Category: Uniquely Singapore

LTA Secretly Launched A High Tech Bus Stop – This Is What It Looks Like!

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(Image credit: Xavier Lui)

Travelling with kids? The book shelves are going to keep your kids occupied. Filled with books for kids and adults, this book shelve is a much appreciated addition for any book lovers out there!

4. Useful Additions To The Bus Stop

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Pokemon Go Gym – Tips To Battle Better Cos Competition In Singapore Is Intense!

If you’ve played Pokemon Go enough, you’d know that taking over a Pokemon Go gym in Singapore is no simple feat. The competition is intense – you take over one Pokemon Go gym, only to find that your prized Pokemon gets unceremoniously kicked out mere minutes (or even seconds) later.

However, just because it’s tough to win a Pokemon Go gym doesn’t mean you should miss out on the fun! After all, battling has always been one of the most exciting aspects of Pokemon, and also because winning simply feels awesome.

We know how shiok it feels like when you finally manage to take over a Pokemon Go gym (even if it’s just for 10 seconds). That’s why we’ve done the research. Here are some tips that will make it easier for you to take over a Pokemon Go gym!

If you’d like to know how to become a Pokemon Go gym leader with less effort, simply read on!

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Image Credits: Credit: Dragon-type Pokemon are weak to Fairy-type, Ice-type and Dragon-type attacks

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Image Credits: 3. Table of Pokemon types & moves

Below is a table of Pokemon types and move types, as well as their respective effectiveness against various other Pokemon types.

Image Credits: Really complicated stuff, eh?

Image Credits: Alright, so this is a continuation from the tip above. Since it’s impossible to remember everything all at once, we’ve decided to shortlist some Pokemon often seen in gyms in Singapore and how to go about defeating them as efficiently as possible.

Image Credits: compute.info

A dual Water- and Flying-type, this Pokemon is doubly weak against Electric-type moves, so bring out that Magneton, Electabuzz or Jolteon!

Lapras:

Image Credits: YouTube

Lapras is both a Water- and Ice-type Pokemon, so again, Electric-type Pokemon can do the trick. Fighting-, Rock- and Grass-type attacks should be able to score some hits too. although Rock- and Grass-type Pokemon are weak to Water- and Ice-type attacks too, so exercise some caution.

Dragonite:

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Image Credits: YouTube

This Normal-type Pokemon may have a lot of HP and good defense stats, but it’s weak to Fighting-type attacks, so use a Machoke, Hitmonlee or Hitmonchan if you can!

If you don’t have a good Fighting-type Pokemon, fret not, because Pokemon like Magmar and Pinsir possess Fighting-type moves sometimes. Ghost-type attacks also don’t work on Normal-type Pokemon, so don’t bring your Ghost Pokemon into battle!

5. Take down gyms with fellow teammates

Although you may now know various tips and tricks to taking over gyms, doing it alone is still really tough. And that’s why you need to call your friends for backup!

Fighting together means that you can take the Pokemon down much quicker. You’ll notice extra attacks from elsewhere targeting the opponent, which means your own Pokemon are less likely to faint. It’s really much faster this way, and you can save on those precious Super and Hyper Potions too!

Image Credits: Of course, even with all this knowledge, it’s still important to have strong Pokemon, so that you’ll be in better position to battle as well as hold on to your Pokemon Go gym leadership.

Header credits: Also, read Singapore’s Late Night Eats Near MBS, Yishun And More For Pokemon Go Addicts!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

7 Hidden Secrets About Our Singapore Currency That Da Vinci Would Absolutely Approve

From paying for food to taking the public transport, we use our Singapore currency for a multitude of reasons every day. However, many of us are unaware of every minute detail on each banknote – we’re not just talking about legal tender.

Here are some hidden secrets about our Singapore currency that even Da Vinci would approve!

1. The national anthem is printed on the back of the $1000 note

If you happen to have a $1,000 note on hand, flip it to the back. Our entire national anthem in printed in microtext, find it if you can!

2. The “line” at the top of every currency is actually micro text

Grab a magnifying glass and take a closer look at the top left-hand corner of any note. You will realise that the “line” that you think you see with your naked eye is not actually a line, but microtext that states “MONETARYAUTHORITYOFSINGAPORE”

3. The largest denomination of the Singapore currency was $10,000!!!

Though we often use $50 notes in our day-to-day expenses, $1,000 and $10,000 notes also exist, with the largest being $10,000. However, with effect from 1st October 2014, they had to stop issuing $10,000 notes to lower the risk of money laundering.

4. Polymer (plastic) banknotes are not only for water-proofing purposes

Not only can polymer notes survive a spin in the washing machine should you forget to empty your pockets – according to MAS, polymer notes last three to four times longer than their paper counterparts. You don’t have to worry about tearing your notes on accident anymore!

One other benefit of polymer notes is the fact that security features can be encrypted in them. Polymer notes are printed on special plastic derived from petroleum, and this material is not available commercially to prevent the reproduction of counterfeit notes.

5. The tree on the $5 note tree is still standing tall

The Tembusu tree printed on our $5 note is an actual tree in Botanic Gardens! It is said to be at least 200 years old – even older than the 156-year-old garden itself.

6. Visually impaired users differentiate the denominations by the Braille Code

Ever wonder what the dots on the top right corner in front of our Singapore notes represent? They’re actually the Braille code printed in heavy intaglio ink, so that the visually impaired can tell the different denominations apart.

7. Both the Brunei Dollar and the Singapore Dollar are accepted at either country

In order to facilitate economic and trade relations, Brunei, Malaysia and Singapore adopted a system of free interchangeability of their respective currencies.

This took effect on 12 June 1967. However, Malaysia opted out of it in 1973. Singapore and Brunei decided to continue with the arrangement. Hence, both the Brunei dollar and Singapore dollar are currently accepted for use in either country at a ratio of 1:1.

The next time you pull a banknote out of your wallet, take some time to notice these minute details! A lot of thought goes into the designing of our local currency. Share these hidden secrets with your friends – we’re sure you’ll be able to amaze them!

(Header image by Bloomberg)

Also, read A Test Of Your Eyesight – Can You See The Hidden Words In SG’s Passport?

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.

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

5 Uniquely Flavoured Mooncakes Too Good To Pass Up

Let’s be honest, when we were kids, Mid Autumn Festival used to be all about lanterns and fighting over delicious baked skin mooncakes. While we’re still pining for mooncakes, it’s the uniquely flavored especially rare ones that grab our attention.

We did some prowling in the yearly- mooncake scene and we have gathered some rare and unique tasting mooncakes that sound amazing and definitely worth the splurge.

Uniquely delicious,  we present you 5 rare mooncakes you MUST try this Mid Autumn Festival.

If you love Caramel

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Image credit: GoodWoodPark Hotel

If you’re looking for mooncakes that’ll give you a light buzz, this year you can look forward to the Gin Pineapple Snowskin Mooncake available at GoodWood. Reminiscent of a tropical cocktail, this mooncake is packed with cubed pineapples and a dash of gin for a dessert worth the splurge.

If you love Savoury Treats

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Owning The Night – Singapore Night Festival 2016 Is EVEN BETTER Than Before!

Image Credits: Singapore Night Festival[/caption]

Inventions and Innovation

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.

[caption id="attachment_12268" align="alignnone" width="834"] Image Credits: Singapore Night Festival[/caption]

Festival Revelries

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!

[caption id="attachment_12269" align="alignnone" width="834"] Children activities available too! Image Credits: Singapore Night Festival[/caption]

Highlights – House of Curiosities by CAKE Theatrical Productions

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.

[caption id="attachment_12279" align="alignnone" width="834"] Image Credits: Singapore Night Festival[/caption]

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
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]

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
Dates: 19 and 20 August, 8pm-8:25pm, 9:25-9:50pm, 10:50-11:15pm
Admission is free

Leave the Nightlight On

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.

[caption id="attachment_12276" align="alignnone" width="834"] Image Credits: Singapore Night Festival[/caption] [caption id="attachment_12281" align="alignnone" width="834"] Image Credits: Singapore Night Festival[/caption] [caption id="attachment_12284" align="alignnone" width="834"] Image Credits: Singapore Night Festival[/caption]

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.
Dates: 19-27th August
Admission is free

Festival Village: Eat, Shop, and Chill to Great Vibes

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.

[caption id="attachment_12278" align="alignnone" width="900"] Image Credits: Singapore Night Festival[/caption] [caption id="attachment_12282" align="alignnone" width="834"] Image Credits: Singapore Night Festival[/caption]

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.

[caption id="attachment_12272" align="alignnone" width="834"] Image Credits: Singapore Night Festival[/caption]

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
Dates: 19, 20, 26, 27 August, 6pm-1am

Own the Night

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!