Author: Junru Tan

8 Alternative Venues To Hold A Unique Wedding In Singapore Under $20K 

Ideally, marriage only happens once in a lifetime. Therefore, we approach wedding planning with utmost seriousness. Every couple has a dream wedding in mind, from the theme to the location and the wedding dress. We all want to have a perfect wedding.

But with the high costs of living in Singapore, planning a wedding can be taxing on the wallet.

Instead of traditional hotel banquets, we can consider alternative wedding venues. These locations allow you to be more creative in coming up with new concepts that are not only aesthetically appealing, but also more economic.

If you’re getting hitched and have a tight budget, here are some affordable alternative wedding venues in Singapore to fit a guest list that ranges between 50 to 395 guests.

1. Grand Shanghai Restaurant

With its dark wood-polished floors, vintage ceiling fans, and ornate lamps and lanterns, Grand Shanghai offers an exotic location that stands out from your usual Chinese restaurant.

This venue offers ample space to comfortably fit 200 guests while keeping to the $20K budget.

The spacious floor plan also allows in-house jazz performances, and guests can dine in luxury and be delighted with traditional Shanghainese delicacies, such as Wuxi short ribs, braised ‘lion’s head’ and Peking duck.

Grand Shanghai Restaurant
Address: Grand Shanghai Restaurant, Level 1 King’s Centre, 390 Havelock Road, S169662
Price: One table starts at $899++ (min. 20 tables)
Capacity: 200 – 260 guests
Tel: 6836 6866
Website: Credit: Credit:

3. Fu Lin Men @ Jurong Country Club

This country club has been an understatement for years.

Apart from its lush greenery, Jurong Country Club is one of the many awesome alternative wedding venues with an affordable wedding reception.

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4. Vineyard @ Hort Park

With Singapore’s humid weather, tying the knit out in nature can be tricky. That’s why picking a location that comes with both indoor and alfresco setting solves the simple problem.

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5. Masons @ Gillman Barracks

Housed in a 1930s colonial black and white bungalow, the Masons carries a sophisticated vibe that is charming and alluring.

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With its lush greenery and open grounds, this alternative wedding venue is perfect for a garden wedding or an intimate vintage-themed ceremony indoors.

Whether you want an international menu or buffet dining, the dedicated event team at MASONS can ensure a smooth sailing wedding that matches your budget. Wedding packages begin at $8,000 for 50 guests. To fit a $20K budget, just make sure your number of guest falls below 100 pax.

MASONS
Address: 8 Lock Road, Gillman Barracks, S108936
Price: $8,000++ for up to 50 guests
Capacity: 50 – 150 guests
Tel: 8222 3875
Email: [email protected]
Website: Credit:

7. Republic of Singapore Yacht Club

Fancy holding a reception by the sea?

Well, check out Singapore’s very first yacht club. It’s the perfect choice for a romantic sunset wedding with 240 guests or less.

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Couples may choose between a chic indoor celebration at the Nautical Ballroom and a charming alfresco solemnisation by the sea at the Foreshore Deck.

Choosing the Chinese package will allow you to hold a wedding dinner for 240 pax or less while the international buffet option complies up to 395 guests.

Whether you opt for an 8-course Chinese dinner or an international buffet dinner, you can expect a scrumptious feast by magnificent views of yachts and marine.

Republic of Singapore Yacht Club
Address: 52 West Coast Ferry Road S126887
Price: Solemnization packages start at $1,288++ (max. 30 pax) / Chinese packages start at $788++ for one table (min. 10 tables) / International Buffet packages start at $48++ per guest (min. 100 pax)
Capacity: 100 – 250 guests
Tel: 6768 9297 / 292 / 294
Email: [email protected]
Website: Republic of Singapore Yacht Club

8. Tanjong Beach Club

It’s summer all year round in Singapore and where better to hold a beach-themed wedding than at our sun kissed country?

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Website:

Also, read 8 Enchanting & Secret Photography Spots You Never Knew Existed

Here Are The Best Hawker Centres In Singapore For Delectable Local Fare

Singapore is known as a food haven by many. As a multiracial and multicultural country, we are blessed with a huge variety of food from all around the world.

Whether you’re a local or a tourist, the best places to experience authentic local dishes are at the best hawker centres where our favourite food is priced at its lowest.

At Discover SG, we have rounded up the best hawker centres offering popular local dishes you can find in Singapore.

1. Geylang Serai Food Centre

If you love spicy food or the Malay culture, you’re in for a treat at Geylang Serai Food Centre. 

Also, try the classic homemade Chendol dessert from Cendol Geylang Serai to end your meal on a refreshing note.

Geylang Serai Food Centre
Address: 1 Geylang Serai, S402001
Stalls to try:
Cendol Geylang Serai: #02-107
Hajjah Mona Nasi Padang: #02-166
Nearest MRT: Paya Lebar

2. Chinatown Complex Food Centre

Located in the heart of Chinatown, this five-storey building comprises of 226 cooked food stalls serving mainly Chinese food, and 477 market stalls selling anything from clothing to ancestral worship items.

From the spectacular claypot rice to flavourful Cantonese pork porridge, Chinatown Complex is definitely worth a trip. You’ll get to experience the best local food across dialects and cuisines.

Chinatown Complex Food Centre
Address: 335 Smith Street, S050335
Stalls to try:
Lian He Ben Ji Claypot: #02-198
Xiu Ji (Ikan Bilis) Yong Tau Fu: #02-88
Tian Tian Pork Porridge: #02-185
Nearest MRT: Chinatown

3. Maxwell Road Hawker Centre

Looking for a convenient and affordable location to grab a bite around CBD area? Maxwell Road Hawker Centre is the place!

Credit: eatbook.sg[/caption]

As this hawker centre tends to get really crowded during lunch hour, you should try and avoid that period or drop by earlier to score a seat.

Maxwell Road Hawker Centre
Address: 1 Kadayanallur Street, S060000
Stalls to try:
Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice: #01-10
Special Shanghai Tim Sum: #01-92
Maxwell Fuzhou Oyster Cake: #01-05
Nearest MRT: Chinatown

4. Old Airport Road Hawker Centre

Voted the best hawker centre in Singapore, Old Airport Road Hawker Centre is the one-stop location to satisfy all your cravings for local dishes.

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It houses the highest number of famous food stalls in the city, such as the legendary Nam Sing Hokkien Noodle, Lao Fu Zi Fried Kway Teow, and Toa Payoh Rojak.

Also, read Blast From The Past: 7 Nostalgic Old-School Food Spots That Your Grandparents Dined At

Blast From The Past: 7 Nostalgic Old-School Food Spots That Your Grandparents Dined At

Singapore is labelled as a food haven where a huge variety of delicious international cuisines are offered and readily available for residents. Furthermore, the city’s architecture even pays tribute to food, such as the durian-shaped Esplanade theatre.

Singapore’s food-centric culture began way before you and I were even born. From street side hawkers to exclusive western restaurants, our parents and grandparents were the first to experience those glorious days and yummy food.

Fortunately for us and the younger generations, some of these shops are still in business, continuing to serve authentic dishes that the older generations once had. Without further ado, here are 7 food vendors and restaurants that have been around since our grandparents’ era.

1. Yet Con Restaurant 逸群雞飯

Situated along Purvis Street, Yet Con Restaurant has been serving authentic Hainanese chicken rice since the 1940s. It was also recognised as Singapore’s oldest Hainan restaurant.

The two-story building has a kitchen on the bottom floor and an air-conditioned dining area on the top floor. This legendary store is most well known for serving murtabak, a giant dough pocket stuffed with minced meat and egg, and fried to a golden crisp.

A few recommended dishes are the Mutton Murtabak ($8) and Chicken Masala ($3.50).

Singapore Zam Zam Restaurant
Address: 697-699 North Bridge Road, S198675
Operating hours: 7 am to 11 pm daily

5. Chin Mee Chin Confectionery 真美珍茶室

We have no shortage of traditional kaya toast and egg breakfast in Singapore. However, Chin Mee Chin Confectionery definitely tops the rest with its ascetically pleasing marble tables—perfect for a photo backdrop—and nostalgic atmosphere.

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9 Incredible Yu Sheng To Toss So You Get Good Luck In The Year Of The Rooster

It wasn’t too long ago that we bade goodbye to 2016 and welcomed 2017. In the blink of an eye, Chinese New Year is fast approaching, and those who celebrate it can welcome a ‘new year’ again. Traditionally, Chinese New Year activities involve aiaving a reunion dinner with family, tossing Yu Sheng, giving red envelopes, and visiting relatives’ houses.

During the festival, Yu Sheng, a raw fish salad, is eaten by families. Originating from the Cantonese phrase ‘Lo Hei’, which means ‘tossing up good fortune’, the prosperity salad symbolises an ‘abundance of wealth and long life.’

Here are 9 places in Singapore where you can enjoy this colourful salad.

1. Man Fu Yuan @ InterContinental Singapore

Usher in the Year of the Rooster with an exquisitely crafted Yu Sheng.

The Fullerton Hotel
Address: 1 Fullerton Square, The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, S049178
Prices:
Jade’s Reunion Set Menu (Dine-in): from $68++ per person, for a 5-course menu.
Eight Happiness Gold Rush Yu Sheng (Takeaway): $94.16 (serves 6-8 pax) / $136.96 (serves 9-12 pax)
Available from 2 January to 11 February.
Tel: 6877 8911 / 8943
Email: [email protected]
Website: The Fullerton Hotel

4. Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant @ Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel

Looking for a unique Lo Hei gastronomic experience? Check out Wan Hao’s CNY menu for a list of exquisite prosperity Yu Shengs.

These salads include decadent options such as caviar, scallops, lobster, black truffle, and even a chicken bak-kwa flavour. Additional servings of salmon, tuna, scallop, abalone and lobster are available upon request.

Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant
Address: Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel Level 3, 320 Orchard Road, S238865
Prices: 
Caviar Yu Sheng: $258 (L)
Black Truffle Vegetarian or Chicken Bak-Kwah Yu Sheng: $68 (S) / $136 (L)
Sliced Abalone & Crispy Fish Skin Yu Sheng: $88 (S) / $176 (L)
Available from 9 January to 11 February for both takeaways and dine-ins.
Tel: 6831 4708
Website: Credit: Pan Pacific[/caption]

The Flourishing Wealth Reunion Yu Sheng, a Rooster-shaped platter, is the star of the show, featuring fresh Boston lobster, Norwegian salmon and surf clams.

Hai Tien Lo
Address: 7 Raffles Blvd, Level 3, Marina Square, Pan Pacific Singapore, Pan Pacific, S039595
Prices:  
Flourishing Wealth Reunion Yu Sheng: $88+ (serves 4-6 pax), $168+ (serves 7-10 pax)
Fortune Yu Sheng: $58+ (serves 4-6 pax), $98+ (serves 7-10 pax)
Available from 9 January to 8 February for both takeaways and dine-ins.
Tel: 6826 8240
Website: Hai Tien Lo

5. Goodwood Park Hotel Singapore

Perhaps you’re sick of the usual Yu Sheng. Why not try something fusion at Min Jiang, where they serve the popular Cantonese dish with wild arugula salad and a homemade creamy plum sauce?

7. Gourmet Carousel @ Royal Plaza on Scotts

Inspired by Singapore’s heritage, the Rice of the Phoenix Yu Sheng is a rendition of the iconic chicken rice dish.

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Golden Peony
Address: Two Temasek Boulevard, Conrad Centennial Singapore, S038982
Price:
Fortune 3D Fiery Rooster Yu Sheng (Dine-In): $888.00++ (30 persons & above)
Fortune Salmon and Crispy White Bait (Takeaway): $68 (S) / $128 (L)
Fortune Abalone and Salmon (Takeaway): $98 (S) / $178 (L)
Fu Lo Shou Tri-star with Lobster, Abalone and Salmon (Takeaway): $118 (S) / $218 (L)
Available from 10 January to 11 February.
Tel: 6432 7482
Email: [email protected]
Website: 

Also, read NEWSFLASH: Beat the Jam to JB this Chinese New Year!

2017 Countdown: 12 Fabulous Parties So You Can Bid Goodbye To 2016 In Style

With 2016 coming to an end, it’s time to welcome the New Year with a bang. No matter how the past year has been for you, the last day of 2016 still calls for a celebration. DiscoverSG has rounded up a list of 13 places in Singapore for you and your fellow comrades to enjoy a kickass 2017 countdown party!

You can look forward to a memorable night of fun. From feasting to partying under the stars, there’s something for everyone.

1. 1919 Waterboat House @ The Fullerton

Located within a historical building, 1919 Waterboat House offers one of the best views of the city’s fireworks display.

3. Empress Lawn

Looking for a laid back night? Look no further! There’s something for everyone at the Empress Lawn this 2017 countdown.

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4. Marina Barrage

Surrounded by iconic landmarks, Marina Barrage presents a magnificent view of Singapore’s cityscapes and the fireworks display.

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7. High on Celebration Cabin @ Faber Peak

Have your own private New Year’s Eve 2017 countdown party in the sky on the Mount Faber line.

The package includes a platter of party snacks and champagne, and the opportunity to relish the sensational close-up display of fireworks.

Faber Peak
Address: 109 Mount Faber Road, Faber Peak S099203
Price: $488++ per cabin (up to 6 guests)
Tel: 6377 9688
Official website: Faber Peak Singapore

8. Dance in the Park! @ Universal Studios Singapore

On the night of 31 December 2016, this kid-friendly magical event will be filled with LED street acts and performances.

9. The Float @ Marina Bay

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with celebrities at the ‘Rock On! 2017 Countdown Concert’.

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10. Hard Rock Cafe Singapore

Usher in the New Year in style with rocking performances by acoustic band Ngak and friends and reggae band Bushmen.

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As 2016 is coming to a close, celebrate the joyous occasion with a delectable five-course meal and free flow of alcoholic drinks at Hard Rock Cafe Singapore. Please note that reservations are required.

Hard Rock Cafe Singapore
Address: 50 Cuscaden Road #02-03-01 HPL House S249724
Time: 8pm to 1am
Price: $200.00++ per person (includes a five-course dinner and free flow alcoholic beverages)
$90.00++ per person (includes free flow alcoholic beverages)
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +65 6731 4809 or +65 6731 5906

11. The Rink @ JCube

Escape the heat into a world of cool and fun at The Rink.