Singapore’s 63 Islands – Here Are 6 Islands You Can Visit To Get Away From The Crowd!
Singapore is actually made up of 63 offshore islands! 62 surround the main island that we live in. If you’re looking to spend your weekends at somewhere less crowded, you can try island-hopping in Singapore! Yes, time to correct that mindset. Singapore is not just a city of one island. It’s SIXTY THREE!
Besides the main island, these are the largest offshore islands; Sentosa, Pulau Tekong, and Pulau Ubin. The smallest island is Pulau Sejarat Kechil. It has a land area of just 0.1 ha!
With interesting islands you can visit without a passport, you can have more fun in the sun! Why not try something unique during your off-day or weekends? You’ll never imagine Singapore as so alluringly attractive with its many hidden islands.
Here are 6 islands you can visit for a quiet day trip away from the city!
1. Pulau Hantu
Located only 30 minutes away from Singapore by boat, Pulau Hantu is a popular haunt for fishing, swimming, snorkelling, and scuba diving.
Credit: Credit: Mulloway Dive[/caption]
Pulau Hantu is made up of two smaller islets – Pulau Hantu Besar (Big Ghost Island) and the Pulau Hantu Kechil (Little Ghost Island). The name came about because the mid part of the island “disappears” during high tide.
If you’re not into water activities, both islands are great places to settle down for a nice, cosy picnic. It is also popular with campers and day-trippers who enjoy a unique outdoor experience away from the hustle and bustle of the city. If you’d like to camp overnight, a camping permit is required.
How to Get There: There are no scheduled ferries to Pulau Hantu. But you can get there by joining one of the weekend dive trips or by charter boats at the West Coast Ferry Terminal.
2. Kusu Island
Known for its religious Chinese temple and Malay shrines, Kusu Island is packed with people during the ninth lunar month. During this period, Chinese devotees will flock to the island to visit the isolated Chinese temple where Da Bo Gong (God of Prosperity) and Guan Yin (Goddess of Mercy) reside.
Others make the laborious climb up to the top of the hill to pray at the shrines of three Malay saints. If you’re looking for a quiet refuge, visit the island when it’s not pack during the pilgrimage period.
[caption id="attachment_12026" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Image credit: Straits Times[/caption] [caption id="attachment_12059" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Image credit: Islandcruise.com.sg[/caption]There are two lagoons, beach shelters, and barbeque pits for you to laze your day away. Enjoy picturesque views and various aquatic plants and animals. What’s more, you may even get to see countless wild tortoises in the area too! Do note that overnight stays are not permitted.
How to Get There: Ferries depart from Marina South Pier daily. Visit their Image credit: islandcruise.com.sg[/caption]
Despite its dark past, St John’s Island has been transformed into an idyllic getaway with an abundance of outdoor activities suitable for all ages.
[caption id="attachment_13024" align="aligncenter" width="780"] Credits: Con Foley[/caption]Spot dolphins by the water, trek up hills or play a game of soccer in the fields. If you’re tired after a long day under the sun, there are several bungalow chalets and bunks in this island that can accommodate up to 60 people.
Be it a family outing or a get-together trip with friends, you’re bound to enjoy this island and have a comfortable place to stay!
How to Get There: Ferries depart from Marina South Pier daily. Visit their 4. Lazarus Island
If you love the sun and beach is your thing, you’ll adore Lazarus Island. Connected by the short causeway to and from St John’s Island is Lazarus Island, a hidden oasis for beach junkies.
Compared to Sentosa and East Coast Park, the beach at Lazarus Island is calm and the waters are cleaner.
Since Lazarus Island is undeveloped, it’s perfect for a visit before it gets too crowded or turns into another Singapore resort. Do note that there are no shower points on the island. The nearest ones would be a short walk away at St John’s Island.
How to Get There: Take a ferry from Marina South Pier to St. John’s Island. Lazarus is a jetty-walk away from St. John’s island.
If you intend to stay overnight at these islands, it’s best to pack wisely! Because there are no amenities or shops, you won’t be able to run out to buy facial wash or tissue.
Here are some essentials you’ll need to bring along: all toiletries, wet and dry tissue papers, water and snacks, mosquito repellent and sunblock! If you’re intending to stay overnight with your BF/ GF as a couple retreat, don’t forget to bring along contraception such as Durex! You’re definitely not going to find any store to purchase contraception in these islands. Even if you’ve been with your partner for a long time and STI is not a concern, you still need to prevent against pregnancy if you’re not ready for a family. Always play safe!
5. Sisters’ Island Marine Park
Home to Singapore’s marine biodiversity, the Sisters’ Island is a dedicated site for marine conservation and research. Visitors to the island will be able to observe marine life such as such as sea fans, sponges and sea anemones.
[caption id="attachment_12044" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Image credit: NParks[/caption] [caption id="attachment_12242" align="alignnone" width="640"] Image credit: Islandcruise.com.sg[/caption]With many trees providing shade for a leisurely picnic and BBQ pit around the area, Sisters’ Island is the place to visit for a quiet weekend day-trip or evening camping a night here. Yes, you can camp overnight with an approval obtained from Sentosa!
For a more unique experience, sign up for a guided walk to learn about the Marine Park’s amazing biodiversity. These walks are conducted free of charge! Click here for more information on the schedules. In addition, to encourage a deeper appreciation for Singapore’s marine biodiversity, NParks is organising guided dive trails.
How to Get There: Charter your own boat from West Coast Pier or Marina South Pier. Boats will be chartered for participants of NParks’ guided walks.
Bonus: Pulau Satumu
Tiny in size, Pulau Satumu is Singapore’s most southern island and is surrounded by crystal clear waters and an abundance of marine life. Home to the Raffles Lighthouse, this island is a beauty!
[caption id="attachment_12050" align="alignnone" width="700"] Image credit: borntobunk.com[/caption]Unfortunately, this island is not open for public visit. However, there are some golden opportunities at certain times of the year when you can join a guided tour operated by Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority!
Bored of spending your weekends and free time in the main Singapore island? Call all your kakis and have a fun time out in the sun! It’s time to discover the other side of Singapore you’ve never seen before!
(Header image by mothership.sg, edited by writer)
Also, read Stuck In Singapore? Here Are 10 Uncommon Places To Visit For A Different Kinda Fun!
What Do You Get When You Put Burger And Japan Together? Burger King’s New Japanese Burger!
What does Pokemon Go, Japan Food Town and Teriyaki sauce have in common? You got that right. Japan! It’s no secret that us Singaporeans are obsessed with everything Japanese at the moment, and even our everyday burgers can’t seem to escape the Japanese wave. Hopping on the Japan-crazed bandwagon with their new TeriyaKing Japanese Burger is our favourite burger joint, Burger King!
[caption id="attachment_12149" align="alignnone" width="759"] Image Credits: BurgerKing[/caption]King of the Grill
Launched just this week, the TeriyaKing burger draws inspiration for its name from the well-loved Japanese Teriyaki sauce. What most people do not know is that the Japanese word “Teriyaki” actually means “grill”. Ingeniously put together, TeriyaKing actually means King of the Grill! This is certainly an apt name since Burger King takes pride in flame-grilling all its burgers!
[caption id="attachment_12148" align="alignnone" width="760"] Image Credits: BurgerKing[/caption]A Closer Look at the Burger
As the name suggests, Burger King’s lip-smacking teriyaki sauce will glaze both beef and chicken patty options. The sauce is not too sweet and full of flavour, covering the tender patties like a warm and oozy blanket.
Of course, a Burger King burger wouldn’t be complete without the iconic whopper patty! You’ll be pleasantly surprised to find that the actual patty is a whole inch larger than the bun itself, so there’s more flame-grilled goodness to go around.
The patties are grilled to perfection – just look for those signature grill marks on the tender meat! A signature piece of crisp seaweed certainly adds the wow! factor. It brings with it the salty taste of the ocean, while a slice of tomato and lettuce keeps each bite crisp and refreshing. Oishii!
Together with a bun that’s perfectly toasted on the outside, and warm and comforting on the inside, TeriyaKing is sure to please.
Although this exquisite burger is available a la carte, we prefer to go big with the set meal option. It comes with thick cut fries and everyone’s favourite drink – iced green tea!
Burger King has truly outdone itself with this new TeriyaKing burger. No guesses for what we’ll be having for our meals for the next few days!
TeriyaKing is available islandwide at all Burger King outlets
The set meal with fries and an iced green tea is priced at $8.55, while the a la carte burger is $7.25.
This article is brought to you by Discover SG x Burger King
Also, read Here’s A Recommended Guide To Help You Conquer Singapore Night Festival!
[GIVEAWAY] Win ONE WEEK’s Worth Of Yoga Classes At Pure Yoga’s Swanky New Outlet
Need a break from work or want to stay fit? Head down to Pure Yoga’s newest outlet at Asia Square! Recently opened on 25 July 2016, this new outlet is located 5 minutes away from Downtown MRT station. Ideal for CBD yogis, the new Asia Square location is the perfect retreat for working professionals.
Whether you are a fitness junkie or a yoga newbie, Pure Yoga offers a variety of classes that caters to all! We bet you’ll love this warm and beautiful place as much as we did!
Our Experience
Pure Yoga kindly hosted our team for a Media Session. We embarked on a 1 hour Dynamic Yoga Session. All of us left feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Our Pure Yoga experience was definitely a fun-filled and lighthearted one! The new joint at Asia Square was huge and welcoming with its large lounge areas and paintings on the walls.
At Pure Yoga, every student is able to progress at their own pace. Friendly instructors are specially-trained to lead classes. They helped and taught us to correct our pose and postures during the class.
We like how the curriculum is structured in a way where each student will see a progression in his/ her own practice.
More Than 120 Classes Weekly!
Pure Yoga’s internationally certified instructors lead a diverse range of yoga classes. Classes range from traditional to contemporary styles.
Classes are categorised into 5 different Pillars: Healing, Grounding, Dynamic, Hot and Specialised. A yoga newbie can sign up for the grounding or basic classes such as Hatha.
The advanced yogi looking for a challenge can try their specialty programs such as Aerial and Wall Rope yoga!
With 120 classes weekly, there’ll definitely be a class that will suit your schedule. Pure members can also easily book classes to fit their personal schedules.
Classes start as early at 6.30am on weekdays with classes during lunch hours and after-office hours. Working professionals around CBD will surely find a class that accommodates their schedule.
Amazing Facilities
Wind down at Pure Yoga’s cosy chill-out lounge and surf the net with complimentary wi-fi, along with tablet and phone charging facilities. With a wide range of magazines available, you need not worry about waiting for classes to start.
Pure Yoga’s walls exhibit freehand artworks by Spanish luxe-graffiti artist, Victoriano. It evokes calmness and contemplation. With a modern zen aura emanating from the studios, corridors and lounge, this makes a perfect place for relaxing.
Pure Yoga’s vanity area is designed with earthy tones. You’ll immediately feel cosy and at home! Its large changing area is decked with rainforest showers and complimentary towels and toiletries.
There’s even a spin dryer available. You need not lug your sweaty yoga wear around anymore!
Enjoy Fresh Smoothies And Superfoods At Nood Food
Get healthy at Nood Food juice bar at Pure Yoga’s Asia Square outlet. Organic cold-pressed juices and superfood smoothies, raw snacks, salads, sandwiches and wraps are all available at Nood Food.
You need not worry about the hunger pangs after your workout. Even acai bowls are available! As ingredients are clearly labelled on the items, you can be sure that you’re eating healthy, nutritious, fresh food!
Itching to visit Pure Yoga’s beautiful Asia Square outlet?
WIN A PAIR OF 7-DAY PASSES TO PURE YOGA!
Simply LIKE and SHARE this post on Facebook and stand a chance to be one of our lucky winners!
https://www.facebook.com/discover.sg.official/posts/2066028986956126
Winners will win a pair of 7-day complimentary passes (worth $374.50 each!) to Pure Yoga! A total of 10 pairs of passes will be given away!
This pass allows visits to all Pure Yoga locations in Singapore – Ngee Ann City, Chevron House, Asia Square (Pure Yoga and Pure Fitness)
With this pass, you can attend 1 yoga class per day and unlimited visits to the gym. (Aerial and wall rope yoga classes not included)
The giveaway will end on 2 September 2016.
Pure Yoga Asia Square
Address: #06-02 Asia Square Tower 2, 12 Marina View, Singapore 018961
Tel: 65 6100 8866
Opening Hours: Mon & Wed 6.30am – 10.30pm, Tue & Thu 6:15am – 10:30pm, Fri 6:30am – 9:30pm, Sat 8:15am to 7:30pm, Sun & PH 8:30am – 7:30pm
This article is brought to you by Discover SG x Pure Yoga.
Also, read Bounce Your Way To A Stronger Core And Toned Muscles – Trust Us, It’s SUPER Fun
Here’s A Recommended Guide To Help You Conquer Singapore Night Festival!
Acquaint yourself with this map and the zones before heading down this weekend! With everything at your fingertips, you wouldn’t need to spend any time figuring how to get from one point to another.
Tip: Similar to all events, the Singapore Night Festival is going to be crowded. Singapore’s hot and humid weather doesn’t help either. Be armed with your portable fans and bring an umbrella! Let’s get exploring!
Guide to Exploring Singapore Night Festival
1. Zone 2: Armenian Street
Start your evening at Zone 2, at The Bloc Party at Armenian Street. With electrifying programmes ranging from motorcycle convoys to a selection of back-to-back music presented by The Substation, this is a party not-to-be-missed!
Only on 26 and 27 Aug, be treated to a parade of drummers in silver costumes on stilts. Also look out for fire performers bearing hand flares along Armenian street!
If you start your night late, be sure to catch Super Sonic (19 & 26 Aug) and 53A (20 & 27 Aug) at Timbre @ The Substation. They start from 10pm. Groove to live music and enjoy the night with Singapore’s prominent bands!
2. Zone 1: National Museum of Singapore
Head over to Zone 1 at the National Museum as LED figures take over the Museum’s facade! Seat back and relax on the lawn. KEYFRAME will offer narration; the LED figures and their movements will tell of urban stories.
Another not to be missed show is by The Wheel House at National Museum of Singapore. Happening only on the first weekend on 19 and 20 Aug, The Wheel House is a jaw-dropping, rolling acrobatic theatre performance. It’s a story of friendship and survival in a dystopian future. It unfolds inside and around a stunning circular home that’ll move alongside with the audience.
Timings: 8:00pm – 8:25pm, 9:25pm – 9:50pm, 10:50pm – 11:15pm
3. Zone 4: Singapore Management University
Getting the hunger pangs? Indulge in specially curated epicurean and shopping experiences. There are close to 30 flea market, and food and beverage stalls at the Festival Village this year!
4. Zone 3: Cathay Green, School of the Arts, and Prinsep Street
Next, head to Cathay Green to catch a performance by The House of Curiosities. Based on the story The Mechanical Heart, this performance tells of adventure and curious man-made machines. It also captures the wonderful capacity of human mind and spirit to discover and invent. This exhilarating performance is available on both weekends!
Ticket price: $16 (Adults), $13 (Concession*) Inclusive of $1 SISTIC Fee
Timing: 6 – 8pm, 8.30 -10.30pm, 11pm – 1am
Complimentary movie screening will be held at Rendezvous Hotel. With blockbusters screening from 7pm onwards, this is where you should visit! Arrive early to find out what movies they are screening on both weekends.
Timing: 7 – 11pm
5. Zone 5: Singapore Art Museum, Queen Street, Waterloo Street and National Design Centre
Lastly, celebrate Singapore Night Festival at Singapore Art Museum with contemporary art, exciting performances, good music, and delicious food!
Catch a mesmerising light projection-mapping performance on the Singapore Art Museum facade. It is inspired by the world of Victorian novelist Jules Verne and Singapore’s artistic culture.
Or, head to Waterloo Street to enjoy the wonderful feeling of camping. You can even rest on hammocks along the corridors!
Only on 20 Aug from 7PM to 11PM, catch a series of ten-minute short plays. Listen to SEEDY STORIES, EAT MY SHORTS, or laugh out loud at A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC. All these will be held at the open Courtyard at Centre 42, 42 Waterloo Street.
There’s even more at Zone 5! Enjoy live music by local bands at muse@SAM, and shop and feast at the SAM X The Local People Art Market! Gallery opening hours will be extended till 1am! Don’t miss this chance to explore ongoing exhibitions at SAM and its annexe, SAM at 8Q.
With over 100 events and exhibitions happening at Singapore Night Festival 2016, this is one festival you must not miss! Book your friends and head down to the festival for a night of fun-filled events!
TIP: Head over to the Singapore Night Festival website to register an account and use their handy planner tool at “My Favourites”. You’ll be able to view all information about the programmes and activities.
Singapore Night Festival 2016
Dates: 19 – 20, 26 – 27 August 2016
Time: 7:30 pm – 2:00 am
Location: Bras Basah.Bugis
Mostly free admission
(All images are by F1 Singapore 2016 – 7 Concerts That Are Wickedly Good, They’re Better Than The Race!
F1 Singapore 2016 – 7 Concerts That Are Wickedly Good, They’re Better Than The Race!
Concert goers, listen up! The F1 Singapore 2016 Grand Prix is back this September and we’re pretty sure you don’t wanna miss this one. The night race may not interest everyone, but the entertainment highlights are sure bringing in the buzz! The concerts are SO GOOD, it may even be better than the race!
[caption id="attachment_12763" align="alignnone" width="961"] Image source: Image source: Image source: Rolling Stones[/caption]We all love Pentatonix for many reasons. They’re always so colourful, their voices are colourful, they’re one of the best A Cappella acts. Need we say more?
Date: 17 September, Saturday
Time: Before Qualifying session
Venue: Zone 1, Village Stage
Date: 18 September, Sunday
Time: Before Formula 1 race
Venue: Zone 4 Esplanade Outdoor Theatre
3. Bastille
[caption id="attachment_12756" align="alignnone" width="996"] Image source: Eheu eh-o eheu eh-o“… We absolutely love their song ‘Pompeii’ and secretly hope that Singapore will inspire them to write another song named after a place.Date: 17 September, Saturday
Time: Before Qualifying session
Venue: Zone 4, Padang Stage
4. Queen + Adam Lambert
[caption id="attachment_12757" align="alignnone" width="800"] Image source: Image source: Image source: Image source: Image source: here. You can also grab a few best buddies and go for the ‘Group Buy‘ tickets to save some bucks.
We heard that some of the tickets may be sold out already! If you don’t wanna miss this yearly affair, hurry and get your tickets now! And if you happen to see us camping at Zone 4 during race weekend, come over and say hi! If you’d like a staycation after the concerts, do consider Marina Mandarin’s Trackview Room. You get to witness the race from your hotel room’s balcony!
2016 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix (F1 Singapore 2016)
Date: 16- 18 September 2016
Venue: Marina Bay Street Circuit
Online Ticketing: Tickets
Race Schedule: Click Facebook: F1 Night race
Header Image source: An Unforgettable 2016 SG Race Experience You’ll Never Forget
Be The Best With These Rare Pokemon! We Included Their Exact Spawn Locations!
If you’ve been out playing Pokemon Go all week, you probably know that Pokemon-spawning areas are virtually everywhere. However, where are the rare pokemon locations?
There are some specific locales in Singapore that are home to rare and powerful Pokemon. We’re here to let you in on the rare pokemon locations, so you can find all 11 rare pokemon! Read on if you’d like to add these elusive gems to your collection and further your quest to become the very best!,
1. Ponyta
Rare pokemon location – Ponyta has been spotted at:
- Yishun Park
- Resorts World Sentosa
2. Chansey
It was always helping Nurse Joy heal Pokemon back to health in both the game and animated TV series. Chansey also boasts an incredibly high HP. While it may not be a fighter, it can certainly hold its own in a gym.
Rare pokemon location – Chansey has been spotted at:
- Changi General Hospital
- Khoo Teck Puat Hospital
3. Snorlax
Rare pokemon location – Snorlax has been spotted at:
- Blk 401, Hougang Avenue 10
- Bedok Point
- VivoCity
- Nex
- 5 Tampines Central 6, Singapore 529482
- Tampines St 83
- City Plaza
4. Lapras
Image Credits: YouTube
With its friendly appearance and gentle nature, it’s hard not to fall in love with Lapras. Despite its docile look, this Pokemon also has relatively high combat capabilities. It is another popular choice for battles or gym takeovers.
Rare pokemon location – Lapras has been spotted at:
- Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 3
- Choa Chu Kang Avenue 3
- 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956
5. Vulpix
Image Credits: Author
Fire fox Vulpix is already stealing our hearts in its own right. Look how cute it is!
However, its evolved form, Ninetails, will propel it to the top of your must-catch list. This Pokemon is an elusive one, with rare sightings in Singapore. Fire-type Pokemon are strong when up against Grass, Bug and Ice Pokemon, so it’s always useful to have some of them!
Rare pokemon location – Vulpix has been spotted at:
- Sentosa Siloso Beach
- Beauty World MRT Station
6. Dragonite
The most advanced stage of Dratini’s evolution, this Pokemon is incredibly rare and hard to obtain. It is highly sought after by ambitious trainers. Dragonite is also evidently useful for holding gyms. Just take a look at the sheer number of Dragonites reigning in gyms all over Singapore!
Rare pokemon location – Dragonite has been spotted at:
- Suntec City
- Tiong Bahru Plaza
- Singapore Management University (SMU)
- Marina Bay Sands
7. Electabuzz
Rare pokemon location – Electabuzz has been spotted at:
- Eco Park Tampines
- Near White Sands Primary School
- Resorts World Sentosa
8. Arcanine
Image Credits: YouTube
If you thought hunting for Growlithe is tough, wait till you try searching for Arcanine. A cross between a tiger, wolf and fox, this Pokemon is one you’d definitely want to catch. Arcanine is said to have one of the highest combat stats amongst the non-legendary first generation Pokemon.
Rare pokemon location – Arcanine has been spotted at:
- Clark Quay area (near Riverside Point)
- Chinese and Japanese Gardens
9. Hitmonchan
Image Credits: With a name that pays homage to renowned martial arts artist and action star Jackie Chan, Hitmonchan certainly packs a punch.
You may be unsure if this Pokemon is worth hunting for. However, do note that fighting-type moves are the only moves that are effective against normal-type Pokemon! Hitmonchan would defo be useful in gyms. Time to take down that Snorlax!
Rare pokemon location – Hitmonchan has been spotted at:
- West Gate Mall
- National University of Singapore (NUS)
10. Porygon
Pretty cool, huh? While this Pokemon isn’t best suited for combat, Porygon’s sheer elusiveness justifies the need to catch one.
Rare pokemon location – Porygon has been spotted at:
- City Square Mall
- Clementi Mall
- Orchard Central Mall
- Esplanade
- 271 Bukit Batok East Avenue 4, Singapore 650271
- Parklane Shopping Mall
11. Pikachu
Image Credits: Author
We saved the best for last – you didn’t think we’d leave this out, now did you? Undisputedly the most famous Pokemon of all time, Pikachu remains as one of the most loved Pokemon to date.
If you didn’t manage to catch Pikachu at the start or hatch it from an egg, fret not, because here’s where you can find it!
Rare pokemon location – Pikachu has been spotted at:
- Universal Studios Singapore (Sentosa)
- Near Jurong West Temple
- Tampines West Community Club
- Marina Bay Sands
- Gardens by the Bay (near carpark exit)
And there you have it – 11 of the rarest Pokemon that have been sighted in our city! While we don’t have access to internal spawn data, trust us when we say that the aforementioned places are your best bet to catch ’em all. Happy hunting!
(Photo header: Our Lives Have Changed Since Pokemon Go! 12 Things Every Player Can Relate To!
Free Diving In Singapore – How Long Can You Hold Your Breath Underwater?
A “free” diving course? This sounds too good to be true – and it is. The “free” in free diving (or freediving) actually refers to diving without standard scuba gear. Instead of having an oxygen tank strapped to your back, free divers simply hold their breaths and explore the depths of the ocean with minimal equipment! Yes, it is actually possible!
One of our writers checked it out! Here is his experience:
This “minimal diving” concept appealed to the practical and penny-pinching side of me: diving with less scuba gear would mean that I get to save on equipment rental! While there might be some incentive in this, it was definitely not the main motivating factor that pushed me to try this elusive (and borderline sceptical) sport.
Free Diving v.s. Yoga
It was my love for yoga – not the vast blue ocean or a burning passion for diving – that drew me to this sport. As I began to read up more on free diving, I became increasingly fascinated by the parallels between the two disciplines.
For example, proper breathing techniques are fundamental in both yoga and free diving. Body awareness is something yogis are always striving to improve on. This is also equally important to free divers who need to relax their muscles and hold their breaths underwater for a long period of time.
I would say that certain parts of my freediving experience were extremely similar to meditation in yoga.
[caption id="attachment_12448" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Convinced that this sport has sufficiently piqued my interest, I signed up for a free diving course with Sitting through a lecture on safety procedures and free diving theories gave me shuddering flashbacks of my university days (just kidding). But it was interesting to learn more about the history of free diving. It was first practised by people who engaged in spearfishing!
[caption id="attachment_12495" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] While I did enjoy this almost meditative part of free diving, my buddy, a water polo player, did not share the same sentiments.
“Wah lao, this must be the only sport where you can get good from doing nothing,” he had said. Although he does have a valid point, a lot of what we do goes on internally.
When I was underwater, I felt like I had a heightened awareness of my body as I actively tried to relax every muscle. When the urge to surface for air intensified, I willed myself to refrain from surfacing, training my underwater resistance.
Dynamic Apnea
The aim of Dynamic Apnea is to swim as far as we can in a single breath. Though I did perform slightly better than my buddy at Static Apnea (his timing was about 2 min 40 secs), he beat me hands down at Dynamic Apnea.
My buddy managed to swim 50m on his first try while I barely made it to the 30m mark. Although the activity was still primarily on breath-holding, I found it significantly harder than Static Apnea.
For one, I had difficulty controlling my buoyancy. I was either constantly hitting the floor of the pool, or bobbing up to the surface. As I swam deeper down the pool, the pressure build-up in my ears also began to hinder my movement.
Gradually, with some help from my instructor Bernard, I managed to overcome these obstacles and swam 50m by my final try.
Freediving in Open Waters
Though I did not get to dive in open waters on this half day course, I appreciated that we were able to undergo basic free diving training in a safe and controlled pool environment. I doubt I would push myself as hard or remained calm enough to work on my breathing techniques if we were to undergo training in choppy, open waters.
Now that I have completed the beginner course, I am more than ready to head out to the ocean and descend 15m underwater without any bulky scuba gear.
What a liberating experience it will be! Free diving may seem daunting at first, but it is definitely an activity that will push you out of your comfort zone. It also rewards you with a surreal underwater experience.
[caption id="attachment_12492" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Bounce Your Way To A Stronger Core And Toned Muscles – Trust Us, It’s SUPER Fun
Owning The Night – Singapore Night Festival 2016 Is EVEN BETTER Than Before!
Image Credits: Singapore Night Festival[/caption]
This year’s iconic Night Fest celebrates the passion of creation with the theme: Inventions and Innovation. Join the revelry as science fiction and fantasy intertwine! Get ready to enjoy unforgettable performances and light art, inspired by the zeal that drove inventors in their quest to discover the new and unconventional. Located once again at the Bras Basah and Bugis precinct, visitors can watch street and classic facades come alive with spectacular light art installations. And, as usual, look forward to engaging activities and roving street performances by Singapore and international artists! Explore the wonders of a young inventor’s lair and watch as performers wearing fishbowls (with live goldfish!) perform. That’s not all! We have also shortlisted several highlights that will definitely enthral and amaze. So, summon up your inner night bug and be prepared to have some fun! Firstly, let local contemporary performance company, CAKE, draw you into a world of adventure and discovery. In “The Mechanical Heart”, spectators will journey together with Professor Chambers and his son Christopher. They will go on a thrilling expedition to find crystal caves. Visitors of all ages will also be fully engaged with this fun experiential extravaganza! They can step into a ‘Time Machine’ and wander through a tunnel of mirrors. You can even meet towering characters, take part in a funky fashion parade and ‘invent’ a mechanical heart at the craft booths! Grab your tickets to this riveting event at SISTIC right now. Location: Cathay Green In this journey, two traveller-gatherers embark on a road to nowhere. With its unique portable stage, the audience, you, can actually WALK ALONGSIDE them as the story unravels! On this stage, the only way to go is forward. We love it, and we bet you will too! Location: Mainground This year’s Night Festival brings together a collage of brilliant night shows! As always, the entire precinct will be transformed into a spectacular visual feast. Watch the stately National Museum of Singapore’s facade light up with Keyframes, or jaunty LED stick-men telling micro-stories about urban life while paying homage to tradition. Immerse yourself in art as the kaleidoscopic projections on Peranakan Museum flit and flutter in response to moving shadows. Most interesting of all is #showerthoughts: a light exhibition that recreates the unexpected inspiration moments we often experience while showering. Do pack a camera, you’re going to want to immortalise this night forever. Location: Along the streets of Bugis/ Bras Basah. Night Fest wouldn’t be complete without the ultimate epicurean experience at the Festival Village! There are 17 booths selling festival favourites. Leave no stomach hollow with food like Bacon bombs with potato and cheese, and churros and creamsicles. Be on the look out for paus stuffed with salted egg yolk and soft-shell crab and duck leg confit burger! Don’t forget to go for the free face painting session with Cosmoprof Academy. Otherwise, browse through handcrafted creations by local artists at the flea. Festival-goers can also groove to live performances. Local and international musicians will be playing and enhancing the whole experience. The HubbaBubbas, Stopgap, and Linying will grace the stage with their stellar voices alongside Australia’s Alice Ivy and more. Location: Singapore Management University Campus Green and University Square It is evident that this event gets progressively better each year. From what we’ve seen so far, the 9th edition promises to be more electrifying than ever before. Grab a bunch of friends this weekend, head down to the Night Fest and own the night! Singapore Night Festival 2016 will take place over two weekends on 19 and 20th August, and 26 and 27 August from 7:30pm-2am around the Bras Basah precinct. More information ULTRA Singapore – Super Sick Lineup & Resistance Stage Artists Announced!Inventions and Innovation
Festival Revelries
Highlights – House of Curiosities by CAKE Theatrical Productions
Dates: 19, 20, 26, 27 August / 6pm-8pm, 8:30-10:30pm, 11pm-1am
Adults: $16
Concession/ Students/ Senior Citizens/ NSF: $13
(Tickets are available for purchase via Image Credits: Singapore Night Festival[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_12280" align="alignnone" width="834"] Image Credits: Singapore Night Festival[/caption]
Dates: 19 and 20 August, 8pm-8:25pm, 9:25-9:50pm, 10:50-11:15pm
Admission is freeLeave the Nightlight On
Dates: 19-27th August
Admission is freeFestival Village: Eat, Shop, and Chill to Great Vibes
Dates: 19, 20, 26, 27 August, 6pm-1amOwn the Night
(Header image credit: popspoken)
All image credits: Singapore Night Festival
Boat Noodles – How Many Bowls Can You Slurp Up? Here Are The Very Best Bowls!
What defines a good bowl of Thai boat noodles? Also known as kuai teow ruea, boat noodles are generally tasty, rich in flavour, and small in portion. Some foodies have slurped from 6 bowls, to up to 16 bowls of boat noodles!
Traditionally, mini bowls were used because the noodles were originally prepared and served on boats (and not because the Thais have a small appetite).
[caption id="attachment_12222" align="alignnone" width="1006"] Image source: Image source: +65 6274 3955Operating Hours: 11:00am – 9.30pm Daily
Website: Image source: HungryAmanda’s Instagram[/caption]
It’s past midnight, and you’re hungry. There may not be much food options, but just go to Gu Thai Noodle Cafe and order their palm-sized bowl Boat Noodles.
Priced at $1.90 per bowl, diners get to choose from 4 spiciness levels. One word of advice – you might want to check with the staff about the spiciness of the soup cause we heard even the ‘less spicy’ level comes with a kick!
Gu Thai Noodle Cafe
Address: 1 Selegie Road #01-04 PoMo Mall 188306 Singapore
Contact number: +65 3113 2003
Operating Hours: 11:00am-5:00am Daily
Facebook page: Gu Thai Noodle Cafe
3. Thai Boat Noodles (Bedok)
[caption id="attachment_12023" align="alignnone" width="960"] Image source: Thai Boat Noodle[/caption]Priced at $1.00 per bowl, Thai Boat Noodles serves the cheapest Kuai Teow Ruea you can ever find in Singapore. The portion is quite small, like two gulps and you’re done kinda small.
But the good thing is you get to choose from dry or soup versions, or just top up an extra $0.50 for mini tom yum noodles. If you have some seriously competitive friends, you can end the ‘who has the biggest appetite’ feud here once and for all. Whoever loses will have to settle the bill!
Thai Boat Noodles
Address: 799 New Upper Changi Road, Bedok Point #02-32/34 Singapore 467351
Contact number: +65 64459932
Operating Hours: 11:30am – 10:00pm Daily
Facebook Page: Thai Boat Noodles
4. Thai Boat Noodles (Golden Mile Complex)
[caption id="attachment_12191" align="alignnone" width="630"] Image source: Image source: Noodle Cafe[/caption]Noodle Cafe is a little bit of a hidden gem. To get to this place, you’ll need to take the stairs down towards a “Diva Disco”. It may seem a little dark and dodgy but the noodles might make you go “hey the journey isn’t thaaat bad”.
Noodle Cafe is a popular choice among boat noodle lovers and we can totally see why. Each $1.90 bowl may only a mouthful but it’s a mouthful of sweet, spicy, savoury, and smoky. It’s literally a flavour shot!
Noodle Cafe
Address: 5001 Beach Road Golden Mile Complex #B1-08 199588
Contact Number: +65 3113 2003
Operating Hours: 10:00am-05:00am Daily
6. Thai In Town
[caption id="attachment_12217" align="alignnone" width="600"] Image source: Thai In TownWith 6 yummy Thai boat noodles to choose from, how about going on a boat noodle marathon and try ’em all? What are you waiting for? Go grab your friends for a Boat Noodle Challenge! Don’t forget to tell us how many bowls of noodles you can slurp up.
Header image source: Pexels
Also, read Makan All Day Long! Singapore’s First Vending Machine Cafe Opens In SengKang
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
[caption id="attachment_12166" align="alignnone" width="780"] Image source: @WEIXIANGLIMSG[/caption]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
[caption id="attachment_12167" align="alignnone" width="593"] Image source: @plince83[/caption]Hot sun? What hot sun? Nothing is hotter than a Charizard that I’m about to catch!
3. Punggol Park is not spared either
[caption id="attachment_12168" align="alignnone" width="690"] Image source: Image source: Lim Zhuang Chen[/caption]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
[caption id="attachment_12173" align="alignnone" width="850"] Image source: @amiehetfield[/caption]Dear, we’re not going to the movies tonight. Instead, let’s go catch some Pokemon! Pokemon Go – redefining date nights.
6. Orchard Road
[caption id="attachment_12170" align="alignnone" width="1179"] Image source: Razergo[/caption]How to get a bunch of youths going on a public holiday? Organise a Poke-crawl on National Day!
[caption id="attachment_12171" align="alignnone" width="690"] Image source: Razor[/caption]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
[caption id="attachment_12172" align="alignnone" width="960"] Image source: Pokemon GO SG Hunt[/caption]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
[caption id="attachment_12174" align="alignnone" width="960"] Image source: PokemonGO SG[/caption]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
[caption id="attachment_12175" align="alignnone" width="960"] Image source: Pokemon GO SG[/caption]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
[caption id="attachment_12176" align="alignnone" width="595"] Image source: @euniceleong[/caption]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
[caption id="attachment_12177" align="alignnone" width="595"] Image source: @camemberu[/caption]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