Category: Cool Places In Singapore

4 Abandoned Hiking Trails In SG For The Bravest Of Hikers

Sick of the usual hiking routes? Up for a challenge? Try these abandoned hiking trails that will lead you to post-war ruins, tombstones, and what-have-you.

Serapong Trail

Take a hike along the abandoned trail that leads to Fort Serapong, an old fort left behind from the WWII era. The fort is built atop Mount Serapong, located in Pulau Blakang Mati, aka Island of Death… which is present-day Sentosa. (Doesn’t sound so frightening now, does it?) While Sentosa’s flashy attractions draw in the tourists, Serapong attracts the paranormal seekers and adventurous hikers, who venture in to explore the fort’s post-apocalyptic ruins.

Woodneuk Trail

This is another trail that will bring you to a popular spot for ghost-hunters. Trek up the steep hill of overgrown vegetation bounded by Tyersall Road and Holland Road, and you’ll end up at a dirt path that leads to the abandoned former palace of Sultan Abu Bakar of Johor. Having been through the Japanese bombings and a savage inferno, it’s a wonder how the structure still stands today.

Keppel Hill Reservoir Trek

This forgotten reservoir (also once a private pool) was abandoned since the fifties, and was rediscovered by the National Heritage Board in late 2014. Remnants of its past include old water pipes, a diving board, broken concrete steps, and a mysterious lone tombstone at the top of the hill. This trail snakes through a dense jungle and also leads to another abandoned path leading to Mount Faber.

Bukit Brown Trail

Yes, Bukit Brown as in Bukit Brown Cemetery. While touring through a cemetery might sound creepy, this trail probably isn’t as scary as the others on this list, since it is a heritage site that sees a fair amount of (human) visitors and isn’t quite as “abandoned”. That said, we don’t recommend setting foot on this trail at night though.

Many of these abandoned trails seem to double as great spots for paranormal seekers too – they definitely aren’t for the faint-hearted!

(Header image credit: original image by Divij Sood, edited by author.)

Also read: 10 Stunning Beaches Near Singapore That You Must Explore

[GIVEAWAY] Maketh Project – It’s Time To Get Crafty!

What maketh a man? Manners or leather? Sure, manners are crucial, but what’s more impressive? Spending three hours handcrafting and stitching your own leather product or pulling out a chair for the lady?

Okay seriously, if you’re as much a fan of leather products or into crafts as we are, you’ll love what we’re bringing you today. With the recent swing towards handcrafted artisanal goods, we’ve had the privilege of getting our hands dirty with Maketh Project by attending one of its leather crafting workshops.

Maketh Project is the brain child of three friends Adlina Adil, Addynna Azlinor and Rozeryna Rothma, who share the love of leather crafting. Located on the second level of a shophouse, the unmistakable whiff of leather and hammering sounds echoing throughout the studio will have you feeling like a craftsman in no time.

For this workshop, we’ve chosen to craft a key holder and have informed Maketh of the chosen design in advance. For potential leather crafters, your first task after confirming your design will be to choose the type of leather. If you’re as anal particular as we are, expect to spend a fair amount of time going through the selection. We recommend taking your time to make the decision because well, it is your product!

After a quick introduction, we were shown a short demonstration on leather cutting and were just a teeny bit terrified after knowing how we could cause irreparable damage to our products. Funny story, almost immediately after the demonstration, we’d accidentally sliced through the leather meant for the key holder’s strap. Heh.

But worry not, because the friendly leather crafters of Maketh will be there to guide and assist you! We swear cutting in a straight line is tougher than it looks. Much kudos to Addynna who stuck with us throughout our mini panic-attacks!

Following this, we were told to glue the two leather pieces together before punching holes in the almost finished product. After meticulously marking out the holes, we proceeded to preform the task with our hearts in our mouths. One uneven punch is all it takes to ruin all your previous work so y’know, no pressure here.

The stitching was up next and after choosing the color of thread we wanted, we were all set to complete our key holder! After completing the stitch, we had Addynna put on some finishing touches and we were done! We think it looks great so it doesn’t matter if you think the button is slightly off center. It’s not.

We must say, despite the self-imposed pressure to perfect our product, the experience of crafting a leather good we can call our own is nothing less than fun. The level of satisfaction is pretty insane and we can’t help showing our handcrafted key holder to our friends. We cut and sew one hor.

Itching to craft a product of your own? Here’s some good news; Discover SG, together with Maketh Project, are delighted to offer one lucky reader a

COMPLIMENTARY LEATHER-CRAFTING WORKSHOP AT MAKETH

That’s right, here’s your chance to experience the joy of crafting your own product. You get to choose from a range of small leather crafts – a cardholder, key pouch, coin pouch, or a braided bracelet!

How to win:

Simply comment on our facebook post with which leather product above you’d like to craft – card holder, key holder, coin pouch or braided bracelet (not pictured). Proceed to LIKE and SHARE the post and you’ll be good to go! The reader with the craftiest answer will walk away with a free pass to Maketh’s leather-crafting workshop. Winner will informed through Facebook.

The giveaway will end on 2359 26th April 2016. So what are you waiting for? Comment and stand a chance to win the opportunity to be a craftsman for a day now!

Brought to you by Discover SG x Maketh Project

Maketh Project
Address: 751 North Bridge Rd #02-02
Contact: [email protected]

Also read: A Festival You Won’t Want To Miss – Super Japan Matsuri!

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Get Going! Try Something New This Weekend With These 6 Activities

Weekends ARE supposed to be fun, entertaining or at least relaxing. If you’re shrugging your shoulders and sighing whenever someone asks ‘what are you doing this weekend?’, you’ve lapsed into the lazy, predictable routine weekend.

But don’t worry, we’ve lined up six new attractions in Singapore for you to end your week with a bang. Don’t blame us if Monday comes too soon!

1. Urban Ski

Yes, we understand its really hot lately so here is something cool for you… like skiing and snowboarding kind of cool.

Nope, you don’t need to take a cable car, and no you don’t need to put on your heat tech winter jacket. Basically, Urban Ski is Singapore’s one and only indoor ski and snowboarding centre. There’s an indoor rotating ski slope that caters to both beginners as well as seasoned skiers and snowboarders.

This rotating ski slope (more like a treadmill for skiers) allows you to ski downslope continuously for hours up to 60km/hr. All you have to do is to try to remain standing at the same spot (a mean feat!).

A group session (2-4 pax) costs $310 on weekdays and $360 on weekends. Individual classes cost $230 on weekdays and $270 on weekends. All classes are an hour long.

Urban Ski
Address: Millenia Walk, 9 Raffles Boulevard, Unit 01- 46 to 49, 039596
Contact number: +65 6238 0575
Operating hours: Mon to Fri (11am- 9pm), Sat & Sun (10am – 10pm)
Website: PA Water Venture

Also read: What’s Down This April: Rooftop Disco Party, Gourmet Feasts, Kampong Memories & More

3. Bombay Howrah Dining Car

We’ve heard of supper clubs but how many of us have actually tried one that is run by a Master Chef Asia finalist?

Founded by Priya of Master Chef Asia (famed for her Stuffed Paratha with Dhal and Tomato Chutney), Bombay Howrah Dining Car offers a modern take on traditional flavours from lesser known regional cuisines (West and East India), over a six course meal.

Among them, some dishes you will get to taste include Sabudana Vada (savoury sago patties), Kolhapuri Mutton Chops (a spicy meat preparation from interior Maharashtra), Prawn Malai Curry (a fragrant and creamy prawn preparation from West Bengal), Bhapa Doi (steamed yoghurt pudding) and Masala Chai Panna Cotta.

Foodies who love Indian food, this is definitely the car that you don’t wanna miss.

Bombay Howrah Dining Car
Event dates and updates: Bombay Howrah Dining Car
Bookings: Bon Appetour

4. Sentosa Broadwalk Bazaar

Too much clutter at home? How about setting up a stall at the Sentosa Broadwalk Bazaar?

Perfectly smacked between Vivocity, Harbourfront Centre, the Cruise Centre, and Resorts World Sentosa, the Sentosa Boardwalk is a popular spot among locals, visiting touristsas well as expatriates alike.

Whether you’re selling off some pre-loved clothes, baking goods or trying your hands on being an entrepreneur, this is the place to test your ideas and product. And the best part? Booth prices start from as low as $35!

If setting up a stall is not your thing, come and support local makers and brands, and maybe discover a hidden gem.

Sentosa Broadwalk Bazaar
Address: 8 Sentosa Gateway, 098269
Operating Hours: Sat (4pm – 11:30pm), Sun (2pm – 9:30pm)
Booth registration/ information: TGIF Bazaars

5. Smith Marine Kelong

Hong Kong-ers have their Jumbo Kingdom floating restaurant. We at Singapore have our very own floating Kelong seafood restaurant.

If you want to fish for your own dinner or enjoy the freshest seafood in Singapore, Smith Marine Kelong is a great catch. Located off Pulau Ubin and Changi, this restaurant has a ‘sure catch’ fishing pond where you can give fishing a go. It costs $35 per fish if you’d like the restaurant chef to cook it for you or alternatively, you can take your fish home at $15 per fish.

To get there, you will need to take a 10-minute ride on a bumboat from Changi Point Terminal. It usually costs $100 for a boatload of 12 pax (round trip) but it costs the same even if you go in a smaller group (payment to be made directly to the boatman). Plan your trip wisely and save that extra money for yummy seafood instead.

Smith Marine Kelong
Address: Off Changi and Pulau Ubin (GPS Coordinates: 01’23’52″N – 103’57’42″E)
Contact number: +65 9792 7609
Operating Hours: Daily, 10am – 7pm
Website: You Can Now Fish & Dine At Singapore’s First Kelong Restaurant! You’ll Want To Check This Out!

6. Coney Island

No, we’re not referring to the Coney Island at New York. We’re talking about the island that was once owned by the Haw Par brothers of Tiger Balm.

Formerly known as Serangoon Island, this tranquil island has had relatively few visitors despite it’s easy accesibility (you can cycle or even walk there). It’s only about a hundred metres away from Singapore at its closest point.

To get there, just head over to Punggol Point Park (end of Punggol Road) and look for the bridge that connects the mainland to the West Entrance of the Island.

What we love about Coney is this place feels like a world away from urbanity. Take a stroll at the mangrove broadwalk and trust us, you will feel so refreshed it’s as if you’ve just decluttered your mind.

The sound of the waves is so mesmerising that no one would believe Singapore is just a 500m walk away!

Rumour has it that there’s a lonely cow at Coney Island. We have no tips about how you could find that cow but if you’re planning a trip to Coney Island, do check this, and this out for a better understanding of the island.

Coney Island
Entry fee: Free entry
Opening hours: Daily, 7am – 7pm

With 6 cool attractions to spice up your weekend, which one will you go for? I think I’ll try my fishing luck at Smith Marine. If anyone wants to share a boat, drop a comment!

(Header credit: gdsamaritan, words by editor)

Also read: 10 Stunning Beaches Near Singapore That You Must Explore

Japanese Carnival This Weekend – Food, Games, And More!

If you love Japanese culture like we do, mark your calendar! Super Japan Matsuri will be held from 20 to 22 May 2016 at the Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay from 5pm to 10pm daily.

Food

Like every other Matsuri (festival), you can look forward to a weekend of traditional Japanese festival food such as Takoyaki (octopus balls), Okonomiyaki (Japanese pancakes), soft serve ice cream, and of course, Japanese beer.

Games

Those who want to try your hand at Japanese games, you might want to start practising your Yo-yo tsuri (water balloon fishing), Senbonbiki (lucky strings game), Katanuki (candy moulding), Shateki (shoot prizes down), and many more.

Senbonbiki is a game where treats or prizes are attached to long strings. The game player will pull on a string, not knowing which treat is attached to it. Apparently, this is usually a ‘sure-win’ game.

Dress up

On top of that, if you dress to match their nightly theme (see image below), you’ll receive one free game coupon to be used at the festival.

This sure sounds like a great opportunity to dress up, cosplay, or put on a yukata (summer kimono)!

Details

Super Japan Matsuri
Date: 20 – 22 May 2016 (Fri – Sun)
Time: 5pm – 10pm (Fri), 3pm – 10pm (Sat & Sun)
Address: Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981
Entry fee: Free admission, coupons required for games
Event page: Super Japan Matsuri

A Matsuri is all about having fun with friends and family. Call your friends, bring your family, get dressed for the theme, and play some games! Fun and laughter guaranteed.

Follow us for more updates!

(Header image credit: antoniotajuelo.com, words by editor)

Also read: 5 Free Events & Shows All Lovers Of Japanese Culture Must Attend!

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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!

这样玩不用钱！10个免费的一日出游提案

周末或空闲的时候不想呆在家里，但是又不想花大钱出去玩、也不想逛街看电影或喝下午茶吗？小编在这里推荐了10个不需要入门票的好玩活动，即能充实地度过一天、又不需要花大把的钞票入场玩乐，是不是很实惠呢？小编也要照着这个清单这样玩！

1. 在Marina Bay Sands看音乐喷泉

音乐喷泉可不光光是个配上了音乐的喷泉那么简单。它集合了芭蕾音乐、彩光灯和激光等先进的技术，利用最先进的激光科技、影像、三维立体动画、音乐等编排了一出出灵人振奋的表演，呈现出绝美的场面。因为结合了灯光和激光，音乐喷泉最美的时光自然是在夜幕降临之后，是圣淘沙夜晚最迷人的景点之一。

地点：Marina Bay Sands
表演时间：日间表演于每日下午5:00和5:30 (无灯光和激光效果) ，每次表演时间为15分钟；晚间表演于每日晚上7:40和8:40，每次表演时间为25分钟。

2. 或是仙鹤芭蕾

采用突破性视听技术，结合灯光流水效果，完美刻画出仙鹤的优雅求爱之舞。巨大铁鹤在水体幻影及离焕光效中灵巧翱翔，让人为之惊叹不已。双鹤展翅欲飞，千万不可错过！

地点：Marina Bay Sands
表演时间：