Location: Jurong West

These OG Bakeries Have Your Grandma’s Seal Of Approval And Are Still Standing Strong

Old school bakeries may not have Insta-worthy interiors or a cushy, air-conditioned environment. However, they retain the irresistible charm of a bygone era, filled with the aromas of freshly made bread and pastries. In addition, these bakeries bring back our happy and carefree childhood memories.

Unfortunately, these bakeries are fast becoming a thing of the past as owners without successors are forced to shutter their stores.

At DiscoverSG, we embarked on a mission to hunt down these wonderful bakeries so you can taste their delicious confections without breaking the bank.

1. Balmoral Bakery

When you have a bakery as old as Singapore, you know you are in for some tasty confection.

Balmoral Bakery was started by Hainanese “Ah Kohs” (translates into “big brothers”) in 1965 to complement Holland Village’s Balmoral Steak House. Since then, Balmoral Bakery has continued its tradition of making bread by hand.

With an amazing array of over 40 types of breads and cakes, Balmoral Bakery will capture the hearts of even the pickiest pastry lovers.

Some of the signature items at Balmoral Bakery include chicken pies, curry puffs and samosas.

Also, don’t leave without a slice of their moist and fluffy old school cakes. Most of Balmoral Bakery’s cakes and breads are priced between $0.80-$1.50, so you’re in for a treat!

Balmoral Bakery
Address: Blk 105 Clementi St 12 (Sunset Way), #01-08
Opening Hours: 8.30am – 8.00pm daily
Contact no.: 6779 2064

2. Chin Mee Chin Confectionery

Founded in 1964, Gin Thye Cake Maker is a Teochew bakery that offers a variety of traditional goodies and confections. It is also known to sell reasonably priced Guo Da Li pastries–betrothal gifts that the groom presents to the bride’s parents to acknowledge their efforts in raising the bride.

Their wedding cakes range from $9 for a heart shaped marble cake, walnut cake and butter cake to $12 for a sponge cake.

For those with a taste for traditional old school pastries, Gin Thye sells Wu Se Tang (伍色糖), Lao Ma Gao (老妈糕), Lao Gong Bing(老公饼 ), Da Lao Bing(大烙饼) and traditional Cantonese biscuit, Si Se Bing (四色饼).

If you buy many Guo Da Li items from the shop, the owner will also lend you their traditional Chinese wedding basket for free for your Guo Da Li ceremony!

Gin Thye Cake Maker
Address: 423 Sembawang road Singapore 758392
Opening Hours: Mon – Sat: 8.00am – 8.00pm
Sun & Public Holidays: 8.00am – 5.00pm
Contact no.: 6257 1566

Address: 632 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 4 #01-964 Singapore 560632
Opening Hours: Mon – Sat: 24 hours
Sun & Public Holidays: 24 hours
Contact no.: 6458 0206

Address: Block 152 Bukit Batok Street 11 #01-264 Singapore 650152
Opening Hours: Mon – Sat: 24 hours, Sun & Public Holidays: 24 hours
Contact no.: 6899 6929

Address: Blk 513 Bishan Street 13 #01-504
Opening Hours: Mon – Sat: 6:00am – 10.30pm , Sun & Public Holidays: 6:00am – 10.30pm
Contact no.: 6255 6362

Image Credit: Image Credit: Image Credit: Website

6. Tiong Bahru Galicier Pastry (Galicier Confectionery)

Apart from kueh bangkit, Tiong Bahru Galicier’s kueh dadar (sweet nonya pancake roll) seen above is another note-worthy pastry. The exterior of the kueh dadar is oh-so-soft and it is layered with grated white coconut filling for an added crunch.

Tiong Bahru Galicier Pastry Bakery
Address: Blk 55 Tiong Bahru Road #01-39 Singapore 160055
Opening Hours: Tue – Sun 10.00am – 9.00pm
Contact no.: 6324 1686

7. Tong Heng

Westies rejoice! We have found a gem of an old school bakery in the form of Tong Heng in Jurong Point. This shop was set up in the 1930s (gasp!) and boasts egg tarts to die for.

Unlike the conventional round egg tarts, Tong Heng’s legendary egg tarts are shaped like a diamond with a flaky crust. We like the velvety smooth custard filling that is not overly sweet.

[caption id="attachment_24159" align="alignnone" width="1080"] Image Credit: Old is Gold: 5 Places To Buy Unforgettable Old School Singaporean Snacks

7 Best Places For Team Sports: Grab Them Buddies & Get Some Exercise!

Ask any kid what their favourite lesson in school is, and the answer will no doubt be, “PE lesson!”

The days of school and PE lessons were undoubtedly one of the fondest times of our lives.

I’m sure we all remember how much fun we had bonding and competing with our classmates and teammates in a wide array of team sports and activities.

Wanna relive those days? Grab a few buddies and experience that same sense of camaraderie and team spirit again!

Basketball

Many of us enjoyed playing basketball because of how inclusionary yet intense it was. Regardless of skill level, people could participate in some shape or form, all while having some good competitive fun.

Naturally, we long for the opportunity to experience those fleeting, carefree spells of exhilaration and ecstasy once more.

Lace up and recapture those moments here:

SG Social Basketball
Visit the official SG Social Basketball group page to find out more about the location, time, cost and how to be involved.
Group page: Football

A crowd favourite back in good old PE class, we had tons of fun regardless of the conditions, be it makeshift goalposts or dingy patches of uneven grass.

Fancy a throwback to the glory days? Craving some good competitive footballing action or a simple fun-filled kick-about with your friends?

Get your fix of football action here:

U Soccer Interest Group
For more details, contact U Sports at:
Tel: 6582 3459
Email: [email protected]

Floorball

One for the sun detractors, Floorball is probably one of the most high-octane indoor sports out there.

Clashing sticks, jostling through literal heaps of people, and sprinting end-to-end brings about whopping amounts of adrenaline.

Play Floorball
Visit the official Play Floorball group page to find out more about the location, time, costs and how to get involved!
Group page: https://www.meetup.com/playfloorball/

Floorball at Valhall
Cost: $10 per game
Visit the official Floorball at Valhall group page to find out more about the location, time, costs and how to get involved!
Group page: https://www.meetup.com/Floorball-At-Valhall/

Table Tennis

Demanding unparalleled amounts of sheer concentration and agility, Table Tennis is truly a sport that pushes you to your limit.

There is even the option of pairing up with a friend and trying your hand at doubles for a more team-oriented experience!

Heighten your senses and put yourself to the test now at:

SG Table Tennis
Visit the official SG Table Tennis group page to find out more about the location, time, cost and how to get involved!
Group Page:  Credit: Netball Singapore[/caption]

If what you’re looking for is a zeal-filled, inclusionary activity that almost necessitates a collaborative effort, look no further.

These are some places you can start building your netball-ing repertoire with your peers at:

Social Netball @ Arena
Visit the official Social Netball @ Arena group page to find out more about the location, time, cost and how to get involved!
Group page: https://www.meetup.com/Singapore-Social-Netball-Meetup/

Play Netball
Price: $3-$5
Visit the official Play Netball group page to find out more about the location, time, cost and how to get involved!
Group page: https://www.meetup.com/meetup-group-gmFHkeLN/

What are you waiting for?

Grab your friends and rediscover the joy of team sports. You’ll be feeling like a kid again in no time!

Also, read 5 Adult Playgrounds That Will Make You Feel Like A Child Again

Here’s A Look At Singapore’s First Green And Car Free New HDB Town Tengah!

Tengah: The Newest Greenest Singapore Estate

Just yesterday (8 Sept), the Minister for National Development, Lawrence Wong unveiled plans for Singapore’s 24th HDB town, Tengah (Bet you can’t name all the 24 HDB towns in under 2 minutes!). The new estate is part of Government efforts to transform the West to be Singapore’s next CBD. It’s no coincidence that the West is also where the future Singapore- Kuala Lumpur rail terminal will be.

(image credit: HDB,
(image credit: HDB,
(image credit: HDB,
(image credit: HDB, )

Also Read: 6 Absolutely Beautiful Spots In Singapore That You Can Actually Dive In!

5 Adult Playgrounds That Will Make You Feel Like A Child Again

Living in Singapore isn’t just about malls and shopping (don’t get me wrong, I LOVE malls and shopping), you can find some pretty exhilarating and unique things to do on our tiny island. We sourced out some of the best adult playgrounds you can find across Singapore!

1. BOUNCE

(Imagre credit: 2. Laser Tag

(Image credit: allows you freedom to choose where you want to play! Bummer is you have to enquire and book in advance! If you’re looking for something a bit more traditional and controlled, opt for (Image credit: , this (Image credit: and

(Image credit: Tripadvisor)

Located in sunny Sentosa, Rope Yoga & Kitesurfing? 6 Thrilling Sports For Adrenaline Junkies

Be The Best With These Rare Pokemon! We Included Their Exact Spawn Locations!

If you’ve been out playing Pokemon Go all week, you probably know that Pokemon-spawning areas are virtually everywhere. However, where are the rare pokemon locations?

There are some specific locales in Singapore that are home to rare and powerful Pokemon. We’re here to let you in on the rare pokemon locations, so you can find all 11 rare pokemon! Read on if you’d like to add these elusive gems to your collection and further your quest to become the very best!,

1. Ponyta

Image Credits: With its luscious, red-hot flaming mane and tail, the incredibly rare Ponyta is one you’d want to collect for bragging rights. Easily one of the prettiest Pokemon around, this fire horse Pokemon – and its evolved form especially – is the closest you can get to catching a unicorn!

Image Credits: Kind and caring, the adorable Chansey is a ball of happiness. If you’re an avid Pokemon fan, you would probably remember that this lovely creature was always at the Pokemon Centre.

Image Credits: All Snorlax likes to do is eat and sleep, but don’t let its lazy, cuddly appearance fool you. This Pokemon is extremely powerful in battle! Snorlax is backed by high HP and defence stats, making it a popular Pokemon for trainers holding gyms.

Image Credits: YouTube

With its friendly appearance and gentle nature, it’s hard not to fall in love with Lapras. Despite its docile look, this Pokemon also has relatively high combat capabilities. It is another popular choice for battles or gym takeovers.

Rare pokemon location – Lapras has been spotted at:

• Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 3
• Choa Chu Kang Avenue 3
• 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956

5. Vulpix

Image Credits: Author

Fire fox Vulpix is already stealing our hearts in its own right. Look how cute it is!

However, its evolved form, Ninetails, will propel it to the top of your must-catch list. This Pokemon is an elusive one, with rare sightings in Singapore. Fire-type Pokemon are strong when up against Grass, Bug and Ice Pokemon, so it’s always useful to have some of them!

Rare pokemon location – Vulpix has been spotted at:

• Sentosa Siloso Beach
• Beauty World MRT Station

6. Dragonite

Image Credits: Dragonite looks like a cuddly teddy bear. However, don’t let Dragonite’s harmless appearance fool you! It is actually pretty impressive on the battlefield!

Image Credits: Now, this is a Pokemon you don’t usually chance upon! This shockingly (pun intended) fierce Electric-type Pokemon would make a great addition to your team. Especially since there aren’t many Electric-type Pokemon around at the moment. Just what you need to take down Golducks, Slowbros and Vaporeons.

Image Credits: YouTube

If you thought hunting for Growlithe is tough, wait till you try searching for Arcanine. A cross between a tiger, wolf and fox, this Pokemon is one you’d definitely want to catch. Arcanine is said to have one of the highest combat stats amongst the non-legendary first generation Pokemon.

Rare pokemon location – Arcanine has been spotted at:

• Clark Quay area (near Riverside Point)
• Chinese and Japanese Gardens

9. Hitmonchan

Image Credits: With a name that pays homage to renowned martial arts artist and action star Jackie Chan, Hitmonchan certainly packs a punch.

Image Credits: Unlike any other Pokemon, this prism-like Porygon is completely made out of a computer program. It does not require any food or sleep to survive!

Image Credits: Author

We saved the best for last – you didn’t think we’d leave this out, now did you? Undisputedly the most famous Pokemon of all time, Pikachu remains as one of the most loved Pokemon to date.

If you didn’t manage to catch Pikachu at the start or hatch it from an egg, fret not, because here’s where you can find it!

Rare pokemon location – Pikachu has been spotted at:

• Universal Studios Singapore (Sentosa)
• Near Jurong West Temple
• Tampines West Community Club
• Marina Bay Sands
• Gardens by the Bay (near carpark exit)

And there you have it – 11 of the rarest Pokemon that have been sighted in our city! While we don’t have access to internal spawn data, trust us when we say that the aforementioned places are your best bet to catch ’em all. Happy hunting!

(Photo header: Our Lives Have Changed Since Pokemon Go! 12 Things Every Player Can Relate To!

Singaporeans Are Going Crazy Over Pokemon Go! Here’s The Evidence!

When baked cheese tart hit our shores, we thought the queue was crazy. But when Pokemon Go landed in Singapore, Singaporeans take crazy to a whole new level!

Day or night, shine or very hot sunshine, Singaporeans are all out Poke-hunting and we have the evidence!

1. Hougang is gungho…real gungho

When word about “rare” Pokemon such as Gyarados was spotted at Block 401 of Hougang Avenue, the precinct gained notorious reputation overnight.

2. ….doesn’t matter day or night

Hot sun? What hot sun? Nothing is hotter than a Charizard that I’m about to catch!

3.  Punggol Park is not spared either

It’s normal to see a park with people in sports attire but in flip flops and their smartphone on their hands? That’s the Pokemon effect!

5. Yishun Park at night

Dear, we’re not going to the movies tonight. Instead, let’s go catch some Pokemon! Pokemon Go – redefining date nights.

6. Orchard Road

How to get a bunch of youths going on a public holiday? Organise a Poke-crawl on National Day!

The event started at 1pm (read: hottest time of the day) and yet our Singaporean youths braved the heat to be the very best! In fact, the turnout was so massive that Poke-crawlers were chased away by the security staff of ION!

7. Orchard At Night

Just look at how everyone sits together so uniformly! It sure looks like they’re about to start a choir performance! Actually, they’re sticking as close as possible to leech from each other’s lure.

8. Chinese Garden, Jurong

It may look less crowded in this picture but the Chinese Garden is a hot spot for Pokemon GO players as it houses 20 rest stops and 3 gyms. It’s very spacious so it’s great for people who don’t like crowd.

9. Vivo City

We Singaporeans are all about efficiency. If we can get our shopping done at Vivo and catch some Pokemon too, why not?

10. Bishan Park

Remember how people used to say that Bishan Park is really scary at night? This was taken at 1:30am and the park is still lively and buzzing!

11. East Coast Park

East Coast Park is home to one of Singapore’s most haunting ghost stories. It’s one of those places people try to avoid going to at night. But ever since the launch of Pokemon Go, we’ve seen some really brave Singaporeans. And it’s the Hungry Ghost Festival now…

Do you have evidence of the Pokemon Go craze in your neighbourhood? Drop us a comment and share with us!

Header image source: Straits Times

Also, read Pokemon Go Guide: How To Catch Pikachu & Where To Catch ‘Em All

Thought You Knew All About Singapore? Here Are 10 Uncommon Places That’ll Guarantee A New Experience

Even if you’re not going abroad, you can look to our very own humble abode for fun things to do and places to explore. Singapore isn’t just about Orchard Road or Gardens by the Bay. We’re almost as sick of these places as you are!

Well, fret not! Come the weekend, you can look forward to something else to do! Here are 10 interesting and uncommon places to visit for a different kind of fun.

1. Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle & Dragon Kiln

Dubbed one of Singapore’s most well-kept secrets, the Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle is a place that combines heritage, history, discovery, and fun. It gives vibes of an old museum and you can actually buy proper pottery and art at a reasonable price!

There’s also the Dragon Kiln (a furnace/oven for burning pottery), one of the oldest surviving brick-built kilns in Singapore for wood firing. If you’d like to learn more about pottery, Thow Kwang also hosts a series of workshops that will give you your Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze “Ghost” pottery moment.

• Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle
• Address:  85 Lorong Tawas, off Jalan Bahar
• Contact number: +65 6268 6121
• Operating Hours: Daily, 9am-5pm
• Website: Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle

2. Lazarus Island

Are you looking for a beach to visit, but find that those at Sentosa are overpopulated? Why not try Lazarus Island instead? Accessible by a causeway from St John’s Island, Lazarus Island is home to an untouched tranquil beach.

You could take a dip in the clear turquoise waters, and bring along a picnic basket for a picnic on the pristine white sand. For the best beaches in Singapore, read this.

3. The Observatory at Science Centre

Stargazing, anyone? With a location near the equator, Singapore has an advantageous location. It allows stargazers to catch a glimpse of the constellations in both the northern and southern celestial hemispheres. If you happen to be in the west, drop by the Science Centre to check out the exhibits and end off your visit with a sky full of stars!

• Science Centre Observatory
• Address: 21 Jurong Town Hall Road, 609433
• Contact number: +65 6425 2500
• Operating Hours: Friday 7:45pm- 10:00pm
• Facebook: SCOB

4. Pulau Ubin

It’s a great destination for those who would like to escape the hustle and bustle of the city (especially from the crowd!). Just swap the MRTs for rental bikes and enjoy nature.

5. MegaZip Adventure Park

Up for an adventure with your buddies? Head down to Sentosa’s MegaZip Adventure Park to get your adrenaline going. Hang 450-metre high up and swing across a jungle, beach, and the sea at a speed of up to 60 kilometres!

Not a fan of swinging across Sentosa? Check out Climb Max, an obstacle course consisting of three levels of aerial ropes at 15 metres high. That sure sounds like the next Singapore Ninja Warrior course!

• MegaZip Adventure Park
• Address: Imbiah Hill Rd, Sentosa Island, 098967
• Contact number:+65 6884 5602
• Operating Hours: Daily, 11am-7pm
• Entrance fee: $50++
• Website: Image source: Bounce Singapore[/caption]

  The thought of hanging around Orchard as something fun to do probably did not cross your mind. But how about bouncing around the latest indoor adventure park that is strategically located in Orchard?

  Bounce Singapore is an epic urban playground that consists of interconnected trampolines, Freerun Terrain Park (like the one on American Ninja Warrior), and “Leap of Faith” – jump on a raised platform and leap out to catch hold of the trapeze. Best part of all? It’s indoors and you won’t get sunburnt from all that fun.

  [caption id="attachment_11345" align="alignnone" width="960"] Image source: Bounce Singapore[/caption] [caption id="attachment_11346" align="alignnone" width="960"] Image source: Bounce Singapore[/caption]
  • Bounce Singapore
  • Address: Cathay Cineleisure Orchard, 8 Grange Road, #09-01
  • Contact number: +65 6816 2879
  • Operating Hours: Sun-Thurs (10am – 10pm), Fri-Sat (10am – midnight)
  • Entrance fee: $24++ (general admission), $19++(student discount)
  • Website: Bounce SG

  7. Singapore Botanic Gardens

  [caption id="attachment_11381" align="alignnone" width="700"] Image source: Image source: Image source: blognacarona[/caption]
  • Singapore Botanic Gardens
  • Address: 1 Cluny Rd, Singapore 259569
  • Contact number: +65 6471 7138
  • Operating Hours: Daily 5am-12am
  • Website: Singapore Botanic Gardens

  8. Mint Museum Of Toy

  [caption id="attachment_11431" align="alignnone" width="586"] Image source: gridho[/caption]

  You’re never too young or too old for toys! This toy museum will delight both adults and kids with its vast collection of vintage toys and memorabilia from around the world.

  With over 50,000 pieces of vintage toys, this collection is considered one of the finest in the world. Even the five-storey building that houses the museum is a work of art and has gained international recognition at Architectural Awards.

  [caption id="attachment_11437" align="alignnone" width="602"] Image source: Javier Wu[/caption] [caption id="attachment_11439" align="alignnone" width="601"] Image source: afiq_castello[/caption]
  • Mint Museum Of Toys
  • Address: 26 Seah Street, 188382
  • Contact number: +65 63390660
  • Operating Hours: Daily 9:30am-6:30pm
  • Entry fee: $15
  • Website: Image source: Souce: Image source: The Natural Traveller[/caption]
    • Changi Chapel & Museum
    • Address: 1000 Upper Changi Rd N,  507707
    • Contact number: +65 6214 2451
    • Operating Hours: Daily 9:30am-5.00pm (last admission at 4:30pm)
    • Entry Fee: Free admission
    • Website: Image source: Image source: puripurikan_daus[/caption] [caption id="attachment_11458" align="alignnone" width="800"] Image source: addgrainonearth[/caption]
      • Singapore City Gallery
      • Address: 45 Maxwell Rd, The URA Centre, 069118
      • Contact number: +65 6321 8321
      • Operating Hours: Monday- Saturday 9:00am-5:00pm
      • Entry Fee: Free admission
      • Website: Singapore City Gallery

      With 10 uncommon places to check out with your friends for a different kinda fun (and some really pocket-friendly ones), which one would you visit first? While you’re at it, also check out The Singaporean Bucket List – 10 Challenges You Die Die Must Complete.

      Header image source: Tiny Pieces Of Paper & Quirky Imagination Was All It Took For Instagrammer To Make SG Fun Again

7 Local Desserts So Good, They’ll Remind You Of Your Childhood Sweetheart

Topped with tropical fruits and a side of condensed milk for a Snapchat worthy sweet treat, Bingsus are the go-to dessert on a hot summer’s day. Not forgetting a warm and freshly baked Belgian waffle, topped with a scoop of creamy gelato and almond sprinkles. Mmm.

Local Dessert – Comfort Food That Never Disappoints

But when it comes to hitting that sweet spot for dessert, nothing does it better than local dessert. Affordable, nostalgic and ultimately delicious, local dessert is not only part and parcel of our culture, but also a quick and delicious way to seek respite from the blistering heat. Be it a cooling snack, a mid-day treat or a post-meal dessert, here’s a list of where you can go to get your local dessert fix!

1. Mei Hong Yuen Dessert

Image credit: www.burpple.com/@sharonista

A name familiar to most, this local dessert chain serves traditional hot and cold dessert. It is one of the “Singapore Chinatown Heritage Brands”. These brands are the ones that have been operating in Chinatown for at least 30 years. Through the years, Having eaten at this dessert stall for years, we heavily recommend the Almond with Egg White, Red Bean Lotus, and Chee Cheong Fun. They have also recently opened more stalls, so you don’t have to travel to Chinatown just to savour one of the best local dessert stalls.

Outlets:
Chinatown: No. 63 – 67 Temple Street, #B2-32 Chinatown Point
Orchard: #B4-34, ION
Novena: #02-03 Velocity@Novena Square
Clementi: #03-02 321 Clementi Ave 3
Opening Hours:
Click 2. Ah Chew Desserts