Category: Culture

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!

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

Just as the Americans have Halloween, the Chinese have the Hungry Ghost Festival (also know as Zhong Yuan Jie in Chinese). This is the month where the gates of hell are believed to be opened. This frees hungry ghosts who wander to seek food on Each. According to custom, these ghosts can be up to mischief if ignored.

With the Ghost Festival starting this week till the end of August, here’s a list of uncommon and weird superstitions. Do you believe in them?

1. Touching, Stepping Or Kicking Prayer Items And Offerings

During the hungry ghost festival, the sidewalks and pavements transform into a minefield strewn with joss paper, charred offerings, and food. Do watch your step and don’t touch, step or kick these prayer items and offerings. These are offered to the hungry ghosts. You should also refrain from making jokes or complaining about the prayer offerings.

2. Swimming

Avoid swimming during this ghost festival month. It is believed that vengeful spirits whose death was due to drowning are determined to take the living with them.

3.  Staying Out Late At Night

Children and pregnant women are advised to return home early. They should not wander around at night, especially if they’re alone. It is a belief that children are much more susceptible to being possessed by wandering ghosts. Spirits are also exceptionally attracted to foetuses in the wombs of the pregnant women. Pregnant women are advised not to go out at all.

4. Picking Up Strange Items You Stumble Upon On The Streets, Especially Coins

Seen some money on the ground or found some unique items on the roadside? These items are apparently for the hungry ones to take, not you! It may very well belong to a ghost!

5. Wearing Black Or Red Clothings And High Heels

Ghosts are apparently attracted to red and black, so avoid becoming a target board. Ladies are also warned against wearing high heels too. It is a belief that a woman is opening herself to spirit possession if her heels are constantly elevated above the ground.

6. Look Under The Altar, Especially During Prayer Sessions

Never look under the altar especially during prayer sessions. It is believed that the unseen may be having their feast underneath the altar and they do not like to be disturbed.

7. Whistling At Night

It is believed that roaming spirits are attracted to whistling, especially after the sun sets. Whistling attracts the attention of ghosts. These ghosts may decide to follow and stick to you for a long time, giving you long term bad luck. You may even hear someone singing along with you!

8. New Things

New houses, new businesses, new relationships? Theses are all to be avoided as the hungry ghost month is considered to be highly inauspicious.

9. Hang Your Clothes Outside To Dry

A wandering ghost may “try on” your clothes at night. Thus, it is best to avoid hanging them out late at night. These ghosts may even enter your house after trying on your clothes!

10. Sitting On The First Row Of Seats At Opera Street Performances And Getais

If you see empty seats at opera street performances and getais, don’t sit on them. It is said that the front row seats are reserved for “spiritual visitors”. Even if all the seats behind are taken, you would do better to stand by the side rather than risk offending the spirits.

Regardless, the Chinese in Singapore observe these age-old traditions and beliefs as a form of respect for the dead. Do you abide by any of these superstitions that many believe in?

(Header image by dawn.com)

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

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

The wait is finally over! With just a month and a half to showtime, ULTRA Singapore has finally revealed the Phase Two artist lineups for its inaugural edition set to take the stage this 10 -11 September!

For those new to the EDM scene, the ULTRA brand is a series of Electronic Music festivals spanning Europe, South America, Asia, South Africa and Miami.  Over the past 18 years since its inception, thousands of the world’s most iconic DJs, producers and live acts have performed their slick beats at the festival over 20 countries.

Headliners

The first name to join this lineup is UK super group Above & Beyond! Having been around the EDM scene since 1999, the UK super group is sure to deliver an electrifying performance.

The Early Bird tickets for this event were sold out upon release! To make sure you chope a spot at the festival, you need to move fast to snap up the last remaining Advance Tickets priced at USD$175 (2 day admission).

There’s also the Premium General Admission Tickets (2 day admission), which grants ticket holders access to dedicated express lanes, restrooms and F&B stalls, priced at USD $200.

Once the Advance tickets are sold out, you will have to purchase the regular ticket at USD$190 for General 2-day admission or USD$225 for the Premium General Admission.

If you’re going in a group, they’re having a super tempting not-to-be-missed Group Package. All you need to do is purchase 5 tickets and get the 6th one for free! What are you waiting for? Get your troops together and score this discount package!

Head to ULTRA Singapore to get your tickets now!

ULTRA SINGAPORE*

Date: Sep 10 & 11, 2016
Venue: Ultra Park, 1 Bayfront Avenue
Ticket Price: USD$175 (Advance- General Admission), USD$200 (Advance- Premium Admission), USD$190 (Regular -General Admission), USD$225 (Regular -Premium Admission)
Online Ticketing: Ultra Singapore
Website: Ultra Singapore
Headliners:
Above & Beyond, Afrojack Alesso, Axwell^Ingrosso, deadmau5, Kygo, NERO (Live), DJ Snake, ZHU
Support Acts:
Carnage, Far East Movement, Gryffin, Jauz, Marshmello, Nicole Moudaber*, Reboot*, Shaded (Live)*, Technasia*, W&W

*RESISTANCE Artist
Do note that you need to be 18 years of age and older to attend this event

Header image source: Ultra Singapore

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

Thought You Knew All About Singapore? Here Are 10 Uncommon Places That’ll Guarantee A New Experience

Even if you’re not going abroad, you can look to our very own humble abode for fun things to do and places to explore. Singapore isn’t just about Orchard Road or Gardens by the Bay. We’re almost as sick of these places as you are!

Well, fret not! Come the weekend, you can look forward to something else to do! Here are 10 interesting and uncommon places to visit for a different kind of fun.

1. Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle & Dragon Kiln

Dubbed one of Singapore’s most well-kept secrets, the Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle is a place that combines heritage, history, discovery, and fun. It gives vibes of an old museum and you can actually buy proper pottery and art at a reasonable price!

There’s also the Dragon Kiln (a furnace/oven for burning pottery), one of the oldest surviving brick-built kilns in Singapore for wood firing. If you’d like to learn more about pottery, Thow Kwang also hosts a series of workshops that will give you your Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze “Ghost” pottery moment.

• Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle
• Address:  85 Lorong Tawas, off Jalan Bahar
• Contact number: +65 6268 6121
• Operating Hours: Daily, 9am-5pm
• Website: Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle

2. Lazarus Island

Are you looking for a beach to visit, but find that those at Sentosa are overpopulated? Why not try Lazarus Island instead? Accessible by a causeway from St John’s Island, Lazarus Island is home to an untouched tranquil beach.

You could take a dip in the clear turquoise waters, and bring along a picnic basket for a picnic on the pristine white sand. For the best beaches in Singapore, read this.

3. The Observatory at Science Centre

Stargazing, anyone? With a location near the equator, Singapore has an advantageous location. It allows stargazers to catch a glimpse of the constellations in both the northern and southern celestial hemispheres. If you happen to be in the west, drop by the Science Centre to check out the exhibits and end off your visit with a sky full of stars!

• Science Centre Observatory
• Address: 21 Jurong Town Hall Road, 609433
• Contact number: +65 6425 2500
• Operating Hours: Friday 7:45pm- 10:00pm
• Facebook: SCOB

4. Pulau Ubin

It’s a great destination for those who would like to escape the hustle and bustle of the city (especially from the crowd!). Just swap the MRTs for rental bikes and enjoy nature.

5. MegaZip Adventure Park

Up for an adventure with your buddies? Head down to Sentosa’s MegaZip Adventure Park to get your adrenaline going. Hang 450-metre high up and swing across a jungle, beach, and the sea at a speed of up to 60 kilometres!

Not a fan of swinging across Sentosa? Check out Climb Max, an obstacle course consisting of three levels of aerial ropes at 15 metres high. That sure sounds like the next Singapore Ninja Warrior course!

• MegaZip Adventure Park
• Address: Imbiah Hill Rd, Sentosa Island, 098967
• Contact number:+65 6884 5602
• Operating Hours: Daily, 11am-7pm
• Entrance fee: $50++
• Website: Image source: Bounce Singapore[/caption]

  The thought of hanging around Orchard as something fun to do probably did not cross your mind. But how about bouncing around the latest indoor adventure park that is strategically located in Orchard?

  Bounce Singapore is an epic urban playground that consists of interconnected trampolines, Freerun Terrain Park (like the one on American Ninja Warrior), and “Leap of Faith” – jump on a raised platform and leap out to catch hold of the trapeze. Best part of all? It’s indoors and you won’t get sunburnt from all that fun.

  [caption id="attachment_11345" align="alignnone" width="960"] Image source: Bounce Singapore[/caption] [caption id="attachment_11346" align="alignnone" width="960"] Image source: Bounce Singapore[/caption]
  • Bounce Singapore
  • Address: Cathay Cineleisure Orchard, 8 Grange Road, #09-01
  • Contact number: +65 6816 2879
  • Operating Hours: Sun-Thurs (10am – 10pm), Fri-Sat (10am – midnight)
  • Entrance fee: $24++ (general admission), $19++(student discount)
  • Website: Bounce SG

  7. Singapore Botanic Gardens

  [caption id="attachment_11381" align="alignnone" width="700"] Image source: Image source: Image source: blognacarona[/caption]
  • Singapore Botanic Gardens
  • Address: 1 Cluny Rd, Singapore 259569
  • Contact number: +65 6471 7138
  • Operating Hours: Daily 5am-12am
  • Website: Singapore Botanic Gardens

  8. Mint Museum Of Toy

  [caption id="attachment_11431" align="alignnone" width="586"] Image source: gridho[/caption]

  You’re never too young or too old for toys! This toy museum will delight both adults and kids with its vast collection of vintage toys and memorabilia from around the world.

  With over 50,000 pieces of vintage toys, this collection is considered one of the finest in the world. Even the five-storey building that houses the museum is a work of art and has gained international recognition at Architectural Awards.

  [caption id="attachment_11437" align="alignnone" width="602"] Image source: Javier Wu[/caption] [caption id="attachment_11439" align="alignnone" width="601"] Image source: afiq_castello[/caption]
  • Mint Museum Of Toys
  • Address: 26 Seah Street, 188382
  • Contact number: +65 63390660
  • Operating Hours: Daily 9:30am-6:30pm
  • Entry fee: $15
  • Website: Image source: Souce: Image source: The Natural Traveller[/caption]
    • Changi Chapel & Museum
    • Address: 1000 Upper Changi Rd N,  507707
    • Contact number: +65 6214 2451
    • Operating Hours: Daily 9:30am-5.00pm (last admission at 4:30pm)
    • Entry Fee: Free admission
    • Website: Image source: Image source: puripurikan_daus[/caption] [caption id="attachment_11458" align="alignnone" width="800"] Image source: addgrainonearth[/caption]
      • Singapore City Gallery
      • Address: 45 Maxwell Rd, The URA Centre, 069118
      • Contact number: +65 6321 8321
      • Operating Hours: Monday- Saturday 9:00am-5:00pm
      • Entry Fee: Free admission
      • Website: Singapore City Gallery

      With 10 uncommon places to check out with your friends for a different kinda fun (and some really pocket-friendly ones), which one would you visit first? While you’re at it, also check out The Singaporean Bucket List – 10 Challenges You Die Die Must Complete.

      Header image source: Tiny Pieces Of Paper & Quirky Imagination Was All It Took For Instagrammer To Make SG Fun Again

A Travel Diary – S’pore From The Eyes Of A Tourist [by The Girl Beneath The Headscarf]

Sam and I took the chance to visit Singapore for a few days on our way back from the Maldives. I was so excited to come back after a long time. Not only did I miss the heat and the non-stop activity, but also the diversity of this city.

On our first day, we visited Universal Studios – I have great memories from 7 years ago when I first visited it, and it didn’t disappoint the second time! It’s definitely worth it to buy the express pass if you only have few days in Singapore, so that you can spend more time somewhere else rather than standing in queues.

Marina Bay Sands is also worth of a visit. If you stay there, I’m sure I don’t need to remind you to go for a swim in their infinity pool during sunrise or sunset – it’s an unforgettable experience.You can literally see the entire country, because as you know, Singapore is not that big at all.

At the cheaper end of the spectrum, you should also pay a visit to Bugis Market to find all the souvenirs you can handle, and some enterprising street food, all at bargain prices.

Singapore is famous for having 3 majority communities being Chinese, Malay and Indian. The beautiful Little India is a great place to experience the rich Indian heritage and culture, decorated in a variety of colours.

The Sultan Mosque near Arab St is another one of Singapore’s must-see tourist attractions, not only showcasing Singapore’s diversity but also some incredible architecture.

This article first appeared on Also, read Can You Believe It? This Dinner In Singapore Costs SGD $2.7M!

Clearing All Your Doubts – How Exactly Does The Michelin Guide Work?

Singapore is known to be a food paradise and after soooo many years, we finally have our very own Michelin Guide Singapore!!

We’re pretty sure you’ve heard a thing or two about the Michelin Guide but what exactly is it? Why is a tyre maker involved in the dining scene?

What Is the Michelin Guide?

Michelin-Starred Chef or Michelin-Starred Restaurant?

It’s true that there are many Michelin-starred French restaurants but do you know that Tokyo has a mind blowing number of 226 Michelin-starred restaurants? Paris has a mere 94 (as of 2015). While about 50 of the 226 restaurants in Japan are French restaurants, most starred restaurants serve traditional Japanese cuisine (Kaiseki, sushi, ramen, and even poisonous blowfish).

The Michelin Guide panel of inspectors who are in charge of rating hotels and restaurants in over 24 countries live in different continents of the world. They have an open mind towards the cuisines of very culture.

Michelin Guide Inspectors Are Not Always Anonymous?

[caption id="attachment_11586" align="alignnone" width="640"] Image source: Michelin Guide Singapore and order a physical copy at $39.95 now!

Header image: The Full List Of Michelin Guide Singapore 2016 – How Many Have You Tried?

True Thoughts – Singapore From The Eyes Of A Tourist

This article first appeared on PRAIRIE GIRL MUSINGS

Also, read A Peek At NDP 2016 – Fireworks Both Indoors AND Outdoors!

Besides Nathan Hartono, Check Out These 6 Local Youtubers Too!

The age-old notion that Singaporeans don’t have talent has since been debunked by the rise of singer-songwriter Joel Tan (better known as Gentle Bones), folk-pop quartet The Sam Willows, comedy-skit channels Wah! Banana and Night Owl Cinematics, and recently trending Nathan Hartono who impressed even Jay Chou! These promising local YouTubers have been making waves online, spearheading the blossoming YouTube scene here.

While we sing along to Geniuses & Thieves in the shower, swoon over Ben Kheng’s ridiculously perfect facial features, and share every NOC video on Facebook, you will be elated to know that #localpride doesn’t stop here – we have shed light on 6 other undiscovered local YouTubers that are equally deserving of your support.

1. Cilla Chan

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYQkN3mxu-A

Cilla has definitely put our tiny nation on the musical map by being the first Singaporean to appear on The Voice, one of the world’s biggest singing competition. Her powerful vocals and stripped-down arrangements of some of our favourite pop hits are sure to win you over. I mean, country music sensation Blake Shelton swivelled his chair around for a reason.

YouTube: cillachan429
Instagram: @cilla_chan

2. Jude Young

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gr7m6ivx08w

22-year-old Jude Young is an emerging musician in the local scene with a strong sense of individuality. This home-grown lyrical genius took his music a notch higher by penning “Waves of Tomorrow”, a heartfelt, patriotic number for last year’s SG50 celebrations. Jude has since gone on to drop a new single this year, “Young”, an empowering anthem about chasing your dreams and seizing the day.

YouTube: splatterdashed
Instagram: judeyoungmusic

3. Howard Chan

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFFuNkiB9tE

It’s hard to believe that this soulful, multi-talented YouTuber is barely 20. Possibly our budding, local equivalent of international YouTube star Kurt Hugo Schneider, Howard produces, arranges and mixes all of his covers on YouTube. Check out his rendition of Sorry by Justin Bieber – he makes it entirely his own!

YouTube: howducation
Instagram: howardchanman

4. Jonathan Chan (Jawn)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaBdZqB0kjs

Jonathan Chan, who goes by his stage name Jawn, is a melancholic crooner with gravelly vocals. His country-folk single, “Fade to Black”, tells a bittersweet tale of letting someone go and wishing them well. Fans of John Mayer and James Bay, we reckon you will really dig Jawn’s music. We’re loving the raw and heartfelt lyrics in his original songs.

YouTube: thetumbleweedproject
Instagram: jawnchan

5. Sabrina Lim (SabyLoves)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlZajE08Rx4

Local talent should not be limited to music. Independent designer Sabrina Lim – or SabyLoves on YouTube – takes to this video-sharing platform to showcase her artistic craft talent. Using polymer clay, Sabrina moulds everything from kaya toast to our favourite chilli crab. Apart from her DIY clay miniatures, Sabrina also gives us a glimpse of her bubbly personality by sharing her first world problems in the form of light-hearted and entertaining sit-down videos.

YouTube: sabyloves
Instagram: sabyloves

6. Roseanne Tang

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymZVrm69tH8

This beauty guru is a professional make-up artist with her own beauty school, Bloom by Roseanne. When she is not busy conducting make-up classes, Roseanne channels her passion for make-up in the form of beauty tutorials and product reviews on YouTube channel. Her easy-going personality paired with her vast knowledge of make-up makes her videos both informative and engaging. Check out her latest hot pink lips make-up tutorial – perfect for our sunny climate.

YouTube: roseannetangrs
Instagram: roseannetangrs

These six individuals are just a handful of many rising local YouTubers with so much to offer. There is a strong sense of pride in witnessing our fellow Singaporeans flourish, fearlessly chasing their dreams in a highly competitive industry. It is time to #supportlocal and show some love to these aspiring home-grown talents.

Also, read The Perfect Shot – DarylAiden’s Photography Journey & DreaChong

Verdict Is Out! Michelin Bib Gourmand Singapore For Best Food Under $45

Where to get the best Curry Laksa? Which hawker stall has the best Hainanese Chicken Rice? Don’t know where to bring your tourist friends for the best Chai Tow Kway?

Worry no more because some of Singapore’s best eateries have been awarded a”Bib Gourmand” (high-quality menu at reasonable prices) by the very first edition of the Singapore Michelin Guide! So who made the cut? Here are the 34 hawker stalls, restaurants and food establishment that made the list.

What is Bib Gourmand?

“Not quite a star, but most definitely not a consolation prize, the Bib Gourmand…is a just-as-esteemed rating that recognises friendly establishments that serve good food at moderate prices. ” In Singapore – the meal must be under SGD$45 to qualify.

Michelin Bib Gourmand Singapore – Hawker Stalls

Without further ado, here’s the full list!

1. Claypot Laksa – Alexandra Village Food Centre

(Image credit: Image source: Credit: Image source: Image source: Image source: kate2.0[/caption]

23. New Ubin Seafood – Sin Ming Road

24. Peony Jade at Keppel Club (Cantonese) – Bukit Chermin Rd

25. Shish Mahal (Indian) – Albert Street

26. Song Fa Bak Kut Teh – New Bridge Rd

27. 328 Katong Laksa – East Coast Road

28. True Blue Cuisine (Peranakan) – Armenien Street

(image credit: Image source: Image source: Bismillah Biryani[/caption]

33. JB Ah Meng Kitchen (Cantonese) – Geylang Road

34. Sin Huat Eating House (crab rice noodle) – Geylang Road

[caption id="attachment_11210" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Credit:

Header image source: Clearing All Your Doubts – How Exactly Does The Michelin Guide Work?

7 Local Desserts So Good, They’ll Remind You Of Your Childhood Sweetheart

Topped with tropical fruits and a side of condensed milk for a Snapchat worthy sweet treat, Bingsus are the go-to dessert on a hot summer’s day. Not forgetting a warm and freshly baked Belgian waffle, topped with a scoop of creamy gelato and almond sprinkles. Mmm.

Local Dessert – Comfort Food That Never Disappoints

But when it comes to hitting that sweet spot for dessert, nothing does it better than local dessert. Affordable, nostalgic and ultimately delicious, local dessert is not only part and parcel of our culture, but also a quick and delicious way to seek respite from the blistering heat. Be it a cooling snack, a mid-day treat or a post-meal dessert, here’s a list of where you can go to get your local dessert fix!

1. Mei Hong Yuen Dessert

Image credit: www.burpple.com/@sharonista

A name familiar to most, this local dessert chain serves traditional hot and cold dessert. It is one of the “Singapore Chinatown Heritage Brands”. These brands are the ones that have been operating in Chinatown for at least 30 years. Through the years, Having eaten at this dessert stall for years, we heavily recommend the Almond with Egg White, Red Bean Lotus, and Chee Cheong Fun. They have also recently opened more stalls, so you don’t have to travel to Chinatown just to savour one of the best local dessert stalls.

Outlets:
Chinatown: No. 63 – 67 Temple Street, #B2-32 Chinatown Point
Orchard: #B4-34, ION
Novena: #02-03 Velocity@Novena Square
Clementi: #03-02 321 Clementi Ave 3
Opening Hours:
Click 2. Ah Chew Desserts