Rail Cafe will be a one-stop Japanese-experience for fans of the country. Besides dishing out yummy gourmet food and displaying kawaii items, prospective Japan tourists can also find information about lesser known regions of Japan and even purchase their Japan rail passes here. Now that sure is convenient!

Monthly menu and display updates

If you think this is just another ‘one visit and you’re done’ themed cafe, you’re missing out the fun here. The kawaii display items imported from Japan will be changed EVERY MONTH. The menu, which adopts the latest recipes developed by JR EAST’s F&B outlets in Tokyo, will also be updated on a monthly basis.

Workshops, pop-up booths, and seminars

On top of that, Japan Rail Cafe will also be hosting monthly workshops, and pop-up booths selling items from shopping malls inside JR EAST’s train stations. If you’re too broke to make a trip to the land of rising sun, you can experience Japanese culture at the seminars and get your Japanese (gift or souvenirs) here!

Get advice for your Japan itinerary

Planning the itinerary of an overseas trip can be a bit of a pain but we have a feeling that this cafe will be the perfect place to work on your Japan trip’s rundown. What’s better than having a local help you with your travel plans? At the Japan Rail Cafe, there will be Japanese service staff (fluent in English) who will introduce their home country to you.

2016 marks the 50th anniversary of Singapore-Japan Diplomatic Relations and having a cultural exchange in a casual setting sure is a great way to celebrate the relationship. #relationshipgoals

Japan Rail Cafe
Address: 5 Wallich Street, #01-20/21, Tanjong Pagar Centre, Singapore
Estimated opening date: November 2016

(Header image source: Wikimedia, words by writer)

Also read: Popular Nightspots – Unwind To Recommended Izakayas in Singapore