Klook x KopiPass: Enjoy Free Coffee While Planning Your Holiday Activities!

The year-end festive season is fast approaching! Planning for holiday activities and weekend getaways will be a headache. However, there is no better place to brainstorm for your vacation plans than in the comfort of a cafe over a FREE cup of coffee! This festive season, Klook has teamed up with KopiPass to present ‘Grounds for Exploration’ Giveaway!

From now till 31 March 2017, be instantly rewarded with a complimentary cup of coffee at selected cafes!

All you have to do is simply use the Klook mobile app to plan your upcoming holiday getaways!

Hold On, What’s Klook And KopiPass?

Klook

Klook is an online travel activity platform that helps savvy but busy travellers (like you and I) beat the crowd while on holiday.

[caption id="attachment_18632" align="aligncenter" width="625"] Credit: Great, Now Tell Me More About This 100,000 Cups Of Coffee Giveaway!

The ‘Grounds for Exploration’ Giveaway is valid from 10 November 2016 to 31 March 2017.

[caption id="attachment_18675" align="aligncenter" width="1170"] Credit:

More information on this fantastic giveaway can be found here!

Sounds Fantastic! I’m Sold – How Does This Work?

Here is what you have to do to get your complimentary cup of coffee:

[caption id="attachment_18622" align="aligncenter" width="983"] Credit: klook.com[/caption]

• Download the Klook iOS / Android mobile app
• Tap on “Redeem A Free Cup of Coffee” banner and select the participating cafe of your choice
• Enter the promo code GROUNDSTOEXPLORE upon check out
• Receive your redemption e-voucher instantly in your account
• Retrieve your e-voucher from the “Bookings” tab and head to the cafe
• Show them the voucher to redeem your free coffee!

Do note that the promo code is valid from 10 to 30 November 2016.

However, redemption of the coffee is available from 10 November 2016 to 30 March 2017.

Awesome! How Do I Get Started?

Easy!

All you have to do is download the Klook mobile app here (for iOS) or here (for Android).

There is no time left to waste!

Remember, this giveaway is only limited to the first 100,000 redemptions. So hurry download the mobile app and start Klooking today!

(Header image credit: Klook Travel)

Also, read Attention Coffee Lovers: Here’s Your Chance To Savour 30 Cups Of Coffee At Only $30!

Check Out These 4 Crazy Big Houses Where The REAL Crazy Rich Asians Live

They say home is where the heart is. If this is true, then these gorgeous and opulent homes (or rather, super huge bungalows) in Singapore will absolutely steal your heart away.

Set amidst lush gardens and away from the hustle and bustle of the city life, it seems as if these grand mansions are in an entire world of their own!

Here are some of the few unbelievably grand and opulent homes you can find in our little Singapore island.

1. The Willow House by Guz Architects

This impressive-looking house is truly a garden house.

It is designed to take advantage of its hilltop position, by creating a open-concept to make the most of the prevailing breezes.

[caption id="attachment_17774" align="aligncenter" width="750"] Credit: Credit: Credit:  Credit: Credit: thepeakmagazine.com.sg[/caption]

With its terrace roof garden seemingly forming an amphitheatre around the house, this is truly being right in the heart of nature.

[caption id="attachment_17791" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Credit: Credit: Credit: Credit: Credit: Credit: Credit: Credit: 5 Apartments In Singapore That Are Role Models ‘Cos They’re So Green

10 Crazy & Unusual Ice Cream Flavours You Would Have Never Dreamed Of!

Think you might have heard it all when it comes to whacky ice cream flavours? Think again! These ice cream parlours have managed to come up with unbelievably innovative and creative renditions of ice cream flavours.

Here are some truly out-of-this-world ice cream flavours that you can find in Singapore. Question is – are you game to try them all?

1. Bacon Ice Cream – Oh My Bacon

It is literally Oh My Bacon! with this extremely unconventional ice cream flavour – Bacon ice cream!

2. Pineapple Tart – Island Creamery

There is no denying that we love our traditional pineapple tarts during the Chinese New Year.

[caption id="attachment_17708" align="aligncenter" width="434"] Credit: 3. Soya Ginger – Tom’s Palette

In an attempt to recreate our locally-loved soya beancurd, Tom’s Palette has come up with a unique concoction – the Soya Ginger ice cream!

[caption id="attachment_17712" align="aligncenter" width="1080"] Credit:

Topped with gula melaka ginger sauce, this soy beancurd ice cream flavour is surprisingly wholesome and addictive.

Tom’s Palette
Address: 100 Beach Rd ,#01-25 Shaw Tower, Singapore 189702
Operating hours: Mon-Thu 12nn – 9.30pm,  Fri-Sat 12nn – 10pm, Sun 1pm – 7pm (Closed every last Sunday of the month)
Credit: Website

5. Champion Chendol – Udders

It seems like the traditional Chendol dessert has taken a slightly different dessert form – as an ice cream flavour!

[caption id="attachment_17717" align="aligncenter" width="420"] Credit: 6. oKAYAlah! – The Daily Scoop

It is bread spread-turned-ice cream flavour with this oKAYAlah ice cream from The Daily Scoop!

Inspired by our local food flavours, this is essentially a kaya-flavoured ice cream with its strong flavour brought out by the richness of the eggs and coconut.

[caption id="attachment_17727" align="aligncenter" width="3264"] Credit: jiaksimipng.wordpress.com[/caption]

With a great consistency almost like a kaya spread itself, it might very well tempt you to replace the typical breakfast bread spread with this delectable ice cream instead!

The Daily Scoop
Address: 43 Jalan Merah Saga, #01-78 Chip Bee Gardens, Singapore 278115
Operating hours: Mon – Thu 11am – 10pm, Fri – Sat 11am – 10.30pm, Sun 2pm – 10pm
Credit:

8. Sea Salt Matcha – FATCAT Ice Cream Bar

FATCAT Ice Cream Bar has certainly raised the bar on the all-familiar matcha ice cream – by sprinkling some sea salt and swirling in some Azuki red beans.

[caption id="attachment_17724" align="aligncenter" width="1080"] Credit: Instagram @fatcatsag[/caption]

The end result? A unique blend of green tea flavour with just a tinge of saltiness!

FATCAT Ice Cream Bar
Address: Blk 416 Bedok North Avenue 2, #01-25, Singapore 460416
Operating hours: Mon, Wed – Thu 1pm – 10pm, Fri 1pm – 11pm, Sat 12nn – 11pm, Sun, 12nn – 10pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
Credit: Blk 501, West Coast Drive, #01-250 Singapore 120501
Operating hours: Sun – Thu 11am – 1opm, Fri – Sat 11am – 11pm
Website

10. Miso Gula Melaka – Seriously Ice Cream

Seriously? Miso Gula Melaka?!

[caption id="attachment_17725" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Credit:

(Header image credit: Eyescream And Friends: Shaved Ice GELATO That’s Super Cute, All Natural, And More!

A Day In The Life Of An Uber Driver – All You Need To Know And Tips Included!

Move over, taxis! Uber is one the newest and best way to get around Singapore. There is no denying that Uber advertisements are literally everywhere – on Instagram, Facebook, and even the little advert banners on the websites we visit.

Uber “supposedly” offers lucrative incentives for their drivers – such as X3 rates when driving during peak hours or additional SGD500 when you refer a friend to drive.

Sounds like a fast road to easy money! But what are the realities behind the wheel of an Uber driver?

Here is my personal account of being an Uber driver for a day:

An Early Start To The Day

My day started in the wee hours of the morning, with the sky slightly filled with faint blue hues.

I had to be at a multi-storey carpark in Serangoon to pick the Uber car,a Toyota Prius C, that was assigned to me.

With just a single tap of my EZ-link card on the card-reader next to the IU, the car was unlocked. Fascinating!

Fumbling Over The Uber App

Getting clients, GPS directions to locations, tracking incoming bookings and earnings etc., were all done via the Uber App – which I struggled to figure out while driving.

I was so fixated on exploring the Uber App and ensuring that I get my first passenger when I heard a loud horn. Apparently, I had not noticed that a huge lorry was going straight.

With my heart beating wildly in my chest, it finally dawned on me why Singapore imposes such heavy fines for using mobile phones while driving. Thankfully, I had the Uber App all figured out by then.

Tip! If you are a first time Uber driver, do play around with the Uber app to familiarise yourself with it first. Figure out how to accept bookings BEFORE hitting the roads. The Uber driver interface is different from the usual Uber passenger interface that we are familiar with.

Tip! Do use the mobile phone holder that comes with a suction cup. This will ensure that your phone is in an ideal position at a corner. It will not block your view of the road and it allows you to reach over easily to accept incoming bookings on your phone!

Picking Up My First Customer

My first booking came with a loud and repetitive “ping” sound just 10 minutes after I had hit the road.

A young couple from Serangoon needed a lift to Bras Basah to attend a friend’s church wedding.

I tried to be the friendly Uber driver –  making small talk and asking where they were heading to.

I was just secretly hoping that they would give me a five star rating as that would boost my credentials as a well-rated Uber driver.

Credit: Verine Ling[/caption]

As this was during one of Uber’s regular promotions to entice people to try being an Uber driver, referral incentives and guaranteed top-up on hourly rates were dangled as carrots.

Watch Out! Certain promotional campaigns require an Uber driver to meet a minimum of 80% acceptance rate for bookings before qualifying for the incentives.

However, this might not always be explicitly stated on the website. Do make it a point to check with the Uber operators if there is such criteria before driving!

[caption id="attachment_17480" align="aligncenter" width="572"] Credit: Verine Ling[/caption]

Is It Really Easy Money?

I was perhaps a lazy Uber driver.

Despite the constant pinging of the Uber app throughout my entire shift, I only accepted a booking when I felt “ready” to hit the road again after a quick rest.

[caption id="attachment_17372" align="aligncenter" width="1536"] Credit: Credit: )

Also, read We Hopped On The Makan Bus And Didn’t Wanna Get Off – Here’s Why!

These Super Worth It Student Meals Make Us All Wish We Were Students Again!

Being a student does not mean that we can only eat at cheap, fast food places or coffee shops. Lucky for us, there is a plethora of eateries that offer students an exclusive student meal or dining deal.

Time to indulge in a great student meal with friends, at discounted prices! All you need is your student pass.

Student Meal – Japanese Cuisine

1. Suki-Ya

Gather your friends after class for a delectable and affordable hot pot experience at Suki-Ya!

[caption id="attachment_17349" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Credit: 3. RamenPlay

Students get to enjoy heartwarming and high-quality ramen with RamenPlay‘s fantastic student specials!

[caption id="attachment_17350" align="aligncenter" width="1001"] Credit:

[caption id="attachment_17346" align="aligncenter" width="1006"] Credit: whole day.
Address: Several branches island-wide, do check out their website for the addresses and opening hours
Website  Credit: O’ Coffee Club Facebook[/caption]

From just $6.90++, choose from dishes including Single Waffle with Egg & Bacon or Garlic Prawn Pasta. You can even bring your bestie here for their BFF Bundle – select 2 set meals at just $14.90++! To end off with a sweet treat, simply top up an additional $2.90 for a cake of the day.

O’Coffee Club Student Meal
When: Weekdays, from 2pm
Address: 33 Sengkang West Avenue, The Seletar Mall, #02-K7, Singapore 797653
Promotion is only available at The Seletar Mall
Operating hours: Mon – Thu 10am – 10pm; Fri & Eve of PH 10am – 10.30pm; Sat & PH 8.30am – 10.30pm; Sun 8.30am – 10pm
Website Credit: Hang Out Cafe Facebook[/caption]

Their student deals change on a regular basis so there is always something new every week! Simply check out their Facebook page for the latest student meal. Free wifi is also offered here, making it the perfect mugging spot for you and your friends!

Hang Out Cafe Student Meal
When: Daily, 11am – 8pm
Address: 80 Bencoolen Street, #01-15 NAFA Campus 1, Singapore 189655
Operating hours: Mon – Fri 11am – 9pm; Sat – Sun 9am – 9pm
Website here

Student Meal – Italian Cuisine

7. Saizeriya

Saizeriya might not explictly offer student deals, but the prices of the meals here are considerably “student-friendly” enough!

[caption id="attachment_17353" align="aligncenter" width="854"] Credit: 9. The Bomb Bistro

The Bomb Bistro has a student discount that truly shows why it is really good to be a student.

[caption id="attachment_17343" align="aligncenter" width="679"] Credit: The Bomb Bistro Facebook[/caption]

With an unbelieveable 50% off Pastas, Mains and Pots, this student deal is definitely highly sought after. The Bomb Bistro also has affordable all-day student set meals such as Carbonara Chicken Ham or Salted Egg Chicken Pasta that starts from just $7.90++. Deciding where to go for lunch after classes might not be that difficult after all.

The Bomb Bistro Student Deal
When: Weekdays, 2pm – 6pm
Address: JCube, 2 Jurong East Central 1, #04-12, Singapore 609731
Website here

Student Deals – Desserts

10. Yoguru

Opt for a healthier alternative to ice cream with Yoguru!

[caption id="attachment_17339" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Credit: Smoothie House Facebook[/caption]

All you have to do is present your student pass, and you can choose your favourite flavours – there are no restrictions! There is no better way to unwind after a long day of classes than indulging in some sweet yet healthy treats!

Smoothie House
When: Weekdays, 12pm – 5pm
Address: Westgate, 3 Gateway Dr, #01-08, Singapore 608532
Promotion is only available here
Operating hours: Daily, 12nn – 1pm
Website  Credit: 100 Beach Road, #01-25, Shaw Tower, Singapore 189702
Operating hours: Mon – Thu 12nn – 9.30pm; Fri – Sat 12nn – 10pm; Sun 1pm – 7pm (Closed on the last Sunday of the month)
Website The Comprehensive 2016 Guide To Student Discounts In Singapore!

Trick Or Treat In Singapore: The Best 7 Places To Get Spooked This Halloween!

Unknown to many, the good old Halloween tradition of trick or treating is very much alive here. There are several trick or treat activities and places in Singapore – complete with elaborate decorations and houses that do give out awesome sweets!

This Halloween, get your entire family and friends decked out in Singapore-related Halloween costumes for the good old tradition of trick or treating!

For all ages

1. Halloween Trick or Treat @ Woodlands Woodgrove

Head down to this massive Trick-or-Treating event in the neighbourhood of Woodlands Woodgrove!

Credit: 2. ACM After Dark: Horror Mash Up

What happens when pontianaks meet vampires? Or when Asian supernatural meets Western horror? Find your answers here at ACM After Dark: Horror Mash Up.

[caption id="attachment_16988" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Credit: angloinfo.com[/caption]

Dress to scare as you roam the museum galleries, hearing haunting tales and watching out for a zombie outbreak.

[caption id="attachment_17037" align="alignnone" width="850"] JCube Scream Fest 3 – The School Maze[/caption]

Admission tickets are priced at $8. Good news for shopaholics out there, if you spend $50 at JCube or $20 at J.Avenue you get free entry into this scarefest!

Not for the faint of heart this school maze will make you hope you never step into a school again!

Best part? Each admission ticket to Scream Fest 3 lets you ice skate your heart out at The Rink for $7 (U.P $17.50)! So if you’re looking for a spot where you can shop, ice skate AND get scared, JCube is the perfect place to be!

Scream Fest 3 – The School Maze
Where: JCube, 2 Jurong East Central 1, Level 3, Singapore 609731
When: 7 Oct – 6 Nov

Price: $8 per entry, FREE if you spend at least $50 at JCube or $20 at J.Avenue

Find out more at JCube’s Official Facebook Page

Find out more about The Rink at The Rink’s Official Facebook Page

For kids only

4. Spooky Boo! Halloween Fun Fair at Go-Go Bambini

Here’s a spooky Halloween party for the little ones!

Be entertained by spine-tingling magic shows and a Halloween-themed photo booth. Of course, there’s a wide array of creepy-looking nibbles and candies up for grabs.

[caption id="attachment_16881" align="aligncenter" width="4752"] Credit: explorerkid.com[/caption]

Let your kids show off their quirky and unique Halloween costumes with the Trick or Treat parade! Furthermore, the best-dressed costume stands to bag even more treats and goodies.

Do register your little “vamps” and “monsters” early to not miss this FANGtastic party!

eXplorerkid Halloween Spooktacular Party
Where: Downtown East / AMK Hub
When: 29 October 2016, Saturday
Time: 1pm to 5pm
Price: $30 (eXplorerkid Member) / $40 (public)
More information here

6. Safari Boo @ River Safari

Get up close and personal with glowing monsters, mythical mermaids, aliens and many other creatures at this not-so-spooky, merry-not-scary kids Halloween event: Safari Boo @ River Safari! 

Walk along the Monster Boo trail to fight against the evil Professor V alongside a gang of fun-loving animal monsters!

Take up the trick or treat challenge that spans across the entire River Safari and keep a lookout for tricks amongst the treats at the monstrous scale of trick or treat.

Safari Boo @ River Safari
Where: River Safari, Singapore Zoo, 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826
When: 21 – 23, 28 – 30 October 2016
Time: 6pm to 10pm. Last admission is at 9pm
Price: $8 for children, $18 for adults
More information here

7. Spooky Seas @ S.E.A. Aquarium

Aaargh mate!

Are you in for a swashbuckling time at the Spooky Seas of S.E.A. Aquarium this Halloween?

Let your little ones follow Captain Spooks as he guides them through the trick and treats trail! Be ready for some little challenges along the way though, that is, if you want to score some delicious candies.

Singapore: The Wild Edition. Get Down & Dirty With These 6 Hidden Nature Activities!

What?! Singapore has a wild side? Before thoughts of living like Bear Grylls start creeping into your mind, we are referring to living on the wild(er) side in Singapore – nature activities catered for the adventurous, nature-loving enthusiasts.

Sounds like your type of thing? Step out of your comfort zone with these hidden nature activities. Start living on the wild side – Singapore edition.

1. Hike to the Wetlands of Chek Jawa

Venture to this unknown nature wonderland hidden off the mainland of Singapore – Chek Jawa’s Wetlands.

[caption id="attachment_16087" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Credit: fryap.wordpress[/caption]

This is perhaps your only chance to touch and see this ancient-mariner which happens to be as old as dinosaurs!

Volunteers are trained to properly handle these fascinating creatures. You’ll learn to measure their length, identify their gender and breeding status before releasing them back into the mudflats. A science lesson like no other! This activity occurs once a month so do remember to register online beforehand.

Horseshoe Crab Project
For more information, visit the website here.

3. Explore Jurong’s Abandoned Railway Line

Surprisingly, Jurong’s abandoned railway line has yet to be declared as out-of-bounds by the Government, so feel free to go on this one-of-a-kind jungle and tunnel walk.

[caption id="attachment_16090" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] Credit: Credit: Website

5. Cycle and Trek Pulau Ubin

Just a short bumboat ride away, Pulau Ubin is set to whet your appetite for adventure!

[caption id="attachment_16651" align="aligncenter" width="1698"] Credit: Credit: Credit: here.

Escape the hustle and bustle of Singapore’s city life with these wild activities you never knew Singapore had! Get muddy and dirty with Singapore’s wild side. Get your trusty shoes on and get ready to take on Singapore’s wild side!

(Header image credit: 15 Must Eat, Must Drink And Must Try Spots In Singapore!

Dear Nathan Hartono: You’ll Always Be A Hero In Our Hearts!

Dear Nathan, the Sing! China 2016 results was not the most ideal, nonetheless, you will always remain a hero in our hearts.

Though you did not win the top spot, you have, in fact, won us, Singaporeans, over SIX TIMES (and counting):

1. The times when you beatbox

[caption id="attachment_15805" align="aligncenter" width="1536"] Credit: Credit: bandwagon.asia[/caption]

You certainly know the way to our Harts – Milo Peng for the win!

5. How you pulled off English and Mandarin Songs

Credit: Credit: Nathan Hartono Clinches Silver At Sing! China 2016 – It’s Ok We Still Love You!

6 Kid-Friendly Eateries Perfect For Parents Who Want To FINALLY Enjoy Their Meals!

Mealtimes can sometimes be a battlefield especially when taking your young ones out to restaurants. For a quiet (and calm) mealtime when dining out, check out these 6 awesome family friendly restaurants with tons of stuff to keep your little ones occupied!

Cool de Sac

This massive entertainment center for kids is a child’s heaven like no other.

Located at Suntec City Mall, Cool de Sac is one of the best family friendly restaurants around.

It has more than enough educational play stations to keep your child entertained for the entire day!