Category: Cool Places In Singapore

Here’s Your Chance To Truly #FlipTable, Swap Books & More At This Year’s Archifest!

The 10th Archifest returns this year with a Pavilion designed by DP Architects. Themed “Exhale”, the festival will be held from 23 September to 9 October in the heart of the CBD at Raffles Place Park.

The theme ‘Exhale’ aims to examine the rapid pace of life within our dense city and to challenge people to dictate their own rhythm of life.

Take time to slow down and breathe while you enjoy the installations and events happening at the festival.

This temporary structure is not to be missed, so what are you waiting for? Come on down and explore the eye catching Pavilion at Raffles Place!

Highlights

Organised by Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA) and the Singapore Institute of Landscape Architects (Sila), there are more than 30 events lined up at Archifest this year.

From talks, to workshops, and exhibitions, discover great things at Archifest 2016 with more than 100,000 visitors expected this year.

Of course, the best things first:

#FlipTable

Feeling all stressed up at work? Well, design consultancy Chemistry has the right solution for you.

Set against the backdrop of Raffles Place, the team designed #FlipTable. And it truly allows you to flip a table!

Have a go and finally put your words into action!

https://youtu.be/wcAvmzup2YA

In all seriousness, it’s actually an interactive installation that provides an avenue for you to vent your frustration in a creative manner.

Take a deep breath and exhale while you do some damage at #FlipTable. It’s all about harnessing negative energy into a positive form.

#FlipTable
Location: Raffles Place Park
Date: 23 Sep Fri, 27 Sep Tue, 3 Oct Mon
Time: 11.30am –  2pm

Book Swap & Beer

Books & Beer is Singapore’s first travelling book swap service. You’re invited to bring up to 10 pre-loved books and exchange them for another book!

No books to swap? Simply drop by and browse some books, courtesy of ORO Editions and ONG&ONG Group. These books are free for you to take home.

Bring your own beer and beverages and enjoy your time with Books & Beers!

Book Swap at Books & Beers
Location: Raffles Place Park
Date: 24 Sep Sat
Time: 3pm – 6pm

Barter Market

Barter Market is a collective effort between local makers, artists, and crafters in our community.

The goal? Take money out of transactions.

Bring a little something so you can trade your item for goods or services. No better way to bond with humans, we’d say! Nothing like good old bartering.

Barter Market
Location: Raffles Place Park
Date: 9 Oct Sun
Time: 2pm – 6pm

RGB Pavilion With A Psychedelic Selfie Tunnel

With a structure so vibrant and colourful, this is hard to miss.

The Pavilion is composed entirely of construction site materials; so it’s “zero waste”. There are rows of multi-coloured safety netting and over 70 tonnes of scaffolding pipes.

This structure is a breathtaking 22m tall! Here’s how small we’ll look:

There’s so much to do at Archifest 2016! With so many exciting programmes happening this weekend till 9 Oct, be sure to mark this event down on your calendars!

Archifest 2016
Date: 23 September to 9 October
For full details of events and happenings at Archifest, visit their official website Attention Coffee Lovers: Here’s Your Chance to Savour 30 Cups Of Coffee At Only $30!

How Does Floating Freely Feel? We Tried It Out At Palm Ave Float Club!

When you think fitness, what comes to mind is usually a fast-paced, sweaty workout to burn off those calorie-laden junk we’ve been feeding our bodies.

While that’s not wrong, a cardio workout hardly constitutes the entire concept of fitness. Fitness is a connection between the mind and body – which makes meditation a huge part of fitness.

It is a common misconception that, when the body is at rest, it is completely unproductive.

Well, here to bust that myth is a studio home to floatation pods and calm, meditative spaces for you to free your mind.

Palm Ave Float Club

Zero clutter, and away from the bustle of the city life that we’re all too familiar with – walking into this space was a breath of fresh air.

[caption id="attachment_14712" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Credit: Palm Ave Float Club[/caption]

The vibe was zen, calming the mind and easing the body in preparation of a new environment: the floatation pod.

[caption id="attachment_14714" align="aligncenter" width="1152"] Credit: Palm Ave Float Club[/caption]

At the reception area, I was greeted by Cherie, who checked me in and handed me a cup of tea. It was my first time in a floatation pod, so Cherie talked me through the whole process of floating, and the healing properties of salt water.

The Floatation Pod & its benefits

Floating is a form of meditation.

Like all meditative practices, floating helps to clear the mind, calm the soul, and reset our bodies.

[caption id="attachment_14715" align="aligncenter" width="2048"] Credit: Palm Ave Float Club[/caption]

It is a mental detoxification, which is especially therapeutic in today’s digital age. We are not only glued to our digital devices like computers and handphones, we are also multi-tasking thanks to the functionalities of these devices.

Floating helps us to put aside such stressors and focus on the present.

[caption id="attachment_14709" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Credit: Palm Ave Float Club[/caption]

To reap the full benefits of floating, your mind should be free from distraction for the whole 60 or 90 minutes. When you find yourself drifting to other thoughts, bring your focus back to your breath, or the atmospheric music played in the pod.

Be aware of what you’re feeling in your body, so you’ll leave the pod noticing the difference.

Each pod is filled with 500kg of epsom salt dissolved in water, making floating effortless. So don’t be afraid to lie back and relax. In addition to healing in the form of meditation, the buoyancy of the salt water helps to heal muscle aches and ease tensions in the body as well.

I guess it’s true what they say, “The cure for anything is salt water”.

What to expect

After the introduction, it was time to leave my insecurities at the door, strip down, and trust in salt water.

Source

Yes, one is recommended to float nude to feel weightless – after all, you do have an entire room to yourself. If putting on a swimsuit makes you feel more comfortable – by all means!

Due to hygiene purposes, it is necessary to take a shower before stepping into the pod. Don’t worry, soap, shampoo, and towels are provided.

[caption id="attachment_14717" align="aligncenter" width="2000"] Credit: Palm Ave Float Club[/caption]

Next, I popped in earplugs (also provided), switched off the lights, and stepped into the pod.

The water was at a comfortable temperature and felt slightly alkaline from the salt content. I took no time at all to familiarise myself with my new surroundings.

There was a spray bottle and a small towel hooked over a rod on the left, just in case I somehow managed to get salt water in my eye (I didn’t).

There were also large rubber buttons in the pod for me to switch the colour changing lights off within the pod as soon as I was comfortable.

My experience

I shut the pod and laid down, arms and legs stretched out like a starfish (in yoga terms, savasana). The pod was spacious – my hands and feet did not touch the edge of the pod, and the roof of the pod did not feel close to my face at all. As soon as I closed my eyes, I completely forgot that I was in a pod.

I’m pretty sensitive to motion when in the water, especially when I’m on a boat or on a paddleboard (I don’t get sick, but I do feel nauseous).

But while I was floating in the pod, I did not feel any motion.

That few minutes before I fell asleep, I actually heard white noise – a beat that sounded like it came from a turntable (apparently this is common). I then drifted into a deep sleep, dreamt, then woke up panicking because I forgot that I was in a floating pod – that was how comfortable I was!

The only thing I’d have done differently was to use the pool noodle provided to support my neck, because I felt slightly nauseous not from motion sickness, but from the weight of my head hanging down.

[caption id="attachment_14710" align="aligncenter" width="599"] Credit: Palm Ave Float Club[/caption]

Overall, the experience was extremely relaxing and rejuvenating – I’d definitely be back!

As a self-professed worrywart, and someone who is constantly juggling too many things at once, I did feel more calm and alert after my float.

If you’d like to carry  your meditation on after that 60 or 90-minute long float, feel free to stay as long as you like at Palm Ave’s chill out spaces, and take in the breathtaking view of Kallang.

Palm Ave Float Club
Location:
66 Kampong Bugis, #05-01, Singapore 338987
20 Waringin Park, Singapore 416333
Website Better Than A Power Nap – Freedom Yoga Energises You In Just 30 Minutes!

Who Says You Need Money To Have Fun? Here Are 7 Things You Can Do For FREE At The Singapore River Festival 2016!

On 4 and 5 Nov, the  returns this year with a “River Connections” theme. Chock full of music, performances and food this year’s Singapore River Festival 2016 highlights how the Singapore River connects and has brought people of different backgrounds and cultures together.

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(image source: 4. Quayside Cinema

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(image source: Wobo logy YouTube)

The Singapore River Festival is all about showcasing the arts and they’ve brought in some amazing local and regional talents for this year’s festival! Bringing together a mishmash of different genres and incorporating dance, all the musical acts at Singapore River Festival 2016 are pushing the boundaries of “conventional” music.

Bantus Capoeira (Brazilian music and percussion) is a treat for both eyes and ears, watch as performers tumble and twist to Brazilian tunes! If you’re seeking something out of your comfort zone, Masia one & Reggae Remedy is bringing to life the Reggae tradition alongside hiphop lyricism.

Wobology and Flame of the Forest are introducing, a blend of traditional and current music concocting their own original sound!

Circular Road, Boat Quay
5 Nov

7. Light/Sound/Art

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(feature image:  Laneway Festival Singapore 2017 – 5 Underrated Acts That Even Hipsters Haven’t Heard Of!

Sentosa Is Now Home To Singapore’s FIRST Bungee Tower – 47 Meters Above Ground!

Great news for all adrenaline junkies out there, Sentosa is now home to Singapore’s first bungee tower! The bungee tower is part of AJ Hackett Sentosa. Set up by AJ Hackett International, this heart pounding recreational site is a 2,500 sq m adventure playground!

If you’re all about sky diving, bungee jumping…basically doing anything that would render me catatonic, you would have definitely heard of AJ Hackett International’s founder, A.J. Hackett. This New Zealander is seen as one of the pioneers of bungee jumping, so you know this bungee tower is the real deal!

Standing at 14 storeys high with two high jump decks and a 40m long sky bridge, this bungee tower is definitely a force to be reckoned with!

The best part about this bungee tower? It’s not just about bungee jumping, there are several other activities you can take on!

1. Bungee Jumping

(image source: AJ Hackett Sentosa)

If you’re a true thrill-seeker, Bungee Jumping will probably be the first activity you run to when you get to AJ Hackett Sentosa, and to be honest who can blame you?

Not for the faint of heart, participants jump off the high deck of the bungee tower, 47m above the ground! Best part about the bungee jump? There’s a 3.5m deep pool of water waiting for you at the bottom so you can let your head get dipped in the water!

2. Vertical Skywalk

(image source: AJ Hackett Sentosa)

If you want the thrill to last, try out the Vertical Skywalk! Supported by 2 ropes, participants get to walk down the main tower’s shaft (that’s 44m)!

Used by Navy Seals, The Army, Hollywood (of course) and now the average thrill-seeker! AJ Hackett Sentosa is the first AJ Hackett site to have this Vertical Skywalk!

Best part? You don’t have to do it alone! The Vertical Skywalk can take up to 3 people at any one time!

3. Skybridge

(image source: AJ Hackett Sentosa)

If thrill-seeking activities aren’t your style, don’t fret! There’s still the Skybridge! The tamest of the lot, participants can stroll out along the exposed skybridge, 47m above ground!

The only activity by AJ Hackett that doesn’t need a harnessing system. This activity is perfect for kids and those who prefer their feet firmly on the ground.

4. Giant Swings

(image source: AJ Hackett Sentosa)

Want to do something heart pounding but need a hand to hold? Giant Swings a great option if you and your friends want to enjoy the thrill together!

Set away from the bungee tower, the Giant Swings can accommodate up to 3 people and participants will get a bird’s eye view of Siloso beach 40m above ground!

Reaching speeds of over 100km/h, this activity may be the best out of the lot!

Unfortunately AJ Hackett Sentosa is not open to the public until March 2017! But hey, at least you have to something to set your sights on as a New Year’s resolution!

(feature image: AJ Hackett Sentosa)

Also Read: Free Diving In Singapore – How Long Can You Hold Your Breath Underwater?

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

Yup. Finally the first one-of-its-kind hop-on-hop-off Makan Bus tour has arrived in Singapore. Don’t dismiss this food tour as a tourist thingy yet. Otherwise, you are missing out on fun even locals can enjoy!

We all know Singapore is a food paradise, but the best local food are usually not near MRTs or in town.

Makan Bus

It can be pretty hard to enjoy good food if you don’t have a car. With the launch of the Makan Bus on 26 August 2016, reaching out to these great local food is now so much more convenient for everyone.

Recently, I was fortunate to be invited for a free MakanBus tour. Getting on the tour meant I had the opportunity to taste some of the highly acclaimed local food along the 10 specially-curated stops.

What I did not know was it is more than a mere foodie bus bringing us from the central to northern heartlands in Singapore.

Our Makan Bus Journey

We received a warm welcome from the guide upon boarding the cheery yellow bus at Orchard Gateway. After an introduction, we set off!

Besides recommending good eats near each stop, he would share insights of noteworthy buildings throughout the journey too.

Interesting history that we never knew about our sunny island

We thought we knew Singapore so well since we grew up here.

But we did not know that the Burma Chinese settled in Singapore as early as the 19th century!

In fact, I highly recommend you to alight at the Sun Yat Sen Memorial stop, where the Sun Yat Sen Memorial and Burmese Buddhist Temple are.

In the main worship hall of the Maha Sasana Ramsi (Burmese Buddhist Temple) sits the majestic 11-foot marble Buddha statue. This religious landmark is the only Burmese Buddhist temple of its kind in Singapore.

The statue was carved from a 10-tonne slab of marble found in Burma’s Saygin Hill and transported here in 1925.

Bond with your family over nostalgic hawker food settings

The 10 stops on the tour will bring you through buzzing town areas to the old shophouses in Balestier and Thomson, and finally into the HDB heartlands.

This is a specially curated route to showcase the evolution and development of Singapore over the past 51 years.

Bring your whole family, including your parents onboard, so they can reminisce about the good old days.

They will certainly be able to resonate with traditional eateries such as Boon Tong Kee and Original Herbal Shop at Balestier, and Hua Nam Restaurant at Thomson.

Image Credit: Makan Bus

It’s easier to strike conversations as you enjoy the food and nostalgic ambience with your family.

Who knows if these used to be their favourite haunts during their “paktor” days!

Discover yummy novel hawker food delights

While it’s obvious Makan Bus will bring you to yummy food places, you may be surprised at hidden gems within the heartlands.

Ang Mo Kio was the place I grew up in, and I thought I knew everything there. But I did not even know that there is a hawker stall selling sedap Mee Rebus Tarik for over 2 decades!

In case you are wondering, Mee Rebus Tarik is not prepared by simply “pulling” the noodles as the Malay word “tarik” implies.

Instead, the mee rebus is laden with satay gravy and served together with either chicken or mutton satay. Such an innovative twist to the signature mee rebus!

I have tasted different versions of our favourite Indian roti prata, with egg, cheese etc for enhanced flavour.

However, it was my first time trying out some Roti Tissue along Upper Thomson Road. The prata looked like an interesting thin piece of tissue (hence its name) as seen in the image above. This is a sweet crispy prata seasoned with sugar.

Hop on and off the bus whenever you wish, wherever you fancy

There is no limit to the number of times you can hop on and off the Makan Bus.

Your $28 ticket is valid throughout the day when the bus runs from 11am to 7.30pm.

Indeed, there were times when we were engaged in such interesting conversations with the guide that we missed alighting at the designated stop.

Just continue on the looped journey and alight where you wish to tuck into the good food in the desired area.

Furthermore, you do not need to alight if you don’t find anything you fancy. Unlike other expensive food tours where you don’t get to choose the food, this is a truly flexible tour!

Makan Bus definitely changes the way we can explore the hidden food joints and other untold stories of Singapore.

Bring your foreign friends on the Makan Bus tour and introduce them to life in the heartlands.

After all, this is a uniquely Singapore experience that they will not find at the usual tourist attractions. Besides, it is definitely more economical if you are travelling together in a group of 5 or more. Check out more details of this one-of-a-kind experience at Makan Bus!

(Featured image: Makan Bus)

Also, read 9 New Desserts So Wacky, You Need To Try Them At Least Once!

Gardens By The Bay Presents Yet Another Date Night Opportunity. Hint: It Ends This Week!

From 3 to 18 September, in conjunction with Mid-Autumn festival, Gardens by the Bay will be transformed into a whole new light.

With dazzling displays of elaborately handcrafted lantern sets, multimedia installation, nightly performances and many other amazing highlights, Gardens by the Bay’s event is one you must not miss. Check out the line ups for this exciting event happening at the Gardens!

1. Be Amazed By Giant Lantern Displays

Join in the spectacular display of lanterns at the Gardens this Mid-Autumn. Giant lanterns measuring up to 27 metres will be displayed at various locations in the Gardens.

Time: 7pm – 11pm daily
Location: Golden Garden, near Conservatories, Supertree Grove and Dragonfly Bridge

2. Stroll Through The Colonnade Of Lights

As you take a stroll along the Colonnade, appreciate the 4,000 colourful lanterns hanging above.

These paper lanterns are decorated by the community including local and international students and senior citizens.

Time: 7pm – 11pm daily
Location: Colonnade (Supertree Grove)

3. Be wowed by Ron Arad’s  720°

Brought in by the Singapore International Festival of Arts, be wowed by the massive installation by designer extraodinaire Ron Arad.

He presents 720°, a monumental outdoor video installation with great creativity. At 18 metres in diameter, the installation is made up of 5,600 silicon cords of over 37 kilometres in length.

Drop by the Meadow to experience this magical interactive stage.

Time: 7pm – 11pm daily
Location: Meadow

4. Indulge In A Hearty Spread

Not only will you get to feast on some of your salted egg yolk favourites, there’s even chilli crab mantous!

Indulge in your favourite Asian goodies and eat to your heart’s content while you soak in the festivities.

Time: 6pm – 10.30pm daily
Location: Colonnade (Supertree Grove)

5. Craft And Fringe Activities

Try out various activities from lantern decorating, calligraphy to guess the riddle at the craft booths. Do note that some activities are chargeable.

Have fun reliving your childhood decorating and making lanterns and put them to good use for the night!

Time: 7pm – 10pm daily **Chinese Riddles: 8pm – 9.30pm
Location: Supertree Grove

6. Enjoy Cultural Performances By Traditional Art Groups

Though Mid-Autumn festival is largely celebrated by the Chinese community, multi-ethnic groups will be putting up cultural performances at the Supertree Grove.

Themed “Moon | Conversations”, traditional art groups will be putting up performances ranging from evergreen Chinese songs to contemporary Indian music.

Time: Mon to Thurs 8pm to 8.45pm, Fri to Sun, 7pm to 7.45pm & 8pm to 8.45pm, *12 Sep (Mon): 7pm to 7.45pm & 8pm to 8.45pm
Location: Supertree Grove

There are so many events happening at the Gardens this Mid-Autumn Festival!

Don’t forget to bring those lanterns and relieve your childhood memories of celebrating Mid-Autumn Festival. If you’re still thinking of where to go during this year’s Mid-Autumn Festival, the Gardens is definitely one you must not miss out!

(All images are by Your Ultimate Guide To The Most Decadent And Epic Singapore F1 After Parties