Location: East

Get Your Hello Kitty Plush Dressed In SIA’s Sarong Kebaya At $39!

It’s not just the Singapore Girl that will be wearing Singapore Airlines’ signature blue sarong kebaya – oh, so classy! Our favourite cat doll – you know, the one with no mouth and a cute bow on its head – will also be sporting the chic Pierre Balmain-designed traditional Asian batik dress, as part of a collaboration between the airline and Sanrio.

However, since Hello Kitty is basically every Singaporean’s favourite feline, probably even more so than Doraemon (also a cat) and other nekos, the airline announced that the doll has been sold out, and that it will restock and make the second release available in-flight from July 1 onward.

[caption id="attachment_9341" align="aligncenter" width="428"] Screenshot taken on 13 June 2016[/caption]

It is noted that customers who have purchased the doll during the first release, which lasted a day, will not be affected and can collect their orders on their flights from 20 June onward. Additionally, each flight will only carry up to five Hello Kitty: Singapore Girl dolls, and passengers will only be allowed to collect the doll in-flight.

Alas, if you do not succeed in buying a Hello Kitty: Singapore Girl doll from Singapore Airlines, do not despair. From experience (read: McDonald’s regular Hello Kitty sales), we predict that there will be lots of these cute cats being sold on second-hand e-commerce platforms for a good price, for example Carousell.

When all else fails, you could also console yourself with a visit to the newly-opened Hello Kitty cafe at Changi Airport Terminal 3. Opened 24 hours, head there anytime for photo opportunities, good food, and great ambience.

Hello Kitty Orchid Garden
Address: Changi Airport Terminal 3 Arrival Hall #01-22, Singapore 819663 (65 Airport Boulevard)
Opening Hours: 24/7

Also read: Hello Kitty vs Pompompurin – Here’s The Low-down On Both Cafes!

Look How Far Singapore Has Come! We Compare The Now & Then

Walk down memory lane, and discover Singapore now and then.

Rated the world’s most expensive city, Singapore has grown and become a modern metropolis in just over 50 years. Well, Singapore didn’t start as an economic giant nor with its dense amount of high-rise residential and office buildings. It is amazing how Singapore has grown during a short span of over 50 years.

We bet you didn’t know how some of these places had looked before it was developed!

Bishan Park

Completed in 1988, Bishan Park was one of the biggest parks in Singapore back then. It featured ponds, a lake, a football field, a fragipani gardens, and a “floating amphitheatre”within its 42 hectares of greenery. Paddle boats were available for rent and fishing at the ponds were available in 1990s.

In 2012, the park was renamed Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park after a major revamp. It now has a high-tech safety warning system, and several spots for recreational activities. A great place for families to gather, the park has now become a popular spot for residents to enjoy picnics and partake in activities.

Kallang River

Before its clean up in the early 1980s, Kallang River was crammed with lighters and tongkong – a type of light wooden boat. It even reeked of rotting waste and dirty sewage. During the clean up, pig farms, duck farms, street hawkers, latrines were removed. The whole clean up process took 10 long years.

Today, waterfront condominiums dot the area. This place has also grown to become a residential and lifestyle district. In 2014, the Sports Hub took over the old National Stadium. It now has a 55,000 capacity with a retractable roof, as well as an indoor aquatics arena.

Capitol Theatre

Before re-opening in 2015, the Capitol Theatre had offered a 1,600 seater cinema to patrons in Malaya. Its concave neo-classical facade plastered with movie posters had defined the street of Stamford Road and North Bridge Road. It was the place where many couples had their first dates back in the 60s!

18 years after its last cinema patron in 1998, the historic Capitol Theatre finally re-opened in 2015. Now, the mixed-use complex comprises four buildings – Capitol Theatre, Capitol Building, Stamford House and the new Capitol Piazza. Fun fact: We bet you didn’t know the Capitol Theatre is the biggest single-screen cinema in South-east Asia, with 900 seats available!

The Cathay

Entertaining generations of Singaporeans over 80 years, The Cathay started out as the first air-conditioned theatre in Singapore. At 16 storeys high, it was Singapore’s first “skyscraper” and it remained the city-state’s tallest building until 1954. This building was also used by the British administration and Japanese occupiers.

After the war, it re-opened as a cinema and hotel. Its Chinese restaurant was one of the most popular dining choices in town. However at the end of 1970, the hotel closed due to space constraints. It then became an office space for a period of time. Do you know Singapore’s first arthouse cinema – The Picturehouse was built here in 1987?

The Cathay re-opened in 2006 after a period of closure for an overhaul in 2000. Its 1939 front facade was restored. It is now a vibrant mall with an eclectic mix of entertainment, retail, and food and beverage stalls.

Fullerton Building

Completed in 1928, the Fullerton was Singapore’s largest building. It housed the General Post Office (GPO), a number of government offices, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Singapore Club. This was Singapore’s landmark. Many travellers and ship captains around the world recognised it. During 1928 to 1996, letters, money orders, and parcels were sorted and dispatched in the GPO and the Singapore Club occupied the upper floors. It was the “busiest and best-known building” in Singapore.

By 1960, after the Singapore Club had moved out to make way for government offices, the building housed Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore, the Economic Development Board, the Ministry of Finance and a POSBank branch, the bank’s oldest.

In 1997, S$300 million was spent to convert Fullerton Building into a hotel. A two-storey commercial complex – One Fullerton opposite Fullerton Road, was built. The Fullerton Building restoration project took place from 1998 to 2000. Now, the building is gazetted as Singapore’s 71st national monument.

Orchard Road

True to its namesake, Orchard Road was named for the plantations lined with bamboo hedges and shrubbery in the area during the 18th century. Nutmeg plantations and fruit orchards dominated the area. Towards the later part of 1840s, graveyards appeared along the road. That part is now Meritus Mandarin Hotel and Ngee Ann City. In 1900, Orchard Road was still a tree flanked dirt road.

With its S$40 million revamp in 2009, today, Orchard Road is the nation’s top shopping, dining and entertainment hub. With its underground infrastructure connecting malls together, it is an ease to walk along the air conditioned walkways instead of the hustle and bustle on its road level.

Changi Airport

Prior to Changi Airport, the Paya Lebar Airport was bursting at the seams with more than 4 million passenger movements in 1975. With insufficient room for future expansion, a new location had been sought and Changi was selected as it was at the edge of the city.

Singapore Changi Airport was officially opened on 29 December 1981. It was the world’s largest airport at that time and the world’s largest column-free hanger at 20,000 sqm.

We are amazed at the pace of Singapore’s growth over the last 50 over years! In the past 50 years since independence, Singapore has transformed from a struggling city-state into one of the richest nations in the world.

What do you think Singapore will be like another 50 years down the road?

(Image credit by thefullertonheritage and imagetransforms, edited by writer)

Also read: Cycle X Makan – 5 Best Food And Night Cycling Paths In SG

The Ultimate Guide For Supper At Siglap – 6 Places You Can’t Miss

Walk around the neighbourhood of Siglap and you’ll notice rows of bars, cafes and restaurants along both sides of the road. Well, we dare say this is the place to go for a night to chill out with friends or even for a date night at one of its many great restaurants.

In this pristine, quaint neighourhood, you’ll see locals flock to their favourite pubs for a soccer screening, group of teens meeting their friends for some ice cream time, and even expats chilling out at the restaurants. As a certified east-sider who grew up in the east, here’s our ultimate guide to supper at Siglap. Yes, only the best of the best gets on our list!

1. LTN 936 Food Village

This la mian dumpling stall is opened by a quiet couple from Xi’an, China. Their dumplings are all handmade on the spot, freshness at its best. Each dumpling is soft and tender, with its skin not too thick, filled with a nice amount of meat and doused with vinegar and chilli oil. You can get these guilty pleasures at $4 for 10 pieces. Xiao Long Baos are also available at $4 for 6 pieces.

If you are in for some Zi Char, do check out the Thow Yen Seafood stall too. They serve up great Beef Hor Fun and Fried Rice for your hungry tummy!

LTN 936 Food Village
Address: 936 East Coast Road, Singapore 459129
Opening Hours: Daily till late

2. Mas-Ayu Restaurant

How about some Seafood Kway Teow Goreng Pattaya and Teh Tarik for supper? Reputed to be one of the best Malay food you can find around the area, this homely restaurant serves up the best Seafood Kway Teow Goreng Pattaya and Nasi Pattaya! Its noodles are nice, springy, wrapped around with egg and drenched in tomato ketchup. Each plate is at $6.50. Another recommendation would be their Mee Bundung ($5.50). Its sour, sweet and spicy gravy are well balanced with fish cakes, prawns, vegetables, tender beef pieces and an egg to top it off! It is a good soupy bowl for a rainy cold night!

If you have trouble sleeping at night or feel hungry after a midnight movie, do drop by for some homely malaysian kampong cuisine at Ayu-Mas. This food outlet is open 24 hours, thus taxi uncles like to frequent this place and it gets crowded from early evenings till the early mornings.

Mas-Ayu Restaurant
Address: 55 Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 455215
Tel: 65 6449 2844
Opening Hours: Daily 24 hours

3. Springleaf Prata Place (Jalan Tua Kong)

Open till 11pm or 12am depending on the day, this prata place is a 3 to 5 mins walk from Upper East Coast Road at Siglap. They offer an innovative array of prata, thosai and murtabak in unusual must-try flavours! Eggs Benedict Prata? Yes, you saw that right! Crispy prata, poached egg, turkey ham and hollandaise sauce all in one dish, priced at $5. Another must not miss item is their Umani 50. One of their newest item on their menu, this prata is stuff with chicken luncheon meat, chicken floss, mozzarella cheese, mayonnaise and egg. Their menu is quite extensive which means there is always something new to try!

This prata place has not only become popular for diners at night but residents flock to this place for a good brunch which serves up a fresh spin to your usual prata!

Springleaf Prata Place
Address: 57B Jalan Tua Kong, Singapore 457251
Tel: 8693 5393
Opening Hours: Sun-Thu 7am-11pm, Fri-Sat 7am-12am

4. FLAVA Asia Bistro and Grill

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Opened by the team behind the former Cafe Mondo at Orchard Central, FLAVA is the new kid at the estate which serves up contemporary Asian grill. If you’re in for some late night chow or some cakes and ice cream to satisfy your craving, head down to FLAVA. With their Kapiti New Zealand range of ice cream to choose from, you will love all the flavours and end up ordering their 12 mini putts. Perfect for a couple’s sharing or with some friends with 12 flavours of mini ice cream. Select your own ice cream flavours at $20, or let the house decide for you at $17. Do check out their menu
Address: 907 East coast Road, #01-03 Springvale, Singapore 459107
Tel: 65 6702 0302
Opening Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-11pm, Fri-Sat/Eve of PH 11am-2am, Sun/PH 9.30am-11pm

5. Udders and Kook

If waffles and ice cream are your supper eats, Udders and Kook will never fail! From liqueur based to the all time favourite flavours such as Thai Milk Tea, chocolatey, to choose from, we must say Udders do know their customers’ taste palates well. Order their waffles to go along with your favourite ice cream! Imagine, crispy waffles on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, topped with a scoop or 2 of ice cream and drizzled with chocolate sauce. Heavenly!

Whats more, Udders and Kook recently upgraded itself to serving you not only your favourite ice-cream, but burgers and snack bites also! Feast on their delightful Mario Mushroom Burger ($15.90) or their Angmoh Burger ($15.90) filled with scrumptious cheddar, bacon, onions, tomato, rocket leaves and a well-grilled beef patty. These calories are well worth it! Juicy burgers and ice creams are a great combination for a satisfying supper.

Udders and Kook  
Address: 81 Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 455220    
Tel: 65 6448 8732
Opening Hours: Sun-Thu 12pm-11pm, Fri-Sat/eve of PH 12pm-1am

6. Mikawa Yakitori Bar

If you enjoy Japanese Tapas, you’re going to like this one. Opened recently at Siglap, Mikawa Yakitori Bar is a cosy place offering traditional Yakitori. This small Yakitori Bar has a wide range of almost 50 items of kushiyaki skewers on its 53 Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 455214
Tel: 6444 8484
Opening Hours: Tue-Thu 6pm-10.30pm, Fri-Sun 12-2.30pm, 6pm-12am, Closed on Mon

If you are driving to this area, free parking is available at the big open space carpark after 10pm. So, it’s time to make your way to Siglap. Chill to your heart’s content and start feasting away! With all these late night spots for supper at Siglap, you’ll never have to go to sleep with a growling stomach ever again.

(Header image by Instagram user, _rimiroo, edited by writer)

 Also read: Go Ga-Ga Over Geylang With These Seriously Good Eats Under $15

Nothing Above $60 – Indulge In An Affordable Full Body Massage

Feeling stressed out from the hectic daily workload? Sometimes, all you need is some uninterrupted ‘me’ time. Relax, unwind, and have those sore points kneaded with a blissful, affordable full body massage. There’s no better way than visiting a no-frills massage that hits all the right spots, leaving you refreshed and recharged. With such affordable massages you can find in Singapore, you wouldn’t need to travel all the way to Malaysia, Thailand or Indonesia for your relaxing indulgence.

Read on for our guide to an affordable full body massage you can find in Singapore – all for below $60. For the late night owls, or if you simply can’t get to bed, some of these open even past midnight!

Healing Touch

Awarded “Best Ache Busting Massage” for their Deep Tissue Massage by Singapore Women’s Weekly in 2015 and 2016, Healing Spa aims to provide “back to nature” wellness and beauty treatments through the healing power of plants. Healing Touch creates an environment and culture where customers feel valued. Served by a team of high skilled and professional therapists, they deliver a 4P experience – right Pressure, Points, Pace (Rhythm) and Pampering experience.

At Healing Touch, there are a variety of body massages available. Choose from Asian Fusion, Deep Tissue, Thai Fusion, Shiatsu or Acupressure massage from as low as $55 ($58.85 with GST) for 60 minutes. Currently on promotion, their Asian Fusion Massage is just at $46 ($49.20 with GST) for 60 minutes. With its usual price at $58.85, this is definitely a steal! Healing Spa has many outlets from the East to West, and even one conveniently located in the heart of Orchard. Do click  (Orchard Branch)
Price: $58.85 for 60 mins of body massage
Address: 19 Tanglin Road, Tanglin Shopping Centre, #03-03, Singapore 247909
Contact: 65 6694 1181
Opening Hours: Daily 11am-10.30pm (Last appointment from 9pm)

You don’t need to travel all the way to Bangkok or Phuket to enjoy an authentic Thai massage. Sabaai Sabaai will make you feel like you’re in Thailand. From authentic Thai furnishing to skilled and dedicated therapists, step out of your busy routine and enter the calm sanctuary of Sabaai Sabaai.

Try their Traditional Thai Massage which involves a therapist applying rhythmic pressure using their hands and forearms to the meridians of your body. Alternatively, if you prefer a more relaxing type of massage, their Aroma Oil Thai Massage will be perfect for you.

Image credit: beau pass[/caption]

As Singapore’s first authentic Javanese massage establishment, the House of Traditional Javanese Massage offers authentic Javanese Massage for the young and old. This massage parlour has more than a hundred skilled and experienced therapists. Their prices are affordable with its Traditional Javanese Full Body Massage at $60 for 60 minutes. Members enjoy a special price of $45.

Check all the available locations  (Bukit Timah Branch)
Price: From $60 for 60 mins of full body massage
Address: 783 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 269760
Contact: 65 6468 7855
Opening Hours: Daily 11am-11pm

Also read: 7 Best Happy Hour Deals In Town That Will Not Burn A Hole In Your Pocket

Under $15 Best Food Places That Make Our Hearts Go Bedok Bedok!

Damn, Discover SG! Back at it again with the food lists!

Take our hands cos we’re taking you on a journey through Bedok, a residential heartland in the East filled with amazing food at very affordable prices. Known for several famous hawker stalls, Bedok has also seen a rise in cafes shooting up like beansprouts.

So instead of listless (pun intended) scrolling/swiping through random listicles, we’ve carefully curated the 10 places you should definitely check out in the area. Be it breakfast, lunch, or dinner, there is certainly no shortage of options! Thank us later.

1. Nakhon Kitchen

The Nakhon Kitchen chain and Thai food has been synonymous. You just can’t separate the two. Offering killer prices with consistently good authentic food, it’s hardly any wonder why there are long queues almost every day. The best part, no GST and service charge!

Nakhon Kitchen
Address: #01-166, 136 Bedok North Avenue 3, S 460136
Opening Hours: Daily: 12 – 3pm; 5.30pm – 10pm
Tel: 6245 5548

2. Syed Restaurant

Simpang Bedok is home to an entire stretch of halal restaurants, but none of them can beat Syed Restaurant for “best late-night prata”. Aside from crispy flatbreads, this eatery also serves a full slate of Indian-Muslim dishes. Open 24 hours, your supper cravings will not go unsatisfied.

Syed Restaurant
Address: 326 Bedok Road, S 469496
Opening Hours: Daily: 24 hours
Tel: 6242 5412

3. The Burning Oak

The Bedok Marketplace is a very “atas” hawker center, so there are no surprises here that the food would also get the same pharaonic treatment. Follow the aroma of searing meat to the Burning Oak, a rustic yet modern food joint serving charcoal grilled Yakitori. Mouth-wateringly delicious, you’ll never go back to Tori-Q again.

The Burning Oak
Address: #02-16, Bedok Marketplace, 348 Bedok Road, S 469560
Opening Hours:
Tue – Thurs: 12 – 1.30pm; 6pm – 9.30pm
Fri – Sun: 12 – 1.30pm; 6pm – 10pm
Contact: 9873 6093

4. Percolate

Unlike the many many slew of cafes here in our tiny island, Percolate’s menu is friendly. Wallet friendly, that is. Despite food items being relatively cheap, food quality isn’t compromised. An awesome place for a light chill brunch or to grab a quick hot Papa Pahelta!

Percolate
Address: #01-152, 136 Bedok North Avenue 3, S 460136
Opening Hours:
Mon, Wed – Fri: 10.30am – 9.30pm
Sat – Sun: 9am – 9.30pm
Tel: 8259 0316

5. Sarah’s The Pancake Café

Good news to the Muslim pancake-loving community, this is a halal pancake restaurant (wow!). Sarah’s is home to fluffy brown pancakes, tasty crepes, and delectable pastas. But what’s so special about this place? Well, cafe owner Alina spices up the menu with local flavours using ingredients such as Gula Melaka, Otah, and Red Bean Paste.

Sarah’s The Pancake Cafe
Address: #01-062, East Village, 430 Upper Changi Road, S 487048
Opening Hours:
Mon – Thurs: 11.15am – 10pm
Fri: 2.30pm – 10.30pm
Sat – Sun: 9am – 10.30pm
Tel: 9688 4163

6.To-gather Café

Don’t you just love it when cafes start springing up in our heartlands? As compared to the town area, rental prices are kept much lower at heartlands so cafes are able to charge lower prices (to the delight of foodies). Speaking of low prices, To-gather is a no GST (yes lah!) food joint serving foodgasmic Western delights and artisanal coffee. Hurray to penny pinchers!

To-gather Cafe
Address: #01-25/27, 84 Bedok North Street 4, S 460084
Opening Hours: Tues – Sun: 11am – 10pm
Tel: 6445 1011

7. Refuel Café

The last café in this list, Refuel boasts a casual vibe with plenty of natural sunlight for that perfect Instagram shot. I use ‘affordable’ a lot (hey, who can blame me when it’s true!), so I’ll change my tune by saying that the food menu is value-for-money. For a wholesome and hearty meal, look no further.

Must try: Full Tank ($13.90);

Refuel Cafe
Address: #01-3029, Blk 744 Bedok Reservoir Road, S 470744
Opening Hours: Mon, Wed – Sun: 11am – 10pm
Tel: 6448 0015

8. Pin Xiang Chicken Rice

It’s hard to miss this one, for this chicken rice stall generates a bustling long queue during lunch and dinner hours. The stall is true to its name (Pin Xiang means fragrant in Mandarin) with both the rice and chicken being extremely well prepared. I would consider this to be one of the best chicken rice stalls in Singapore.

Pin Xiang Chicken Rice
Address: #01-03, Blk 208B, Bedok Interchange Food Centre, New Upper Changi Road, S 460207
Opening Hours: Daily: 9am – 10pm

9. Xing Ji Rou Cuo Mian

The highlight of this humble list and one of my favourites of all-time, Xing Ji Bak Chor Mee is like seriously out of this world! The 30-45 minutes wait is well worth it. There’s only a soup version but the soup/broth is rich and immaculate. It outshines the meatballs and noodles by a mile. Tip: order more than 1 bowl.

Xing Ji Rou Cuo Mian
Address: #01-07, 85 Fengshan Food Centre, Blk 85 Bedok North Street 4, S 460085
Opening Hours: Mon – Wed, Fri – Sun: 2.30pm – 1.30am
Tel: 9835 7884

10. Inspirasi Stall

Inspirasi is a Muslim hawker stall that is well-known with Bedok residents. Here, you can find the legendary Soto Ayam dish, which according to word-of-mouth, is the best in Singapore. Despite winning many awards, prices are still kept low while the food remains scrupulously prepared. Inspirasi is truly inspiring (sorry, I had to).

Inspirasi Stall
Address: #01-11, Blk 207, Bedok Interchange Food Centre, New Upper Changi Road, S 460207
Opening Hours: Mon – Wed, Fri – Sun: 12pm – 12am
Tel: 6589 8494

Yup, that’s your heart going bedok bedok. With choices like these, is it any wonder?

Are there other eateries you think we should have included in the list? Let us know!

Also read: Here’s An Ingenious Way To Easily Save 10% Off Your Dining Bills