Category: Uniquely Singapore

Here’s Your Chance To Truly #FlipTable, Swap Books & More At This Year’s Archifest!

The 10th Archifest returns this year with a Pavilion designed by DP Architects. Themed “Exhale”, the festival will be held from 23 September to 9 October in the heart of the CBD at Raffles Place Park.

The theme ‘Exhale’ aims to examine the rapid pace of life within our dense city and to challenge people to dictate their own rhythm of life.

Take time to slow down and breathe while you enjoy the installations and events happening at the festival.

This temporary structure is not to be missed, so what are you waiting for? Come on down and explore the eye catching Pavilion at Raffles Place!

Highlights

Organised by Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA) and the Singapore Institute of Landscape Architects (Sila), there are more than 30 events lined up at Archifest this year.

From talks, to workshops, and exhibitions, discover great things at Archifest 2016 with more than 100,000 visitors expected this year.

Of course, the best things first:

#FlipTable

Feeling all stressed up at work? Well, design consultancy Chemistry has the right solution for you.

Set against the backdrop of Raffles Place, the team designed #FlipTable. And it truly allows you to flip a table!

Have a go and finally put your words into action!

https://youtu.be/wcAvmzup2YA

In all seriousness, it’s actually an interactive installation that provides an avenue for you to vent your frustration in a creative manner.

Take a deep breath and exhale while you do some damage at #FlipTable. It’s all about harnessing negative energy into a positive form.

#FlipTable
Location: Raffles Place Park
Date: 23 Sep Fri, 27 Sep Tue, 3 Oct Mon
Time: 11.30am –  2pm

Book Swap & Beer

Books & Beer is Singapore’s first travelling book swap service. You’re invited to bring up to 10 pre-loved books and exchange them for another book!

No books to swap? Simply drop by and browse some books, courtesy of ORO Editions and ONG&ONG Group. These books are free for you to take home.

Bring your own beer and beverages and enjoy your time with Books & Beers!

Book Swap at Books & Beers
Location: Raffles Place Park
Date: 24 Sep Sat
Time: 3pm – 6pm

Barter Market

Barter Market is a collective effort between local makers, artists, and crafters in our community.

The goal? Take money out of transactions.

Bring a little something so you can trade your item for goods or services. No better way to bond with humans, we’d say! Nothing like good old bartering.

Barter Market
Location: Raffles Place Park
Date: 9 Oct Sun
Time: 2pm – 6pm

RGB Pavilion With A Psychedelic Selfie Tunnel

With a structure so vibrant and colourful, this is hard to miss.

The Pavilion is composed entirely of construction site materials; so it’s “zero waste”. There are rows of multi-coloured safety netting and over 70 tonnes of scaffolding pipes.

This structure is a breathtaking 22m tall! Here’s how small we’ll look:

There’s so much to do at Archifest 2016! With so many exciting programmes happening this weekend till 9 Oct, be sure to mark this event down on your calendars!

Archifest 2016
Date: 23 September to 9 October
For full details of events and happenings at Archifest, visit their official website Attention Coffee Lovers: Here’s Your Chance to Savour 30 Cups Of Coffee At Only $30!

10 Barbershops That Will Get You Looking And Feeling Like A Dapper Gentleman

There’s nothing like getting a fresh haircut after a long while. With a rise of  barbershops in Singapore, catering to dapper cuts and shaves it can get pretty tough to decide where to get that trim. We’ve sourced the top 10 best barbershops in Singapore where you’ll come out feeling and looking like a gentleman!

1. Sultans of Shave

[caption id="attachment_14644" align="alignnone" width="1000"]
11 North Canal Road #02-01, S048824
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri 10:30am – 9pm; Sat 11am – 6pm; Sun Closed
Contact: +65 9384 2161

2. Truefitt and Hill

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4. The Panic Room

[caption id="attachment_14647" align="alignnone" width="788"]
311A Geylang Road, S389350
Opening Hours: Sat-Mon: 11am – 9pm; Tue: Closed; Sun: 10.30am – 6.30pm
Contact: +65 6746 1565

5. Premium Barbers

8. Hounds of the Baskerville

[caption id="attachment_14651" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Hounds of the Baskerville
24 Bali Lane, Singapore 189860
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri, 11am-10pm; Sat, 11am-7pm
Contact: +65 6299-1197

9. A Few Good Men

(image source:
9 Raffles Boulevard, #01-51 Millenia Walk, S039596
Opening Hours: Daily, 11.30am – 8.30pm
Contact: +65 8276 2679

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188 Race Course Road / Roberts Lane; #01-02; S 218612
Operating Hours: Mon – Fri 11am – 10pm; Sat 11am – 9pm; Sun/Public Holiday 11am – 5pm
Contact:6341 7291

(image source:  6 Bag Labels Every Stylish Guy Should Be Familiar With

Who Says You Need Money To Have Fun? Here Are 7 Things You Can Do For FREE At The Singapore River Festival 2016!

On 4 and 5 Nov, the  returns this year with a “River Connections” theme. Chock full of music, performances and food this year’s Singapore River Festival 2016 highlights how the Singapore River connects and has brought people of different backgrounds and cultures together.

(image source:
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(image source: 4. Quayside Cinema

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(image source: Wobo logy YouTube)

The Singapore River Festival is all about showcasing the arts and they’ve brought in some amazing local and regional talents for this year’s festival! Bringing together a mishmash of different genres and incorporating dance, all the musical acts at Singapore River Festival 2016 are pushing the boundaries of “conventional” music.

Bantus Capoeira (Brazilian music and percussion) is a treat for both eyes and ears, watch as performers tumble and twist to Brazilian tunes! If you’re seeking something out of your comfort zone, Masia one & Reggae Remedy is bringing to life the Reggae tradition alongside hiphop lyricism.

Wobology and Flame of the Forest are introducing, a blend of traditional and current music concocting their own original sound!

Circular Road, Boat Quay
5 Nov

7. Light/Sound/Art

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(feature image:  Laneway Festival Singapore 2017 – 5 Underrated Acts That Even Hipsters Haven’t Heard Of!

Looking For Something Meaningful To Do This September? These 5 Events Are Going To Give You Major Good Feels!

While most of us can afford luxuries like the newest gadget or a taxi ride after a long day, there are some Singaporeans out there who cannot afford even daily necessities. Struggling to make ends meet, some Singaporeans rely heavily on local non profit organisations for daily expenses.

So if you’ve ever sympathised with that old auntie collecting cardboard boxes or that kid in school who couldn’t keep up with the rest, do not worry because there are a lot of local non profit organisations you can donate to or volunteer with!

We’ve sourced out 5 events you can head down later this month if you’re looking to support a cause, volunteer or just give a little something back to the community!

1. Walk For Rice

(image source: South East CDC Facebook.

2. SOSD Adoption Drive

(image feature: for more information on their adoption drive!

(image source: 6 blood drives going on this month, and they’re scattered all over the island so you don’t have to travel far to give back to society!

However before you decide to head down to any of these blood drives, check out some of the basic requirements you need to fulfil. And if you have a fear of needles, don’t worry! There are other ways you can contribute to the National Blood Programme, like being a Volunteer Blood Ambassador!

For more information on being a blood donor, check out Red Cross Singapore.

4. The HeART of Painting

(image source: Eventbrite)

Rhemaworks, a coaching and therapy organisation is collaborating with the Singapore Children’s Society (SCS) and the OCBC-TODAY Children’s Fund to bring your a Charity Art Jamming event!

The SCS was established in order to protect and nurture children and youth, most of whom come from under privileged backgrounds or neglected households. The SCS constantly runs programmes that aid in rebuilding the children’s sense of self-worth and character!

Held at ARTEASTIQ, the HeaART of Painting is all about giving back to society while also showcasing your artistic side! Participants pay $50 (more than half of which goes to the SCS!) for a canvas, where you can unwind and let your imagination run wild! Best part? You get to bring the canvas home!

So if you’re looking for an opportunity to give back to society by also doing something fun and relaxing, head on down to HeART of Painting!

The heART of Painting
26 Sept; 6pm-9pm
ARTEASTIQ
Mandarin Gallery
333A Orchard Road, S238897

5. Project Ware House

Who says that giving back to society has to be boring? There are loads of fun events that are supporting meaningful causes. And Project Ware House is one of them!

Project Ware House is the brainchild of Community Chest, The Local People and Gushcloud. Project Ware House is all about the different facets of art! An art market, art auction and movie screening! The great thing about this event is that all funds raised will go to building the Adult Disability Home (ADH), an initiative by Community Chest. The ADH aims to offer a safe and comfortable home environment for adults with autism.

The weekend event (24-25 Sept) held at the Annexe Studio at the Esplanade is bringing together various local artists and craftspeople while showcasing artworks from the Cerebral Palsy Alliance at an Art Auction happening on 25th September, 3pm.

Can’t make it to Project Ware House? You can still donate to this really meaningful cause at Giving.sg!

So if you’re looking out for an event that gives back to society while you spend time with friends and family, Project Ware House is a PERFECT weekend event to head down to!

For more information, check out Also Read: Singaporean Men Not Creative? These 7 Tearjerking Wedding Proposals Prove Otherwise

Sentosa Is Now Home To Singapore’s FIRST Bungee Tower – 47 Meters Above Ground!

Great news for all adrenaline junkies out there, Sentosa is now home to Singapore’s first bungee tower! The bungee tower is part of AJ Hackett Sentosa. Set up by AJ Hackett International, this heart pounding recreational site is a 2,500 sq m adventure playground!

If you’re all about sky diving, bungee jumping…basically doing anything that would render me catatonic, you would have definitely heard of AJ Hackett International’s founder, A.J. Hackett. This New Zealander is seen as one of the pioneers of bungee jumping, so you know this bungee tower is the real deal!

Standing at 14 storeys high with two high jump decks and a 40m long sky bridge, this bungee tower is definitely a force to be reckoned with!

The best part about this bungee tower? It’s not just about bungee jumping, there are several other activities you can take on!

1. Bungee Jumping

(image source: AJ Hackett Sentosa)

If you’re a true thrill-seeker, Bungee Jumping will probably be the first activity you run to when you get to AJ Hackett Sentosa, and to be honest who can blame you?

Not for the faint of heart, participants jump off the high deck of the bungee tower, 47m above the ground! Best part about the bungee jump? There’s a 3.5m deep pool of water waiting for you at the bottom so you can let your head get dipped in the water!

2. Vertical Skywalk

(image source: AJ Hackett Sentosa)

If you want the thrill to last, try out the Vertical Skywalk! Supported by 2 ropes, participants get to walk down the main tower’s shaft (that’s 44m)!

Used by Navy Seals, The Army, Hollywood (of course) and now the average thrill-seeker! AJ Hackett Sentosa is the first AJ Hackett site to have this Vertical Skywalk!

Best part? You don’t have to do it alone! The Vertical Skywalk can take up to 3 people at any one time!

3. Skybridge

(image source: AJ Hackett Sentosa)

If thrill-seeking activities aren’t your style, don’t fret! There’s still the Skybridge! The tamest of the lot, participants can stroll out along the exposed skybridge, 47m above ground!

The only activity by AJ Hackett that doesn’t need a harnessing system. This activity is perfect for kids and those who prefer their feet firmly on the ground.

4. Giant Swings

(image source: AJ Hackett Sentosa)

Want to do something heart pounding but need a hand to hold? Giant Swings a great option if you and your friends want to enjoy the thrill together!

Set away from the bungee tower, the Giant Swings can accommodate up to 3 people and participants will get a bird’s eye view of Siloso beach 40m above ground!

Reaching speeds of over 100km/h, this activity may be the best out of the lot!

Unfortunately AJ Hackett Sentosa is not open to the public until March 2017! But hey, at least you have to something to set your sights on as a New Year’s resolution!

(feature image: AJ Hackett Sentosa)

Also Read: Free Diving In Singapore – How Long Can You Hold Your Breath Underwater?

We Hopped On The Makan Bus And Didn’t Wanna Get Off – Here’s Why!

Yup. Finally the first one-of-its-kind hop-on-hop-off Makan Bus tour has arrived in Singapore. Don’t dismiss this food tour as a tourist thingy yet. Otherwise, you are missing out on fun even locals can enjoy!

We all know Singapore is a food paradise, but the best local food are usually not near MRTs or in town.

Makan Bus

It can be pretty hard to enjoy good food if you don’t have a car. With the launch of the Makan Bus on 26 August 2016, reaching out to these great local food is now so much more convenient for everyone.

Recently, I was fortunate to be invited for a free MakanBus tour. Getting on the tour meant I had the opportunity to taste some of the highly acclaimed local food along the 10 specially-curated stops.

What I did not know was it is more than a mere foodie bus bringing us from the central to northern heartlands in Singapore.

Our Makan Bus Journey

We received a warm welcome from the guide upon boarding the cheery yellow bus at Orchard Gateway. After an introduction, we set off!

Besides recommending good eats near each stop, he would share insights of noteworthy buildings throughout the journey too.

Interesting history that we never knew about our sunny island

We thought we knew Singapore so well since we grew up here.

But we did not know that the Burma Chinese settled in Singapore as early as the 19th century!

In fact, I highly recommend you to alight at the Sun Yat Sen Memorial stop, where the Sun Yat Sen Memorial and Burmese Buddhist Temple are.

In the main worship hall of the Maha Sasana Ramsi (Burmese Buddhist Temple) sits the majestic 11-foot marble Buddha statue. This religious landmark is the only Burmese Buddhist temple of its kind in Singapore.

The statue was carved from a 10-tonne slab of marble found in Burma’s Saygin Hill and transported here in 1925.

Bond with your family over nostalgic hawker food settings

The 10 stops on the tour will bring you through buzzing town areas to the old shophouses in Balestier and Thomson, and finally into the HDB heartlands.

This is a specially curated route to showcase the evolution and development of Singapore over the past 51 years.

Bring your whole family, including your parents onboard, so they can reminisce about the good old days.

They will certainly be able to resonate with traditional eateries such as Boon Tong Kee and Original Herbal Shop at Balestier, and Hua Nam Restaurant at Thomson.

Image Credit: Makan Bus

It’s easier to strike conversations as you enjoy the food and nostalgic ambience with your family.

Who knows if these used to be their favourite haunts during their “paktor” days!

Discover yummy novel hawker food delights

While it’s obvious Makan Bus will bring you to yummy food places, you may be surprised at hidden gems within the heartlands.

Ang Mo Kio was the place I grew up in, and I thought I knew everything there. But I did not even know that there is a hawker stall selling sedap Mee Rebus Tarik for over 2 decades!

In case you are wondering, Mee Rebus Tarik is not prepared by simply “pulling” the noodles as the Malay word “tarik” implies.

Instead, the mee rebus is laden with satay gravy and served together with either chicken or mutton satay. Such an innovative twist to the signature mee rebus!

I have tasted different versions of our favourite Indian roti prata, with egg, cheese etc for enhanced flavour.

However, it was my first time trying out some Roti Tissue along Upper Thomson Road. The prata looked like an interesting thin piece of tissue (hence its name) as seen in the image above. This is a sweet crispy prata seasoned with sugar.

Hop on and off the bus whenever you wish, wherever you fancy

There is no limit to the number of times you can hop on and off the Makan Bus.

Your $28 ticket is valid throughout the day when the bus runs from 11am to 7.30pm.

Indeed, there were times when we were engaged in such interesting conversations with the guide that we missed alighting at the designated stop.

Just continue on the looped journey and alight where you wish to tuck into the good food in the desired area.

Furthermore, you do not need to alight if you don’t find anything you fancy. Unlike other expensive food tours where you don’t get to choose the food, this is a truly flexible tour!

Makan Bus definitely changes the way we can explore the hidden food joints and other untold stories of Singapore.

Bring your foreign friends on the Makan Bus tour and introduce them to life in the heartlands.

After all, this is a uniquely Singapore experience that they will not find at the usual tourist attractions. Besides, it is definitely more economical if you are travelling together in a group of 5 or more. Check out more details of this one-of-a-kind experience at Makan Bus!

(Featured image: Makan Bus)

Also, read 9 New Desserts So Wacky, You Need To Try Them At Least Once!