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Stay At Asia’s Most Beautiful Beaches For Less Than S$81 A Night

Whether you are having the an indulging weekend off or having an intimate beach wedding, the surest way to ensure that you get the most stunning moments on print is to have it taken at the beach! Not only will you get gorgeous pictures of the event but also the photographer will follow you along the romantic sandy shore aisle.

If your only concern now is to get the most breathtaking beach resorts at affordable prices, stay as long as you desire at Asia’s Most Beautiful Beaches For Less Than S$81 A Night (airfare not included)…

1. BORACAY, PHILIPPINES

Boracay at Dusk (Image credit: Chewy Chua, via Flickr)

Dubbed as the tropical paradise in Asia, Boracay has something for everyone, from luxurious spas to exhilarating water sports. Here in one of the most popular go-to island in the Philippines, you shall enjoy meals for less than S$10! Watch the sun set over the white sandy beach and sleep at its decent resorts costing as low as S$34 a night!

Here are the recommended places to stay at, courtesy of Agoda – a renowned online global hotel platform:

a. Boracay Holiday Resort

Rooms from S$66.70

Online Rating: 7.4/10

b. Levantin Boracay Resort

Rooms from S$33.88

Online Rating: 7.9/10

c. Hey Jude South Beach Resort

Rooms from S$56.55

Online Rating: 8.2/10

d. Shore Time Hotel

Rooms from S$77.71

Online Rating: 8.4/10

2. KOH PHANGAN, THAILAND

Koh Phangan (Image credit, soma-samui.com)

Thailand is a country full of amazing beaches. Nestled in its southeast region is Koh Phangan. Due to its monthly “full moon parties”, Koh Phangan is place mostly clamored by young travelers. Full moon parties are infamous for its night-long music, cheap drinks, and affordable food. Rest assured the crowd will go mad at this once in a blue moon experience!

Start the party at these recommended places:

a. Buri Beach Resort

Rooms from S$51.56

Online Rating: 7.4/10

b. Da Kanda Villa Beach Resor

Rooms from S$27.14

Online Rating: 7.4/10

c. Cookies Salad Hotel

Rooms from S$32.05

Online Rating: 8/10

d. Beyond The Blue Horizon Resort

Rooms from S$42.91

Online Rating: 9/10

3. BAC MY AN BEACH, DA NANG, VIETNAM

Da Nang Beach (Image Credit: http://danangbeaches.visitwonders.com)

One of the most impressive beaches in Da Nang city that tourists will enjoy is the Bac My An beach. It is a place filled with white sands, clear blue water, and quality resorts. Surprisingly, rooms at Da Nang are available for as low as S$13 a night! What’s more? The street vendors offer can satisfy your hunger for less than a dollar!

Rest after long demanding days at work in these recommended places:

a. Gold Coast Hotel

Rooms from S$73.74

Online Rating: 7.1/10

b. Fansipan Hotel Danang

Rooms from S$80.44

Online Rating: 7.8/10

c. Grand Mango Hotel Danang

Rooms from S$48.40

Online Rating: 8/10

Have an unforgettable trip! 🙂

Sources: 1 , 2, & 3

The True Cost Of Traditional Chinese Medicine In Singapore

The Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) encompasses several theories and practices that were developed in China back then…for over two millennia. The practices include herbal medicine, acupuncture, exercises, and massages.

In 2013, a study by Jingcheng Dong showed that there are different components in a TCM diagnosis, namely: Inspection, Auscultation-olfaction, Background, and Palpation. The inspection involves visually examining the changes in the patient’s appearance and movement. Auscultation-olfaction involves listening to sounds and smelling different odors. Background, consistent with the Western Medicine, involves checking the past medical records, family health history, and more. Lastly, palpation involves diagnosing an illness with the use of touch.

The common forms of TCM treatment available in Singapore are acupuncture and cupping. Acupuncture relieves the stress and pain while cupping stimulates blood flow and minimizes aches.

SO, HOW MUCH DOES TCM TREATMENTS COST?

The cost of your overall TCM treatment varies depending on the type of treatment and the clinic you go to. For instance, Ma Kuang Healthcare Group charges S$15 for the first consultation and S$10 for the following ones. Adults aged 60 and above get to enjoy their special discounts ranging from 20-30% off. The medicines are sold separately.

On the other hand, Xu Yang Acupuncture & TCM Clinic located at Yishun Ring Road, does not charge a cent for the consultation. And, their acupuncture treatment costs S$45. Aside from this, Singapore’s first integrated TCM and healthcare centre called Chinese Medical Centre charges S$80 for a session of Pulse Consultation, Yang Sheng Therapy, and a choice of whether Acupuncture, Cupping, or Gua Sha treatment.

Image Credits: Image Credits: makuang.com.sg/en

Since the cost of the treatments vary, it is important to do your research first to get the best results.

WHERE CAN YOU FIND THE TCM SERVICES?

1. MINISTRY OF HEALTH’S TCM PORTAL

You can find registered TCM practitioners at the TCM Portal – available here. Rest assured that the Health Sciences Authority regulates all the Chinese Proprietary Medicines. They must oblige with a set of criteria first before the products are sold in Singapore.

2. GROUPON

The famed online marketplace also houses affordable and discounted TCM treatments such as:

a. One Session of Pulse Consultation, Yang Sheng Therapy, and a choice of whether Acupuncture, Cupping, or Gua Sha treatment for S$28 only.

From Chinese Medical Centre – available here.

b. One Session of TCM Localized Pain Management Treatment and Physician’s Consultation for S$18 only.

From Fu Yang Tang TCM Clinic – available here.

Image Credits: facebook.com/FuYangTang

No matter what the expense totals to, remember to exercise discretion and caution with your purchase! 🙂

Sources: 1, 2, 3, & 4

Have A Good Night’s Sleep Without Breaking The Bank

When you are sleep deprived, you feel less patient, less concentrated, and easily irritated. This can increase your stress levels. Give your body the restorative rest it deserves.

A good night’s sleep is not only about the amount of hours you sleep but also about the quality of sleep. Better sleeping patterns can positively impact your health and your ability to manage the daily challenges ahead. To have this, you will need to spend only S$4 or less…just follow these tips:

1. SLEEP JOURNAL

The first step to have better sleep is to be aware of your previous sleeping patterns. Keep a sleep journal (i.e., costing S$2 or less in Popular Bookstore or Daiso) where you will write significant events in your day, your lifestyle habits, and your sleeping patterns. Answer these questions in your journal or notebook for at least 3 days:

a. How many hours did you sleep in total?

b. How many times did you wake up in the evening?

c. What time did you go to sleep?

d. What did you do to help you fall asleep?

e. What did you eat before sleeping?

f. Did something stressful or depressing happened today causing you to be worried?

Now that you are aware of your sleeping patterns, you will know which ones you shall change.

2. CREATE A SNOOZE WORTHY ENVIRONMENT

In order to have a restorative sleep, your bedroom must be inviting. Keep the room’s temperature cool (i.e., 18C-24C) and use curtains to block the light. To keep the noise to a minimum, you may wear earplugs (i.e., costing S$2 in Daiso). Or, you may play relaxing music while you sleep.

Image Credits: Enkhtuvshin via Flickr

Eliminate distractions such as the television, tablets, laptops, or your phone. The LED light emitted by these electronics can cause your mind to think that it is still daytime.

3. ESTABLISH A SLEEPING ROUTINE

Having a sleeping routine within thee recommended hours programs the brain to automatically have its “body clock” that will help you to fall asleep consistently. Take these steps for 7 days:

a. Set a time for sleeping and waking up.

At least 6 to 8 hours of sleep is ideal for teens and adults. Perhaps you may sleep at 11 PM and wake up at 6 AM. Stick to this by canceling your late night plans for the week and by setting an alarm.

b. Create a pre-sleep routine.

What relaxes you the most? Whether it is taking a warm bath, practicing yoga exercises, and reading a book, do these pre-sleep routine at least 30 minutes before you sleep.

c. Use your bed primarily for sleeping.

If you use your bed for working or eating, you will lose the automatic cue to sleep. So, use your bed primarily for sleeping.

d. Reduce alcohol and caffeine consumption.

This last step will save you money and help you to sleep better. Alcohol may help you to sleep faster but it also causes to have interrupted sleep. While caffeine will keep you stimulated throughout the night. Avoid these two.

Image Credits: Pedro Ribeiro Simões via Flickr

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

Budget-Friendly Ways To Amuse Your Children

Spending quality time with your children need not be costly! What is important is to shower them with your unconditional love and undivided attention. Here is a list of “Budget-Friendly Ways To Amuse Your Children” especially this upcoming school break…

1. FAMILY GAME DAY

Entertain your kids with a solid hour of board games, cards, and puzzles. If you need to purchase a board game, you may check out Toys “R” Us. Toys “R” Us provides huge selection of toys and infant products that, are priced to give you value for you money.

Round up your kids and play the Disney Assorted Inlay Wood Puzzles (S$9.95), UNO® Disney Frozen Cards (S$11.90), or the Pavilion Wooden Snakes and Ladders (S$19.95).

2. EXPLORE THE PARKS OR PLAYGROUNDS

Going to the nearby playground and watching your child get active would not cost you a cent! Alternatively, you may take your child to the nearby parks (e.g., East Coast Park, Bishan Park, and Lower Seletar Reservoir Park) to have a simple picnic or to play outdoor games and sports such as Frisbee, Hula Hooping, and Cycling.

For a complete list of parks in Singapore, visit: nparks.gov.sg.

3. GO TO BEACH

Nothing screams fun with kids more than a sunny day at the Palawan Beach at Sentosa. Enjoy building sand castles, splashing water, and running around on the shore with your children. It is not only fun for them but it will definitely send them to a peaceful sleep afterwards. And if your child is still fueled with energy, experience the beauty of nature and the variety of its species as you go to Imbiah Lookout, Sentosa’s Butterfly Park & Insect Kingdom. An admission rate for children aged 3-12 is S$10 while it is S$16 for adults.

4. BRING YOUR CRAFTS ON

Gather the available Arts and Crafts you have at your house to make a crafts box. If you fall short with items such as scissors, glue, crayons, stickers, and assorted colored papers, you can always go to Daiso as everything is priced at S$2 only. Each kid has a unique artistic expression so it is best to introduce your child to the different outlets such as drawing, singing, music, or dancing. The cost of these outlets is less than S$10!

5. EDUCATE AND AMAZE THEM

Activate your child’s imagination by going to the libraries or museums. At the libraries, you can save more money by borrowing books and graphic novels rather than buying them. At the museum, you can ask your children to imagine that they are traveling in a different place as an archeologist, a historical writer, or an adventurer.

Image Credits: chriskay via Flickr

4 Fabulous Beauty And Wellness Activities In Singapore, Under S$55

1. EXFOLIATE YOUR SKIN

Experience natural exfoliation of your skin with Kenko’s Fish Spa Therapy. As the fishes remove your feet’s dead skin cells, you will feel a gentle nibbling sensation that may be ticklish for the first two minutes. Afterwards, you will feel a relaxing pulse stimulating as the therapeutic wave sets in. The benefits of this therapy includes: Smoother and healthier skin Promote blood circulation Release stress and tension The 30-minute therapy costs about S$30.

Image Credits: kenko.com.sg

Kenko Singapore has 7 outlets nationwide, visit: kenko.com.sg/outlet to know the nearest one.

2. LEARN HOW TO RIDE THROUGH THE WAVES

Take on the challenge of getting into the exciting action by learning how to Flowride. On May 23, WAVEHOUSE SENTOSA will conduct a “Girls Learn To Ride” session that is suited for female beginner and intermediate Flowriders who are interested to learn the basics and some new tricks as taught by the in-house female instructors. This Babe-only session costs S$20 for an hour and S$40 for two!

Image Credits: Lim Ashley via Flickr

Order your tickets at wavehousesentosa.com. For others who would rather stay out of the surf, worry not, because there are two beach bars and a pool to keep you refreshed and occupied.

3. TREAT YOUR HAIR ON A BLOWOUT

Book in for a hair blowout at Blow+Bar salon to get a star-worthy makeover. With the “Daily Blowout” you can get double cleanse, scalp massage, conditioning, and a Signature blowout look for S$38-52 depending on your hair length. Kids are welcome to the fun too (i.e., Daily Blowout Kids: S$27)!

Image Credits: blowplusbar.com

You can choose from different Signature blowout looks including BB Volume, BB Natural, and BB Curls while sipping a glass of wine. Ohh la la indeed!

There are two has 2 Blow+Bar outlets nationwide, visit: blowplusbar.com to book an appointment.

4. STRECH AND SWEAT

Enjoy a rejuvenating yoga class at Hom Yoga, Singapore. Hom Yoga is a contemporary boutique yoga studio that offers hot and non-hot classes. Choose from a range of their hot classes such as Hot Hom, Hot Ashtanga, and Hot Flow as taught by internationally trained yoga instructors. What separates Hom Yoga from the most is its minimalist ambience and premier services complete with the staple facilities. Not only is the reception staff courteous but the instructors are friendly too.

Image Credits: Image Credits: facebook.com/homyogastudio

I suggest you go for their 1-week trial for S$49 to get a feel of all their classes. Otherwise, you can go for a single class for S$40. Hom Yoga has 2 studios nationwide, visit: homyoga.com/sg for more details.

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