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When To Apply For Leave In 2018 For Long Weekends

Can you believe November is almost over? Where did the year go?

In just about a month’s time, we’ll be counting down the remaining seconds of 2017, ringing in the new year.

One thing we love about the new year is that you get to start on a clean slate. Everything is reset – public holidays included. We thought, what better way to go into 2018 than by thinking about all the long weekends there will be, and planning ahead for your 2018 holiday(s).

Here are all the long weekends in 2018 so you can get a head start on your planning!

Long Weekends In 2017

In 2018, there will be 4 long weekends (incl. New Year’s weekend), but you can easily make that 9 just be taking a day’s leave. If you take leave on all the days stated below, you can expect a long weekend every month, with the exception of July, September, and October.

1. January

Dates: 30 Dec – 1 January
# days: 3

The New Year’s weekend is a long one, so if you’re hung over on New Year’s Day, at least you won’t have to report to work.

2. February

Dates: 16 Feb – 18 Feb
# days: 3

Chinese New Year falls on 16 and 17 February this year, so we’re getting a long weekend in February.

3. March

Dates: 30 Mar – 1 Apr
# days: 3

Thank God It’s (Good) Friday! Good Friday means we’ll be seeing one long weekend in the month of March.

4. April

Dates: 28 Apr – 1 May
# days: 4
Take leave on: 30 April

Labour Day falls on a Tuesday this year, which means to make it a long weekend, all you have to do is book a day’s leave on 30 April. A short trip out of the country, perhaps?

5. May

Dates: 26 May – 29 May
# days: 4
Take leave on 28 May

Forsee a tough May? Vesak Day falls on a Tuesday, so you know what to do – take the Monday before off, and maybe fly yourself out of the country.

6. June

Date: 15 Jun – 17 Jun
# days: 3

The half point mark of the year brings one long weekend from 15 to 17 June, for Hari Raya Puasa weekend.

7. August

Date: 9 Aug – 12 Aug
# days: 4
Take leave on: 10 Aug

In August, we celebrate the Nation’s Birthday – as well as an extra long weekend, if you take leave on 10 August.

8. Nov

Date: 3 Nov – 6 Nov
# days: 4
Take leave on: 5 Nov

Give yourself a pat on the back for working your a** off all year. November brings a 4-day long weekend if you take leave on 5 November.

9. Dec

Date: 22 Dec – 25 Dec
# days: 4
Take leave on: 24 Dec

Everyone’s favourite time of the year is back again! Take leave on 24 December as a little Christmas gift to yourself, and you get to enjoy a 4-day weekend.

It’s never too early to start planning for your next vacation. Whether it’s a long trip overseas (be sure to schedule it over the long weekends), a short trip to Bangkok, or a staycation right here in Singapore, make use of this handy guide to make the best of the holidays in 2018!

Also read When Pasar Malam Meets USS – Singapore’s Biggest Carnival Will Make You Feel Like A Kid Again

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The Ultimate Collector’s Guide To Toy Shopping In Singapore

As a kid, toys were the biggest “wants” in our lives and we would beg our parents to buy that car that “is different from the one I have at home” or the Barbie doll that “wears a different dress”. Most of us didn’t get that car or Barbie doll.

We’d go home feeling dejected and disappointed. But a good night’s sleep later, we’d move on with our lives, completely forgetting about the toy.

However, some of us never moved on. And that is how a market for hobby collectors came about. They are mainly older men and they’re surprisingly caught up on the latest and most anticipated toys in the market.

Prepare yourselves, we’ve gathered up the ultimate list of Singapore’s hobby stores.

Toys Aren’t Just For Kids

1. Dollz Inc

Dollz Inc has been around since 1999 and is quite well-known among hobby collectors.

They specialise in selling collectibles and figures from Transformers, Power Rangers, Kamen Rider (Masked Rider), Blythe dolls, and Barbie dolls.

Collectors can find the latest collectible imports from Japan, as well as the collectibles from the older Transformer, Power Rangers and Kamen Rider series.

However, the best thing about Dollz Inc is that they sell loose pieces of toys, perfect for collectors that are missing a certain piece of a set.

Dollz Inc
Address: 3 Temasek Boulevard, #03-358 Suntec City Mall Tower 3, Singapore, 038983
Opening Hours: Mon – Sat: 11.30am – 9pm, Sun: 11.30am – 8.30pm
Contact no.: 6733 7377
Website

2. La Tendo And Ani-Nation

La Tendo and Ani-Nation, previously from Funan the IT Mall, can now be found in the same place at Suntec City.

Just directly opposite Dollz Inc, La Tendo and Ani-Nation occupies 2 units together in one massive collector’s playground.

La Tendo sells loose Gachapon items, a wide variety of anime-related products, as well as expensive figures from Marvel, Transformers, Power Rangers, Kamen Rider, and many more.

If there’s any particular figure you’re searching for, the friendly shop staff are always ready to help.

If you’re looking for a photo op, don’t miss their famous lighted display alley of figurines and the huge Gundam display in the window.

La Tendo
Address: 3 Temasek Boulevard, #03-354 Suntec City Mall Tower 3, Singapore, 038983
Opening Hours: Sun – Thu: 11.30am – 9pm, Fri – Sat: 11.30am – 9.30pm
Contact no.: 6336 6615
Website

3. Forty42

Forty42 is a hobby shop at China Square Central that sells 1:6 scale figures. From military figures to the different Iron Man suits and even the display cases and loose accessories for the figures.

Forty42 also does customisation for the figures, paint restoration, custom repainting, small volume productions, and even prototype making of collectible toys.

Forty42
Address: 18 Cross Street, China Square Central, #02-10, Singapore, 048423
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 11am – 7pm, Sat – Sun: 11am – 5pm
Contact no.: 6536 3155
Website

4. ToyStar

ToyStar is a shop at China Square Central that sells old toys.

Stepping into ToyStar feels like stepping into your childhood toy chest. They sell past collections of Hot Wheels cars, wrestling figures, LEGO sets and figures, Disney products and even past Mcdonald’s happy meal toys!

We will always enjoy visiting ToyStar because we never know what surprises we’re going to find.

Note that their opening hours are irregular, but the owner has mentioned to come after 1pm.

ToyStar
Address: 18 Cross Street, China Square Central, #02-31, Singapore, 048423
Opening Hours: Daily: Irregular – 6pm
Contact no.: 9748 1103
Website

5. TOYZ CRAZI

TOYZ CRAZI sells detailed 1:6 scale figures ranging from Marvel to G.I.Joe characters.

It originally started as a small store but has now expanded to a bigger store at China Square Central.

TOYZ CRAZI is one of the few “old timer” stores at China Square Central that has stood the test of time amidst closing toy stores all around them.

If you’re in China Square Central, do drop by!

TOYZ CRAZI
Address: 18 Cross Street, China Square Central, #02-19, Singapore, 048423
Opening Hours: Tue – Sat: 1pm – 8pm, Sun: 11am – 6.30pm, Mon: Closed
Contact no.: 9839 9927
Website

6. Hobby Atelier

Hobby Atelier is one of the long-standing shops in China Square Central.

They sell Gachapon sets, candy toys, Power Rangers and Kamen Rider merchandise, hobby magazines and posters, Sanrio merchandise, and also anime-related items.

Hobby Atelier is one of those shops where you can just spend a long time perusing each item in detail and still not be bored.

If you’re looking for something specific, there’s a good chance that Hobby Atelier can help.

Hobby Atelier
Address: 18 Cross Street, China Square Central, #02-24, Singapore, 048423
Opening Hours: Mon – Sat: 12pm – 7.30pm, Sun: 12pm – 6pm
Contact no.: 8612 7866
Website

7. Robo Robo

Previously hidden in the basement of Excelsior Hotel, we only found out about Robo Robo through a colleague’s friend’s recommendation.

However, they’ve moved to The adelphi on Coleman Street, so that’s more accessible.

The service is great and the prices are reasonable. You can also call to enquire if they have stocks for a specific product.

Robo Robo
Address: 1 Coleman Street, The Adelphi, #03-09, Singapore, 179803
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 1pm – 7.30pm, Sat: 1pm – 7pm, Sun: 1pm – 5.30pm
Contact no.: 8288 3515
Website

8. The Falcon’s Hangar

The Falcon’s Hangar was started by toy collectors, for toy collectors, and has had 19 years of experience in the hobby collector’s industry.

They have a shop at Waterloo Street as well as an online store that ships internationally.

They sell a huge range of merchandise from anime to movie characters, Pokemon and even Disney products! The list just goes on and on.

You can view their whole list of products Also read 6 Places You Can Go When You’re Done With Dinner But You Still Want To Lepak

(Header Image Source: Pinterest)

6 Places You Can Go When You’re Done With Dinner But You Still Want To Lepak

We’ve all been there. You and your friends just had a 2-hour long dinner to catch up but it’s still not enough. You leave the restaurant and now the whole group aimlessly drifts around the mall.

What you’re looking for, is a place to settle down so that you and your friends can carry on your conversation comfortably. Because window shopping gets boring after a while.

So we’ve found 6 places for you and your friends to visit after dinner, if you’re craving for desserts or are just looking to drink.

Desserts And Drinks

1. 2am : dessertbar

If you’re craving for some artsy desserts, then 2am : dessertbar is the place for you. For the majority of us who can never seem to grasp the concept of modern art, we can focus on the taste of the desserts instead.

The thing about this dessert bar is that they actually recommend alcohol pairings with the dessert that you select. Desserts to try are the Cassis Plum ($24), Cacao Forest ($24), and the Tsujihei Green Tea Tart ($20).

The dishes are all carefully plated and look like an abstract art piece that’s almost too pretty to eat. Almost.

Prices here are steep but great service, ambience and food makes the trip to Holland Village worth it.

2am : dessertbar
Address: 21a Lorong Liput, Holland Village, Singapore, 277733
Opening Hours: Tue – Fri: 3pm – 2am, Sat – Sun: 2pm – 2am, Mon: Closed
Contact no.: 6291 9727
Website

2. PS.Cafe at Ann Siang Hill

PS.Cafe has many outlets all over Singapore but the Ann Siang Hill branch is the only one that opens till 1am on Friday and Saturday nights.

Always a good place to hang out and chill, PS.Cafe serves a wide variety of drinks, from coffees and teas to juices and milkshakes. There’s also alcohol if you’re in the mood.

For dessert, order the Sticky Date Pudding ($15) which comes sitting in a pool of toffee sauce.

You can thank us later.

PS.Cafe at Ann Siang Hill
Address: 45 Ann Siang Road, #02-02, Singapore, 069719
Opening Hours: Mon – Wed: 11.30am – 11pm, Thu: 11.30am – 12am, Fri: 11.30am – 1am, Sat: 9.30am – 1am, Sun: 9.30am – 11pm
Contact no.: 9797 0648
Website

3. Cook & Brew

Cook & Brew is a gastro bar in Asia Square Tower 2 in the Marina Bay area.

With an exhaustive menu of wines, beers, cocktails and other spirits, Cook & Brew is the perfect place to chill if you’re in the area with a big group of friends.

Also, it’s a Scottish bar so you never need to worry about a small drink menu. They have over 250 selections of whiskies for you to choose from. If whisky isn’t your thing, then try their micro-brewed beers.

The live band starts performing at 8.30pm daily. Bring your friends down to Highlander for a fun night!

Highlander Bar And Restaurant
Address: 3B River Valley Road, #01-11, Clarke Quay, Singapore, 179021
Opening Hours: Sun – Fri: 5pm – 3am, Sat: 5pm – 4am
Contact no.: 6235 9528
Image Credit: Image Credit: Yong He Eating House[/caption]

The best part? It’s open 24 hours. Bring friends, come hungry.

Yong He Eating House
Address: 458 Geylang Road, Lorong 24A, Singapore, 389417
Opening Hours: Daily: 24 hours
Contact no.: 6745 5682
Website

6. Mogambo Bar & Restaurant

Mogambo at Boat Quay is a bar that’s inspired by the Mogambo in Tokyo. The restaurant has 2 bars; an island-style bar and an outdoor bar for al fresco diners.

The drinks menu is extensive, ranging from liqueurs to beers, spirits, shots and champagnes. There’s even a Mogambo bell that customers can ring for a round of shots.

Definitely a great place to hang out with a large group of friends. Just don’t drive after, okay?

Mogambo Bar & Restaurant
Address: 03 Canton Street, #01-01, Boat Quay, Singapore, 049745
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 11am – 3am, Sat: 5pm – 4am, Sun: Closed
Contact no.: 6438 9808
When Pasar Malam Meets USS – Singapore’s Biggest Carnival Will Make You Feel Like A Kid Again

(Header Image Source: Burpple User Amelia PW)

When Pasar Malam Meets USS – Singapore’s Biggest Carnival Will Make You Feel Like A Kid Again

If you’re a fan of Uncle Ringo fairs, the mother of Uncle Ringo fairs is coming to Marina Bay – just in time for the holidays.

Open from 15 December 2017 – 1 April 2018, the Prudential Marina Bay Carnival is slated to be Singapore’s biggest carnival, occupying a sprawling 25,000 sq metre area. It’ll feature thrill rides, carnival games, and delicious fairground food, among other tantalizing treats. 

Over 40 Rides And Games

Spanning The Promontory and Bayfront Event Space area, expect over 40 rides and games, some of which have been specially flown in from various parts of Europe, including the United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy.

Some of the rides you can expect include The Star Flyer, a tower ride that has you feeling like you’re flying while 35m up in the sky, giving you an incredible 360 degree view of the Singapore skyline.

The Booster Maxx, is not for the faint of heart, standing at a whopping 55m above ground, spinning you around at super high speeds.

There will also be the Log Flume, the Das Fun Schiff pirate ship that swings like a pendulum, and the Apple Coaster, a rollercoaster ride just for the little ones!

If you love playing carnival games, trying your hand at winning plushies to take home, get your game face on; this carnival will see 30 games catering to both adults and children, so hopefully, you won’t leave empty-handed!

Good Music, Good Vibes

To add to all the good fun going around, there will also be an eclectic collective of youth bands and DJ performances, ventriloquism acts, and carolling groups!

With music from home-grown musicians Falling Feathers, Kexin Tay, TheLionCityBoy, and Jasmine Sokko, there won’t be a dull moment while you’re at the fair.

Fairground Food At Its Finest

What’s a fair without fairgound classics like fries and sausages?

Get your fingers greasy chowing down on curly fries, sizzling sausages, warm melted raclette, churros, and freshly-popped buttery popcorn! For a more substantial meal, take your pick from everything from Michelin-starred offerings to gourmet burgers, and comforting local food!

With more than 20 curated vendors serving up delicious grub each week, you won’t be complaining about having nothing to eat.

Open daily from 4pm to 11pm (except Christmas and New Year’s Eve, when it will start from 3pm), admission to the carnival is completely free! To get yourself credit for rides and games, you can purchase them online beforehand or while you’re on-site. 

With so many things to do – and plush toys to be won! – you’re in for a hell of a good time at this fair!

Prudential Marina Bay Carnival
Address: The Promontory, 11 Marina Blvd, Singapore 018940
Date: 15 December 2017 – 1 April 2018
Admission: Free
The Folks Behind ArtBox Are Back, With A New Market That Features Food, Crafts And Neon Lights

Cheapest Places To Park In Orchard – 2017 Edition

Orchard Road is one area in Singapore where it’s notoriously expensive to park your car.

I’m sure we’ve all experienced the horror of arriving at the car park exit gantry, only to find that we’ve racked up over $10 in parking fees (true story). And that’s on top of all the money we’ve spent shopping.

Unless you have loads of things to carry, or are travelling with kids in tow, there’s just no justifying spending that kind of money on what is essentially a place to put your car while you run around doing your errands.

As someone who’s in town way too often, I decided to find out where the cheapest places to park in town are. Here are the cheapest places to park your car no matter where in town you need to go, and I promise, they’re all unde 500m away.

Instead of parking at ION Orchard, park at: 

Mon – Fri (before 5pm): $2.67 for 1st hr; $1.28 for subsequent 30 min
Mon – Fri (after 5pm): $3/entry
Sat – Sun/PH (before 5pm): $2.56 for 1st hr; $1.88 for subsequent 30 min
Sat – Sun/PH (after 5pm): $3.74/entry

If you can help it, don’t park at ION Orchard unless it’s after 5pm. I learned this lesson the hard way.

1. (Postal Code: 238884)

3. (Postal Code: 238881)

5. Image Credit: Teehee[/caption]

Mon – Sat (before 6pm): $2.14 for 1st hr; $1.07 for subsequent 30 min
Mon – Sat (after 6pm): $4.82 for 1st 3hr; $1.61 for subsequent 30 min
Sun/PH: $4.82 for 1st 3hr; $1.61 for subsequent 30 min
(GST. not included)

Of the major malls along Orchard Road, 313@Somerset actually has pretty good parking rates. But in the case that the car park is full, or you want to save even more on parking, here are some great alternatives.

1. (Postal Code: 237978)

Distance: 350m/5 min walk

Mon – Fri (before 5pm): $2.05/hr
Mon – Fri (after 5pm): $5.15 for 1st 3hr; $2.05 for subsequent hr
Sat: $2.05/hr
Sun/PH (before 5pm): $2.05/hr
Sun/PH (after 5pm): $5.15 for 1st 3hr; $2.05 for subsequent hr

Best for parking all the time.

3. Image Credit: Inquirer[/caption]

Mon – Fri (before 5pm, except for 12pm – 2pm): $1.28/30min
Mon – Fri (12pm – 2pm): $1.82/30min
Mon – Fri (5pm – 7pm): $1.82/30min
Mon – Fri (after 7pm): $4.28/entry

1.  (Postal Code: 229923)

Distance: 210m/3 min walk

Mon – Sat (before 5pm): $2.50 for 1st hr; $1.25 for subsequent 30 min
Mon – Sat (after 5pm): $3.50 per entry
Sun/PH: $3.50 per entry

Best for parking on Sundays, Public Holidays, and Mondays to Saturdays after 5pm.

Instead of parking at Plaza Singapura, park at: 

[caption id="attachment_31827" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Image Credit: Capitaland[/caption]

The Plaza Singapura car park is always full, and for good reason – the parking rates are fairly decent here. For that reason, I’ve listed down some nearby car parks with rates that are also competitive, if not better.

Mon – Fri (before 6pm): $1.28 for 1st hr; $0.43 for subsequent 15 min
Mon – Fri, Eve of PH (after 6pm): $2.57/entry
Sat – Sun/PH (before 6pm): $2.57 for 1st 2hr, $0.43 for subsequent 15 min
Sat – Sun/PH (after 6pm): $2.57/entry

1.

Mon – Sat (before 5pm): $1.20/30 min
Mon – Sat (after 5pm): $0.50/30 min
Sun/PH: $0.50/30 min

Best for parking Sundays, Public Holidays, and Mondays to Saturdays after 5pm .

3. Image Credit: Cineleisure[/caption]

Mon – Fri (before 6pm): $2.40 for 1st hr; $1.40 for subsequent 30 min
Mon – Fri (after 6pm): $4.50 for 1st 3hr; $1.60 for subsequent 30 min
Sat – Sun/PH: $4.50 for 1st 3hr; $1.60 for next subsequent 30 min

1. (Postal Code: 237978)

Distance: 15m/1 min walk

Mon – Fri (before 5pm): $2.05/hr
Mon – Fri (after 5pm): $5.15 for 1st 3hr; $2.05 for subsequent hr
Sat: $2.05/hr
Sun/PH (before 5pm): $2.05/hr
Sun/PH (after 5pm): $5.15 for 1st 3hr; $2.05 for subsequent hr

Best for parking all the time.

The next time you’re in town, whether to shop, go on a date, or watch a movie, we hope this guide comes in handy! Hopefully, you’ll also have discovered some new car parks you never knew existed through this.

Also read There’s A Shop In The CBD That Sells Nine Types Of Avocado Toasts From $5.50