Category: Cool Places In Singapore

Like Staying Up Late? Check Out These 6 Night Activities!

Suffering from insomnia? Or perhaps your body clock is all over the place after a week of hardcore midnight studying? With most malls only operating until 10 PM, there are not that many night activities to do.

In addition to exploring Singapore after dark, here are six night activities you can participate in to tire yourself out!

1. Night Cycling

Get in touch with your sporty side and learn more about Singapore while you’re at it! Night cycling is a superb way to explore the island without having to spend a ton of money. All you need is safety gear, a pair of headphones, a bicycle (you could also rent), and a bottle of water!

If you’re a first-timer, check out the East Coast Park to Changi Village cycling path for a night of yummy eats, amazing finds, and quiet roads. If the East is a little far for you, you can also try cycling around the Holland Village neighbourhood down to the city where you can watch local attractions twinkle in the moonlight.

Also, read Cycling Routes In S’pore Just Got Better – Round Island & Coastal! & Cycle X Makan – 5 Best Food And Night Cycling Paths In SG

2. Chit Chat

What’s better than staying up? Staying out! Since there are not that many 24/7 coffee shops in Singapore, your best bet would be to hit up Starbucks for a coffee/ tea or two while you catch up on some studying, work or just people watch/ chit chat the hours away.

We suggest going to a 24/7 coffee shop where there is outdoor seating, so you can enjoy some fresh night breeze, and not have to endure hours of nose-drying air-conditioning. Plus, free Wifi… What a score!

Starbucks at Orchard Cineleisure (other outlets available)
Address: 8 Grange Road Singapore 239695
Tel: +65 6733 0684
Opening Hours: 24/7

3. Watch a Midnight Movie

We love midnight shows! With only a handful of people in the cinema, the experience becomes a lot more private and intimate. Best of all, movies selected to screen in the middle of the night are usually pretty scary. Imagine walking out of a horror movie at 2 AM and strolling down an empty street. A lot more intense than 9 PM, right?

4. Put the Sing in Singapore

What do you think of when you see strangely irrelevant music videos (usually of varying backdrops of Singapore and/or models running down a beach), microphones, a tambourine and snacks? Of course, Karaoke. Sing to your heart’s content with affordable midnight karaoke options. Many of these karaoke operators also serve food and drinks, so there is absolutely no need to worry about being hungry.

Teo Heng KTV Studio (other outlets available)
Address: 865 Mountbatten Rd, Singapore 437844
Tel: +65 6345 6513
Opening Hours: 1 PM – 1 AM Sunday to Friday, 12 PM – 2 AM on Saturdays

Party World KTV (other outlets available)
Address: 177 River Valley Road  #03-03 Liang Court Shopping Centre Singapore 179030
Tel: +65 6333 5533 or +65 6333 5588
Opening Hours: 2 PM – 6 AM Daily

5. Go prawning

Allergic to seafood? We are sorry! But for everyone else, prawning remains as a great option to kill some time. Enjoy the cold night air while you wait for these orange fellas to take your bait! Even better, this is an excellent opportunity to spend some time with your friends as you talk over fishing rods. At the end of the night, you could even munch on what you’ve caught and cooked. Talk about a perfect way of enjoying what you worked hard for.

Hai Bin Jurong
Address: 241 Jalan Ahmad Ibrahim, The Village, Singapore 629143
Tel: +65 6265 2598
Opening Hours: 24/7

East Coast Prawning 
Address: 1020 East Coast Parkway, #01-06, Singapore 449878
Tel: +65 62273330
Opening Hours: 24/7

6. Dim sum for supper

Get your fill of dim sum, also known as dian xin, for supper! These restaurants tend to open till late. In fact, some even operate until the morning, just so you can eat all the xiao long baos that you want. Our favourite dishes include the custard egg buns (also known as ‘liu sha bao’), rice noodle rolls (or ‘chee cheong fun’), and salted egg and butter ribs!

Mongkok Dim Sum
Address: 214 Geylang Road Lorong 8, Singapore 389274
Opening Hours: 4 PM – 5 AM Monday to Friday, 10 AM – 5 AM Saturday and Sunday

Swee Choon Tim Sum Restaurant
Address: 183-191 Jalan Besar, Singapore 208882
Tel: +65 6225 7788
Opening Hours: 6 PM – 6 AM daily, closed on Tuesdays

Go ahead, tell all your night owl friends about these night activities. After all, the night is always still young. Don’t forget that while the MRT closes by midnight, there are still Night Rider buses you can take to save some money and get home safely!

Also, read Play Till Late! 5 Hangout Spots So You Can Munch & Play The Night Away

Singaporeans Are Going Crazy Over Pokemon Go! Here’s The Evidence!

When baked cheese tart hit our shores, we thought the queue was crazy. But when Pokemon Go landed in Singapore, Singaporeans take crazy to a whole new level!

Day or night, shine or very hot sunshine, Singaporeans are all out Poke-hunting and we have the evidence!

1. Hougang is gungho…real gungho

When word about “rare” Pokemon such as Gyarados was spotted at Block 401 of Hougang Avenue, the precinct gained notorious reputation overnight.

2. ….doesn’t matter day or night

Hot sun? What hot sun? Nothing is hotter than a Charizard that I’m about to catch!

3.  Punggol Park is not spared either

It’s normal to see a park with people in sports attire but in flip flops and their smartphone on their hands? That’s the Pokemon effect!

5. Yishun Park at night

Dear, we’re not going to the movies tonight. Instead, let’s go catch some Pokemon! Pokemon Go – redefining date nights.

6. Orchard Road

How to get a bunch of youths going on a public holiday? Organise a Poke-crawl on National Day!

The event started at 1pm (read: hottest time of the day) and yet our Singaporean youths braved the heat to be the very best! In fact, the turnout was so massive that Poke-crawlers were chased away by the security staff of ION!

7. Orchard At Night

Just look at how everyone sits together so uniformly! It sure looks like they’re about to start a choir performance! Actually, they’re sticking as close as possible to leech from each other’s lure.

8. Chinese Garden, Jurong

It may look less crowded in this picture but the Chinese Garden is a hot spot for Pokemon GO players as it houses 20 rest stops and 3 gyms. It’s very spacious so it’s great for people who don’t like crowd.

9. Vivo City

We Singaporeans are all about efficiency. If we can get our shopping done at Vivo and catch some Pokemon too, why not?

10. Bishan Park

Remember how people used to say that Bishan Park is really scary at night? This was taken at 1:30am and the park is still lively and buzzing!

11. East Coast Park

East Coast Park is home to one of Singapore’s most haunting ghost stories. It’s one of those places people try to avoid going to at night. But ever since the launch of Pokemon Go, we’ve seen some really brave Singaporeans. And it’s the Hungry Ghost Festival now…

Do you have evidence of the Pokemon Go craze in your neighbourhood? Drop us a comment and share with us!

Header image source: Straits Times

Also, read Pokemon Go Guide: How To Catch Pikachu & Where To Catch ‘Em All

Makan All Day Long! Singapore’s First Vending Machine Cafe Opens In SengKang

The vending machine culture in Japan has finally arrived in Singapore! With this 24-hour vending machine cafe by VendCafe, you will never have to worry about being hungry in the wee hours of the morning ever again!!

Newly opened in SengKang, VendCafe provides hot food, all readily available within 3 minutes. Think of piping hot seafood hor fun, curry rice or chicken carbonara, this place has it all! OMG, we totally wanna check it out now!

So Much Food & Drinks Available!

VendCafe’s menu changes periodically and boasts more than 30 different types of food. The variety of meals includes Western, Chinese, Malay, Indian and Japanese cuisines. They are all priced between $3.50 and $5. Not only does VendCafe serve food, but it also dispenses a whole variety of sandwiches, salads, snacks and cold drinks. Perfect to cool down during warm days!

Cash To Cashless Payments

Payment is as convenient and easy as getting food. All you need is cash, Nets FlashPay, or your credit card to pay for your almost-instant meal at the “cashier-less” cafe!

Stand-Up Dining Tables To Enjoy Your Meals

Meals are made even more convenient when consumers are able to dine at the cafe with stand-up dining tables. Do remember to dispose of your trash after you’re done as the VendCafe is an unmanned cafe without any staff.

VendCafe serves as a good example of how innovation and technology can reduce reliance on labour in Singapore. What a good idea! We address manpower shortage issues, and at the same time, meet the needs of hungry Singaporeans!

If you’re living in the vicinity, drop by VendCafe and have a taste of the food! You’ll be amazed at how delightful the dishes are!

Location: Block 320C Anchorvale Drive (open 24 hours)

(Header image by yahoo.com.sg, edited by writer)

Also, read An Unforgettable 2016 SG Race Experience You’ll Never Forget

Pokemon Go Guide: How To Catch Pikachu & Where To Catch ‘Em All!

The Pokemon Go craze has hit Singapore. Unless you live a social-media-free life, your news feed is probably swamped with all things Pokemon. Like it or not, this craze is probably gonna be around for a couple of months. Whether you’re already playing, or late to the game, here’s our guide that will help you ace Pokemon Go!

Hidden Tips Every Trainer Should Know

Get A Pikachu When You Start

Incense is extremely useful if you want to bring Pokemon towards your location. To activate Incense, tap the Pokeball, followed by ‘Items’ and click Incense (make sure you have Incense in your inventory, otherwise, get it at Pokestops). A robot vacuum cleaner looking item will show up and you’ll need to tap it one more time to activate it. A clock will appear and count down for 30 minutes. Incense works really well when you’re on the go. If you activate Incense when you’re static, you’ll only be able to lure one Pokemon in every 5-6 minutes.

Make Good Use Of Pink Petailed PokeStops

Once you’ve reached Level 5, you’ll be able to access gyms and put your mons in battles. Gym battles can be a little chaotic mess of tapping and swiping (tap to attack, swipe to dodge). During battles, you should keep your eyes at the series of squares underneath your Pokemon’s HP bar. When all the squares turn blue, you can unleash your mon’s “Special Power”. You can only use this special power once per battle.

Catching Pokemon For Candy

Where To Catch ‘Em All?

Now that you’ve got some tricks up your sleeves, head to these hot spots around Singapore to expand your Pokedex. Just remember to be aware of your surroundings! Don’t put yourself and others in danger.

1.  Orchard Road

Just look at the number of PokeStops! No surprise that Singapore’s most happening road is one of the most happening places to Poke hunt. According to  eight Pokemon Gyms and 78 Pokestops can be found at 4 parks –  Jurong Bird Park, Night Safari, River Safari and the Singapore Zoo. The WRS has also developed Poke maps to help Trainers get the most from their hunt. One word of advice: Animals generally do not like intruders. Do not enter any of the animal exhibits!

4. MRTs

[caption id="attachment_12097" align="alignnone" width="870"] Image source: maxres

Also read: Better Safe Than Sorry? But These 10 Hungry Ghost Superstitions Are Unbelievable!

An Unforgettable 2016 SG Race Experience You’ll Never Forget

My family and I are big car racing fans and we have been faithfully following the night race series in Singapore. Every year, we would crowd around the television at home, our eyes glued to the screen and our hearts racing. We would complain incessantly when the safety car comes around, or cheer in jubilation when our favourite race car driver, Sebastian Vettel, executes another perfect turn.

But this year, our night race experience will be different. We’ll be enjoying the best night race experience ever. Without having to squeeze with the crowd or sweat buckets, we can still witness the action live, in front of our eyes. Talk about having the best of both worlds!

High up on one of the highest floors of the Marina Mandarin Hotel, you’ll have a bird’s eye view of the track. In the comfort of air conditioning, watch the race unveil before your very eyes. From the balcony, you can watch as the cars rev their engines while getting ready. Before you know it, they’ll be off!

And there it will be, the sound that you’ve been anxiously waiting for throughout the night. The sweet rumble and roar of the engines. Louder, deeper, more thunderous and powerful than you’ve ever heard through the TV.

As you wait at the balcony eagerly for the race car drivers, the smell of burnt rubber will grow stronger and increasingly pungent. Watch in awe, jaw dropping, as the signature red and white Ferrari approach the bend. The cars will glint as the harsh and strong light projectors shine on it. Follow and track the cars around the track, and watch as drivers skillfully manoeuvre around the curves.

This is it. This is the night race viewing experience that you’ve been waiting for. It can’t get any better than this. Nothing beats real life, and we’re sure it’ll be an unforgettable night.

The best night race viewing experience you’ll ever get

Want to catch the night race but don’t want to sit in the sweltering heat of the stands or pits? Well, now you can! With Marina Mandarin’s Early Bird Trackview Room Package, you’ll get to watch the race from the comfort of your own hotel room!

Marina Mandarin Deluxe Rooms

Deluxe rooms which include one king or two twin beds, and an attached balcony with the best view of the track, are available at a special price of $600+ per night.

Marina Mandarin Premier Rooms

Premier rooms are also available at $650+ per night. These rooms are located on higher floors, which will guarantee you a better view of the track and the city skyline.

And if that’s not tempting enough, you’ll also enjoy daily buffet breakfasts, free in-room wi-fi and late checkout (subject to availability), when you book either rooms during this promotional early bird period!

Marina Mandarin’s Early Bird Trackview Room Package

The Marina Mandarin’s Early Bird Trackview Room Package is definitely one that’s not to be missed. Hurry, rooms are running out fast! Book now and you’ll soon find yourself standing on the balcony of your very own hotel room, waiting to hear the glorious roar of the cars! Nothing beats real life.

Marina Mandarin Early Bird Package
When: 12 September 2016 – 22 September 2016
Tel: +65 6845 1000
Website: 

Also, read ULTRA Singapore – Super Sick Lineup & Resistance Stage Artists Announced!

5 Hipster Hang Out Spots In Singapore That You Should Visit With Your Best Friends

All of us would remember fondly of a hangout spot where we spent many hours with childhood friends, pretending to be pirates and big bad wolves. As we grow older, this communal playground slowly disappears. But that does not mean that the fun has to end now that we’ve all grown up.

In Singapore, we’re lucky to have so many different hangout spots offering a game-and-food experience. We can bond with all our best buddies over different games; from pool to electronic darts to a sinister board game to Guitar Hero. The best part? All at a reasonable price.

Here are five superb hangout spots you can check out. Whether you want to kill some time, have some fun, or create new memories with friends, you’d find something you like.

Cue Guru

Cue Guru is my first choice when it comes to killing an hour between plans, especially if there is some time between finishing dinner and a movie. Averaging about $10 to $20 per hour, depending on the time of day, it is a great way to have some fun without breaking the bank. You can easily split the game cost between a few friends.

For food, try the $28 combo available at Cue Guru. It comes with a jug of Tiger Beer and a plate of crunchy popcorn chicken. The $25 weekday value combo, which is only valid from Monday to Thursday 11 AM – 3 PM, comes with two hours of pool games, a choice of two mocktails or juices, and a snack. If you’re a little thirsty, order from the bar. It is usually well stocked with designer beers, wine and cocktails.

Cue Guru is currently available in two locations: Bugis+ and Kovan.

Cue Guru Bugis+
Address: Bugis+, 201 Victoria Street #03-19, Singapore 188067
Tel: 6509 6002
Opening Hours: 11 AM – 1 AM from Mondays to Thursdays and Sunday, 11 AM – 2 AM on Fridays, Saturdays, Eve of Public Holidays, and Public Holidays

Cue Guru Kovan
Address: J Forte Sportainment Centre, 50 Hougang Avenue 1, Singapore 538885
Tel: 6280 8800
Opening Hours: 10 AM – 1 AM daily

iDarts Halo

Just right next to Cue Guru in Bugis+ is iDarts Halo, a fantastic hangout spot to hone your electronic dart throwing skills while spending time with friends.

There are six such hangout spots, operated by iDarts Singapore, all across the island – from Boon Lay to Punggol to Tampines. This particular setting in Bugis is perfect for the young cosmopolitan city-goer who would like some liquor to go with their missiles!

For beer lovers, especially, there is an ongoing daily happy hour promotion. You’ll receive a Carlsberg and Kronenbourg beer tower at $62 and $72 respectively. If you’re more of a cider kind of person, check out the new fruity ciders at the bar!

iDarts Halo
Address: 201 Victoria Street Bugis+, #03-24, Singapore 188067
Tel: +65 6634 9662
Opening Hours: 12.30 PM – 1 AM Sunday to Thursday (and Public Holidays), 12.30 PM – 3 AM Friday, Saturday and Eve of Public Holidays

Saint Games

Can video gaming be serious? Saint Games says yes! Opened in 2009, the household brand is today located at The Cathay and Bugis+. It offers fun-filled game time to people of all ages!

This is the perfect hangout spot for those whose friends are obsessed with console gaming, from PlayStation 3 to the Nintendo Wii, and the Xbox. Game selections include classic Xbox titles, Rockband, Guitar Hero, Raving Rabbids, and more!

If you’ll be catching a movie on the same day, check out Saint Games @ The Cathay’s special tie up with Cathay Cineplexes, which is just a few floors up. Show your movie ticket for that day and get an extra 30 minutes of gameplay time, on top of your existing purchase.

Saint Games @ The Cathay
Address: #03-06, Handy Rd, Former Cathay Building, Singapore 229233
Tel: +65 6397 2285
Opening Hours: 12 PM – 10 PM Sundays to Thursdays, 12 PM – 2 AM Fridays to Saturdays

Hideout

Hideout is exactly what its name implies: a shelter from the outside world, an escape to a second reality. Located in Peace Center, a mall that really only comes alive after dark, this hangout spot offers a brief respite with board games and console games available for rental.

The rooms are spacious, soundproof, and furnished with the most comfortable bean bags! All these to provide you with a totally private gaming experience. With more than 30 board games available, including card games like Bang and Saboteur, and the latest gaming consoles in town, prices start at $9 for the first hour per person for first-timers, and $6 per person for subsequent hours.

Hungry? You will be able to purchase snacks from Hello Panda biscuits to spicy instant noodles to M&Ms. Eat while you play!

Hideout
Address: #03-04/05 Peace Centre, 1 Sophia Rd, Singapore 228149
Tel: +65 6837 0686
Opening Hours: 11 AM – 11 PM Sunday to Thursday, 11 AM – 1 AM Friday and Saturday 

Settlers Cafe

Perhaps you are not a console gamer, or maybe you just prefer something more old school. Try a game of Catan or Ticket To Ride with your friends for an hour or two at Settlers Cafe. It’s conveniently located in Clarke Quay. With many promotions available, from ladies night to student packages, gaming for an affordable fee is not too far from reality!

Food is also not a problem at Settlers Cafe, with an a la carte menu touting many scrumptious dishes! Dishes available are Jumbo Chicken Sandwich for $12.90 to Beef Lasagne for $9.90 to Tumeric Chicken for $12.90. You can also order light snacks and beverages, including several alcoholic choices.

One of our favourite titles at Settlers Cafe is Pandemic. It’s a 2-4 people strategy game that requires the players to stop and treat a virus that will soon conquer the whole world! If you’re looking for more of a party game choice, go for Taboo, a game that will guarantee a good laugh, no matter what.

Settlers Cafe
Address: 39 North Canal Road, Singapore 059295
Tel: +65 65350435
Opening Hours: 6 PM – 11 PM Tuesdays to Thursdays, 12 PM – 1 AM Fridays, 1 PM – 1 AM Saturdays, 2 PM – 8 PM Sundays, Closed on Mondays

With these five great hangout spots in mind, the next time you’re planning a gathering, whether it’s for the traditional board-and-card game enthusiast, the Xbox expert, the darts fan, or the pool champion in your clique, you’ll be sure to find something that makes everyone happy. Keep creating new memories! The fun does not end, play time starts now!

(Header image credits: @shaneinfinite, words by editor)

Also, read Stuck In Singapore? Here Are 10 Uncommon Places To Visit For A Different Kinda Fun!