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8 Best Places In Singapore To Stargaze And Catch The Lunar Eclipse

If you didn’t already know, something big is happening this Saturday, 28 July 2018.

There’s going to be another LUNAR ECLIPSE happening! And not just any typical lunar eclipse.

Set to last 1 hour and 43 minutes from 3.30am to 5.13am Singapore time, this will be the longest lunar eclipse of the century and will be visible from Asia, Australia, Africa and Europe.

However, with Singapore being a well-developed city, our light pollution is intense, so it might be hard to find a good spot to get a good look and photo.

So here are some places that might be dark enough to enjoy the lunar eclipse (a.k.a blood moon) in all its scarlet glory.

1. Seletar Rocket Tower

Located in Upper Seletar Reservoir, the Seletar Rocket Tower makes for a great spot to catch the lunar eclipse.

The place is mostly secluded and it has 3 carparks a short walk away so it’s still accessible by car. Other than the lunar eclipse, it’s also a great place to catch amazing sunsets and stargaze too.

Address: Along Mandai Road Track 7, off Mandai Road

2. Changi Boardwalk

Changi Boardwalk is one of the more popular spots for stargazing and other astronomy-related pursuits.

Stargazing parties are still being organised and held at Changi Beach.

It’ll be best to bring a party of people if you intend to go there for lunar eclipse because Changi Beach is infamous for being “dirty”, if you know what I mean.

4. Lim Chu Kang Cemetery

Another spot with great views of the moon and stars and a spook factor.

However, Labrador Nature Reserve comes with its own spooky tales so tread cautiously.

Labrador Park Nature Reserve
Address: Labrador Villa Road, Singapore 119187

6. Lorong Halus Bridge

The Lorong Halus bridge stretches over the Punggol Waterway and offers amazing views of the sunrise. It’s also great for stargazing and moon-viewing.

If you’re in the far north-east, this is your best spot for all your astronomy pursuits.

7. Singapore Botanic Gardens

The Singapore Botanic Gardens is one of the least light-polluted places in Singapore, along with the Labrador Park Nature Reserve.

Open fields for stargazing and moon-viewing are aplenty here. These include the spaces near the Eco Lake, Symphony Lake, Swan Lake, and the Bandstand.

Singapore Botanic Gardens
Eco Lake: Enter via Bukit Timah Gate
Symphony Lake: Enter via Nassim Gate
Swan Lake and Bandstand: Enter via Tanglin Gate
Opening Hours: Daily: 5am – 12am
Admission: Free

8. Springleaf Nature Park

The Springleaf Nature Park is one of the top 3 least light-polluted spots in Singapore.

It is popular among astronomy groups that organise stargazing parties.

If you’re looking for a quiet spot to observe the lunar eclipse in the North, this is it.

Springleaf Nature Park
Address: 1230 Upper Thomson Road, Singapore 787129

So there you have it, 8 of the best places in Singapore to stargaze or observe the lunar eclipse. Remember to pack your cameras and telescopes!

Also read The Longest Lunar Eclipse Of The Century Is Almost 2 Hours – Witness It In S’pore On July 28

(Header Image Source:

10 Michelin Bib Gourmand Eateries Actually Worth Visiting, According To S’poreans

The list of restaurants that have been awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2018 has been released.

Not to be confused with the Michelin Star, the Bib Gourmand is awarded to eateries that serve really good food below a maximum price determined by local economic standards. For Singapore, the maximum is $45.

And this year, there are 17 new additions to the Bib Gourmand list.

However, with so many eateries on the 50-strong list, how many are ACTUALLY worth visiting?

After all, food preference is subjective. So we’ve sieved through the list of 50 to pick out our 10 favourites.

Here we go.

Ah Er Soup

If you love soup like I do, then this is it.

I’ve seen many shops with the sign “老火汤”, which translates into “Old Fire Soup”, but I’ve never come across one with accolades like the Bib Gourmand.

Ah Er Soup serves up various herbal soups with offerings such as Lotus Root Soup and Watercress Soup and even their own version of Buddha Jumps Over The Wall.

Every order of soup comes with white or pumpkin rice. And the best part is, the prices are incredibly affordable, between $3.50 to $6.50.

Ah Er Soup
Address: 6 Jalan Bukit Merah, ABC Brickworks Market & Food Centre #01-143, Singapore 618642
Opening Hours: Daily: 11am – 9pm

Alliance Seafood

Alliance Seafood blends into the sea of tze char stalls at Newton Food Centre very easily mainly because it looks like a generic stall.

It doesn’t really look any different from a regular tze char stall.

Like any tze char stall, the available dishes are quite standard. You can expect Chilli Crab, Black Pepper Crab, Fried Rice, Cereal Prawn, BBQ Stingray, Sambal Kangkong, and more.

Seats are hard to find due to the crowd here, so come early with a tissue packet for the chope.

Alliance Seafood
Address: Newton Food Centre, 501 Clemenceau Avenue North #01-27, Singapore 229495
Opening Hours: Thu – Tue: 1pm – 12am, Wed: Closed

Chey Sua Carrot Cake

Don’t expect to find the sweet, dark carrot cake here because Chey Sua Carrot Cake only serves the savoury, white carrot cake.

The carrot cake here is homemade from scratch, unlike most carrot cake stalls nowadays who prefer to use machine-processed carrot cake chunks.

The cooking method is also slightly different. While most carrot cake hawkers pan-fry the carrot cake chunks first before cracking and adding the eggs later, Chey Sua Carrot Cake mixes the carrot cake chunks in beaten egg mixture before pouring it on to the pan to fry.

The result is a carrot cake that resembles a pancake. Flat with each carrot cake chunk evenly coated in egg mixture.

Need your carrot cake fix? Be prepared for a wait. Especially now that they’ve received their Bib Gourmand accolade.

Chey Sua Carrot Cake
Address: Blk 127 Toa Payoh West Market & Food Centre Lorong 1 #02-30, Singapore 310127
Opening Hours: Tue – Sun: 6am – 1pm, Mon: Closed

Hoo Kee Bak Chang

Hoo Kee Bak Chang is known to be Singapore’s best bak chang (rice dumpling).

If you love salted egg, then you’ll love this too. They’re known for their Salted Egg with Chestnut Bak Chang – a traditional bak chang with the addition of salted egg yolk.

The bak changs are priced from $2.80 to $3.60 and each one is handmade.

If you know your bak chang, then you have to try this because there’s no better bak chang than this.

Hoo Kee Bak Chang
Address: 7 Maxwell Road, Amoy Street Food Centre #01-18, Singapore 069111
Opening Hours: Mon – Sat: 11am – 3pm, Sun: Closed
Contact no.: 6221 1155

Address: Blk 161 Bukit Merah Central #01-3735, Singapore 150161
Contact no.: 6222 7866
Image Credit: Burppler Wan Yu Elton Goh[/caption]

There are other sides to order as well, such as various boiled soups and blanched vegetables with oyster sauce.

Because of the long waiting times, there’s the option to call ahead to place your orders so piping hot claypot rice will be ready when you arrive.

Lian He Ben Ji Claypot Rice
Address: 335 Smith Street, Chinatown Complex #02-198/199, Singapore 050335
Opening Hours: Fri – Wed: 4.30pm – 10pm, Tue: Closed
Contact no.: 6227 2470

Na Na Homemade Curry

I remember there was a stall in Bukit Panjang Plaza’s Kopitiam that sold really good Chinese-style curry.

I love Chinese-style curry. It is usually spicier and comes paired with either white rice or baguette.

This is what you’ll find at Na Na Homemade Curry. They serve a variety of Chinese-style curries, with options such as Curry Chicken ($3), Curry Vegetable ($3), Curry Fish Head, and even Curry Mutton ($4) and Curry Pork Ribs ($4).

[caption id="attachment_36002" align="aligncenter" width="645"] Image Credit: Burppler Christina Nanana[/caption]

Order yours with a side of white rice or toasted baguette slices because you’ll definitely need a buffer for the incoming spice hit.

Na Na Homemade Curry
Address: 115 Bukit Merah View, Singapore 151115
Opening Hours: Mon – Sat: 11am – 7pm, Sun: Closed
Contact no.: 9106 4316

Outram Park Fried Kway Teow Mee

Outram Park Fried Kway Teow Mee always has a long queue, but don’t worry, it clears pretty quickly because every plate is cooked and served with surprising speed.

Even though it says “Kway Teow Mee” in the name, what they serve here is basically Char Kway Teow. However, the version here isn’t as oily as the ones you’d find elsewhere, with plenty of egg, lard, beansprouts, and cockles.

[caption id="attachment_36003" align="aligncenter" width="645"] Image Credit: Burppler Steve G[/caption]

They’re also not heavy-handed with their dark soy sauce so the Char Kway Teow is more savoury than sweet.

You can order the spicy version and your order will be fried with chilli instead of the typical scoop of chilli on the side.

This is probably the best Char Kway Teow you can find in Singapore at the moment.

Outram Park Fried Kway Teow Mee
Address: #02-18 Hong Lim Market & Food Centre, 531A Upper Cross Street, Singapore 051531
Opening Hours: Daily: 7am – 9pm

Sin Kee Famous Cantonese Chicken Rice

Chicken rice is probably Singapore’s most iconic dish. Everyone can learn to cook chicken rice, but few can make GOOD chicken rice.

However, that’s what Sin Kee Famous Cantonese Chicken Rice has managed to achieve. The chicken is tender and full of flavour, so no complaints there. The chicken rice, however, could do with a stronger flavour.

[caption id="attachment_36001" align="aligncenter" width="645"] Image Credit: Burppler Marvin Lowe[/caption]

At this point it just seems like white rice flavoured with a bit of chicken stock and is a little mild. I prefer the chicken rice to be full of flavour.

And now the aspect of chicken rice that can make or break the dish, the chilli. Once again, flawless execution. Spicy with a hit of tanginess, thanks to the lime and vinegar.

You want good chicken rice? This is where you should be going.

Sin Kee Famous Cantonese Chicken Rice
Address: Blk 40 Holland Drive, Singapore 270040
Opening Hours: Tue – Sun: 11am – 8pm, Mon: Closed

Shi Hui Yuan Hor Fun Specialty

Ipoh Hor Fun is a magical dish. It’s neither kway teow or hor fun. It just toes the line between the 2 and is so simple yet delicious.

The ones served at Shi Hui Yuan come with either duck, chicken, braised spare ribs, or a mixture of all 3.

[caption id="attachment_36000" align="aligncenter" width="645"] Image Credit: Burppler Jeremy Tan[/caption]

The recommended one is the Blissful Combination ($5), which has braised shiitake mushrooms, roast duck and chicken slices, as well as braised spare ribs.

A worthy mention is the sauce that they pour over the hor fun. It’s a magical concoction of the braising liquid of the mushrooms, spare ribs, and chicken.

The biggest problem you’ll encounter here is finishing your hor fun before you can finish the sauce.

Shi Hui Yuan Hor Fun Specialty
Address: 159 Mei Chin Road, Mei Ling Market & Food Centre #02-33, Singapore 140159
Opening Hours: Wed – Sun: 7.30am – 2pm, Mon – Tue: Closed

Zai Shun Curry Fish Head

Zai Shun Curry Fish Head looks just like a regular cai fan stall albeit slightly more upscale, with their rather impressive display shelves for the dishes.

While their name suggests that they’re known for their Curry Fish Head, it’s their Steamed Fish that fares better and is more popular.

[caption id="attachment_35998" align="aligncenter" width="645"] Image Credit: Burppler Sze Qi Wong[/caption]

The steamed fish depends on the catch of the day which ranges from red snapper to grouper.

Aside from their signature Steamed Fish, other must-orders include the Salted Egg Minced Pork, Fried Egg with Bittergourd, Har Cheong Gai (Prawn Paste Chicken), Braised Pork Belly, and Herbal Chicken.

[caption id="attachment_35999" align="aligncenter" width="645"] Image Credit: Burppler Gin[/caption]

There’s a lot more that’s worth trying so our advice is bring more people so you’ll get to try everything once.

Zai Shun Curry Fish Head
Address: 253 Jurong East Street 24 #01-205, Singapore 600253
Opening Hours: Thu – Tue: 7am – 3pm, Wed: Closed
Contact no.: 6560 8594

So there you have it. 10 of the best eateries, out of the 50 chosen by the Michelin inspectors, that’s actually approved and loved by locals.

Are any of these eateries already a favourite of yours? Or which are you going to try next? Let us know!

Also read Beyond Char Siew Siew Yoke – Cantonese Words & Phrases You Can Impress Your Grandma With

(Header Image Source: Burppler Marvin Lowe and Burppler I Makan SG)

A&W And Shake Shack Are Set To Open At Jewel Changi Airport In 2019

Once again, the East side beats the West, with 2 major fast food chains opening next year in Jewel Changi Airport.

New Fast Food Chains In The East

A&W Singapore

First on the list, is A&W Singapore. Since their announcement of their impending return to Singapore, they’ve remained very quiet with little to no details given.

[caption id="attachment_35877" align="aligncenter" width="547"] Image Credit: A&W Singapore[/caption]

All we knew was that the A&W Singapore outlet will be its flagship outlet and it will be halal-certified, so that’s great news for our Muslim friends.

But now, it has been announced that they will open in Jewel Changi Airport, when it’s completed in 2019!

A&W used to have 5 outlets in Singapore before closing them all in 2003, much to the dismay of my parents.

Since the closure of all Singapore outlets, the only way Singaporeans could get their A&W fix was in Malaysia, where there are over 36 A&W outlets still serving their classic frothy root beer, curly fries, and the Beef Coney hot dog.

[caption id="attachment_35876" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Image Credit: hip2save[/caption]

I’ve never eaten at A&W before though I do love their root beers, so I’m excited to see why my parents loved them so much.

Shake Shack Singapore

For the millennials and visiting New Yorkers, one of the most famous fast food chains in America, will be opening its first outlet in Singapore.

It’s Shake Shack!

The West Coast in the States has In-N-Out, while the East Coast held their own with Shake Shack.

Shake Shack first opened in New York serving up burgers and hand-spun frozen custard.

[caption id="attachment_35879" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Image Credit: Shake Shack[/caption]

They’re well known for their simple yet delicious burgers, such as the classic Shackburger® – a single or double cheeseburger with lettuce and tomato, topped with their signature Shack Sauce™.

Here’s hoping that their Cheese Fries won’t devolve into the sad state of McDonald’s Cheese Fries.

[caption id="attachment_35880" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Image Credit: Shake Shack[/caption]

Shake Shack has many outlets across the United States, and each outlet is said to have their very own exclusive menu items, and some Shake Shack outlets even have a breakfast menu!

Which makes me wonder if the Singapore outlet will be getting any exclusive menu items. Will we be getting a Singapore-inspired burger? Or maybe Rendang Fries?

Either way I’m excited to try Shake Shack.

Opening In 2019

These 2 fast food giants are set to open once the construction of Jewel Changi Airport is completed.

Jewel Changi Airport will be linked with Changi Airport Terminal 1, with Terminals 2 and 3 accessible via air-conditioned pedestrian linkways fitted with travelators.

The new Jewel Changi Airport will have 7 storeys and over 280 shops, with a good 30% of the shops being F&B outlets.

Find out more about Jewel Changi Airport P.S Cafe Launches Jypsy – New Japanese Dining Concept Featuring Sushi, Sashimi, And Unagi Fried Rice

(Header Image Source: Twitter and @shakeshack)

Seoul Garden’s New Takeaway Kiosk Offers Korean-Inspired Sandwiches For Under $9

Thanks to the K-wave that swept the nation back in the early 2000s, Singapore is now home to many Korean food establishments, with many more continuing to pop up.

Korean food is also one of the more popular cuisines among Singaporeans, with the food portions being easily shareable and comforting. I mean, have you ever had Korean Army Stew? That’ll warm you right up on a rainy day.

Now, the Seoul Garden Group has come up with a new concept in the form of Seoul In A Sandwich.

The Taste Of Seoul In A Sandwich

This kiosk in the basement of Century Square might be small (okay maybe not that small), but the sandwiches sure come in big flavours.

As its name suggests, it serves up sandwiches with a Korean twist. Expect western sandwiches with Korean flavours.

Like this Bulgogi Cheesesteak ($8.50). It’s basically a Philly Cheesesteak sandwich, but it uses grilled Bulgogi beef instead.

The result is a sweeter flavour than the usual savouriness you’d get from a Philly Cheesesteak, that’s further accentuated by the sautéed onions and peppers.

The Seoul Street Toast ($6.50) is a neat stack of onion and cabbage omelette, chicken ham, and sliced cheese on white bread.

If you’re looking for something more comforting, how about going for the Kimchi Grilled Cheese ($5.50)? Cheddar and Mozzarella and Kimchi bits are sandwiched between 2 slices of white bread and grilled to cheese heaven.

But the most ambitious crossover sandwich has got to be the Army Stew-ich ($8.50). Just look at this monster of a sandwich.

This sandwich has stewed chicken hotdogs, chicken luncheon meat, tteokbokki, and daikon slaw slapped between ciabatta toasts. This already sounds filling to me.

On a side note, I’m bothered that they didn’t call this the “Bread-ae Jjigae”.

Seoul Sandwich has a few other sandwiches on their menu, including 2 sweet ones – the Matcha White Chocolate ($3.50) and the Citron Cream Cheese and Asian Pear ($4.50).

For first-timers, you can always approach any of the staff and they’ll give you recommendations on what to try.

As someone who loves their bread, and by extension, sandwiches, this makes me very happy.

Seoul in a Sandwich
Address: 2 Tampines Central 5, Century Square #B1-23, Singapore 529509
Opening Hours: Daily: 10am – 10pm
Contact no.: 6260 4339
Website

Also read This Authentic Mexican Joint In Tanjong Pagar Serves Tacos From $8 – And It’s Vegetarian-Friendly Too

(Header Image Source: Seoul in a Sandwich)

This German Restaurant In Joo Chiat Has Been Serving Handmade Breads And Wursts Since 1988

If you ask me what I know about German cuisine, all I can tell you is sausages, bratwursts, sauerkraut, spätzle and pork knuckles.

And all this is just from memorising Brotzeit’s menu. You would think that the Singapore of old wouldn’t have any room for European cuisine, but that’s where you’re wrong.

Sitting in a quiet corner of Joo Chiat, is Werner’s Oven.

The owner of Werner’s Oven is actually German and considering that I’ve never really had proper German food, I decided to head down to check out the food for myself.

Werner’s Oven

I was a little confused when I stepped into an empty restaurant, save for the one couple sitting near the door, waiting for their food.

The restaurant had a standard seating area, and to the right was where they had the bread and pastries. Being a bread lover, I naturally gravitated towards the display.

Displayed were the different German breads available, from Kraftkorn to Spelt bread, they had it all.

For those who don’t really know how to appreciate sourdough, they have donuts and muffins for sale too.

The artisanal breads were priced from $6 to $7.20 while the donuts and muffins were priced from $2.20 to $3.

After ogling at the different bread and pastries, I chose a table, perused the menu and proceeded to the counter where I was recommended a Jägerschnitzel ($26.80) while I added a Beef Goulash ($9.80).

Not going to lie, the food was quite pricey.

The food took a while to arrive, around 10 to 15 minutes. It’s probably because the food is only prepared upon order.

My Jägerschnitzel consists of 3 thick pork escalopes covered generously with mushroom sauce, a side of broccoli and cauliflower, and a large serving of spätzle.

I’m not sure if it’s because I left the Jägerschnitzel out for too long, but the pork became tough and it was still rather gamey. The salvation came with the sides of spätzle, broccoli and cauliflower. I love my vegetables, so no complaints there.

For those of you who don’t know what spätzle is, it’s like a tiny, coarse kind of egg noodle. It’s carbs, basically. In terms of taste, it reminds me of a cross between Mee hoon kueh and french toast. I love it.

The Beef Goulash came in a standard serving; the same size as a “Soup of the Day” at any Western cuisine establishment, though the price was honestly steep for a bowl of soup.

The good thing is, you get your money’s worth of ingredients in that bowl of soup. It was loaded with carrots, celery, and beef.

Now let me just dedicate a tiny paragraph to the humble bun that came with the Beef Goulash. This little guy, blindsided me because I was not expecting this much effort in a bun that comes with soup (looking at you, Soup Spoon).

This bun, came toasted beautifully, and the best part was the butter that melted during the toasting, seeping into the wonderfully baked bread. Honestly, I’d just get the soup for the bun. Though if I had to pay $9.80 for another bowl of soup, I’d rather starve.

The meal left much to be desired, but I’m going to give Werner’s Oven a second chance, since I did go in at a weird timing. I trust that a brand that has been around for so long, can serve food of a better standard.

But one thing that warms my heart here, are the aunties working there. Though it’s a traditional German restaurant, the staff are still very local, conversing in Teochew and Cantonese, then effortlessly switching to English when communicating with customers.

And they’re so nice! It’s like going to Grandma’s for a meal.

All in all, the food here has room for improvement, but the service is great. You can even choose to come in between 2pm to 6pm to play any of the boardgames that they have. Talk about keeping up with the times.

If you’re in the area, do pop in to get their breads because if there’s one food that’s consistent, it’s the bread.

Werner’s Oven
Address: 49 Joo Chiat Place, Singapore 427773
Opening Hours: Tue – Sun: 8.30am – 10pm
Contact no.: 6442 3897
Website

Also read Stuff Your Face With Cake At This Bake Sale Pop-Up – Happens Every Weekend Till August

(Header Image Source: DiscoverSG)

Men In S’pore Blessed With Facial Hair, Here’s Where You Can Groom It For Under $30

For the gifted few men in our society that have the capacity to grow a full beard, this one is for you. In the recent decade, we’ve had many metrosexuals and “gentlemen” popping up.

I don’t mean “gentlemen” sarcastically. I’m referring to the term that dapper men who groom themselves with a fervent passion, use to address themselves and others like them.

You know, men like that.

Along with the emergence of this particular group of people, there have been modern barbershops appearing all over the island, catered specifically for men’s grooming.

However, not all are good and they’re always rather pricey, depending on the size of your beard. So we’ve compiled a short list of tried and tested barbershops that are affordable and good.

Grooming Is A Basic Human Right

1. We Need A Hero

We Need A Hero (cue song), is a grooming centre that provides haircuts, beard trimming, brow grooming, and even waxing services.

The name comes from their belief that there is a hero, buried within every man – he just needs proper grooming to emerge.

We Need A Hero provides beard trimming services starting from $15 and waxing from $22. For a full list of their services and prices, check 2. Paul’s Barbershop/Barbershop Pauls’

Paul’s Barbershop is a humble barbershop in Bedok offering haircuts and beard trimming services.

A haircut will set you back $20, while a haircut and beard trimming session will cost $25.

There has been issues with inconsistency in the quality of the haircuts in the past few months, but haircuts are usually good.

Paul’s Barbershop
Address: Blk 202 Bedok North St. 1, #01-477, Singapore 540202
Opening Hours: Sat – Thu: 10am – 9pm, Sun: 12.30pm – 2.30pm
Contact no.: 8104 9577
Website

3. Limpeh Barbershop

For a more consistent and affordable grooming experience, Limpeh Barbershop is your “man”.

An adult haircut here will set you back $20 and beard sculpting alone (it’s basically beard trimming) only goes for $10!

That’s extremely affordable to be honest. For a solid beard sculpt at just $10, it’s hard to beat.

For a full list of their services and prices, check here.

You can also book an appointment on their website here. Do note that customers are given a 15 minutes grace period. Any latecomers will be rescheduled to the next available slot.

Limpeh Barbershop
Address: Blk 537 Bedok North Street 3, #01-511, Singapore 460537
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 11am – 9pm, Sat: 11am – 6pm, Sun: 12pm – 6pm
Contact no.: 9422 5895
Website

4. Barber Point

Barber Point might seem like another random neighbourhood barbershop, with no social media or website, but don’t let that fool you.

Because it really doesn’t have any social media or website.

All we know is that the haircuts only cost $15. So a beard trim wouldn’t be that far off. In fact, it might be even less.

If you’re expecting young, dapper men, the barbers here are all veteran barbers who know their stuff.

Sometimes, you just need a good and simple, unpretentious haircut to look good.

Barber Point
Address: Blk 118 Rivervale Drive, #01-12, Singapore 540118

5. The Black Tie Barbershop

The Black Tie Barbershop is by far the most proper barbershop on this list. The barbers are dressed to the nines, in formal shoes, pants, suspenders, and a combover so smooth you’d slip.

A haircut will cost you from $20 to $30, depending on your age, while a beard trim will be $25.

The shop is usually crowded, so book an appointment on their Also read McDonald’s Releases New ‘Har Cheong Gai’ Burger And Drumlets As Part Of National Day Menu

(Header Image Source: Unsplash)

9 Fun And Educational Places To Bring Your Kids To That Are Wallet-Friendly

Being a parent is tough. Teaching a child is tough. Looking after a child is tough.

But what if it doesn’t have to be? Don’t worry I’m not trying to sell you anything (fight me, insurance agents).

I’ve compiled a list of places to take your kids that’s both educational and inexpensive. Because honestly, we’re quite done with the zoo, and the rooftop play area at VivoCity.

So parents, aunties, uncles, guardians, LISTEN UP.

Farms

Mainland Tropical Fish Farm

Personally, I love fishes and marine life in general. So I spent a good amount of time visiting fish farms as a child. If you live in the East, then you might want to pay a visit to Mainland Tropical Fish Farm instead.

While the place primarily sells aquarium fishes and supplies, there are activities available for the kids too. Spend a dollar or 3, on packets of food pellets and feed the fishes in the outdoor pond.

For $4, equip your child with a fishing net and a bucket for them to try their hand at catching their very own “longkang” fish! Just make sure they don’t fall in.

Mainland Tropical Fish Farm
Address: 1 Pasir Ris Farmway 1, Singapore 519352
Opening Hours: Daily: 8.30am – 7pm
Contact no.: 6287 3883
Image Credit: @emilymhx[/caption]

The Animal Resort is home to stallions, a variety of birds that includes a Cassowary and Marabou Stork, a German Shepherd dog training ground, rabbits and guinea pigs, fishes, a pet grooming centre, and a pet shop.

[caption id="attachment_35326" align="aligncenter" width="1082"] Image Credit: @fourlittlepalms[/caption]

You can buy the animal feed from the pet store. No outside food should be brought in.

[caption id="attachment_35327" align="aligncenter" width="1078"] Image Credit: @benayers1[/caption]

It’s a great place for children to interact with different animals in a relaxed and laid-back environment.

The Animal Resort
Address: T81 Seletar West Farmway 5, Singapore 798061
Opening Hours: Daily: 10am – 5pm
Contact no.: 6482 1160
Website

Bollywood Veggies

Tucked away in the Kranji countryside is a 10-acre farming facility complete with a bistro, food museum and even a cooking school!

[caption id="attachment_35328" align="aligncenter" width="1364"] Image Credit: @lowjolin[/caption]

After familiarising yourself with the different species of flora and fauna within the farm, visitors can enjoy a myriad of dishes made from local produce at the bistro, Poison Ivy, to nourish your body.

If you ever need a break from the fast-paced city life we’re all used to, make a trip down to Bollywood Veggies and experience an afternoon of serenity for a change.

Bollywood Veggies
Address: 100 Neo Tiew Road, Singapore 719026
Opening Hours: Wed – Fri: 8am – 5.30pm, Sat – Sun: 8am – 6.30pm
Contact no.: 6898 5001
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve has much to offer. Explore the vast mangroves and trails that span all over the reserve as you contemplate the beauty of your surroundings.

[caption id="attachment_35330" align="aligncenter" width="1566"] Image Credit: 2011 Bird Checklist released by the National Parks Board, over 200 different species of birds have been recorded on-site at the reserve!

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
Address: 301 Neo Tiew Crescent, Singapore 718925
Opening Hours: Daily: 7am – 7pm
Contact no.: 6794 1401
Website

Kranji Marshes

For those unfamiliar with Kranji Marshes, the 56.8-hectare freshwater marshland is home to unique biodiversity.

Kranji Marshes is actually split into two main areas – the public area that is open to all members of the public, and the restricted core conservation area that is deemed to be ecologically sensitive. You can enter the core conservation area if you sign up for a guided tour.

[caption id="attachment_35331" align="aligncenter" width="1262"] Image Credit: @fannaiaiwong[/caption]

According to NParks, Kranji Marshes is home to more than 170 species of birds, 54 species of butterflies, and 33 species of dragonflies! Alongside Sungei Buloh Nature Reserve, it plays an important role in providing a habitat for the conservation of wildlife in the Kranji area.

[caption id="attachment_35332" align="aligncenter" width="1282"] Image Credit: @damithprs[/caption]

Moorhen Blind and Swamphen Hide are 2 bird-watching stations that overlook marsh landscapes, perfect for taking in the sights of nature.

The park is open from 7am-7pm daily. Do note that there is no lighting in the evenings! The park is also wheelchair- and pram-friendly, with the exception of the Raptor Tower.

Kranji Marshes
Address: 11 Neo Tiew Lane 2, Singapore 718814
Opening Hours: Daily: 7am – 7pm
Contact no.: 6794 1401
Website

Play And Learn

Diggersite

If your child has a fascination for excavators, cranes, and dump trucks, then they’ll love Diggersite.

[caption id="attachment_35333" align="aligncenter" width="2048"] Image Credit: Diggersite[/caption]

Diggersite is a one-of-a-kind edutainment centre that provides realistic experience in operating small scale construction machinery. The main motive is to help your child build motor skills, which are vital for writing, crafts, and other fine motor activities.

[caption id="attachment_35334" align="aligncenter" width="2048"] Image Credit: Diggersite[/caption]

The experience is quite legitimate. Your child will get to put on a construction safety helmet, build small blocks, and operate a construction digger!

Diggersite
Address: Find your nearest Diggersite Clip ‘n Climb

Unlike most rock-climbing facilities, Clip ‘n Climb also caters for climbers of all ages with 19 different colourful climbing challenges. Meaning, kids can join in the fun too!

Clip ‘n Climb is great for improving a kid’s concentration and focus as well as sensory and motor skills.

Check out the packages and pricing at Clip ‘n Climb here!

Clip ‘n Climb
Address: Our Tampines Hub, 51 Tampines Ave 4, #03-03, Singapore 528523
Opening Hours: Mon – Thu: 12pm – 9pm, Fri – Sat: 10am – 11pm, Sun: 10am – 9pm
Contact no.: 6705 9410
Website

ORTO

I remember the days when ORTO used to be Bottle Tree Park.

Today, the 555,000 square feet space has been completely revamped and taken over by ORTO. Located in the North, it is Singapore’s first multi-recreational park that is open 24 hours a day.

Today, it houses a prawning and fishing facility, a paintball park, a trampoline park, a drift karting circuit, and even a sporting facility for rent!

Kids can bounce around in Image Credit: ORTO[/caption]

What’s more, with a whole list of dining places at ORTO, it’s the perfect place for a family day out!

ORTO
Address: 81 Lorong Chencharu, #01-01, Singapore 769198
Image Credit: The Artground[/caption]

The Artground is an accessible play space for children aged 12 and below, and they aim to provide positive art experiences through interactive art installations that changes tri-annually.

Children are encouraged to climb over, under or through the interactive art installations, which helps to develop their motor skills.

On the weekends, there will also be various art-related programs that families with young children can participate in.

The best part? Entry to The Artground is FREE!

The Artground
Address: Goodman Arts Centre, 90 Goodman Road, Block J #01-40, Singapore 439053
Opening Hours: Wed – Thu: 9.30am – 5pm, Fri – Sun: 9.30am – 6pm, Mon – Tue: Closed
Contact no.: 6925 0621
Website

Also read Golden Village Cinema Is Bringing Movies Back To Bedok After 10 Years

(Header Image Source: @fourlittlepalms and The Artground)

Golden Village Cinema Is Bringing Movies Back To Bedok After 10 Years

While Bedok might be one of the most densely populated neighbourhoods in Singapore, it’s strange that the area does not have a cinema of its own.

One would have to go to Eunos, Tampines or further to catch a movie. The last movie theatre that served Bedok residents, was the iconic Princess Theatre, which closed 10 years ago.

Today, Golden Village Multiplex, Singapore’ leading cinema exhibitor, has opened its doors at Bedok with a new 576-seater multiplex at DjitSun Mall Bedok.

It’s somewhat serendipitous for the new Golden Village Bedok multiplex to be standing where the Princess Theatre once stood. It’s almost as if the Princess Theatre is passing on the baton to Golden Village.

Bringing Movie Magic To Bedok

This new cineplex will house 6 screens and can seat up to 576 people.

That’s not all. In line with the opening, Golden Village is launching a NEW curry-flavoured gourmet popcorn. This new popcorn is exclusive to Golden Village Bedok and will only be available for the first 3 months after the opening.

Golden Village will also be introducing 3 other popcorn flavours to all its cinemas islandwide – Seaweed Wasabi, Caramel, and Cheese.

If you’re living in Bedok, dry your tears because you no longer have to head to another neighbourhood to catch a movie!

Golden Village Bedok
Address: 445 Bedok North Street 1, #04-01 DjitSun Mall Bedok, Singapore 469661
Contact no.: 6653 8100
Website

Also read This New Arcade Is Supposedly The Biggest In The East Side – Tokens Go For As Low As 16 Cents

(Header Image Source: Golden Village)

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

Starting 20 June 2018, all 84 KFC restaurants nationwide will stop serving beverages with plastic caps and straws.

It comes as no surprise as there’s been a ramping up of anti-plastic waste measures by huge companies recently.

For example, Deliveroo Singapore pledged to do its part to cut down the use of plastic with the introduction of an “opt-in function” for cutlery on World Environment Day (5 June).

There are also plenty of start ups in Singapore introducing bamboo/metal straws to encourage Singaporeans to ditch the plastic straws and opt for reusable ones instead. Melissa Lam, the Bamboo Straw Girl, sells reusable bamboo straws and other products such as natural soap bars, bamboo fountain pens, and fabric wraps, and strawkeepers.

Ditch The Plastic Straws

In a bid to reduce single-use plastics, KFC will stop serving their drinks with plastic caps and straws as part of their No Straws initiative.

Lynette Lee, General Manager of Kentucky Fried Chicken Management Pte Ltd, said: “We acknowledge the strain that single-use plastics put on our environment and are taking steps to do our part in endeavouring a change.

This makes KFC the very first fast food chain in Singapore to ditch single-use plastics. It has been estimated that this move will “save 17.8 metric tons of single-use plastics in a year”.

Since December 2016, KFC Singapore has made efforts to go green by swapping out paper boxes for reusable baskets for dine-in meals. In early 2017, KFC introduced recyclable paper packaging for their breakfast platters in place of foam packaging for their KFC a.m. menu.

These initiatives saw a reduction of close to 2.5 million paper boxes and over 700,000 sets of foam packaging in a span of only 6 months.

KFC Singapore also added that they will continue to review and rollout the use of more biodegradable packaging for their offerings as part of their ongoing eco-conscious efforts.

Good on you KFC, you’re doing it right!

What are your thoughts on KFC ditching their straws and plastic caps? Let us know!

KFC Singapore
Address: Find your nearest outlet here
Website

Also Read From Seoul To S’pore – Korea’s Popular Isaac Toast Chain To Open In Plaza Singapura This July

(Header Image Source: KFC Singapore)