How to Make the Most of Your Singapore Public Holidays in 2024

Travel enthusiasts listen up! Planning your calendar for the year ahead involves more than just noting important events and birthdays; it also means strategically utilizing public holidays to maximize your leisure time. Let’s dive into the public holidays for 2024 and explore how you can make the most of them.

The following public holidays in 2024 are worth highlighting:

1. Good Friday (29 March 2024): Falling on a Friday, this holiday presents an excellent opportunity for a long weekend getaway. Plan a short staycation or indulge in some much-needed relaxation.

2. National Day (9 August 2024): Another Friday holiday, National Day is an ideal time to celebrate Singapore’s heritage and enjoy the festivities. Explore local events, catch a fireworks display, or organize a gathering with family and friends.

3. Second day of Chinese New Year (11 February): Although this public holiday falls on a Sunday, it is worth mentioning as it provides an extended weekend. Take advantage of this time to immerse yourself in the rich cultural traditions and vibrant celebrations of Chinese New Year.

4. New Year’s Day (1 January 2024) and Hari Raya Haji (17 June 2024): Both these holidays fall on a Monday, offering an opportunity to plan a long weekend trip or engage in activities that rejuvenate your mind and body. You can even plan a short trip to BKK, JB, or Batam.

5. First Day of Chinese New Year (10 February): Celebrate the arrival of the Lunar New Year by participating in traditional customs, enjoying festive cuisine, and spending quality time with loved ones. Because the first and second days of Chinese New Year fall on Saturday and Sunday, the following Monday (12 February) will be a public holiday. Thus, your family can enjoy a long weekend of three days.

6. Hari Raya Puasa (10 April 2024), Labour Day (1 May 2024), Vesak Day (22 May 2024), Deepavali (31 October 2024), and Christmas Day (25 December 2024): These Wednesday holidays provide many opportunities to unwind, reflect, and engage in leisure activities that interest you (e.g., movie watching or outdoor cycling).

Image Credits: mom.gov.sg

Now, let’s address the important matter of remuneration for work done on public holidays:

A. Employees covered by the Employment Act are entitled to 11 paid public holidays as mentioned above. However, employers and employees may mutually agree to substitute a public holiday for another working day to accommodate specific circumstances.

B. Employees who are required to work on a public holiday are entitled to an extra day’s salary at the basic rate of pay, in addition to their gross rate of pay for that day. This recognizes the extra effort put in by employees during public holidays.

C. Employers also have the option of granting time-off-in-lieu, based on a mutually agreed number of hours, for employees who work on a public holiday. This provision applies to workmen earning more than S$4,500 a month, non-workmen earning more than S$2,600 a month, and all Managers and Executives. It allows employees to take time off on another day as compensation for working on a public holiday.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

As you plan your travels or leisure activities for the year, keep these public holidays in mind. Utilize them wisely to relax, explore, spend quality time with loved ones, or engage in activities that bring you joy and rejuvenation. Remember, strategically planning your leaves from work around these public holidays will help you make the most of your time off in 2024.

Sources: 1 & 2

 

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Coastal PlayGrove: Say Hello to the Newest Playground in East Coast

Looking for a recreational space where you can spend a day of endless fun? Search no further than the newest addition at East Coast Park! National Parks Board recently opened the family friendly Coastal PlayGrove. It is located at the Area B of the East Coast Park.

This recreational space may induce nostalgic memories as it was the former Big Splash site. The iconic Big Splash was redeveloped into the Coastal PlayGrove after it ceased its operations in 2016. Nowadays, we will be able to enjoy a 4.5-hectare recreation space with a Play Tower, a water play area, an outdoor classroom, as well as retail and dining offerings.

Let us breakdown Coastal PlayGrove’s interesting features. One of its main attractions is the 16m-high Play Tower. This impressive structure is hard to miss due to its massive size and its vibrant design. At its center is the Vertical Challenge. The Vertical Challenge is made up of climbing nets, which ascend from the base to the top of the building. Its dynamic design is a tribute to the coastal heritage of East Coast Park. Moreover, its vibrant colors are the same as the previous water slides. The Vertical Challenge is open from Tuesday to Sunday between 8am to 8pm. The slides are open daily, from 8am to 12pm and 4pm to 8pm.

Image Credits: facebook.com/nparksbuzz

Next to the tower is a water play area. If your kids are looking for ways to cool down on a hot day, try playing at the water play area. This area consists of wading pools, which are connected by a stream with numerous water jets. What is more? These water jets vividly light up at night!

Here are some friendly reminders when playing in this area. It is suitable for children aged 5 to 12 years old. A toilet is located nearby to allow visitors to dry up and change out. Lastly, it follows the same schedule as the Vertical Challenge.

As you stroll further in the Coastal PlayGrove, you will be delighted with the Nature Playgarden. This playgarden allows guests to be immersed with the beauty of nature. It is divided into several themed sections to introduce kids to the different habitats. In all these sections, natural materials such as wood and sand were used. For instance, the first section lets the children explore the bamboo tunnel trail. The last section consists of a trail leading to a sand pit with planted native shrubs. You will be able to spot various fruits and flowers as well as animals such as butterflies and birds. Its biodiversity aims to ignite the curiosity of its guests.

Image Credits: facebook.com/nparksbuzz

Next to the Nature Playgarden is an Outdoor Classroom made for the preschoolers. It is equipped with chalkboard and log stools. Indulge in the coastal views as you learn with your child.

Aside from these interactive features, the Coastal PlayGrove has its own Event Lawn. Large events may not be permitted now, but this spacious Event Lawn can accommodate a whopping 5,000 people once the pandemic is over. Nonetheless, you can use this space by having a seaside picnic, a relaxing kite-flying session, or an exhilarating round of frisbee with your loved ones.

When visiting the Coastal PlayGrove, it is important to follow the COVID-19 guidelines and other safety protocols. With this newest addition to the East Coast Park, guests will be able to bask in the sun, immerse in nature’s beauty, and have a quality time with the whole family.

 

 

Address: East Coast Park, 902 E Coast Park Service Rd, Area B, Singapore 449874
Contact: www.nparks.gov.sg
Arrive by riding the bus (31, 36, 43, 47, 48, 134, 135, 196, 197, 401, 853M) or by driving your vehicle. There is a spacious car park with current charges of $0.60 per half hour. Bicycle bays are also available.

Sources: 1 & 2

 

 

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How Do Dollar Stores Make Money?

From ValuDollar to Daiso, how do these budget stores make profits from their extremely low prices? Is it by selling volumes over pricing? Or is it because they offer knockoffs?

Here are several reasons why budget stores can still survive!

#1: NEARING ITS END

The shockingly low prices offered by the budget store might be due to the expiration dates of its products. While S$1 for a liter of soda sounds too good to be true, you must be vigilant when it comes to its lifespan.

You get to purchase a product for an insanely low price and the budget store gets rid of a stock that they would otherwise throw away. It is a win-win situation. This strategy is not limited to budget stores alone. Many supermarkets and bakeries slash their prices as they close for the day.

Minor defects in the packaging may also contribute to the low prices. A small dent on a soap bar or a small tear on a box can contribute to its lower cost. Do not judge the item by its cover! Sometimes, the savings outweigh the appearance.

#2: REDUCING ITS SIZE

There is truth to the saying that size matters. Interestingly, retailers can mask the true cost of their products by changing its sizes. Some dollar store items are small samples sold for a dollar or less. This way, the retailer makes more money with each dollar you spend.

#3: SELLING THE OFF-BRANDS

Have you ever tried the Tim Tam chocolates biscuits from ValuDollar and noticed the significant difference in taste and packaging? I have! Well, this occurs because it is not from the original company itself! You see, dollar stores typically import items from other countries to get cheaper alternatives.

For instance, they may import Tim Tam biscuits made from Indonesia instead of importing it from the root source – Arnott’s Australia. This does not mean that the alternative is fake or inedible. It could just mean that the ingredients used for the off-brand biscuit varies and are typically of lower quality. Do a taste test and compare it to the supermarket’s Tim Tam to see for yourself!

#4: WINNING THE GREY MARKET

What are Grey Market products? For starters, Grey Market products are sold outside the authorized distribution channels by retailers which may have no relationship with the manufacturer of the products. Let us simplify things with an illustration!

Say that a laundry detergent distributor in Singapore sold its stocks to supermarkets such as FairPrice and Cold Storage. However, this distributor has extra stocks. How can it maximize its profits? It reached out to Grey Market dealers to offer its goods at heavily discounted prices. This is why dollar stores can get a hold of the same products and sell it cheaper than the rest!

Image Credits: Flickr Creative Commons via Random Retail

Be a smart shopper! Just because a store has the word “budget” or “dollar” in its name does not mean that you are getting a good deal. In fact, it is likely that you are paying more at a dollar store for certain products that you can find at supermarkets. On the other hand, you must discern whether a product (such as a toothbrush) can be better acquired in a budget store. Keep these in mind the next time you shop!

Sources: 1 & 2

 

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6 Life-Changing Tips To Save Money At Beauty Salons

Despite the wrestling butterflies in your stomach, you visit a beauty salon with an anticipation of a wonderful makeover. Who can blame you for splurging in the beauty salon? You are there to improve your physical appearance, anyway. There are so many products and add-ons at your fingertips that you may just end up broke. A woman has to live a little, right?

Do not sacrifice quality for cheaper services! To help you maximize your funds, here are some money-saving tips:

#1: SKIP THE TREATMENT

I have to admit, I am a lucky gal! My recent trip to the hair salon included a free peppermint treatment. Conditioning treatments are crucial after coloring your hair. Furthermore, a peppermint treatment includes other benefits such as getting rid of dandruff.

Hair stylists will do anything and everything to promote their conditioning treatments. I have experienced different marketing tactics – one even went as far as telling me that I will soon become bald. If your hair is generally healthy, you may skip the salon treatment. Said treatments can boost your bill by S$10. Consider purchasing a hair treatment or a hair mask instead. You may get this S$19.90 hair expert and use it more than once.

#2: CHOOSE THE JUNIORS

When you enter a beauty salon (i.e., nail or hair), some receptionists may ask you whether you have a preferred staff or not. Clients usually go for a stylist that they trust. This is why salons enable booking in advance.

During your first visit, you may judge the staff through their price lists. Prices for junior and senior stylists are different. Stylists with less experience and educational background will get paid less. Are you willing to pay a fortune to get the senior stylist’s touch? For simple services, you may opt for the junior stylists instead.

#3: DO IT YOURSELF

Before having professionals dye my hair yesterday, I had it colored last August (2017). This means that I was carrying about 3 inches of black hair along with the rest of my brown hair. It was hilarious to look at! To look like a normal person again, I opted to dye my hair completely. Touching-up the roots alone can cost me about S$40! It is an insane price to pay for a minor flaw.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Touch-ups are better done at home. Aside from the convenience of not leaving your home, your pocket will thank you for it. Completing the service at home could cost you about S$4-15. This is a bargain price compared to having professionals do it.

#4: CUT THE UNNECESSARY

Spa and salon packages may sometimes include services that you would not normally reach for. While getting a foot massage is pleasant, you may simply opt for a pedicure. You are not getting much of a bargain if you are only there for the basic services.

Do you really need the standard packages or the a-la-carte options? If the standard packages do not suit your needs, explain your situation to the owner or the manager. Ask for discounts – if possible.

#5: RESEARCH THE CUT

Prior to booking an appointment, it is recommended to browse through your options. Do your research to have an idea of your desired outcome. Your cut must complement your face well. People with round-shaped faces can get a bold pixie cut.

While, people with square-shaped faces must keep their hair long with layers in order to highlight their face. Avoiding short hair styles is also a good idea. And for heart-shaped faces, a medium hair cut with uniform layers will look attractive.

#6: BE COMPLETELY HONEST

Whether you will visit a beauty salon for advise or a full-makeover, you need to determine your intentions. Be completely honest when you are there for “window-shopping” alone. Will you get the same level of attention you would have otherwise? If it is a busy day, probably not.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Honestly allows you to carry your pride despite walking out with nothing on your hands.

Sources: 1,  2, &3

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How To Preserve Your Currency Collection Effectively

Currency collection is both a hobby and an investment to many people. After reading the “Newbie’s Guide To Collecting Currency In Singapore”, it is time to know about the ways to effectively take care of your collection.

1. HANDLING

Employ some precautions when handling the banknotes and the coins. To pick up your collection properly, you can either use a pair of trusted tweezers with studded ends or wear a pair of cotton gloves. Avoid using your bare hands as it may stain the coins and soil the notes. Furthermore, your collection may absorb contaminants that may damage it.

2. KEEPING

To create an appropriate storage environment for your precious collection, start by finding a dry place that avoids direct sunlight and artificial light. The high levels of ultra-violet rays are not only harmful to us but also to the notes. So store it at a constant temperature of 20-24 Celsius with a relative humidity of 45-55%.

Notes and coins are best kept in small containers, protective holders, and albums. Or you may purchase a safe for your home to avoid paying the recurring fee of renting a safe deposit box.

3. CLEANING

More than anything else, improper cleaning has damaged valuable coins. For example, un-circulated coins should never be cleaned as improper cleaning can cause permanent loss of value, original mint finish, and antique color. This is why experienced collectors and dealers recommend that the experts should only be the ones to polish coins.

4. INSPECTING

To help detect deterioration at its early stages, you must regularly inspect the condition of your collection. Complete repair may no longer be possible if the deterioration is discovered too late!

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

When you decide to take action, always seek the advice of an expert regarding the cleaning or restoration procedures as unqualified attempts will more likely cause a decrease in its value.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4,  & 5

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