Muggles Can Finally Experience Harry Potter’s Wizarding World At Changi Airport Till Feb 2019

Calling all Potterheads, this is going to be the best Christmas present you’ve received in years!

Ever since we knew about the existence of Wizarding World Of Harry Potter, most of us could only dream of setting foot in that bewitching universe to live like the magical folks. Now, it looks like muggles like you may have the chance to do that, after all!

Although it’s not exactly the entire universe, you can experience bits of that wonderful world at Changi Airport!

Yer A Wizard, Harry

Dive into the world of magic and wizardry set to enthral and captivate fans of the highly popular Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts series.

Changi Airport is bringing the Wizarding World to you starting from 16 November 2018 up until February 2019. They have stunningly recreated various iconic scenes from the magical world of Harry Potter as part of their Christmas decoration.

A Harry Potter-themed Christmas? Wicked!

Here’s a look at the set ups that are available to the general public:

1. Diagon Alley (Terminal 3)

Spellbinding activities await at Hogwarts’ most famous shopping street Diagon Alley. Take a stroll down this town as you relive the very first time Harry bought his wand at Ollivanders!

Plus, here are some of the exciting activities you can do while you’re here:

Quaffle Toss

Think you have what it takes to be the best Quidditch player? This is your chance to put your theoretical Quidditch knowledge to the test.

Wand Challenge

Put your wand skills to the test. Have a go at this at spell casting games at this station!

Remember, it’s LeviOsa, not LevioSAR.

Robes Fitting and GIF Photo Experience  

Always wanted to get fitted into the iconic Hogwarts robes? Well now you can!

All you have to do is pick your favourite Hogwarts house’s robes and snap a photo in front of the Magical Photo-Taking Mirror for a nice photo op.

Niffler Challenge Game

Challenge your opponent to a stacking game. Stack as many coins as you can on top of the Niffler’s statue without toppling them over.

Don’t forget to get your hands on exclusive Harry Potter merchandise including plush toys, scarves and travel pillows, available exclusively at Changi!

2. Hogsmeade Village (Terminal 3)

This is our favourite set, hands down.

Strike a pose in front of Hogsmeade’s iconic stores or take a picture against a life-sized version of the Hogwarts Express. If you’re there at the right time – you might just catch a snow and light show that will last till 6 January 2019!

Here are the timings to look out for if you’d like to catch the show:

Weekdays: 6pm, 7pm, 9pm

Weekends: 1pm, 6pm, 7pm, 9pm

It’s the most magical thing you’ll ever experience this Christmas.

3. Whomping Willow (Terminal 2)

Remember when Harry and Ron crashed the iconic Flying Ford Anglia into the Whomping Willow?

You definitely wouldn’t want to miss the perfect photo op at this iconic scene from Harry Potter and The Chamber Of Secrets.

Travelling out of Singapore soon? You wouldn’t want to miss the opportunity to soak in this magical world with other Potterheads just like you.

BRB, wearing my Slytherin robe to Changi Airport now!

Also Read Jump Into Volcanoes And Go Whitewater Rafting At S’pore’s First VR Theme Park – Tix Start From $35

(Header Image Source: Changi Airport)

Travelling Soon? Try Over 70 Different Kinds Of Alcohol At Changi Airport From Now To 31 Oct

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A Craft Lover’s Dream

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llaollao FINALLY Makes A Comeback In S’pore – Reopens First Outlet At Changi Airport

Remember when a frozen yogurt war broke out in Singapore in December last year?

https://www.facebook.com/llaollaoSingapore/photos/a.668588463157992.1073741824.518168531533320/2030168586999966/?type=3&theater

Ah, don’t you just love it when frozen yogurt chains throw shade at each other.

Fans of llaollao mourned its departure when they suddenly announced a sudden closure of all its 29 outlets across Singapore and was replaced by another frozen yogurt brand, Yolé.

Great news for fans of llaollao, your favourite frozen yoghurt brand that you know and love is finally back in Singapore with a new store at Changi Airport!

Make Frozen Yogurt Great Again

Llaollao had said in a statement on Facebook then that it was “far from finished in Singapore” and was working to keep the brand in the country.

True to their words, llaollao returned to Singapore on 16 June at Changi Airport Terminal 2 next to American doughnut chain Krispy Kreme and Taiwan’s TP Tea.

https://www.facebook.com/llaollaoSingapore/photos/a.668588463157992.1073741824.518168531533320/2262493870434102/?type=3&theater

If you are one of those people who still believe that if something tastes good it can’t be healthy, then you haven’t tried Sanum. Made from skimmed milk, its Sanum which is a yogurt parfait topped with three layers of fresh, seasonal fruit, muesli, honey and drizzled with sauces!

Totally guilt-free and perfect on a hot day.

To mark their return, llaollao has planned a series of promotions, including the chance for the first five customers to win six months’ supply of its popular Sanum (one redemption per week for six months).

The rest of the first 100 customers will also get to win other prizes in a lucky dip.

It will also be introducing a loyalty card, which customers can use to collect stamps and redeem a small tub of frozen yoghurt.

Best part, they’ll be opening a second store in Tampines 1 mall at the end of June, with more outlets in the pipeline after that.

Step aside Yolé, llaollao is FINALLY back in town and here to stay!

Froyo anyone?

Llaollao (Changi Airport)
Address: 60 Airport Boulevard, Level 2 (Departure Hall), Changi Airport Terminal 2, Singapore 819643
Website

Also Read Try 26 Hawker Dishes For $1 Each At This Carnival In Yishun Park Hawker Centre

(Header Image Source: llaollao Singapore Facebook and @noamisohungry)

Have A Furry Merry X’mas At Changi This Year As Hello Kitty And Friends Take Over Our Airport

From Disney to Pokemon, Changi Airport has always been outdoing their own Christmas themes every year. And this year is no different.

Following the opening of the Hello Kitty cafe in May 2016, the Changi Airport group has decided to go with Sanrio characters for this year’s Christmas theme!

Hello Kitty will be bringing her other famous friends to Changi Airport Terminal 3 this Christmas!

Say Hello To Hello Kitty And Friends

Starting from 17 November, be enchanted by Changi’s first ever indoor drone show which will feature up to 40 drones working in formation to produce a spectacular light show!

That’s not all, Hello Kitty and her friends will also be performing enchanting songs and dances for everyone!

If you’re looking for photo opportunities, look no further. Changi’s Mystical Garden will be lined with life-sized Sanrio characters, a gazebo, as well as a treehouse that’s topped with Hello Kitty’s signature ribbon!

But wait, there’s more! Sanrio fans and visitors can also purchase the plushies of the characters and participate in fun activities at the event area located opposite the Terminal 3 Check In Row 11!

So gather your friends and families this festive season, and head down to Changi Airport Terminal 3 for a very merry Sanrio Christmas!

Hello Kitty & Friends At Changi Airport
Venue: Changi Airport Terminal 3
Date: 17 Nov
Website

Also read It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like X’mas At Gardens By The Bay, With Its Pretty Lights And Outdoor Rink

(Header Image Source: Changi Airport)

Changi Airport Terminal 4 Automated Not Just The Departure Process, But Also Its Cleaning Aunties

Changi Airport has long been a source of national pride and joy.

A world class airport that’s received multiple awards and accolades, it seems Changi Airport can do no wrong. With the unveiling of Terminal 4, Changi Airport has upped the ante, especially on the tech front.

The theme of Changi Terminal 4 is “vibrant, fun and positively surprising”, and passing through the airport, there are fun, surprising features lurking in places you might not expect. With petal motifs, an eclectic array of chairs and seating surfaces, and rounded lines permeating the space, the vibe of this terminal is certainly a change from that of Changi’s other terminals.

A Fully Automated Departure Process

One key difference between Terminal 4 and the rest of the terminals is that T4 boasts a fully automated departure process – a feature that may be particularly exciting for those of you who are constantly travelling.

This automation is helped by state-of-the-art facial recognition technology that’s integrated within the self-service stations that span every point of the departure process, from check-in to bag drop, to immigration, to boarding.

The benefit of that to travelers? Less queues, less waiting around, and greater convenience in general.

Many of you may already be familiar with some of these technologies, such as the automated check-in kiosk, automated bag drop and automated immigration gate. While not entirely new, T4 has implemented an added layer of security (i.e Facial Recognition Technology) to several of these self-service stations, i.e. bag drop and immigration.

At these stages, the self-service station will verify your identity with the use of photo captures of your face.

The boarding gate is also automated, and will also comprise a photo verification step. Hopefully, this will mean shorter waiting times when boarding your flight!

Centralised Security Screening

Owing to its relatively small size, Changi’s Terminal 4 will have a centralised security screening. That is, instead of getting your carry-on items checked at your gate, all passengers will have their carry-on luggage screened at one place.

This stage of the departure process boasts some shiny new pieces of tech and a long overdue solution to the bottlenecks that happen in the carry-on items screening process.

Instead of having to use multiple trays and to remove your laptop, phone, and all your devices at this point, at T4, you can just dump all your carry-on items into one large tray, and push that onto the conveyor belt. The items are then passed through a stronger hospital grade Computed Tomography scan for screening.

Bags that are good to go are streamed into one lane, and bags that are flagged are streamed into a second lane, where a security officer will instruct you to open your bag for a manual check. For bags that have no issue, simply remove your item(s). The tray will then disappear down a slot and be returned to the start of the line!

Automated Cleaning Auntie

Another thing – or job – that’s been automated at Changi’s Terminal 4 is cleaning.

You’ll notice adorable robots like these rolling around the airport, keeping the complex clean.

Dressed in the same yellow uniform as Changi’s cleaning staff, these “cleaning aunties” are able to detect objects in front of them, and will stop when an obstruction is detected; just make sure you don’t get in the way of them doing their jobs!

Immersive Entertainment Experiences

Those of us who’ve been to the airport often enough will know one thing about Changi Airport – it’s big on art.

With T4, Changi delivers a spectacular art-entertainment display in 2 locations – the Central Departure Security Screening Area and the Heritage Zone.

At the Central Departure Screening Area, you’ll find a 70m x 5m Immersive Wall. The LED display will show 1 of 17 different immersive pieces of content, each of which lasts between 2 – 4 minutes. Every 10 minutes, you’ll be treated to either a mesmerising display of ASEAN landmarks, the iconic sights and skyline of Singapore (e.g the Supertrees at Gardens by the Bay, the Esplanade), or an animation that will delight both young and old!

Another feature that floored us was the Peranakan Love Story at the Heritage Zone.

Upon entering the Heritage Zone, you’ll see a stretch of colourful shophouses. Upon closer inspection, you’ll notice that if viewed from left to right, it shows the evolution of this style of home, from the Baroque design (1880 – 1900), to the Rococo style (1910-1920), to the Peranakan style (1920 -1936), to Modern decor (1936 – 1950).

A beautiful facade, you wouldn’t think two of these shophouses are in fact LED screens – that is, until it transforms into a theatre.

The digital wall transitions seamlessly into a theatre, screening the stunning Peranakan Love Story. The six-minute musical tells the story of a romance between two next door neighbors who are both passionate musicians. Look closely and you’ll notice familiar faces including Adrian Pang, Benjamin Kheng, Koh Chieng Mun and Amy Cheng. Created in collaboration with Singaporean composer and artiste, Dick Lee, the film is a visual spectacle with its effortless transitions and charming story.

See It All For Yourselves!

Curious to check out the tech and art for yourselves?

You won’t have to wait much longer because Changi Airport Terminal 4 will be conducting an open house from 7 – 20 August!

Head down, check out all the brand new features, and fantasize about your next adventure abroad while you’re there!

Also read The Ultimate Guide To Cafe Hopping In Melaka – 17 Hipster Cafes That Will Give You #Goodvibes

Cool SIA, You Can Now Enjoy Local Favourites Like Laksa On Your Next Trip Overseas

Can’t get enough of local food?

Pretty soon, locals and foreigners alike will get to enjoy local favouites when they fly Singapore Airlines.

The #2 airline in the world will be changing up its menu as part of its 70th anniversary celebrations. A collaboration with the Singapore Tourism Board, this will be happening in conjunction with the Singapore Food Festival.

Starting next month, local delicacies near and dear to our hearts like chicken rice and carrot cake will be served as part of SIA’s new in-flight menu.

(Header Image Source:

SIA La, Singapore Airlines Clinches #2 Spot In Global Airline Ranking

Singapore Airlines (SIA) has been named the world’s second best airline at the 2017 World Airline Awards. This comes shortly after Singapore’s Changi Airport was named the best airport in the world for the fifth year running.

The world’s Top 100 Airlines were announced by Skytrax at the World Airline Awards held at the Paris Air Show on June 20. Regarded the “Oscars of the aviation industry”, the Awards tracks customer satisfaction of airline services and performance globally.

Singapore Airlines rises one spot from last year, coming in after Qatar Airways which clinched the top honour this year.

This isn’t the only award our national carrier bagged at the Awards. The airline also took home the titles of Best Airline in Asia, the World’s Best Business Class seat and for having the Best Premium Economy Onboard Catering.

Singapore Airlines also ranked 5th for the World’s Best Cabin Staff, 3rd for World’s Best Inflight Entertainment, 9th for World’s Best Airline Cabin Cleanliness, 5th for World’s Best First Class, 3rd for World’s Best Business Class, 4th for World’s Best Premium Economy Class, and 5th for World’s Best Economy Class.

The rankings are based on a survey of 19.87 million airline passengers spanning 105 countries, conducted between August 2016 and May 2017.

Here are the top 20 airlines of 2017 ranked:

1. Qatar Airways
2. Singapore Airlines
3. ANA All Nippon Airways
4. Emirates
5. Cathay Pacific
6. EVA Air
7. Lufthansa
8. Etihad Airways
9. Hainan Airlines
10. Garuda Indonesia
11. Thai Airways
12. Turkish Airlines
13. Virgin Australia
14. Swiss Int’l Air Lines
15. Qantas Airways
16. Japan Airlines
17. Austrian
18. Air France
19. Air New Zealand
20. Asiana Airlines

Also read Changi’s Jewel Is Like A Futuristic Playground – Bounce On Sky Nets And Play Among The Clouds

(Header Image Source: WeekendGoWhere)

Changi’s Jewel Is Like A Futuristic Playground – Bounce On Sky Nets And Play Among The Clouds

Changi Airport–the pride and joy of Singapore.

The best airport in the world for the 5th year running, it looks like that title isn’t going anywhere, especially with the addition of lifestyle complex Jewel Changi Airport.

A Tourist Attraction In Its Own Right

Beautiful on the outside, what lays within is even more amazing. Besides featuring an estimated 270 – 300 retail tenants (i.e. no lack of options when it comes to shopping and dining), what makes Jewel truly unique is that it’s also a playground for both adults and kids.

Canopy Park

The star of Jewel is undeniably Canopy Park, a 14,000 sq m space that occupies Jewel’s top floor.

Featuring bouncy sky nets, towering hedge mazes and so much more, the Canopy Park is an enchanting indoor garden that will ignite your sense of wonder, no matter your age!

Sky Nets

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10 Electrifying Experiences To Enjoy To Close Off April [16-30 April]

We’ve been having a rad April so far, and we hope you have too!

If you haven’t, don’t fret! The second half of the month has even more to offer. There are parties, runs, run parties, and so much more! Not forgetting the many new food spots that have sprung up, to satisfy cravings we didn’t even know we had.

Here’s a calendar of fun and exciting activities to fill up your 15-30 April! We wouldn’t miss them if we were you. 

Play & Discover

1. Amoy St. Bloc Party

This month, Amoy St. Bloc Party returns for its second edition!

If you were there for last year’s affair, you’ll remember a rowdy celebration of food, drinks, play and music, with more than 3,000 party-goers.

Expect nothing less at this year’s street festival! Soak up the bustling atmosphere of the area, which houses a bunch of cool, edgy restaurants and bars in a row of colorful shop houses.

Participating chow joints include French-Japanese Izakaya Le Binchotan, Mediterranean Maggie Joan’s, New York cocktail bar Employees Only, Burger Joint, Birds of a Feather, boCHINche, and many more!

Groove the evening away with yummy food and boozy drinks, to live performances, featuring local music acts and an exciting headliner.

The party doesn’t stop there–come night, Ding Dong’s playful restaurant space will be reworked into a retro dancefloor for the after-party.

Amoy St Bloc Party
Where: Amoy Street
When: 23 April, 3pm-10pm (Afterparty at Ding Dong until 12am)

2. Singapore Ink Show

Maybe you’ve been thinking about getting your first tattoo. Maybe you’re already a tattoo veteran on the hunt for your next masterpiece.

Regardless, come celebrate body art at the Singapore Ink Show!

3. City 65 Music Festival

Because Singapore can’t get enough of its music festivals, here’s the latest one to join the list!

The first CITY65 Music Festival will be taking place this Saturday, within the chill, urban forest vibes of Tin Hill Social Kitchen & Bar.

Local bands and singer-songwriters are set to steal the spotlight at this music event that aims to bring together and support local musicians.

It’s about time we got in on the local indie music scene! Expect to see a total of 13 acts including Jack & Rai, Dru Chen, Falling Feathers, Stopgap and Kings.

Admission is free for children under 12, so feel free to bring your little ones to this family-friendly event!

Did we mention all tickets come with a free drink? Consider your Saturday night plans made.

City 65 Music Festival
Where: Tin Hill Social Kitchen & Bar, 100 Turf Club Road, Horse City, Singapore 287992
When: April 15 – April 16 (Apr 15 at 1pm to Apr 16 at 2am)
The only thing that can get you more pumped than a good run or a dance party is a smashing combination of them both. 

That’s exactly what you can expect at this year’s Electric Run Recharged!

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Price: $95/pax
Maybe you want to do something a little more relaxing.

Whether you appreciate art, love flowers, or anything in between, Gardens By The Bay has the perfect exhibition for you.

[caption id="attachment_24945" align="aligncenter" width="1100"] Image Credit: See art blossom before your eyes as you take a leisurely stroll with your loved ones through this year’s Tulipmania.

Be enthralled as Vincent Van Gogh’s famous self-portrait and art piece “The Starry Night” come to life with the vivid hues of tulips.

More than 100 varieties of tulips and hyacinths will be on display in this striking palette of colours.

Tulipmania at Gardens By The Bay
Where: Flower Dome
When: 1 Apr – 7 May, 9am – 9pm

6. Nat Geo Earth Day Run

Runs seem to be a recurring theme this month. Here, we have one you can participate in for a good cause!

National Geographic is holding Singapore’s first and only run, powered solely with renewable energy!

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Never fret again if you’ve been looking for all-day dim sum eatery!

Canton Paradise’s newest outlet at Marina Bay Sands serves up dim sum, roast specialties, Hong Kong style congee and noodles, and Cantonese wok-fried dishes.

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Feel right at home in its swanky interior, and bask in its naturally lit, lively atmosphere.

Must tries include the Handmade Meatball Congee ($9.80) that have a velvety smooth and silky texture. Mmm.

The tasty Steamed Molten Salted Egg Yolk Custard Piggy Bun ($6.80/3 pieces) is also sure to make it to your Instagram!

Canton Paradise Marina Bay Sands
Where: 2 Bayfront Avenue #01-02 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
 Singapore 018972
Opening Hours: Mon – Thu: 10.30am – 10.30pm; Fri – Sun, Eve of PH, PH: 10.30am – 11.00pm
Contact no.: 6688 7052
Always wanted to try Ebi Ramen by a Japanese Michelin starred chef?

Jimoto Ya’s signature ramen was created by Chef Nobumasa Mieda of Michelin-Starred Kaiseki Restaurant Mieda from Sapporo Hokkaido.

[caption id="attachment_24946" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Image Credit: Jimoto Ya[/caption]

A distinctive aroma that’s similar to prawn noodle soup will hit you the moment you enter this eatery.

You’ll taste the difference in their ramen immediately. The broth is made from a special blend of amaebi (sweet shrimp) and tonkotsu.

Take your pick from the 5 types of ramen available: Ebi Shio ($16.50), Ebi Miso ($16.50), Ebi Shoyu ($16.50), Ebi Curry ($16.50) and a cold Hiyashi Cyuka ($18.50).

Jimoto Ya
Where: 3 Pickering Street, Nanking Row, 01-44/01-45 (opp Hong Lim Complex) Singapore 048660
Opening Hours: Mon – Sat: 11.30am – 10.00pm, Closed Sun
Contact no.: 6223 3397

9. Garang Grill

This is one grill that lives up to its name.

With cuts infused with bold charcoal flavours that are truly Singaporean, this pop-up restaurant by New Ubin Seafood has our mouths watering.

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Garang Grill is perfect for those with a garang appetite, with their Western spread mixed with a touch of local flavour.

Charred to perfection, their signature USDA Prime Rib-Eye Steak ($90 for 500g) is complemented with Garang Fried Rice, where the rice is infused with beef fat and chilli padi.

End your sumptuous meal with a sweet bang, with the Mao Shan Wang Creme Brulee ($9) or the Gula Melaka Banana with coconut ice-cream ($8).

We must press that this restaurant is open for a limited time only. So do head down before it disappears forever–don’t say we didn’t warn you!

Garang Grill
Where: 5 Swan Lake Ave, Singapore 455711
When: Till 25 June, daily except Mon, 11.30am – 2.30pm AND 6.30pm – 10.00pm

Shop

10. The Local People X Singapore Changi Airport Art Market

The Local People are travelling to the east this month!

The organizers of the coolest art markets have set their next meeting ground for artisans and craft-hunting hipsters: Singapore’s Changi airport.

[caption id="attachment_24944" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Image Credit: Terminal 3 Basement 3, Changi Airport
When: Art Market 29, 30 April 2017, 12pm – 9pm
Concept Store 29, 30 April and 1 May 2017, 12pm – 9pm
Website

What are you waiting for?

With Labour Day weekend just round the corner (yay to short work weeks!), there’s more than enough time to check out these exciting activities, and round up your April with a bang!

Also read, Discover SG Ambassador Highlights #8 – Sarawak Noodles, Toys, Virtual Reality & More!