10 Unmistakable Signs That You Love Singapore’s Local Food As Much As We Do!
Singapore’s local food is something that will always makes us uniquely Singapore. So much so that we hear foreigners and tourists frequently raving about our culturally diverse local food and its no secret that we are known for our Chilli Crab (even though we know we are definitely more than that 😉 ). And somehow, we always manage to copy food from all over the world, and adapt it to suit our unforgiving Singaporean tastebuds.
[caption id="attachment_3470" align="alignnone" width="1024"]You don’t understand how anyone will get confused or won’t know how to order what they want. Aiyo how can? There’s simply no excuse for that!
But you are always eager to help and educate any confused angmoh or foreigner.
[caption id="attachment_3477" align="alignnone" width="500"]2. And of course the art of ordering noodles
[caption id="attachment_3479" align="alignnone" width="451"]You will actually hunt down Chinese Singaporeans who are clueless over this and give them an hour long lecture.
3. Whenever you are overseas, you only crave for Singaporean food
That moment when you’ve landed in Europe after a 12 long flight and all you ever want to eat is some Chicken rice, Laksa, Nasi Lemak, Mee Goreng, Prata, Kway Chap… Jialat sia.
And then you remember this is only the start of the torture of not having local food for the next few days…or weeks…or months.
[caption id="attachment_3482" align="alignnone" width="245"]5. You are willing to work for your food
You are willing to travel all the way from the West to Bedok 85 for Bar Chor Mee and BBQ Chicken Wings. And you are a strong believer that queues are telltale signs of good food.
The longer the queue, the better.
[caption id="attachment_3492" align="alignnone" width="1600"]7. Hawker centres bring out the indecisiveness inside you
You want to order everything!
[caption id="attachment_3503" align="alignnone" width="470"]10. After all, you know the best food is always found at the Hawker Centres
Never at some Michelin Star fine dining restaurant.
Or hipster cafe.
And most definitely not at some 5 Star Hotel with a 10-course, $128 per pax meal.
[caption id="attachment_3524" align="alignnone" width="500"]5 Singapore Stores And Brands You Haven’t Heard Of But Need To Support!
I don’t know Singapore like a book. Having lived here for 23 years, it never fails to stun me how little I know about my home country. For instance, I had no idea there were in this little red dot!
Out of curiosity, I decide to compile a list of local brands and stores that belong to the ‘under the radar’ category to see if anyone might’ve heard of them. Did yours make the list?
Winter Organics
[caption id="attachment_3399" align="alignnone" width="700"]Winter Organics is conceptualised for two types of people: a) people with acne-prone, sensitive skin and b) people who want to build a socially conscious skincare collection.
Certified Cruelty Free and Vegan under PETA, and organic by Australian Certified Organic Processor 11690, it’s a Singapore brand manufactured in Down Under Australia.
The Chamomile Facial Cleanser pH5 has a whiff of honey citrus, but a peek at the key ingredients list reveals something different. It’s made of aloe barbadensis leaf juice, sea buckthorn and chamomile flower extract.
Winter Organics is a relatively new brand; it has only one product under its belt. Let’s keep our fingers crossed — and toes for good measure — that it’ll launch more skincare products to protect us from the sun, wind and sea!
The Paper Stone
[caption id="attachment_3403" align="alignnone" width="700"] Image credit: The Paper Stone[/caption]
One blogger says, if Smiggle is for children, then The Paper Stone is for adults. Right on. If you frequently shop at heartland malls, odds are, you’ve seen The Paper Stone.
Known for its brightly-coloured and illustration-packed journals, the store is usually crowded with stationery enthusiasts during the start of each school term.
If pretty stationery is your cup of tea, you don’t want to miss the 24-hour flash deal specials that happens on every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Fun fact: The Paper Stone has branched out to the Philippines!
Coconurture
[caption id="attachment_3401" align="alignnone" width="700"]When news broke that there were more eczema cases in hospitals, a little part of me wanted to holler at the crowd and turn their attention to organic coconut oil — specifically, the ones at Coconurture.
An online health food store that manufactures its products in the Phillipines, I’ve always been surprised by the number of wellness junkies who have never heard of the brand.
I recommend the Coco N Zema® Eczema Oil Flare Relief and Intense Scalp Treatment for those who want to get started on living a more organic lifestyle.
Go Buy Lah
[caption id="attachment_3400" align="alignnone" width="700"]A personal anecdote: I once bought a ukulele at Go Buy Lah for less than S$20. Don’t bother clicking on the cross button to search for it, because I already did, and it’s completely sold out.
But that’s not to say that you should give this store a miss. There are other items that might catch your fancy. Say, the Mistura Pellicano Pui Ebony red watch or the cuddly bean bag chair.
What sets this online store apart from most of its competitors is not just its Costco-esque wide variety of products. Rather, it’s that there’s no minimum purchase required for free shipping, and the option to pay cash on delivery.
Cats Socrates
[caption id="attachment_3404" align="alignnone" width="700"]Most knick-knack lovers know Cats Socrates like the back of their hand. It’s cosy. It’s charming. It’s run by two cat shopkeepers named Zoo-Zoo and Chestnut. Zoo-Zoo is friendlier.
Cats Socrates is like the care package you never knew you needed. Chock-full of beautiful trinkets and soothing music playing in the background, it’s the sort of store you envision in Switzerland, not Singapore.
Warning: no one is ever known to leave the store empty-handed. There’s a strong possibility that you’ll burn a colossal hole in your pocket.
Don’t keep the best things to yourself. If you know any store in Singapore that deserves more attention, give us a heads-up on our Facebook page! We’d love to hear about them.
Also read: 10 Secret Free Things To Do In Sentosa That Will Make You Want To Visit It This Weekend
20 Wildly Fun Outing Activities In Singapore Under S$19 – Most Are Free!
Singapore is a small country, and it’s certainly not boring. It just means that you have to look harder. More often than not, it’s about entertaining yourself in the place you live in. If you prefer not to spend too much money to travel across another continent, Discover SG’s got you covered.
1. Go hiking at The Southern Ridges
[caption id="attachment_2936" align="aligncenter" width="700"]Free admission
Ditch your pumps and Birkenstock, and opt for a pair of sensible footwear to have a stab at hiking down The Southern Ridges. At 10km long, it’s the hot new favourite place for history aficionados, nature lovers and selfie buffs.
2. Volunteer at SPCA
[caption id="attachment_2937" align="alignnone" width="700"]Free admission
SPCA is always on the lookout for helpers and dog walkers to advocate their animal welfare cause. If you’re an animal lover, consider volunteering at the shelter to make a pup’s day. You’re going to go home with a sense of accomplishment.
3. Marvel at the flowers in Singapore Botanic Gardens
[caption id="attachment_2938" align="alignnone" width="700"]Free admission
Here’s something you probably haven’t heard of: picnics are back in fashion. They’re so popular that there are companies here selling packed baskets! If your money is a wee tight, treat it as a DIY project. Set a time, pick a shady spot and I guarantee you’ll have butt-loads of fun.
4. Window-shop at Haji Lane
[caption id="attachment_2940" align="alignnone" width="700"]Free admission
There’s something about Haji Lane. The quirky knick-knacks, the timeless fashion apparels, the aesthetically pleasing little shops. It’s a must-visit for every Singaporean (and tourist). Get a sneak peek at the charming town and its must-visit stores here.
5. Make googly eyes at the fishes at Qian Hu Fish Farm
[caption id="attachment_2941" align="alignnone" width="700"]Free admission
If you don’t know who Kenny Yap is, I, well, let’s leave it at that. Qian Hu, famous for its Dragon fishes, has been around the block since the late nineties. The fish farm may not be as glitzy as Orchard Road, but it still has its own rustic charm.
6. Watch a free movie outdoors
[caption id="attachment_2942" align="alignnone" width="700"]Free admission
A free outdoors drive-in movie screening? It certainly beats shivering uncontrollably in the cinema. Movie Mob was launched in 2009 and seven years later, it’s still going strong. Join their mailing list to get the first deets.
also read: We’ve oohed and ahhed while we were in the Singapore Flyer capsule, but how many of us have actually experienced the Tiger Sky Tower? Not many of us, I’d presume. It’s not too late to have a go. Tickets cost S$18 for adults and S$10 for children. Estimated cost: >S$4.50 Ice-cream waffles? Nah, I’ll take unconventional local cuisine any day. Here are some recommendations to get you started on your foodie trip: Free admission Get away from the hustle and bustle, and escape to Singapore’s first ASEAN Heritage Park to rewind. The rich biodiversity is something to behold. I wouldn’t be surprised if you stop to smell the flowers. Oh yeah, that Komodo dragon that’s staring at you like food? Don’t worry, it won’t kill you. It’s a water monitor lizard. also read: Free admission (duh) Say whatever you want about Stephenie Meyer (Twilight series), but you’ve got to admit it, she’s made reading cool again. If you’re looking for quality me-time, get on the bus and head to the library. Design fanatics can’t go wrong with Library@Orchard or Jurong Regional Library, and YA (young adult fiction) buffs should not miss Queenstown Public Library for its impressive collection. Depends You don’t have to spend a bomb at Gardens by the Bay. You can enjoy free admission for most of the sights. Take The World of Plants, Dragonfly and Kingfishers Lakes, Heritage Gardens and Sun Pavilion for instance. They’re enough to keep you entertained. Free admission If you appreciate casual dining and low-maintenance relaxation, look no further than Farmart Centre. You can have a prawning contest with your mates or feed the farm animals. Price: free, unless you end up going home with a puppy. Free admission Any children — or adult — will want to try this out. If playgrounds aren’t your cup of tea, grab your bikes, skateboards or fishing rods. What’s interesting about Woodlands Waterfront Park is that there’s a restaurant located at the jetty. Who knew? Cost: >S$8 Create art with a cotton swab and toothpick! An activity like this will hit you with the nostalgia bomb. If you can’t stand art, grab your pals and head down to the arcade (price varies). It’s much more satisfying than being cooped up alone in home playing Call Of Duty on your Xbox 360. Well, I don’t know if there are coconuts at the farm, but the name ‘Bollywood’ certainly brings the fruit to mind. The lush greenery is a marvel and reminds us to take a step back from our fast-paced, urban lifestyle. Entrance fee costs S$2. Admission is free for kids under 12 and seniors over 60. also read: Free admission Alexandra Canal Linear Park is like a pearl oyster. At first glance, there’s not much to look at. Look further and you’d feel like you’ve been had. If you spend ample time at the park, you’d see that there’s a rope playground and a scaled-down skate park for skateboarding enthusiasts. Free admission The Animal Resort is another lesser-known place in Singapore. Think of it as a mini zoo. You get to feed the animals, see what it’s like for a pet to get a haircut, and witness a dog training ground. Not much is known about The Library, except that it’s as secretive as hosting an underground supper club. What makes the bar so intriguing is that it’s by appointment only and guarded by a secret pass code. One writer at Popspoken recommends the Wonky Donkey ($17). Free admission To any acrophobic, attempting the Treetop Walk is as frightening as walking down the Yuntaishan glass walkway. Think carefully before you embark on this exhilarating mission. Get a friend you trust to come along with you and whatever you do, don’t look down! Cost: varies, depends on your resourcefulness Here are some ideas to get you started. You could play dodgeball at the basketball field. You could create your own name tag from scratch. Notice the acupuncture stones you often see at your HDB block? Use it. Skip on it. Run on it. Just make sure it’s not occupied by some elderly. Please, only proceed if you don’t mind getting weird looks. With these 20 wildly fun activities to do in Singapore for the cheap, we hope you’ll never complain of being bored! Adventure belongs to those to seek it. So go forth and have an adventure! Note: Price does not include parking fees and transport fares. Image credit: Mind Blowing Trip[/caption]
8. Forget hipster cafes, dine at hawker centres instead
[caption id="attachment_2944" align="alignnone" width="700"] Image credit: Northern Sights[/caption]
9. Test your endurance at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
[caption id="attachment_2945" align="alignnone" width="700"] Image credit: Angie and James Do Stuff[/caption]
Image credit: Today Online[/caption]
11. Admire the greenery at Gardens by the Bay
[caption id="attachment_2947" align="alignnone" width="700"] Image credit: Wikipedia[/caption]
12. Rub shoulders with animals at Farmart Centre
[caption id="attachment_2948" align="alignnone" width="700"] Image credit: Farmart Centre[/caption]
13. Attempt the humongous climbing structure at Woodlands Waterfront Park
[caption id="attachment_2949" align="alignnone" width="700"] Image credit: White as Milk[/caption]
14. Turn back the hands of time at Creative Art Corner (or Timezone)
[caption id="attachment_2950" align="alignnone" width="700"] Image credit: 许恩熙[/caption]
15. Dance with coconuts at Bollywood Veggies
[caption id="attachment_2951" align="alignnone" width="700"] Image credit: Bollywood Veggies[/caption]
Image credit: National Parks[/caption]
17. Feed the animals at The Animal Resort
[caption id="attachment_2953" align="alignnone" width="700"] Image credit: Tuan-min.com[/caption]
18. Sneak into The Library & have a drink
[caption id="attachment_2954" align="alignnone" width="700"] Image credit: Popspoken[/caption]
19. Get over your fear of heights at the Treetop Walk
[caption id="attachment_2961" align="alignnone" width="700"] Image credit: National Parks[/caption]
20. Or better yet, go Sparta! with Running Man
[caption id="attachment_2962" align="alignnone" width="700"] Image credit: Soompi[/caption]
Featured image credit: Gardens by the Bay YouTube screen grab
12 Irresistible Snacks You Would Have Loved As A 90s Kid!
90s kids had it good: sure we didn’t have iPads to pass the time, but when it came to food, our childhoods were coloured with cheap snacks shared at the canteen table or playground during recess – or even in class (remember fake-coughing just so you could chew on your White Rabbit sweet?).
To commemorate those golden years, we’ve compiled a list of 12 nostalgic snacks you’d have loved if you’re a 90s kid.
1. Ice Pops
What’s a 90s snacks list without this treat? Eating them frozen on a sweltering afternoon was the perfect after-school treat. That while watching any show on Kids Central. Yes, we haven’t forgotten our beloved OKTO of yesteryear.
2. Mamee Monster
This was one of the most fun snacks to eat: salty, crunchy, and made to resemble instant noodles. Crushing it up was half the fun.
3. Wang Wang
It’s no surprise we were all fascinated to some degree by the mysteriously edible, plastic-like coating that encased our beloved, chewy White Rabbit sweet.
5. Fancy Gem Biscuits
These were fancy treats, only rewarded after we’d completed an assignment – and, while most kids probably adored the colourful gems of sugar that topped each biscuit, I would pick them off because they were too sweet for my liking.
6. Haw Flakes
Remember putting as many potato rings as you could on your fingers, and then licking your fingers when you were done eating them? Your childhood would not have been complete without this after-school snack.
also read:
Source
There was something about these animal-shaped, salted snacks that made them so addictive. Maybe it was the animals printed on each cracker… or maybe it was just the MSG.
9. Hacks
I highly doubt the fact that Pink Dolphin was a ‘vitamin drink’ lent it extra street cred. It was, quite easily, the drink to be seen with. It also tasted quite wonderful – like magic liquid in the mouth.
If you’re craving for some of these snacks right this minute, it isn’t too late – hit up Sheng Siong supermarket or mama shops (convenience store) for a quick fix! You’re most welcome!
also read:
If you are into the cinephilia culture, Discover SG has sourced some alternative film experiences that are far from the usual blockbusters in iMax screens. From homegrown features to top picks at international film festivals, these one-of-a-kind venues provide new space — to screen (at lower cost) and a great network community between industry’s talents and mainstream audience. Useful sites like Singapore Film Society and Sinema (free screenings islandwide) will provide information on the latest quality film screenings and events. *Selected locations islandwide Golden Mile Tower, 6001 Beach Road #05-00 Singapore 199589 Paging all hipsters, this is probably the most retro movie experience that one can encounter in Singapore. Just based its captivating location alone, it is not your average cinema for sure. Rediscover an old cinematic icon, Golden Theatre within Golden Mile Tower, was the biggest cinema back in 1973. After a successful Indigogo crowdfunding campaign, this independent cinema is now refurbished while still preserving the original’s old-school features. This cinema screens indie films (think Cannes Film Festival) and programme curator Gavin Low has expressed, “I believe The Projector can provide a different perspective, broaden the tastes of audiences here, and help develop a community who can call this cinema home.” They have just recently turned ONE! For more information on their frequent quirky themed events, do check out their Facebook for updates also read: Alliance Française Theatre
1 Sarkies Road, Newton, Singapore 258130 This French language and cultural institution aims to be a regional influence in contributing to the cultural scene of Singapore. Opening doors to people from all walks of life, Alliance Française de Singapour provides high quality viewing experience in their 236-seats cinema. 93 Stamford Road, Singapore 178897 also read: National Library Board
*Selected locations islandwide In an attempt to promote community awareness in the local scene, the National Library Board has been screening FREE movies islandwide. Apart from loaning physical books, NLB libraries also lend out movie dvds for you to enjoy in the comfort of your own home. With all these alternative places to watch a movie, why visit the same old boring cinemas? Embark on an adventurous date by visiting these alternative places instead! Let us know how your movie experience went in the comments!Crazily Cool Alternative Places To Watch Your Movies At & Impress Your Date!
MovieMob by Ape
Since its launch in 2009 till date, MovieMob has been screening outdoor movies in all locations around Singapore. With makeshift movie theatre popups in open areas islandwide, the turnout at their unique drive-in has been very successful.
If you do not own a car, they will always have a separate picnic area and everyone gets to enjoy thematic food sponsored by the event organisers. It often is a splendid weekend as everyone gets to enjoy the silver screen under a starry sky! Wouldn’t this be a perfect idea for a first date? Follow their social media platforms to suggest your choice of movie to be screened!The Projector
Apart from hosting weekly screening of classic and contemporary French films (with English subtitles), the public also gets to enjoy films of other language in their diversified events like Francophonie Festival. For this year 2016’s special, they have even invited director Yann Samuell for its world premiere Le Fantôme de Canterville (The Canterville Ghost) for a Q&A session with the audience.National Museum of Singapore
If you would like to be educated about cinematic culture, one should not miss the National Museum of Singapore’s monthly World Cinema Series. It is a showcase of artistically restored works of international classic.
Home to a retrospective collection of local films, the Gallery Theatre often host events like Perspectives Film Festival and Singapore International Film Festival. Apart from its underground cinémathèque, the National Museum of Singapore also screens occasionally in their Stamford Garden in a relaxing open-air ambience. One can bring their own picnic mats and even BYOB under the stars!
Aside from family-friendly blockbusters shown at selected branches, be sure to catch a monthly screening of (artsy-fartsy) film on the first Wednesday of the month at Library@Esplanade.
4 Famous Food Stalls & 1 Humongous Playground That You Should Not Miss At ‘Ulu’ Marsiling
About a year ago, the only remotely interesting thing about Marsiling was SV Guitars, a music store that sells, yes, guitars and other instruments to budding and seasoned musicians. Unfortunately, much to the dismay of audiophiles, it quietly closed down and focused on its main branch at Peninsula Shopping Centre.
Granted, the unsophisticated town hasn’t taken its next step towards being cool, but the food, coastal park and eclectic stores still have something to bring to the table: its rustic charm. As if to say, “Yes, I’m an oldie. But I’m a goldie too.”
Yan Ji Seafood Soup
[caption id="attachment_3174" align="aligncenter" width="700"]Picture it. Full-flavoured, tender fish slices that are as white as a sunlit snowdrift. A rich, hearty bowl of soup, that upon the first sip, makes you feel like you just had a religious experience. Yan Ji is one of the few stalls in Singapore that has won many praises from both regular and new customers.
Even local variety show Where the Queue Starts is a fan. If you manage to sweet talk the owner into giving you more soup, you’re my new hero.
Address: Block 4A Woodlands Centre Road #02-11, Singapore 730004
Opening hours: Tuesdays to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8.30 p.m.
Woodlands Waterfront Park
[caption id="attachment_2949" align="aligncenter" width="700"]Woodlands Waterfront Park is right around the corner if you’d like to do a little bit of walking to burn those extra calories. Forget about going there during the afternoon. You might end up sweating bullets. Opt to go on windy or cloudy days.
The park tends to get quiet during the evenings (perfect opportunity to attempt the playground!), but if you walk down the jetty, you’d see that there’s quite a number of people. The reason? There’s a restaurant. Yeah, I can’t get over that, either.
Address: Admiralty Road West, Singapore 759956
Ahsia Food Stall
[caption id="attachment_3176" align="aligncenter" width="700"]This roti prata is scrumptious even when it’s cold. Pair that with sardine sauce and you have got yourself an unforgettable dining experience. Ahsia’s roti prata is a perfect example of a common dish done uncommonly well.
The only downside about the stall is that there’s always, always a long queue. One time, my dad went there around 8 a.m. and found out that there’s no more prata left!
Address: Block 4A Woodlands Centre Road #02-76, Singapore 731004
Opening hours: Closes at 10 a.m.
Ah Keat Pig’s Organ Soup and Kway Chap
[caption id="attachment_3175" align="aligncenter" width="700"]Ah Keat’s bowl of kway (rice sheets) may not hold a candle to Guang Liang Cooked Food’s at Bedok Reservoir, but its pig offal is a worthy contender. Order this dish with your friends, and I’ll guarantee (or not) you lot will wrestle for it.
If pork dishes aren’t your cup of tea, then you might want to turn your attention to the western food stall. Its chicken chop is fresh and generous. Note that the western food stall usually starts its operations during the early evenings.
Address: Block 211 Marsiling Crescent Singapore 730211
Opening hours: unpredictable opening and closing times
Old Woodlands Town Centre is slated for redevelopment works in 2016. If you want to try the dishes (Yan Ji Seafood Soup and Ahsia Food Stall), get your skates on.
Also read:
Where did January and February go? We are almost done with the first quarter of the year 2016. In anticipation of the Good Friday long weekend from 25th to 27th March, Discover SG has curated a few 3D2N holidays for your perusal. From the travel friendly site Expedia, we have sourced South East Asia destinations with round-trip flight from Singapore + weekend hotel stay for you to chill and explore! Rama Beach Resort and Villas www.ramabeachhotel.com Be it a romantic escape or a rejuvenating trip with your besties, Rama Beach Resort and Villas is a perfect sanctuary for its tranquil environment and privacy. Decorated in contemporary Balinese décor, you can enjoy its pampering spa and an outdoor pool with its signature waterfall. If you like a little exploration, its convenient location means that it is within walking distance to the hustle and bustle of Kuta. You may visit the famous Lippo Shopping Mall or Waterbom Amusement Family Park. Price: From S$412*/ person Plantation Urban Resort and Spa www.theplantation.asia Like what its name suggests, this resort is a place of green paradise, right in the heart of bustling city Phnom Penh. Lounging all day by its gorgeous pool in the full-service cabana can easily be your weekend goal! This boutique hotel also has a wide range of services, from spa, restaurant, fitness room to a luxurious rooftop suite (upgrade required). Located in the most strategic location, Plantation is just a two-minute walk away from all the ‘must see’ landmarks like Independence Monument, Nation Museum, Royal Pagoda and Royal Palace. Price: From S$445*/ person InterContinental Hanoi Westlake www.hanoi.intercontinental.com Looking over the scenic panorama view of the West Lake, a superb stay at InterContinental Hanoi Westlake is guaranteed with first class service. Located away from the city center, the area ‘Old Quarter’ offers a fulfilling experience through a plethora of lakeside activities. Immerse yourself in local culture, take day trips out to iconic places like 800-year-old Golden Lotus Pagoda, Nha Tho Street, Hom Market and wonders of the 36-street catacomb. There are countless enriching Vietnamese experiences one can encounter in the breathtaking Hanoi. Price: From S$559*/ person Shangri-la’s Rasa Ria Resort & Spa www.shangri-la.com/kotakinabalu/rasariaresort Some Singaporeans may have visited Malaysia more often than our own Sentosa island. Still and all, have you heard about the 5-star paradise of Pantai Dalit Beach on Kota Kinabalu? Enveloped by a placid nature reserve, the Shangri-la’s Rasa Ria Resort & Spa echoes magic. The epitome of splendour, this Malaysian-themed hotel is home to Nature Interpretation Centre; the gateway to Borneo’s wildlife. From jungle walks to nocturnal watching, you can choose to do some horse riding today and deep sea fishing tomorrow. By sunset, be ready to be served by your own private butler in a beachside gazebo with spectacular international cuisine. Price: From S$660*/ person Pakasai Resort www.pakasai.com Just a few steps away from Ao Nang, Krabi’s most popular beach, 4-star Pakasai Resort is a haven with its tropical garden setting.With a rooftop freshwater infinity pool overlooking swaying palm trees and coastline, the view from its hill stop location is exquisite. How can any weekend be better than this? Apart from being close to Krabi’s main shopping and entertainment district, the resort also provides curated tourist packages for experiencing community culture to green exploration. You can even hone or pick up some skills from their Southern Thai cooking class, half day canoe, or learn about the natural wonders of ‘Tha-lane’ grotto. Price: From S$749* / person *Prices stated include round-trip flight from Singapore, 2 nights stay, taxes and fees (via Expedia.com) on 1 March, 2016. With a trip planned out for you, which one will you go for? Get ready to book your tickets, pack your bags, and embark on a rejuvenating weekend getaway! Also read:
Sentosa has been branding itself as the “The State of Fun”. Without a doubt, there’s really so much fun we can have on this small island. But all locals know that due to the touristy nature of the island, almost any type of ‘fun’ in Sentosa comes with an expensive price tag. No wonder there’s an inside joke that Sentosa stands for – So Expensive Nothing To See Also. SG50 has brought about many promotional packages and discounts in Sentosa, but now in 2016, some of us might be trying to siam (avoid) Sentosa again because it’s bo hua (not worth it). So today, be surprised by the amount of absolutely free things you can do in Sentosa for an entire day of fun! There are a few ways to enter Sentosa but definitely the cheapest way would be by foot via the boardwalk. This 670m long boardwalk is sheltered all the way, plus there are travelators along the way so you can just hop on and simply enjoy the amazing sea view. The best part about the boardwalk? There are so many Instagram-worthy spots – both day and night! Remember not to miss the sunset on the way out, because why in the world would you want to miss out on a view like this? DiscoverSG Tip: This is one of the best place in Singapore to catch a panoramic sunset view. You can even enjoy the small firework display for the 8pm Crane Dance at the RWS WaterFront from the viewing platform! Opening Hours: Every weekend there will be a bazaar held along the boardwalk where you can find some unique handcrafted goods or steal some great deals! Maybe a chance for you to grab a selfie stick before heading into Sentosa! Opening Hours: We all know the Henderson Waves and MacRitchie TreeTop Walk, but one of the super underrated, lesser known Skywalks in Singapore is the Fort Siloso Skywalk. This is the newest addition to Singapore’s skywalk block and the tallest one yet! Standing at 11 storeys high, this elevated bridge offers amazing scenic views of the Western Sentosa as well as Mount Faber and Keppel Harbour. History lovers can also learn much about the defence by the British Army in the 19th Century Singapore at sheltered rest points. If you aren’t a fan of history, I’m sure the thrill of being this high up will satisfy your ‘wanderlusting’ spirit. And the thing is you can post photos with an overseas geotag on Instagram. Shhhh go ahead we won’t tell! Opening Hours: If enjoy learning about history, this is definitely not to be missed! Fort Siloso is one of most historically rich places in Singapore and it has the nation’s largest display of World War II relics with coastal guns, tunnels, photographs, films, life-sized replicas and exhibits. What’s more is that there will be free Fort Siloso Guided Tours on Fridays, Weekends and Public Holidays! Siloso beach is known for their variety of recreational activities by the beach and of course, where you can find some of the hottest hunks and bikini babes 😉 Okay that aside, one of the free yet most fun beach activity is beach volleyball. Drag your friends down for a game or simply just join people who are already playing on these courts! I don’t know about you but how about holding the next Sentosa Spookcular here? DiscoverSG Tip: If you are feeling brave as hell, why not try going for an adventure here at night? 😉 Opening Hours: Want to get a glimpse of the rich and glamorous life? Head down to Quayside Isle in Sentosa Cove for a walk and dream about owning one of those yachts docked at the bay. And it’s definitely somewhere to bring your date to. Well, at least we can dream right? Opening Hours: The ‘Animals and Birds Encounter’ at Palawan is something for the kids since most of the free activities are targeted at adults. It’s a short but entertaining education show where you can get up close with the animals and even pet them! Also, there will be many photo-taking opportunities so you don’t need to go to the zoo to do so. Opening Hours: Short 3D2N Getaways From Singapore To Make Full Use Of The Long Good Friday Weekend!
BALI, INDONESIA
(Flight duration: 2h 45m)PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA
(Flight duration: 1h 55m)HANOI, VIETNAM
(Flight duration: 3h 20m)KOTA KINABALU, MALAYSIA
(Flight duration: 2h 30m)KRABI, THAILAND
(Flight duration: 1h 45m)10 Secret Free Things To Do In Sentosa That Will Make You Want To Visit It This Weekend
1. Enjoying the scenic sea view at Sentosa Boardwalk
Daily – All day
*Free entry till 31st Dec 20162. Soak in the buzzing atmosphere at Sentosa’s Boardwalk Bazaar
Saturdays – 4pm to 11.30pm
Sundays – 2pm to 9.30pm3. Take a billion photos at the Fort Siloso Skywalk
Daily – All day
*The Skywalk is access via lift or stairs. The lift operates from 9am – 7pm.4. Step into your history and social studies textbooks with the Fort Siloso Tour
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Image credit: 7. Start a impromptu beach volleyball showdown at Siloso Beach
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Daily – All Day9. Dreaming about the filthy rich lifestyle at Quayside Isle
Daily – All Day10. Bring the kids to interact with animals and birds
Daily – Different Showtimes from 2pm to 5.30pm
Check the Showtimes
12 Wildly Popular Toys Only 90s Kids Will Remember Playing With
If you are one of those who shake your head in disapproval when you see parents letting their children entertain themselves with iPad and iPhones, you’d also probably reminisce about your fun-filled, iPad-less childhood and say “Aiyo, kids these days.”
The 90s generation is probably the coolest generation (IMO as a 90s kid and I’m sure you would agree if you are one). We spent our childhood days equally running outdoors playing catching and playing on our gameboys which means we had the best of both worlds. Plus, we got to witness the growth of technology.
[caption id="attachment_3294" align="alignnone" width="500"]Those were the days where almost everyone had a Beyblade, even girls! And I remember the ripoffs were sold everywhere, so there was no excuse not to have one. This spinning top toy was popularized by the Beyblade anime series and there were mini arenas for competitions as well.
One does not say no to an impromptu Beyblade Showdown.
2. Tamagotchi
I remember I used to get so depressed when my Tamagotchi pet died, then I would start blaming myself for not caring for it enough. Since my parents did not allow me to get a puppy when I was younger, my Tamagotchi was basically my baby.
It sure did teach us a bit about responsibility.
[caption id="attachment_3303" align="alignnone" width="783"]This was one of the coolest toys you could have then!
With their sophisticated yet super cool race tracks, we could compete each other and our eyes would be glued to our cars the whole time!
[caption id="attachment_3310" align="alignnone" width="500"]We don’t know about you, but Tamiya cars were our very first cars. We remembered spending countless of hours making our cars from the kits. Then, testing and playing those cars at the void deck or tamiya tracks in the neighbourhood. There was also the regular maintenance (lubricating) and upgrading of car parts.
[caption id="attachment_3422" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]We surely missed those days, including those when we were shouted at for playing at home, and spoiling all the furniture legs when our tamiya cars crashed into them!
4. Gameboy
Oh boy, don’t we all love playing the Gameboy?
Seriously though, this was practically the iPad of our generation with so many games we can choose from with the different game cartridges.
Needless to say, Pokemon, Tetris and Super Mario were our all-time favorites!
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This is a heart-stopping game that requires much strategic planning through careful situation analysis.
We all remember that moment when the tower is unstable and it’s gonna be our turn next and we nervous as hell.
[caption id="attachment_3317" align="alignnone" width="300"]How? I could barely play with the yoyo properly.
[caption id="attachment_3320" align="alignnone" width="400"][caption id="attachment_3323" align="alignnone" width="480"] Gotta catch ’em all! Twisting our bodies in different ways we never knew could be twisted and then screaming at the gamemaster to hurry up. If you remember playing all these, I’m sure there is this wave of nostalgia that you would have felt after reading this article. There were so many simple games that used to entertain us for hours and hours and nope, none of it ever revolved around an iPad, which shows that fun can come in all forms with just a bit of imagination. Let us know in the comments if we missed anything! 🙂 Image credits:
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11. Pokemon Cards
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30 Stunning Photos That Will Make You See Singapore In A Different Way
How would you describe Singapore in one word? I used to say it’s tiny — a response I’m sure is also often uttered by most Singaporeans. But now that I’ve gone through these snapshots, I feel like it’s time to come up with a new adjective.
1. The sand stockpile across Bedok Reservoir
[caption id="attachment_3024" align="alignnone" width="700"]The stockpile of sand is meant for future projects. But every now and then, whenever I drop by Bedok Reservoir, all I can picture is the Sahara Desert.
A rather surreal and unusual sight, I must say, considering Singapore is known for its skyscrapers and city life.
2. Haw Par Villa
[caption id="attachment_3205" align="alignnone" width="700"]If I were to pick the worst place to bring a yellow-bellied kid to, Haw Par Villa would be the top of my list. Its impressions of Chinese folklore’s 10 Courts of Hell is crazy frightening.
I bet tourists will do a Kevin-Bacon-Footloose-jump-back move when they see this gruesome scene — especially after they’ve basked in the glorious view from the Singapore Flyer.
3. The migrant workers’ dormitory
[caption id="attachment_3009" align="alignnone" width="700"]Many migrant workers come to Singapore to pursue job opportunities to support their family back home. Besides dealing with the overcrowded and messy dormitories, they also have to endure the social stigma of being a foreign worker.
4. Sundays at Orchard Road
[caption id="attachment_3010" align="alignnone" width="700"]Most of our foreign domestic workers’ rest day falls on Sunday. If you’re ever around Orchard Road — specifically, Lucky Plaza — on Sunday, take a minute to soak up the scene. Odds are, the place will be packed with Filipinos. The Little Manila of Singapore is the favourite hot spot of the community.
5. Senoko Fishery Port
[caption id="attachment_3011" align="alignnone" width="700"]When I came across this picture of Senoko Fishery Port, I went, “Those still exist?” Some of us may have had our feet splashed at at the wet market, but how many of us have actually set foot into a fishery port? Singapore may be small, but there are still a couple of gems out there that we may not have discovered.
6. New public housing
[caption id="attachment_3013" align="alignnone" width="700"]Apparently, HDB flats can look posh too. One writer at CNN even likened it to a luxury hotel. I can understand that, because… well, take a look at that majestic sight.
7. Rochor Centre
[caption id="attachment_3014" align="alignnone" width="700"]The iconic building is going to be demolished soon to allow room for the construction of the North-South Expressway. Let this sink in.
8. The homeless
[caption id="attachment_3015" align="alignnone" width="700"]Just because we don’t see them doesn’t mean they don’t exist. According to one writer at Youth.sg, some of the homeless are estranged from their families, kicked out by relatives or left home of their own accord.
9. The haze
[caption id="attachment_3016" align="alignnone" width="700"]Singaporeans are not hardwired to withstand the haze. Scratch that, no one is. Hopefully, the brief experience has taught us not to take clean air for granted.
10. The hailstorm
[caption id="attachment_3017" align="alignnone" width="700"]According to the World Risk index, we’re currently at the 15th spot. Which means that there’s a slight chance of a natural disaster happening in Singapore. Knock on wood, but hey, you never know, right? Life is unpredictable.
11. Richard Koh’s photos
[caption id="attachment_3018" align="alignnone" width="700"]Richard W J Koh is an award-winning photographer from Singapore. Take a look at this phenomenal picture of our HDB flats taken from an aircraft. Who knew you can turn an ordinary scene into something so breathtaking? It’s all about the angle.
12. Traditional Peranakan shop houses
[caption id="attachment_3019" align="alignnone" width="700"]And speaking of angles. If it weren’t for the heading, you’d probably think this is a picture of a quaint town in an exotic country. The Peranakan shop houses’ timeless pastel colours reflect a life of simplicity.
13. Street art
[caption id="attachment_3208" align="alignnone" width="700"]Mural paintings are a common sight in Singapore. Street art, on the other hand, are much rarer. Hmm, could this be one of the reasons why we were once named as the second coolest country in the world?
14. Thaipusam
[caption id="attachment_3021" align="alignnone" width="700"]Singapore may be a multiracial country, but I bet there are many things that we still haven’t heard of. Thaipusam is a Hindu thanksgiving festival celebrated in honour of Lord Subramaniam. The spikes you see in the picture? They can weigh up to 40kg. Mindblown.
15. Keong Saik Neighbourhood
[caption id="attachment_3023" align="alignnone" width="700"]All-round cool band Beastie Boys shot their pulp noir music video, The Gala Event, at Keong Saik Neighbourhood back in 2007. And to think I was ecstatic when Tom Waits sang about Singapore.
16. Kampung Lorong Buangkok
[caption id="attachment_3071" align="alignnone" width="700"]We’ve got trouble. There are a few homes in Kampung Lorong Buangkok that have undergone upgrades. Does this mean our last surviving village is disappearing? Only time will tell.
17. Singapore’s massive flood
[caption id="attachment_3155" align="alignnone" width="700"]Singapore usually doesn’t flood, so when one strikes, you know it’s bad. This massive flood has caused a lot of headache and hindrance to the public. All I can say is, I’m glad those PE lessons and NAPFA tests haven’t gone to waste.
18. This HDB block
[caption id="attachment_3073" align="alignnone" width="700"]Here’s another gorgeous picture of our HDB flats. This shot was part of the HomeScapes Photography exhibition that was launched back on June 2015. Who says old can’t be beautiful?
19. Police uniform
[caption id="attachment_3074" align="alignnone" width="700"]The local traffic policewoman uniform used to be white during the late 1960s!
20. Samsui women
[caption id="attachment_3151" align="alignnone" width="700"]All of the remaining Samsui women are in their twilight years. The sentiment alone goes to show that our country has come a long way.
21. Bryan van der Beek’s photos
[caption id="attachment_3084" align="alignnone" width="700"]Photographer Bryan van der Beek captures a location at different times within the same photo. Original and fascinating, his photos make you look at the little red dot in a strikingly different way.
22. Murad Osmann
[caption id="attachment_3091" align="alignnone" width="700"]Murad Osmann is known for his Instagram photography series “Follow Me To”. Kampong Glam, a place we’re familiar with ever since we went there for our primary school excursion trip, looks unique and evocative in this shot.
23. Grocery shopping
[caption id="attachment_3093" align="alignnone" width="700"]Ah, gone are the days when all homemakers would buy their groceries while walking down the street. Now many of us turn to grocery delivery service and online concierge.
24. Tanglin Hill Brunei Hostel
[caption id="attachment_3094" align="alignnone" width="700"]There’s an unequal sign between the phrase ‘hauntingly beautiful’ and Singapore. At least, that was what I originally thought. Looking at this photo, I couldn’t be more wrong.
25. Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
[caption id="attachment_3210" align="alignnone" width="700"]This snapshot looks straight out of a Studio Ghibli movie. I’ve been to the area countless of times, but this picture never fails to make me do a double take.
26. Little Guilin
[caption id="attachment_3152" align="alignnone" width="700"]If Mediacorp were to film another period drama series, this is the place they would go to. The sight’s a breath of fresh air, especially when you’re the type that gets easily caught up in the urban lifestyle.
27. Lazarus Island
[caption id="attachment_3102" align="alignnone" width="700"]Lazarus Island sounds like something you would hear in a Jurassic Park movie. During an interview with The Straits Times, 60-year-old Mr Leow said that it’s unnecessary to travel to another continent to take beautiful shots when we already have a stunning beach. I rest my case.
28. Japanese Cemetery Park
[caption id="attachment_3153" align="alignnone" width="700"]Located in Hougang, it is Southeast Asia’s largest Japanese cemetery at 29,359 square metres. With over 500 tombstones, some of the notable graves include secret agent Tani Yutaka and Terauchi Hisaichi, the son of the 18th Japanese Prime Minister Terauchi Masatake.
29. Portsdown Road water tank
[caption id="attachment_3104" align="alignnone" width="700"]Maybe it’s because of the HDB water tank incident, but this photo of the gigantic container gives me the heebies-jeebies. Let’s not beat around the bush, this is not the type of idiom you’d normally associate with Singapore.
30. 2013 Little India riot
[caption id="attachment_3022" align="alignnone" width="700"]When news of the riot broke, we all thought it was a prank. When we took a closer look at the scene and realised it was real, we felt like we just got punched in the face with a knuckle duster.
All in all, Singapore is a culturally diverse country in a little red dot! Let us know how these photos have changed the way you view Singapore!
