Feast Your Eyes With These New Restaurants In Singapore

Rediscover the beauty of Singapore with its newly opened restaurants and cafés. From Minion-themed dishes to lattes topped with frozen teddy bears, you can take your gastronomical journey to new heights with this list. Best of all? You do not have to travel outside of Singapore to experience these five Instagram-worthy restaurants.

#1: MINION CAFE

Southeast Asia’s first Minion-themed café graced our shores this year and will stay until January 2022. Fans of the lovely characters from the Despicable Me film can enjoy dishes that are decorated with minions. Do not miss the chance to eat a pizza topped with minions or a banana boat dessert with Kevin, Stuart, and Bob.

Image Credits: Image Credits: facebook.com/minioncafesg

The café’s menu was curated for the Singaporean palette and highlights dishes such as Minion Singapore Prawn Noodle ($24) and Minion Pumpkin Mantou with Chilli Crab Meat Dip ($15 for four pieces).

Price: $$
Location: 3A River Valley Road, Merchant’s Court #01-01C to 01D, Block A Clarke Quay, Singapore, 179020

#2: SHINJUKU KISSA TETSUDO

What better way to reminisce your last trip to Japan than by dining at a Japanese railway-themed establishment? At Shinjuku Kissa Tetsudo, you can get behind the controls of model trains and pass the time by sipping coffee.

Image Credits: instagram.com/p/CUr5Q1vvjpw

Visit Shinjuku Kissa Tetudo at 111 Somerset to drink a cup of coffee ($6 to $15) or eat a slice of cake. Roll cakes cost about $8. Then, you can amp up your experience by operating the miniature railway models. Interactive railway activity rates start at $15/hour.

Price: $$
Location: 111 Somerset Rd, 02-K02, Singapore 238164

#3: KNOCK KNOCK CAFE

Open the door at the Knock Knock Cafe to feast your eyes with the floral-themed décor. Knock Knock Cafe serves a range of classic and fusion dishes using only the freshest ingredients. Excite your taste buds with the Seafood Laksa Pasta, Salted Egg Prawn Taco, Aglio Olio, and Ribeye Steak. End your meal with a satisfying dessert or an adorable drink like the foamy lattes topped with frozen teddy bears.

Image Credits: facebook.com/knockknockcafe.sg

Worry not about your social media feed because this place is adorned with flowers and studded with neon-lit signs. Reserve a seat in advance to secure your spot.

Price: $$
Location: Knock Knock Cafe, 101 Geylang Road, Singapore 389211

#4: LUCKY SAIGON RESTAURANT

Nestled at Tanglin Road is a hidden gem named Lucky Saigon Restaurant. This Vietnamese restaurant is the perfect spot for affordable food and picturesque ambiance. You will notice the green canopies, bird enclosures, and water fountain as you step inside. We do not blame you if you want to take a snap or two!

Image Credits: facebook.com/luckysaigonrestaurant

Do not forget to try the Fresh Spring Rolls ($7.50 for three pieces) and Slice Beef Pho ($12.50) when you are there. Apart from these, Lucky Saigon offers catering services for events such as birthday parties and staff dinners.

Price: $
Location: 356 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247674

#5: DEWGATHER

On November 21, Australia will open some of its states to Singaporean travelers. While waiting, you can get a taste of the Land Down Under by eating at Dewgather. Dewgather serves hearty Australian-inspired dishes tinged with Asian influences.

Image Credits: facebook.com/dewgather

Satisfy your cravings for Australian grub with options such as The Aussie Crumpet ($15), Salmon Avo ($8), Dew Swordfish Pasta ($27), and Waffle & Fried Chicken ($20). As for beverages, you can try the Houjicha Latte ($8) or the Prana Chai Latte ($8).

Price: $$
Location: #01-46 The Star Vista, 1 Vista Exchange Green, Singapore 138617

Sources: 1 & 2

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Experience The Natural Wonders Of These 4 Local Farms

“Just being surrounded by bountiful nature, rejuvenates and inspires us.“
– E.O. Wilson

Nature heals. Research showed that environments can increase or reduce our stress. What you are seeing, hearing, and feeling at any moment changes your physical and emotional well-being.

If you feel suffocated within the walls of your home, try visiting farms in Singapore. From vegetable farms to animal farms, we have you covered!

#1: HAY DIARIES

Since its inception in 1988, Hay Diaries has been the only goat farm in the country. Located within Lim Chu Kang, guests are free to explore the premises and to witness the goat milking session between 9:00 to 10:30 am.

Get close with the goats as you purchase the Alfalfa Hay (S$5 per packet) and feed the goats. End your goat farm experience by skimming through the souvenirs such as fresh goat’s milk and handmade soap.

Image Credits: Hay Diaries via facebook.com

Location: 3 Lim Chu Kang Lane 4, Singapore 718859
Website: haydairies.sg

#2: BOLLYWOOD VEGGIES

Home to the Poison Ivy Bistro, the Bollywood Veggies lets you travel back to simpler times. Their Bistro is a farm-to-table eatery where guests go for a quick lunch after visiting the nearby farm. Try their unique Blue Nasi Lemak, which is infused with blue pea flower.

After a hearty lunch, you can walk around the premises to enjoy the wide variety of plants. What’s more? They have a food museum with about twenty-four oil paintings that illustrate the relationship between food and human civilization.

Image Credits: Bollywood Veggies via facebook.com

Location: 100 Neo Tiew Road, Singapore 719026
Website: bollywoodveggies.com.sg

#3: THE LIVE TURTLE AND TORTOISE MUSEUM

Did you know that this place is a Guinness World Records holder? Witness the undeniable charm of various species of turtles and tortoises such as the Six-Legged Tortoise and the Pig Nose Flying Turtle. See and feel the spirit of the Sulcata Tortoise for luck, and the Thailand’s Golden Temple Turtle for wealth.

You will be given the chance to interact with these creatures by petting and feeding them. However, please do not lift them up as it can cause them stress. Tickets cost S$10 for children aged 3-6 and S$14 for those above 7 years old.

Image Credits: The Live Turtle and Tortoise Museum via facebook.com

Note: Due to the Phase 2 Heightened alert, group entries will be limited to 5 people per group. Only fully vaccinated visitors will be allowed entry. Children under 12 years old need not be vaccinated.

Location: ORTO, 81 Lor Chencharu #01-16, Singapore 769198
Website: turtle-tortoise.com

#4: THE SUNDOWNER

Nestled within a once empty concrete rooftop, the Sundowner is an urban farm and lounge space which offers guests the opportunity to learn about the fundamentals of organic farming and to indulge in farm-to-table goodies.

It is an oasis of green floating above the bustling cafes and bars of the Siglap restaurant belt. You can opt for the Rooftop Farm Experience to learn about organic farming as taught by a master gardener, to don a bee suit, and to get a sample of unifloral honey. This experience is priced at S$115 for adults and at S$85 for children.

Image Credits: The Sundowner via facebook.com

You can also make your own pizza with their 3-hour class. This activity is perfect for friends, families, and co-workers. Private Pizza-Making experience costs S$350, for two pax.

Location: 705A E Coast Rd, Singapore 459062
Website: thesundownersg.com

Sources: 1 & 2

 

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Looking To Book A Hotel In Singapore: Take These 5 Factors Into Consideration

Singapore is one of the cities that most tourists dream of visiting at least once in their lifetime. Singapore is a thriving city with its roots going deep into the history of trade and commerce.

It is one of those places that calls the tourists towards themselves, and for travelers, missing an opportunity to visit Singapore is like missing the chance to visit their love of life.

Singapore city has an abundance of world-class attractions. Its nightlife is something to be enjoyed. If you visit Singapore and spend the night in your hotel rooms, you are missing out on the lion’s share of what Singapore has to offer.

There is just so much to experience in Singapore. Hence, selecting the right hotel as you are ready to go base to visit all your favorite places becomes a daunting task. However, there are a few factors that you need to consider before you select a hotel in Singapore.

What Factors To Consider While Selecting A Hotel In Singapore?

Finding the right hotel is an essential part of your plan to visit Singapore. Your hotel is the core part of your plan. You visit places you like and return to your hotel to rest for the night. Hence, you must take your time to select the most appropriate hotel for your tour.

1. Location

The location of the hotel matters a lot. As we have already said, it is the center part of your plan, and your whole tour revolves around your hotel. It is the only destination that remains in command after you have visited your favorite places.

The location of the hotel further depends on two factors- leisure trips and business trips. If you are in Singapore for a leisure trip, selecting a hotel in the center of the city will be a good idea as it will allow you to conveniently visit your favorite place.

However, if you are in Singapore for a business trip, selecting a hotel near the business center might be the right choice.

2. Amenities

You need to understand that a hotel is not just a place to lodge in; it is also a place that people rest. Hence, it is necessary that you feel comfortable with the hotel you are staying in. This can only be done through the amenities they offer.

Before booking any hotel in Singapore, look for the amenities they offer and match them with your needs. If the amenities complement your need, that’s the hotel you are looking for.

According to leading travel writers, the Heritage Collection is one of the best accommodation providers to choose from in Singapore. They offer industry-leading amenities, including service apartments. Their accommodations are present in excellent locations and offer a wide range of rooms and budgets for their clients. This is something that you should consider when you are traveling to Singapore.

3. Accessibility

Accessibility and transportation is also an important factor that you need to consider. You should check all the transport routes that connect the hotels and ensure that you have smooth accessibility to and fro from the hotel.

Trust me, the lack of accessibility from the hotel can become annoying at times when you miss your scheduled trip due to a lack of transportation options.

4. Value

The price of the hotel also plays an important role in the selection process. Selecting the first hotel that feels tailor-made for your needs is not the right thing to do. There are hundreds of hotels out there in Singapore; some might cost less with similar features.

Hence, take your time to compare different hotels in different locations; this will help you get the right deal at the right price.

5. Testimonies

Finally, considering the customers’ testimonies. While you are booking the hotel online or through a broker, there is no way of knowing how the hotel is or whether the hotel is telling the truth with its description.

The best way to know the truth about the hotel is to look for the customers’ testimonies. From there, you will find exactly what the hotel looks like from the inside.

Final Tip

Remember that your trip’s pleasure is directly proportional to the hotel you choose. So take your time and select the best hotel that complements your trip and make it a memorable one.

That’s it for this article. This article has discussed the factors that you should consider before selecting a hotel when you visit Singapore.

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10-Year Singapore Passport Validity To Take Effect For Citizens Aged 16 & Above

The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) announced that the Singapore Passport validity will be increased to 10 years, as compared to the current validity of 5 years. This will come into effect for applications submitted on or after October 2021.

The longer validity period applies to Singapore citizens aged 16 and above. If you qualify for this, please submit your application on or after October 1, 2021. Despite the increased validity period, the passport application fee in Singapore remains the same (i.e., S$70). Furthermore, applications submitted in person at Singapore’s Overseas Missions will be charged an equivalent of S$80 in foreign currency.

ICA highlighted that it “has assessed that it is now viable to increase the validity of the Singapore passport to 10 years without compromising security or global confidence in the Singapore passport.”

In a similar fashion, many countries have changed their passport validity period from 5 to 10 years. These countries include Australia, Britain, Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, South Korea, and the United States.

SPECIFIC EXEMPTIONS

Notice the age bracket qualified to the passport validity period extension. It starts at the age of 16. Those who are under the age of 16 will continue to have the passport validity of 5 years. The primary reason behind this is that children’s facial features typically change during the early years.

“As children’s facial features change more rapidly, renewing their passport every five years will allow the photograph in their passport to be updated more frequently, which will minimise identification problems when going through immigration,” the Authority said.

Apart from this, the passport validity has a limit too. The validity is capped at 10 years in compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) recommendation. Any remaining validity in an old passport cannot be added to the new passport, with a 10-year validity period.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Singapore citizens can apply for new passports by going to ICA’s e-service website. Those without an internet access may either visit the Citizen Connect Centres or go to the ICA Building in Kallang.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Ultimately, the changes in the passport validity aim to reduce the need for frequent passport renewals and to offer greater convenience to Singaporeans all over the world.

Sources: 1 & 2

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6 Thomson-East Coast Line Stations Will Soon Open In Q3 2021

Represented by the color brown on the rail map, the Thomson–East Coast Line (TEL) is a new Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) line in Singapore. It is currently under construction and is expected to be completed by year 2024. Its completion will provide the residents in the East and along the North-South Corridor a faster access to the city.

The TEL’s development spans five different phases. When these phases are accomplished, it will serve approximately one million commuters a day. The first phase of TEL (TEL 1) opened for service last January 31, 2020. TEL 1 includes Woodlands North, Woodlands, and Woodlands South MRT stations. The second phase of the TEL (TEL 2) is scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2021.

EXPERIENCING EARLIER DELAYS

Due to the circumstances brought by the COVID-19 pandemic and further system review, the second phase of the Thomson–East Coast Line had been delayed twice from its original target opening date. A system review was prompted by a five-hour disruption along the line last Dec 4, 2020.

In a glimmer of hope, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) handed over six MRT stations along the second phase of the Thomson-East Coast Line to SMRT last Friday (April 30, 2021). This entails that there will be nine operational stations in the TEL soon.

Image Credits: facebook.com/WeKeepYourWorldMoving (LTA)

MORE ON THE SIX STATIONS

The six stations (TEL 2) that were handed over to SMRT included Springleaf, Lentor, Mayflower, Bright Hill, Upper Thomson, and Caldecott. The Caldecott station will become an interchange that connects to the Circle Line.

According to LTA: “The civil and structural works for the six stations have been completed, with some architectural, electrical, and mechanical works ongoing.

LTA has also completed rigorous testing and commissioning of the trains and systems for (the second stage of the Thomson-East Coast Line), including tests to ensure that the new stations operate seamlessly with the three (operating) stations.”

Train operator SMRT will continue with more tests to ensure everyone’s safety.

UPGRADE IN THE COMMUTER’S TRAVEL TIME

LTA highlights the convenience of faster travels upon the opening of the Thomson-East Coast Line’s second phase. By Q3 of 2021, residents from households near (i.e., within a 10-minute walking distance) one of the nine stations can expect travel time savings of up to 50%. For instance, a Sin Ming resident travelling to Republic Polytechnic by public transport will enjoy a 25-minute journey instead of the current 50-minute travel time.

Image Credits: facebook.com/WeKeepYourWorldMoving (LTA)

More TEL stations will be opened in the next three years. Moreover, the Jurong Region Line and the Cross Island Line are still under construction. Let us stay tuned!

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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