Author: Lim Lixuan

Look How Far Singapore Has Come! We Compare The Now & Then

Walk down memory lane, and discover Singapore now and then.

Rated the world’s most expensive city, Singapore has grown and become a modern metropolis in just over 50 years. Well, Singapore didn’t start as an economic giant nor with its dense amount of high-rise residential and office buildings. It is amazing how Singapore has grown during a short span of over 50 years.

We bet you didn’t know how some of these places had looked before it was developed!

Bishan Park

Completed in 1988, Bishan Park was one of the biggest parks in Singapore back then. It featured ponds, a lake, a football field, a fragipani gardens, and a “floating amphitheatre”within its 42 hectares of greenery. Paddle boats were available for rent and fishing at the ponds were available in 1990s.

In 2012, the park was renamed Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park after a major revamp. It now has a high-tech safety warning system, and several spots for recreational activities. A great place for families to gather, the park has now become a popular spot for residents to enjoy picnics and partake in activities.

Kallang River

Before its clean up in the early 1980s, Kallang River was crammed with lighters and tongkong – a type of light wooden boat. It even reeked of rotting waste and dirty sewage. During the clean up, pig farms, duck farms, street hawkers, latrines were removed. The whole clean up process took 10 long years.

Today, waterfront condominiums dot the area. This place has also grown to become a residential and lifestyle district. In 2014, the Sports Hub took over the old National Stadium. It now has a 55,000 capacity with a retractable roof, as well as an indoor aquatics arena.

Capitol Theatre

Before re-opening in 2015, the Capitol Theatre had offered a 1,600 seater cinema to patrons in Malaya. Its concave neo-classical facade plastered with movie posters had defined the street of Stamford Road and North Bridge Road. It was the place where many couples had their first dates back in the 60s!

18 years after its last cinema patron in 1998, the historic Capitol Theatre finally re-opened in 2015. Now, the mixed-use complex comprises four buildings – Capitol Theatre, Capitol Building, Stamford House and the new Capitol Piazza. Fun fact: We bet you didn’t know the Capitol Theatre is the biggest single-screen cinema in South-east Asia, with 900 seats available!

The Cathay

Entertaining generations of Singaporeans over 80 years, The Cathay started out as the first air-conditioned theatre in Singapore. At 16 storeys high, it was Singapore’s first “skyscraper” and it remained the city-state’s tallest building until 1954. This building was also used by the British administration and Japanese occupiers.

After the war, it re-opened as a cinema and hotel. Its Chinese restaurant was one of the most popular dining choices in town. However at the end of 1970, the hotel closed due to space constraints. It then became an office space for a period of time. Do you know Singapore’s first arthouse cinema – The Picturehouse was built here in 1987?

The Cathay re-opened in 2006 after a period of closure for an overhaul in 2000. Its 1939 front facade was restored. It is now a vibrant mall with an eclectic mix of entertainment, retail, and food and beverage stalls.

Fullerton Building

Completed in 1928, the Fullerton was Singapore’s largest building. It housed the General Post Office (GPO), a number of government offices, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Singapore Club. This was Singapore’s landmark. Many travellers and ship captains around the world recognised it. During 1928 to 1996, letters, money orders, and parcels were sorted and dispatched in the GPO and the Singapore Club occupied the upper floors. It was the “busiest and best-known building” in Singapore.

By 1960, after the Singapore Club had moved out to make way for government offices, the building housed Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore, the Economic Development Board, the Ministry of Finance and a POSBank branch, the bank’s oldest.

In 1997, S$300 million was spent to convert Fullerton Building into a hotel. A two-storey commercial complex – One Fullerton opposite Fullerton Road, was built. The Fullerton Building restoration project took place from 1998 to 2000. Now, the building is gazetted as Singapore’s 71st national monument.

Orchard Road

True to its namesake, Orchard Road was named for the plantations lined with bamboo hedges and shrubbery in the area during the 18th century. Nutmeg plantations and fruit orchards dominated the area. Towards the later part of 1840s, graveyards appeared along the road. That part is now Meritus Mandarin Hotel and Ngee Ann City. In 1900, Orchard Road was still a tree flanked dirt road.

With its S$40 million revamp in 2009, today, Orchard Road is the nation’s top shopping, dining and entertainment hub. With its underground infrastructure connecting malls together, it is an ease to walk along the air conditioned walkways instead of the hustle and bustle on its road level.

Changi Airport

Prior to Changi Airport, the Paya Lebar Airport was bursting at the seams with more than 4 million passenger movements in 1975. With insufficient room for future expansion, a new location had been sought and Changi was selected as it was at the edge of the city.

Singapore Changi Airport was officially opened on 29 December 1981. It was the world’s largest airport at that time and the world’s largest column-free hanger at 20,000 sqm.

We are amazed at the pace of Singapore’s growth over the last 50 over years! In the past 50 years since independence, Singapore has transformed from a struggling city-state into one of the richest nations in the world.

What do you think Singapore will be like another 50 years down the road?

(Image credit by thefullertonheritage and imagetransforms, edited by writer)

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

The Ultimate Guide For Supper At Siglap – 6 Places You Can’t Miss

Walk around the neighbourhood of Siglap and you’ll notice rows of bars, cafes and restaurants along both sides of the road. Well, we dare say this is the place to go for a night to chill out with friends or even for a date night at one of its many great restaurants.

In this pristine, quaint neighourhood, you’ll see locals flock to their favourite pubs for a soccer screening, group of teens meeting their friends for some ice cream time, and even expats chilling out at the restaurants. As a certified east-sider who grew up in the east, here’s our ultimate guide to supper at Siglap. Yes, only the best of the best gets on our list!

1. LTN 936 Food Village

This la mian dumpling stall is opened by a quiet couple from Xi’an, China. Their dumplings are all handmade on the spot, freshness at its best. Each dumpling is soft and tender, with its skin not too thick, filled with a nice amount of meat and doused with vinegar and chilli oil. You can get these guilty pleasures at $4 for 10 pieces. Xiao Long Baos are also available at $4 for 6 pieces.

If you are in for some Zi Char, do check out the Thow Yen Seafood stall too. They serve up great Beef Hor Fun and Fried Rice for your hungry tummy!

LTN 936 Food Village
Address: 936 East Coast Road, Singapore 459129
Opening Hours: Daily till late

2. Mas-Ayu Restaurant

How about some Seafood Kway Teow Goreng Pattaya and Teh Tarik for supper? Reputed to be one of the best Malay food you can find around the area, this homely restaurant serves up the best Seafood Kway Teow Goreng Pattaya and Nasi Pattaya! Its noodles are nice, springy, wrapped around with egg and drenched in tomato ketchup. Each plate is at $6.50. Another recommendation would be their Mee Bundung ($5.50). Its sour, sweet and spicy gravy are well balanced with fish cakes, prawns, vegetables, tender beef pieces and an egg to top it off! It is a good soupy bowl for a rainy cold night!

If you have trouble sleeping at night or feel hungry after a midnight movie, do drop by for some homely malaysian kampong cuisine at Ayu-Mas. This food outlet is open 24 hours, thus taxi uncles like to frequent this place and it gets crowded from early evenings till the early mornings.

Mas-Ayu Restaurant
Address: 55 Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 455215
Tel: 65 6449 2844
Opening Hours: Daily 24 hours

3. Springleaf Prata Place (Jalan Tua Kong)

Open till 11pm or 12am depending on the day, this prata place is a 3 to 5 mins walk from Upper East Coast Road at Siglap. They offer an innovative array of prata, thosai and murtabak in unusual must-try flavours! Eggs Benedict Prata? Yes, you saw that right! Crispy prata, poached egg, turkey ham and hollandaise sauce all in one dish, priced at $5. Another must not miss item is their Umani 50. One of their newest item on their menu, this prata is stuff with chicken luncheon meat, chicken floss, mozzarella cheese, mayonnaise and egg. Their menu is quite extensive which means there is always something new to try!

This prata place has not only become popular for diners at night but residents flock to this place for a good brunch which serves up a fresh spin to your usual prata!

Springleaf Prata Place
Address: 57B Jalan Tua Kong, Singapore 457251
Tel: 8693 5393
Opening Hours: Sun-Thu 7am-11pm, Fri-Sat 7am-12am

4. FLAVA Asia Bistro and Grill

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Opened by the team behind the former Cafe Mondo at Orchard Central, FLAVA is the new kid at the estate which serves up contemporary Asian grill. If you’re in for some late night chow or some cakes and ice cream to satisfy your craving, head down to FLAVA. With their Kapiti New Zealand range of ice cream to choose from, you will love all the flavours and end up ordering their 12 mini putts. Perfect for a couple’s sharing or with some friends with 12 flavours of mini ice cream. Select your own ice cream flavours at $20, or let the house decide for you at $17. Do check out their menu
Address: 907 East coast Road, #01-03 Springvale, Singapore 459107
Tel: 65 6702 0302
Opening Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-11pm, Fri-Sat/Eve of PH 11am-2am, Sun/PH 9.30am-11pm

5. Udders and Kook

If waffles and ice cream are your supper eats, Udders and Kook will never fail! From liqueur based to the all time favourite flavours such as Thai Milk Tea, chocolatey, to choose from, we must say Udders do know their customers’ taste palates well. Order their waffles to go along with your favourite ice cream! Imagine, crispy waffles on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, topped with a scoop or 2 of ice cream and drizzled with chocolate sauce. Heavenly!

Whats more, Udders and Kook recently upgraded itself to serving you not only your favourite ice-cream, but burgers and snack bites also! Feast on their delightful Mario Mushroom Burger ($15.90) or their Angmoh Burger ($15.90) filled with scrumptious cheddar, bacon, onions, tomato, rocket leaves and a well-grilled beef patty. These calories are well worth it! Juicy burgers and ice creams are a great combination for a satisfying supper.

Udders and Kook  
Address: 81 Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 455220    
Tel: 65 6448 8732
Opening Hours: Sun-Thu 12pm-11pm, Fri-Sat/eve of PH 12pm-1am

6. Mikawa Yakitori Bar

If you enjoy Japanese Tapas, you’re going to like this one. Opened recently at Siglap, Mikawa Yakitori Bar is a cosy place offering traditional Yakitori. This small Yakitori Bar has a wide range of almost 50 items of kushiyaki skewers on its 53 Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 455214
Tel: 6444 8484
Opening Hours: Tue-Thu 6pm-10.30pm, Fri-Sun 12-2.30pm, 6pm-12am, Closed on Mon

If you are driving to this area, free parking is available at the big open space carpark after 10pm. So, it’s time to make your way to Siglap. Chill to your heart’s content and start feasting away! With all these late night spots for supper at Siglap, you’ll never have to go to sleep with a growling stomach ever again.

(Header image by Instagram user, _rimiroo, edited by writer)

 Also read: Go Ga-Ga Over Geylang With These Seriously Good Eats Under $15

Nothing Above $60 – Indulge In An Affordable Full Body Massage

Feeling stressed out from the hectic daily workload? Sometimes, all you need is some uninterrupted ‘me’ time. Relax, unwind, and have those sore points kneaded with a blissful, affordable full body massage. There’s no better way than visiting a no-frills massage that hits all the right spots, leaving you refreshed and recharged. With such affordable massages you can find in Singapore, you wouldn’t need to travel all the way to Malaysia, Thailand or Indonesia for your relaxing indulgence.

Read on for our guide to an affordable full body massage you can find in Singapore – all for below $60. For the late night owls, or if you simply can’t get to bed, some of these open even past midnight!

Healing Touch

Awarded “Best Ache Busting Massage” for their Deep Tissue Massage by Singapore Women’s Weekly in 2015 and 2016, Healing Spa aims to provide “back to nature” wellness and beauty treatments through the healing power of plants. Healing Touch creates an environment and culture where customers feel valued. Served by a team of high skilled and professional therapists, they deliver a 4P experience – right Pressure, Points, Pace (Rhythm) and Pampering experience.

At Healing Touch, there are a variety of body massages available. Choose from Asian Fusion, Deep Tissue, Thai Fusion, Shiatsu or Acupressure massage from as low as $55 ($58.85 with GST) for 60 minutes. Currently on promotion, their Asian Fusion Massage is just at $46 ($49.20 with GST) for 60 minutes. With its usual price at $58.85, this is definitely a steal! Healing Spa has many outlets from the East to West, and even one conveniently located in the heart of Orchard. Do click  (Orchard Branch)
Price: $58.85 for 60 mins of body massage
Address: 19 Tanglin Road, Tanglin Shopping Centre, #03-03, Singapore 247909
Contact: 65 6694 1181
Opening Hours: Daily 11am-10.30pm (Last appointment from 9pm)

You don’t need to travel all the way to Bangkok or Phuket to enjoy an authentic Thai massage. Sabaai Sabaai will make you feel like you’re in Thailand. From authentic Thai furnishing to skilled and dedicated therapists, step out of your busy routine and enter the calm sanctuary of Sabaai Sabaai.

Try their Traditional Thai Massage which involves a therapist applying rhythmic pressure using their hands and forearms to the meridians of your body. Alternatively, if you prefer a more relaxing type of massage, their Aroma Oil Thai Massage will be perfect for you.

Image credit: beau pass[/caption]

As Singapore’s first authentic Javanese massage establishment, the House of Traditional Javanese Massage offers authentic Javanese Massage for the young and old. This massage parlour has more than a hundred skilled and experienced therapists. Their prices are affordable with its Traditional Javanese Full Body Massage at $60 for 60 minutes. Members enjoy a special price of $45.

Check all the available locations  (Bukit Timah Branch)
Price: From $60 for 60 mins of full body massage
Address: 783 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 269760
Contact: 65 6468 7855
Opening Hours: Daily 11am-11pm

Also read: 7 Best Happy Hour Deals In Town That Will Not Burn A Hole In Your Pocket

6 Seriously Addictive Salted Egg Yolk Snacks You Must Try In SG!

The salted egg yolk trend has taken Singpapore by storm and all foodies would have craved for anything salted egg yolk. You have seen salted egg yolk buns, croissants, crabs and even on cakes and waffles! With salted egg yolk, everything tastes better – from chips, salmon skin, to even lotus root. With this in mind, we’ve hunted down some seriously addictive salted egg yolk snacks.

Here’s our take on these snacks.

Warning: They’re seriously addictive!

1. The Golden Duck

These are not your usual ordinary chips. Hand-crafted using an original Taiwanese-inspired recipe, The Golden Duck is Singapore’s #1 purveyor of premium gourmet salted egg snacks.

Packaged conveniently in a resealable bag, each chip is baked to golden perfection with its Taiwanese Salted Egg Yolk coated evenly onto its potato crisps. Its authentic salted egg yolk flavour leaves you wanting for more after each bite! These gems get sold out quickly so do order online before picking them up in stores. Retails at $7 per pack, it’s definitely worth it!

Address: 133 New Bridge Rd, Chinatown Point, B1 next to lift lobby
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 11am-7pm

The guys at Irvins Salted Egg Yolk makes delicious potato chips and deep fried salmon skin seasoned in amazing salted egg yolk sauce! Imagine crisp potato chips coated with a layer of salted egg yolk sauce, spiced with curry leaves, and bits of red chilli that leaves a tinge of spiciness. These chips and fried salmon skin are perfect for stay-home weekends or to satisfy your salted egg yolk cravings. Best consumed within 2 weeks, it was so good we could finish it within hours! Their Salted Egg Yolk Potato Chips and Salted Egg Yolk Fish Skin retail at $15 per pack.

If you’re craving for more salted egg yolk dishes, simply purchase their Salted Egg Yolk Sauce sold in a bottle for $15. You can now cook up any dishes with its addictive sauce! Free delivery if you order over $100. Alternatively, delivery charge is $15. Do check their updated locations on their Facebook page.

 (Pickup)
Address: Leban HK Cafe, 2 Jalan Leban, Singapore, 577547
Contact: 65 6257 8801
Opening Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-2am

Offering the freshest catch to welcome seafood lovers, TungLok Seafood specialises in the best of Singapore-style seafood prepared with the freshest ingredients. Not to be missed is the unique salted egg yolk fish skin! This is a must try. The crispy fish skin is so crispy you can literally hear the crunch when you bite into it.

Indulge in their ala carte lunch buffet on weekdays at $26.80++, on weekends or public holidays at $28.80; or their buffet dinner at $35.80++ at their Orchard Central restaurant. You’ll be able to order countless servings of this addictive snack! Reservations are highly recommended! Do note that prices differ for their Upper Jurong Outlet. Click
Address: 181 Orchard Road, Orchard Central #11-05, Singapore 238896
Contact: 65 6834 4888
Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 11.30-3pm (Last order 2.30pm); 6pm-10.30pm (Last order 10pm), Sun/PH 10am-3pm; 6pm-10.30pm (Last order 2.30pm); 10.30pm (Last order 10pm)

Located at the idyllic Quayside Isle at Sentosa Cove, Blue Lotus is a casual dining restaurant that serves traditional Chinese dishes. Sit at their alfresco area and enjoy the gentle breeze and stunning views of the marina. Their signature dishes include Chilli Pomelo Crab, Szechun Style Spicy Boston Lobster, and also their Crispy Fried Salmon Skin. Coated with salted egg yolk and lime zest, its skin is fried to crispy perfection. Great as a starter but one portion will be never enough to share! Though it’s a whooping $16 for a plate, the salmon skin is crunchy and tasty. So difficult to practise restraint and self control here!

Image credit: asiaone[/caption]

You might have heard of Wan He Lou’s award winning Signature Lobster Porridge. Well, this place not only specialises in lobster porridge. Their Crispy Lotus with Salted Egg Yolk ($11.90) is a must try! Thin pieces of lotus root deep fried to perfection are coated with generous crumbs of salted egg yolk. Let’s just start our diet plan the next day instead…

Image credit: sethlui[/caption]

At Tao Seafood Asia, it is highly recommended to start your meal with their Crispy Fish Skin with Salted Egg Sauce ($10). This is served as an appetizer. The fish skin used is from Eel, deep fried and pan tossed with generous amount of salted egg yolk sauce. While it looks a little sinful and oily, it turns out to be light to the bite, rich and highly addictive! The savoury goodness makes it a good pair with a cold pint of beer.

Ivrins Salted Egg, edited by writer)

Also read: 12 Best Breakfasts To Start Your Day Like A Typical Local

7 Best Happy Hour Deals In Town That Will Not Burn A Hole In Your Pocket

Rated one of the most expensive cities in Asia for alcohol, it would seem logical for alcoholics to be seen at neighbourhood coffeeshops instead of exorbitant bars and pubs that will rip you off your wallet. Well, drinking in Singapore doesn’t necessarily have to cost you a bomb. With awesome happy hour promotions, booze prices are slashed and your wallet gets a little breather.

Here’s our take on great happy hours places that aren’t hidden at the far ends of Singapore. With pubs, bars and restaurants located all at the central area – Orchard Road and Bras Basah, you’ll never have to travel far to get your cheap booze.

1. Loof

At Loof, the early bird catches the best prices. Awarded Singapore’s best rooftop bar, it is one of the most dope spots in downtown CBD. Bask in its urban garden and take in the best view of Raffles Hotel, or soak up beats from resident DJs and theme party nights. From 5pm to 8pm on weekdays, all drink prices will match according to the time. Housepours, wines and beer are $5 from 5-6pm, $6 from 6-7pm and $7 from 7-8pm. Arrive early for cheaper drinks! With such prices, imagine the number of glasses we’d be ordering.

Image credit: sgasiacity[/caption] [caption id="attachment_8811" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Image credit: wearespaces[/caption]

After a dramatic makeover of the iconic Killiney Post Office, KPO opened its door in 2010. It now accommodates up to 500 people with both indoor and outdoor seating available. This bar has become a staple on Orchard Road.

Happy hours happen daily till 8pm and day-time alcoholics will rejoice over housepour wines and spirits that are available from $10 to $11 and beers on tap from $12. For the ladies, head down on Wednesday nights for martinis at $8. Enjoy the tunes that their DJs spin or listen to hip-swaying music as you kick back and relax over a cold pint of beer or wine. Chill the night away while you enjoy the hustle and bustle of city life.

Emerald Hill outlet, Image credit: icecoldbeer[/caption]

Opened in 1994, Ice-Cold Beer is housed in a restored Peranakan shop house and offers customers icy-cold beers from unique ice tanks. Beers are served in beer glasses chilled to -3 degrees Celsius to keep them icy-cold for a long time. Choose from over 60 types of bottled and draught beers from local to international beers.

During happy hour, get a pint of Hoegaarden at $11 nett or a jug of Stella Artois at $23. Located just off the busy Orchard Road, Ice-Cold Beer allows its customers to relax in its quiet and comforting space. They also have another outlet at SMU where you can get a 2 bottle deal of Kronenberg Blanc for $15. Reasonably priced cold beers served by friendly staff in a relax casual environment – sounds good!

Happy Hour: Daily 11am – 9pm
Address: 50 Stamford Rd #01-01, Singapore 178899
Contact: 65 6837 3585
Opening Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-12am, Fri, Sat, Eve of PH 5pm-3am 11am-1am, Sun/PH 4pm-12am

4. Tanuki Raw

Known for its insane happiest hours where freshly shucked oysters go for $2, martinis and cocktails for $10, a pint of beer of $12, this place is the most value-for-money food and drink spot along Orchard Road. Enjoy happy hours from 5pm-8pm daily after a hard day’s work. Choose between enjoying live music on their alfresco balcony overlooking Orchard Road, or on their patio in the beautiful Bras Basah civic district.

Need we say more? With happy hours including fresh oysters and a good cold cocktail or beer, this is the place to be hanging out comfortably after a long day without burning a hole in your pocket. What’s more, enjoy these prices without any extra service tax or GST. Do note that Tanuki Raw does not take reservations so remember to arrive early to avoid long queues.

Tanuki Raw (Orchard Central) 
Happy Hour: 5pm-8pm
Address: 181 Orchard Road, #04-01 Orchard Central, Singapore 238896
Contact: 65 6636 5949
Opening Hours: Daily 1130am-1030pm

Tanuki Raw (Kapok)
Happy Hour: 5pm-8pm
Address: 111 Middle Road, #01-05 National Design Centre, Singapore 188969
Opening Hours: Daily 10am-10pm

5. Five Izakaya

Five Izakaya is Singapore’s first Tachinomi Izakaya inspired bar. Modelled after the 300-Yen bars, the “five” in their name refers to the price of the drinks. Yes, you can get Asahi, Shochu, Choya, and basically every drink here at $5! It’s not a gimmick. It’s happy hour here everyday, at anytime! Even the snacks here are $5. Unbelievable.

Five Izakaya has 4 outlets. One of them is just off Orchard Road at Cuppage Terrace. Enjoy live music and cosy ambience with drinks and food at affordable prices. With such cheap prices in town, this is the perfect place to catch up and chill out after a long day at work. Getting a seat here might prove challenging. Hence, visit early or make a reservation at least 1 day in advance! Do check out their other 3 outlets and opening hours
Happy Hour: Everyday, anytime
Address: 25 Cuppage Road, Cuppage Terrace, Singapore 229454
Contact: 65 6733 8097
Opening Hours: 5pm – 12am Daily

6. No. 5 Emerald Hill

Located conveniently a street away from Orchard Road, this Peranakan-style bar has a number of extremely cost saving drink options. It has the longest happy hour session in town with deals from 12pm to 9pm followed by Martini specials from 9pm all the way to 1am. With two Martinis for $16, this bar has won our hearts for late night drinks in the city. Their wide range of cocktails including Chilli Vodka and No. 5 Cocktail are not to be missed. The drinks pair delightfully with their famous Prawn Paste Chicken Wings and selection of Pizzas.

Their relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere has remained unchanged over the years; and that has drawn us back every time.

Image credit: Park Hotel Group[/caption] [caption id="attachment_8807" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Image credit: Park Hotel Group[/caption]

Located strategically in the heart of Orchard, Bar Canary is an open-air bar perched on the fourth level of 5-star Grand Park Orchard Hotel. Away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Bar Canary provides an idyllic oasis for shoppers and busy working adults to relax. With mesmerising fairy lights illuminating its alfresco bar, its atmosphere is spot on and it is one of Orchard Road’s hidden gem.

Beat the clock and jumpstart your happy hour at the Bar Canary with their special deals available from 6pm to 9pm. Round up your friends and colleagues and choose from a bucket of 8 bottled beers or a set of house red or white wine and your choice of 4 signature cocktails from $60++ at 6pm, $70++ at 7pm, $80++ at 8pm and $90++ at 9pm. At Bar Canary the early bird gets the cheap booze! Cocktail fans might want to try their signature Coco Chanel. Coconut liqueur shaken with gold rum, fresh coconut water, lime juice, fresh mint and wheatgrass which leaves a refreshing taste.

For some mid-week fun, on Wednesdays from 7pm to 9pm, girls get free flow champagne, housepour wines, spirits and signature cocktails at $50++ while men pay $100++. Head down to Bar Canary and enjoy a good catch up session with your friends and colleagues!

Here’s An Ingenious Way To Easily Save 10% Off Your Dining Bills

The Market Hop – Shop The Best 50 F&B & Lifestyle Creators!

Shop the weekend away this 4th and 5th June in two artisanal markets jointly brought to you by APS, DREAM, and The Peak Selections: Gourmet & Travel. With more than 50 F&B and lifestyle vendors at both locations, this event boasts a combined space of more than 80, 000 sq ft.

It is one of the biggest bazaars of the year! You’ll be able to hop from one market to another, with shuttles going back and forth between the two. Be it retail therapy, gourmet bites, or chill out vibes, this is the market you must visit.

Here’s 6 reason why you should get all hyped up about this mega market.

1. You’ll get the best of both brands

With APS teaming up with DREAM to debut a brand new concept, we get the best of both worlds! Yes, two market experiences over one jam-packed weekend.

At APS Lifestyle Gallery, you’ll be able to find leading home appliance brands such as Smeg, Whirlpool, Kuche, Vintec, and Transtherm. While DREAM’s Market brings you unique and affordable designer furniture pieces from 25 exclusive international brands known for its modern design yet classic appeal. GSS comes early when you visit The Market Hop. This is your chance to snag products from brands such as Cassina, Knoll, Cappellini, Living Divani, Porro, and De La Espada, Matthew Hilton, Autoban and many more.

2. You’ll find all types of F&B delights

With more than 30 F&B merchants bringing you mouth-watering delights, you’ll never be hungry. Do come with a huge appetite and savour the goodies from all these vendors. Look out for Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants – Candlenut, Korean-Mexican grub by Vatos Urban Taco, Uncle G’s Handmade Signature Crispy Roast Pork, Thai teas by Soi 55,  Bazuka’s yakibuta roast pork, airy crisp choux pastries by Ollella, and the list goes on.

3. Test drive a Mini and stand a chance to win a SMEG toaster

Yes, you read that right. You’ll be able to test drive the MINI Countryman or the NEW MINI Clubman around the River Valley (DREAM) or Martin Place (APS) area! Do be warned, strictly no consumption of booze prior to the drive (they’ve got human breathalysers on standby). Whats more, you’ll stand a chance to win an adorable SMEG Toaster; courtesy of APS Lifestyle when you post the official SMEG x MINI image on your social media account with #TMHSMEGxMINI !

4. Chill out to live bands and guest performances

Whats better than spending your weekend listening to live bands and performances with a bottle of cold beer or cold coffee? Check out the bold and bubbly DJ Sonia Chew from 987fm at the APS Gallery from 2-2.45pm and at DREAM from 3-3.45pm or simply chill out with stellar beats and pulses from live bands.

5. You’ll enjoy market hopping for your favourite merchants

With vendors randomly located at the two markets, you’ll surely experience true market hopping! Hop on the free shuttles throughout the day from 11am to 6pm. The shuttle runs every 15 mins.

At the markets, search for your favourite brands and F&B merchants. Shop through lifestyle brands such as Nana & Bird, and local start-ups – Hush Candles, Basic Beauty, The Letter J Supply and Kuin Studio. These brands specialise quality candles, skincare, calligraphy pieces and concrete homewares respectively.

Well, we won’t know which merchants will be located at which market, so you’ll have to head down to find out! If squeezing in the shuttles turn you off, you can test-drive the MINI to travel from one market to another!

6. There are face painting activities for little ones

Not to worry, The Market Hop has activities planned for the little ones too! Visit the Party Mojo booth at APS and spoil your child with a face painting treat. We’re sure your kids will love this.

Need we say more? Mark your calendars and join The Market Hop for a great time of fun! This is a market definitely not to be missed!

Click DREAM/APS.

4 to 5 June (Sat-Sun)
Admission: Free
Opening Hours: 11am-7pm
Location: 9 Muthuraman Chetty Road, Singapore 238931 (Market 1 @ APS Gallery), 456 River Valley Road, Singapore 248342 (Market 2 @Dream)