Category: Uniquely Singapore

这样搭德士！新加坡德士及资费标准需知

虽然很多人大多数的主要交通工具都是MRT，但是如果偶尔需要乘搭德士时，德士的资费标准你大概了解吗？在新加坡设有许多德士站，大部分地区的道路上都能毫无问题地打到德士，其中大部分德士站位于酒店和商场的门前。而新加坡共有6家德士公司，分别是：康福Comfort 、城市City Cab、SMRT、Trans-Cab、捷达Premier Taxis、Smart Cab。其中SMRT更有提供高级德士服务，分别是奔驰和伦敦德士，不过收费比起一般德士高出许多。

• 出租车起价一般是3至5新元，起步1公里，之后每210米收取1 角新元，如果总路程超过10公里，超出的部分则变为每175米一角新元。

• 如果出租车处于等待状态，则每25秒收取1角新元。

• 在工作日的高峰时间之外，市内的打车费一般不超过10新加坡元，即使穿过Changi岛到Jurong也不会超过35新加坡元。

• 三、四个人同行的话乘坐出租车会比坐地铁更快更省钱。

• 新加坡规定出租车除了司机以外只能坐四个成人，如果需要大一点的出租车，需要特别预定，当然价钱也会高一些。

• 新加坡的出租车本来就不多，的士司机在新加坡是生活在最底层的，为了稳定他们的收入，不能随便扩张出租车的队伍，所以出租车的总量在新加坡控制很严，外加司机休息得多，所以周末、特别是周日是很难等到车。

• 新加坡对私家车数量管制严格，除了拥车条件高之外，若是在尖峰时刻进入市区（CBD）都要收费，出租车也不例外。

• 新加坡招车最好站在Taxi Stand，除非是午夜才有可能随便招车。

接下来让我们一起来看看新加坡出租车（德士）的资费标准吧！

新加坡出租车（德士）资费标准

午夜附加费（在0：00~早上6：00，加收显示车资的50%）

高峰时段附加费

市区附加费

目的地附加费

以下是几家主要的士公司的网址和叫车电话：
Comfort or Citycab出租车公司   电话：(65) 6552 1111
宝威的士   电话：(65) 6363 6888
SMRT的士  电话：(65) 6555 8888
得运的士  电话：(65) 6555 3333

资料来源：NextSingapo

Get Your Limited Edition Hello Kitty EZ Link Cards Now!

Hello Kitty fans, here’s a little something that you will love. Hello Kitty EZ Link cards! Now, you can bring your favourite cat with you, everywhere you go.

EZ-Link has just launched the Hello Kitty Rock Star Series with 5 new electrifying designs.

The 5 designs include:

The Hello Kitty Rock Star series is now available for sale on My EZ-Link at $10 each (subjected to delivery fees). It is an online exclusive and WILL NOT be available at MRT stations. These cards are limited and we heard it’s selling like hot cakes, so better head over to the web store and get yours now!

Hello Kitty Rock Star Series
Purchase here

Also read: Singapore’s Very First Hello Kitty Cafe Is Opening In Singapore And It’s 24Hrs!

[GIVEAWAY] Dose! – The Must Visit Café For Your Daily Dose Of Coffee

That’s right, it’s Dose! (with the exclamation mark). Given the owner’s enthusiasm for coffee and food, we have to say, the use of this punctuation is pretty apt.

Tucked along Tyrwhitt Road, this unassuming café is one of the latest additions to this hipster area. With its specialty coffee, varied food menu and cosy space, all you need is a good book or a laptop and you’ll never want to leave this café. We swear.

With Chye Seng Huat Hardware across the street and Tiramisu Hero down the road, competition is more than stiff for this humble café. Like you, we were just as curious about its location. How does Dose! intend to have its competition beat? Turns out, instead of instagram-worthy décor or any hipster related gimmick, this café goes back to basic by placing its emphasis on its menu.

First up, we have Dose!’s specialty coffee. The Candyman Espresso Blend consists of a mixture of three beans; the Ethiopian, Colombian, and Guatemalan beans. With its light-medium roast, the coffee was pleasantly smooth with, dare we say, zero acidity. We had the Latte ($6) and its flavour is slightly chocolate-y and malty at the same time. If you’re not a kopi gao person, the café’s specialty coffee is definitely for you. Usual coffee aside, Dose! also offers two particularly intriguing drinks; the Black Latte and Miloso.

The Black Latte ($6) is a bamboo charcoal infused coffee and is entirely black. For those who are worried about the charcoal overpowering the taste of coffee, fear not. You can definitely still taste the coffee whilst enjoying this unique drink. As for the Miloso ($6), it’s simply a combination of Milo and Espresso. We’re not sure about you, but this drink reminds us of a less thick Mocha. To be honest, we’ll take the Miloso over the usual Mocha any day.

When it comes to food, Dose! certainly does not skimp on quality and quantity. Jumping right off the menu will be the popular Full Dosage #2, Savory Waffle-Wich and Chili Crab Pasta. With its crispy-skinned chorizo, cheese bratwurst, and fluffy croissant, Full Dosage #2 ($13.90) makes a delightfully wholesome brunch. Flavourful sausages aside, we simply cannot get over how awesomely crispy and fluffy the croissant is. The secret, we’re told, is how the croissant is air fried instead of deep-fried. We’re telling you guys, c’est manifique!

For its signature Chili Crab Pasta ($13.90), the chef has meticulously included some mantous to complete the dish. In the pasta sauce, you’ll find chunks of authentic crab meat (that’s right, chunks) and mushrooms. For those who aren’t exactly fans of spicy food, fair warning: this dish may be a little too hot for you to handle so do consult the café’s staff before placing your order! Also, do note that this dish is only available on Wednesday!

For a cosy coffee spot, we thought Dose! has a relatively extensive menu. That is until we heard that the café is planning on introducing more mouth-watering dishes such as the Kong Bak Waffle-Wich, and Laksa Seafood Pasta. We’re not sure about you, but given its track record with food, we’re already anticipating the realisation of these new dishes.

For desserts, we’d recommend Charcoal Waffles with ice cream ($11), and Dose!’s handmade Tiramisu. To our pleasant surprise, the Earl Grey ice cream for our waffle is topped with teeny lavender buds that really complemented the flavor of the ice cream. The waffle is appropriately crispy and not too doughy, so yes to more Charcoal Waffles! As for the Tiramisu, all we gotta say is that fans of baileys will really dig this dessert.

If you’re not already thinking of visiting this quaint café, we’re going to bring you more good news. Besides free wifi and power plugs, Dose! is offering a lucky reader one complimentary set of

BLACK LATTE AND CHARCOAL ICE-CREAM WAFFLES

How to win:
Simply LIKE and SHARE this post on Facebook and you’ll be good to go! One lucky reader will be selected and contacted by us through Facebook.

The giveaway will end on 2359 1st May 2016. So what are you waiting for? Head down to Dose! for your caffeine fix today!

Dose! 
Address: 139 Tyrwhitt Road #01-03
Tel: 9145 8103
Operating Hours: Mon, Wed-Sun: 8.30am – 6pm

*All pictures by writer

Also read: The Tiramisu Hero Strikes Back With A Brand New Menu!

https://www.facebook.com/discover.sg.official/posts/1997456803813345

Gotta Catch’em All! – The Pokémon Café Is Coming To Singapore!

Heads up all Pokémon fans, this maybe a little onix-pected, but a pop-up Pokémon café is happening in Singapore! That’s right, becoming the very best no longer requires you to travel across the land, searching far and wide.

From 27 May to 31 Jul, the café will be situated on the fourth floor of Bugis Junction. A collaboration with Everything With Fries, this Pokémon café concept will also be the first in Southeast Asia!

Not much information has been released on the café but what we do know is that there will be 12 Pokemon themed dishes and a string of related merchandise. Also, a Pikachu mascot could be making appearances during this period so remember to get your cameras ready!

So be prepared to eat catch’em all this coming May at the Pokémon café! In the meantime, stay tuned for updates at the café’s Facebook page. As die-hard Pokémon fans, we’re also secretly hoping that the café will be here for good.

Address: #04-05 Bugis Junction, 200 Victoria St, S188021
Tel: 6338 0135
Date: 27 May to 31 July 2016
Opening hours: Daily, 11am to 9:30pm

Also read: A Festival You Won’t Want To Miss – Super Japan Matsuri!

10 Annoying Things Only SG Moms Do That We Take For Granted

There’s someone who cares so deeply about you, more than you will ever know. The one who gives you the best she can offer without hesitation. She’ll gently pull your curtains open in the mornings to wake you up. The only one who…You get what I mean.

There’s only one such person in your life – Mom.

As Mother’s Day is coming soon on 8th May, we’ve come up with a list of 10 things our moms do which we usually take for granted. As annoying as some of them might seem, if you think carefully, they are all actions that stem from her unyielding affection for you.

1. Calls you at “curfew” time.

The younger you are, the worse this gets. As long as you’re still staying with mom, regardless your age, you’ll still get these calls from time to time even when “curfew” time doesn’t exist anymore. If you get these calls like I still do, she probably waited up a little to see if you’ve come home but decided to call you before she goes to bed.

So even if you’re busy hanging out, pick up that call at 1am to assure her that you’re okay.

2. Calls you up to tell you to read your text.

This is as cute, funny, and irritating as it gets. Sometimes my mom sends me a text and I would probably be too busy to look at it for the moment. 10 minutes later, she calls me up and says, “Son, read your text.” without the intention to tell me what that text was about over the phone.

If you’ve experienced this too, maybe our moms just felt that texting was more interesting than calling us up. Who knows?

3. She’s the Google for anything within the house.

You can’t deny this. She’s THE google in the house. Lost your socks? No problem. Ask mom. Can’t find your jeans? No problem. Ask mom. Lost your girlfriend? No problem. Ask mom. Just kidding on the last one by the way.

4. When you go out with her, she’s got everything you’ll ever need.

Once, my family and I went on an outing to Botanic Gardens. She had everything from wet wipes to sunscreen to hand sanitiser. She probably brought our whole house with her. Go figure.

5. Comes into your room and makes you drink some weird drink or soup.

Whether you’re doing work or playing games or watching your favourite series, occasionally you’ll hear a knock at the door and she’ll come in with a bowl of “soup”. All you know is that “it’s good for you.” Even though you have no idea what’s in it, you’ll be a good kid and finish it to the last drop.

6. When you ask why, she’ll always say: “Because I’m your mom.”

One of the most annoying things I’ve ever heard my mom say. When reason doesn’t work in her favour, she will drop this line on me and I’ll just have to accept it. No choice. Mom’s the word.

7. She says: “Why don’t you ever go out?”

Sometimes I’m just staying at home for a few days to save up some money, or to do some work. Then, she’ll suddenly ask me this question. According to her, she was concerned that maybe I didn’t have any friends to go out with. Of course not. My friends are at Hogwarts battling Voldemort.

8. She says: “Why do you treat the home like a hotel?”

After a few days of going out with my friends, she’ll utter the opposite of the previous point. Well, do you want me to go out or not?

9. Always asks you to troubleshoot everything.

Whenever she needs to install an app or if something’s wrong with her computer or phone, we’ll be the first one she calls. She really trusts us on these things.

10. Treats you like a child no matter how old you are.

Finally, the last one on our list. No matter how old you are, in the eyes of your mom, you are always the kid that you were when you were just 10 years old.

Mother’s Day is only a reminder of how much our moms mean to us. Remember, you only have one mom! So show your appreciation every day!

Have you thanked your mom today?

(Header image credit: 8 Jobs In SG You Never Thought Would Pay Well But Actually Do

4 Abandoned Hiking Trails In SG For The Bravest Of Hikers

Sick of the usual hiking routes? Up for a challenge? Try these abandoned hiking trails that will lead you to post-war ruins, tombstones, and what-have-you.

Serapong Trail

Take a hike along the abandoned trail that leads to Fort Serapong, an old fort left behind from the WWII era. The fort is built atop Mount Serapong, located in Pulau Blakang Mati, aka Island of Death… which is present-day Sentosa. (Doesn’t sound so frightening now, does it?) While Sentosa’s flashy attractions draw in the tourists, Serapong attracts the paranormal seekers and adventurous hikers, who venture in to explore the fort’s post-apocalyptic ruins.

Woodneuk Trail

This is another trail that will bring you to a popular spot for ghost-hunters. Trek up the steep hill of overgrown vegetation bounded by Tyersall Road and Holland Road, and you’ll end up at a dirt path that leads to the abandoned former palace of Sultan Abu Bakar of Johor. Having been through the Japanese bombings and a savage inferno, it’s a wonder how the structure still stands today.

Keppel Hill Reservoir Trek

This forgotten reservoir (also once a private pool) was abandoned since the fifties, and was rediscovered by the National Heritage Board in late 2014. Remnants of its past include old water pipes, a diving board, broken concrete steps, and a mysterious lone tombstone at the top of the hill. This trail snakes through a dense jungle and also leads to another abandoned path leading to Mount Faber.

Bukit Brown Trail

Yes, Bukit Brown as in Bukit Brown Cemetery. While touring through a cemetery might sound creepy, this trail probably isn’t as scary as the others on this list, since it is a heritage site that sees a fair amount of (human) visitors and isn’t quite as “abandoned”. That said, we don’t recommend setting foot on this trail at night though.

Many of these abandoned trails seem to double as great spots for paranormal seekers too – they definitely aren’t for the faint-hearted!

(Header image credit: original image by Divij Sood, edited by author.)

Also read: 10 Stunning Beaches Near Singapore That You Must Explore

8 SG Politicians Rocking The Instagram Game Better Than You

If you’re at all surprised that politicians in Singapore can be social media-savvy (despite all the incidents that seem to befall their Facebook accounts), then this list will show you that Instagram isn’t just for 20-somethings with a penchant for #ootd shots.

From photographs of bak chor mee to campaigning on the ground to selfies — and trust us, there are a lot of selfies! – here are the top 10 Singaporean politicians to follow on our favourite photo sharing app.

Lee Hsien Loong / @leehsienloong

https://www.instagram.com/p/BD9oHECGJ8M/?taken-by=leehsienloong

Did you think we would start our list with anyone else? Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who was among one of the first politicians to join Instagram, uploads snapshots of his life regularly onto the social media platform with warm captions, allowing followers to engage him through comments. Also, check out his #guesswhere photographs, which often showcase a less mainstream image of Singapore (basically, not MBS!).

Baey Yam Keng / @baeyyamkeng

https://www.instagram.com/p/BEFIWwdxY1K/?taken-by=baeyyamkeng

It’s evident that Instagram’s selfie king, Baey Yam Keng, who is the Parliamentary Secretary, and MCCY MP for Tampines GRC, hasn’t lost his gut instincts for what makes a great shot. From his Instagram page, we can deduce that Baey is a fitness nut who has even got his colleagues to work out with him (we feel for you, Grace Fu and Koh Poh Koon…). Oh, and he’s on Snapchat too!

He Ting Ru / @tingruhe

https://www.instagram.com/p/BDZ8z7vpqrO/?taken-by=tingruhe

Dressed in blue most of the time, He Ting Ru, who is the Secretary of Workers’ Party, and ran in the last General Election last September, is definitely one to follow on Instagram. Being a cat lady (her family was reported to have taken in 8 strays), her updates are down-to-earth and extremely personal. You’ll find shots of her lunch, cats, more cats, and what you can basically expect from your next door neighbour who’s super busy but still manages to find time to post updates.

Kevryn Lim / @kevryn_lim

https://www.instagram.com/p/BEBbvRvJt-a/?taken-by=kevryn_lim

Kevryn Lim’s Instagram page says one thing: badass, although her Instagram bio reads a little pseudo-Machiavellian: “You can’t make people love you, but you can make them fear you!”. She made her debut in last September’s General Election when she ran as a candidate under the National Solidarity Party, and has made quite the impression ever since. Best photographs on her Instagram page include shots of her abs at the gym, skylines of Singapore, and her adorable toddler.

Sylvia Lim / @sylvialim65

https://www.instagram.com/p/BALbor6xVWL/?taken-by=sylvialim65

Sylvia Lim, a member of Workers’ Party, and a Member of Parliament representing Aljunied GRC, is a regular on Instagram. Her posts, which can get up to hundreds of likes, often offer followers a peek into the heartlands — be it mee suah stalls that come highly recommended or traditional theatre that may not be as popular in today’s day and age. However, what struck us as the most Singaporean shot of the city-state may just be that rooster on a vehicle.

Teo Ser Luck / @teo_serluck

https://www.instagram.com/p/BDUMlOtO-Vk/?taken-by=teo_serluck

Bak chor kway teow soup? Hell yeah! PAP’s Teo Ser Luck, who is the country’s current Minister of State at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, as well as the mayor of the Northeast District, is no stranger to Instagram, although his posts are quite sporadic. Plus, his hashtags are seriously hilarious, what with “MPsofreepostfoodagain”, “nohorserun” and “talksomuchyouMPorfoodcritic”.

Seah Kian Peng / @seahkianpeng

https://www.instagram.com/p/BEA7EcRSAkl/?taken-by=seahkianpeng

Seah Kian Peng, a PAP member and the MP representing Marine Parade GRC, isn’t one to shy away from telling his followers about his enthusiasm regarding sports, from rugby to running to football. You will definitely be able to find photographs of him stretching away in between lots and lots of people shots – from residents to family to Cai Shen Ye strutting it during Chinese New Year.

Tan Chuan Jin / @chuanjin1

https://www.instagram.com/p/BDazhPjP3JL/?taken-by=chuanjin1

If you want a little more colour in your life, why not follow Tan Chuan-Jin? The country’s Minister for Social and Family Development has got a rather vibrant Instagram page, featuring beautiful shots of Singapore Airlines’ planes at Changi Airport, foodporn, and flowers. And if you think that’s not enough, guess what… the guy posts photographs of cats and dogs as well. Can’t beat that.

Are there other politicians you think we should have highlighted? Drop us a tip!

(Header image credit: Surprise! 8 Interesting Things You Didn’t Know About PM Lee!

5 Singlish Phrases – What They Mean & Where To Eat That Food!

Singlish, love it or hate it.

Even if you lean towards the latter, you can’t deny the fact that there’s something unique about it. If you were to travel to another continent, odds are, you’ll have great difficulty conversing with locals there. It’s not your fault, our local unique slang tends to slip out.

Some of these phrases might sound foreign to your ear. Some might make you laugh like a drain. Some might even make your mouth water.

Let’s dive in, shall we?

1. Blur like sotong

Where to find the best sambal sotong: Chomp Chomp Ru Yi BBQ

Ru Yi BBQ’s dishes are hot on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside — it will leave you licking your plate and spoon and fork. The sambal sotong is sinful and makes your tummy feel like the Valley of Fire. But dear God almighty, is it worth it.

Address: 210 Toa Payoh Lorong 8, Stall No. 72, Singapore 310210 (not located at Chomp Chomp)
Contact: +65 8133 7688
Opening hours: 5pm – 11pm daily
Price: >S$8

2. Chop chop kali pok

What it means: Work faster

Kali pok refers to curry puff. Chop chop simply means hurry up. The two separate phrases were put together because they rhyme and sound catchy. Chop chop kali pok is often uttered by the impatient P.E. teacher or your BMTC instructor.

How to use it: “My 88-year-old grandma can run faster than you. Faster, chop chop kali pok!”

Where to find the best curry puff: AMK Curry Puff.

Thick crust. Check. Spicy. Check. Fragrance. Check. (Apparently, the owner of AMK Curry Puff, Mr Leo, used to be a shareholder in Tip Top Curry Puff!) If you love food with a tinge of tradition, you must head down to Toa Payoh. Word is, the curry puff is still finger-licking good even when it’s cold.

Address: Super 28 Coffee Shop, Block 184 Toa Payoh Central, #01-372, Singapore 310184
Contact: +65 9672 6621
Opening hours: 10am – 8:30pm
Price: >S$1.40

3. Stylo Milo

What it means: A fashionable, stylish person. A little tricky – it could be used as a compliment or sarcastic insult.

How to use it: “Wah piang, you wear socks with sandals? You stylo milo man.”

Where to find the best Milo Dinosaur: Spize.

Most drink stalls at coffee shops could probably do a Milo Dinosaur for you, but Spize is one of those stalls that does it the best. Of course, it seems nuts to order the drink alone – it’s milo + milo powder. If you’d like something to go along with your drink –  try Spize’s seafood aglio olio and chicken chop. Each bite is more delicious than the last.

A word of caution, though — you may get a sugar rush!

Address: Bedok outlet – 336 Bedok Road, Singapore 469512
(Visit their official site for River Valley and Rifle Range outlets)
Opening hours: Weekdays – 12pm to 2am & weekends – 12pm to 3am
Price: Iced Milo Dinosaur S$3.50, Iced Milo Godzilla S$4.50
Milo Dinosaur: Iced Milo topped with Milo powder
Milo Godzilla: Iced Milo topped with Milo powder, and ice cream or whipped cream

4. Ya ya papaya

What it means: An insufferable stuck-up person.

There’s a fine line between confidence and arrogance. The phrase, ya ya papaya, leans towards the latter.

How to use it: “Just now, I congratulate Alex on his promotion, and you know what he said to me? He said ‘Of course, I deserve it.’ Cannot stand that guy, so ya ya papaya.”

Where to find the best green papaya salad: Beer Thai House Restaurant.

Lovers of spicy food, a heads-up! Granted, Beer Thai’s signature dishes are the mango salad and pineapple fried rice, but its loyal customers will have you know that the papaya salad can easily hold its own. It’s appetising and authentic.

Address: Golden Mile Tower #01-50/51, 6001 Beach Road, Singapore 199588
Contact: + 65 6297 7644
Opening hours: 11am – 11pm daily
Price: >S$6

5. Agak-agak (a.k.a agar agar)

What it means: A rough estimation.

It’s supposed to be agak-agak (a Malay Language phrase), but for some odd reason, someone gave it a new twist and called it agar-agar. It’s stuck since then. Sigh, we Singaporeans with our pronunciation…

How to use it: “Ah ya, don’t ask me to calculate for you. My maths very jialat, got a D for my PSLE. You own self agar agar la.”

Where to find the best agar agar cake: Cake Story.

Their cakes are so adorable. You’ll want to take a picture of it and post it on Instagram. Lo and behold, you’ll receive massive likes! They have a decent range of agar agar cakes for you to choose from – Hello Kitty, Mickey Mouse, Barbie Ball, just to name a few.

[caption id="attachment_5879" align="aligncenter" width="793"] Credit: Facebook and you’ll win our love!

(Header image credit: You Can Now Fish & Dine At Singapore’s First Kelong Restaurant! You’ll Want To Check This Out!

8 Jobs In SG You Never Thought Would Pay Well But Actually Do

Whether you’re a working adult or a soon-to-be graduate, we’re pretty sure you’re familiar with the concept of a job. You know, the idea of trudging through endless paperwork whilst chasing impossible deadlines? Yeap, that’s the one.

We half-kid.

Okay seriously though, the majority of us living in this fast-paced society should be familiar with the concept of 9-5 jobs and OTs. Don’t get us wrong, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with working hard for cash. Let’s be honest, who doesn’t desire a better life for them and their loved ones? However, in our pursuit for better salaries and benefits, we tend to put aside our passions and initial ambitions. At times, we go so far as to forget who we truly are outside of our jobs.

As with JobStreet.com.sg’s #icanbebetter campaign, a better job doesn’t necessarily mean one with a higher salary or better title. A better job can be one that allows you to enjoy the simple pleasures in life, such as having more time to spend with your loved ones or doing the things you love. Job benefits may not always be in monetary terms and #icanbebetter is a reminder of just that. If you’re constantly burning weekends and feeling worn out, below is a list of jobs you should consider. These jobs not only pay well, but also leave you time to pursue your passion.

1. Cabin Crew

[caption id="attachment_5908" align="alignnone" width="632"] Image Credit: Singaporeair.com[/caption]

Literally a great way to fly, being a cabin crew definitely has its perks. Besides the opportunity to travel around the world and meet travellers from all walks of life, you also get to fulfil your inner wanderlust. Joining a cabin crew will allow you to have your cake and eat it too.

 2. Financial Consultant

[caption id="attachment_5909" align="alignnone" width="1732"] Image Credit: Accountantsrc.com.au[/caption]

Alright, save the eye rolling and hear us out. Firstly and most importantly, financial consultants are not insurance agents. Yes, really. Not only does being a financial consultant allow you to make a real and direct impact on the lives of others, the job’s timings are also largely flexible. It may not be the most glamorous of jobs, but it’s definitely a respectable one.

3. Real Estate Agent

[caption id="attachment_5910" align="alignnone" width="350"] Image Credit: Blog.newalbanyohio.com[/caption]

Again, it may not be a conventional dream job but think of it this way, you’re helping clients scout and purchase their dream homes. Essentially, you’re playing a key role of initiating others into a new phase of their lives. Besides enjoying the occupation’s flexible work hours, you get to meet people from all walks of life. We guarantee that you’ll never run out of interesting stories to tell.

4. Copywriter

[caption id="attachment_5911" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Image Credit: Voglioviverecosi.com[/caption]

From a copywriter to a scriptwriter, the possibilities are endless. If you’re the creative type, being a writer should rank pretty high up on your potential jobs list. From laid-back bars to cosy cafés, we dare say that this is one of the few jobs where you can decide your own work location and timings.

5. Event Coordinator

[caption id="attachment_5912" align="alignnone" width="630"] Image Credit: Brides.com[/caption]

Always loved organising get-togethers or find planning itineraries of overseas trips a breeze? As an event coordinator, feel the unrivalled sense of satisfaction when you’ve organised a successful corporate conference or put together a wedding so beautiful you teared a little. Of course, free passes to such events don’t hurt.

6. Producer

[caption id="attachment_5913" align="alignnone" width="575"] Image Credit: Diymusician.cdbaby.com[/caption]

Ever find yourself watching a local TV show and thinking I can totally come up with something better? This may just be your innate producer calling out to you. From script coordination to compiling of footages, you also get to manage your own TV show and show the media industry what it’s lacking. Besides being on first-name terms with celebrities, you may even get premier tickets to the latest movies.

7. Graphic Designer

[caption id="attachment_5914" align="alignnone" width="1940"] Image Credit: Samhanasharing.xyz[/caption]

If you’re more of an artist, being a graphic designer is a considerable option too.

Not only do you get to work with some of the most revered international brands, but you also get to meet some of the industries’ most well known designers. Who knows, you may even pick up a tip or two.

8. Photographer

[caption id="attachment_5916" align="alignnone" width="431"] Image Credit: Favim.com[/caption]

Always been a bit of a shutterbug? Take the leap of faith and turn your passion into a serious full-time paid job! Not only will you be able to celebrate the joy of others, but you’ll also be able to capture some of the happiest moments of your loved ones. We have to say, no wedding present is quite comparable to this one. Unless you know, you butcher the photos with strange blue tints or colour editing.

There you have it, eight alternative jobs that allow you to explore more opportunities, pursue your passion and pay your bills. Determined to do better but no idea where to start? Create a profile at it is our choices that show us who we truly are, far more than our abilities. #icanbebetter; the change is now.

Also read: Get Going! Try Something New This Weekend With These 6 Activities

10 Unconventional Things You Do In SG That Show You’re A Local

This is not your typical list. Conventional activities are all hipster and cool. Which is why here at Discover SG, I’m introducing you to the slightly bizarre things. Are you ready? Let’s find out where you stand on the true blue Singaporean scale.

1. Shop at a local pasar malam

Our local pasar malam is a fashion world, food paradise, game zone, and antique auction all rolled into one. I mean, where else can you get an ear pick, Chinese wooden drum stool, and a giant bunny plush toy all at the same place?

Has it been a long time since you’ve stepped into a street market? If you’re feeling a tiny bit lost, well, fret not. I recommend you to follow Twitter account Pasar Malam Updates for the latest deets.

2. Play chess with ah gong

It’s the battle of the brains. These retirees are so absorbed in their chess games that they probably don’t even know if you’re stealing a peek over their shoulder. If you think you can handle the pressure and the strong possibility of them kicking your little monkey butt — go for it.

Address
Chinatown Complex, 335 Smith Street

3. Try your hand at 4D & TOTO

The culture of 4D and TOTO in Singapore is flourishing. If you’ve seen the long queue at the Singapore Pools stores — especially if you live in Chong Pang — you’ll nod in agreement. Maybe you’ve got a set of numbers in a fortune cookie, or a recurring dream? Better buy 4D or TOTO.

4. Get your personal care & toiletries fix at lesser known stores

Most of us amateurs replenish our personal care products in Watsons, Guardian, and Unity. Bargain experts know better — they shop at lesser-known stores like Swanston. I once bought a Simple Gentle Care Shampoo at this kind of stores and it costs me less than S$5. Most retail stores sell it S$9.90. I felt like a fool.

Swanston’s
Address: People’s Park Food Centre Level 2, 32 New Market Road
Opening hours: Daily, 10am to 9pm
Cash only

5. Quad cycle at East Coast Park

In terms of team building activities, quad cycling — hands down — beats kite flying and rollerblading. It requires a group of people to join forces and support each other to combine their individual strengths.

If you’re not much of an athlete, I suggest you sit at the back. The pedals at the front require you to exert more leg power, and good lord, you will not feel your thighs for at least three days. Bring along a cap, wear sunscreen, and drink plenty of water.

Address: East Coast Park Service Road,

6. Visit old shopping centres

Let’s face it, most shopping malls aren’t built like the old ones anymore.

To give you a head start, check out Beauty World Centre. My favourite hang out place is the bookstore and open-air hawker centre. The Feng Ji Shu Shi Char Kway Teow is one of its main highlights.

Address: 144 Upper Bukit Timah Road,

7. Buy secondhand books at Bras Basah Complex

Forget Kinokuniya and Popular. Bras Basah Complex is the ultimate destination for bibliophiles. (It also houses Cats Socrates, Image credit: That Balloons[/caption]

It used to be really easy to find a kachang puteh kiosk. Now? They’re as rare as a chance to kiss the Pope’s ring. I did a quick Google search and found that there’s one kiosk at Cathay Cineleisure Orchard. I’ll definitely miss eating nuts out of a paper cone.

9. Go shopping at OG

OG may not be as posh as Robinsons, but it’s got its own charm. The vast variety of fashion apparels is the sundae, while the shopping vouchers and pearls are the cherry on top. OG treats their customers right. They have a habit of shelling out freebies whenever their customers hit a minimum purchase.

Address: 60 Albert Street, OG Albert Complex

Tip: If you find that OG is not your cup of tea, you can hop on over to Bugis Junction, which is right around the corner!

10. Have ice cream from a cart

Here’s a back story. My father’s a Buddhist and I frequently tag along with him to visit the Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple at Waterloo Street. Because of the cheaper parking rates, he would often park his car at the car park next to Sim Lim Tower.

And I’ve discovered something along the countless journeys. Rain or shine, this ice cream cart uncle is always there. For as long as I can remember, he’s been selling ice-cream at the exact spot since I was a primary school kid. He works fast and he’s not much of a talker.

This is an unpopular opinion, but the mixed ice-cream from ice cream carts are better than ice cream from some cafes — and they’re cheaper, to boot!

Aside from this uncle at Sim Lim Tower, you may find ice cream carts along Orchard Road.

(Header image credit: 8 Delish Meals Under $10 In Orchard That Will Leave You Satisfied! – Part 2