3 Amazing Museums In Singapore That Offer Free Admissions

When I was an adolescent, I perceived museums as fancy institutions which superior intellects frequented. The only time I get to visit one is when the school requires us to go on educational trips. However, times have changed. Technological advances paved way for museum to share their unique pictures on social media. The public interest for art has risen. Let us be honest, you probably saw those hippie youths taking their #OOTD snaps at the famous local museums.

Aside from the picturesque interiors, museums are places in which cultural, scientific, and artistic treasures are displayed. Each one has its own characteristics and values. Personally I find these local museums to be worth my time:

1. ASIAN CIVILISATIONS MUSEUM

Website: acm.org.sg

Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) is my favorite local museum. Nestled at the mouth of the Singapore River, ACM will take you on a journey of historical discovery as they preserve the heritage of Asia. ACM’s 14,000 square meters space are filled with 11 thematic galleries that boasts with about 1,300 artifacts from China, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and West Asia. During my visit there, I was amazed the abundance and diversity of the Buddha statues as well as the 12 zodiac animal heads donated by Jackie Chan.

To shake things up, they accompany the permanent exhibits with special exhibits that are changing throughout the year. In fact, the current exhibit now is called “Once Upon a Time in Asia: The Missing Mouse”. It is a free exhibit that is recommended for children and the young at heart.

Rates:

Citizens & Permanent Residents: FREE
Visitors aged 6 and below: FREE
Foreign students, seniors, and PWDs: S$4
Others: S$8

2. SINGAPORE ART MUSEUM

Website: singaporeartmuseum.sg

Probably the most popular museum among the youths is the Singapore Art Museum (SAM). SAM houses a great collection of contemporary Southeast Asian art ranging from sculptures and paintings to installation art and moving media. They regularly collaborate with the leading international museums to cover both the local and international art practices.

Exhibitions change every few months. At the time of my first visit, I got to enjoy an interesting exhibition called Medium At Large. Now, they are showing the 5 Stars (Art Reflects on Peace, Justice, Equality, Democracy and Progress) exhibit. In this exhibit, I was particularly amazed with their larger than life art installation called the “Bloodline of Peace”.

Rates:

Citizens & Permanent Residents: FREE
Visitors under 6 years old: FREE
Foreign students, seniors, and PWDs: S$5
Others: S$10

*Everyone gets to enter for free every Friday from 6pm – 9pm.

3. NATIONAL MUSEUM OF SINGAPORE

Website: nationalmuseum.sg/

What do you expect from Singapore’s oldest museum? Nothing but prime history and culture of course. If you are interested in Singapore’s rich history, this museum shall be on the top of your list. Established in 1887, the National Museum of Singapore fuses the elegant neo-classical building with the new additions of glass and metal.

While visiting National Museum of Singapore I greatly enjoyed the “Singapura: 700 years” Exhibition. It consisted of six nostalgic sections from the Archaeology in Singapore to the Independent Singapore. Currently, they are displaying the “Celebrating Radio: Sounds” until July 17, 2016.

After indulging on art and history, satisfy your tummy with their selection of cafes and restaurants. Or, visit their retail space to pick up a cultural souvenir.

Rates:

Citizens & Permanent Residents: FREE
Visitors aged 6 and below: FREE
Foreign students,seniors, and PWDs: S$5
Others: S$10

Sources: 1 & 2

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Delicious And Affordable Places For Vegan Food In Singapore

One of the things Singapore is abundant of is food. The diverse food selection extends to the vegetarian options. From organic snacks to vegan Western food, this list has you covered!

1. VEGGIE COTTAGE

Camouflaged within the neighboring grocery stores is a beautifully casual cafe called Veggie Cottage. It serves a wide array of Asian and Western vegetarian food such as Avocado Salad, Claypot Tofu Rice Set, and Spaghetti Bolognese. They also sell cupcakes to satisfy your sweet tooth.

With seriously inexpensive prices ranging from S$2.50 to S$10.80, you will surely wear a smile while browsing their menu – here.

Image Credits: facebook.com/162388397257546/photos/a.162391280590591.1073741826.162388397257546/575124989317216/?type=3&theater

Image Credits: facebook.com

Online Reception: 100% Upvotes at HungryGoWhere.com

Location: 13 Dalhousie Lane, Singapore 209682

2. GOKUL VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT

Fusing Indian cuisine with other yummy vegetarian meals, GOKUL Vegetarian Restaurant boasts with over 100 food items. From bite-sized munchies such as Samosa Chaat and Dosa to health main courses such as Tom Yum Noodles and Paneer Fried Rice, they have it all for you. Furthermore, all of these are free of onion, garlic, and egg.

Image Credits: http://www.hungrygowhere.com/singapore/gokul_vegetarian_restaurant_upper_dickson_road/photo/98920000

Image Credits: hungrygowhere.com

Online Reception: 84% Upvotes at HungryGoWhere.com

Location: 19 Upper Dickson Road, Singapore 207478

3. CI YAN ORGANIC VEGETARIAN HEALTH FOOD

Nestled at the bustling streets of Chinatown is a humble treasure of an eatery called Ci Yan Organic Vegetarian Health Food. This place serves nothing but organic ingredients without the use of MSG.

With an uncomplicated menu of only 4 to 6 dishes that vary per day, it will take your taste buds to a healthy adventure. The quality of the dishes makes up for the lack of choice. However, if you are a picky eater, you may call them up in advance at 6225 9026. Worry not about their prices, as the average plate is S $7 while the noodle dishes are about S $5.50.

Online Reception: 84% Upvotes at HungryGoWhere.com

Location: 8 Smith Street, Singapore 058922

4. REAL FOOD

If I were asked to name a place perfectly suited to a health conscious Singaporean, I would definitely suggest Real Food. Known for serving organic and vegan yet really tasty food, Real Food consists of affordable meal selections.

All of the Real Food outlets showcase a contemporary setting with relaxing lighting. What separates it from other eateries is that the Killiney Road outlet has a 3-in-1-concept design featuring a Cafe and Restaurant, a grocery, and a bookstore. Everything you need in one delightful space.

The recommended dishes include Steamed Dumplings (S$9.80), Beet Millet Burger ($13.80), Genovese Pesto Pasta (S$11.80), and Rise-n-Shine Breakfast ($8.80). End your meal with one of the cold-pressed fruit juices priced as low as S$6.50.

As blogger Doria Teo puts it:
“Everything is vegan and organic and especially for someone health conscious like me, this is a rare gem. I hardly find food that tastes so good and yet is so healthy at the same time.”

Online Reception: 77% Upvotes at HungryGoWhere.com

Locations: Several outlets islandwide, visit: realfoodgrocer.com/outlets for more information.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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Newbie’s Guide To Collecting Currency In Singapore

Welcome to the wonderful world of currency collection!

History manifested coin and banknote collection as a pastime for scholars. Nowadays, being a scholar is not a mandatory feature of a collector. It is the interest towards currency collecting that drives this hobby into motion.

Banknotes are unique collectible pieces that  embody arts, culture, politics, history, and distinct serial numbers. Coin collecting, on the other hand, has been popular since the medieval times (collected by the European monarchs in 1500s).

As a start, you can collect the banknotes and coins available in Singapore and in the neighboring countries. If you have a limited budget, it is more inexpensive to collect currencies in lower denominations. Joining a currency collection club and attending related exhibitions are useful ways to update your knowledge. For instance, the Singapore Historical Banknote Collections’s Facebook page announced the “Singapore International Coin Fair” last April 1-3. It is a coin and banknotes exhibition that happens only once a year. Follow their page to stay informed.

Newbie collectors are advised to specialize not only because of a tight budget but also because of the opportunity to become an expert on a certain series. Currency collection with a face value can both signify a hobby and an investment.

TYPES OF BANKNOTES

  • UN-CIRCULATED COINS: These notes are taken out from a pack of unused banknotes and are placed carefully in protective holders.
  • COMMEMORATIVE ISSUES: These notes are issued to honor a special event such as the ones issued to celebrate SG50.
  • RARE NOTES: These were created with misprints or errors. Being one of its kind, these are sold at a high premium.
  • NOTES WITH DISTINCTIVE MARKS: These are notes with distinctive logos, commemorative text, and serialized numbering of notes printed.
  • NOTES WITH LIMITED CIRCULATION: These are sought after notes due to its limited supply.
  • NOTES WITH AUSPICIOUS NUMBERS: In the Chinese culture, there is a widespread belief of auspicious or lucky numbers. These auspicious feature can only be found in notes where numbers are serialized.

TYPES OF COINS

  • SINGAPORE CIRCULATION COINS: A complete set of all the coins in Singapore must start in 1967. There are 6 denomination of coins in circulation such as 1 cent, 5 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, and $1.
  • CIRCULATION COINS: One of the least expensive and the most popular collection among beginners.
  • EARLY COINAGE OF SINGAPORE: These are the coins issued before the formation of the Republic (expanding way back to 1819).
  • NUMISMATIC & COMMEMORATIVE COINS: These are released occasionally at various times of the year.
  • COINS BY THEME: These are collectible coins with themes such as people, endangered species, sports, and many more.
  • BULLION COINS: These coins are mainly minted with gold, silver, and other precious metals. They are sold at premiums marginally above their “gold content” to entice investors.
Image Credits: facebook.com/SingaporeCoinsAndNotesMuseum

Image Credits: facebook.com/SingaporeCoinsAndNotesMuseum

Sources: 1 & 2

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(CBD Area) Places Where Overworked Singaporeans Can Relax

The focal point of the financial and commercial centers in Singapore is called the Central Business District (CBD). To name a few, CBD includes Raffles Place, River Valley, Orchard, and Outram. Some of the most prestigious organizations both local and international have their offices compressed in this area.

Since most of the people here are hard-working employees, it is ideal to take a rejuvenating break every once in a while. If you agree, consider these nearby affordable places:

RULE OF THUMB

Close to the business offices is a neat and modern spa called Rule of Thumb. Do you want to see the spa for yourself? Click here for a panoramic view of the interior.

Price range for 60 minutes Shiatsu, Deep Tissue, Relaxation, Back, or Body Scrub is S$55-S$60. While add-on services such as cupping, ear candling, and magic light therapy are only S$15. Stuck at work? Worry not. It is opened until 4 am every day!

Location: 289 Beach Road, #01-01, Singapore 199552

MANICURIOUS

Located at 41 Beach Road, Manicurious may just be a woman’s paradise. It is a unique store that combines a nail salon with a cafe corner and a retail section offering shoes, accessories, and handbags. The interior of the store is relaxing, vintage, and neat. You will surely feel cozy in their armchairs while you choose from an array of polish colors. Their reasonable service prices (e.g., express manicure or nail shaping) start at S$6-18 while add-ons (e.g., hand scrub or quick dry) prices start at S$3-8.

What’s more? They have 10% off nail services from Monday to Thursday at 11 am-4 pm (T&C apply).

Image Credits: facebook.com/manicurious

Image Credits: facebook.com/manicurious

Location: 41 Beach Road, Singapore 189680

TRADITIONAL JAVANESE MASSAGE HUT

As the name implies, Traditional Javanese Massage Hut offers an ancient system of oil massage by predominantly using strokes with strong thumb pressure to ease joint and muscle fatigue and soreness. There are five types that costs S$65 for 60 minutes. These are Hut 67 (signature service that is highly recommended), Smooth and Soothe, Back Breaker, Tired Feet, and Stress Buster.

Location: 415 River Valley Road, Singapore 248314

PHYSIQUE

Reach your body’s finest state with the services provided by Physique. Aside from the Cryotherapy they are known for, they also offer “power nap services”

Physique offers the one of a kind cold therapy called Cryotherapy. But they also offer power nap services. Upon paying S$28 for 30 minutes, you will be placed on a recliner and given free access on leisure items such as iPad and magazines. Enjoy a nap within your “own” space by calling 6532 0777 for an appointment.

Location: 05-17, One Raffles Place, 1 Raffles Place, Singapore 048616

Sources: 1 & 2

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4 Eggciting And Affordable Places To Be On Easter

We are days away from Easter! It is the time for Easter bunnies, egg hunting, high teas, and family gatherings. Celebrate this special occasion of hope and fun in one of these four exciting places, which will cost you under S$50.

1. SENTOSA HARBOURFRONT

Spanning approximately 520 hectares, “The Great Egg-Venture at Sentosa Harbourfront” proves to be Singapore’s largest egg hunt. From the top of Mount Faber to the Sentosa Island itself, participants shall hunt for 60 eggs. The eggs were beautifully hand-painted by the artists from Affordable Art Fair, the students from Temasek Polytechnic, and the youths from FamChamps.

These eggs are not hard to miss as they each have a height of 1.8 meters. More than S$50,000 worth of prizes awaits you! Beyond this, your family can enjoy several activities at the Sentosa Egg Fiesta – Garden Edition.

Website: thegreateggventure.com
Price/s: Free

2. CHIJMES

Hop into The Lawn as CHIJMES brings you a hit Easter Party. Start the day with a high tea suitable for adults and children. Then help your children find the Easter eggs containing various prizes such as S$100 worth of dining vouchers. After hunting some lucky eggs, let your kids play on the bouncy castle and get their faces painted for free!

Tickets are available at the concierge counter daily.

Website: chijmes.com.sg/easter-tea-party
Price/s: S$10/person for the Easter High Tea, S$5 for Easter Egg Hunt, S$5 for Easter Egg Painting

3. HOLIDAY INN SINGAPORE

Window on the Park’s “A Cracking Easter Celebration” will delight your tummies as you feast on hearty roasts, local favorites, sumptuous desserts, and more. From Sautéed Beef with Spring Root Vegetables to Lamb Stew with Chickpeas and Pumpkin, Holiday Inn has got you covered for lunch or dinner. To embrace the spirit of this joyous occasion, there will be fun activities such as Easter egg painting. Deviating from the public, their Easter celebration is set on 31st March.

Website: ihg.com
Price/s: S$35 nett for lunch and S$40 nett for dinner

4. SINGAPORE SENTOSA COVE

For adults, celebrate Easter on a uniquely exhilarating note by plunging into the WET® Pool deck to participant in an aquatic egg hunt. In the “Eggxotic Summer Pool Party”, guests are welcome to sink or float to find a basketful of 100 eggs submerged in the pool. Win a myriad of EASTERRIFIC prizes such as a staycation at W Singapore, dining treats at SKIRT, and a lovely experience at WOOBAR.

On 26th March, the party will continue to turn up as DJs Shigeki, Patrick Oliver, and MR HAS will be mixing the beats all day!

Website: wsingaporesentosacove.com/en/EggxoticSummer
Price/s: S$35 nett (inclusive of a drink and pool access)

Source: Silver Kris

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