The Singapore Zoo Lights Up At Night This July With A New Luminous Rainforest Trail

Have you been to the Singapore Zoo at night?

I’m not talking about the Night Safari. I mean, the Singapore Zoo. Usually, you won’t. Or rather, you can’t because the Zoo closes at 6pm daily.

From 1 July 2018, you can!

The Singapore Zoo has come up with a new attraction in celebration of its 45th birthday!

Introducing Rainforest Lumina.

A Rainforest Light Show In The Dark

Held in collaboration with Moment Factory, Rainforest Lumina is apparently the first multi-sensory night walk experience in Asia, with more than 10 interactive zones along the 1km light trail that takes you through the Singapore Zoo.

However, don’t expect to see any live animals (they’re off-duty). The only animals you’ll see are on the various light installations or projections.

With zones that look like they’re lifted straight out of James Cameron’s 2009 film, Avatar, this is guaranteed to be a luminescent spectacle.

Stroll on the Luminous Pathway, step through the Shimmering Islands, and marvel at the glowing Lantern Passage.

Check out the trailer for Rainforest Lumina below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_M8WmEeh7Xk

There are 7 timeslots available per night, and ticket prices are $22 for adults and $16 for children between ages 3 and 12.

You may purchase your tickets here.

This is a rare opportunity to experience the Singapore Zoo in the dark so gather the family and take the kids to Rainforest Lumina this July!

Rainforest Lumina
Venue: Singapore Zoo, 80 Mandai Lake Road
Date: From 1 July 2018
Price: Adult: $22, Child (3 – 12 years old): $16
Website

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

(Header Image Source: Jの背包旅行)

If You Only Have Half A Day In Singapore, Here Are 10 Places You Must Visit

So you’ve just landed in Singapore for a short weekend getaway.

Splendid choice. Singapore’s a melting pot of cultures so there’re plenty of options to choose from when it comes to food and places to try and visit.

We’ve come up with a list of must-visit places in Singapore regardless of the length of your visit in Asia’s Little Red Dot.

1. Changi Village

Hidden away in the eastern coast of Singapore, on the northern point of Changi, is Changi Village.

It is situated far away from the hustle and bustle of the city, past the industrial buildings and next to the airport runway. The main reason people even come to Changi Village is for the food, and Pokemon Go. Rare Pokemon spawn here apparently.

The place is hard to get to unless you’re driving and it might seem a bit too out of the way to travel to, but the place possesses a quiet charm.

And that’s not all, it’s also a favourite haunt of NSFs who are posted to Pulau Tekong. After all, the SAF Ferry Terminal is just 5 minutes away.

If you’re there, be sure to head to Changi Village Hawker Centre. Don’t miss the International Muslim Nasi Lemak, easily the most iconic dish of Changi Village.

Also, hit up 89.7 Supper Club. No it’s not a radio station, but a popular 24-hour halal supper spot. Heads up, they serve really good halal dim sum.

That’s not all, Changi Point Ferry Terminal is also the connecting point for a ferry to Pulau Ubin.

So if you’re looking for some greenery and wilderness, it’s just a boat ride away.

2. Gardens By The Bay

The Gardens By The Bay is one of Singapore’s most popular attractions, and for good reason too. Opened in 2012, the sprawling park is home to some of the world’s most unique plants and flowers.

The Flower Dome is a marvel. Designed to resemble a giant seashell, this cool conservatory houses exotic plants from over 5 different continents.

The Cloud Forest is another spectacle, featuring unique tropical plants as well as the world’s tallest indoor waterfall at 35 metres. The journey through the conservatory will take you through the mist-filled Cloud Walk and you can even marvel at the views from up top on the Treetop Walk.

That’s not all, step into the SuperTree Grove and stroll through the towering Supertrees. It’s almost as if you’re in the world of Pandora from James Cameron’s Avatar.

The Gardens By The Bay is easily one of the most prominent attraction in Singapore, opposite the iconic Singapore city skyline.

Don’t forget your camera.

Gardens By The Bay
Address: 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
Opening Hours: Daily: 5am – 2am
Contact no.: 6420 6848
Image Credit: Wikipedia[/caption]

It is Singapore’s largest outdoor art gallery and remains as a treasure trove of Asian culture, philosophy, history and religion.

The most iconic attraction in Haw Par Villa is the ‘Ten Courts of Hell‘.

[caption id="attachment_34380" align="aligncenter" width="825"] Image Credit: Ten Courts of Hell

If you’re wondering, ‘Lau Pa Sat’ is literally Hokkien for ‘Old Market’ and it was named so because it used to be a wet market when it was still situated in its original location by the waterfront, before it was moved into the financial district.

It was gazetted as a national monument on 6 July 1973 and converted into the hawker centre that it is today.

The hawker centre is a collection of the best local food. You’ll typically find tourists and executives from neighbouring MNCs having a pint here after work, with an accompanying platter of satay.

The Lau Pa Sat hawker centre also has a 24-hour Cheers convenience store, a shoe repair shop, a laundry store and a tailor.

Your Singapore experience isn’t complete without having at least one meal here.

Lau Pa Sat
Address: 18 Raffles Quay, Singapore 048582
Opening Hours: Mon: 10am – 11pm, Tue, Thu – Sun: 10am – 10pm, Wed: 10.30am – 9.30pm

5. Marina Bay Sands SkyPark

In the past decade, the most prominent building to rise in the Singapore city skyline is Marina Bay Sands.

The hotel has become the most iconic building in Singapore and one of the must-visit spots is the Marina Bay SkyPark.

Sitting at 57 levels above the heart of the city, the Sands SkyPark Observation Deck offers 360 degrees of unblocked panoramic views of Singapore.

If you’re there at night, be sure to stay for Spectra, a 15-minute, free-for-public outdoor light and water show displayed at the Event Plaza along the promenade.

Be sure to bring your cameras because you cannot get any better views of Singapore anywhere else.

Marina Bay Sands SkyPark
Address: Level 57, Tower 3, 10 Bayfront Ave, Sands SkyPark
Opening Hours: Mon – Thu: 9.30am – 10pm, Fri – Sun: 9.30am – 11pm
Price: Adult: $23, Children Aged 2 – 12: $17, Senior Citizen: $20, Children Under 2, Hotel Guests: Free
Website

6. Maxwell Food Centre

Maxwell Food Centre is easily one of our favourite spots to eat.

A few minutes walk away from Tanjong Pagar MRT station, the food centre is a treasure trove of good food.

While people usually queue for Tian Tian Chicken Rice, we suggest that you ditch the queue and go for something more exciting.

Go for gravy goodness at the Hainanese Curry Rice stall or have a healthier meal with the Sliced Fish Soup from Jin Hua Fish Head Bee Hoon.

These are our 2 favourite stalls in Maxwell Food Centre.

Maxwell Food Centre has perpetually snaking queues in majority of their stalls. So come early, come hungry, and bring a friend so you can try as many dishes as possible.

Maxwell Food Centre
Address: 1 Kadayanallur Street, Singapore 069184

7. Mustafa Centre

What initially started out as a store selling readymade garments in 1971 has since grown into a 24-hour, six floor, two-building shopping heaven.

Your first visit here may feel overwhelming as you’re bound to bump shoulders with tens of thousands of people squeezing their way through Mustafa’s narrow aisles.

You’ll find everything from homeware and electronics to clothes and groceries. With over 3,000 products on sale at bargained prices, you’re bound to fill your baskets with snacks, a random pair of sunglasses and perhaps a kettle that you managed to convince yourself that you’ll “eventually” need.

If you find yourself feeling a little peckish while doing your shopping, there’s a 400-seater restaurant called Kebabs ‘n Curries opened at the rooftop of Mustafa’s spanking new wing. You can enjoy everything from naan to dum briyani without the fine dining price tag.

Mustafa Centre is the one-stop place for everything. Just be sure to control your urge to buy everything while you’re here.

Mustafa Centre
Address: 145 Syed Alwi Road, Little India, Singapore 207704
Website

8. National Gallery Singapore

National Gallery Singapore is an art gallery that houses the world’s largest public collection of Singapore and Southeast Asian art, with over 8,000 works of art.

Located in the Civic District, the National Gallery Singapore consists of 2 national monuments, namely the former Supreme Court and City Hall and is the largest visual arts venue and museum in Singapore.

The National Gallery also collaborates with international museums to jointly present Southeast Asian art in the global context.

Be sure to check out their website for updates on current exhibitions.

National Gallery Singapore
Address: 1 St. Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178957
Opening Hours: Daily: 10am – 7pm
Contact no.: 6271 7000
Website

9. Singapore Zoo

The Singapore Zoo, formerly known as the Singapore Zoological Gardens, was opened in 1973.

The zoo houses over 315 species of animals with about 16 percent considered to be threatened species. Look out for the white tigers!

Set in a rainforest environment, the Singapore Zoo is known for their ‘open concept’ where animals live in landscapes and environments that simulate their natural habitat.]

That’s not all, they have various live shows featuring Birds of Prey and Sea Lions!

If you’re looking for a world-class zoological experience, then you should pay a visit to the Singapore Zoo.

Singapore Zoo
Address: 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826
Opening Hours: Daily: 8.30am – 6pm
Contact no.: 6269 3411
Website

10. Southern Ridges & Henderson Waves Bridge

Singapore has always been known as Asia’s Greenest City and what better way to experience the natural greenery on our island city, than taking a hike on the Southern Ridges, a 10km trail that connects the parks along the southern ridge of Singapore.

The Southern Ridges trail connects Mount Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park and Kent Ridge Park.

Mount Faber Park is one of the oldest parks in Singapore and is connected to Telok Blangah Hill Park by the Henderson Waves bridge.

If you’re looking for great photo opportunities and amazing views of the sunset, keep walking until you reach Henderson Waves bridge.

It is Singapore’s highest pedestrian bridge with a unique wave-form design that forms alcoves that double as shelters with seats within.

The wave-forms are lit with LED lamps at night from 7pm to 2am daily, so you can pop by anytime.

It’s quite cathartic to just be there. Do pack bug spray though; mosquitoes are vicious.

Southern Ridges & Henderson Waves Bridge
Address: Henderson Road, Mount Faber Park, Singapore 099203
Website

Also read 7 Unique Sports Experiences That Can Only Be Found In Sentosa

(Header Image Source: Unsplash)

Singapore’s First Treehouse Hotel Opens In 2023, With Pandas And Otters As Neighbours

As children, many of us probably had fantasies of living in a treehouse. If you’re like us, you may have imagined yourself swinging from vine to vine like Tarzan, and being in the wild, living amongst animals.

Soon, that fantasy may turn into a reality.

Come 2023, a brand new resort will be opening in Mandai, and it promises treehouses, elevated cabins, and cottages at the doorstep of Singapore’s wildlife parks.

Operated by luxury resort operator Banyan Tree Holdings, this will be the only hotel serving the wildlife parks in Singapore.

Can someone say ‘Jurassic Park’?

Singapore’s Wildlife Right Outside Your Window

A dream come true for animal and nature lovers alike, this resort provides an “immersive stay close to nature” with Singapore’s wildlife parks right outside your window.

There will be an estimated 400 rooms, which include low-rise cottages, elevated cabins, and treehouses!

While this much is confirmed, the project’s design will only be selected by 2018.

(Header Image Source: Mandai Park Holdings)

Forget The Zoo – Make Some New Animal Friends At These Lesser Known Farms In S’pore

If your idea of paradise is to be surrounded by animals of all kinds, this one’s for you.

We all know the Zoo, the Bird Park, the Night Safari, and the River Safari. Let’s be honest, you can only visit these places so many times before you get bored of it.

Here are 7 lesser-known places in Singapore for you animal lovers to get up close and personal with some cute (and some less cute) critters. From rabbits to goats, to tortoises, you’re sure to find your spirit animal in one of these animal enclaves.

A word of warning though: some of these critters aren’t as cute and fluffy as the ones you may have in mind…

1. The Animal Resort

It seems like gone are the days when animals could run and roam freely around our homes.

The Animal Resort brings a taste of that back with its little zoo with a kampong twist!

Make friends with goats at Hay Dairies!

Walking down the enclosures, these amicable and curious animals will poke their noses through the bars to nudge your hand, as if to say “hello”. 

[caption id="attachment_25433" align="aligncenter" width="5472"] Image Credit: No. 3 Lim Chu Kang, Agrotech Park Lane 4, Singapore 718859
Opening Hours: Mon, Wed, Sun: 9am – 4pm; Farm is closed on Tuesdays
Admission: Free
Contact no.: 6792 0931
These slow and chill guys are our spirit animal for sure.

The Live Turtle & Tortoise Museum lets you enter a rare world of turtles and tortoises.

[caption id="attachment_26861" align="alignnone" width="1332"] Image Credit: Wikimedia[/caption]

You’ll be surrounded by 200 turtles and tortoises of more than 60 different species.

Be entertained by the funny antics of the Terrapins and Soft Shells roaming freely through the park. You can also pet and hand feed some of them! If you are in luck, you might even witness eggs hatching.

The founders of this museum rescue and rehabilitate the rarer species. These include “Double Happiness”, a two-headed, six-legged turtle that was nursed back to health after she was found in critical condition.

It is a common Chinese belief that turtles and tortoises represent longevity. So come soak up the good fortune with these zen creatures!

The Live Turtle & Tortoise Museum
Address: 1 Chinese Garden Road, Singapore 619795
Opening Hours: 10am – 7pm daily
Contact no.: 6268 5363
For a nature paradise and getaway from the hectic city life, try Farmart Centre!

Their simple setup and rest-and-relax activities will give you a glimpse of the kampung spirit.

[caption id="attachment_25427" align="aligncenter" width="3000"] Image Credit: Adrian Video Image[/caption]

Its “Weekend Animal Corner” lets everyone interact with the small animals. Experience the feeding of goats, rabbits, bullfrogs, tortoises, and many more.

You can also sign up for one of their interesting and educational farm tours. You’ll be taken around and introduced to all the different farm animals around the Kranji area!

Don’t leave before having a good lunch of Traditional hot wok Zi Char, Hot Grilled BBQ Chicken Wings, Otah Otah and Malay Satay!

Farmart Centre
Address: 67 Sungei Tengah Road, Singapore 699008
Opening Hours: Food Outlets: Sun – Thu: 10am – 10pm; Fri, Sun, PH: 10am – 12am
Admission: Free
Contact no.: 67670070
If calming sea creatures are more your thing, the endless rows of koi ponds at Mainland Tropical Fish Farm will be a treat.

It’s a great place to indulge in a bit of fishing or fish feeding!

[caption id="attachment_25423" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Image Credit: Andrew, Shuhua, Claire[/caption]

Buy a pack of fish food from the shop and watch the pretty koi gather eagerly for a bite. Or try your hand at longkang fishing and prawn fishing.

Dip your feet at the fish spa for a ticklish, yet relaxing experience. Or simply gaze at the scores of ornamental fish on display and admire nature’s handiwork.

Should you decide to take home a finned friend, you’ll find everything you need for its well-being right here!

Mainland Tropical Fish Farm
Address: No.1 Pasir Ris Farmway 1, Singapore 519352
Opening hours: 8.30am – 7pm daily
Admission: Free
Contact no.: 62873883, 65843643, 65812550
You’ll hear them before you see them.

These outspoken creatures at Jurong Frog Farm are sure to greet you as you enter their home!

[caption id="attachment_26862" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Image Credit: 51 (Plot 56) Lim Chu Kang Lane 6 Singapore 718864
Opening Hours: Tue – Fri: 9am – 6pm (reserved for booked tours and pick up of purchases); Sat, Sun, PH: 9am – 5.30pm
Admission: Free
Contact no.: 6791 7229
Don’t forget that insects are animals too!

Butterfly lovers will love Oh’ Farms Butterfly Lodge, a place that houses around 20 local butterfly species.

[caption id="attachment_25426" align="aligncenter" width="660"] Image Credit: Butterflies of Singapore[/caption]

This butterfly-friendly flight cage allows visitors to observe and enjoy the butterflies in a landscaped garden environment.

The habitats are carefully designed to allow the butterflies to fly freely and go about their daily business with as little interference as possible. Nectar collecting and flower pollinating is all very important stuff.

You’ll also learn about the ecology and conservation of butterflies, and appreciate the diversity and beauty of Singapore’s butterfly fauna.

Come marvel at the beauty of these flying jewels as they flit just by your ear!

Oh’ Farms
Address: 14A, Bah Soon Pah Road, Singapore 769970
Opening Hours: Mon – Sat: 8am – 5pm; Closed on Sundays & PH
Contact no.: 67538011
In Need Of A Happy Hour? This ‘Atas’ Food Hall In The CBD Has A Bar That Offers Drinks For Just $5

Singapore’s Late Night Eats Near MBS, Yishun And More For Pokemon Go Addicts!

Pokemon Go has taken Singapore by storm for weeks now, with throngs of Singaporeans gathering at parks, malls and even the streets of Orchard Road and Marine Bay Sands till the wee hours.

Because of this, we’ve decided to create a list of late night eats that are conveniently placed near Pokemon hotspots and places where you can catch the rarest Pokemon.

Don’t expect any fast food joints on this list, it’s all local food that is bound to fuel you up after a long night of Pokemon catching!

1. Night Safari

If you have decided to go to the Night Safari to enjoy both the real and virtual animals, you would probably have stayed long past the closing hours of the Night Safari eateries.

We found the closest eatery to this national attraction, and the good news is they’re open way past the Night Safari. The bad news? They’re a pretty long walk from the Night Safari.

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For those staying in the North and Central Singapore, Upper Thomson is the best place to grab some grub. With quaint cafes serving up some really good coffee in the day and small restaurants offering really affordable and delicious food by night, it’s no surprise that it’s grown so popular.

A great place to get some cheap supper? If you’re a night owl who prowls the island for late supper you would have definitely heard of the Roti Prata House. They have a wide variety of pratas including durian and milo but if you’re a little more traditional stick to the firm favourites.

Distance: 5 mins by car, 23 mins if you’re walking

Address: 246M Upper Thomson Rd, Singapore 574370
Contact: 6459 5260
Opening Hours: 7am – 2am

Image credit: Chef Quak


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Opening Hours: 24 hours

4. Tampines West

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Opening Hours: 24 hours

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A stone’s throw from Al-Azhar is Saffron’s Cafeteria, if you’re starving and need something to fill your stomach this is the place to head to. A firm favourite among patrons is the Briyani, according our sources the servings are huge, enough to fill two adults and they’re really affordable, at an average price of $6 that is a steal! Best part? It’s 24 hours! So you know where to head to when those midnight Bryani cravings hit!

Address: Blk 201D Tampines Street 21, # 01-1163, S529393
Contact:6787 6010
Opening Hours: 24 hours

5. Chinese Garden

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Opening Hours: 6:30AM–3:30AM

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Opening Hours: 24 hours

6. Marina Bay Sands

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Image credit: rare Pokemons, but with so many eateries either closing before 11 or way beyond our price range, Makansutra Gluttons By The Bay is one place you can definitely have you fill under a budget.

Makansutra Gluttons By The Bay is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat no matter the company, if you’re riding solo grab some Mee Goreng from The Old Satay Club or Soon Lee’s Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee. If you’re in a big group, do supper family style, share the famous Huat Huat BBQ Chicken Wings or the Alhambra Padang Satay.

Distance: 3 mins by car, 15 mins if you’re walking

Address: #01-15, 8 Raffles Ave, 039802
Contact: 6336 7025
Opening Hours: Mon-Thurs, 5pm-2am; Fri-Sat, 5pm-3am; Sun, 4pm-1am

7. Lot One

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Image credit: Pokemon Go Guide: How To Catch Pikachu & Where To Catch ‘Em All!