Don’t leave Singapore without trying this...

Singapore chicken rice

A simple yet beloved dish of succulent poached chicken paired with red chilli sauce and rice steamed with ginger,garlic and chicken stock.

Coffee and tea, Singapore style

Straight ‘kopi’ or ‘teh’ contains both sugar and condensed milk. If this is too sweet for you, order it kosong (without sugar) or o kosong (straight and bitter).

Kaya toast and eggs

This local breakfast favorite is a little like Singaporean soldiers: delicious coconut egg jam that is spread on toast, with accompanying soft-boiled eggs.

Black pepper crab

It’s difficult to go past the world-famous chilli crab, but you’d be missing out if you didn’t also sample the black pepper crab, butter crab or crab bee hoon.

Bak Kut Teh

While the direct translation of bak kut teh (meat bone tea!) leaves a bit to be desired, this Chinese soup is far more delicious than it sounds, consisting of meaty pork ribs simmered in a delicious broth infused with star anise, cinnamon, cloves, fennel and garlic.

Top 10 must-buys in Singapore

                                     No matter how many times you travel to Singapore, there are some things you simply MUST buy while you are there. The shopping experience you will find in Singapore is paralleled only by the Champs Elysees of Paris, France and 5th Avenue, in Manhattan. Clearly, your visit to Singapore will inevitably end up being a shopping trip. In a nation with so much to offer, there are a few items you won’t be able to resist.  

Asian antiques and artifacts

Asian antiques and artifacts will probably be first on your list and they are in abundance in Singapore. With imports coming in from all around the globe and having a rich, ancient history of its own, Singapore offers treasures at every turn. Your best finds will probably be found at Tanglin Shopping Centre, Chinatown and Holland Village.

Cameras are another hot ticket

Cameras are another item in Singapore and with good reason. Peninsula Plaza is probably your best source, but there isn’t a store in Singapore that doesn’t offer analog and digital cameras, photography accessories and photo processing services. Other recommended places to buy cameras are Sim Lim Square and Funan DigitaLife Mall.

Computers are in big demand

These days and Singapore will certainly not disappoint the discriminating shopper. Sim Lim Square, Funan IT Mall, Mustafa Centre and Peninsula Shopping Centre are your best bets, as are stores such as Challenger, Harvey Norman, Challenger and Courts.

Electronics are always

Electronic goods are big attraction in Singapore, especially at places like Funan IT Mall and Mustafa in Little India. Technology gadgets, gamer equipment and all the audio-visual peripheral equipment you can imagine are available in Singapore for your shopping pleasure.

Gifts and curios

Such as statues, wall decorations, Singapore Sling premix and chocolates are always popular. Gold dipped orchids, paper kites and parasols, calligraphy, wooden boxes, posters and other artworks can fill your luggage faster than you realize once you start shopping in Singapore.

Fashion is certainly

Certainly something you have to buy while visiting Singapore. Whether you can afford to browse the abundance of top-dollar designer labels found on Orchard Road or if you prefer the more bohemian, trendy looks of Bugis Junction, there is something for everyone in fashion in Singapore.

Handbags and luggage

Handbags and luggage are another popular purchase in Singapore. Designer labels, hand-stitched one-of-a-kind items and everything in between are available, once you start looking. It is very likely that, by the time you are ready to leave Singapore, you will NEED another bag or another piece of luggage to carry all your purchases!

Watches and jewellery

Watches and jewellery must be part of Singapore’s Top 10 with more choices than anyone could make in five lifetimes. Masterfully handcrafted timepieces, world famous watch manufacturers and affordable standard watches can be found in every shopping district of Singapore. Many visitors find that Singapore’s national inventory of jewellery is simply mind-boggling. Inexpensive bangles to million-dollar crown jewels are all available for a price. You could practically say that the streets of Singapore are lined with gold, as every shop has jewellery and watches for sale.

Textiles, especially for sarees

Sarongs and scarves, are probably the most colorful and varied shopping you can do in Singapore. Brightly dyed, shimmering, metallic, batik, silk, cotton, beaded…you name it, it is in Singapore. Arab Street and Little India are your best bets and walking down the alleys with all the fabrics waving and flapping in the breeze often feels more exotic and luxurious than any designer label display could ever be.

Food may not be seen

Food may not be seen as a normal purchase for foreign visitors but, let’s face it, the food of Singapore is never to be forgotten.You may as well bring some of it home with you. Spices, biscuits, sauces, and even the cooking utensils and serving dishes are all must-buys when visiting Singapore.

Heritage Tour around Colonial Changi(Part-1):

                         Changi, best known for the internationally famous airport Singaporeans are proud of. Or, to some, that delicious nasi lemak at the hawker centre of Changi Village. But Changi is much more than that. More than a dozen buildings and landmarks with significant heritage can still be found in this vicinity with a rich vibrant past.

Development of Changi:

Changi was originally well-known for its coconut and sago plantations in the 19th century. Its actual development only began in the 1920s after the Army Council in London approved a proposal to convert Changi into a defensive fortress of Singapore. In summary, a colonial Changi could be divided in three phases: Artillery Base (1927-1942), Japanese Occupation (1942-1945) and Royal Air Force (RAF) Changi (1946-1971).

                           In 1927, prominent British general Webb Gillman (1870-1933), who had Gillman Barracks named after him, surveyed the Changi area. It was a land of swamps and forests, with three hilly areas later known as Fairy Point Hill, Battery Hill and Temple/Changi Hills. The only accessible route from the city was an unpaved track that ended at the rural police station at the old Changi Village. The early permanent roads built in Changi were the New Road, Quarry Road and Artillery Road, all of which reflected the historic significance of the early development of Changi. After the war, they were renamed as Netheravon Road, Cranwell Road and Martlesham Road respectively, after other RAF stations in the United Kingdom. The construction of Changi was suddenly put to a halt in 1930 when Britain was hit by the Great Depression. However, with Japan’s ambitions in the east began surfacing in the early 1930s, the British resumed the work on the Changi defense. By the mid-1930s, the basic military facilities at Changi were ready. The Royal Engineers moved into the Kitchener Barracks, whereas the Robert Barracks were reserved for the Royal Artillery. Selarang Barracks became home for the Gordon Highlanders, the infantry battalion from Scotland. The Anti-Aircraft Regiment later arrived to live at the India Barracks located on the east side of Changi Road. Sport facilities, cinemas, clubhouses and schools were also built for the welfare and the benefits for the military personnel and their families. By 1941, the development of Changi as a self-contained base was completed. It took 15 years for Changi to transform from a swampy land of forest to a modern military base.

A New Air Base

                       When Changi was occupied by the invading forces after the British surrendered Singapore in February 1942, the Japanese forced thousands of POWs to build an airstrip. It took more than year before the new runway was ready for the first aircraft to take off in late 1944. After the war, the airstrip was not destroyed by the returning British forces. Instead they capitalized on it and handed the airfield over to its Royal Air Force (RAF) in 1946. This permanently changed the face of Changi, as it evolved from an artillery base to an air base. The withdrawal of British military presence from Singapore began in 1968. The Seletar Air Base was taken over by the Singapore government a year later. But the British was keen to hold on to RAF Changi until 1971. The Selarang Barracks was renamed as Selarang Camp, whereas the Roberts and India Barracks became part of Changi Camp (now Changi Air Base). Majority of the former Kitchener Barracks was placed under the management of the Singapore Land Authority (SLA).

The Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay :

                              Esplanade - Theaters on the Bay is one of the world's busiest arts centers, officially opened on 12 October 2002. This architectural icon with its distinctive twin shells, is sited within Singapore's civic district, just by Marina Bay at the mouth of the Singapore River. Esplanade aims to be a performing arts center for everyone, and its programs cater to its diverse audiences. Its program line-up spans all genres to encompass music, dance, theater and visual arts, with a special emphasis on Asian culture. Esplanade houses world-class performance spaces, supported by a comprehensive range of professional support facilities and services. Its two main venues are the 1,600-seat Concert Hall, with acoustics by Russell Johnson of ARTEC Consultants, and the 2,000-seat theater, an adaptation of traditional European opera houses in horseshoe form.

Man made marvel:

                         The Esplanade's 2,000 seat Theater is a form of an adaptation of the horseshoe form of a traditional European opera house. Spread out over four levels, it is designed for all genres of the performing arts, including but not limited to Asian and Western arts, Musicals and plays, classical, traditional and contemporary forms and advanced multimedia performances, whether they are large scale, or intimate in size.Although the theater is considered large with 2000 seats, the viewing distance between the furthest seat and the stage is just 40m, thus allowing patrons a clear view of what's going on on stage.There are only five other halls in the world with such state-of-the-art acoustics.

 The design:

 

                            The building was designed by two architectural firms working in conjunction: by DP Architects (DPA) of Singapore and the London-based Michael Wilford & Partners (MWP), although the later left the project in May 1995.The original design, presented to the public in 1994, consisted of unadorned glass cases over the theaters, and initially elicited criticisms from the public, including calling it "two copulating aardvarks". Critics also accused that the design is insensitive to Singapore's location and climate as it would have created a greenhouse in the tropical climate of Singapore, but according to DPA director Vikas Gore some form of shading was always intended[3], and a cladding of aluminum sunshades was added to the final design.The unique architectural design has been said to have an appearance similar to either a durian (a tropical fruit) or the eyes of a fly. Many Singaporeans casually refer to the Esplanade as "The Durian".

Facilities:

                              The Esplanade contains world-class performing spaces, coupled with a wide range of professional support services and facilities. Other than performing venues, the Esplanade also contains meeting venues, as well as other lifestyle and arts related services. The main highlights of the Esplanade - the concert hall and Theater, are connected to the main concourse via a foyer, while the Esplanade Mall is accessible through an entry point located between these 2 halls.

Concert Hall:

 

                            The Concert Hall is able to comfortably seat 1,600 people over four levels in an intimate setting. Types of seats include Stalls, Foyer stalls, and Circles 1, 2, and 3. There are another 200 seats in the choir stalls behind the concert hall stage, which may be converted into Gallery seats for an additional 200 people. There are also four exclusive VIP Private Boxes, which provide a close-up view of the performances.

Recital Studio

 

                       The fan-shaped Recital Studio is able to contain 250 people and is a good venue for small scale and intimate chamber musical performances, as well as presentations and meetings. In addition to its timbre flooring, the studio's wall and ceiling finishes are designed in order to ensure good acoustics. The Studio is also commonly used as a rehearsal space for orchestras and choirs.

Theater Studio:

                      The Theater Studio, with a capacity of 220, is a small setting for experimental theater and dance presentations. The performance space, equipped with movable and retractable seating, offers a wide variety of configurations . Although small, it is equipped with adaptable staging, lighting and sound systems, therefore enabling it to accommodate different kinds of performances. As it is approximately the same size as the Theater stage, the Theater Studio is also commonly used for full production rehearsals.

Outdoor Venues:

                        The Esplanade features two outdoor performing venues. They are the Waterfront Stage and the Stage@Powerhouse, located along the promenade. These venues stage regular free performances, meant to liven up the arts scene. Other than that, the building also features a large roof terrace with a panoramic view of Marina Bay and the city area. There are also courtyards and open spaces which can be used for various activities.

10 Ways to Save Money in Singapore:

You don't have to become Singa(poor) to enjoy a few days or longer in this multinational city! Use these money saving tips to enjoy Singapore on a budget.Always the bane of backpackers and budget travellers, saving money in Singapore isn't easy, but it is possible. Many travellers unfortunately only plan a few days in Singapore, or give it a miss entirely once they hear how expensive the city/country really is.

Get a CEPAS/EZ-LINK Card:

Many travellers make the mistake of not purchasing Singapore's excellent transportation card when they first arrive. Instead, they pay for each bus and train journey which quickly adds up.An EZ-Link card costs S$15 and includes S$10 worth of credit. You can purchase and add credit to cards at MRT train stations and mini-marts. Having an EZ-Link card will also save you a lot of time waiting in queues at ticket machines in MRT stations.The EZ-Link card can be used on the LRT, MRT (trains), and excellent public buses. By using an EZ-Link card, you pay only for the distance travelled, rather than a flat fare like everyone else -- just don't forget to tap your card on the reader as you exit the bus!

Don't Buy the Singapore Tourist Pass

The Singapore Tourist Pass is similar to the EZ-Link card, however, it allows for unlimited rides during a one, two, or three-day stay. The Tourist Passes aren't cheap: A one-day pass costs around S$18 which includes a refund for returning the card. You would need to take four or five rides on the MRT per day to just break even! Unless you really get a thrill out of riding trains around the city, chances are that you'll spend a lot of your pass time walking around the sights and less on the train.

Drink the Water

Unlike other countries in Southeast Asia, the tap water in Singapore is safe to drink. This is good news, as a bottle of water can cost around S$2 at mini-marts! Buy a small bottle of water, then refill it for free.

Eat in Food Halls

Singapore is blessed with some of the best food courts, food halls, and hawker stalls found anywhere in Asia. A notch above the street food typically found in places such as Thailand, a delicious meal can be enjoyed for between S$4 -- S$6 in food halls. You can eat for under S$3 if you don't mind Chinese noodles and noodle soups.The food courts found in posh malls and at the bottoms of nearly every skyscraper are priced slightly higher than standalone food centers. Check out the sprawling food center in Chinatown, or the cheap-yet-delightful Lau Pa Sat food center near the Raffles MRT stop.

Don't Drink or Smoke

5. Thanks to excessive taxation, vices come with a heavy price in Singapore. A pack of Marlboro cigarettes runs around S$12, and drinking is terribly expensive even by US or European standards. Entry into nightclubs can be up to S$30 which includes one watery drink.If you still crave a socializing atmosphere, opt to buy drinks from the 7-11 located at the end of Clarke Quay, then hang out around the water. Just look for the pedestrian bridge covered with people lounging around.

Enjoy the Parks

5. Although Singapore appears to be mostly concrete, the city is blessed with an excellent park matrix which spiders through the city. The parks and skyline views can be enjoyed for free, and a complex interconnecting system links parks to each other via a skywalk.

Take Advantage of Freebies

5. Savvy travellers can find art displays, public performances, and street performers along the riverfront, esplanade, and city centre -- particularly on weekends.Entrance to museums in Singapore is expensive, however, several days or evenings a month the entrance fee is waved for special exhibitions. Check at the counter and inside of free attractions magazines for promotion dates.If you cannot time your visit for open museum days, consider purchasing the three-day pass which allows you unlimited museum visits for S$20.

Only Shop in the Right Places

Singapore has more shopping malls than you could explore in months. Even ultra-modern Changi Airport is practically one big mall which happens to have the occasional airplane land or take off.Many of these malls are ridiculously expensive. Instead, do your souvenir and incidental shopping in cheap shops around Chinatown and Little India.Purchase your snacks, drinks, and toiletries from the big supermarkets located under many of the big malls rather than in mini-marts. VivoMart beneath VivoCity -- the largest mall in Singapore -- regularly has food and drink specials.

Make a New Friend

Accommodation in Singapore is expensive. A bunk bed in a crowded hostel dorm costs around S$20; a night in a modest hotel may require you to give blood. Couch surfing with one of the many expats living in Singapore is a great way to sleep for free, and also gives you a local's insight into how to enjoy Singapore on a budget.

Don't Get Busted

Locals joke that Singapore is a "fine" city -- which obviously comes with two meanings. Although you rarely see police officers around the city, rest assured that many people do get fined here for seemingly innocuous activities; the fine-payment kiosks dotted around are a sure indication.

Although you would have to get very unlucky, avoid paying fines by being aware of the following:

The number one reason to get fined in Singapore is for not using marked crosswalks.

Seat belts are required when in a car; the driver cannot use a mobile phone while moving.

Riding a bike on pedestrian-only paths such as around the river is forbidden.

Chewing gum, snacks, and drinks are not permitted on the MRT trains or public transportation.



Transformers- 3D the ride:

The Ride-3D is an immersive, next generation thrill ride-blurring the line between fiction and reality. Fusing HD 3D media and flight simulation technology, this epic ride creates an experience unlike anything this planet has ever seen.Based on the popular movie franchise, this mind-blowing Transformers adventure puts you in the middle of the ultimate war zone.Fight alongside Optimus and try to survive as you protect the AllSpark from Decepticons over four stories tall. Remember, the future of the human race is counting on you.

OPENING HOURS:

Mon to Thurs: 10am to 7pm daily,
Fri, Sat and Public Holidays: 10am to 9pm ,
Sun: 10am to 7pm.
Park Operating hours are subject to change without notice.

Fragrance Creation Workshop

        Ever wanted to create your own fragrance? Sandy from Nose who Knows, a fragrance expert, will guide you through a new world of scents. Take your sense of smell on a journey of pleasure and education as you familiarize with perfume structure and key olfactive facets. Finally let go of your creativity and imagination to compose your own formula !

The objectives 

• Learn the basics of perfume creation 
• Understand the importance of olfactory tenacity and intensity 
• Create a unique fragrance.

The program

• Explanation of perfume composition, from raw materials to creation
• Application of notions of top – middle – bottom notes 
• Presentation of the olfactory facets in a perfume 
• Composing a perfume formula using facets 
• Make a composition 
• Evaluate your creation

Acquired knowledge

• Understanding the olfactory pyramid 
• Identify different facets of a fragrance 
• Introduction to the art of creation

Additionally you will be able to take 3 of your creations home (0.5ml each)! Only 12 participants will have the chance to join this experience. So get you tickets NOW!