Category: Uniquely Singapore

This App Will Be Your Cheatsheet When Bae Asks You, “Where Should We Go Ah?”

Dating is tough these days.

If it’s not a movie date, it’s a dinner and shopping. While there’s nothing wrong with that, sometimes having variety isn’t a bad thing.

After all, variety IS the spice of life. But if you’re fickle or indecisive and cannot seem to make up your mind on what to do, there’s an app to help you with that.

Date Out

While I’m sure that binge-watching seasons of Brooklyn Nine-Nine on Netflix is entertaining (it really is. It’s a great series), your partner might not think so.

*cue infomercial music* Getting bored of staying home? Finding it hard to go on interesting dates? Introducing Date Out! This brand new application curates a selection of date activities, unique experiences, and even gift ideas for couples! *cut music*

Okay, you get the point. So, despite my singlehood, I downloaded the app to check it out, FOR JOURNALISM!

The app has 5 different categories of experiences – Workshops, Sports & Adventure, Personalised Gifts, Intimate Gifts, and Flowers.

At the moment, only 3 of the categories are populated with experiences. I mean, the app is very new, so give them some time.

Workshops

You can choose from Unicorn Cake workshops for 2, Terrarium workshops, Leather Crafting, and even Friday Night Themed Cooking workshops for 2!

Sports & Adventure

The Sports & Adventure category currently has Go-Karting activities, Segway guided tours, escape rooms, combat saber experience, and many more!

Personalised Gifts

The Personalised Gifts category offers customised stamps, candles, personalised jewellery and even customised wood watches for couples!

I guess we’ll have to wait for them to find more vendors and update the remaining categories, Intimate Gifts and Flowers.

For those of you wondering what “Intimate Gifts” is going to include, I can only say this, the app asked if I was above the age of 18.

If you purchased a gift or flowers via the app, you will be able to track your orders and see your order history within the app.

The app even tracks your current location and every workshop listed in the app currently, is displayed on the map as a gift box, so you know where to go.

They Didn’t Forget The Singles

Also, while the app is primarily targeted at couples, it can also cater to friends who are looking for unique activities to do in Singapore.

Date Out offers a comprehensive reward system, where regular users can accumulate points and redeem them for tickets or curated events.

Every “experience” you book or gift you buy via the app, will entitle you to 5 Date Out points.

The rewards that are redeemable with Date Out points at the moment include Starbucks vouchers, a pair of Golden Village movie tickets, and Capital Land vouchers.

Date Out can now be downloaded for free on iTunes and Google Play and online at their 15 Things Only S’porean 90s Kids Will Remember From Their School Days

(Header Image Source:

15 Things Only S’porean 90s Kids Will Remember From Their School Days

Going to school back in the 90s wasn’t about having the latest iPhone or MacBook. There was a time when kids played in sand-filled playgrounds and depended on school bookshops for affordable novels and comic books.

If you grew up in Singapore as a 90’s kid, then you’ll remember how much fun we had in school even without phones and social media. We were born in a time where we got to witness the evolution of technology and the proliferation of the Internet – which is pretty damn cool, if you ask me.

The 90s brought us lots of fond memories. Here are several things you’ll remember about school as a 90s kid!

1. OHP 

Remember when every class had leadership roles for everyone? Class Monitors, Group Leaders for different subjects and the most important role of all – AVA Monitors. They were always responsible for the set up of the OHP Projectors.

Don’t forget the shadow puppet shows we’d always perform using the OHP.

Cheap thrills ah they say.

2. Morning Silent Readings

Remember dragging your feet to school at 6:30am begrudgingly to sit in the parade square for morning assemblies?

We used to call it “Silent Reading” and your teachers would walk down the row to inspect the books you brought to school. We’d read everything from The Bookworm Club and Enid Blyton to True Singapore Ghost Stories and Mr Midnight.

[caption id="attachment_35168" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Image Credit: GizTrendZone[/caption]

Secret compartments, in-built sharpeners and some even had compasses.

4. Country Eraser

You could get these country erasers for 10 – 20 cents from your school bookshop!

We used to keep ourselves entertained by flipping our erasers and celebrating mini victories whenever we won because that meant you could keep your opponent’s erasers.

We used to staple our erasers as well and transform it into a mini gasing. Just remember not to get caught by your teachers during lessons.

5. Corporal Punishment

Caning is also used as a form of corporal punishment and disciplinary measure in primary and secondary schools.

Remember public canings? Oh they were the worst.

If you see your discipline master with rolled up sleeves with a cane in his hand up on stage, you know things are about to go down.

6. Floppy Disk

Before thumb drives, we had floppy disks.

Can you remember the smell of these things? Remember the sounds the computer made when it was reading the disks?

We used to carry stacks of these for IT classes or to simply store pictures in them.

7. Phone Cards

Instead of carrying coins around, your mom would get you a phone card with a certain amount of money in it instead.

We’d rush to the nearest phone booth just to call them during recess.

“Ma, today got remedial at 1:30pm.”

“Until what time, later I fetch you.”

“Okay ma, I need to go oledi. Bye bye.”

8. Kiwi Shoe Whitener

Weekends were always reserved for cleaning your shoes.

Remember spending a whole hour scrubbing your shoes, air drying them, using the kiwi shoe whitener and drying them again?

If you come to school with dirty shoes, be prepared for after school detention.

9. Young Scientist Badges

You know you’re a true Young Scientist Master if you collected these badges.

Long before computer games came up with the achievement unlocking systems, we grew bean sprouts, ran around collecting leaves and did many other things to earn these young scientist badges.

Remember pinning these badges on your uniform collars just to show it off to your other classmates?

10. Dental Care 

Every kid in primary school used to get a free toothbrush and container from the school dentist. We used to line up outside the dentist in two rows while the dentist would teach us how to brush our teeth the proper way.

“Okay remember, don’t forget to brush your gums also. Up and down 5 times.”

11. Collecting Stickers

Sticker books was the in thing then.

Autograph books were exchanged and classmates you like would take a turn to write in your book, decorating it with poems. There was even a section where friends were ranked. Ouch.

We only used sparkly gel pens to write in it because we were hella fancy.

13. Velcro Wallets with Silicone Coil Chains

This was the noisiest thing to ever exist.

These chains came not only in block colours but also in neon rainbow colours. They were the top selling item in almost every Primary School bookshop.

If you are a boy, you were considered cool if you had one of these hooked on your school shorts’ belt loops. I remember dodging many Spider-Man and Billabong Velcro wallets when sweaty boys run around during recess.

14. Trolley Bags

They see me rollin’, they hatin’.

The lucky kids who owned trolley bags soon realised that dragging their new bags up the stairs was much more troublesome than it looked.

But the thrill of owning one made up for that.

You’re basically Regina George in Mean Girls.“I have the coolest school bag now. Everyone else is irrelevant.”

15. MSN Messenger

Before we had WhatsApp or Facebook messenger, we all had MSN accounts.

I’m sure all the 90s kids would sigh with nostalgia at this. We’d rush home after school and made promises to our friends to go “online” at a certain time.

Everyone had to have some kind of status message (mostly emo lyrics) else they weren’t cool.

Rawr means I<3 you XD 

What are some other fond memories you remember from school?

Also Read From June 20, Your KFC Drinks Will No Longer Come With Plastic Caps And Straws

(Header Image Source: Pinterest , Wikipedia , 

2 More Shows To Be Added To JJ Lin’s Concert In S’pore This Aug

As we all know by now, JJ Lin will be performing in Singapore this August for 2 nights – 18 and 19 August 2018.

General ticket sales have already gone live and tickets have sold out almost immediately.

While there are no more tickets available at the moment, Unusual Entertainment has just announced that they will be adding 2 more shows to the JJ Lin ‘Sanctuary’ World Tour on 15 and 16 August 2018 as well!

https://www.facebook.com/UnusualEntertainment/posts/10160522381665716

JJ Lin ‘Sanctuary’ World Tour tickets go from $148 to $348. If you got your tickets the first time round, lucky you!

For those of you who didn’t, do keep checking back for more details on when the ticket sales for the additional shows will go live!

JJ Lin ‘Sanctuary’ World Tour
Venue: Singapore Indoor Stadium
Date: 15 – 19 Aug 2018
Price: $148 – $348
Website

Also read It’s Official: JJ Lin Will Be Performing In S’pore As Part Of His ‘Sanctuary’ World Tour

(Header Image Source: Asian TV Awards)

Meet S’pore’s Spice Boy And His Muji-Style Spice Shop In AMK

Meet Jack.

He’s a 28 year old Spice Maker in Singapore.

Anthony the Spice Maker is a hipster looking spice shop tucked away in Ang Mo Kio’s wet market. At first glance, anyone would think it’s a fancy stall selling tea leaves or coffee beans. Take a closer look and you’ll realise that it’s a shop selling spices.

Let’s be real, most of us would look at him and think, “Sure not this Chinese boy can sell Indian spices?”

Well, you’ll be surprised. He’s a Chinese boy with an Indian soul. He knows his spices inside out. He added, “For a Chinese guy, I can handle spice pretty well.”

If you were to ask any millennials whether they cook, 70% would probably say no. Eating out everyday seems like an easier option. If you ask me to replicate my mom’s home cooked dishes, I’ll probably give up and order McDonald’s instead.

Heck, I bet half us don’t even know the names of the different spices to begin with.

So that’s where Anthony The Spice Maker comes in. He makes cooking easier for all you millennials out there who are learning how to cook.

The Spice Mecca

The store was first started by Jack’s grandfather in 1986. After completing his National Service obligations, Jack was finally hit with the realisation that he needed a job. That’s when his father, Anthony, told him to join the business. Since then, Jack has been running the Ang Mo Kio outlet while his father runs the one in Chinatown.

Naturally, a first time cook will feel intimidated stepping into this shop.

“So many spices? Where do I start?”

Jack will come to your rescue. If you’re a newcomer, he’ll take his time to explain the differences between the ready-made rempahs that are available in the fridge and the dry spice blends that are packaged nicely in those brown paper bags.

The spices that he sells are perfect for busy young couples or home cooks. If you’re working a 9 – 5 job, you know that all you want at the end of the day is a quick simple meal. He explains that if you’re someone with a busy lifestyle, he’ll recommend the ready made rempah which is crafted for time-starved customers.

He prides in the fact that he uses high grade spices to make his rempahs. No preservatives, M.S.G. and artificial additives are used in the making of his rempahs. So if you’re health conscious, this is the healthier option as compared to buying those instant rempah you can get at most supermarkets.

If you’re a slightly advanced home cook and you trust that people won’t get food poisoning from your cooking, he will recommend getting the dry spice blends which you can use to adjust to your preferences. We heard that their best selling Curry Powder Singapura has quite a bit of a kick to it!

Best part, his spices are basically dummy-proof. Each packaging comes with a label that lists the ingredients and an instruction that explains what it is used for.

While the spice blends and rempah are available online, I highly recommend going down to the outlet instead. You’ll be able to interact with him and get a better understanding of what you’re buying.

However if you are pressed for time, you can check out the available spices online. In fact, if you know anyone who’s missing home cooked flavours, they ship their spices as well.

(Header Image Source: Discover SG)

50 Cents Is All You Need To Get Yourself Some Old School Dishes At This Festival

You know how when you’re younger and your grandparents will always tell you about the good old days, where life was tough, internet wasn’t available, but people were happy.

It was a simpler time where Singaporeans didn’t have unemployment and mobile data caps to worry about. No wonder my grandparents grew up right.

On 28 and 29 July 2018, bring your ah gong and ah ma out to Chinatown for them to reminisce a little, and relive the good old days at the 50 Cents Fest 2018!

Old School Singaporean Food For Just 50 Cents

This time, the 50 Cents Fest is throwing it back even further, taking visitors back to the golden era of the 1930s, with the Chinatown Food Street undergoing an 30s makeover, selling long-lost Singaporean dishes at the price of the yesteryears.

This is the 3rd edition of the amazing event that debuted at the Singapore Food Festival 2016. If this is your first time going to the festival, you can expect to find authentic 1930s local fare.

Some of the dishes you can get there include Kerabu Bee Hoon (a stir fried spicy, sweet and sour bee hoon dish. Think, dry mee siam), Fish Molee (a fish curry stew), and the polarising Kopi Gu You (black coffee with butter).

There will be more than 40 dishes available at the fest, with over 20 dishes priced at an unbelievable 50 cents. Food for 50 cents in this economy? Bo ko leng. But I’m telling you, it’s real.

That’s not all, there will also be entertainment acts available. Catch Taxi Girl and traditional opera performances, or walk down the streets of the 1930s with a one-of-a-kind virtual reality installation!

Don’t miss out on this 2-day food fest. Run and tell ah gong and ah ma about this! Mai tu liao!

50 Cents Fest 2018
Venue: Chinatown Food Street, Smith Street, Singapore 058938
Date: 28 – 29 Jul 2018
Ah Tan Proves He’s S’pore’s Lord Of The Wings – Amazing ‘Har Cheong Gai’ For $1.70

(Header Image Source: Chinatown Food Street)

Don Don Donki’s Upcoming 2nd Outlet In Tanjong Pagar Sells Food That CBD Workers Can Easily ‘Dabao’

DON DON DON, DONKI~

If the song isn’t stuck in your head, it just means you haven’t gone to the Don Don Donki at Orchard Central. Or maybe you’re just one of the veteran shoppers that listen to your own music as you shop.

If you haven’t been to Don Don Donki, you live in Sengkang is it?

This 2-storey wonderland practically brings Japan to Singapore. They have (almost) everything you want, need and never knew you needed, like the insanely popular roasted sweet potato. (Sweet potato never eat before meh?)

Really though, I love Don Don Donki and the best part is that it never closes. NEVER CLOSES leh. It makes 7-11 look like a joke.

So if you love Don Don Donki as much as I do but you’re low to middle SES like me and don’t travel to Orchard everyday, then you’d be glad to know that the Don Don Don-team (don’t quote me on this) have heard our low SES complains and are opening a 2nd outlet at Tanjong Pagar!

Don Don Don, Don’t You Wish Your NTUC Was Hot Like Me?

I’ll get straight to the point.

The 2nd outlet will be opening in 100AM Mall at Tanjong Pagar on 14 June 2018 at 10am.

There will also be special promotions on the opening day, as well as games, freebies and giveaways.

So if you’re a kiasu auntie or a curious cat, then gird your loins because this is the closest thing Singapore is going to have to a Black Friday sale rush.

Well, at least this outlet is MUCH nearer to me. Don Don Don’t Shove Me~

Don Don Donki (100AM Mall)
Address: 100AM Mall Levels 2 & 3, 100 Tras Street, Singapore 079027
Website

Also read SAM Late Nights Returns Once Again With Free Museum Access, Sushi And Entertainment

(Header Image Source: Don Don Donki)

Order Your Kopi And We’ll Tell You What Kind Of Person You Are

Forget what Harry Potter house you belong in, or whether you’re an Aries or Virgo.

Kopi, however you drink it, tells a lot about your personality.

There are plenty of ways that one can enjoy Kopi (some better than others of course), everyone has a special order that they swear by.

1. Kopi O Kosong

By far, the most authentic way to enjoy your Kopi.

Just like the kopi, the authenticity resonates with all the things that you do.

No sugar no milk. You don’t sugarcoat your opinions because you know people will either love you or hate you – might as well keep it real with them.

Your friends come to you for advice because they know you’re the best person to turn to in times of need. Others may shy away when the going gets tough, but not you. You’re a strong and tough one.

2. Kopi

You’re basic, just like your kopi.

Undoubtedly, the safest and simplest way to consume your kopi. Just the right kopi-milk-sugar ratio, you blend in with the rest.

You’re less likely to end up with a poorly made cup of kopi but you’re also less likely to be remembered at any social events.

But just like regular kopi, you’ve got everything sorted out. You’ve got life all figured out.

3. Kopi C

You’re skinny like Taylor Swift in an evening gown.

Regular Kopi is not gonna work because you have to watch that waistline of yours.

Your diet consists of avocado toasts and acai bowls. You have Aerial Yoga on weekdays and weekends are for CruCycling.

Your fitspo is Sandra Riley Tang and you ONLY buy Lululemon tights.

4. Kopi Siew Dai

While others prefer their coffee bitter or sweet, you’re right in the middle.

You’re the perfect balance.

It’s not that you don’t like bitter or sweet coffee, you just prefer it that way. It’s just who you are.

You’re a cautious individual who appreciates moderations in all aspect of your life. Your significant other loves you because you give moderately and don’t ask for too much in return either. You make the perfect partner.

5. Kopi Ga Dai

You’re the opposite of your sibling, Kopi Siew Dai. You live life to your fullest (and most diabetic).

You enjoy your kopi with lots of milk and sugar because you swear that’s how kopi should be enjoyed.

You probably order a double McSpicy because you don’t know fear. It’s not in your dictionary but it’s definitely in your menu. You eat it for breakfast. Fear is afraid of you.

However, you may also be a little too reckless. So order your Kopi Ga Dai in a cup instead of a plastic bag. Go big or go hospital, as they say.

6. Kopi Peng

While some may enjoy their kopi hot, you love it cold. You’re like the rainbow after the rain. The calm before the storm.

You’re a ray of sunshine and everybody loves you. Especially in Singapore’s ridiculous weather, everyone comes running to you.

You’re the unsung hero of Singapore. We love you and we appreciate you.

7. Kopi Gu You

Only 2.8% of you make up the Kopi Gu Yao clan.

You’re punk rock in a world of pop. You break the status quo.

There’s no such thing as regular kopi in your world.

Your mantra? You’re not hardcore unless you live hardcore. Also, you’re slightly insane and we’re all afraid of you.

9. Kopi Cino

You’re a true millennial.

Instead of Instagramming a tall soy latte frappucino, two pumps of vanilla, whip, double shot of espresso, extra hot but not too hot, from Starbucks, your “Iced Coffee” comes in a plastic bag because #Original.

If you could rename Kopi Cino, you’d probably spell it as KP CN because who cares for vowels anymore?

You love being extra and every single one of your Instagram posts has an emoji for a caption because words are overrated.

Also Read This Hawker Stall In Queenstown Sells Fluffy Soufflé Pancakes For Just $1.50 Each

(Header Image Source: Anydoko )

Is McGriddles Still The Same Good Stuff From 2 Years Back? We Did A Taste Test With 6 McVictims

So if you haven’t seen our updated article here, let me bring you up to speed.

The McGriddles is now available in McDonald’s outlets islandwide as well as McDelivery. Before you go “Eh but I thought you said 7 June!?”, RELAX.

It’s a soft launch. The official launch date is still 7 June 2018. But that’s not what you really care about. You want to know whether the McGriddles is nice or not, right?

Don’t worry, we got you fam. We ordered the McGriddles and got some McVictims to try. Here’s what they had to say.

Daniel

Have you had the McGriddles before?

Nope.

Since this is your first time having it, what’s your impression?

It’s alright. I don’t hate it. I would definitely order it again, but if it is removed tomorrow, I wouldn’t cry over it.

What do you like or dislike about it?

It tastes like when I order hotcakes and drench it with maple syrup. But I don’t think I will want it all together in a burger. To be fair, I am liking it even more with each bite I take.

Rate the McGriddles out of 5.

I’ll rate it 3.5 out of 5.

Marie

Have you had the McGriddles before?

YES!

Is this current one any different from the one you’ve eaten before?

It’s the exact same taste that I fell in love with 2 years ago and I’m so glad that it’s back 😀

What do you like or dislike about it?

It’s both sweet and savoury, which is a flavour combination that I really love.

Rate the McGriddles out of 5.

I’ll rate it a 4 out of 5 because it’s one of my favourites and it’s damn good.

Jacky

(Disclaimer: He wolfed the McGriddles down before any of us.)

Have you had the McGriddles before?

Never.

Since this is your first time having it, what’s your impression?

I don’t really have anything good to say about it.

What do you like or dislike about it?

I don’t really like it because the bun is too soft. I prefer the Sausage McMuffin, to be honest.

Rate the McGriddles out of 5.

I rate it a 3 out of 5. Too soft already. Like, the Sausage McMuffin is a SOLID 4.5 out of 5 for me. So I’ll go for that any day.

Alanna

Have you had the McGriddles before?

Yes I ate it before.

Is this current one any different from the one you’ve eaten before?

I don’t quite remember the taste of the previous McGriddles so I cannot really compare.

What do you like or dislike about it?

I like that the sweet and savoury blends well together but at the same time, I find that the McGriddles bun is too soft for my liking.

Rate the McGriddles out of 5.

I rate it a 3 out of 5. I’m not really a huge fan of it but it’s still quite a decent “burger”, if I can call it that.

Priscilla

Have you had the McGriddles before?

Nope, never tried it before.

Since this is your first time having it, what’s your impression?

I like it! I would definitely order this again. I hope it doesn’t get removed from the menu. But if it does, then that’s life I guess.

What do you like or dislike about it?

I like it because I like Hotcakes and eating this is like I’m eating Hotcakes and Sausage McMuffin together.

Rate the McGriddles out of 5.

I give it a 3.5 out of 5. Tough critic ah.

Ian

Have you had the McGriddles before?

I’ve had McGriddles once before, though it was right before they were taken off the menu.

Is this current one any different from the one you’ve eaten before?

I can’t really remember what the McGriddles came with in the past, but if we’re just talking about the “bun”, then it’s exactly the same as I remember, in terms of texture and flavour.

What do you like or dislike about it?

I like the McGriddles because I find that the McMuffin “bun” or muffin, is too bland.

So sometimes if I’ve taken a bite that’s too big and finished more sausage than “bun”, then I’m left with a large piece of bland muffin. This sounds like a euphemism. It’s not.

But anyway, with the McGriddles, I’m alright with just eating the “bun” alone because it’s sweet!

Rate the McGriddles out of 5.

This is a 4 out of 5. My only gripe is that it gets soggy quite quickly. So eat it as soon as you get it. Mai tu liao.

So there, you have 6 reviews of the Sausage McGriddles with Egg.

This is not a sponsored post so these reviews are like, 99.9% legit. The 0.01% is to take into account that everyone has different tastes when it comes to food.

If you don’t believe us, then please, by all means, order your own McGriddles here or at any McDonald’s outlet islandwide!

Also read This Hawker Stall In Queenstown Sells Fluffy Soufflé Pancakes For Just $1.50 Each

(Header Image Source: DiscoverSG)

This New Shophouse Hotel In S’pore Doubles Up As A Co-Working Space For Entrepreneurs

With Singapore cementing itself as one of the hottest tourist destinations as well as a leading business hub in SouthEast Asia, our island country is no stranger to tourists and expats – which also means that we have no shortage of hotels, hostels and inns.

Hidden away in a corner of Ann Siang Hill, a short walking distance from Maxwell Food Centre, is Tribe Theory Venture Hotel.

A VENTURE HOTEL FOR START-UPS AND ENTREPRENEURS

Tribe Theory Venture Hotel was created to be a place for entrepreneurs to have a comfortable and affordable place to stay, as well as connect and engage with like-minded people on the same entrepreneurial journey and work effectively.

Conveniently located in the heart of the city, the hotel is within walking distance of the Central Business District, Maxwell Food Centre, and Chinatown which is home to Singapore’s first Hindu Temple as well as the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum.

The lobby is small but cosy. It is a shophouse after all.

Checking in is made simple with an iPad for guests to input their details. (Did you know they accept payment in cryptocurrency too?)

As you venture further into the hotel past the lobby, you’ll come across a giant world map on the wall to your right, with numerous pins by past hotel guests.

Tribe Theory might be a capsule hotel, but it’s well-equipped. You’ll find the communal toilets and showers on the first level. There’s even a laundry area, because Singapore’s weather is notoriously humid.

As you head up the stairs, you’ll be greeted by an intricate logo of Tribe Theory.

There are 2 air-conditioned mixed dormitories that can accomodate up to 32 people comfortably in 28 affordable capsules.

If you’re wondering about storage, there are lockers provided for all guests.

Each capsule is cosy and comes equipped with a backrest, a small safe, a backlight and a reading light.

In the dormitory on the second level, there are 2 capsules that are bigger than the rest and can accomodate up to 2 people.

Past the dormitory on the second level and up the stairs, you’ll be able to look into the double-height ceiling in the common room on the first level.

Level 3 is where you’ll find the lounge which also serves as a breakfast area and co-working space.

A simple, complimentary breakfast is available for guests and it comes with free-flow coffee, tea, milk and juice, because every striving entrepreneur needs fuel.

Does this hotel not look incredibly cosy?

Tribe Theory Venture Hotel is a no-frills, entrepreneur-centric hotel that is easily accessible and affordable, so if you’re a budding entrepreneur travelling in or to Singapore, there’s no better place for you to stay.

Book your room here and we’ll see you at Tribe Theory!

Tribe Theory Venture Hotel
Address: 39 Ann Siang Rd, Singapore 069716
Contact no.: 6423 0237
Website

Also read The Ultimate Tourist’s Guide To Getting Around Singapore With Public Transport

(Header Image Source: DiscoverSG)

The Ultimate Tourist’s Guide To Getting Around Singapore With Public Transport

As a Singaporean, I am proud to say that Singapore is home to the best airport in the world. If you think that the same pride extends to our public transport system, you are not wrong.

Despite recent performance issues, our public transport system is actually quite convenient and reliable. Places that aren’t accessible by MRT (Mass Rapid Transit), are covered by bus services that visit even the quietest neighbourhoods.

If you’re coming to Singapore for the first time, there’s an MRT station connected to the airport terminals to take you to the city centre, or anywhere else in Singapore for that matter.

But before you take the MRT or bus, you need a ticket or an EZ-Link card.

EZ-Link & Singapore Tourist Pass

Now you can choose to purchase a single trip ticket from the ticketing machine at the station but that’ll just be a waste of time if you intend to take public transport frequently during your time here.

Get yourself an EZ-Link card from the TransitLink Ticket Office. If you’re flying into Singapore, the nearest ticket office can be found at Changi Airport MRT station.

Other ticket offices can be found at these MRT stations – Ang Mo Kio, Bayfront, Bugis, Chinatown, City Hall, Farrer Park, Harbourfront, Jurong East, Kranji, Lavender, Orchard, Raffles Place, Tanjong Pagar and Woodlands.

For SGD$12, the card comes with stored value which allows you to use it immediately.

The EZ-Link card is valid for 3 years so if you’re making numerous visits to Singapore, you can continue using it. That’s not all, certain places even accept payment via EZ-Link so it’s not just limited to public transportation fares.

Recently there’s been a trend of people using EZ Charms instead. They have the same function as an EZ-Link card, just that they’re much cuter. And they’re charms, like this cute Pikachu one that’s currently available at all Buzz outlets islandwide.

But if you’re only in Singapore for a few days, you can consider getting the Singapore Tourist Pass which grants you unlimited rides on Singapore’s public transportation for the valid duration of the pass (maximum of 3 days).

Singapore Tourist Passes can be purchased at the locations listed Image Credit: Wikimedia[/caption]

But the question is, which line to take? There’re so many options – East-West (Green), North-South (Red), North-East (Purple), Circle (Yellow) and Downtown line (Blue).

All the lines are pretty straightforward. The signs in the station will indicate the final stop of the direction that they’re headed.

For example, if you’re going to City Hall station from Tanah Merah on the East-West line, then you should be taking the train headed towards Tuas Link (the last station on the West-bound East-West line train).

Most attractions in Singapore are within walking distance from an MRT station so you don’t have to worry so much about getting lost.

Taking The Bus 

Bus services here are extensive and they’re an economical mode of transport around Singapore.

You can get yourself a brochure that lists all the stops for a particular public bus service, at the interchange.

If you’re planning to visit the tourist attractions, there are also “hop on hop off” bus services, although they’re pricier. You can find different “hop on hop off” bus tour packages here.

Taking A Cab

Cabbing is definitely the most efficient and fastest way to travel around Singapore. Cabs in Singapore go by the meter, and there might be additional surcharges depending on the time and location that the cabs are hailed.

You can hail a cab almost anywhere. The best spot would be by the main road, although we suggest you do so at a convenient location so that traffic is not affected.

Alternatively, you can book a cab by calling the common taxi hotline at 6342-5222 or if you have any ride-hailing apps, those work here too!

Getting Around Singapore

Now that you’re ready and equipped for the public transport system in Singapore, it’s time to get exploring.

If you’re not sure where to go, check out our list of must-visit places in Singapore!

Also read 7 Staycation Spots In S’pore Under $150 For A Good Urban Getaway

(Header Image Source: Flickr)