2017 is heading out and the new year is upon us very very soon.
We have less than a week till 2018 knocks on the door and barges in without waiting for you to answer the door.
So, we’ve a list of activities and food that will help you start the year right.
Play & Discover
1. Comedy At Canvas With Kumar – January 2018 Edition
Singapore’s favourite drag comedian, Kumar, has spent over 20 years in the entertainment industry. From television, to film and stage, Kumar has conquered all.
Now, he will be bringing his wit, politically incorrect humour, racial and sexual observations, and lip-syncing skills to Canvas Club every Tuesday for the month of January.
Love him or hate him, Kumar will always be a prominent voice for Singaporeans, regardless of race, language and religion. And not forgetting sexual orientation.
Don’t miss Kumar as he takes a jab at Singaporean culture every Tuesday, live at Canvas Club!
Comedy At Canvas With Kumar: January 2018 Edition Venue: Canvas Club, 20 Upper Circular Road, The Riverwalk, #B1-01/06, Singapore, 058416 Date: 2 Jan, 9 Jan, 16 Jan, 23 Jan, 30 Jan 2018 Price: $26.88 – $40.20 Website
2. Transformers Run Singapore 2018
Calling all Transformers fans in Singapore!
Happening on 6 January 2018, there will be a Transformers Run at Sentosa Island, Palawan Green.
This 5km fun run will also feature a family carnival with a NERF Arena, Inflatables, Transformers merchandise, food and beverage, as well as Transformers showcases.
Register for the run and you will receive a race pack which includes a Transformers drawstring bag, a Transformers water bottle, a wristband, tee shirt, and a finisher medal.
The carnival opens from 12pm to 8pm, with the run starting at 4pm.
Tickets go from $85 to $140. Purchase your tickets here.
Transformers Run Singapore 2018 Venue: Sentosa Island, Palawan Green, Singapore, 099981 Date: 6 Jan 2018 Price: $85 – $140 Website
3. Chimichanga’s Lobster Brunch Saturdays
This is the event for all seafood lovers. Chimichanga proudly presents Lobster brunch every Saturday that features grilled Boston lobsters and freshly-shucked Hyogo oysters.
But that’s not all. If seafood isn’t really your thing, Chimichanga has got you covered with their signature all-time favourite, Carne Asada steak and grilled New Zealand Lamb Cutlets.
Available from 23 December 2017 to 20 January 2018, don’t miss this Surf and Turf brunch special, only at Chimichanga!
Fans of Imagine Dragons, brace yourselves. The Grammy Award-winning band is returning to Singapore on 7 January 2018 for a ONE NIGHT ONLY concert at the Singapore Indoor Stadium!
Since their full-length debut in 2012 with their multi-platinum album, “Night Visions”, Imagine Dragons has captured fans worldwide with their anthemic alt-rock music.
With multiple Billboard-topping hits under their belt, the Grammy Award-winning band will be bringing their music to Singapore once again, following the debut of their 3rd studio album, “Evolve”.
Ticket prices start at $98 for Cat 7 tickets to $228 for Cat 1 tickets.
Imagine Dragons World Tour 2018 Venue: Singapore Indoor Stadium Date: 7 Jan 2018 Price: $98 – $228 (Excluding booking fee) Image Credit: Late Night Fridays – SAM At 8Q[/caption]
What’s more, every second friday of the month from January to March is extra special. There will be live music, meet-the-curator sessions, as well as al fresco food and drinks!
From 6pm to 10.30pm on 12 January, 9 February, and 9 March 2018, Singapore Art Museum is the place to be.
Late Night Fridays: SAM At 8Q Venue: 8 Queen Street, Singapore Art Museum, Singapore, 188535 Date: 12 Jan, 9 Feb, 9 Mar 2018 Website
6. A Pole Story: Adventures In Wonderland
A Pole Story: Adventures In Wonderland might sound like a Christmas event that found itself a little late, but it’s definitely not Christmas-related.
It’s a pole dance extravaganza that features students and instructors of The Brass Barre, International Pole Stars as well as The Rose Diamonds, a team of cancer survivors and seniors.
The 2 groups will come together to put on a spectacular display that showcases the strength, grace and beauty of the art of pole dancing.
Expect elaborate costumes and acrobatic displays as they take you on a journey through Wonderland!
There will be something for everyone at the EarthFest 2018.
Visitors can try delicious and healthy international food at the Food fair, shop at the Farmer’s Market of local businesses with sustainable products, and have fun at the Eco-Carnival where there will be engaging low carbon games.
The EarthFest 2018 will be bigger and better, with a bigger event space and longer operating hours from 11am to 4.30pm, so that visitors can enjoy themselves as much as possible!
Tickets are free, though you have to get them from here.
So grab your friends and family and head down to EarthFest 2018 on 14 January!
If you’re not feeling like cream puffs, how about trying Kazo’s Cheese Tarts ($3.20 each)? Yes, we know that there are already multiple cheese tart brands in Singapore but we love cheese tarts and new stuff, so we’ll still eat it anyway.
For those of you who like the Walls ice cream sold by the uncles along the streets of Orchard Road, then you’ll want to try Kazo’s Danish Polo ($2.50 – $5.50).
These delicious-looking buns of goodness come with a generous serving of Hokkaido Milk, Royal Chocolate or Matcha ice cream. Too bad they don’t have Raspberry Ripple.
Kazo seems to be a promising bakery and we cannot wait to be an auntie and queue up for these delectable desserts on 5 January 2018.
They are famous for their Osaka-style fried cutlet skewers and signature dipping sauces. Their skewers are coated in panko breadcrumbs before being deep-fried to perfection in a blend of oils that includes beef fats.
Their signature is the Oyster, Shrimp, and Asparagus Kushikatsu ($2.50 each). If you’re with your friends, consider getting the Chiritori Hotpan Beef ($18/small or $34/large), which is a sizzling pan of beansprouts and beef slices and wagyu beef intestines in a spicy broth.
[caption id="attachment_32481" align="aligncenter" width="570"] Image Credit: Burpple User Joe Yang[/caption]
You can even add Curry Cheese Risotto ($7) into the hotpan if you have any remaining broth.
Kushikatsu Tanaka is a must-try for those who love their Japanese food.
IZA is a new izakaya concept by the guys who started The Skewer Bar.
IZA is unique in the sense that they serve affordable Japanese with a Singaporean twist. For example, Otah Tamago ($6.90) which combines our favourite spicy mackerel with traditional Japanese tamagoyaki.
A signature dish is their Special Yaki Onigiri ($5 for two). The onigiri rice is evenly mixed with spicy hae bee hiam (dried shrimp) before being grilled, imparting a smoky flavour. This is one shiok onigiri.
[caption id="attachment_32480" align="aligncenter" width="570"] Image Credit: Burpple User Veronica Phua[/caption]
Other must-try dishes include the Grilled Eggplant With Housemade Chilli Sauce ($5) and fresh Oysters ($12 for three). If you’re queasy about raw seafood, IZA offers a grilling option for the oysters.
If you like your comfort Japanese and local food, IZA is the place for you.
IZA Address: 695 East Coast Road, Singapore, 459059 Opening Hours: Daily: 6pm – 1am Contact no.: 6385 2883 Website
As we prepare to dive into 2018, these exciting events and food will help you kickstart your new year in style.
October has come to a close and we have an ENTIRE month, or two if you count most of December, before Christmas hits our shores in full force.
November is a relatively lull month, so we’ve compiled a list of events and food for you to eat and party your way through to make it to December.
Time to power through to Christmas! Ready, set, party!
Play & Discover
1. Escape 56 Feat. Roman Flugel (Dial/DE) + Colossal Exhibition
[caption id="attachment_31143" align="aligncenter" width="1050"] Image Credit: Escape 56 Facebook[/caption]Escape 56 returns for its 4th edition and proudly presents one of the biggest name in the German electronic music scene, Roman Flügel!
Roman Flügel has been active since the 1990s and has visited many styles of music, from ambient/idm to house, techno, electro and leftfield.
Escape 56 is also featuring the Colossal Photos exhibition in the second room of the warehouse.
Colossal Photos is a big name in the dance music scene in Singapore, having covered events from club nights to large scale events such as Ultra Singapore, ZoukOut, and Laneway Festival Singapore.
Tickets are almost sold out but you can still grab the last release tickets here at $55!
Escape 56 Feat. Roman Flugel (Dial/DE) + Colossal Exhibition Venue: The Henderson Project, Blk 203 Henderson Road, #02-01, Lift Lobby A Date: 3 Nov – 4 Nov 2017 Price: $55 Website
The Singapore River Festival 2017 is back on 3 and 4 November!
Spread out across the 3 different quays: Boat, Clarke and Robertson Quay, each quay hosts different activities and exudes a different vibe so guests can pick what they like.
The Boat Quay waterfront will be the battleground for the first dragon boat night race at the Singapore River. Spectators can also catch a dazzling light show during intermissions!
The Clarke Quay Fountain Square will host the LIT UP Party, a rave where YOU are the spectacle. Early bird tickets go for $8 while ticket sales at the door will be $10. Preorder your tickets here!
The Clarke Quay Waterfront will see Singapore’s biggest LED kite display by GoFlyKite, filling the skyline with wondrous and enthralling light effects as the LED kites dip and dive.
These are just a few of the activities that will be at the Singapore River Festival. We also heard that there will be a Quayside Cinema!
Singapore River Festival Venue: Boat Quay, Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay Date: 3 Nov – 4 Nov 2017 Image Credit: Dia De Muertos Singapore 2017 Facebook[/caption]
What do Frida Kahlo, Mariachi bands, Tacos, and Tequila have in common? Mexico!
Experience one of Mexico’s cultural festivals, Dia De Muertos (Day Of The Dead) in Singapore this November!
Held at the Beach Road Police Station, musicians and artists from Mexico and Singapore will come together to honour the lives of the dead, and celebrating with traditional music, food and art.
In conjunction with Frida Kahlo’s 110th birthday, the event’s installation will be a homage to the Mexican painter. All pieces are inspired by Frida Kahlo and exclusive to Dia De Muertos Singapore 2017.
The event will have fun-filled activities for the whole family. From the augmented reality installation of Disney’s Pixar’s upcoming movie, Coco, to the Mexican craft-making workshops, there’s something for everyone!
For the foodies, Señor Taco will be serving their signature tacos, quesadillas, Margaritas’ tamales, elotes and more!
Dia De Muertos Singapore 2017 Venue: Beach Road Police Station, 99 Beach Road, Singapore 189701 Date: 4 Nov 2017 Website
Pretty much the most anticipated concert in 2017, Ed Sheeran gave us all a scare after his cycling accident which fractured his right wrist and elbow.
However, he has confirmed that he will be performing in Singapore as scheduled on 11 and 12 November!
He will be performing at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on 11 and 12 November and fans can expect hits such as “Shape Of You”, “Castle On The Hill” and “Galway Girl” off of his chart-topping third album, ÷ (Divide).
If you like EDM and Halloween, you’re in for a treat because this music festival combines both.
Big Bad Wolf, the biggest Halloween Music Festival, features some of the biggest regional and international DJ acts in a medieval setting that has never been done before.
Held at Siloso Beach, attendees can expect EDM, Trap, House, Techno, D&B, and Hip Hop music played by international and regional DJs.
There’s even a Halloween Best Dressed Competition and Halloween activities such as Wolf’s Dare, Dagger’s Wheel and more!
Check their website for the release of the next tier of tickets!
Big Bad Wolf Music Festival Venue: Siloso Beach, 51 Imbiah Walk, Sentosa, 099538 Date: 11 – 12 Nov 2017 Website
Looking for something fun to do without breaking the bank?
Come to Holland Village on 11 November for the Block Party hosted by Freedom Yoga for a great yoga session. Held at the open area outside Freedom Yoga, the yoga class is free for all though spots are limited.
Do email [email protected] to book your mats!
Block Party: The Freedom Way Venue: Holland Village, 25E Lorong Liput, Singapore 277736 Date: 11 Nov 2017 Website
Acai bowls are a dime a dozen in Singapore, but an Acai soft serve is the newest creation on the block.
Beriwell has 2 soft serve flavours, Acai (‘Acai‘) and Coconut (‘Coco Majik‘) and there’s even an option to mix the 2 flavours into 1!
Dairy free, gluten free, and vegan-friendly, the Superswirl is tagged at $6.90 for a small cup, where you can pick 2 toppings out of the day’s selection of fruits and crunch. A large serving at $9.90 allows you to choose 4 toppings.
If you’re not feeling up for a soft serve, you can give their smoothies a try. From the tropical fruits-based Vitamin Sea ($5.90/small, $7.90/large) to the PB&J made with organic peanut butter, the smoothie options are fun and delightfully satisfying.
This super cute hangout is Instagrammable, chill, and serves up some healthy AND delicious stuff. If you live in the East, make sure to pop by for a refreshing treat in this little tropical retreat.
Tokyo’s three-time Ramen Of The Year Champion, Ramen Nagi, has finally opened its doors here in Singapore.
There are 4 ramen dishes you can choose from the menu and each can be customised. Choose from the Original Butao King ($13.90), Black King ($15.90), Green King ($15.90), or the Red King ($15.90).
You get to select the richness of the broth and special sauce, level of spiciness, type of meat and vegetable, amount of garlic, and even the firmness of the ramen noodles.
Expect queues to be long though the quality of the food more than makes up for it.
If you’re a fan of sweets, specifically Korean desserts, then you’ll want to try Cafe De Paris.
With a few franchises in Canada, Hong Kong and China, the cafe is finally opening its doors in Singapore on 5 November.
They will be serving up photogenic selections of elegant cakes, fresh fruit bonbons (pictured above), cold brew coffee, healthy pressed juices, and premium teas.
The fresh fruit bonbons are only available for certain periods in a year as the cafe uses seasonal fruits specially imported from Korea.
You get to choose from the chocolate brownie, mango, strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, and grape bonbons. Each one is hand-crafted and loaded with your selected fruit, non-dairy whipped cream, and slushie.
It takes a while to create each bonbon so expect to wait for a bit.
The cafe officially opens on 5 November so bring a friend and a camera!
Newly opened, B Burger has already been compared to the likes of In-N-Out burger in USA.
B Burger combines the traditional American burger with Japanese flavours. Expect stuff like the Karate Burger($7.90) which uses karaage chicken and daikon pickles, and the Osaka Corn Dog ($6.90) which comes with tobiko, nori, teriyaki sauce and mayo.
Their ice cream creations are pretty interesting as well, with flavours such as Mount Fuji ($6/$8) which features a nata de coco and coconut flakes atop matcha ice cream.
Located at Orchard Cathay Cineleisure, this burger joint is going to be the next big thing. Eat your heart out, Shakeshack.
A not-so-little space at Katong, along the dessert-filled East Coast Road that houses An Acai Affair and Birds Of Paradise, this acai joint makes you feel like you’re chilling at a shack on the beach.
Easy to spot with its beachy murals, tropical vibes, flamingo printed seats, and rattan chairs, this casual joint will give you plenty of fodder for the ‘gram.
For The Love Of Acai
The brainchild of friends Galissa, Dash, and Anand, this acai joint was born out of a love for healthy living and acai.
Galissa, one of the founders, shares that the first time she tried acai in Hawaii, it was love at first taste.
A healthy dessert that doesn’t leave you feeling bloated or heavy, one gripe she had about these guilt-free treats was that it tends to melt and become watery quite quickly – not so fun when you’re busy catching up with your friends, only to find that half your acai has become a watery mess.
Because of this, the trio created the Superswirl, a soft serve that comes in 2 flavours: acai (‘Acai‘) and coconut (‘Coco Majik‘). You can even have the two flavours swirled into one (‘The Twist‘)!
Dairy free, gluten free, and vegan-friendly, the Superswirl is tagged at $6.90 for a small cup, where you can pick 2 toppings out of the day’s selection of fruits and crunch, and $9.90 for a large serving, where you get to choose 4 toppings.
The acai soft serve is a creamier, smoother version of the refreshing acai bowls we all love – perfect for a warm day in the East.
The coconut soft serve too is refreshing, but with a more subdued coconut flavour. A blend of Thai coconut, the superfood spirulina, and an iron-rich algae, this soft serve is packed with amazing stuff for your body.
While the swirl probably makes for better Insta-pics, we think you can taste and appreciate each flavour much better when you have them on their own!
A Smoothie Criminal
Aside from their Superswirls, Beriwell also does smoothies that are not just healthy, but taste delicious too. At Beriwell, they believe being healthy doesn’t have to mean eating (or drinking) food you don’t enjoy.
Galissa recommends Vitamin Sea ($5.90/small, $7.90/large), a thick yet refreshing smoothie containing mango, passionfruit, pineapple, orange and tumeric. Finished off with a freshly squeezed lime, you can really taste the passionfruit and pineapple in this sweet-sour smoothie.
If you love your peanut butter, give the PB&J – that’s J for ‘joy’ – a try. Made of organic peanut butter, almond milk & maca, a chunky blend of mixed berries, medjool dates and banana, this heavier concoction is perfect for peanut butter fans.
There is also LycoPink, a smoothie centred around (and a wordplay) on the antioxidant Lycopene. A small cup is priced at $6.90 and a large cup costs $8.90.
Need a protein boost? Ask them to add some pea protein (+$2.50) or whey protein isolate (+$2) into your drink!
While the menu is still pretty trim at the moment, the store has plenty more up it’s sleeve. We hear there will be more sauces, more toppings, and another smoothie being added to the mix!
This super cute hangout is Instagrammable, chill, and serves up some healthy AND delicious stuff. If you live in the East, make sure to pop by for a refreshing treat in this little tropical retreat.
Tired of going to the gym or need a change from your usual HIIT sessions?
Keeping fit can be a dud, and sometimes, switching things up can be a big help, especially when you’re losing steam keeping up with your fitness routine.
If you’ve hit this point, here are some other fitness classes you can sign up for. Not only will you have a blast, you’ll also burn some major calories! Don’t settle for the mundane, because there is a world of exciting fitness alternatives out there!
WeBarre is the first boutique barre studio in Singapore. With a range of dynamic programmes such as WeBarre Fundamentals, WeBarre Signature Multi-Level and WeBarre HITT, these sessions will help you find your inner poise and grace.
[caption id="attachment_29014" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Image Credit: Price: $38 per class
2. SURFSET Singapore
Drawing inspiration from the adventurous spirit of surfers, SURFSET Singapore focuses heavily on the core with a fun and engaging workout.
They offer three different fitness programs to maximise an individual’s potential: SURFSET Balance, SURFSET Core, and SURFSET Sweat.
Aquaspin has revolutionised aquatic training by adapting land-based exercise programs for the water. They have combined regular sports such as running, cycling, body weight training, and aerobics with the benefits of water resistance training.
An aqua spin class will put you through various types of intensive pedalling exercises. Far from just splashing about in the water, just one session will allow you to burn up to 800 calories!
BBOUNCE Studio’s founders, Joel Tan and Leslie Kwok (both former national swimmers) emphasise low-impact and fun exercises that improve lymph flow while purging toxins from your body cells.
If you’ve been putting off fitness for the longest time, BBOUNCE is an excellent first step to get back into shape.
BBOUNCE Studio Address: Polo Club, 80 Mount Pleasant Rd, Singapore 298334 Opening Hours: Daily, 8.30am – 9pm 5. Pulse by Virgin Active
Pulse is a class that involves high energy dance moves, during which you can burn up to 500 calories. In addition, each participant will hold a bright fluorescent glow stick in each hand to illuminate the dimmed room.
Fun fact: The insanely strong and durable bungee cords are able to support up to 2500kg, so people of any size and weight can be rest assured they’ll be safe during their workout.
Dancevault Address: 135 East Coast Road, #02-01, Singapore 428820 Opening Hours: Daily, 9.30am – 10pm Website Price: $22 per class
Consistency is key when it comes to maintaining an active lifestyle.
But of course, it’s only normal to get lazy and to lose motivation, especially when your workouts start to become routine and monotonous.
In these instances, switch things up with any one of the unique fitness classes available in Singapore! Not only are they fun, they’re also physically challenging – your body will surely thank you later for it!
If you own a Tumblr or a Pinterest account, you’ll probably have seen picture of glamping – large, spacious tents furnished with stylish bedding, cushions, and accessories.
For those of you who are coming across the term ‘glamping’ for the first time, it’s a combination of two words that typically don’t go together: ‘glamourous’ and ‘camping’. Like the term suggests, glamping is camping with a chic twist.
Now, this Instagram-worthy trend is available on our very own Singaporean shores!
With Glamping Society, you won’t have to move a muscle – all the heavy lifting is done for you. Everything is set up nicely for you, so all you have to do is bring your own clothes, toiletries, and entertainment.
Here’s what went down during our 2 day 1 night glamping experience at East Coast Park.
Our 2D1N Experience At East Coast Park
[caption id="attachment_27728" align="aligncenter" width="635"] Three tents with a gorgeous sea-facing view[/caption]
Because a total of 20 of us were glamping, Glamping Society gladly accommodated our request to have 3 tents. While each of the bell tents can accommodate up to 6 people, we felt that the main tent (the most spacious tent) was big enough to fit 2 or 3 more people comfortably – you just need to bring your own extra sleeping bags.
When we saw the tents fully set up, we were impressed by how pretty it was.
[caption id="attachment_27729" align="aligncenter" width="635"] The main tent[/caption]
The plush cushions, fairy lights, buntings, and overall bohemian look provided the perfect setting for hipster Instagram photos that’ll make your friends green with envy. There was even a big flamingo float in the main tent! While it was pretty random, we have to say it made for some pretty cool photos.
[caption id="attachment_27730" align="aligncenter" width="634"] One of the smaller tents[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_27731" align="aligncenter" width="634"] Another one of the smaller tents[/caption]
While the two smaller tents didn’t match up to the main tent in terms of decorations, it was still comfy and welcoming with amenities like airbeds, cushions, a fan, a mini bar, and a cute picnic basket.
We were pleasantly surprised by the snacks and chilled drinks provided. Unlike the mini bar of a hotel, you won’t have to pay extra for consuming the goodies they’ve provided. Another treat we didn’t expect was the working fan – a clever touch that ensures it doesn’t get stuffy in the tent!
Thankfully, it wasn’t as hot as we thought it would be. The only thing some of us were really bummed out about was that no towels were provided, so we couldn’t bathe. (Glamping Society has stopped providing towels due to the constant damage.)
[caption id="attachment_27733" align="aligncenter" width="476"] We brought our own card games like Monopoly, Cards Against Humanity, etc.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_27735" align="aligncenter" width="635"] We also had a BBQ at the nearby BBQ pit, which we booked here[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_27734" align="aligncenter" width="635"] We also brought a guitar and sang songs![/caption]
In all, we had a lot of fun barbequing, playing card games, and lounging on the airbeds as we stayed up all night talking.
The location of our tents offered pretty views of the sea and this was the beautiful view we woke up to:
[caption id="attachment_27737" align="aligncenter" width="635"] Are we still in Singapore?[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_27736" align="aligncenter" width="635"] The morning skies[/caption]
Verdict
Taking into consideration factors like comfort, aesthetics, space, amenities, and cleanliness, here’s what we loved, what we didn’t love as much, and a couple of tips for you to keep in mind for your own glamping adventure!
Things We Loved
[caption id="attachment_27738" align="aligncenter" width="635"] Romantic lights when night fell[/caption]
What we loved most about our experience had to be the pretty decorations. They made for pretty photos and gave the tents a romantic, cosy atmosphere at night – great for heart to heart sessions with friends and even better for cuddling with your partner!
We also loved that the main tent was spacious enough to fit all 20 of us. A refreshing alternative to a hotel staycation, it was definitely a unique experience for all of us. We also liked that snacks were provided – these came in very handy when we were hungry in the middle of the night!
Things We Didn’t Love As Much
While our experience was great for the most part, we wish the two smaller tents were jazzed up a bit more. A flashlight would have been a handy addition to the amenities, especially since it was quite dark out at night. Another issue we had was that the air beds deflated with time, but at least they provided us with air pumps that made it easy to re-inflate them.
Tips To Make The Best Of Your Glamping Experience
1. Check out the map before deciding where to set up camp
We stayed at Area G, which is very far away from the main hub of East Coast Park.
While this might mean peace and quiet away from crowds, you won’t be able to find any food near you. If you pick this location, make sure you bring plenty of snacks and drinks to avoid going hungry or thirsty!
Also, consider where the public toilets are when picking your tent location. You don’t want to have to walk a distance when you need to take a leak in the middle of the night. So, make sure you check out the map before deciding on where to set up camp to ensure you get the most ideal glamping spot!
2. If you intend to have a BBQ, book pits in areas D and G
If you intend to have a BBQ party while glamping, you can request for your tent(s) to be pitched near certain BBQ pits. Just note that the official camping sites are areas D and G, so be sure to book the BBQ pits in those areas.
[caption id="attachment_27739" align="aligncenter" width="635"] BBQing with a view[/caption]
3. Zip up your tents before settling in for the night
If you’re not a fan of bugs, zip up your tents fully before settling in for the night. You don’t want to have to deal with a cockroach entering the tent at 3am in the morning like we did.
4. Bring your own entertainment
While Glamping Society provides plenty of luxurious amenities, you’re in charge of creating your own fun. Bring card games, portable speakers to blast your favourite songs (Glamping Society also no longer provides speakers due to constant damage), a guitar, and good company for a truly fun time!
[caption id="attachment_27726" align="aligncenter" width="635"] We had fun![/caption]
In all, we had a blast glamping. The tents were pretty, clean, spacious and sleeping arrangements were comfortable – at least for most of us. A totally unique experience, this is definitely something you should try at least once in your life!
To book a tent for yourself, check out their website here.
There comes a point in every relationship where you hit a rut.
You’ve been dating your partner for a while. You’ve done movies, brunches, fancy dinners, treetop walks, and you’re honestly running out of things to do and places to go with your lady (or man). We’ve been there, we know the struggle.
Be mesmerised by one of her infinity mirror rooms, let your inner child come alive among her trademark dots and pumpkin motifs, and check out the paintings in which 87-year-old Kusama pushes the envelope on her art.
An exhibition that is equal parts fun and intriguing, you and your other half will lose yourselves in the splash of dots and colour of Kusama’s bold works. Before you head down, don’t forget to check outhere.
2. Silent Disco Asia 1st Birthday Party
You saw it at i Light, you saw it at the Star Wars Festival, and you probably saw it at dozens of other venues—silent discoes are a hot new trend in Singapore and it looks like it’s here to stay. If this is your first time hearing about such a thing, it’s exactly like it sounds—a noiseless dance party where instead of dancing to music blasting from speakers, you’re dancing to the tune of your own headphones.
On 17 June, Silent Disco Asia, the group that brought this trend onto our shores, will be celebrating its first birthday with the BIGGEST silent disco in Singapore, at the place it all began: Kult Kafe. Regardless of whether you and your partner are the dancing sort, put on those dancing shoes because this is a totally different kind of party.
An event that will engage your mind and all of your senses, you and your partner will have plenty to talk about after experiencing the diversity of works at The O.P.E.N.
After a four-year run, this year may be your last chance to catch The O.P.E.N. Make sure to register for the programmes you’re keen on attending, as capacity is limited!
The O.P.E.N. 2017 Address: Various Locations
Date: 28 June – 30 July
Admission: $45 (All programmes*), $25 (Concession pass-all programmes*), $10 (Single Entry Ticket) Website
*Note that one O.P.E.N. pass allows you to register for up to 6 O.P.E.N. films and up to 1 O.P.E.N. Kitchens Session
An exhibition about our relationship with our home, this art show will have you seeing our environment in a brand new light.
Imaginarium: To the Ends of the Earth
Address: Singapore Art Museum, 71 Bras Basah Road, Singapore 189555
Date: 6 May – 27 August
Price: Free for Singaporeans, permanent residents, and children under six. For non-Singaporeans and PRs, $6 for adults, and $3 for children.
Prices vary for programmes. General admission to Imaginarium: To the Ends of the Earth Family Night at the Museum is $12
Gillman Barracks seems to be the place to be for a growing group of art-lovers and hipsters all over the country. Drawing crowds from all over at events like Art After Dark, this art cluster off Alexandra Road definitely ranks high on our list of top hipster date spots.
This June, its popular Art Day Out! will return for a special School Holidays edition.
Before you tune out, pegging this as a kids-only event, there will be plenty of things for the grown ups among us to do as well. Think a curation of new exhibitions and special programmes, including an interactive art tour by one of Singapore’s leading theatre companies, The Finger Players.
Experiencing various art forms in a place that’s off the beaten path? It doesn’t get more hipster than that!
Art Day Out! At Gillman Barracks
Address: Gillman Barracks, Singapore 108937
Date: 24 June
Price: Free
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To sweeten the deal, you’ll be happy to know that A List Singapore has recently created a mysterious Black Box. It will contain curated items that open the way to different arts experiences every month. In it, you’ll find tickets to arts and culture festivals, exclusive merchandise, and tons of other cool stuff.
This month, A List will be giving away its Black Box to one lucky winner!
Look forward to EXCLUSIVE A List merchandise, The O.P.E.N. Festival passes for two and Janice Wong gourmet chocolates worth over S$200. To get your hands on this exclusive black box, all you have to do is click here for more updates.
We all love to eat ice cream, but every now and then, you get sick of eating the same old flavours. Ever been stuck in a predicament like this? We have, and we’ve got the perfect solution: make your own!
Make it extra nutty, extra fruity, extra chocolate-y, or cook up a crazy, wacky creation! Throw out the rule book and create whatever it is your heart so desires.
We’ve compiled a list of 5 places you can go to create your own ice cream, and from the start to the end, we’re sure you’ll enjoy every bit of the process.
1. Cold Rock Ice Creamery
Born out of the state of Queensland in the land down under, Cold Rock Ice Creamery has a catchy 4 step slogan: Choose it, Mix it, Smash it, Love it! That basically sums up what happens at this ice cream joint.
Cold Rock boasts an impressive range of ice cream, gelato and sorbet flavours.
[caption id="attachment_25051" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Image Credit: Address: #B1-60 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 2 Bayfront Avenue, 018972 Opening hours: Sun – Thu: 10am – 11pm; Fri – Sat: 10am – 12am Contact no.: 6688 7198
2. Ice Cream Chefs
Opened over 10 years ago in 2007, Ice Cream Chefs is Singapore’s very own ice cream mixologist! They offer unique local ice cream flavours like kaya lotee, milo peng, and horlicks, alongside other cannot-go-wrong flavours like oreo cheesecake, peanut butter and jelly!
Armed with an array of mix-ins, watch as your creation takes shape on their frost-top, better known as the ‘chef’s rock’. For a taste of Singapore in ice cream-form, this is definitely an ice cream shop worth traveling for.
Ice Cream Chefs Address: 12 Jalan Kuras, Singapore 577727; 520 East Coast Road #01-06, Singapore 458965; 2 Telok Blangah Way, SAFRA Mount Faber, #02-08 Singapore 098803 Contact no.: 64584849 Website
3. Marble Slab Creamery
Founded in 1983 by chefs in Houston, Marble Slab Creamery is the pioneer when it comes to mixing ice cream on a frozen stone. Their main draw? Having a seemingly endless array of mix-ins to choose from!
Boasting 30 mix-ins, from Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups to Snickers Bars, to White Chocolate Chips, you’ll have a hard time deciding what should go into your ice cream. Have your ice cream in a cup or a freshly baked plain cone at no added charge!
A new addition to their selection of ice creams is ‘Coco Pure’, a vegan, lactose free and gluten free coconut-based ice cream. If you’re lactose and gluten intolerant, you know what to do!
Marble Slab Creamery Address: Causeway Point, Century Square, Changi City Point, Kallang Wave, The Star Vista Opening hours: Daily, 10am – 10pm Contact no.: (Causeway Point)6891 2346 | (Century Point) 6444 6477 | (Changi City Point) 6636 1841 | (Kallang Wave) 6702 3039 | (Star Vista) 6694 1927 Website
4. Little Ice Cream Kafe (LICK)
Hidden among some unassuming shophouses along Tanjong Katong Road is LICK, short-form for Little Ice Cream Kafe. Carrying a wide variety of flavours ranging from good old classics to zesty, fruity ones, to local favourites, there are always 25 flavours to choose from at any point in time.
Combine these yummy flavours with mix-ins such as nuts, cereals and chocolates, and watch the magic happen on a special granite slab. Keep a lookout for their daily promotions! Some days, you get to enjoy free mix-ins, while others, you get to enjoy half price on waffles!
Originating in Arizona, Cold Stone Creamery now has a mind-boggling 1,400 stores worldwide! That all attests to the popularity of their ice cream. Every ice cream served here is proudly called a “Creation”, because the people at Cold Stone believe each one is a work of art.
If you’re looking to create your very own sweet treat, head to one of these ice creameries and whip up something amazing. With so many ways you can customise your treat, you won’t ever have to complain about eating the ‘same old flavours’ again!
Ramadhan is not just about fasting, it’s also about spending time with family and friends, and what better way to do it than by breaking fast together?
We’ve rounded up 11 sweet Ramadhan buffet specials (and deals) you should definitely check out with your friends and family this Ramadhan period–just make sure to eat with moderation!
Head to Kintamani! Not only are they serving up traditional Indonesian fare, they’ll be offering up Grilled Leg of Lamb from the bone! With a chance to win yourself a free stay at Furama Riverfront, we’re guessing Kintamani will be packed this Ramadhan!
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
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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!
[caption id="attachment_24145" align="alignnone" width="3262"] Image Credit: Sunset Way Singapore[/caption]
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!
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.
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.
Unfortunately, there won’t be anything to do this April…
…
…April Fools! Of course there is.
This month is one with something for everyone! There’s a run for the fitness junkies, a pet fair for the animal lovers, and a whole lot of yummy food events for the rest of us who just love to eat.
Here’s a calendar of fun and exciting activities to fill your 1-15 April! We’re not pulling your leg when we say you shouldn’t miss them.
Play & Discover
1. Teh Tarik Run
So you want to run, keep fit, and stay healthy. But you also can’t stay off good ol’ prata and teh tarik.
Well, Teh Tarik Run 2017 proves you can do both! At the same time, no less.
For the less acquainted, Armin is a progressive trance DJ and producer of cinematic and synth sounds.
The Embrace World Tour is closely related to Armin’s latest album ‘Embrace’, which embraces different styles, genres, and sounds.
Internationally acclaimed artists Mr. Probz, Kensington, Eric Vloeimans, Cimo Fränkel, Betsie Larkin, Angel Taylor and BullySongs will be performing live too!
Everyone’s favourite cylindrical Disney characters have reached CapitaLand’s malls for an interactive Tsum Tsum Carnival!
You’d be lying if you said you don’t think these little creatures are cute as anything.
[caption id="attachment_24341" align="aligncenter" width="1372"] Image Credit: Time Out[/caption]
Take pictures with the cylindrical-shaped figures in recreated scenes from Disney Tsum Tsum’s animation shorts.
But that’s not all! Other activities include the Ninja Castle Challenge, making your own Disney Tsum Tsum characters from Play-Doh and racing Disney Tsum Tsum Tomica die-cast cars.
So grab your family and friends for the cutest event yet!
Tsum Tsum Carnival Where: Participating CapitaLand malls: Sembawang Shopping Centre, Lot One, Bukit Panjang Plaza, JCube, IMM, Westgate, The Star Vista, Junction 8, Plaza Singapura, Bugis Junction, Bedok Mall, Raffles City, Tampines Mall When: 1 April Our favourite day of the year–it’s Ben and Jerry’s Free Cone Day!
This yummy exhibition will feature hundreds of different snack brands from all around the world.
Popular brands you will be familiar with include Japanese brands Meiji and Calbee. We can hear the crunch of potato chips already!
There will also be Ichiban kuji for Otakus who wish to try their luck, getting some rad anime merchandise. What’s more, a maid and butler cafe will also be set up on-site for those who enjoy themed cafes!
World Snack Fair 2017 Where: Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre, 1 Raffles Boulevard, Level 3, Concourse 1-4, Singapore 039593 When: 7-8 April (9am – 10pm), 9 April (9am – 9pm) Contact no.: 6560 5424
8. Michelin Guide Street Food Festival
Have you tried Michelin starred local food?
Now’s your chance to try food from Michelin starred eateries, all under one roof!
This is a celebration of multi-cultural and delicious local street food. They’re coming from the kitchens of more than 12 Michelin starred restaurants and celebrated Bib Gourmand eateries.
Expect star dishes including many local street food favourites and a selection of international street cuisine!
Join us at the ambient, breezy Coliseum at RWS for a meal you won’t forget!
Michelin Guide Street Food Festival Where: The Coliseum, Resorts World Sentosa When: 14-15 April Price: $20 per pax Website
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9. Pet Expo
You won’t have to leave Fido at home for this one.
Welcome to Pet Expo 2017!
[caption id="attachment_24345" align="aligncenter" width="920"] Image Credit: Pet Expo SG[/caption]
Bring your furry friend to the biggest pet fair this year! There will be a whole lot of businesses present, as well as educational and engaging activities focused on pets and their well-being.
Look forward to a series of informative talks and intense competitions planned to bring the pet community together!
This year, fish lovers too can look forward to participating in competitions for aquatic animals, while families can bring children to learn more about aquatic animals and marine life.
Join in on a fun-filled learning journey towards pet ownership!
Pet Expo 2017 Where: Singapore Expo Hall 7 When: 14-16 April, 11am-8pm Price: $5 per day / $12 for 3-Day Pass (Free entry for children below 12) Website
10. Artbox
Hipsters and art market lovers rejoice!
Artbox—Bangkok’s famous hipster market—is coming to Singapore this month.
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One of the smaller tents[/caption]
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