Category: Culture

5 Of The Biggest Bills You Will See In Your Lifetime As A Singaporean

Whoever said adulting would be fun was clearly playing a cruel joke on all of us.

As a woman in her mid-20s who is soon to be married and who has recently paid the down payment on her future home, if I could pick just one word to describe adulthood, it would be ‘expensive’.

While many of us were blissfully unaware of how much we were spending during our carefree teenage years, once you reach your late 20s or early 30s and you are standing at the cusp of the next phase of your life (i.e. marriage), you quickly realize how much it costs to build – and to live – a life here in Singapore.

Here are 5 of the biggest bills you’ll see in your lifetime as a Singaporean. A word of warning: Brace yourself for these numbers.

1. A House

Price Tag: ~S$240,000 – ~S$580,000 for a BTO flat

It’s no secret that home ownership is prohibitively expensive in Singapore; everyone who is soon to be married will be well acquainted with this fact.

One of the most expensive things you will purchase in your lifetime is a house, and it’s the price of the first property you will ever own that will be the rudest shock to your system.

If we consider the BTO launches that happened this year, that bill will be somewhere between ~S$240,000 for a 4 room flat in Woodlands to ~S$580,000 for a 5 room flat in Toa Payoh.

After you subtract off the grants, that comes up to about ~S$180,000 and ~S$580,000 respectively for the two types of property.

Not going the BTO way? If you’re considering resale flats, be prepared to part ways with a sum of between ~S$260,000 for a flat in Marsiling and ~S$1,200,000 for one in the award-winning Pinnacle @ Duxton. Yes, that’s S$1.2M for a HDB flat.

Do we even want to think about the price of private property?

2. Renovation Costs

Price Tag: ~S$40,000 – ~S$70,000

According to Qanvast, HDB homeowners spend an average of S$50,000 on home renovations, while people living in condominiums spend an average of S$75,000.

Of course, that price tag differs depending on various other factors, such as the size of your flat. People spend an average of about S$35,000 to renovate a smaller 70sqm house, while the average amount spent for larger homes of 140sqm and larger is S$120,000.

Interior style also plays a huge role in determining how much your total bill will run up to. A simpler Scandinavian or Industrial style home costs an average of S$40,000 while a more contemporary look and feel costs an average of S$70,000. Yikes.

All that said, it is not unusual for people to keep within a modest S$20,000 budget when designing their home. At the end of the day, it all depends on what you want, what you need, and how much you’re willing to spend.

Cost-cutting Tip: To shave down home renovation costs, drive across the causeway to Malaysia or go online to sites like Taobao to purchase your furniture pieces!

3. Wedding

Price Tag: ~S$35,000 – ~S$73,000

While your wedding day may be one of the most unforgettable days of your life, it is also likely to be one of the most freakishly expensive days of your life.

When you’ve factored in key items such as the engagement and wedding bands, the bridal package, wedding banquet, actual day costs, and the cost of your honeymoon, you can rack up a bill of a woman took to social media and revealed that her mum’s care and treatment at the hospital resulted in a whopping S$1,018.469.29 in bills – a figure none of us would wish to see in our lifetime.

Hospital bills are one of the most painful things to pay for, and often, we only discover this too late – when the bill is already in our hands.

Take breast cancer surgery for example. The total bill, for hospitalisation and all procedures necessary, starts between S$1,372 – S$1,909 if you’re staying at the lowest grade C-class ward. Opt for an A-class ward and it can cost you between S$7,619 – S$13,009.

And if you decide to seek surgery at a private hospital? That number can be multiplied three-fold or even more.

While health is important, it’s definitely hard to part with that kind of money just to get better.

Cost-cutting Tip: Choosing yourself a good insurance policy will serve you well in such instances. In the best case scenario, you won’t have to pay a cent for hospitalisation, and in the worst, you only foot a fraction of the bill.

5. Car

Price Tag: At least $65,800

Singapore is notorious for being the most expensive place in the world to buy and own a car.

This is due to the S$65,800 and S$77,000, COE and all other taxes and fees included. The brands in the mix? Malaysia’s Perodua, China’s Chery and Japanese Mitsubishi.

If we’re talking about the 3 most popular car models in 2016, the Toyota Corolla Altis, Mazda3 and Nissan Qashqai, the price ranges between S$97,800 for a Mazda3 and S$110,300 for a Nissan Qashqai.

Cost-cutting Tip: Can’t bear the thought of spending so much money on a car? Then a second hand car is the way to go!

Protect The Things You Love The Most

Feel poor just reading this article? Don’t worry, you’re not the only one.

Thankfully, some of the things we value most – and that cost us the most – like our homes and our cars can be insured so as to soften the blow in case something bad happens to your home or car.

Freelancers who work from home in particular will benefit from an extensive home content insurance coverage. Not all home insurance policies cover the home office, which means that in the event that your work equipment (e.g laptops, printers) is lost or stolen, you will not be able to make a claim.

There is no sure-fire way of preventing such unfortunate events from happening, so the only way to protect yourself from the huge financial cost of getting back on your feet is to make sure you’ve covered yourself and all your most valued things with insurance.

If you’re new to insurance, the first thing you should know is that not all insurance policies are created equal. In fact, there are 4 different layers of insurance. The more layers of insurance you have, the more protected you are in the case that emergency strikes.

4 Layers Of Insurance

Ranking according to importance, you have Hospital Insurance, Life Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance and Endowment Plans.

Hospital Insurance covers hospitalisation, surgery and personal accidents both local and overseas. This type of insurance ensures that when you have to put yourself through treatment or therapy, you don’t wipe out all of your hard earned savings.

Life Insurance, on the other hand, covers death, terminal illness and total permanent disability. The most basic form of insurance, Life Insurance policies ensure that in the case of an unexpected death or disability, your dependents are well taken care of.

One thing to take note of is that most Life Insurance policies exclude serious illness and the treatments required. Instead of having you and your family dig deep into your own pockets to pay for the exorbitant medical bills, Critical Illness Insurance takes the financial burden off you and your loved ones.

And finally, there are Endowment Plans. More of a savings plan than an insurance policy, putting your money into an Endowment Plan will give you better returns that if you put your money in a deposit account. As an added bonus, you also get basic insurance coverage.

Still don’t know the what’s what of insurance? Why not get a professional to explain it all to you? To gain a better understanding of insurance and what kinds of insurance you’ll need, sign up for a consultation with FRANK here!

This article is written in partnership with FRANK by OCBC.

Also read 8 Houses In Singapore So Extravagant, You’ll Wonder What The Owners Do For A Living 

(Header Image Source: Unsplash)

If You See Strange Things Popping Up In Jurong This November, Don’t Freak Out – It’s Just Art

Arts In Your Neighbourhood is back, and this time, it’s taking a journey to the West.

An initiative by the National Arts Council that happens twice a year, Arts In Your Neighbourhood has taken over neighbourhoods like Toa Payoh, Yishun, and Woodlands previously, bringing arts experiences to the doorsteps of Singaporeans living in these areas.

From 9 – 26 November, Arts In Your Neighbourhood is giving Jurong residents the same treatment with its interactive arts programmes that show a different side of Jurong.

Expect visual arts installations, performances, trails, stories, and more by established artists and arts groups happening across Jurong.

Programme Highlights

1. Urban Distortions by t.r.a.n.s.i.t.s.c.a.p.e

Sometimes, it feels like we’re living in a bubble, doesn’t it? Perhaps Urban Distortions is a commentary on that. Or not. Since it is art, it’s all up to your interpretation.

Urban Distortions is a cross‑disciplinary installation-performance that brings together dance, song, and territories. Watch the performers as they dance inside giant life-size plastic bubbles, with live music accompaniment!

Performances:
9 November 2017 (Thurs), 12:15pm, at Ocean Financial Centre (Covered Plaza)
10 November 2017 (Fri), 6pm, at Woodlands Civic Centre
11 November 2017 (Sat), 6pm, at Westgate (L1 Courtyard)
12 November 2017 (Sat), 6pm, at Bedok Town Square

2. Larger Than Life: The Unspoken Histories of Jurong Neighbourhood by Vertical Submarine

What was Jurong like before it came to be Singapore’s second CBD?

Larger Than Life is an outdoor art showcase that answers precisely this question.

Curated by art collective Vertical Submarine, Larger Than Life comprises of 5 works that reminisce the Jurong that came before, bringing back the fond memories and forgotten history of the neighbourhood.

Installations to look out for include artist Liyu’s “Drive”, a sculpture of a car that invites people to recall and share their memories of the old Jurong drive-in cinema.

Where: Canopy @ J Link & Adjacent Field
When: 9 Nov 2017 – 28 Jan 2018

3. #seeyoursg by Shophouse & Co

#seeyoursg is no ordinary trail. In this trail, participants will literally see Jurong through new lenses.

A device designed by artist Samantha Tio, the device lets you view and record your experience, allowing you create your own narrative of the neighbourhood which you can later add to the Jurong story as part of the exhibition.

Not only will you unravel the myths and legends of Jurong through this discovery trail, you’ll also get to experience how reality and perception are interwoven at each stop of the trail.

*Take note that the recommended age for this trail is 12 years and above.

Walking Trail
Where: Jurong Regional Library
When: 25 Nov 2017, 10am – 11am; 4pm – 5pm (The 1-hour trail will start every 15 minutes)

Exhibition
Where: Jurong Regional Library
When: 9 – 30 Nov 2017, 10am – 9pm

4. .txt by Pooja Nansi & Daryl Qilin Yam

Another visual arts installations springing up in Jurong is .txt, which comprises two text-based works inspired by none other than Jurong and its surrounds. Conceived and devised by writers Pooja Nansi and Daryl Qilin Yam, these works draw from existing texts, interviews and original writings.

The works explore the relationship between language and its specific localities, highlighting the little things that make Jurong unique.

Where: Westgate (L1 Fashion High Street) and Canopy @ J Link
When: 9 – 26 Nov 2017, 10am – 10pm

5. The Story-teller by Slacsatu

As part of Arts In Your Neighbourhood, street artist Slacsatu will also be taking to Jurong to create a street art installation that explores the memories, dreams, experiences and cultural roots of Jurong that have played a role in shaping the community.

An artwork that is dedicated to the Jurong community, a place that has influenced Slacsatu’s practice, his hope is that the stories and spirit of Jurong is passed down from one generation to the next.

Where: Taman Jurong Community Club (Wall next to Taman Jurong Market and Food Centre)
When: 9 Nov – 31 Dec 2017

Contrary to what people may say or think about Jurong, it is a neighbourhood with plenty of history and plenty of soul.

For the month of November, pop by these installations, watch these performances, or go on the trail! Who knows, you just may come away with newfound appreciation for your neighbourhood!

Arts In Your Neighbourhood
Address: Various locations
Date:  9 – 26 Nov 2017
Website

Also read Singapore Streets Are Re-Imagined As Cult Films In Kult’s ‘Sin City’ Tee And Tote Collection

Singapore Streets Are Re-Imagined As Cult Films In Kult’s ‘Sin City’ Tee And Tote Collection

The creative folks at Kult have a ‘Sin City‘ merchandise collection and double takes are necessary because you probably won’t see the little change in the iconic designs at first glance.

Familiar yet different, we are loving these designs already. But wait, there’s more.

Foreign But Familiar

Here are some of our favourite picks from the ‘Sin City’ collection.

1. Mighty Morphin Punggol Rangers

If Singapore had its own Power Rangers, it would make sense for them to reside in Punggol. Ample space to park the Megazords. IT’S MORPHIN’ TIME!

2. Teenage Newton Ninja Turtles

Is Newton the place where people are releasing their terrapins? Is that what’s happening now?

3. A Nightmare On Oxley Road

Well… we all know the nightmare that went down with regards to Oxley Road this year. Ahem.

4. Big Trouble In Little India

Big Trouble In Little China, but different. To be fair, we had our own big trouble in Little India previously.

5. Serangoonies

No, this is not an allusion to garang gunis. This is a reference to The Goonies movie back in 1985.

6. The Desker Chainsaw Massacre

Desker Road is one of Singapore’s oldest red light district. Did Leatherface pass by?

7. Balestier Galactica

We missed the “Balestier” in this one the first time we saw it and it was a confusing 5 seconds trying to figure out the local place in the print.

8. The Good, The Bad And The Ubi

We need to see Clint Eastwood carry this bag just for the lawls. Anyone know his agent’s number?

9. Straight Outta Commonwealth

A local film starring Sheikh Haikel, Shigga Shay, and Tosh Zhang. We’re kidding.

10. The Wolf Of Waterloo Street

Did you notice “Martini Scorsese”? Bet you didn’t.

11. Brokeback Mountbatten

We were thinking “Brokeback Mount Faber” but Mountbatten works too.

12. The Phantom Of The Opera Estate

This is our absolute favourite. Broadway classics are the best! Anyone who says otherwise is entitled to their wrong opinion.

All tees go for $38 each while tote bags are $28 each. You may purchase them here.

We absolutely love the collection. Our only gripe is that there are only selected designs that are printed on both tote bags and tees.

Also read Bianca Del Rio Is Bringing Her Wit, Wigs And Savagery To Singapore For Her Hilarious 2017 Tour

(Header Image Source: kultstore.online)

The Addams Family Musical Is Coming To S’pore And It Would Be A Grave Mistake To Miss It

Morticia, Gomez, Wednesday, and Pugsley. These characters all share one famous last name – Addams.

Along with Uncle Fester, Grandmama, Lurch the butler, and Thing the hand, everyone’s favourite fictional household, The Addams Family, will be here in Singapore from 15 Nov – 3 Dec, bringing us a musical comedy featuring an original tale.

The story goes that Wednesday Addams – all grown up now – has kept a shocking secret that only Gomez knows; she is in love with a young man from a normal, respectable family. Find out what chaos ensues when the eccentric Addams clan meet with Wednesday’s ‘normal’ boyfriend and his parents.

A Deadly Sense Of Humor

Direct from UK to Singapore, the musical is packed with amazing talent, fantastic song and dance, and a script that’s a whole lot of fun.

Written by the writers of multi award-winning hit musical Jersey Boys, with music and lyrics by Tony Award nominated Andrew Lippa, The Addams Family musical stars internet sensation, Carrie Hope Fletcher as the princess of darkness, Wednesday, and Cameron Blakely as Gomez.

Whether you grew up watching the original cartoons, or are a fan of the TV show or the film, this kooky family is sure to keep you entertained with its unusual, and downright creepy ways.

Fans of The Addams Family, this is a hilarious show you won’t want to miss. Tickets are already on sale and are priced from $86.80* – $146.80*, so grab yours while they’re still available!

Purchase your tickets to The Addams Family here.

The Addams Family
Venue: MES Theatre at Mediacorp, 1 Stars Avenue, Singapore 138507
Date: 15 Nov – 3 Dec 
Price: CAT 1: $146.80* | CAT 2: $120.80* | CAT 3: $86.80*

*Discounted prices available only on Hapz.

Also read You Can Jalan Jalan Down Memory Lane At This Nostalgic Festival Of Eats And Treats

(Header Image Source: TodayTix)

We Did A Pennywise-Inspired Photo Shoot And IT Has Never Looked So Singaporean

Ever wondered what horror movie icons do when they’re not scaring, possessing or tormenting people?

We wondered about that too. So we did a Pennywise-inspired photo shoot.

Meet Penny. She’s Singaporean, 1300 years old (doesn’t she look young for her age?) and a Libra.

She’s Not Your Average Singaporean

And we’ll take the escalator. Thanks.

And we’ll go the other way.

Children are in short supply in Singapore due to aging population. So mixed rice it is.

Nope. Not today.

We’re good. We have toilets at home.

Penny is going back to sleep now. She’ll be back. She’ll always be back.

Also read This Singaporean’s LEGO Replicas Of Local Icons Will Give You A Serious Case Of Nostalgia

(Header Image Source: DiscoverSG)

Singapore’s First Treehouse Hotel Opens In 2023, With Pandas And Otters As Neighbours

As children, many of us probably had fantasies of living in a treehouse. If you’re like us, you may have imagined yourself swinging from vine to vine like Tarzan, and being in the wild, living amongst animals.

Soon, that fantasy may turn into a reality.

Come 2023, a brand new resort will be opening in Mandai, and it promises treehouses, elevated cabins, and cottages at the doorstep of Singapore’s wildlife parks.

Operated by luxury resort operator Banyan Tree Holdings, this will be the only hotel serving the wildlife parks in Singapore.

Can someone say ‘Jurassic Park’?

Singapore’s Wildlife Right Outside Your Window

A dream come true for animal and nature lovers alike, this resort provides an “immersive stay close to nature” with Singapore’s wildlife parks right outside your window.

There will be an estimated 400 rooms, which include low-rise cottages, elevated cabins, and treehouses!

While this much is confirmed, the project’s design will only be selected by 2018.

(Header Image Source: Mandai Park Holdings)

You’re Not Going To Need A Wallet At This New ‘Smart’ Hawker Centre At Jurong West

Yishun step aside, Jurong West has gotten its own ‘smart’ hawker centre.

Located at Jurong West Street 61, next to Pioneer Mall, this 500-seater ‘smart’ hawker centre has 34 food stalls and a 14-stall wet market.

This is Singapore’s 2nd “smart” hawker centre after Yishun Park Hawker Centre.

A Smarter Hawker Centre

Jurong Hawker Centre has self-payment kiosks that accept cash. It also offers 8 other cashless payment options such as Apple Pay, Paywave and EZ Link Payment.

Diners also get to enjoy free wi-fi.

The food centre also has 3 tray-collecting robots to increase the efficiency of clearing tables and also to help diners who might not be able to carry their tray to the Tray Return Area.

Keeping Hawker-Fare At Hawker Prices

Aside from being a ‘smart’ hawker, this hawker centre is managed on a not-for-profit basis.

As such, each cooked food stall in this complex sells 2 regular-portion dishes at $2.80, ensuring there is a cheap option at every stall.

With 34 different hawker stalls, there is no shortage of variety and cuisines for diners to choose from.

The hawker centre will also be used to host community activities such as fairs, flea markets and music performances, in an effort to make it a natural gathering place for residents to dine and bond.

Also read You Can Jalan Jalan Down Memory Lane At This Nostalgic Festival Of Eats And Treats

(Header Image Source: Ekfigo Chua Facebook)

You Can Jalan Jalan Down Memory Lane At This Nostalgic Festival Of Eats And Treats

Singapore has changed so much within a short amount of time.

We’ve grown Smarter, our food (and palate) has grown fancier, and we’ve had international acts grace our shores and give us some amazing performances. But every now and then, it’s good to take a moment to remember the past, to reminisce simpler times, and to delight in the simple things that make us who we are.

“Let’s Go Jalan Jalan” is a food and music festival that brings all the most iconic things about Singapore – both new and old – to one place.

Happening from 17 – 19 Nov, this three-day event will take place at the nostalgic The Three Peacocks @ Labrador Park and will feature over 100 varieties of food and merchandise stalls.

The best part? Entry to this festival is free!

Made In Singapore

Expect popular local cuisines such as Ice Blended Rainbow Dash, Rickshaw Noodles, traditional “You Tiao” with soya bean drink, the old school ice cream uncle, and more!

There will also be sand art, rubber water colour art, and glitter art – a fun throwback to back when we were kids!

Harking back to simpler times, there will be henna stalls, stalls selling handcrafted ware, and a creative heritage trail!

The soundtrack to this festival will be provided by buskers and up-and-coming singers. Look out for performances by Alan Fong, Nick Shen and his Teochew Opera Crew!

Leave Your Wallets At Home

At this festival, only old-school Festival Coupons and Ezi Wallet payments can be used to purchase food, beverage and merchandise.

Food coupons can be purchased online at Image Credit: Let’s Go Jalan Jalan Facebook[/caption]

Only one bag may be claimed per customer and only while stocks lasts, so act quickly!

With free shuttle buses available at Labrador Park MRT and at Seah Im Carpark open space (nearby Harbourfront MRT), getting there will be a cinch.

The event is pet-friendly and wheelchair-friendly, so bring your ah ma, ah gong, and even your furry ones to this festival come November! You’re sure to have a good ol’ time at this chill, hyper-local extravaganza!

Let’s Go Jalan Jalan
Address: The Three Peacocks @ Labrador Park, 8 Port Road, Singapore 117540
Date: 17 – 19 Nov
Time: 17 Nov: 5pm – 12.30am | 18 Nov: 10am – 12.30am | 19 Nov: 10am – 12.30am
Admission: Free
Website

Also read This Thai Bakery Is Baking Up A Storm Of Fluffy Loaves – And You Knead To Try It

A Big Bang Theory Escape Room Is Coming To S’pore So You Can Channel Your Inner Sheldon

*Knock knock knock* Penny

*Knock knock knock* Penny

*Knock knock knock* Penny

From 5 – 8 October, Warner TV will be bringing its first Escape Room Challenge to Singapore. The escape rooms will each be themed after one show from the Warner TV catalogue.

There will be a room each for Arrow, Gotham, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, The Big Bang Theory, Blindspot and Lethal Weapon.

Expect tasks, clues and puzzles themed after the various shows. Will we get to step into Arrow’s lair? Will we get to board the Waverider? Or will we get to sit in Sheldon’s spot? Who knows!

[caption id="attachment_30476" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Image Credit: Facebook page. 

If escape rooms aren’t your style, take photos at the Young Sheldon photo booth and see if you’d have what it takes to escape Lian Yu at the Arrow shooting game.

A final word: Do not fail this city.

Warner TV Escape Room Challeng
Location: Atrium of Causeway Point
Date: October 5 
Time: 2pm – 9:30pm

Also read Someone Finally Opened A Durian Specialty Cafe, And It Serves More Than The Typical Puffs And Cakes

Someone Finally Opened A Durian Specialty Cafe, And It Serves More Than The Typical Puffs And Cakes

Love them or hate them, durians are Singapore’s national fruit; unofficially, at least.

A fruit that is beloved for its sweet, creamy flesh that melts in your mouth, few varieties can match the almighty Mao Shan Wang variety when it comes to flavour.

A nice mix of sweet and bitter – and sometimes, both – it’s no wonder Mao Shan Wang durians are the most popular among Singaporeans.

Simply called Mao Shan Wang Cafe, this durian specialty cafe is opened by Four Seasons Durian.

Situated in Chinatown, it serves fresh durian in a tantalising array of desserts including mochi, strudel, ice cream and coffee (yes, coffee) made using the king of fruit.

The First And Only Durian Specialty Cafe in Singapore

Considering the fanaticism this fruit inspires, it’s a wonder it’s taken this long for someone to open a durian specialty cafe.

Step into the cafe and you’ll be welcomed by the strong, unmistakable smell of durian – a heavenly scent for hardcore durian fans.

With a simple, industrial aesthetic featuring brick walls and exposed beam ceilings, this cafe is the perfect place for an mid-day tea durian break.

The King And Its Subjects

If you think there are only so many things you can do with durian, think again – this cafe takes the fruit in both sweet and savoury directions.

On the sweet – and more familiar – side of things, there are durian puffs, ice cream, pancakes and mochi.

On a sweltering hot day, order the Mao Shan Wang Delight ($15.80).

Consisting of a mountain of Mao Shan Wang durian soft serve ice cream, this dessert comes on a bed of brownies, with mini marshmallows and almond flakes scattered all over it.

If you’re looking for a light bite, opt for either the D24 Durian Mochi ($5 for four) or the richer Mao Shang Wang Durian Mochi ($8.80 for four). Encased in a chewy mochi skin, the D24 mochi has a milder flavour while the Mao Shan Wang Mochi packs more of a punch with each mouthful.

On the savoury side of things, there is the Black Charcoal Mao Shan Wang Durian Pizza ($18.80), which consists of a charcoal pizza base topped with a mixture of Mao Shan Wang puree and cheese.

If you’re feeling even more adventurous, try their Durian French Fries ($3.80) and Durian Nuggets ($6).

With fries and nuggets served with a dipping sauce made of D24 puree, your tastebuds are in for an unusual experience when you order yourself a serving of either of these.

Craving some durian? Whatever you’re in the mood for, your needs will be well taken care of at Mao Shan Wang Cafe!

Mao Shan Wang Cafe
Address: 49 Temple Street Singapore
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 1.30pm – 10pm; Sat: 11am – 10pm; Closed on Sun
Contact no.: 6221 2338 
Website

Also read Teppei Syokudo Is Releasing Self-Heating Bento Boxes And It’s Like We’re Living in The Future

(Header Image Source: Burpple User Dex Neo,