Author: Priscilla Tan

Delivering The Best Pastries From Cafes To You – CafeHopping In A Box

Let’s be honest, the issue with cafe hopping is that we get disappointed most of the time. You see these edited pictures and think to yourself that the cafe is worth visiting. You live deep in Woodlands and hop on a one-hour bus ride to Pasir Ris.

Alas, the food is horrible. You don’t know what’s worse — the fact that you wasted a huge chunk of time, or the thought that you were misled by a dishonest review. And the cycle repeats itself every weekend.

What’s a cafe hopper to do? Easy, you turn to CafeHopping In A Box.

Pastries from the best cafes

CafeHopping In A Box is the trouble-free solution for dessert fanatics who detest travelling all over Singapore just to grab a quick bite of an oven-fresh pastry. With this new bakery, you can easily buy different types of baked goods curated from four or six different cafes in a box.

Now you get to try the pastries first before deciding if you want to head down.

Notice the S$37.20 Classic Box of 6 below? (Caution: this might cause excessive drooling. You’ve been warned.)

It features The Bakery Chef’s rainbow cake; Grin Affair’s lychee passion fruit cake jar; Karafuru’s yuzu eclair, gianduja eclair, and ichigo cheesecake eclair; and Doi Chaang Coffee’s matcha and azuki crepe cake.

They all look too beautiful to eat, don’t they?

A quick peek at the website shows that there’s a wide assortment of pastry masterpieces for you to choose from. You can also mix and match! And the best part? There’s never a dull moment, because the menu changes biweekly.

Each pastry costs between S$5.80 to S$6.90, while the Classic Box of 4 and 6 can set you back at S$24 to S$28 and S$34 to S$38 respectively. The store requires a 3 day advanced order for their Classic Boxes, so see to it that you remember this bit to avoid disappointment.

You can either choose to collect the pastries at Bukit Timah Plaza, or pay an additional $30 for delivery (excluding Jurong Island).

How to get there

Ready to dive into the sugary world? Here are the deets:

Walk in purchase or self-collection available at:
Address: Bukit Timah Plaza #B1-52B, 1 Jalan Anak Bukit, S(588996)
Opening hours: Mon – Sun: 11:30AM – 7:30PM
Tel: 6463 2529

(Header image credit: CafeHopping In A Box, words by author & editor)

Also read: The Tiramisu Hero Strikes Back With A Brand New Menu!

10 Unconventional Things You Do In SG That Show You’re A Local

This is not your typical list. Conventional activities are all hipster and cool. Which is why here at Discover SG, I’m introducing you to the slightly bizarre things. Are you ready? Let’s find out where you stand on the true blue Singaporean scale.

1. Shop at a local pasar malam

Our local pasar malam is a fashion world, food paradise, game zone, and antique auction all rolled into one. I mean, where else can you get an ear pick, Chinese wooden drum stool, and a giant bunny plush toy all at the same place?

Has it been a long time since you’ve stepped into a street market? If you’re feeling a tiny bit lost, well, fret not. I recommend you to follow Twitter account Pasar Malam Updates for the latest deets.

2. Play chess with ah gong

It’s the battle of the brains. These retirees are so absorbed in their chess games that they probably don’t even know if you’re stealing a peek over their shoulder. If you think you can handle the pressure and the strong possibility of them kicking your little monkey butt — go for it.

Address
Chinatown Complex, 335 Smith Street

3. Try your hand at 4D & TOTO

The culture of 4D and TOTO in Singapore is flourishing. If you’ve seen the long queue at the Singapore Pools stores — especially if you live in Chong Pang — you’ll nod in agreement. Maybe you’ve got a set of numbers in a fortune cookie, or a recurring dream? Better buy 4D or TOTO.

4. Get your personal care & toiletries fix at lesser known stores

Most of us amateurs replenish our personal care products in Watsons, Guardian, and Unity. Bargain experts know better — they shop at lesser-known stores like Swanston. I once bought a Simple Gentle Care Shampoo at this kind of stores and it costs me less than S$5. Most retail stores sell it S$9.90. I felt like a fool.

Swanston’s
Address: People’s Park Food Centre Level 2, 32 New Market Road
Opening hours: Daily, 10am to 9pm
Cash only

5. Quad cycle at East Coast Park

In terms of team building activities, quad cycling — hands down — beats kite flying and rollerblading. It requires a group of people to join forces and support each other to combine their individual strengths.

If you’re not much of an athlete, I suggest you sit at the back. The pedals at the front require you to exert more leg power, and good lord, you will not feel your thighs for at least three days. Bring along a cap, wear sunscreen, and drink plenty of water.

Address: East Coast Park Service Road,

6. Visit old shopping centres

Let’s face it, most shopping malls aren’t built like the old ones anymore.

To give you a head start, check out Beauty World Centre. My favourite hang out place is the bookstore and open-air hawker centre. The Feng Ji Shu Shi Char Kway Teow is one of its main highlights.

Address: 144 Upper Bukit Timah Road,

7. Buy secondhand books at Bras Basah Complex

Forget Kinokuniya and Popular. Bras Basah Complex is the ultimate destination for bibliophiles. (It also houses Cats Socrates, Image credit: That Balloons[/caption]

It used to be really easy to find a kachang puteh kiosk. Now? They’re as rare as a chance to kiss the Pope’s ring. I did a quick Google search and found that there’s one kiosk at Cathay Cineleisure Orchard. I’ll definitely miss eating nuts out of a paper cone.

9. Go shopping at OG

OG may not be as posh as Robinsons, but it’s got its own charm. The vast variety of fashion apparels is the sundae, while the shopping vouchers and pearls are the cherry on top. OG treats their customers right. They have a habit of shelling out freebies whenever their customers hit a minimum purchase.

Address: 60 Albert Street, OG Albert Complex

Tip: If you find that OG is not your cup of tea, you can hop on over to Bugis Junction, which is right around the corner!

10. Have ice cream from a cart

Here’s a back story. My father’s a Buddhist and I frequently tag along with him to visit the Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple at Waterloo Street. Because of the cheaper parking rates, he would often park his car at the car park next to Sim Lim Tower.

And I’ve discovered something along the countless journeys. Rain or shine, this ice cream cart uncle is always there. For as long as I can remember, he’s been selling ice-cream at the exact spot since I was a primary school kid. He works fast and he’s not much of a talker.

This is an unpopular opinion, but the mixed ice-cream from ice cream carts are better than ice cream from some cafes — and they’re cheaper, to boot!

Aside from this uncle at Sim Lim Tower, you may find ice cream carts along Orchard Road.

(Header image credit: 8 Delish Meals Under $10 In Orchard That Will Leave You Satisfied! – Part 2

Decathlon: So Ulu But You Still Must Visit. Here’re 5 Reasons!

Unless you’re a couch potato (like me) who doesn’t keep up with sports-related news, odds are, you’ve heard of Decathlon. One of the world’s largest sporting goods retailers has recently opened a flagship store in Singapore.

What is Decathlon?

It was founded by Michel Leclercq back in 1976. Now, 40 years later, it has expanded to countries like Germany, Italy, and Southeast Asia. Currently, there are 850 stores in 22 countries.

Sports fanatics will know that Queensway Shopping Centre is widely dubbed as ‘Singapore’s Sports Mall’. But now that we have this French retailer on our sunny shores, does this mean competition will soon abrupt between both parties?

You bet! Here are five reasons why we think Decathlon will squash Queensway Shopping Centre.

1. It has over 95,000 products

First things first, there are over 20 sporting goods categories in Decathlon. Just this fact alone makes you want to hop on a bus and travel to Chai Chee.

Decathlon is setting itself apart from its competitors, and it’s doing one heck of a job. You can easily find many interesting (and bizarre) items, like the S$64.90 TRIBORD Easybreathe Mask, and the S$8.90 DOMYOS Foam Yoga Brick.

Apparently, this helps with balancing and posture.

The environment at Decathlon is positive, relaxed and kid-friendly. I even spotted one young boy walking barefoot — he was that comfortable!

We told you Decathlon has everything sports related under the sun. Fancy a mini basketball set?

The S$29.90 Artengo Rollnet 610 Set is a must-have for all table tennis fanatics. Easy to set up, you no longer have to roll the net back or use those funny screws.

Amazingly, they have a badminton version.

And yes, you can find tents in Decathlon too. This model right here is the QUECHA 2 Seconds XL III Illumin Fresh Pop Up Tent. It sets you back at S$431.90. Now you can roast marshmallow and sing campfire songs (maybe at Coney Island?).

Yep, Decathlon sells horse riding equipment too. (Pretty sure you can’t find that at Queensway)

These INESIS golf umbrellas cost between S$10.90 to $19.90.

Have a turntable match at home for just $39.90.

This TRIBORD 3-Man Itiwit Inflatable Kayak is a beauty.

I was chuffed to bits when I found these chaptehs (S$1) near the cashier counters. More often than not, it’s stationery stores that sell these traditional games. 10 points to Decathlon!

Besides selling a wide variety of products (including surf boards too), the mega-store also has a bicycle repair workshop where customers can get their two-wheeler of any brand repaired (not free though).

2. It’s littered with testing zones

Because Singaporeans have itchy fingers. We want to try everything. Anyway, what’s a sports shop if we can’t try what we want to buy?

Decathlon truly understands us. Take this blue-labelled testing zone, for instance. You can do a test run of a skateboard or scooter.

You can also sweat it off on the various exercise machines!

You can’t do this in Queensway Shopping Centre. Maybe you can, but you’ll get a dirty look from the store owners in return. In Decathlon, it’s a different story altogether.

This is the biggest testing zone at Decathlon. These kids were having butt-loads of fun with the balls and turnball pole.

Say whaaat?! You can also hop on a bike and ride around the premise. Check out the price list of the bikes here.

At one point, I overheard a conversation between a girl and her younger sister. “I hold your bike. That’s how you learn!”

Suffice to say, there’s no rush at Decathlon.

But the best part is — hands down — the lifetime warranty on their bikes.

3. The products are 20%-40% cheaper

Decathlon prides themselves in their quality and pocket-friendly products. According to The Straits Times, all products are designed by their very own research and development teams all over France.

I don’t wear a watch, but damn, this baby right here changed my mind.

This is the first time I’ve seen a sunglass that costs less than S$5. (Daiso not counted)

It’s hard to pick just one. The quality of these bags is outstanding. And only at $4.90.

You can’t find a price like this in a pasar malam. That’s cheaper than a plate of chicken rice.

No kidding, you can also find ballet costumes at an inexpensive price. The DOMYOS Delia Girl’s Leotard on the display set costs just S$18.90.

Noticed the blue sticker near the giant yellow price tag? There’s a two-year guarantee for every single product at Decathlon. Queensway Shopping Centre can’t top that.

And it keeps getting better.

Just when you think the price couldn’t get any lower comes this.

And this.

Decathlon really has everything.

You get what you pay for. Maybe this sentiment rings true at Queensway Shopping Centre.

But at Decathlon, you get more than what you pay for. Their products, while sold at a cheap price, are made of superior quality.

4. It also has an online store

With attractive perks such as free delivery above S$80, some will prefer to pop a virtual visit to the website than head down to the brick and mortar store.

Shoppers who buy online have the option to collect their purchases at the Collection Point. It’s located right next to the entrance, you can’t miss it.

Tip: Whether you’re collecting or buying from the store itself, be sure to bring along a bag. Decathlon does not provide plastic bags. Reusable shopping bags are $1 for one. Considering the size of it, it’s still worth it.

5. Attentive and friendly staff

You’d think that a large store like that will face a severe shortage of employees, but that wasn’t the case at all.

They’re all over the place. With their striking tags and top, it’s easy to locate them.

What we love is that each staff has a white card displayed. The white card lists 2 sports the staff plays. Expert opinion right there for you while you make a purchase decision.

So there you have it. I’m now a new Decathlon fan. If you still think it’s overhyped, you couldn’t be more wrong. Consider visiting the store and bask in the gloriousness yourself, and you’ll see what the fuss is all about.

Update (9 May 2016): Decathlon will be opening another store at City Square Mall on 21 May 2016. Though it’s their first in-mall store, it is not small! Look forward to 21,500 sq ft of pure sports shopping!

(Header image credit: Decathlon Singapore)

Also read: 8 Chillout Spots In The East For A Relaxing Night Out With Friends!

Surprise! 8 Interesting Things You Didn’t Know About PM Lee!

Despite being a well-known public figure, there are always things about PM Lee that surprise us. Take a look at the list and see if any of it has made you do a double take.

1. He learned the Jawi script since he was five

Not much is said about the tidbit, but according to the biography of the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew, he wanted PM Lee to learn Malay in the original Jawi script. The reason? He thought it would be helpful to use “on the local or international scene”.

When I was five, my only habit was walking into a glass door accidentally.

This means that PM Lee speaks fluent English, Mandarin, and Malay. Word is, he also has considerable knowledge in Russian.

2. He used to play the clarinet

Academics aside, PM Lee also has a musical background. During his time at National Junior College, he played the unconventional clarinet. His mentor was none other than the Associate Professor Ho Hwee Long, a beloved and respected figure in the music field.

3. He was one of the recipients of the President’s Scholarship in 1970

Just so you know, PM Lee was also awarded the Singapore Armed Forces Overseas Scholarship in 1971 to study mathematics at Cambridge University.

[caption id="attachment_4873" align="aligncenter" width="600"] (

4. He was one of the top mathematics undergraduate at Trinity College, Cambridge University

It’s safe to say that PM Lee is a math whiz. Because, word is, the undergraduate mathematics course in Trinity is a killer. Besides his achievements in the numbers field, PM Lee also graduated with a B.A. with first-class honours and a diploma with distinction in computer science in 1974.

5. If he weren’t in politics, he would be a lecturer

You would think that if PM Lee weren’t in politics, he would work in the computer science field. But that’s not the case at all. During a Q&A session on Facebook, he revealed that he would like to work as a teacher or lecturer, citing, “It is fun to interact with young people.”

Hmm, maybe a Computer Science lecturer?

6. He shares a birthday with Big Nose Hyung

Or should I say, Race Starter. South-Korean comedian Ji Suk-jin and PM Lee were both born on the 10th of February; the former was born in 1966, while the latter 1952. I bet this tidbit tickles your funny bone — especially if you’re a hardcore Running Man fan.

7. He’s into coding

By now, most of us would know that PM Lee has a coding background, but did you know that he’s the only world leader who can code?

Back on May 2015, PM Lee revealed in a Facebook post that he wrote a Sudoku solver. Not only did he share his passion, but his coding chops were also clearly shown.

When he visited the Facebook headquarters in America, Mark Zuckerberg gave him an artwork box adorned with the lines from a computer programme PM Lee himself wrote!

If you want to poke around his creation, here’s the link to the file on Google Drive. It’s official: geek is the new cool.

8. He’s the highest paid Prime Minister in the world

Despite taking a 28% pay cut, PM Lee still remains the highest paid political leader in the world. According to various sources, he was earning S$3,870,000 a year between 2008 to 2012. Currently, he earns S$2,200,000 a year.

Take a look at the infographic above, he’s even knocked Barack Obama out of the park.

Did this list surprise you? What are some interesting things you think we should know about PM Lee? Don’t forget to let us know on Facebook!

Source: From Third World to First: The Singapore Story: 1965-2000 & Biography Your Dictionary

(Featured image credit: World Economic Forum)

Also read: What Would Singapore Government Agencies’ Slogans Be If They Were Honest?

Singapore’s Very First Hello Kitty Cafe Is Opening In Singapore And It’s 24Hrs!

The wait is finally over.

Singapore’s first ever Hello Kitty Cafe, Hello Kitty Orchid Garden, is opening at Changi Airport Terminal 3 this coming May. And superb news, it’s not a temporary pop-up stall. It’s going to be a permanent cafe — and a 24-hour one at that.

According to Lady Iron Chef, the cafe will be adorned with a complementary mix of flowers and greens that will, no doubt, add a splash of pretty colour to the place. The full menu hasn’t been revealed yet, but word is, we can expect an all-day breakfast meals and desserts with a tinge of local flavour.

Besides satisfying our tummies, the cafe will also feature an exciting range of merchandise like postcards, plush toys, DIY plant kits, and tea blends. Is it just me, or does it feel like Changi Airport wants Hello Kitty fanatics to burn a colossal hole in their pocket?

One might wonder, with the launch of the cafe, does this mean that we’re going to have a Hello Kitty-themed hospital in the not too distant future? Only time will tell.

Hello Kitty Orchid Garden
Singapore Changi Airport, Terminal 3
Arrival Hall Central #01-22
Opening hours: 24 Hours

Featured image credit: Wikipedia

Also read: Local Food So Atas That Even The Coffeeshop Uncles Also Cannot Recognise!

5 Fascinating Things Only NYP Graduates And Students Know To Be True!

Before I became a writer, I was a molecular biotechnology student studying my butt off at Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP). Even though I only had a brief stint at the school, I came to know the quirks and best finds like the back of my hand. Here are my five picks:

Riding on the escalator is terrifying

Only a handful of NYP graduates would know this. The year 2011 was a confusing time for the escalators near the atrium. There was a malfunction with the system and for weeks, the escalator would go down insanely fast.

There were no injuries, as it was a short ride and everyone had plenty of time to react. Still, I’m willing to bet my dollars that the experience had scarred their life — including mine. Suddenly, the escalator scene in Final Destination 4 doesn’t seem so far-fetched anymore.

The food at NYP is glorious

The following statement is coming from someone who enjoys eating packed lunch — so this says a lot. Simply put, NYP is a food paradise. Students who frequent the North Canteen would be familiar with the golden yellow buttered corn; the belly-filling roti prata; the country-fresh waffles; and the naturally tender chicken rice.

Other highlights include the Japanese stall at Koufu, the crispy-fried nuggets at the South Canteen, and the Nasi Ayam Panggang at Foodgle Hub. Just the description alone makes my mouth water.

The garden at Block P is stunning

Golly, this is even more attractive than the rest areas below our HDB blocks. This area used to be an empty space where students would walk across it to get to the escalators. Kudos to the school to make this eco-friendly garden such a blooming (pun intended) success.

Instagram fanatics, this calls for a selfie!

Finding a seat at the library is no walk in the park

During my last holiday as a secondary school student, my friend — a NYP first-year student — asked if I would accompany her to the library at her school. Since I was curious about exploring the polytechnics in Singapore, I immediately took up her offer.

I couldn’t understand why we had to go early in the morning, but by afternoon, it all became clear. An army of students against a limited number of sitting areas? Draw your own conclusion.

Two words: Jackie Chan

The beloved star made everyone’s day when he popped by NYP to promote Aversion, a new anti-drug mobile game that centres on the concept of steering away from the dangers of drugs and inhalant abuse.

It was created by the Preventive Education Unit (PEU), Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB), and a group of students from NYP School of Interactive & Digital Media (SIDM).

Take a minute and look at the expression everyone had on their face. Jackie Chan at NYP? Yeah, you can’t top that.

I don’t know about you, but I certainly miss my days at NYP. How did time fly by so fast?

Featured image credit: Today Online

Also read: 12 Peculiar Things Only NTU Students Will Nod Silently In Agreement

5 Singapore Stores And Brands You Haven’t Heard Of But Need To Support!

I don’t know Singapore like a book. Having lived here for 23 years, it never fails to stun me how little I know about my home country. For instance, I had no idea there were in this little red dot!

Winter Organics

Winter Organics is conceptualised for two types of people: a) people with acne-prone, sensitive skin and b) people who want to build a socially conscious skincare collection.

Certified Cruelty Free and Vegan under PETA, and organic by Australian Certified Organic Processor 11690, it’s a Singapore brand manufactured in Down Under Australia.

The Chamomile Facial Cleanser pH5 has a whiff of honey citrus, but a peek at the key ingredients list reveals something different. It’s made of aloe barbadensis leaf juice, sea buckthorn and chamomile flower extract.

Winter Organics is a relatively new brand; it has only one product under its belt. Let’s keep our fingers crossed — and toes for good measure — that it’ll launch more skincare products to protect us from the sun, wind and sea!

The Paper Stone [caption id="attachment_3403" align="alignnone" width="700"] Image credit: The Paper Stone[/caption]

One blogger says, if Smiggle is for children, then The Paper Stone is for adults. Right on. If you frequently shop at heartland malls, odds are, you’ve seen The Paper Stone.

Known for its brightly-coloured and illustration-packed journals, the store is usually crowded with stationery enthusiasts during the start of each school term.

If pretty stationery is your cup of tea, you don’t want to miss the 24-hour flash deal specials that happens on every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Fun fact: The Paper Stone has branched out to the Philippines!

Coconurture

When news broke that there were more eczema cases in hospitals, a little part of me wanted to holler at the crowd and turn their attention to organic coconut oil — specifically, the ones at Coconurture.

An online health food store that manufactures its products in the Phillipines, I’ve always been surprised by the number of wellness junkies who have never heard of the brand.

I recommend the Coco N Zema® Eczema Oil Flare Relief and Intense Scalp Treatment for those who want to get started on living a more organic lifestyle.

Go Buy Lah

A personal anecdote: I once bought a ukulele at Go Buy Lah for less than S$20. Don’t bother clicking on the cross button to search for it, because I already did, and it’s completely sold out.

But that’s not to say that you should give this store a miss. There are other items that might catch your fancy. Say, the Mistura Pellicano Pui Ebony red watch or the cuddly bean bag chair.

What sets this online store apart from most of its competitors is not just its Costco-esque wide variety of products. Rather, it’s that there’s no minimum purchase required for free shipping, and the option to pay cash on delivery.

Cats Socrates

Most knick-knack lovers know Cats Socrates like the back of their hand. It’s cosy. It’s charming. It’s run by two cat shopkeepers named Zoo-Zoo and Chestnut. Zoo-Zoo is friendlier.

Cats Socrates is like the care package you never knew you needed. Chock-full of beautiful trinkets and soothing music playing in the background, it’s the sort of store you envision in Switzerland, not Singapore.

Warning: no one is ever known to leave the store empty-handed. There’s a strong possibility that you’ll burn a colossal hole in your pocket.

Don’t keep the best things to yourself. If you know any store in Singapore that deserves more attention, give us a heads-up on our Facebook page! We’d love to hear about them.

Also read: 10 Secret Free Things To Do In Sentosa That Will Make You Want To Visit It This Weekend

20 Wildly Fun Outing Activities In Singapore Under S$19 – Most Are Free!

Singapore is a small country, and it’s certainly not boring. It just means that you have to look harder. More often than not, it’s about entertaining yourself in the place you live in. If you prefer not to spend too much money to travel across another continent, Discover SG’s got you covered.

1. Go hiking at The Southern Ridges

Free admission

Ditch your pumps and Birkenstock, and opt for a pair of sensible footwear to have a stab at hiking down The Southern Ridges. At 10km long, it’s the hot new favourite place for history aficionados, nature lovers and selfie buffs.

2. Volunteer at SPCA

Free admission

SPCA is always on the lookout for helpers and dog walkers to advocate their animal welfare cause. If you’re an animal lover, consider volunteering at the shelter to make a pup’s day. You’re going to go home with a sense of accomplishment.

3. Marvel at the flowers in Singapore Botanic Gardens

Free admission

Here’s something you probably haven’t heard of: picnics are back in fashion. They’re so popular that there are companies here selling packed baskets! If your money is a wee tight, treat it as a DIY project. Set a time, pick a shady spot and I guarantee you’ll have butt-loads of fun.

4. Window-shop at Haji Lane

Free admission

There’s something about Haji Lane. The quirky knick-knacks, the timeless fashion apparels, the aesthetically pleasing little shops. It’s a must-visit for every Singaporean (and tourist). Get a sneak peek at the charming town and its must-visit stores here.

5. Make googly eyes at the fishes at Qian Hu Fish Farm

Free admission

If you don’t know who Kenny Yap is, I, well, let’s leave it at that. Qian Hu, famous for its Dragon fishes, has been around the block since the late nineties. The fish farm may not be as glitzy as Orchard Road, but it still has its own rustic charm.

6. Watch a free movie outdoors

Free admission

A free outdoors drive-in movie screening? It certainly beats shivering uncontrollably in the cinema. Movie Mob was launched in 2009 and seven years later, it’s still going strong. Join their mailing list to get the first deets.

also read: Image credit: Mind Blowing Trip[/caption]

We’ve oohed and ahhed while we were in the Singapore Flyer capsule, but how many of us have actually experienced the Tiger Sky Tower? Not many of us, I’d presume. It’s not too late to have a go. Tickets cost S$18 for adults and S$10 for children.

8. Forget hipster cafes, dine at hawker centres instead

[caption id="attachment_2944" align="alignnone" width="700"] Image credit: Northern Sights[/caption]

Estimated cost: >S$4.50

Ice-cream waffles? Nah, I’ll take unconventional local cuisine any day. Here are some recommendations to get you started on your foodie trip:

• Seletar Nam Hoe’s Bak Kut Teh at the Hainanese Village Food Centre
• Guang Liang Cooked Food’s Kway Chap at Bedok Reservoir Road Market & Food Centre
• Soup Kambing Haji M. Abdul Razak’s Mutton Soup at Upper Boon Keng Road Market and Food Centre

9. Test your endurance at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

[caption id="attachment_2945" align="alignnone" width="700"] Image credit: Angie and James Do Stuff[/caption]

Free admission

Get away from the hustle and bustle, and escape to Singapore’s first ASEAN Heritage Park to rewind. The rich biodiversity is something to behold. I wouldn’t be surprised if you stop to smell the flowers. Oh yeah, that Komodo dragon that’s staring at you like food? Don’t worry, it won’t kill you. It’s a water monitor lizard.

also read: Image credit: Today Online[/caption]

Free admission (duh)

Say whatever you want about Stephenie Meyer (Twilight series), but you’ve got to admit it, she’s made reading cool again. If you’re looking for quality me-time, get on the bus and head to the library. Design fanatics can’t go wrong with Library@Orchard or Jurong Regional Library, and YA (young adult fiction) buffs should not miss Queenstown Public Library for its impressive collection.

11. Admire the greenery at Gardens by the Bay

[caption id="attachment_2947" align="alignnone" width="700"] Image credit: Wikipedia[/caption]

Depends

You don’t have to spend a bomb at Gardens by the Bay. You can enjoy free admission for most of the sights. Take The World of Plants, Dragonfly and Kingfishers Lakes, Heritage Gardens and Sun Pavilion for instance. They’re enough to keep you entertained.

12. Rub shoulders with animals at Farmart Centre

[caption id="attachment_2948" align="alignnone" width="700"] Image credit: Farmart Centre[/caption]

Free admission

If you appreciate casual dining and low-maintenance relaxation, look no further than Farmart Centre. You can have a prawning contest with your mates or feed the farm animals. Price: free, unless you end up going home with a puppy.

13. Attempt the humongous climbing structure at Woodlands Waterfront Park

[caption id="attachment_2949" align="alignnone" width="700"] Image credit: White as Milk[/caption]

Free admission

Any children — or adult — will want to try this out. If playgrounds aren’t your cup of tea, grab your bikes, skateboards or fishing rods. What’s interesting about Woodlands Waterfront Park is that there’s a restaurant located at the jetty. Who knew?

14. Turn back the hands of time at Creative Art Corner (or Timezone)

[caption id="attachment_2950" align="alignnone" width="700"] Image credit: 许恩熙[/caption]

Cost: >S$8

Create art with a cotton swab and toothpick! An activity like this will hit you with the nostalgia bomb. If you can’t stand art, grab your pals and head down to the arcade (price varies). It’s much more satisfying than being cooped up alone in home playing Call Of Duty on your Xbox 360.

15. Dance with coconuts at Bollywood Veggies

[caption id="attachment_2951" align="alignnone" width="700"] Image credit: Bollywood Veggies[/caption]

Well, I don’t know if there are coconuts at the farm, but the name ‘Bollywood’ certainly brings the fruit to mind. The lush greenery is a marvel and reminds us to take a step back from our fast-paced, urban lifestyle. Entrance fee costs S$2. Admission is free for kids under 12 and seniors over 60.

also read:  Image credit: National Parks[/caption]

Free admission

Alexandra Canal Linear Park is like a pearl oyster. At first glance, there’s not much to look at. Look further and you’d feel like you’ve been had. If you spend ample time at the park, you’d see that there’s a rope playground and a scaled-down skate park for skateboarding enthusiasts.

17. Feed the animals at The Animal Resort

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Free admission

The Animal Resort is another lesser-known place in Singapore. Think of it as a mini zoo. You get to feed the animals, see what it’s like for a pet to get a haircut, and witness a dog training ground.

18. Sneak into The Library & have a drink

[caption id="attachment_2954" align="alignnone" width="700"] Image credit: Popspoken[/caption]

Not much is known about The Library, except that it’s as secretive as hosting an underground supper club. What makes the bar so intriguing is that it’s by appointment only and guarded by a secret pass code. One writer at Popspoken recommends the Wonky Donkey ($17).

19. Get over your fear of heights at the Treetop Walk

[caption id="attachment_2961" align="alignnone" width="700"] Image credit: National Parks[/caption]

Free admission

To any acrophobic, attempting the Treetop Walk is as frightening as walking down the Yuntaishan glass walkway. Think carefully before you embark on this exhilarating mission. Get a friend you trust to come along with you and whatever you do, don’t look down!

20. Or better yet, go Sparta! with Running Man

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Cost: varies, depends on your resourcefulness

Here are some ideas to get you started. You could play dodgeball at the basketball field. You could create your own name tag from scratch. Notice the acupuncture stones you often see at your HDB block? Use it. Skip on it. Run on it. Just make sure it’s not occupied by some elderly.

Please, only proceed if you don’t mind getting weird looks.

With these 20 wildly fun activities to do in Singapore for the cheap, we hope you’ll never complain of being bored! Adventure belongs to those to seek it. So go forth and have an adventure!

Note: Price does not include parking fees and transport fares.
Featured image credit: Gardens by the Bay YouTube screen grab