8 Hidden Places In Singapore Even Hipsters Aren’t Aware Of
Are you sick of visiting all those same old places that you see on everyone’s Instagram feed? Or roll your eyes at all mainstream activities?
The fact that Singapore is small worsens the situation because there is simply nowhere cool to go anymore! (Or is it?) We have discovered 8 different secret places for everyone that even the hipsters don’t know about and even we, are really impressed with them! :O
1. Marsiling WWII Tunnel & Navel Base
The Marsiling WWII Tunnel & Navel Base is an abandoned military tunnel built during the WWII by the British. It was used as a storage facility for fuel for the Navy but has not been used since Singapore’s independence. All those curious and adventurous explorers shouldn’t give this a miss!
[caption id="attachment_3908" align="alignnone" width="495"]https://www.instagram.com/p/BA9latugzze/?taken-at=39468183
https://www.instagram.com/p/mX5ybxiLsM/?taken-at=39468183
Address:
47 Keong Saik Road
Singapore 089153
4. Operation Dagger
[caption id="attachment_3868" align="alignnone" width="700"]Okay, so is this another abandoned building that is rumoured to be haunted?
https://www.instagram.com/p/BAruFcIHg4P/?taken-at=283853306
No, in fact, it’s a place that would transport you Narnia. Okay, we kid. Operation Dagger was named after the late 1950s movement in Singapore to rid the underground secret society in Chinatown. This creepy dark flight of stairs actually leads you to a hidden cocktail bar.
[caption id="attachment_3869" align="alignnone" width="960"]7. The Projector
This is Singapore’s new secret hipster cinema hidden within the depths of Golden Mile Tower.
[caption id="attachment_3916" align="alignnone" width="641"]Join The Dark Side – 15 Weird Black Dishes In Singapore That Are Actually Edible
Gone are the days when a food turns out black, it means it is chaota (burnt) and inedible.
We daresay that black is the new sexy of food. Yes, it’s oddly attractive, satisfying and somehow even appealing.
The popularity of black coloured food probably began with Squid Ink pasta and maybe Risotto. Now, Squid Ink is widely used for everything edible, even desserts! If you are looking to add some colour (yes black is a colour, and pun unintended) to your palate, why not try some of these lesser known, out-of-this-world black creations?
1. Dolcetto By Basilico
Squid Ink Panini with King Crab and Prawns
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/4gSeDFj5MF/?taken-at=244179964[/embed]We never knew black sandwiches could look so appealing. This Squid Ink Panini with King Crab and Prawns is stuffed with generous servings of crab meat and prawns fillings which complement the warm, slightly crispy bread on the outside.
Squid Ink sandwiches should definitely be a thing!
2. Black Squid Ink Macaron with Mascarpone Cheese and Smoked Salmon
Also, another creative and novel creation is the Black Squid Ink Macaron with Mascarpone Cheese and Smoked Salmon – MUST TRY!
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/3YVzn6ihSW/?taken-at=244179964[/embed]Who says macarons can’t be savoury?
Sounds #craycray but this Squid Ink pasta inspired macaron is weirdly unique yet surprisingly delicious! 😛
Try it at:
Dolcetto by Basilico
Cuscaden Rd, Regent Singapore
A Four Seasons Hotel, Singapore 249715
3. Black Curry – 
Image credit: Calvin Timo[/caption]
Your first reaction towards this would probably be a disgusted “Ewww what is this? Engine oil ah?” but let us reassure you. It is food. The Japanese Black Curry tastes rather similar to normal Japanese curry and is perhaps a bit tastier and slightly saltier. Give it a try and soon you will start pouring it generously all over your rice, noodles, chicken, sushi…and probably everything served at Kiseki Japanese buffet. Yumz.
Try it at:
Kiseki Japanese Buffet Restaurant
Orchard Central, #08-01/02/03
181 Orchard Road
Singapore 238896
4. Mini Black Charcoal Egg Custard Bun – The Pipe District
Charcoal Fish & Chips
https://www.instagram.com/p/BCzcvurxipM/?taken-at=1026189618
Okay let’s be honest, we would all agree that this just looks like some badly chaota (burnt) fish and looks slightly unappetising. But let’s not judge a fish by its batter. We’re giving The Pipe District credit for its creativity and effort! 🙂
6. Charcoal Battered Onion Rings
If you are trying the Fish & Chips, why not go all black and order their Charcoal Battered Onion Rings as well?
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BCC8BvhKJuW/?taken-at=1026189618[/embed]
Try it at:
The Pipe District
Gemini, 45 Science Park Road
#01-09, Singapore 117407
7. Kurogoma Tamago Sushi – Image credit:
https://www.instagram.com/p/3bdqUGQ5dt/?taken-at=71490808
Savoury waffles with prawns, hell yes!
Try it at:
Spathe Public House
8 Mohamed Sultan Rd #01-01, 238958
9. Tan Charcoal Thick Toast – Stateland Cafe
[caption id="attachment_3795" align="alignnone" width="361"] Image credit:
Kiseki Japanese Buffet Restaurant
Orchard Central, #08-01/02/03
181 Orchard Road
Singapore 238896
The Pipe District
Gemini, 45 Science Park Road
#01-09, Singapore 117407
Spathe Public House
8 Mohamed Sultan Rd #01-01, 238958
Squid Ink Char Siew Bun
https://www.instagram.com/p/6bou81CFx9/?taken-at=4227649
The Squid Ink taste is very subtle in this Squid Ink Char Siew Bun but there’s a slight smokey taste to the fluffy bun which complements the sweet char siew filling!
11. Multi-colored Har Gao
Also, while you’re at it, try their Multi-colored Har Gao as well.
https://www.instagram.com/p/_n02uwPkDn/?taken-at=4227649
Try it at:
Mouth Restaurant China Square Central
22 Cross Street #01-61 China Square Central
South Bridge Court Shop House
Singapore 048421
Mouth Restaurant Marina Square
6 Raffles Boulevard
#02-200, Marina Square
Singapore 039594
Tel: 63377446
12. Sea Urchin & Squid Ink Pudding –
Charcoal Chicken Pie
[caption id="attachment_3799" align="alignnone" width="650"] https://www.instagram.com/p/BBw-e63PWYq/?taken-at=450021133 First, the hype about Charcoal waffles and now there’s Charcoal vanilla ice cream?! Surprisingly, the combination is rather pleasant and works well. And definitely Instagram-worthy. Try it at: With Charcoal, Squid Ink and Black Sesame gaining popularity in the food scene, we are definitely expecting more cafes and restaurants to join the darker side soon! 😉 Image credit: The Cold Pantry
The Cold Pantry
131 Rangoon Road
Singapore 218409
10 Unmistakable Signs That You Love Singapore’s Local Food As Much As We Do!
Singapore’s local food is something that will always makes us uniquely Singapore. So much so that we hear foreigners and tourists frequently raving about our culturally diverse local food and its no secret that we are known for our Chilli Crab (even though we know we are definitely more than that 😉 ). And somehow, we always manage to copy food from all over the world, and adapt it to suit our unforgiving Singaporean tastebuds.
[caption id="attachment_3470" align="alignnone" width="1024"]You don’t understand how anyone will get confused or won’t know how to order what they want. Aiyo how can? There’s simply no excuse for that!
But you are always eager to help and educate any confused angmoh or foreigner.
[caption id="attachment_3477" align="alignnone" width="500"]2. And of course the art of ordering noodles
[caption id="attachment_3479" align="alignnone" width="451"]You will actually hunt down Chinese Singaporeans who are clueless over this and give them an hour long lecture.
3. Whenever you are overseas, you only crave for Singaporean food
That moment when you’ve landed in Europe after a 12 long flight and all you ever want to eat is some Chicken rice, Laksa, Nasi Lemak, Mee Goreng, Prata, Kway Chap… Jialat sia.
And then you remember this is only the start of the torture of not having local food for the next few days…or weeks…or months.
[caption id="attachment_3482" align="alignnone" width="245"]5. You are willing to work for your food
You are willing to travel all the way from the West to Bedok 85 for Bar Chor Mee and BBQ Chicken Wings. And you are a strong believer that queues are telltale signs of good food.
The longer the queue, the better.
[caption id="attachment_3492" align="alignnone" width="1600"]7. Hawker centres bring out the indecisiveness inside you
You want to order everything!
[caption id="attachment_3503" align="alignnone" width="470"]10. After all, you know the best food is always found at the Hawker Centres
Never at some Michelin Star fine dining restaurant.
Or hipster cafe.
And most definitely not at some 5 Star Hotel with a 10-course, $128 per pax meal.
[caption id="attachment_3524" align="alignnone" width="500"]10 Secret Free Things To Do In Sentosa That Will Make You Want To Visit It This Weekend
Sentosa has been branding itself as the “The State of Fun”. Without a doubt, there’s really so much fun we can have on this small island. But all locals know that due to the touristy nature of the island, almost any type of ‘fun’ in Sentosa comes with an expensive price tag. No wonder there’s an inside joke that Sentosa stands for – So Expensive Nothing To See Also.
SG50 has brought about many promotional packages and discounts in Sentosa, but now in 2016, some of us might be trying to siam (avoid) Sentosa again because it’s bo hua (not worth it).
So today, be surprised by the amount of absolutely free things you can do in Sentosa for an entire day of fun!
1. Enjoying the scenic sea view at Sentosa Boardwalk
There are a few ways to enter Sentosa but definitely the cheapest way would be by foot via the boardwalk. This 670m long boardwalk is sheltered all the way, plus there are travelators along the way so you can just hop on and simply enjoy the amazing sea view.
The best part about the boardwalk? There are so many Instagram-worthy spots – both day and night!
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BBbJzAQxsVm/?taken-at=1331432[/embed] [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BA7bJMsEkGK/?taken-at=1331432[/embed]Remember not to miss the sunset on the way out, because why in the world would you want to miss out on a view like this?
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BB4spQ3plxj/?taken-at=1331432[/embed]DiscoverSG Tip: This is one of the best place in Singapore to catch a panoramic sunset view. You can even enjoy the small firework display for the 8pm Crane Dance at the RWS WaterFront from the viewing platform!
Opening Hours:
Daily – All day
*Free entry till 31st Dec 2016
2. Soak in the buzzing atmosphere at Sentosa’s Boardwalk Bazaar
Every weekend there will be a bazaar held along the boardwalk where you can find some unique handcrafted goods or steal some great deals!
Maybe a chance for you to grab a selfie stick before heading into Sentosa!
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BAmMkYNiUbv/?taken-at=1331432[/embed]Opening Hours:
Saturdays – 4pm to 11.30pm
Sundays – 2pm to 9.30pm
3. Take a billion photos at the Fort Siloso Skywalk
We all know the Henderson Waves and MacRitchie TreeTop Walk, but one of the super underrated, lesser known Skywalks in Singapore is the Fort Siloso Skywalk. This is the newest addition to Singapore’s skywalk block and the tallest one yet!
Standing at 11 storeys high, this elevated bridge offers amazing scenic views of the Western Sentosa as well as Mount Faber and Keppel Harbour. History lovers can also learn much about the defence by the British Army in the 19th Century Singapore at sheltered rest points. If you aren’t a fan of history, I’m sure the thrill of being this high up will satisfy your ‘wanderlusting’ spirit.
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/54jT6VQLSu/?tagged=fortsilososkywalk[/embed]And the thing is you can post photos with an overseas geotag on Instagram. Shhhh go ahead we won’t tell!
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BB7K8d7g-eS/?taken-at=776069788[/embed]Opening Hours:
Daily – All day
*The Skywalk is access via lift or stairs. The lift operates from 9am – 7pm.
4. Step into your history and social studies textbooks with the Fort Siloso Tour
If enjoy learning about history, this is definitely not to be missed!
Fort Siloso is one of most historically rich places in Singapore and it has the nation’s largest display of World War II relics with coastal guns, tunnels, photographs, films, life-sized replicas and exhibits. What’s more is that there will be free Fort Siloso Guided Tours on Fridays, Weekends and Public Holidays!
[caption id="attachment_3376" align="alignnone" width="750"]Siloso beach is known for their variety of recreational activities by the beach and of course, where you can find some of the hottest hunks and bikini babes 😉
Okay that aside, one of the free yet most fun beach activity is beach volleyball.
Drag your friends down for a game or simply just join people who are already playing on these courts!
[caption id="attachment_3370" align="alignnone" width="1280"]I don’t know about you but how about holding the next Sentosa Spookcular here?
DiscoverSG Tip: If you are feeling brave as hell, why not try going for an adventure here at night? 😉
Opening Hours:
Daily – All Day
9. Dreaming about the filthy rich lifestyle at Quayside Isle
Want to get a glimpse of the rich and glamorous life?
Head down to Quayside Isle in Sentosa Cove for a walk and dream about owning one of those yachts docked at the bay. And it’s definitely somewhere to bring your date to.
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BCLQ8_4OE-l/?taken-at=214825485[/embed] [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/_zY2bzFZga/?taken-at=214825485[/embed]Well, at least we can dream right?
Opening Hours:
Daily – All Day
10. Bring the kids to interact with animals and birds
The ‘Animals and Birds Encounter’ at Palawan is something for the kids since most of the free activities are targeted at adults.
It’s a short but entertaining education show where you can get up close with the animals and even pet them!
Also, there will be many photo-taking opportunities so you don’t need to go to the zoo to do so.
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/sCfzZ5IzFu/?taken-at=265841021[/embed]Opening Hours:
Daily – Different Showtimes from 2pm to 5.30pm
Check the Showtimes
12 Wildly Popular Toys Only 90s Kids Will Remember Playing With
If you are one of those who shake your head in disapproval when you see parents letting their children entertain themselves with iPad and iPhones, you’d also probably reminisce about your fun-filled, iPad-less childhood and say “Aiyo, kids these days.”
The 90s generation is probably the coolest generation (IMO as a 90s kid and I’m sure you would agree if you are one). We spent our childhood days equally running outdoors playing catching and playing on our gameboys which means we had the best of both worlds. Plus, we got to witness the growth of technology.
[caption id="attachment_3294" align="alignnone" width="500"]Those were the days where almost everyone had a Beyblade, even girls! And I remember the ripoffs were sold everywhere, so there was no excuse not to have one. This spinning top toy was popularized by the Beyblade anime series and there were mini arenas for competitions as well.
One does not say no to an impromptu Beyblade Showdown.
2. Tamagotchi
I remember I used to get so depressed when my Tamagotchi pet died, then I would start blaming myself for not caring for it enough. Since my parents did not allow me to get a puppy when I was younger, my Tamagotchi was basically my baby.
It sure did teach us a bit about responsibility.
[caption id="attachment_3303" align="alignnone" width="783"]This was one of the coolest toys you could have then!
With their sophisticated yet super cool race tracks, we could compete each other and our eyes would be glued to our cars the whole time!
[caption id="attachment_3310" align="alignnone" width="500"]We don’t know about you, but Tamiya cars were our very first cars. We remembered spending countless of hours making our cars from the kits. Then, testing and playing those cars at the void deck or tamiya tracks in the neighbourhood. There was also the regular maintenance (lubricating) and upgrading of car parts.
[caption id="attachment_3422" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]We surely missed those days, including those when we were shouted at for playing at home, and spoiling all the furniture legs when our tamiya cars crashed into them!
4. Gameboy
Oh boy, don’t we all love playing the Gameboy?
Seriously though, this was practically the iPad of our generation with so many games we can choose from with the different game cartridges.
Needless to say, Pokemon, Tetris and Super Mario were our all-time favorites!
[caption id="attachment_3312" align="alignnone" width="700"]
This is a heart-stopping game that requires much strategic planning through careful situation analysis.
We all remember that moment when the tower is unstable and it’s gonna be our turn next and we nervous as hell.
[caption id="attachment_3317" align="alignnone" width="300"]How? I could barely play with the yoyo properly.
[caption id="attachment_3320" align="alignnone" width="400"][caption id="attachment_3323" align="alignnone" width="480"] Gotta catch ’em all! Twisting our bodies in different ways we never knew could be twisted and then screaming at the gamemaster to hurry up. If you remember playing all these, I’m sure there is this wave of nostalgia that you would have felt after reading this article. There were so many simple games that used to entertain us for hours and hours and nope, none of it ever revolved around an iPad, which shows that fun can come in all forms with just a bit of imagination. Let us know in the comments if we missed anything! 🙂 Image credits:
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Image credit: i make the glass[/caption]
11. Pokemon Cards
Image credit:
Image credit: quotesgram[/caption]
Image credit: tumblr[/caption]
12 Things People Who Hate Mornings Go Through Every Single Day
Everyone knows the scene in the movies whereby waking up seems to be a dreamy and cheery process. But if you are reading, you probably know that it is far from the truth.
1. The daily struggle to even get out of bed
[caption id="attachment_2762" align="alignnone" width="500"]And yet you still managed to snooze through every single one of them without fail.
[caption id="attachment_2767" align="alignnone" width="460"] Image credit:
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Except anything related to coffee or food.
6. The daily battle travelling to work
Squeezing in the MRT trains in the morning is the second WORST part of every morning for you. (the first is waking up)
When you see this every morning, you ask yourself why you do this to yourself.
[caption id="attachment_2791" align="alignnone" width="600"] Image credit:
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9. Coffee is your only BFF in the morning
Nope sorry, not even your mum, best friend or significant other can make you feel better in the morning.
Only coffee will.
“Uncle, one Kopi-O gao!”
[caption id="attachment_2790" align="alignnone" width="480"]At least you are productive at night right?
12. The happiest part of the day is when you are finally reunited with your bed
Bedtime! 🙂
Till today I’m sure most of you still remember the stupid things that you used to do as a child. But growing up in Singapore, many of us have picked up all sorts of funny Singlish phrases in school or at the playground hor? So today, we will take you down memory lane to some of the ridiculous and funny Singlish phrases you used to say. Something to refresh your memory lah. You probably recited that in a sing-song manner in your head. Remember those good ol’ days when you played catching with your friends at the playground? This was one of those annoying-as-hell taunting tunes that ignited your determination to catch that person so you can provoke him instead.
Image credit:
Annoying Singlish Phrases Only Those Born In the 90s Will Understand!
1. Neh Neh Ni Poo Poo
Photo credit:
Photo credit:
Meaning: Someone lookin’ stylish (stylo) and good.
How did you use it?: “Wah, Justin Bieber so Stylo Milo leh, I want to be like him when I grow up.”
4. Abuden
Many a times, we meet people who just like to ask stupid questions and say obvious.
[caption id="attachment_2666" align="alignnone" width="500"]Xiao Ming: “Can borrow?”
Xiao Li:
[caption id="attachment_2440" align="alignnone" width="500"] Photo credit: tumblr[/caption]
5. Copycat, Kiss the rat, Go home let your mother slap
Another sing-song tune that somehow rhymed in a weird way. Nonetheless, you still enjoy reciting it whenever the opportunity arises just because it was super catchy and annoying.
[caption id="attachment_2443" align="alignnone" width="284"]We all have this friend who seem like they could have ADHD because they just simply can’t sit still, so they start doing things to entertain themselves.
And most of the time, you can imagine that it doesn’t end as planned.
[caption id="attachment_2668" align="alignnone" width="360"] Image credit:
Image credit: Image credit:
Those were the days where it was an effective threat for your friends when they did something that you didn’t like. Ahhh…don’t you wish you could still say this IRL without getting judged.
Meaning: “I don’t want to be your friend anymore if you continue to do that.”
How did you use it: “You know I hate Xiao Ming but you talked to him, I don’t friend you liao!!”
If you remember using all of these in your childhood, I would like to declare that you, my friend, are a true blue Singaporean.
Do you still remember other Singlish phrases you used to say?
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12 Peculiar Things Only NTU Students Will Nod Silently In Agreement
Welcome to Pulau NTU, the uluest university in Singapore. If you’ve studied there, you’d surely be familiar with these 12 peculiar things only NTU students will understand.
1. Travelling to school
You used to think that Singapore is small until you live in East and you would rather travel to Pulau Ubin instead.
No matter where you live, unless you stay in hall, you dread and groan inwardly on a daily basis when you think about travelling to NTU. Or rather Pulau NTU, the most ulu university in Singapore.
2. When it rains, it floods…?
[caption id="attachment_2311" align="alignnone" width="960"]This has probably only happened a few times, but where else would you get to experience a free wading pool in school?
Exclusively at NTU’s North Spine.
3. “Eh wanna supper at Ah Lian?”
Your stomach is growling furiously at 2am and nothing’s open? Maybe its a sign to jio your hall friends to Ah Lian to satisfy those late-night hunger pangs!
[caption id="attachment_2318" align="alignnone" width="700"]It has become a must to pray and give offerings to the almighty bell curve god.
That is if you don’t want to ‘tank’ the bell curve.
7. Wearing home clothes to school
What’s more comfy than wearing dry-fit school t-shirts and flip flops to school?
I’m definitely not saying that all NTU students dress like that, but with the halls conveniently located within campus itself, NTU students tend to dress more casually than their NUS/SMU counterparts.
[caption id="attachment_2338" align="alignnone" width="500"]February 2016 Could Be The One Of The HOTTEST Februaries In 9 Decades!
Earlier this week, the Meterological Service in Singapore (MSS) announced that this February could be one of the top five warmest Februaries since 1929.
We all get too happy over the cooler temperatures during the Chinese New Year weekend – the average daily minimum temperature for the first half of this month was almost 2°C warmer than that of all the previous years. However, that’s going to change soon.
[caption id="attachment_1996" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]MSS reported that the second half of this month is forecasted to be hotter and drier compared to the first half of February with the temperature range expected to be between 25°C all the way until 34°C. This could be ranked among the top five warmest Februaries since records began in 1929, which recorded the long term mean monthly temperature of 27.1°C.
Despite that, thundery showers are still forecasted for about five to six days for the rest of the month.
So brace yourself, the hot weather is coming in the next few days!
Singapore’s First Ever Run At Coney Island This April And Why You Shouldn’t Miss It!
Singapore’s latest nature playground, Coney Island, recently opened its doors to the public October last year. The rustic island off the shores of Punggol has since been a popular destination for trekkers, cyclists, curious explorers and hipster instagrammers (especially after the solemn farewell to our favourite Punggol Instagram Tree *sobs*).
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BAuquPdLIG9/?taken-at=294170897[/embed] [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/-yArOQrDW0/[/embed]Been there and done that? Or have yet to jump into the Coney Island hype? Either way, we have some exciting news for you!
Whether you are a running enthusiast, nature lover or simply looking to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, get ready to tie your shoelaces for Coney Island’s First Ever Run!
The Coney Island Trail Run, organized by Celebrity Trainer, will be held on the 16th April 2016, Saturday at Coney Island.
The running route takes you through the island’s Nature Trail, allowing you to immerse in the serenity of the lush greenery while providing one of the most scenic route even for professional runners!
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/88IV81x4_3/[/embed]The run will start and end at the Gallop Stable at Punggol Ranch where you will be pampered with a free, relaxing spa massage while enjoying the live performances upon completion of the race! How awesome is that?
Also, both the young and the young at heart can enjoy a horse ride ($10/pax) or even take squeal-worthy photos with those beautiful ponies ($8/pax).
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BA1J_SDu6i3/?taken-at=214986773[/embed]Getting excited already?
The Coney Island Trail Run guarantees something for everyone.
For people and kids looking to enjoy the beauty of the island and relax, they can register for the 5K Fun Run where kids will be entitled to water guns in their race pack! And for competitive runners, there will be a special ‘Coney Island’-shaped finisher medal!
Sign up now at
