Category: Editor’s Pick

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

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

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

So Much Food & Drinks Available!

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

Cash To Cashless Payments

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

Stand-Up Dining Tables To Enjoy Your Meals

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hidden Tips Every Trainer Should Know

Get A Pikachu When You Start

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

Make Good Use Of Pink Petailed PokeStops

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

Catching Pokemon For Candy

Where To Catch ‘Em All?

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

1.  Orchard Road

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

4. MRTs

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

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

An Unforgettable 2016 SG Race Experience You’ll Never Forget

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

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

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

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

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

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

The best night race viewing experience you’ll ever get

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

Marina Mandarin Deluxe Rooms

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

Marina Mandarin Premier Rooms

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

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

Marina Mandarin’s Early Bird Trackview Room Package

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cue Guru

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

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

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

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

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

iDarts Halo

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

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

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

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

Saint Games

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

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

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

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

Hideout

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

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

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

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

Settlers Cafe

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Olympics Is Back! Here Are The 25 Singaporeans Representing Us For Rio 2016

The 2016 Summer Olympics, Rio 2016, is set to take place in Rio, Brazil this 5th of August! Yes, there may be some bad press clouding the games, but let’s put the negativity aside and support our Singaporean athletes at the world’s most prestigious sporting event! Before that, get to know who’s who and what event they will be competing in. #OneTeamSG

The 25 Singaporeans

1. Feng Tianwei – Table Tennis (Women’s Singles, Women’s Team)

Dubbed “Singapore’s Swim King”, Rio 2016 will be Joseph Schooling‘s second Olympics participation. There was a lot of pressure on him back in London 2012, but this time round, he is more Image source: Singapore SEA Games Organising Committee / Action Images via Reuters[/caption]

Quah Zheng Wen may only be 19 years of age but he’s got some serious swimming background to boast about. At the Southeast Asian Games last year, he took part in 12 events, winning 7 golds, 4 silvers and 1 bronze. On top of that, he also broke 6 Games records (3 individual and 3 relay). You can catch this flying fish in action at Rio 2016 on the following dates: 8th (100m Backstroke), 9th (200m Butterfly), 12th (100m Butterfly) of August.

4. Quah Ting Wen – Swimming (100m Butterfly)

Elder sister to Zheng Wen, Quah Ting Wen is an experienced swimmer having represented Singapore for international events since 2005. She did not have the best season in 2013 but her stellar performance at the SEA Games last year boosted her confidence greatly. Catch Ting Wen fighting for her a-Quah-tic dream on the 7th of August.

5. Timothee Yap – Track & Field (Men’s 100m)

When she’s not training, Neo Jie Shi is a human resource and admin assistant manager. But when she’s got her running shoes on, she goes all out. Her routine (before and after qualifying for Rio 2016) is fairly simple. She trains after work, one long run followed by one rest day. She clocks in about 70km-80km per week, which is half of a full-timer’s mileage. It’s extremely effective as she went from a recreational runner to an Olympian! Jie Shi’s event will take place on 14th of August.

7. Derek Wong – Badminton (Men’s Singles)

[caption id="attachment_11923" align="alignnone" width="1619"] Image source: Ronald Susilo. Xiaoyu will be making her debut at Rio 2016 on the 13th of August!

9. Saiyidah Aisyah – Rowing (Women’s Single Sculls)

Four years ago, windsurfer Amanda Ng‘s Olympic dream was shattered after she missed out on qualifying for the London 2012. But after switching to the 470 category, she and partner Jovina Choo edged out other Olympic hopefuls to top the Singapore Sailing Federation’s (SSF) selection trials for Rio 2016. They’ve been training at Rio for the past 3 weeks and we’ll get to catch them in action on the 11th of August!

16 & 17. Griselda Khng & Sara Tan – Sailing (49er FX)

While everyone else struggles to lose weight, the 49er FX pair Griselda Khng and Sara Tan actually struggled to gain weight to ensure they achieve the optimal weight to keep the boat as flat as possible on the water! They consume about 4000 calories a day (double of the recommended calorie intake of a regular woman) and burn about 1300 calories per training session. The girls will be making their Olympic debut on the 13th of August.

18 & 19. Justin Liu & Denise Lim – Sailing (Narca 17)

Do you know that Justin Liu and Denise Lim are partners on and off water? Last year, they sailed to victory at the Nacra 17 class at a World Cup leg in China and bagged the one and only Rio 2016 qualifying spot on offer. However, the price they paid was not cheap at all. They had to shell out nearly $100,000 for this dream! A hefty price, but one that is definitely worth it. Catch Justin and Denise in action on the 11th of August.

20. Jasmine Ser – Shooting (10m Air Riffle & 50m Riffle 3 positions)

Jasmine Ser made Singapore proud by bagging a gold medal at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games. She then went on and outshone every other Asian shooter at the Asian Qualifiers despite contracting food poisoning. People say third time’s a charm. Will this be Jasmine’s chance to come home with a medal? She’ll show you what accuracy is all about on the 6th (10m Air Riffle) and 11th (50m Riffle) of August.

21. Teo Shun Xie – Shooting (10m Air Pistol, 25m Pistol)

Header image: Singapore National Olympic Council

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

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

Though our Singapore island is tiny, the number of stunning green homes you can find is not small. Whether you’re into lush greenery or the use of natural materials in houses, we have sourced out Singapore’s most beautiful green homes.

1. Centennial Tree House / Wallflower Architecture + Design

As the name suggests, the Centennial Tree House features a hundred-year-old frangipani tree. With the intention to create a protective enclosure of solitude, Wallflower Architects designed the house with fixed timber screenings and a lush wall of polyalthia. This combination allows natural breeze to comb through the house, refreshing the sheltered corridors and living spaces.

2. Wall House / FARM

The Wall House has two blocks – a two-storey block with the main living and master bedroom area, and a single-storey block that houses the entertainment areas. The design and inspiration for this house come from classical Chinese Gardens. Views are borrowed through cutouts and vistas, and sight lines and spaces overlap.

3. Maximum Garden House / Formwerkz Architects

Building a green home with no compromises in style and comfort is what Formwerkz Architects strives for. As garden spaces are often hard to come by in dense urban places, Formwerkz Architects designed a green curtain wall and green roof.

Not only beautiful and functional, they also serve to improve the building’s performance. The design of the sloping roof is perfect for spending family time outdoors in a creative way. With a design that is both practical and contemporary, Maximum Garden House is a lovely family refuge, where affection and warmth are heavily encouraged.

4. Andrew Road / A D Lab

Singapore’s residential architecture can no longer rely on idyllic sites and spectacular views to inform its spaces. This house is a perfect example – it is situated at a major vehicular intersection along a busy and noisy highway.

The architect addressed this matter by lowering the communal facilities around a sunken garden. This focuses the views inward. As you step inside, all interiors are connected to a central courtyard, where inhabitants can relax. Apart from its aesthetic features, its swimming pool cools the atmosphere during warm days.

5. Cluny House / Guz Architects

This house in Cluny allows inhabitants to live with nature. With lushly planted roof gardens and greenery, Guz Architects creates a space that integrates seamlessly with the surrounding nature.

With its main focus on the central water court, the project sensitively generates a comfortable, luxurious, yet sustainable family home. This house is so huge, you’d feel that you’re living in a holiday villa resort!

6. Winged House / K2LD Architects

Situated on a uniquely shaped triangular plot, the Winged House frames the site with two prominent forms of trapeziums. The home was built around three existing majestic palm trees of 20-meters high which are located in the centre of the plot.

By using vertical timber screens, the house is easily ventilated yet has privacy and protection.

7. No. 100 / Greg Shand Architects

Located in Singapore’s luxury seaside residential enclave of Sentosa Cove, this house sits on a double plot facing a lake and an island green of Sentosa Golf Club.

The design is based on emphasising the primary views to the rear while maintaining privacy. To create views over the pool to the golf course, the design is anchored around a double height living room space.

8. Meera Sky Garden House / Guz Architects

The Meera Sky Garden House is a multi-layered four-storey house with gardens and greenery at all levels. The front and rear of the building terraces allow each storey to have visual or actual access to greenery.

These stunning green homes sure inspires us to work harder and dream big. Even if your goal is a cosy and manageable house, these green homes sure provide some great ideas for decor and style! If you’ve seen other gorgeous green homes in Singapore, do share it with us!

(Header image by Guz Architects)

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

[WIN] An Extravagant Dinner Buffet For 2 At The Line, Shangri-La!

This National Day, get ready for a huge treat! The Line (at Shangri-La Hotel), one of Singapore’s best international buffets, is taking Singaporeans on a journey through our unique food culture!

You can expect innovative twists of our local favourite dishes! Exactly what kind of twists? We’re talking about out-of-this-world bizarre creations.

Have you heard of Chendol – but served in bubble form? What about Tau Huey Popcorn, or Oyster Omelette served on an Oyster shell? As weird as these dishes sound, you need not fret!

We’ve gone ahead to taste and savour these not-to-be-missed unique creations. They’re as good, if not, even better than the originals of our local favourites.

The best part? You can enjoy these local delights alongside the best international selection. That’s right – there’ll be fresh cuts of sashimi, seafood on ice, beef, and not to mention, a wide selection of desserts and pastries, including the best chocolate lava cake (we had 2 servings, guilty as charged).

Without further ado, we’ll quickly take you through a few highlights. There’s just so much good food, that we can only pick and choose the very best. Keep reading, because you will stand a chance to win this dinner buffet for two as well!

Flavours of Singapore at The Line

In celebration of National Day, Shangri-La’s famous buffet dinner at The Line will transform into a traditional food street from the 1960s.

Local Delights

Chef de Cuisine Vincent Wong is a figure you won’t miss at the buffet – passionate, tattooed, and engaging, he stands out among the others. The brains behind the delectable and innovative dishes, he brought us through the story behind each dish he conceptualised.

Chendol Bubbles

Take, for example, the Chendol Bubbles. Deftly and expertly, these bubbles of goodness were scooped into this cup. It looks deceivingly bland, but trust us, this is full of flavour. Its intriguing appearance is due to pockets of Chendol-infused air. There’s red bean mousse, and standard Chendol toppings waiting at the bottom of the cup. This is the epitome of guilt-free dessert – all the flavours you want in a Chendol, but without the guilt.

Tau Huey Popcorn

If you’re in the mood for another dish that’s out of this world, try the Tau Huey popcorn! You heard us right! Here’s a hint: the futuristic kitchen at The Line uses nitrogen gas. Our local soya bean beverage will be chilled to a point where it solidifies.. and resembles popcorn! Its extremely light and delicate texture will melt in your mouth in mere seconds, only to leave you begging for more.

Keep a lookout on our FB and IG for videos of Chef Vincent preparing and explaining these dishes!

Other Creations

There are more favourite old-time delights that are sure to bring a smile to your face. Think Chicken Rice Maki Rolls (with the best chicken rice chilli), Chilli Crab Brioche, Kaya-flavoured Arabic Bread and Nasi Lemak: canapé style!

Our local Oyster Omelette takes on an imaginative twist with deep fried egg artistically placed on each fresh and tender oyster. We couldn’t help filling our plates with these mini crowd-pleasers!

A Durian Alfresco Fruit Stall!

Durian lovers will be ecstatic to note that there will be an alfresco fruit stall full of specially-imported tropical fruits! When we were there, we were treated to D13 and Pheonix durians, all opened fresh in front of you by a charming and jovial Durian Master. So rich, creamy, sweet, and good, we had a few servings each! There may also be other tropical fruits like mangosteen, rambutan, longan, and jackfruit.

All the durians you see in the picture were wiped out at about 9:30PM! Yea, that’s how good it is.

Other Delights

Besides all these, there are stations serving Satay, Laksa, Drunken Prawn, warm food dishes, childhood snacks and drinks, and local pastries and desserts – the coconut durian cake was the best!

International Spread

Marine Harvest Seafood

The Line is well known for one of the largest buffet spreads in Singapore. Its fame stems from its generous selection during the Marine Harvest Seafood nights (Tuesday & Thursday). You name it, they have it! A few types of lobsters, oysters, clams, mussels, shrimps, crab claws, prawns, are served on a cold bed of ice.

The Oysters are also shucked live and fresh in front of you!

Other Stations

In addition, there is also a Roast Station offering salmon, and different kinds of beef. The Japanese station serves up a wide selection of sashimi; Salmon, Tuna, Yellowtail, Swordfish, Octopus, and more!  If you like to have some greens for every meal, you can count on the Salad Bar. Lovers of cheese, we counted at least 5 different types of cheeses to go with biscuits, bread, or ham!

Tip: You can request for salmon belly at the sashimi station.

Unlimited Wines, Beers, Juices, & Drinks

Only on Tuesdays and Thursdays, for Marine Harvest night, enjoy a selection of unlimited sparkling, red and white wines, beers, soft drinks, and juices!

Dessert

Our best advice? Always save space for dessert. We adore the delicate toffee and nut tartlets, chocolate lava cake with matcha ice cream, and durian coconut cake. There is even a selection of local sweet treats such as kuih and traditional cream cakes for those who want to take a walk down memory lane.

Tip + food hack: Drizzle olive oil, and sea salt (from the salad bar) on their vanilla soft serve for a delightfully sweet treat with a salty crunch. Our initial scepticism about this combination melted away the moment we took a bite.

We Never Wanted To Leave

https://www.facebook.com/discover.sg.official/videos/2051248505100841/

The Line undoubtedly remains one of the best buffets to be found on our island. We loved how approachable the chefs were at their stations. They entertained the crowd as they cooked on the spot, engaged and explained the dishes, and served up hot and fresh food along with a joke or two.

If you’d like to enjoy Shangri-La‘s The Flavours of Singapore dinner buffet at The Line, make a reservation here and revel in old-world charm, makan-style! You could also stand a chance to…

Win a dinner buffet for 2 at The Line, Shangri-La!

Simply LIKE and SHARE this post on Facebook, and LIKE Shangri-La’s Facebook to stand a chance to win The Flavours of Singapore dinner buffet* for two! Yes, it is that simple! That’s all you need to do for a chance to feast at The Flavours of Singapore dinner buffet. This giveaway ends 4th August, and the lucky winner will be notified through Facebook.

*Not valid for use on the eve of and on public holidays

The Flavours of Singapore dinner buffet will run from 18 July to 14 August 2016.
Monday, Wednesday, Sunday: $79 per adult, $39 per child
Friday and Saturday: $92 per adult, $46 per child
Tuesday Marine Harvest: $98 per adult, $44 per child
Thursday Marine Harvest: $108 per adult, $44 per child
The Marine Harvest dinner buffet includes an enhanced seafood selection, and a selection of unlimited sparkling, red and white wines, beers, soft drinks, and juices.
Click here to book a table.

All prices exclude 10% service charge and 7% GST.

This was an invited food tasting session. Thoughts and opinions are our own.

This article is brought to you by Discover SG x Shangri-La Hotel

https://www.facebook.com/discover.sg.official/posts/2050764938482531

Also, read [WIN] Tickets To A Romantic Movie With Your Date Under The Stars!

[WIN] Tickets To A Romantic Movie With Your Date Under The Stars!

What’s better than catching an award-winning film at the natural amphitheatre of Fort Canning Park against the backdrop of a gorgeous sunset? Doing all of that whilst tucking into a gourmet picnic basket and sipping away at your favourite wine as the sunset fades to a sky full of stars. How romantic is that?

If you haven’t already heard, Singapore’s premier open-air cinematic event, Films at the Fort, is back! Whether you’re planning a date night or just looking to chill with your khakis, this novel cinematic experience will surely do the trick.

Films at the Fort – Singapore’s outdoor film festival

Held from 11^th – 21^st August, the outdoor film festival this year will boast a showing of eleven quality films.

Film programme

Forrest Gump – Romantic comedy drama

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

“My momma always said, life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get”

Amongst the selection is Forrest Gump, a movie classic probably even the most reluctant cinema patron has heard of. Starring Tom Hanks as the slow-witted Forrest Gump, this feel-good ’90s film shows one man’s epic journey through significant historical events without him actually knowing their significance. Full of funny anecdotes and stories, this film will be sure to warm the cockles of your heart.

Brooklyn – Romantic drama

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15syDwC000k

If you’re into something more recent, we’d recommend the recent award-winning Brooklyn, a film featuring a young Irish immigrant navigating her way through 1950s Brooklyn. Despite falling into a new romance, the Irish maiden gets homesick trying to assimilate into the Brooklyn culture. Watch as she struggles with the decision between the two countries and all that exist within. Do note that this film is NC16.

Fans of The Theory of Everything on the other hand, will appreciate The Man Who Knew Infinity, a story about a self-taught mathematical genius discovered by a Cambridge professor. Other film selections include Amy, The Nice Guys, Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, A Hologram for the King and more.For more details about the film programme at Films at the Fort, click here.

We’re going to go out on a limb and say that this year’s event is going to be pretty kickass!

Gourmet food selection at Films at the Fort

Food wise, fans of Shakespeare in the Park will find the options familiar. Helmed by the team from If you’re feeling fancy, feel free to indulge in an Antipasti Platter ($24.50) or even a Cheese Platter ($24.50). Pair them with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Noir ($10 per glass/$48 per bottle). Snacks such as Gourmet Popcorn ($5) and non-alcoholic sparkling juices and soda will be available. Of course, you’re welcomed to prepare your own picnic basket but do note that all alcohol must be purchased at the event.

For the full menu, click here.

Get your tickets

A different film will be screened each night of the event. We recommend you get tickets to this sell-out event fast or you know, weep. Hurry before there are no tickets left. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!

[caption id="attachment_11533" align="alignnone" width="1199"] Source: Films at the Fort[/caption]

All psyched for Singapore’s only open-air cinematic festival? Here’s your chance to

Win a pair of tickets to Films at the Fort!

There are two pairs of tickets up for grabs!

First pair: Brooklyn
Screening date: Tuesday, 16 August

Second pair: Forrest Gump
Screening date: Saturday, 20 August

All screenings start between 7:30PM and 7:40PM. Gates, bar, and food stalls open at 5:00PM. Arrive early to secure your favourite spot on the grass and watch the sun set with your date!

Here’s how you can win

1. LIKE and SHARE this post on Facebook
2. COMMENT to tell us which film you’d like to catch, and who you’ll bring with you!

That’s all you need to do to stand a chance to win a pair of tickets to the showing of either Forrest Gump or Brooklyn! It’s that simple. Giveaway will end 3^rd August and the two lucky winners will be notified through Facebook.

Already bought tickets? Don’t forget to bring along a nice picnic mat and an umbrella! We’re not going to jinx anything, but we’ll be praying alongside with you for great weather.

This article is brought to you by Discover SG x Films at the Fort

https://www.facebook.com/discover.sg.official/posts/2050653345160357

Films At The Fort presented by Casillero del Diablo is Singapore’s premier open-air cinema event, combining award winning films with gourmet food and wine. Set in the natural amphitheatre of Fort Canning Park from 11th-21st August 2016, this is the perfect place to unwind with friends over a sunset drink before enjoying a quality film under the stars.

(Header image by Films at the Fort)

Also, read [WIN] An Extravagant Dinner Buffet For 2 At The Line, Shangri-La!