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3 Trendiest Spots To Explore In Singapore

Travelling outside Singapore may be restricted for the time being, but it does not mean that you will stop discovering new places. Just look at the places found this list!

#1: TROPICAL MONTANE ORCHIDETUM AT SINGAPORE BOTANIC GARDENS

Feast your eyes with nature’s beauty as you stroll in the Singapore Botanic Gardens. When you arrive, do not forget to visit the recently opened Tropical Montane Orchidetum. This Orchidetum spans around 2,480sqm and features the largest collection of high-elevation montane orchids in Asia.

Nestled within the National Orchid Garden, this attraction features whimsical trails from the Secret Ravine to the Sembcorp Cool House. The latter not only brings a delightful escape from the heat, but also emulates the climate at 1,000 m to 2,000 m elevation. This air-conditioned glass house has high ceilings paired with its beautiful array of fauna. Visitors may wander amidst a garden of more than 1,000 species of orchids and hybrids. Apart from these, the Orchidetum has a lot more to offer!

If you are planning to experience this attraction soon, do visit during weekdays or off-peak hours. Strict safety management measures are placed for the well-being of all its visitors. Thus, they employ temporary closures when the maximum capacity of the place is reached.

Good news! Entrance fee is waived for Singaporeans and PRs until April 11, 2021. Nonetheless, the regular ticket prices (*for Singapore residents) are S$5 for adults and S$1 for students or senior citizens. Tickets are free for children under 12.

Address: 1 Cluny Rd, Singapore 259569
Visit nparks.gov.sg/sbg for more details.

#2: LEGO® CERTIFIED STORE (LCS) BRICKS WORLD AT SUNTEC CITY

Whether you are a LEGO® enthusiast or a hobbyist, you will be happy to know that the revamped Bricks World – Suntec City is bigger than ever! During its opening (April 9), this LEGO® Certified Store showcased its unique features such as the Merlion mosaic wall.

The bespoke Merlion mosaic wall was made from 92,160 pieces of LEGO® bricks and was designed by LEGO® Certified Professional Nicholas Foo. Spanning 3.9 meters high and 1.6 meters wide, the Merlion mosaic wall took over 128 hours to complete. Apart from this, visitors may happily spot the hidden Mickey and Minnie Mouse in the display scene. Moreover, younger visitors will be able to enjoy its LEGO® play wall in the future.

Best of all? Its grand opening includes exclusive deals!

Image Credits: facebook.com/BricksWorld

Address: 3 Temasek Boulevard, #01-305, West Wing, Suntec City Mall, Singapore 038983
Visit bricksworld.com to build more.

#3: MUSEUM OF ICE CREAM AT DEMPSEY

Amp up your social media game by taking aesthetically pleasing snaps at the Museum of Ice Cream – Singapore. The highly anticipated opening of this colorful museum marks its first outlet outside United States. Singapore Tourism Board (STB) announced that it will be opening by the second half of the year.

As the Museum of Ice Cream graces our shores, you can expect to enter 14 never-before-seen installations. These multi-sensory installations are dedicated to the celebration and experience of enjoying an ice cream. In fact, its American counterpart features the Rainbow Tunnel and the Sprinkle Pool.

It is set to open its sweet doors in August 2021 at a 60,000 sq. ft. property along Dempsey. For the meantime, you can sign up for early ticket access at museumoficecream.com/early-access-sg.

Visit facebook.com/museumoficecreamsg to get the latest scoop!

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

5 Inexpensive Pleasures Found In Singapore

Pleasure is a purely instinctive reaction lasting for 30 seconds to 2 hours. While happiness can be elusive, sources of pleasure are fairly easy to come by. We all need to indulge in pleasurable moments that will not break the bank! Add icing to your cake by checking out these suggestions that will help you savor the day.

INDULGE IN RICH CULTURE AND HISTORY

Explore the rich history dating as far as 1887 as you step into the halls of the National Museum of Singapore. Beneath its 19th-century colonial exterior is its cutting-edge technology, which it uses as a means to present the nation’s legacy and development. Its galleries take you on an immersive voyage with modern lenses. The new exhibition entitled “Home, Truly: Growing Up with Singapore” is up until August 2021.

The museum opened when the country moved into Phase Two. Please follow the COVID-19 guidelines to ensure everyone’s safety. It is open daily from 10 am to 7 pm.

INDULGE IN NATURAL WONDERS

Help your body benefit from having a healthy dose of sunlight and fresh air as you go outdoors. Treat yourself with nature’s beauty as you stroll the Singapore Botanic Gardens. The Gardens has been renowned as a UNESCO World Heritage Site at the 39th session of the World Heritage Committee on July 2015. It is the first and only tropical botanic garden on the UNESCO’s World Heritage List. This recognition speaks volumes on the wonders that this 82-hectare Gardens holds.

With more than 150 years of history, the Gardens will continue to play an important role as a leading tropical botanical institute and an endearing place to all Singaporeans. Visitors are asked to have a maximum group size of 8 individuals. A distance of 1 meter from other groups is also required. You must also keep a distance of 3 meters from others during exercises.

INDULGE IN FASTER CONNECTIONS

Being stuck at home for the majority of 2020 taught us the importance of having fast and reliable internet connectivity. We need this to stay connected to our friends and family members, to collaborate with our co-workers, and to order necessary household items online. Do not settle for slow and choppy internet services! Upgrade your current phone or internet plan by checking with your internet service provider.

Ask if it is possible to upgrade to a fiber optic or a high-speed cable. For instance, StarHub offers 2Gbps Fibre Broadband for as low as S$62.90 per month and 1Gbps Fibre Broadband for as low as S$39.90 per month.

INDULDGE ON YOUR INTERESTS

Take this time as an opportunity to indulge on your interests. What are some things that you want to do, but have no time for? It can be great for your mental health to work towards your new goals. Improve your skills by searching through fitness centers that provide free or inexpensive remote classes. You may also look for online music and dance lessons. Lastly, you can download free apps that will help you learn a new language or two.

While you’re at home, there are many great opportunities to use online learning to improve your skills. Yoga studios and fitness gyms are offering remote classes, many for free. Music and dance teachers are teaching lessons online. Why not use this time to learn a new language, learn to code, learn new cooking skills or find a new hobby?

INDULDGE ON MUCH-DESERVED SELF-CARE

With everything that happened during the past year, you deserve to take care of yourself. Self-care is not selfish! Self-care allows you to be more productive and motivated to tackle other upcoming tasks. Moreover, you will be able to support local restaurants and artisans.

Naiise has a plethora of self-care items such as bath bombs, teas, and candles. Bath bombs sell for as low as S$10. Interestingly, one bath bomb includes a 24kt gold leaf. I would love to try that!

Image credits: unsplash.com

At a time when you have to be careful with your money, there are still affordable indulgences to enjoy. Consider an item or two on this list!

Run With Life-Sized Dinosaurs At Jurassic Mile

As you bring more focus to your health this year, it is important to include running or jogging to your fitness regimen. The health benefits of running and jogging include improving one’s cardiovascular fitness, strengthening bones and muscles, burning plenty of kilojoules, and maintaining a healthy weight.

Goal setting for running and jogging vary for each individual. For others it may be a tool to help them compete in marathons and fun runs. While, some people use running and jogging to achieve their desired weight. If you are a beginner, you should start with brisk walking, progress to jogging, and work your way up to running This may take a couple of months to achieve.

Add life to your running or jogging trail by considering the newly opened Changi Jurassic Mile. Travel where no man has been – to the pre-historic land of Dinosaurs. You read that right!

The Changi Jurassic Mile is Singapore’s newest and biggest permanent outdoor display of life-sized dinosaurs. You and your loved ones can now interact with dinosaurs while you jog, run, or cycle along the trail. This trail stretches from the Changi Airport to the East Coast Park.

About twenty-two different pre-historic creatures can be found in the trail. Amazing creatures from nine different species occupy the 1-kilometer path. These creatures come with information boards and growling noises in the background. The visual and sensorial installations will truly bring life to your usual jog!

The Jurassic Mile includes the Tyrannosaurus Rex, which towers for about 5 meters. You will also see different carnivorous species, herbivorous species, defensive dinosaurs, as well as the flying dinosaurs. Create a game with your children and let them spot and name each dinosaur. From a towering Tyrannosaurus Rex to gigantic dinosaur eggs, visitors will be amazed by the life-like installations inside the Changi Jurassic Mile.

Invite your friends or family as you travel by foot or by cycling from HUB & SPOKE or from East Coast Park via the Changi Coastal Park Connector. It is open for 24 hours. Entrance is free on Mondays to Thursdays. No need to book a slot.

However, you must book a slot if you are visiting on a Friday or a weekend. Entrance is still free. To ensure safe distancing, you must book a slot online from October 16 to January 3. Book a slot here.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Look out for bicycle rental shops and cafes spread throughout the trail to enrich your experience.

Fancy Canned Goods And Instant Coffee Recipes To Keep You Company

As many of us are encapsulated in our own homes for quite some time, many shoppers have filled up their own pantries. Most flats have a wide array of tissue papers, disinfectant sprays, instant noodles, canned goods, and instant coffee sachets. It is best to put your own spin to your daily meals to stimulate your appetite.

Here are inexpensive ways to get creative with your canned goods and instant coffee options.

#1: SPAM MUSUBI

Last month, I dragged my significant other to a restaurant that serves Hawaiian cuisine. One of the dishes that we tried was the Spam Musubi. It is a popular snack that you can easily make in your own home. Simply gather these ingredients: white rice, nori, SPAM or luncheon meat, oyster sauce, soy sauce, and sugar.

Follow the steps found in the video below. What I like about this dish is its fast preparation time and its rich flavors.

#2: CRISPY SPAM FINGERS

Believe me when I say that it tastes better than it sounds! This recipe goes a little outside of the box as it incorporates flour, eggs, and bread crumbs into the meat.
Firstly, you must drench your sliced SPAM or luncheon meat into a mixture of eggs, flour, and bread crumbs. Secondly, you must fry all these “fingers” until each one reaches a golden-brown color. Its exterior ensures that each bite packs a crunch! You can serve it with rice.

#3: TUNA MACARONI SALAD

Canned tuna is a pantry staple that can transform into easy dishes that can be served for family dinners and office lunches. Spice up your usual macaroni salad by adding canned tuna. For a protein-rich lunch that kids will love, you may create a tuna macaroni salad. Just add your sauteed tuna in a macaroni salad filled with creamy mayonnaise, pepper, and celery.

#4: CREAMY TUNA CARBONARA

Complete a wine night indoors by serving a plate of creamy pasta. To make your very own creamy tuna carbonara, you will need the following: spaghetti pasta, eggs, canned tuna, parsley, salt, Parmesan cheese, and ground pepper. Start by preparing the pasta.

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil over high heat. Cook the pasta according to the instructions on the package. Drain it and set it aside. To do your sauce, you must whisk the egg yolks and add Parmesan cheese. Stir in the black pepper and add some salt. Then, add this sauce to the cooked spaghetti. Lastly, you must incorporate the drained tuna. Garnish with more cheese and serve it hot!

#5: INSTANT ICED COFFEE

It only takes five minutes or less to create your own instant iced coffee. Raid your pantry to gather these ingredients: 3 teaspoons of instant coffee, cold water, ice, and 4 tablespoons of your favorite creamer (e.g., soy creamer).

Get your trusty glass and add the instant coffee and the creamer. Fill it with cold water and stir constantly to allow the mixture to dissolve. Add some ice cubes and you are good to go!

#6: DALGONA COFFEE

Currently, the Twitter-verse and the TikTok nation have been buzzing about the Dalgona Coffee. You have probably seen several videos of people making whipped coffee by mixing instant coffee, sugar, and water together. You read that right! You have to mix everything together using a whisk, a hand mixer, or a milk frother. The result is a fluffy and delicious whipped coffee that you can post on Instagram.

Follow the steps found on the video below to make your very own Dalgona Coffee from South Korea.

Free Photography Apps To Amp Up Your Social Media Presence

As health scare infiltrates the Red Dot and its neighboring countries, navigating through the world is different these days. While most Singaporeans defend themselves with constant sanitation and proper hygiene, many have been practicing social distancing. Many people are isolating themselves in their own homes once their schooling or their work is done.

To occupy one’s time, you may turn on your social media apps. Sharing your own thoughts and photographs in social media is a common pastime to many. Before you scavenge through gallery to post your previous travel pictures, consider these free photography apps to perfect your pixels!

FOR VINTAGE CAMERA LOVERS

NOMO is arguably my favorite photography app right now. Its concept is to store some of the best vintage cameras in the olden years. Recall the times when you have to hold up the negatives up in the light to scan each frame one by one!

While some of the cameras here are tagged with a fee, you will not be disappointed with the ones you are left with. My NOMO app has five free vintage cameras that vary from a cinematic black-and-white camera to a disposable Fujicolor camera. It mimics some of the most iconic cameras with its filters. See for yourself!

It is free on Apple and Google Play.

FOR EDITING PROFESSIONALS

VSCO is not only part of the Millennial pop-culture, but also a household name for photography enthusiasts. Its slogan is “for creators by creators” after all! The VSCO’s community members can use a single app to creatively edit their photos using preset filters or editing tools. There are a lot of free VSCO presets that can help you save money and streamline your workflow.

Simply import your raw image from the gallery and edit it with 10 free VSCO presets or various editing tools such as grain, fade, contrast, and saturation. Play around with perspectives using crop and skew. Lastly, you can save your favorite edits with “recipes”.

It is free on Apple and Google Play.

FOR SELFIE ENTHUSIASTS

For people who love taking the perfect selfie or groupfie, you may want to download Polarr. Polarr lets novices and pros to enhance their photographs using face-editing tools and a vast suite of touch-ups.

Photography newbies will appreciate the auto-enhance tools and sophisticated filters available on the app. While, professional photographers may take delight on layer support and curve tools.

It is free on Apple and Google Play.

FOR COLLAGE ADDICTS

I, for one, am using collage apps on a daily basis. To make your life easier, you may download the Moldiv app. It is a photo editor that can turn your set of photos into magazine pages. Let the magic happen by browsing through their collection of templates.

Image Credits: unsplash.con

What’s more? You can edit your selfie through Moldiv’s beauty camera touches like smooth skin or enlarge eyes. Then, there is a plethora of filters that you can experiment with.

It is free on Apple and Google Play.

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