10 Best Places To Run In Singapore – #2 Will Make You Want To Put On Those Sneakers Now!
In search of running routes? Even among our office skyscrapers and high-rise HDB flats, there are countless pockets of surprises that bring us close to nature. Here’s our list of the 10 Best Places to Run in Singapore.
1. Best Nature Getaway – Macritchie Reservoir
The moment you step inside Macritchie’s trail, the hustle and bustle of the city is completely blocked out as you immerse in its lush, green jungle. Its terrain varies – the initial soil trail among tall trees lead to a wooden boardwalk by the reservoir. Then, it turns into a rocky path along a luxurious, manicured golf course. You are sure to spot plenty of monkeys on the way!
If you want to experience walking on a freestanding suspension bridge among the nature park’s canopies, the TreeTop walk is worth a detour.
For an arm workout instead, Macritchie also offers rental of kayaks.
One loop: 11km
Google maps here.
2. Most Surprises Along the Way – Southern Ridges
Coniferous trees overlooking the sea. Suspended walkways zigzagging through tree tops. Panaromic views of the city skyline. This is a long, undulating route but we absolutely love it because the sceneries along the way are just breathtaking.
The Southern Ridges connect the hills of Kent Ridge Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park, HortPark and Mount Faber Park. There are various entry points to choose from. If you want to enjoy the entire trail, Kent Ridge MRT is an accessible place to start.
One-way from Kent Ridge MRT to Harbourfront MRT: 8kmGoogle maps here.
3. Most Spectacular Night Run – Gardens by the Bay + Marina Bay
A popular route among joggers working in CBD. Despite running it during countless lunch breaks and after work, the city skyline never fails to impress each time.Time your run to catch the MBS light show daily at 8pm and 9.30pm
When there are events held at SportsHub (like SEA Games 2015 closing), you may catch a first-class view of the fireworks along the Kallang basin
Small loop around Marina Bay: 5km
Big loop including Gardens By The Bay, Marina Barrage and Singapore SportsHub: 15kmGoogle maps here.
4. Most Happening – Sentosa
Dodge tourists to avoid being a photo bomber as you run pass Resorts World Sentosa and Universal Studios. Say hi to beach hunks, bikini babes and the Merlion. Rub sweaty shoulders with the rich and famous joggers of the Sentosa Cove neighbourhood.
Loop around Sentosa: 14km
Google maps here.
5. Best for Beginners – East Coast Park
Singapore’s longest park. There are plenty of toilets, vending machines and food stops along the way (if you need a rest). There is the beach with sea breeze against your cheeks. Plus, it’s a straight route – start anywhere and you won’t get lost.
Two-way: 14kmGoogle maps here.
6. Best Blend of Nature and History – Labrador Park
Labrador Park is truly an eclectic mix of nature and history because you get to run amongst the mangroves, forest and beachfront – all while appreciating relics of Singapore’s past. No kidding, these include an actual cannon that defended our coastline in WWII and a symbolic replica of the Long Ya Men (or Dragon’s Teeth Gate) that used to stand at the gateway to Keppel Harbour.
The Long Ya Men was said to help Zheng He in navigating the waters around Singapore during his seven maritime voyages to the west between 1405 and 1433 AD.
Cross the bridge towards Keppel Island and end at Harbourfront MRT
One-way from Labrador MRT – Harbourfront MRT: 6kmGoogle maps here.
7. Most Rustic – The Green Corridor
The Green Corridor is 26km if you run from Woodlands Train Checkpoint to the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station. There is a certain charm to this place; each trip feels like an adventurous exploration with its beaten path surrounded by tall grasses and certain parts of preserved railway tracks (which has been around since 1903!).
Although we’ve ran and cycled parts of it, we haven’t done the full route (yet). If you want to catch a glimpse of the corridor, it’s an 8km run from Commonwealth MRT southwards, ending at Rail Mall past the iconic black metal bridge.
Partial one-way: 8km
Full Green Corridor route: 26kmGoogle maps here.
8. Heartland Favourites – Bedok Reservoir
Besides East Coast Park, Bedok Reservoir is a great alternative for those living in the East to enjoy a breezy run with a view.
One loop around Bedok Reservoir: 4km
Two-way from Simei MRT: 13kmGoogle maps here.
9. The Ditch
For Westies, the Ditch gives an enjoyable, cooling run along Pandan River with plenty of lush greenery along the way. The route is well-lit which makes for a great night run as well.
Two-way from Dover MRT: 11kmGoogle maps here.
10. Punggol Waterway
Even though Punggol Waterway is built with several man-made structures, it exudes a certain rawness in its beauty. Cross a beautiful metal bridge over its rivers, enjoy huge spaces of greenery and spot Malaysia, Pulau Ubin or Coney Island as you jog along our northern coastline.
Loop from Punggol MRT: 14kmGoogle maps here.
Where are your favourite running routes? Let us know if we’ve missed out any gems!
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This article was originally published on Instagram @explorerwoo.
5 Places In Singapore That Millennials Loved But No Longer Exist!
As Singapore marches onward the path of progress, many of our favourite childhood hangouts have failed to dance to the new tune of modernisation, and now no longer exist. Let’s take a walk down memory lane.
How many of these childhood places can you remember? What memories do you have of these places? Share this with your friends and reminisce the days past.
1. Escape Theme Park
[caption id="attachment_1818" align="aligncenter" width="700"]Ah…Escape Theme Park. School holidays were spent here. This was where you would go for a fun day out. Anyone remembers the rides? Our favourite rides were the Pirate Ship and Log Flume ride. Do you remember the spraying mist while queueing up for the Pirate Ship ride? It was such a fascination when we were kids.
[caption id="attachment_1817" align="aligncenter" width="699"] Credits:
Escape Theme Park closed in 2011 for further redevelopment to adapt to the changing needs of visitors. It was confirmed later to become an expansion of Wild Wild Wet.
2. King Albert Park McDonald’s
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/oQymAmoElM/[/embed]
If you were to think about your secondary school days, I’m pretty sure the word “McDonald’s” will pop up. This is because every one of us has our own special McDonald’s outlet where we hung out with friends after school.
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/8aE2E8hUm0/[/embed]
If you stay in the west, King Albert Park McDonald’s was the one that you’d probably remember. Be it hanging out with friends, or studying for your ‘O’ levels in a corner of the fast food restaurant, many people among the Generation Y have fond memories of this place. Sadly, King Albert Park McDonald’s was demolished along with its neighbouring tenants in 2014 to make space for a new condominium.
3. A&W Chain of Restaurants
[caption id="attachment_1820" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Credits: www.singaporememory.sg/[/caption]
Here’s a fun fact. A&W was actually the first fast food chain to arrive on our shores in 1966, long before McDonald’s and KFC. Unfortunately, they’re gone now. We recall visiting their stores when we were very young. All of us were huge fans of their gigantic root beer floats. These days, the only A&W we can find is in the supermarkets, printed on little brown cans containing their signature root beer. They pulled out of our shores in 2003 due to declining business and never looked back.
4. Kallang National Stadium
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/d-2YpzLTW7/[/embed]Gone were the days when we went to the Kallang National Stadium to watch previews of the National Day Parade. This was the place where some of us, as children back then, experienced our most patriotic moments. Singing along with Kit Chan’s Home, and many other classic NDP Songs was one of the best memories we had of this place.
Kallang National Stadium closed down in 2007, and was demolished in 2010 to make way for a newer Singapore National Stadium and Singapore Sports Hub that opened in 2014.
5. Comics Connection
[caption id="attachment_1819" align="aligncenter" width="700"]Not sure about the ladies but for the guys, whether you were here for the comics or the buying of trading card games, this chain of comic stores was one of the more iconic names during our younger days. Even if we weren’t going to buy anything, we would find ourselves strolling into Comic’s Connection just to look around while waiting for a friend who is late.
The last Comics Connection store located in Plaza Singapura closed down just a few months back in December 2015.
Bonus: M)phosis
Fashion brand M)phosis, one of the more successful home-grown labels, has shut all its stores in Singapore last November. Citing cash flow issues as the main reason for its closure, we will never have the chance to step foot in one of their iconic store fronts anymore.
How meaningful were these places to you? Let us know in the comments!
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10 Facts You Didn’t Know About Singapore’s Last Surviving (And Well-Hidden) Battle Bunker!
Just a week ago, the National Parks Board announced that one of its projects – the Battle Box at Fort Canning Park, was given a $300,000 makeover.
The National Parks Board hopes that the revamp will attract more people to visit. Visitors will learn about this important place where critical decisions were made for Singapore. Before you pay this monumental site a visit, here’s 10 Facts You Didn’t Know About Singapore’s Battle Box.
(Image credit: Lim Sin Thai)
1. Back in World War 2, the Battle Box was built as the headquarters of the British Military Operations
The Battle Box was constructed to serve as the headquarters of the British Strategic Command during World War 2. More simply put, this was the place where all activities pertaining to the war in East Asia were controlled and managed. Decisions made in this emergency, bombproof command centre affected countries like Malaya and Hong Kong.
2. No battles took place at this bunker
The soldiers of the war termed this underground commander centre the ‘Battle Box’ even though no battle actually occurred here.
3. On 15 February 1942, the grave decision to surrender to the invading Japanese Forces was made at the Battle Box
On Sunday, the 15th of February 1942, at 9:30am, Lieutenant General Arthur Percival held a conference in this very bunker to discuss the war situation with commanders of the Northern, Southern and Western areas. During this conference, the decision to surrender to the Japanese was made. The alternative choice, a counter attacking option, was deemed impractical.
4. The roof of the bunker conceals a secret exit
A simple search on Google reveals that there are only two entrances into the Battle Box Bunker – one on Cox Terrace and another on Dobbie Rise. What most people don’t know about is the third entrance located on the roof. Back in the past, the secret entrance was a guarded secret that has evidently lived on well till today.
5. The bunker is fully camouflaged
Despite its huge size (44 by 48.6 meters large, and 9.1 meters deep), the entire Battle Box remains camouflaged. As it is hard to spot, the place was spared from attacks. The top of the hill appears to be an area of greenery surrounded by the buildings on Dobbie Rise and Cox Terrace.
Only selected individuals knew of the Battle Box’s existence and were allowed access to it. Those who knew about it were made to swear to strict secrecy about their knowledge of the place. Even until today, many of them still refuse to talk about their experience at the site. Talk about loyalty!
6. There are a total of 29 rooms in the Battle Box Bunker
The Battle Box served a host of functions with 29 rooms. There was the signal room (also known as the post office). Here’s where messages were picked up or sent off. Signals received here were usually with regards to troop movements and new dispositions on the ground.
There’s the cipher room where all messages were decoded and encoded using various military codebooks and enciphering equipment. Messages received here are destroyed after 3 days using a large shredder machine located in the Battle Box.
Finally, there’s the signal control room. It was where people in the base would communicate with those in countries like Hong Kong, India and Indonesia. Messages would then be relayed to the base in London. Complete silence was essential in the room in order to take down the Morse code received, before sending it to the cipher room to be decoded.
7. Vacuum suction message tubes were used to send messages within the complex
Using a small container wrapped in rubber, an officer would place a document in a capsule and insert it in the tube. It would then be sucked to the other end of the pipe (the destination of the document). These tubes lined the entire complex, and gave a loud thud sound when it reached its destination – a fact recalled by many. This was also the system that massively inspired Elon Musk’s revolutionary Hyperloop.
8. Officers in the Battle Box communicated through the Telephone Exchange
Although the officers in the various rooms communicated with one another, most of them rarely saw their colleagues in the other rooms. They more often than not communicated through telephones routed through the telephone exchange system in the complex.
9. The soldiers stripped all but one room in the Battle Box when they surrendered and left the command center
(Image credit: Lim Sin Thai)
When the soldiers left the command center back in 1942, all but one room in the bunker was stripped. All items were burnt in a bonfire by the British a day before the surrender. The bunker remained abandoned until it was investigated on 23 February 1988 for possibilities of reconstructing World War II events.
10. Before the bunker’s reinvestigation, a journalist and her rookie photographer snuck into the bunker without official permission
In an attempt to get first hand exclusive scoop on the place, a journalist and her rookie photographer snuck into the bunker after being denied entry into the place by officials.
Upon entering, they found a number of things including:
- An empty blood stained stretcher that had been abandoned in the G Clerk’s room
- Toilets that were yellow stained and filled with fungus growth
- The remains of a dog that possibly got lost in the maze of rooms and died of starvation or disease.
The exclusive story eventually got published. More history on the bunker can be found at the 26th July 1988 edition of the Straits Times (we are still trying to get our hands on a copy)!
Tour details:
The Battle Box will open in March 2016. Tours will cost $18 for adults, and $9 for children. For more information, You may call +65 6338 6133 or email [email protected].
So here’s your official scoop on 10 Facts You Didn’t Know About Singapore’s Battle Box! Let us know in the comments if you will be paying this interesting place a visit!
10 Out Of The World Budget Hostels in Singapore For Under S$50 A Night!
Looking for comfortable budget accommodations for less than S$50 a night? We’re sold. P.S. we know how important free wifi is in today’s world, so yes, all these picks come with free wifi too!
1. Traveller’s Loft @ Jalan Besar
[caption id="attachment_1875" align="alignnone" width="700"]This simple loft is clean and comfy, providing all the necessary amenities for an unbelievably low price. The rooms feature white bunk beds and clean, pastel walls. You’ll also be pleased to know that it’s just a few minutes away from Mustafa Centre, a 24 hour shopping mall and a budget shopping attraction.
Address: 290 Jln Besar, 208953
Phone: 6291 5238
Price starts from S$14 per night.
2. Shophouse, The Social Hostel
[caption id="attachment_1877" align="alignnone" width="700"]Whether you’re flying solo or travelling with friends, Shophouse is an excellent choice if you want to meet new people during your stay. True to its tagline of being ‘The Social Hostel’, you’ll be able to hang out with your new-found friends playing board games at the social lounge, swapping stories at the terrace under the moonlight, having coffee and brunch at the in-house cafe, or go on tours together with the discounted tickets from the reception.
Address: 48 Arab St, 199745
Phone: 6298 8721
Price starts from S$16 per night.
3. Gap Year Hostel
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/3bbX9oq6WI/[/embed]Of course, this isn’t only for students on gap year vacations, although it is especially suited for your first solo trip as it is extremely safe, being equipped with a 24 hour CCTV system, so you know you’re in good hands. Apart from that, the hostel also boasts all-day complimentary tea and coffee, a convenient location (a quick walk to Lavender MRT station), a hipster-ish polaroid photo wall, along with discounted tickets for some of the popular attractions in Singapore.
Address: 322 Lavender St, 338821
Phone: 6297 1055
Price starts from S$20 per night.
4. Pillow Talk Backpacker’s Hostel
[caption id="attachment_1876" align="alignnone" width="700"]No, this has nothing to do with Zayn Malik’s latest single. Pillow Talk Backpacker’s Hostel features cosy, capsule-style dormitories and casual lounge areas. As with the previous pick, this hostel is also just a few minutes walk away from Lavender MRT station, from which you can take the train to various city areas and tourist attractions. The hostel has won an award on Trip Advisor for their excellent hospitality as well.
Address: 5 Hamilton Rd, 209177
Phone: 6292 5611
Price starts from S$20 per night.
5. Five Stones Hostel
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/wNVQhXiv7l/[/embed]This cheery hostel has its rooms decorated with brightly coloured walls and vivid murals, along with windows that allow for lots of sunlight. The lounge area is equally well-designed, with plush sofas and a beautiful feature wall that illustrates the sights of Singapore, a number of which are just a stone’s throw away.
Address: 285 Beach Rd, 199550
Phone: 6535 5607
Price starts from S$28 per night.
6. Beary Best Hostel
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BAPyamlH9jo/[/embed]Another colourful pick, this hostel has a cute name and an equally cute interior- complete with a stuffed toy bears at the lounge. Well-lit rooms and vibrant decor aside, this merry hostel has also been recommended on a number of big names including Time Out Singapore, Lonely Planet, and CNN Travel.
Address: 16 Upper Cross St, 058331
Phone: 6222 4957
Price starts from S$28 per night.
7. Mitraa Inn
[caption id="attachment_1878" align="alignnone" width="700"]With its name (Mitraa) meaning friend in Sanskrit, it’s no wonder why this inn brands itself as one of the friendliest backpackers hostel in Singapore. Roomy dorms, comfy beds, and well-equipped recreational areas complete this cosy inn.
Address: 531 Serangoon Rd, Singapore 218163
Phone:6396 3317
Price starts from S$28 per night.
Also Read: Changi Recommend’s Overseas Wifi Router And Why You Should Book It For Your Next Trip
8. Footprints Hostel
[caption id="attachment_1879" align="alignnone" width="700"]Offering an affordable “home away from home” while you leave your footprints around the island of Singapore (their website even has an informative page on where to go), you can look forward to relaxing in front of the television with some ice cold beer after a day of exploring.
Address: 25A Perak Rd, 208136
Phone: 6295 5134
Price starts from S$31 per night.
9. Mercury Backpackers Hostel
[caption id="attachment_1881" align="alignnone" width="700"]A homely option, this hostel evokes a warm and cosy vibe from the rooms to the snug lounge areas. Plus, they have a rooftop garden where you can have a barbeque, chill in the jacuzzi, spend an afternoon suntanning, and enjoy your daily breakfast.
Address: 57 Lavender St, Singapore 338714
Phone: 6396 0500
Price starts from S$33 per night.
10. Bunc Boutique Hostel
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/ucdakxLtp7/[/embed]Bunc features their own custom-made, spacious Bunc beds to provide a comfortable rest for guests. The casual dining and recreational areas are just as roomy, with neutral hues and minimalistic decor. Barbeque, gaming, and movie-watching facilities are a given, but this hostel offers an additional considerate measure by providing wheelchair access too.
Address: 15 Upper Weld Road.
Telephone: +65 6262 2862
Price starts from S$37 per night.
Hope this helps! Know any others we missed? Let us know in the comments below!
5 Best Craft Beer Bars For True Blue Beer Lovers In Singapore
Nickeldime Drafthouse, Jiburu and Smith Street Taps; as beer enthusiasts, we’re sure that you’d be familiar with these popular craft beer bars scattered across our island.
But as fellow true beer lovers, we know that you require something more exquisite (and possibly easier on the wallet) to quench your thirst for craft beers. From a mind-boggling range of beers to kickass views of Singapore’s skyline, below are five discreet craft beer bars that serve lip-smacking beers that don’t cost a week’s salary.
Next Door Café
[caption id="attachment_1778" align="alignnone" width="700"]Featuring over a hundred different beers from half a dozen countries, Next Door Café definitely has any beer lover covered. Besides its extensive drinks menu, Next Door also serves some of the most authentic Adriatic cuisine such as Grilled Lamb and Spicy Cheese Sausages. For recommendations on drinks that best complement your food, feel free to approach the café’s friendly and knowledgeable staff. With beers available from $8.80 during happy hours, all you have to do is to head Next Door for your after-work brew.
Address: 699 East Coast Road S459061
Tel: 6291 1351
Email: [email protected]
Operating Hours: Tue-Sun 6pm-12am, Sat 12pm-2.30pm & 6pm-12am
Hopheads
[caption id="attachment_2169" align="alignnone" width="960"]Hidden within Innotel Hotel is Hopheads, an inconspicuous bar nestled in the heart of town. From craft ciders such as Thatchers Katy Cider to classic IPAs from Stone, this modest bar offers a surprisingly wide variety of drinks. Beers are decently priced at $7-$15 and 1-for-1 Macs Great White Cloudy Wheat Beer going all day long during weekends and from 6.30pm-9.30pm during weekdays ($14 for two pints). The selection of bottled and draft beers rotate every week so do keep a lookout for their latest menu on their Facebook page!
Address: 11 Penang Lane, Innotel Hotel S238485
Tel: 6635 7120
Operating Hours: Daily 11.30pm-12am
Brussel Sprouts
[caption id="attachment_1780" align="alignnone" width="630"]Unlike most of its counterparts, Brussel Sprouts is a family-friendly restaurant that provides all parents a short respite from their children. We’re obviously talking about the well-equipped play areas for the children and not about the restaurant’s menu that consists of over 150 different Belgian beers. Obviously.
Besides its boast worthy menu, the restaurant has also different daily promotions e.g. one-for-one draught beers on Mondays, for all seven days of the week. If this is not the opportunity to try out as many beers as you can head here for your next family day, we don’t know what is.
Address: 80 Mohamed Sultan Road #01-12, S239013/31 Ocean Way #01-01, S098375 (closed on Mondays)
Tel: 6887 4344
Operating Hours: Mon-Fri 5pm-11pm, Sat & Sun 12pm-11pm
Level 33
[caption id="attachment_1781" align="alignnone" width="1000"]Imagine sipping at a pint of freshly brewed as you take in the gorgeous view of Singapore’s skyline. Looking for a watering hole with chilled-out-after-work vibes? This bar situated at the penthouse of Marina Bay Financial Centre has got your back and beer belly. Although the bar has only a couple of beers on the menu, the towering brewing tanks found onsite will ensure you the freshest beer possible. Coupled with the kickass view and happy hours (300ml at $9.35+ before 8pm and $13.35+ after 8pm, 500ml at $12.35+ before 8pm and $17.35+ after 8pm), we’re pretty sure few will mind the less than variable menu. Guys, now you know where to impress your dates without having to break the bank. You’re welcome.
Address: 8 Marina Boulevard #033-01, Marina Bay Financial Centre, S018981
Tel: 6834 3133
Operating Hours: Sun-Thu 12pm-12am, Fri & Sat 12pm-2am
Little Island Brewing Co
[caption id="attachment_1782" align="alignnone" width="750"]Our favourite craft beer bar of the lot, Little Island is a spacious warehouse-like microbrewery that serves wheat beers, pale and golden ales. What really makes this brewery stand out is its pay-as-you-pour system, where beers are charged by the amount poured. By being your own bartender, you’ll be able to save on cash and have more tummy space to try more brews (we admittedly tried all beers before crowning Singapore Pale Ale our favorite). Brews at Little Island are typically priced at $2-$3 per 100ml so yes, it’s a sign to drink your fill. Besides craft beers and wines, Little Island also serves affordable tapas such as Fries & Aioli ($5) to complement your beer-tasting session. We’re not sure about you, but our trip to the far east is definitely worth it.
Address: Block 6 Changi Village Road #01-01/02 S509907
Tel: 65439100
Email: [email protected]
Operating Hours: Tue-Thur 12pm-11pm, Fri-Sun 12pm-12am
The next time you and your drinking kakis run out of breweries and bars to visit, you know where to go. Don’t say we neh share.
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Rare Solar Eclipse – Watch The Sun Almost Disappear From Singapore On March 9th!
Thanks to the selfless and dedicated work of scientists, we know that Mother Nature will threaten to throw all our body clocks into disarray on the 9th of March where Singapore will experience a partial solar eclipse.
For those who don’t know, solar eclipses are rare events that only last for a few minutes where the moon aligns perfectly in a path between the sun and the Earth, casting a shadow on the latter and creating a “ring of fire” effect since the moon is smaller than the sun.
Credit: Reddit
To put into perspective how astronomically unlikely this is for Singaporeans to witness, only a very small portion of the Earth will be eclipsed in darkness since the moon is 400 times smaller than the sun. And that little portion, by sheer chance, happens to fall on the little red dot that we call home.
What we will witness in four weeks on the 9th of March, is only a partial eclipse (90% complete) but still a rare phenomenon by any means. According to Science Centre Singapore, the partial eclipse next month can be seen at around 7.22am to 9.33am, with the highest point of the eclipse somewhere around 8.23am.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgbK2FZFFdw
In other words, if you take the underground train lines to work, it may be worthwhile to switch to a bus route on this very special day in order to have a gander at this rare spectacle since the sky would see a low level of brightness akin to evening light unlike its usual 9am scorch that has some of us walking into office with wet shirts.
The paradox of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity however, is that it is potentially harmful to our vision if we stare at the sun directly.
The following are unsafe methods to view the eclipse:
- Sunglasses (polarised and non-polarised versions)
- Solar film for car and household windows
- Tinted glass
- Photographic negatives
- X-ray film
- CDs/DVDs
- Photographic filters
- Looking at the reflection in a bowl of water or mirror
You can go
7 Family-Friendly Restaurants That Are Open This Lunar New Year
Many restaurants here in Singapore begin to close their doors as the Lunar New Year festive season close approaches. This leaves many of us at a loss as our once abundant range of food options slowly dwindle away. If this is sounding familiar to you, then fret not! You won’t go hungry this New Year as we’ve compiled a list of 7 well-known eateries that will gladly welcome you and your family as we welcome in the Year of the Monkey.
1. COCA Restaurant
If you’re looking for a place to satisfy your steamboat craving this Lunar New Year, look no further. With three locations around the island, Thai restaurant chain COCA offers you steamboats with a traditional taste. COCA is especially well known for its sauce – a secret family recipe that has been carefully passed down through the generations.
Address:
COCA Ngee Ann City
391 Orchard Road
#04-23 Ngee Ann City
Singapore 238872
Opening Hours:
1115 – 2230
2. Din Tai Fung
When convenience comes into play, why not head to one of the many Din Tai Fung outlets open this Lunar New Year? With 13 years of experience under their belt, you’ll not go wrong with their platter of dishes that also features the sumptuous Xiao Long Bao. Do also try their modern take on the Yu Sheng, served with Tender Smoked Unagi and topped with Fried Salmon Skin and Pine Nuts.
Address:
Central
Paragon
290 Orchard Road #B1-03 Singapore 238859
North
Nex
23 Serangoon Central #B1-10 Singapore 556083
East
Tampines Mall
4 Tampines Central 5 #02-01 Singapore 529510
West
JEM
50 Jurong Gateway Road #02-07 Singapore 608549
Opening Hours:
1100 – 2200
3. The Kitchen Table
Should you feel a little more generous this year, round up your family and head to The Kitchen Table – an international buffet concept managed by the W Hotel Group. It ensures to disappoint with its six live cooking stations that ensures both freshness and quality. As such, it comes with a little more hefty price at $98 per pax, but with an extensive spread ranging from dim sum, crisp salads, succulent seafood and crackling wood-fired pizza, The Kitchen Table definitely does not disappoint.
Address:
21 Ocean Way
Singapore 098374
Opening Hours:
0600 – 2300
4. Jumbo Seafood
Famous for their well-known Singapore Chill Crab, JUMBO Seafood opens its doors to customers this Lunar New Year. Head down to one of its 4 outlets to have a taste at their carefully prepared CNY Set Menus, and treat yourself to a Fesitve Pen Cai and Prosperity Abalone Yu Sheng while you’re at it!
Address:
Dempsey Hill
Block 11 Dempsey Road #01-16
Dempsey Hill, Singapore 249673
Opening Hours:
Monday to Fridays: 1200 – 1500 (Lunch), 1800 – 0000 (Dinner)
Saturday, Sunday & Public Holiday: 1200 – 1500 (Lunch), 1730 – 0000 (Dinner)
5. Paradise Group
This Lunar New Year, Paradise Group aims to present diners with an array of dining choices ranging from Crabs and Lobsters at Seafood Paradise to Dim Sum at their Canton Paradise. With over thirty restaurants scattered across the island, you will definitely be spoilt for choice with the Paradise Family as we usher in the Year of the Monkey.
Address:
Taste Paradise
No. 2 Orchard Turn
ION Orchard #04-01
Singapore 238801
Opening Hours:
Monday – Friday: 1130 – 1500, 1800 – 2300
Saturday, Sunday & Public Holiday: 1100 – 1630, 1800 – 2300
Address:
Canton Paradise
112 East Coast Road
i12 Katong #B1-15
Singapore 428802
Opening Hours:
Monday – Friday: 1100 – 2200
Saturday, Sunday & Public Holiday: 1030 – 2200
6. The Roti Prata House
The Roti Prata House offers some of the best Roti Prata’s available here in Singapore, with its crispy yet flaky external. Their prata comes in a variety of flavors as well – from the typical egg prata to more interesting creations like the chicken floss prata. They also offer Indian Delicacies like Briyani, Maggi Goreng, and Masala, and you’re guaranteed to find something that suits your taste palette here.
Address:
246 Upper Thomson Road
Singapore 574370
Opening Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 0700 – 0200
Friday – Sunday: 24 Hours
7. SPIZZA
Fancy some authentic Italian Pizzas instead? Try SPIZZA, a pizza parlor that promises to deliver affordable yet authentic thin-crusted-wood-fired pizzas and tasty Italian dishes. Try this month’s special Prosperity Pizza topped with Chicken Sausage, Pork Floss, Pineapple and Parsley. Also in lieu with the festive season, SPIZZA’s latest promotion offers a complimentary 10-inch pizza to parties in a group of 4 adorned in the auspicious red!
Address:
SPIZZA Club Street
29 Club Street
Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday: 1200 – 1430 and 1800-2230
Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays: 1200 – 2230
Everyone loves hosting friends from overseas in Singapore! Watching them marvel at how delicious hawker food is or how clean the streets are stirs up an unmistakable sense of patriotism. However, once in a while we face our worst nightmare – the friend who only has 1 day to spare. Where should you bring him/her to eat? How much is him/her willing to spend? Worry no more, as we have compiled 4 different eating itineraries for any budget! Breakfast at YA KUN; Local – Chinese Lunch at BOON TONG KEE; Local – Chinese Known for their silky white sauce chicken rice, this well received chain serves this popular local dish from as low as SGD $5. If you become a fan for its delicious dipping sauce, you can purchase these in house sauces that they have used in their dishes. Dinner at SPIZE; Asian Fusion and Mediterranean Serving both Eastern and Western cuisine food from evenings till wee hours in the morning, this vibrant restaurant chain is the perfect hang out especially for night owls. The must try dishes include assorted pratas, nasi lemak, maggie goreng, roti john and not forgetting milo dinosaur drink! Mid $$ (Average spending per meal – Below SGD$30)
Breakfast at SONG FA; Chinese – Teochew With its signature dish Bak Ku Teh “meat bone tea” from SGD $7, Song Fa promises their loyal patrons its tingling peppery aftertaste in their soup, accompanied with succulent and tender pork ribs. If you cannot get off the flavourful broth off your mind, simply bring home a box of 10 sachets of Song Fa spices at SGD$22. Lunch at THE CURRY HUT; Asian – North Indian Aimed to attract all the curryholics island wide, The Curry Hut serves sumptuous true Indian Curry dishes as their specialties. Using various unique spices such as cumin, mustard, turmeric, fenugreek and black pepper, every dish is made to perfection. Must try dishes include Purdah Biryani, Dhehati Murg curry, Tandoori kebabs and of course, Mango Lassi drink to finish off the meal. Dinner at I’M KIM KOREAN BBQ; Korean barbecue With dinner starting from SGD $22.90, guests can pick from a free-flow selection of cooked Korean dishes, fresh poultry, condiments, drinks and more. Often populated for its attractive price and seasonal Facebook promotions, it will be recommended to book in advance for reservation before you miss its signature volcano chicken and irresistible chicken wings! High $$$ (Average spending per meal – Below SGD$50)
Breakfast at WILD HONEY; International Enjoy all day breakfast at anytime of the day at Wild Honey! Be it signature dishes like The English, Tunisian or European, or new modern favourites such as Norwegian or Aussie, you will fill that craving spot for sure. Be sure to make an advanced reservation at this popular joint! Lunch at COFFEE LOUNGE; Chinese – Taiwanese Situated within Goodwood Park Hotel, get to enjoy the extensive Taiwan Porridge and local degustation menu. With its lunch bento starting from SGD $21, it also serves a la carte buffet with 31 traditional favors, accompanying piping hot bowls of rice or sweet potato porridge. Be sure to make an advanced reservation. Dinner at JUMBO SEAFOOD; Local – Chinese Garnering prestigious culinary and service, JUMBO Seafood captures the diners’ hearts with its fresh seafood cooked to perfection. With its award-winning JUMBO Chili Crab, it also serves black pepper crab, golden salted egg prawns, crispy-fried squids and other innovative seafood cuisine. Reservation required. Super High $$$$$ (Average spending per meal – Above SGD$50)
Breakfast at YAN TING; Chinese – Cantonese Located at The St. Regis Singapore, Yan Ting showcases the exquisite yet hearty Cantonese fine dining. Aside from Executive Chef Tony Wun’s signature creations on the a la carte menu, patrons can also enjoy the Weekend Dim Sum Brunch from SGD $53. This style of Cantonese cuisine prepares steamed or fried food that are traditionally served in streamer baskets or small plates. Due to its bite-sized portions, get to try a wide variety! Reservation required. Lunch at NATIONAL KITCHEN BY VIOLET OON; Asian Fusion Showcasing Singapore’s culinary treasures and heritage from Nyonya, Chinese, Indian and Malay cuisines, local chef Violet Oon’s latest addition at National Gallery Singapore celebrated the authentic colorful flavours. Treat yourself to a luxurious meal from Tumeric Chicken Rings, fragrant Beef Rendang, Daging Chabek Beef Cheek and top off with a must try Roti Jala with Gula Melaka and Bananas. Reservation required. Dinner at WILD ROCKET; Asian Fusion Opened by local Chef Willin Low, he described himself and his food as “Mod Sin” cuisine – Modern Singapore fusion food of local delight and European cuisine. Apart from a la carte menu, four-course meal is also served from SGD $75. Do contact the restaurant to find out the specials created on its omakase tasting menu at the chef counter.
For every Singaporean, there is perhaps one constant in our hectic lives – coffee. Gone are the days when a simple “kopi” would suffice. With so many cafes offering their finest brews and beans, it is often difficult to avoid the temptations. Hoping to jump on the bandwagon? Your prayers have been answered, because the team at Discover SG has compiled a list of the best places in Singapore that are made specifically for coffee lovers. Voted one of the best coffee shops in the world, The Coffee Academics’ first flagship store at Scotts Square stays true to its reputation. It houses some of the best and most premium coffee beans from around the world within its chic and pharaonic locale. Albeit on the pricier side, it’s worth every expense. Location: Level 2, Scotts Square, 6 Scotts Road, Singapore 228209 Opening Hours: Daily: 9.00am – 9.00pm Brought to you by the caffeinated minds of the now defunct Department of Caffeine, The Populus Café is an amalgamation of pretty latte art, expensive coffee equipment, and good looking serving staff (intentional?). Situated in one of the most popular café districts in Singapore, this is one place you definitely shouldn’t miss out during your café-hopping adventures. Location: 146 Neil Road, Singapore 088875 Opening Hours: Mon & Wed: 9.00am – 7.00pm; Thu & Fri: 9.00am – 10.30pm; Sat: 9.30am – 10.30pm; Sun: 9.30am – 7.00pm; Closed on Tuesdays Fronted by the guys behind fashion label Benjamin Barker, you’re in for one hell of a stylish ride. The Assembly Ground’s predominant wooden interiors offers a cozy experience amidst the bustling crowd in town. Upon entering, coffee lovers are treated to a warm and welcoming ambience. The hanging bicycle fixtures are a nice touch too! Location: 2 Handy Road, #01-21 The Cathay, 229233 Opening Hours: Daily: 11.00am – 10.00pm Boasting a “coffee counter” similar to a bar, Common Man Coffee Roasters is a chameleon among others. Known for constantly making tweaks to their menu to ensure novelty among its competitors, Common Man’s menu is definitely crafted out with lots of care. Although pricier than average, the coffee is exquisite. Location: #01-00, 22 Martin Road, Singapore 239058 Opening Hours: Daily: 8.00am – 6.00pm Chye Seng Huat Hardware, aka CSHH for short, is one of the hippest coffee places in Singapore. Don’t be fooled by the rather unusual name as CSHH is the successive establishment owned by Papa Palheta, specialists in the coffee roasting business. With an exterior resembling an old shophouse, this quaint coffee joint emanates a nostalgic and retro 70s vibe. Location: 150 Tyrwhitt Road, Singapore 207563 Opening Hours: Tue – Fri: 9.00am – 7.00pm; Sat & Sun: 9.00am – 10.00pm; Closed on Mondays Featuring really, really Instagram-worthy views, Paddy Hills has certainly caused a big ruckus for its aesthetically gorgeous renditions of coffee and food. The center of the café also lies a coffee counter similar to the one found in Common Man, but even critics would agree that Paddy Hills is easily the prettiest café in Singapore. Location: 38 South Buona Vista Road, Singapore 118164 Opening Hours: Daily: 8.30am – 10.00pm Although there is another outlet situated at Upper East Coast, the ideal place for the most “feel” is located within the food paradise of PasarBella. Be wary, as this place gets overcrowded easily during the weekends unlike during the weekdays, when it is quiet and spacey with lots of natural light. Their coffee is widely regarded as intense and strong, so be prepared! Location: #02-K67/68, PasarBella, The Grandstand, 200 Turf Club Road, Singapore 287994 Opening Hours: Mon – Thu: 9.00am – 7.00pm; Fri & Sat: 9.00am – 9.00pm; Sun: 9.00am – 7.00pm Forty Hands burst onto the scene as one of the very first coffee establishments in Singapore. Among others, they were part of the coffee revolution. Breathing new life into the dormant specialty coffee industry, Forty Hands takes coffee to a whole new level, with every sip a sensory experience. Fun fact: Harry Grover, genius behind this coffee joint, is also one of the founding fathers of Common Man! Location: #01-12, 78 Yong Siak Street, Singapore 163078 Opening Hours: Tue – Thu: 8.00am – 7.00pm; Fri & Sat: 8.00am – 10.00pm; Sun: 8.00am – 7.00pm; Closed on Mondays With its name meaning wandering samurais, it’s easy to forgive if you miss this little hidden gem. Despite being tucked away in a rather obscure location at Clarke Quay, Ronin is hugely trendy among coffee lovers. Unlike other cafes that are often glimmered with cheery vibes, Ronin takes no prisoners. With its dimmed lighting industrial-style decorations, Ronin is all serious in its passion for great coffee. Location: 17 Hong Kong Street, Singapore 059660 Opening Hours: Daily: 8.00am – 8.00pm To end off the list, it is necessary (pun intended) to include Necessary Provisions. Essentially a coffee joint with limited food choices on their menu, it still manages to pull in quite a huge following. A haunt for students due to its convenient location near SIM and NP, Necessary Provisions is a must-visit for coffee lovers. Rumor has it, they were the first in Singapore to pioneer iced coffee cubes! Location: Eng Kong Park, 21 Eng Kong Terrace, Singapore 598993 Opening Hours: Tue – Thu: 10.00am – 10.00pm; Fri & Sat: 10.00am – 12.00mn; Sun: 10.00am – 6.00pm; Closed on Mondays Where are your favorite places to grab a cuppa?
Move aside, liu sha baos – salted egg yolk croissants have landed, and people are going a little crazy over them. Think crisp and flaky outsides layered with soft, buttery insides that ooze molten, salted egg yolk custard when bitten into. It’s a symphony for your taste buds: the light sweetness of the creamy egg yolk custard, and the buttery crispness of the croissant that kind of leaves you looking like you buried your mouth in a bowl of nachos cheese and flaky pastry. https://www.instagram.com/p/BA3hWBOp_hH/?tagged=flavourflings You can thank Flavour Flings, a Halal-certified café in Hougang, for introducing these babies onto their menu. At $7.50 a pop, it seems a slightly steep price to pay – but if you’re a salted egg yolk addict, then why the heck not. Demand has reached a point where the eatery dedicates most weeknights to baking salted egg yolk croissants, with each customer entitled to buying just two croissants at a time. But be quick – they’re only available for takeaway from 5:30pm onwards, excluding Tuesdays and Sundays, and typically sell out within the hour. https://www.instagram.com/p/BAyg8nSqUbt/?tagged=flavourflings Flavour Flings If Hougang is slightly out of reach for you, french pastry patisserie Antoinette’s take on the sweet-and-savoury snack might be more your thing. https://www.instagram.com/p/BBOlRPRHsLG/?tagged=antoinette Its custard is smooth and well-balanced – neither too rich nor sweet, and very much similar to the salted yolk centres you find in traditional mooncakes. You can get these at their Penhas Road outlet for $6.50 a piece, from 11am daily. If you can stave off those salted egg yolk cravings, though, you could wait for these croissants to be introduced at its Mandarin Gallery and Sofitel outlets on February 10 at 1pm. Antoinette https://www.facebook.com/discover.sg.official/posts/1947731765452516 (Featured image credits: Today Singapore)Only Have 1 Day in Singapore? Here Are Some Must Visit Food Places – For All Budgets!
Low $ (Average spending per meal – Below SGD $10)
Indulge yourself with a treat in the local kopi (coffee) culture within the cozy atmosphere. With more than 50 stores island wide, make sure you lay your hands on its famous kaya butter toast set from SGD$4.90. If you fall in love with its kaya (coconut jam) flavor, you can also bring back these jars of homemade spread.
www.boontongkee.com.sg10 Best Places in Singapore That Are Specifically For Coffee Lovers
1) The Coffee Academics
2) The Populus Coffee & Food Co.
3) The Assembly Ground
4) Common Man Coffee Roasters
5) Chye Seng Huat Hardware Coffee
6) Paddy Hills
7) Dutch Colony Coffee Co.
8) Forty Hands
9) Ronin
10) Necessary Provisions
These Are The Only 2 Places In Singapore To Get Your Salted Egg Yolk Croissants Right Now!
Blk 121 Hougang Avenue 1, #01-1348
Opening Hours:
11am – 4pm, 5:30 – 9pm (Mon, and Wed – Fri)
9am – 4pm, 5:30 – 9pm (Sat)
Closed Tuesdays and Sundays
30 Penhas Road
Opening Hours:
11am – 10pm (Mon-Thu), 11am – 11pm (Fri)
10am – 11pm (Sat), 10am – 10pm (Sun)
