But this Singaporean couple on their honeymoon stayed vigilant and were rewarded for their efforts.
What Happened?
Rashid and his wife were on the first day of their honeymoon in London.
That was when they allegedly bumped into scammers who are targetting people on the streets.
They were first approached by a tourist who asked for directions.
As they are not familiar with the city too, they couldn’t help him. However, they tried to help him figure out where they are.
They advised him to take the subway to where he was supposed to be at. The couple decided to show him the way since they were travelling in the same direction.
They identified themselves as the police and requested to see identification from the three tourists.
While the man who asked for directions readily showed his papers, the Singaporean couple felt something wrong with the situation.
They demanded to see their identification again, which the “police officers” refused to show.
Although the officers tried to assure the couple that they were “on their side and here to protect” them, the couple wouldn’t budge.
Then, the man who asked for directions walked away and the two police officers were left behind as the couple walked out of the situation.
You can watch the video of the full encounter below:
Kudos To The S’porean Couple
When you’re overseas and you thought you’ve gotten into trouble with the law enforcement overseas, it can be a pretty scary experience.
After all, you’re on foreign soil and you don’t know what they will do to you.
Which is why this couple is even more impressive, willing to challenge the “police officers'” authority, and walk away when they have the chance.
(Article continues below) Xing Xing is a 34-year-old Singaporean lady who decides to meet up with an online friend she found in Facebook. But it turns out that he’s not what he seems to be: Prepare boxes of tissue and watch the saddest Singapore Facebook love story here:
**All images from YouTube (Rashid) unless otherwise stated.
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It’s the time of the year again for something very important — planning your vacation, hooray! If you’re still hesitating to book your vacation because of costly air tickets, you’re in luck! We’ve gathered some amazing tips that may help you save money and snag a cheap flight! Wait no more, read on for some essential tips and tricks to scoring cheap air tickets!
While this may not be the most well-kept secret, Tuesdays in general are the best days to shop for cheaper air tickets. The reason is simple, many U.S. airlines release their sales early Monday or Tuesday. This causes a chain reaction from competitors who follow suit, which is why you will most probably be able to snag some cheap air tickets by late Tuesday. However, this is not an absolute rule and exceptions are possible. Apparently, you also have better chances of buying a cheaper air ticket on Wednesday and Sundays!
There are too many factors involved to arrive at a definite conclusion regarding the best day for guaranteed cheap flights. As a general rule of thumb, always do your research and compare flight prices across a few different days before purchase.
Yes, we are aware of the ongoing debate regarding the incognito browser trick. Nonetheless, no matter which camp you’re in, it’s always a good habit to make your travel purchases (air ticket, hotels, other transportations etc.) in incognito mode. This allows you to bypass the dynamic pricing mechanism should any websites decide to use your search history against you.
The dynamic pricing mechanism allows websites to jack up their prices according to your search history. Leveraging on information such as your search frequency for a product allows the website’s algorithm to maximise the cost of an item. As an added precaution to ensure you don’t experience a price hike for your originally cheap flights, make your purchase in stealth mode!
To ensure you’re not losing out on the best deals in town, always use flight comparison sites such as Skyscanner, Kayak and Momondo. These sites are able to extract an extensive range of flights according to your preference, simplifying your search for cheap air tickets.
While flight comparison sites are great for price referencing, it is often not the best idea to buy air tickets directly from the links provided. This is because flight comparison sites act as a redirection channel, bringing traffic to online travel agents (OTA) and airline websites. Through this process, some flight comparison sites earn commissions through successful redirections while others earn a fraction from the cost of the air tickets after a successful conversion.
This commission often translates to a slightly pricier air ticket when you purchase a flight through the redirect link provided on the flight comparison site. To ensure you’re buying your desired air tickets at the cheapest price possible, always go directly to the airline’s website and compare the prices reflected there with those found on the flight comparison site.
In addition, always double check to ensure you’re using a local flight comparison site. This reduces the hassle of currency disparities and also helps to ensure you’re getting results for the cheapest flights relevant to you.
Bookmark your favourite online travel agents (OTAs) such as Cheaptickets.sg for amazing deals! Furthermore, enjoy bigger savings when you buy cheap air tickets during OTAs’ sales events! Most importantly, OTAs may sometimes sell air tickets at an even lower price than airlines themselves during non-sales period. This is made possible either through bulk purchase or a partnership established between the two parties.
OTAs are a convenient and easy way to book your air tickets. Most OTAs have reliable customer service whom you can get in touch with if you face any problems. For those who prefer a fuss-free travel experience, you’ll be happy to know that most OTAs are a one-stop platform for hotels, car rentals and transfer needs (although it may be cheaper if you were to book these services from other dedicated websites).
If you’re a frequent flyer, why not sign up for your favourite airline’s rewards program? A popular one among Singaporeans would be the Singapore Airline’s KrisFlyer program, which allows members to accumulate miles based on the distance they’ve flown as well as their booking class. Other rewards programs may accumulate miles based on the cost of the air ticket. The accumulated miles can then be used to redeem air tickets for your next vacation!
Another great (but slightly complex) method is to maximise your credit card rewards. There are two ways to do this. The first method involves an airline specific credit card, which only allows you to spend the points accumulated on flights with partnering airlines. The second method is to apply for a credit card that offers transferable points. You can either transfer the points accumulated to a partnering airline or hotel and book your vacation directly with these businesses, or book via the credit card provider’s portal. Both methods may cause discrepancies in the points conversion rates, which you should research first before making a purchase.
Although it may all sound a little complicated and cumbersome, we assure you that it’ll all be worthwhile once you have enough miles or points for a free air ticket!
To ensure you find the best deals for cheap air tickets, you need to mix things up a little! If your travel dates are flexible, try a few different date combinations! Otherwise, explore other flight timing options. Choosing odd flight timings may just be the perfect trick to fit your vacation within your budget!
If you’re going on a vacation with your friends or family, you may want to analyse the price difference between a group booking and an individual booking. In some cases, booking each ticket separately may be cheaper than if you booked all the tickets concurrently in one transaction.
Also, consider the amount of baggage you will be bringing with you. Opt out of any unnecessary additional baggage allowance so that you don’t pay extra cost. In-flight meals are not the tastiest but they are definitely one of the most marked-up meals we’ve ever eaten. Depending on where you are flying from, the airport security may allow you to bring food items up on the plane. Plan ahead and decide on the food you’re going to pack before buying your air tickets online. This way, you can opt out of the in-flight meals and save some cost (some airlines don’t provide optional in-flight meals but most budget airlines do).
Choose your payment methods wisely to avoid getting a rude shock when you check your card transactions. Depending on the sites you are buying your air tickets from, you’ll find variations of payment methods with different service fees. For example, Cheaptickets.sg may offer free Visa debit payment while Scoot charges SGD20 for service fee per ticket when you pay via credit cards. These additional charges can negate your efforts to securing a cheap air ticket.
Unless you’re all about that fuss-free, one-stop travel purchase, avoid buying travel insurance together with your air tickets. In most cases, buying your travel insurance directly from an insurance company allows you to pay lesser for higher maximum coverages. The logic behind this is simple. When you purchase travel insurance from an airline, the airline acts as a middleman and often takes a cut from each successful travel insurance purchased. This inflates the amount you pay as a customer. Eliminating the middleman will definitely help you obtain that cheap air ticket!
This is an awesome tip for all the kiasu Singaporeans. Never miss a great deal when you sign up for your favourite airline’s or OTA’s e-newsletter! This is definitely the fastest and most convenient way to keep yourself notified of any upcoming air ticket sales. The next e-newsletter may just contain the promo you need to get some cheap air tickets!
Now that you’ve gotten your cheap air tickets, it’s time to start packing for your vacation! Check out the extensive range of luggage on Shopee and our list of travel essentials! Also, download these useful apps to ensure you have a smooth-sailing trip!
Unlike the past where going overseas literally meant going off the grid, today, it’s not the same anymore.
Overseas minutes and data have fallen to such a low rate it’s like paying for an extra GB or two depending on how long you stay out of the country.
In other words, affordable but still expensive.
There are a couple of ways to get data overseas like you’re staycationing instead of vacationing:
Pocket Wifi
Overseas Sim Card
Get an overseas data plan from your local telco
Now, most people think that the second is the cheapest and the third is the most convenient.
But we disagree. Here’s why.
1. No Bill Shock
Getting overseas data plans from local telco is convenient. No doubt about it, and it consolidates all your spending into one bill.
But, there are drawbacks to it too.
Most overseas telco plans give you 1GB worth of data to use for the day. And if you overshoot that 1GB? It’s okay, they’ll just charge you the same amount for another GB worth of data.
Sounds not bad, right? Until you realise each GB is worth $9 and you might be burning through almost $30 worth of data in one single day.
Image: Imgflip
Now, compare that to overseas Wifi egg plans like ReadyWIFI from Ready To Travel:
Image: readytotravel.com
That’s $5 for Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, Macau and South Korea. For unlimited data.
$5 for the entire trip vs over $30 per day (depending on usage)? That’s a no-brainer.
2. It Saves More Money
Imagine your group decide to get a sim-specific plan, whether it be an overseas sim card or an overseas data plan from your local telco.
Each of you will have to pay up of $10 for one day of data. So if you’re going in a group of 5, you’re going to pay $50 per day as a whole group.
Now, let’s look at a Pocket Wifi instead.
Image: Goody Feed Facebook Page
These beautiful devices are made for people to share the data. They can connect up to five different devices.
This means if you and your friends decide to do some big business in the toilet together, the five of you can form a team and play a Rank match in MLBB together. Bonding.
Plus, that’s like $1 per person per day.
Image: memegenerator.net
3. It Saves More Battery Too
Okay, we all know that mobile phones nowadays can pretty much do anything and everything.
Including tethering other mobiles onto the same network and “share” the internet.
Disregarding the fact that your overseas data might “burst”, you can be sure that your phone’s going to die after midway through your day.
Pocket Wifis like ReadyWIFI, on the other hand, are made for sharing data overseas.
They can last up to 10 hours of usage on a full charge, and even if it’s dead, you can still play offline games on your mobile phone.
4. No Telco-Specific Data Provider
You’ve done plenty of research on the country you’re going to. You’re armed with what’s the best telco to be connected to (if you’re getting an overseas sim card) and you’re ready to get your hands on it.
But just like Singapore, different telcos will have better connectivity in different areas.
So let’s say you’re going to Seoul, maybe KT has the best network. But if you go to Busan, it could be LG Uplus that has more data connectivity.
Disclaimer: these are all just examples, in other words, could be totally untrue.
If you’re tied to a certain telco, you can only suck thumb and bear with it.
However, overseas Wifi eggs like ReadyWIFI is network neutral and designed to automatically connect to the best network in the area that you’re in.
In other words, full bars connectivity anywhere you go, baby!
5. It’s Cheaper Now More Than Ever
If you’re travelling overseas soon, here’s one more irresistible reason for you to go for ReadyWIFI.
Previously, we said that for $5, you can get overseas data for 5 people travelling together. That’s like $1 per pax.
Now, if that’s not attractive enough, they have an ongoing promo right now that’ll make you want to go for it even more.
How about having seamless internet connectivity in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Macau and Hong Kong for just $3.75 per day?
No, not $3.75 per country. $3.75 for all of them. And if you share the connection with 5 pax, that’s 0.75 cents a day. Cannot even buy a cup of kopi in Singapore.
From now until an unspecified time, get ReadyWIFI for your overseas travel and that’s what you’re going to get for the following regions:
Northeast Asia ($3.75 U.P $5)
Europe ($9.00 U.P $12)
North America ($9.00 U.P $12)
Oceania ($9.00 U.P $12)
Promo Code: HOLIDAY25
Not going to any of these locations? That’s okay because they’re having 10% OFF for the following locations:
Image: ReadyToTravel by SATS Facebook Page
North Asia ($7.20 U.P. $8)
Southeast Asia 4 ($4.50 U.P $5)
Southeast Asia 8 ($8.10 U.P $9)
Asia ($9.90 U.P $11)
Guam and Saipan ($13.50 U.P $15)
Worldwide ($14.40 U.P $16)
Simply use the promo code below and your world would be connected by the brilliant thingy known as the Internet at an affordable price:
Promo Code: ATLRW10
In other words, it’s cheaper, more “powderful” and more versatile. What’s not to like?!
Short getaways from Singapore are one thing we all wish we had more of. But many of us are guilty of not planning in advance which results in one thing — exorbitant air ticket prices.
With 2019 almost upon us, we thought we’d help you (and us) plan better and snag cheaper air tickets. With four glorious long weekends in 2019 (which can be extended), enjoy the short getaways you’ve always dreamed of!
A Short Getaway From Singapore: For the beach bums
1. Good Friday, 19-21 Apr 2019 — Karon, Phuket (Thailand)
(Credit: Rajveen Kaur Aujla)
If you’re a beach fanatic, then you’ve got to make your way to Phuket. We’d avoid the raucous touristy hotbed of Patong and recommend basing yourself slightly further south in Karon. It strikes the perfect balance of liveliness and serenity! Spend most of your time at Karon beach, the epicentre of activity in this town and soak in its breathtaking sunsets.
(Credit: Jeanne Trisha Valeña)
Though beach visits, Thai massages and night markets (head to Karon Temple Market) should suffice for a 2N3D trip, we recommend squeezing in a trip to Chalong Bay Distillery if you can! Learn all about how Phuket produces its own white rum and buy a bottle for keepsake. Don’t leave the Chalong area without having dinner at Palai Seafood Restaurant — a true gem of a place serving up the freshest crabs against the gorgeous backdrop of Chalong Bay pier.
If you feel like it, Patong is just 20 minutes away from Karon so you can head to the neon Bangla street for some late night fun. Did we also mention that Thailand’s 7-Eleven stores are tiny food meccas? You have to try the ham and cheese toasties and iced coffee to understand what we mean.
Fastest way to travel: Fly direct from Singapore → Phuket (~1h 50min)
2. Chinese New Year (2-6 Feb, take 4 Feb off for an extra long break) — El Nido, Palawan (Philippines)
If snorkelling, kayaking and laying on glorious beaches is your jazz, then the tropical paradise of El Nido calls! This island is surrounded by 45 different islands and islets so naturally, island hopping is the name of the game here. From the glorious sunrise at Bacuit Bay to snorkelling in the crystal clear waters of Tapiutan and Matinloc islands, there are many sights to behold in this azure dreamy location.
If you’re into hiking then pencil in Taraw Peak – El Nido’s highest peak. This three-hour trek can prove to be a challenge with some jagged limestone rocks but the views more than make up for it.
There is no direct flight to El Nido, but for an island touted to be one of the most beautiful on Earth, we figured, this inconvenience can be overlooked. Friendly locals, a laid-back and chill vibe make it obvious why this is the last frontier to visit in the Philippines. Make sure you pack your trendy swimsuits too!
Fastest way to travel: Fly from Singapore → Manila → El Nido (~ 5h)
A Short Getaway From Singapore: For the city dwellers
3. Vesak Day, 18-20 May — Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City or Saigon is a dizzying place, grappling from the horrors of its difficult past but brimming with success in many areas — excellent hospitality tops the list for us.
There are almost exactly four things to enjoy in Saigon – food, museums, shopping, massages! Be sure to awaken your taste buds to the ubiquitous Banh Mi, Pho and Vietnamese coffee. For a bit of shopping (and haggling), go to Ben Thanh market and get trendy athleisure knockoffs at affordable prices. When dusk settles, chill out at Saigon’s backpacker street or Bui Vien — a pulsating, pressure-keg of a street lined with delicious food joints and bars. Don’t just dismiss this as a tourist trap, locals and foreigners both gather here, legitimising the authenticity of this street for us.
Amidst this, don’t forget to understand your host city a little better – Chu Chi tunnels or the War Remnants Museums are excellent places to start with. And if you’re adventurous enough, manoeuvre through traffic Vietnam style, on a scooter, but try not to get killed.
Fastest way to travel: Fly direct from Singapore → Ho Chi Minh City (~2h)
4. National Day, Hari Raya Haji, 9-12 Aug 2019 — Bangkok (Thailand)
Bangkok is usually the go-to short getaway for most Singaporeans and for good reason too! It’s not only a shopping galore, but a food haven and cultural immersion all rolled into one. You can literally shop till you drop at Chatuchak Market and Rot Fai Market — mix of vintage and trendy with unexpected finds. Don’t forget to check out their trendy cafe scene! Even if you aren’t a cafe scene lover, the highly raved, The Commons, is a must-try!
When you’re done with the shopping and food, take a day trip out! If you’re looking for a more historical adventure, then head to the UNESCO world heritage site of Ayutthaya. The Death Railways in Kanchanaburi, is an alternate destination that offers a glimpse into the dark history of POW (prisoners of wars) activities in Thailand during World War Two.
Fastest way to travel: Fly direct from Singapore → Bangkok (~2h 30min)
5. Good Friday, 19-21 Apr 2019 — Penang (Malaysia)
With the attractive exchange rate, Malaysia is still one of the best destinations to travel to for a short, satisfying and incredibly affordable trip. The delicious local cuisine of Penang, with favourites like Assam Laksa, Char Koay Teow and Nasi Khandahar are reasons enough to travel. Don’t miss out the pretty street art, the city’s burgeoning cafe scene and outdoor activities at Penang Hill and Penang National Park for magnificent views of the island.
If you want to splurge on a fancy hotel, The Eastern and Oriental Hotel is the place to go. A sister hotel of Singapore’s Raffles Hotel, the opulence and grandeur here is simply unmatched — think double french doors opening to the Malacca Strait and a breakfast spread to-die-for. If you prefer an accommodation right by the sea, then you can’t go wrong with the luxurious Shangri-la’s Rasa Sayang beach resort at Batu Ferringhi.
Fastest way to travel: Direct flight from Singapore –> Penang (~1h 20min)
Want to plan the perfect romantic short getaway from Singapore for yourself and your partner in 2019? Why not try glamping! Whether or not you think this is hedonistic, you can’t deny the luxurious draws that the phenomenon of glamping brings. Bali is also one of the best places to embark on your glamping escapade! The island of gods offers everything you and your partner need to rejuvenate your mind, body and soul before returning to reality.
From the numerous glamping tent options Bali has to offer, Sandat Glamping Tents comes highly recommended. Choose from two types of tents: luxury ‘safari-style’ signature tents with a private pool or lumbung style two-storey tents, evocative of traditional barns. With the eco-friendly architecture, chic surroundings: the bar, lounge and dining area nestled amidst rice fields, this is camping at its finest!
If you want to save on the flight ticket and splurge on the glamping accommodation, then you can’t go wrong with Bintan’s The Canopi! This short getaway from Singapore promises a family-friendly glamping experience with countless kid-friendly activities. The 6.3 hectare Crystal Lagoon is an oasis for activities like kayaking, standup paddling to even wakeboarding while ATV rides (mini electric ATVs for the kids) and rainforest treks are some of the land activities to explore.
The glamping tent itself is nothing short of luxury! Sink into their four-poster beds and soak in hot tubs and personalised jacuzzis. We know this is one tent (air-conditioned, mind you) we’d be wanting to stay in next year!
Fastest way to travel: Fast-ferry ride from Singapore → Bintan Island (~45 min)
A Short Getaway From Singapore: For the adventurers
8. Vesak Day, 18-20 May — Mount Rinjani, Lombok (Indonesia)
This might be a tad longer than the short getaway from Singapore you originally intended — 4D3N is the most recommended amount of time — but if you’re serious or crazy about the outdoors or all things climbing, then Rinjani is a must on your list. Mount Rinjani is an active volcano on the island of Lombok and is the second highest volcanic peak in Indonesia (after Mount Kerinci). But don’t expect a walk in the park here, this volcano is known for its steep sandy inclines and dense vegetation trails. Nonetheless, Rinjani more than makes up for it with stunning views — case in point, the picture above.
Even if you’re the most erudite traveller, you’ll need a trekking guide. You’ll also have to decide between two starting points (Senaru or Sembalu) prior to the climb, based on how fast you’d like to reach the summit point. Either way, you’ll get to experience starry nights and soak in the hot springs of the caldera lake. Don’t underestimate the importance of good hiking gear too.
If you’ve been thinking of climbing Rinjani for a while, make it happen next year! It’s a short getaway from Singapore that’ll challenge you physically and mentally and could well turn out to be your accomplishment of the year!
Fastest way to travel: Fly direct from Singapore → Lombok followed by a car journey to your starting point (~5hrs)
Maximise your short getaways from Singapore by going to places that may not have been on your bucket list previously. Luang Prabang, Laos’ ancient capital and current UNESCO world heritage site is a waterfall haven and perfect for all you adrenaline junkies. Apart from waterfalls, expect to be treated to sights of its magnificent gold-gilded temples, royal palaces and French colonial architecture meshed with traditional Laotian structures.
Your adventure truly begins with visits to the waterfalls. Kuang Si waterfall often rates as a must-see. The main fall measures a staggering 60 metres with several pools of turquoise water at the foot of the fall. If you’re feeling adventurous then continue the ascent to the peak of the waterfalls and chill on the swing trees while enjoying the panoramic views. Hoi Khua waterfall is another one to explore. Surrounding the area is an adventure park with zip-lines and rope courses, so you get to fulfil your Tarzan-esque dreams of swinging and taking a dip into the waters!
Fastest way to travel: Fly direct from Singapore → Luang Prabang. With a limited number of weekly flights, we recommend gathering your crew to book this one as early as possible.
Hit by a wave of wanderlust yet? Don’t procrastinate and plan the best short getaway from Singapore in 2019 now. We know it can get tough to find the cheapest flight tickets online but follow our cheap air tickets flight guide and you’ll be surprised how you can actually save big time. Also, remember to download your free travel apps before going for your adventure and save on those roaming fees!
We’re on the constant lookout for good ol’ bargains.
Image: SGAG
But while the country’s chock full of discount apps for all sorts of things from food to accommodations to game consoles, there’s one thing that’s sorely lacking:
Flight discounts.
Sure, Scoot and Jetstar do launch their own promotional sales periodically. And for those eager for discounts as a whole, there’s always Expedia or Cheapflights to provide that comparative analysis you do desperately need. But still…
Where’s that comprehensive guide, ala an online air-flight Siri, that determines the best course of action for you?
Image: WIffleGif
Well, if you’re one of those in need of one, I’m glad to inform you that…
Google Flights is that one guide, and it’s now fully available for your perusal.
Google Flights
Lest you’re unaware (which I highly doubt), Google functions primarily as a search bar, in which you key in each and every one of your queries.
Google, please teach me how to get a girlfriend.
Google, are you single?
Google, if I don’t help that blind man cross the road will I burn in Hell?
But it seems that like everything else, Google is constantly changing, and its latest move is to edge its way into the flight discount sector…into Singapore, as this feature has been in other countries in the last six million years.
And boy, I never knew I needed it so much.
Now, Google Flights might look pretty simple on the surface, in the sense that you just have to key in whatever details you so desire…
Image: Google
And the best flights will be reflected in your search.
Image: Google Flights
But hey, if you’re wondering why this feature’s so hyped when there’re like so many other comparative websites out there, check this out.
Google Flights, the best thing since sliced bread
For one, it’s not just your routine comparative basis, as Google Flights allows users to compare flight options based off a number of criteria:
Preferred dates
Price point
Airlines
Connecting airports
Alternate airports
Additionally, when selecting departure and return dates, Google Flights will also proffer users tips on how to discover the best prices for a particular route (which will be prompted in a notifications bar).
Image: Giphy
And wait; I’m not done. For the indecisive (like me), Google has done us all a huge favor by incorporating this golden option:
The ability to track a flight and receive email notifications to watch price changes and travel tips.
Image: Imgflip
And the feature itself is pretty slick too
If you’re a big fan of Instagram, you’ll be glad to know that Google Flights will sport an Explore section that will offer ideas on where to go, based off popular destinations or activities you’re interested in.
Image: Google
“If you want to get away for a holiday next month just choose ‘January’ and a trip duration like ‘2 weeks’ to see the dates with the lowest prices to visit each place,” Google said.
So what’re you waiting for?
If you love to travel, but constantly find yourself peppered by dilemmas and whatnot, you know who to approach.
Image: Google
And here’s a trick. Instead of having to key in ‘Google Flights’ in the search bar, you just have to type “Flights to …” and a table will pop up.
Our parents love going on holidays with tour groups but us younger ones? We prefer it free and easy.
After all, not everyone’s interested in the culture of the country they’re going to, or they think normal tour groups are overrated.
But what say you to a haunted tour where you’re brought to the haunted places in the country? Or a walk that brings you around the city just to see the street art left by local and international artists?
By training them to become tour guides and give tourists an unconventional tour of the streets of KL.
After all, who better to give a tour of the streets than people who’ve lived on it for some time?
What Type of Tours Are Available?
This is where things get interesting.
There are a few types of tours available according to their website:
Street Art Tour
Image: Screengrab from yellowhousekl.com
How about a 4.5 km track through the city of KL where you can spot street artworks by well-known local and international artists about independence, love and unity.
The tour is expected to last around 2 hours 45 minutes and cost RM 55 ($18).
Haunted Tour
Image: Screengrab from yellowhousekl.com
If you’re a thrillseeker and loves the paranormal, this is the one for you. Lasting about 2 hours 15 minutes, you’ll be brought through the streets of KL and told about hair-raising incidents, alleged sightings and the urban legends of buildings that are still sitting in the streets today.
The tour will cost you RM85 ($28) and the route is approximately 3.5km long.
MulticulTour: Temple & Heritage Tour
Image: Screengrab from yellowhousekl.com
Love immersing yourself in the culture of a country? Hear and see it from the perspective of a local who’ve been living in the country all his life.
Costing RM 55 ($18), the route is 6 km long and is expected to last 3 hours and 15 minutes.
Stringent Requirements To Become Tour Guides
So there you are, wondering, is it safe?
Yes, it is, as the requirements to be a tour guide is pretty stringent.
Candidates chosen to become tour guides have to be able to:
Speak English
Certain education level
Free from substances
Passionate
Committed
Disciplined
Tour guides have to go through a urine test every month to test for substance abuse too.
The tour guides will earn 60% of the fees while the remaining money goes towards Yellow House KL to help the other homeless individuals get back on their feet.
Sounds fun? Even without the social aspect, I’m pretty sure some of you are pretty attracted to the haunted tour, aren’t you?
Well, you can check out their website for more information.
The bubble tea craze is getting a little out of hand.
Just this month alone we covered 4 articles related to this coveted drink (except 3 of them aren’t actually for drinking, and the last one is…special. The articles are here, here, here and here.)
Of course, as per any bubble tea article, we’ve to show you our bubble tea video about the ten facts of bubble tea you probably didn’t know about:
And maybe this question is long overdue. Look deep into your soul and ask yourself this:
Do you truly like bubble tea? What flavour do you like? Do you prefer the usual tapioca pears or something else like that pudding thing?
Well, it doesn’t matter one bit because the star of this article isn’t the bubble tea at all.
(Sorry if we’ve tricked you into watching our video!)
2D, a Trippy Cafe that Happens to Sell Bubble Tea
No, that’s not actually their tagline but how many people are coming here with the purpose of getting a taste of their glorious brews?
Yes, the Malaysian cafe is called 2D and with bold, uneven lines running along every edge, they’ve managed to reduce their 3-dimensional furniture into the flattest versions of themselves.
And that’s not where it ends. They’ve made the effort to use this effect on different scenes so you can take pictures of yourself in a classroom,
Or a Japanese style room with low tables and tatami drawn on the floor, complete with drawings of Japanese adornments on the wall (like a drawing of The Great Wave off Kanagawa painting)
How about an onsen, with a tub filled with white ball pit balls (which you can’t really see in the picture because they just blend into one white mass)
With the Japanese theme going on, this is going to feel more like a manga than an American comic book.
And by the way, even their queuing area isn’t spared. This is great for customers because I’m guessing there will be quite a wait in the next few weeks at least.
You can see that they’ve managed to make their food packaging 2D as well.
Not the First
As many have pointed out, Cafe Yeonnam-dong 239-20 in Yeonnam-Dong, Seoul, also has this concept.
Credits: YND239-20 CafeCredits: YND239-20 Cafe
It’s interesting to see the 2 cafes side by side because while 2D went all out to keep the illusion alive, the softer lighting in Cafe Yeonnam-dong 239-20 makes the place feel more mellow.
In fact, the 2D cafe makes me feel like staying there too long wouldn’t be good for your psychological health… (I mean it’s a far cry from the White Room torture, but it still feels a little harsh)
Location
2D, as mentioned, isn’t in Singapore. Specifically, it’s at F-03, 10, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Sunway Geo Avenue, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.
But at least it’s closer than South Korea.
If you make a trip to Malaysia and visit this cafe, be wary of a probably disorienting, but also a potentially out of this world, experience!
Now, if you’re planning to travel to the land of down under, Australia, you’re going to have to know about this.
Australia’s New Rules For Prohibited Items
Effective 17 April 2019, airport authorities can shorten or cancel your visitor visas if you fail to declare prohibited items when you enter the country.
And that’s not the worse.
Depending on how rude you were to the Australian Border Force (ABF), you could just be banned from travelling to Australia for the next three years.
Source: Tenor
Here are a few common items you might want to take note of:
If you were to check the ABF website, they have three categories: allowed, not allowed and unsure.
Image: abf.gov.au
As long as it’s not allowed or unsure, you’re required to declare it at the customs.
Food
According to the authorities, you can bring the following items into the country:
Coffee
Biscuits
Bread
Cake
Chocolate
Maple syrup
Oil
However, the following items must be declared on your Incoming Passenger Card when you enter the country:
Tea
Spices
Pickles
Rice
Nuts
Dairy products (milk, cheese, etc.)
Honey products
Meat items
Medicine
Maybe you’re having the flu and you brought your antibiotics along with you on your trip. After all, you don’t want to feel like crap on your well-deserved holiday, right?
Just take note that if you were to bring the medicine, you’ll need to bring along the official prescription from the doctor.
Your medicine must be in its original packaging as well.
Medicine that needs to be declared includes:
Hormones
Kava (a medicinal plant)
Medicine for personal use
Sedatives
Medicine like steroids is not allowed into the country.
Festive Seasons
This is more for people who are studying or working in Australia, but hey, that’s always good to know.
After all, we might have relatives who migrated to the country, right?
If you’re travelling to Australia after festive seasons like Chinese New Year, Hari Raya or Deepavali, declare festive items that you are bringing back, whether it be food or traditional items.
Fresh and dried fruits, flowers and nuts are not allowed to be brought into Australia.
For our Indian brothers, sweets lie barfi, ras malai, rasgulla and pedas are not allowed as well.
So now that you know, make sure you check with the Australian Border Force (ABF) before making the flight over, or you might just find your trip cut short.
Always thought IKEA Singapore was the world, with its dozens of meatballs and hundreds of sparse furniture?
Well, think again.
Now, no offence to IKEA Singapore, because it’s definitely an A-star in its own right.
But rarely, very rarely, you get an establishment so ‘advanced’, so ‘ahead of the game’, that it outranks even the ones on the certified A-Star list.
Hard to imagine, hard to visualise, but the fact is yes, the unimaginable S-Star set-up does exist:
And I dare say that IKEA Bangkok’s just that.
Image: Tooykrub / Shutterstock.com
Indeed, with its vast array of decadent treats and fattening sweets, IKEA Bangkok, while unconfirmed, will probably make you scream:
“Oh my, take me to Bangkok Daddy!”
Editor: I think only you will scream like that.
IKEA Bangkok
On 13 April, something revolutionary happened. Something so revolutionary, that you and I couldn’t even hope to imagine it.
“Wait… someone got a sneak preview of Endgame?!”
Well, not quite, though that’s definitely a revolution in itself. No, rather, it’s something else, something even better.
Something like an ice-cream bar in IKEA Bangna, over in Bangkok, Thailand.
Credits: dailydot.com
Opened on 13 April, IKEA Bangkok, which is located around 20 minutes (by drive) away from Rot Fai Train Market, has been introducing a variety of conventional (and unconventional) ice-cream flavours in addition to its usual meaty offerings…
And damn… I must say that they just sound too tempting not to be written about.
For one, the ice-cream bar is selling cotton candy and butterscotch choco crunchy ice-cream cones.
Lest you’re wondering, the cotton candy ice cream costs 29 baht, which retails at around S$1.30, while the butterscotch choco crunchy flavour sells at 86 baht (S$3.63).
Image: Instagram @yj_lab_daily
Additionally, there’s also a wide range of toppings for you to choose from.
Image: Instagram @pokemi
Diabetes? Hah, that’s so 2018.
Alright, I’m just kidding about that because diabetes isn’t funny.
Incidentally, should you for some inexplicable reason be a vegan (I’m just kidding again) or just fancy some healthier lactose-free desserts, you can try the strawberry vegan soft serve, which was recently introduced globally in an effort to diverge away from dairy products and combat climate change.
Image: Mothership
But hey, this isn’t something you’ll need to go all the way to Bangkok for, as IKEA Singapore has it too.
Yeah, in place of the crowd-favourite Vanilla soft-serve.
Great.
And to round off this whole Ice-Cream Bar section, here’re a few pics to whet your appetite.
Damn, you don’t even need to get me stressed for me to lean backwards for that.
But wait, don’t go just yet;
Because it’s not just cotton candy ice-cream at stake here;
IKEA Bangna’s even selling bubble tea, frappe and smoothies that cost between just 45 baht (S$1.92) and 60 baht (S$2.56)!
A cup of bubble tea, for instance, would only cost you 45 baht.
Image: Instagram @jell_lly
And just check out these sweet treats that come in an assortment of flavours!
Matcha Frappe
Image: Instagram @laqx.fluk.
Chocolate Frappe
Image: Instagram @ekslmm
And Passion Fruit smoothies.
Image: Instagram @iamapresentz.
Flavours tend to be on a seasonal basis too, so there might be other drinks in store by the time you go. Sweet potato flavoured frappes and durian flavoured smoothies, for instance, have made their appearance before.
Though personally speaking, I wouldn’t advocate for the return of the durian-flavoured one.
Cos I love durian too, too much.
And to round things off, we have an actual living, breathing candy bar.
Image: Instagram @hungryfattyy
Stocked full of decadent treats that’ll make you regret in the later years of your life, every 100g of candy reportedly retails at 50 baht (S$2.14), and you’re free to pick and mix the candies as you wish.
Image: Mothership
Now if that’s not an incentive for your next getaway trip…
If you’re looking to take Scoot to any of these four cities, I have some bad news for you.
From late June onwards, Scoot will be suspending all flights to the following cities:
Lucknow, India
Kalibo, the Philippines
Quanzhou, China
Male, Maldives
In a press release on Monday (29 April 2019), Scoot announced that they would be suspending flights to these four cities due to the combination of weak demand and shortage of aircraft.
The suspensions for Lucknow and Kalibo will start from end-June, while August for Quanzhou and October for Male.
Affected Customers Contacted
Image: Scoot
Currently, Scoot has flights to these four cities weekly.
There are three flights to Lucknow, Kalibo and Quanzhou, and four to Male.
The last flights to these cities are as listed below but are subjected to regulatory approvals.
Image: Scoot
Affected customers were also contacted by Scoot and offered different alternatives.
The first was to rebook their flight at no additional cost to the same destinations before the suspension. The second was to rebook their flight at no additional cost to other Scoot destinations within the same country.
The third and fourth were to obtain refunds either through their original mode of payment or a Scoot Travel Voucher.
Refunds are 100% and 120% respectively.
Reasons for Suspension
The aircraft shortage rose after SilkAir’s grounding of its Boeing 737 Max 8 fleet. Originally, it was announced in November of last year that SilkAir would transfer its Boeing 737- 800NG aircraft to Scoot in the financial year of 2019/2020.
The transfer of the fleet from SilkAir to Scoot was to allow them to compete more effectively against other low-cost rivals like AirAsia.
However, life happens. Things happen.
Grounding of Airplanes
In March this year, it was announced that all Boeing 737 Max planes in Singapore were to be grounded after two fatal accidents involving the said aircraft.
On the same day, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) suspended all Boeing 737 Max operations in and out of Singapore temporarily. During the suspension, they will gather more information and review the safety risks of the aircraft.
This move came after a Boeing 737 Max 8 crashed in Ethiopia, killing all 157 onboard in the same month. While in October of last year, a 737 Max 8 operated by Lion Air crashed into the Java Sea, killing 189.
SilkAir also confirmed that all six of its Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft were grounded, and will not return to service until further notice.
Hence, they couldn’t transfer the Boeing 737-800NG aircraft since they needed it for themselves.
Sorry, Scoot.
2018 really wasn’t a good year for them after their flight delays which affected many as well.
Image: giphy
17 Route Transfer
Despite the suspension of flights to those four cities, Scoot will continue to take up the 17 routes that were transferred from SilkAir. Subjected to regulatory approvals, the 17 routes are:
Luang Prabang and Vientiane in Laos, in April 2019
Coimbatore, Trivandrum and Visakhapatnam in India, between May 2019 and October 2019
Changsha, Fuzhou, Kunming and Wuhan in China, between May 2019 and June 2019
Chiang Mai in Thailand, in October 2019
Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia, in December 2019
Balikpapan, Lombok, Makassar, Manado, Semarang and Yogyakarta in Indonesia, between May 2020 and July 2020
In fact, I just visited the British Museum and had to be hauled out for I wanted to spend the night there alongside the many centuries-old mummies occupying a prominent of the majestic building.
Image: CGTN
While most museums we might be accustomed to house historically important artefacts or information, a museum in Beijing stands out for a very different reason – for better or worse.
Beijing Museum of Lost Love (北京失恋博物馆)
While Beijing is home to a fair share of quirky things, ranging from unique gastronomic delights to activities, the Beijing Museum of Lost Love is a museum seeking to bring solace to the capital’s many brokenhearted individuals.
Since late 2015, the museum has amassed an uber-collection of unwanted love memorabilia ranging from love letters to photos, gifts, abandoned pillows of love and whatnot.
Image: Gbtimes.comImage: Gbtimes.com
Gifts and photos once cherished, now scorned, embellish the walls of the museum painted in off-white, as if signifying the pallidness of what was once red-hot relationships.
Founded by Wang Ying and her partner
The museum is the brainchild of Beijing resident, Wang Ying, and her partner, who decided to exhibit their many failed relationships memorabilia in the two-level museum.
Image: Gbtimes.com
Wang Ying’s very own collection is well-accompanied by more than 100 other love stories which incidentally features more than 100 ways to break up, in part unique and in part, dissimilar from the others.
Perhaps like the many different but oh-so-same shades of gray.
This Beijing Museum of Lost Love isn’t the first of its kind in the world.
It was first seen in Zagreb, capital of Croatia, and was awarded the title of Europe’s most innovative museum in 2011.
Image: Brokenships.com
Museum of Broken Relationships in Zagreb
In 2016, a more aesthetically- updated version of the museum opened up in Los Angeles.
Image: Brokenships.com
There is also one in Shanghai, not too distant from Beijing.
A distance that may have once spelt the death-knell for a couple holding onto their LDR between two of China’s biggest cities.
The following video purportedly shows the interior of Shanghai’s building.
Handwritten notes of love or scorn can be seen.
Some visitors, no doubt turned from heart breakers to being heartbroken, give their thoughts as well.
While marriage should indeed stand for better or for worst in my opinion, let’s just say I’ll settle for my normal milk tea over any of the funkier new choices.
They say that failure is the mother of success. You dislike her but can’t do without her; she never fails to embarrass you in front of your friends and family.
And there’s no one who believed in this more than Samuel West from Sweden.
Image: cnn.com
An innovation researcher and organisational psychologist, he was so obsessed about failures he collected them fervently; enough to fill an entire museum.
Or, you can just call him an epic troll.
Sweden Museum Of Failure
When you think of museums, you’d probably envision boring exhibits and tours you would rather miss, but I assure you this is one you’ll want to visit at least once in your entire life.
Image: cnn.com
In his museum, he showcased failed products and got people thinking if these failed innovations actually helped spurred on a new industry, like the Nokia N-gage.
That’s for people who’s really into innovation.
But for the rest of us mere mortals, it’s interesting to see products that we might have never seen before in our lives.
Like the Coca-Cola BlaK.
Image: cnn.com
A coffee flavoured version of the drink that was launched in 2006 and never really broke out of its funk.
A facial mask that claimed to make you more beautiful.
Image: cnn.com
By applying electric shots to your face.
Image: cnn.com
I wouldn’t dare put it on my face even if I’m the ugliest guy on earth. #JustSaying
BIC’s sexist pens, for HER only.
Image: cnn.com
I’m not sure how it does that but AWARE must be very disappointed it didn’t work out.
Can’t afford a bike? Blend in with the perfume then!
Image: cnn.com
Unfortunately, no one cared.
Kindle is so old-school. Check out the device just for tweeting.
Image: cnn.com
Which is so small it couldn’t even show the entire tweet.
Did you know Colgate tried to breach into the food industry before?
Image: qz.com
Nope. They do best at keeping our teeth clean, not dirtying it.
And so much more!
Offhand, I can think of a few more products to add to the museum liao. Can you?
If looking at miniature versions of entire roasted chickens on wooden skewers makes you feel like eating chicken more than pancakes, I vehemently empathise.
And also, you shouldn’t be here. Neither should I.
Credit: Planet Minecraft
But if you’re into pancakes, and like it when they’re shaped weird as a brilliant and very successful marketing ploy (we’re talking about it now aren’t we?), you can consider staying on.
Witness the miracle of the century.
Credits: 野士麥德-烤雞蛋糕 (Facebook)
“Roast Chicken Cake”
That’s what the words 烤雞蛋糕 in the picture directly translates to, and they’re sold by Yesmade, a Taiwanese pushcart food stall. The full name of the stall seems to be 野士麥德-烤雞蛋糕.
Credits: 背包客棧
To be explicit, these are pancake pops, shaped like chickens, coming in several different flavours. They’re made in these uniquely shaped pancake molds, Yesmade’s own.
A post shared by 野士麥德-烤雞蛋糕 (@yesmade_eggpancake) on
There are 5 regular flavours sold: original, cocoa, matcha, cheese and peanut cocoa, and I’m not sure if that’s a creamy kind of filling in the picture or just softer pancake. Probably the latter.
Credits: 野士麥德-烤雞蛋糕 (Facebook)
And a More Exciting Flavour
The 6th is a secret flavour that changes.
Some of the secret flavours in the past include bubble tea (WTFWTFWTF!?), yam, vanilla oreo, lava egg yolk, and tie guan yin tea custard.
For updates on the latest flavours, you can try your luck on their social media pages. Each outlet has its own, but here are the Instagram and Facebook pages of the main branch.
A post shared by 野士麥德-烤雞蛋糕 (@yesmade_eggpancake) on
Details for Purchase
The orders are a little rigid, chicken cakes come in packs of 5, mono flavoured. But they’re quite affordable at one pack per 40 or 50 TWD (1.75 or 2.18 SGD), depending on the flavour.
Address: 新竹市勝利路53號騎樓/ No. 53, Shengli Road, East District, Hsinchu City, Taiwan 300 (In front of clothes store Hitz)
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 2.30 pm – 8 pm
Would you make it a point to visit these stalls? Perhaps those already going to Taiwan and are fond of pancakes or pancake pops have a reason to check these out.
Remember our post last week about possible heavy traffic going into JB for the month of June?
Are you one of those (myself included) that still die-die want to go and went in anyway? Hey bro, I totally understand.
Also, chances are that you will use Grab to book rides to get around as it’s really convenient. And cheap.
Well, here’s some news you might want to hear.
New Grab Selfie Verification Rule In Malaysia
All Grab users in Malaysia will soon have to do a one-time selfie verification in order to use the app to meet regulatory requirements, Straits Times reported.
Grab announced on their Malaysian app and website that this new rule will be compulsory and in place by 12 of July.
This is what the website message read:
“The selfie is for identity verification, safety, and may be used to assist the authorities when required. Grab ensures that your selfie and identity is secured and will not be shared with our driver-partners and merchants.”
Grab also stated that permission would be sought for before accessing the users’ phone cameras, and may request for more than one selfie if required.
Singaporeans Have To Do It Too
Once this implementation strikes on 12 July, this rule applies for anyone using the app in Malaysia. Yes, that means you (and any other Singaporean) would have to do the selfie verification too if you travelled in for some cheap grocery shopping or good food.
Image: Giphy
You might be thinking – Huh? Why so mafan one?
It’s really not that bad. In fact, according to Singaporeans who talked to ST, they did not mind having to submit a selfie as long as it was purely for verification purposes. Some also found it harmless as it protects drivers as well as ensures a safe ride for everyone.
And here’s something you might not know.
Singaporeans who created their Grab account from February 2019 onwards did have to submit a selfie before they can use the app.
Also – this selfie rule has already paid its dividends.
It has helped solve a robber/murder case involving a Grab driver, according to the Malaysian English-language newspaper The Star.
Two suspects were arrested for the death of Mohd Hanafiee Jaafar, who was robbed and killed on the job last month. This incident had caused drivers to fear for their safety during post-midnight trips as well as avoiding dangerous areas.
So after all, this seems like a good thing.
If it helps make Grab rides safer for everyone, what’s the harm? It’s just a selfie, it should take no longer than 10 seconds to take one, given how proficient you should be after all the Instagram usage.
So just grab a selfie and you can be on the road! (Pun intended)
Always bored during your commute to and fro work or school? Here’s the best solution: download our app for new articles, Facebook videos and YouTube videos that are updated daily…and most importantly, exclusive contents that are only available in our app! It’s your perfect companion for your daily commute!
What? Who would pay to live like a prisoner? Well, if you think no one will do it, think again.
The newly opened Sook Station in Bangkok is exactly what we are talking about.
This boutique hostel is serving time for curious law-abiding citizens by recreating what it looks and feels to be in a real prison.
Sook Station Hostel
Nestled in Bangkok’s Udom Suk neighbourhood, the Sook Station hostel offers narrow rooms, mental bars and bunk beds for those who wish to live a criminal life for a few days.
Image: bangkokpost.com
Guest can opt to wear pin-striped pyjamas and have their mugshots taken against a wall with a height chart for THB700 (SGD$28).
And…it’s limited edition, guys.
The hostel has 9 rooms, out of which 2 of them have black-out windows and doors to recreate the solitary confinement cells in prisons.
The remaining 7 rooms are normal “cells” with a balcony for guests who may need a breather.
Each room is only 8 sqm in size and most guests share a communal bathroom just like a prison too.
When guests arrive at the hostel, they are given the standard treatment of inmates in a jail.
If they have opt-in for uniforms (most of them do for the fun of it!), they are given a mugshot, uniforms (the pin-striped pyjamas) and assigned a number instead of a room key.
This number will get them in and out of their cells or room if you like to call it one.
Image: hindustantimes.com
These rooms are also decorated with iron bars and black and white striped curtains. The hostel will also inform guests the curfew and the consequences of missing the curfew.
Despite that, you’ll feel like those billionaires who goes to prison
Despite all the seemingly harsh elements, Sook Station is not without its comfort.
Image: bangkokpost.com
There is a rooftop hot tub, an in-house coffee shop which also serves as the breakfast room in the morning, as well as a co-working space for guests who need to work during their travels.
This nine-room boutique hostel is the first attempt into the hospitality industry for the husband and wife team, Sittichai Chaivoraprug, 55 and Piyanat Teekavanich, 49.
They had careers in the technology sectors previously but inspired by their love for travel and their common passion in the 1994 prison escape movie The Shawshank Redemption, they decided to hitch the corporate world and start their own little business.
Guest reviews: You’ll either love it or hate it.
Guests who stayed at the hostel expressed vastly different opinions about the hostel. They either love it or hate it. There is simply no in-between.
Image: travelwireasia.com
There are some customers who have been back to the hostel for multiple times because they love it so much. One of their regular customers, Yui, said that she almost “feels like home” whenever she is there.
She said that she was impressed by the theme hostel because, on her first visit, it felt like a real prison because she arrived at night.
Sook Station charges between THB790 to THB1630 (SGD$32 to SGD$66) a night for their rooms, depending on the number of guests and their choice of common or private rooms.
Address: 45-49 Soi Sukhumvit 101/2, Khwaeng Bang Na, Khet Bang Na, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10260, Thailand
How adventurous are you when it comes to food? Chances are you’ve already tried sashimi out, as well as raw oysters with a squeeze of lemon. Escargots? Checked.
But would you eat an insect? No? Well, what if it was served in a high-end restaurant?
There’s a catch to it, though. The restaurant would serve you JUST insects, and nothing else.
Yep – insect appetizer, main course and possibly dessert too.
There’s a place in Bangkok that’s getting viral for just that!
Image: BK Magazine
The Background Story
In Thailand, consuming insects is no biggie. In fact, it’s a staple diet. This is precisely why a top chef’s decided to take advantage of the crickety food selection and make it into a specific menu.
The name of the chef who’s making waves in the cuisine of insects? Thitiwat “Mai” Tantragarn from the capital city of Thailand.
He’s not a new guy who’s just trying to get something up; Mai’s a pioneer in fine-dining restaurants there, with the likes of D’Sens and Medici under his belt.
Image: Facebook (Insects in the Backyard)
Mai’s bizarre new restaurant is aptly called “Insects in the Backyard”. The food joint is located in the ChangChui creative mall. Mai’s vision is to remove the stigma and awkwardness that comes with well, eating bugs!
Image: insectsinthebackyard.com
He says he’s not making scary food, he’s just making this particular cuisine more accessible to people.
The Dishes You’ll Find There
Imagine hor, you’re having a tiramisu. No undue thing in that, right? Apart from coffee and some infused biscotti.
But picture a scene of silkworms that have been dusted with cocoa powder and used as a decorative yet edible garnish for your dessert.
You might think that it’s just the decorative element that’s being used in the tiramisu, BUT in actual fact, the mascarpone cream that is also the basis of any tiramisu’s been incorporated with a powdered form of the pupae.
As you dig in, you might find just the littlest bit of bitterness against the espresso’s.
Then there’s yet another kick-ass dish. A main of ravioli that sounds like any other harmless Italian dish, except for the fact that each pocket’s been packed with the flesh of water beetles, herbs from Provencal and yep, more silky smooth mascarpone.
Image: BK Magazine
Not the First Insect Concept Meal
Other world-class chefs have actually included creepy crawlies into their dishes, from the likes of Alex Atala in Brazil to Rene Redzepi in Copenhagen.
In all fairness, it is economical to eat insects. According to Mai, there won’t be sufficient protein sources in another century or so to feed the masses, so why not learn to improvise now itself?
The restaurant also campaigns on being environmental friendly. You’d be able to shop after you’re done eating here for repurposed furnishings, or shop for supplies to help you plant some green around the world.
Well, thinking about it right now, would you go to the extreme of saving the world by switching from meat to bugs in your meal?
Here, if you’re interested in having insects for your fine-dining experience in Bangkok:
Address:
460/8 Sirindhorn Rd, Khwaeng Bang Phlat, Khet Bang Phlat, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10700
Opening Hours:
Daily 2:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Closed on Wednesday
Okay, I’ll be the first to admit that I’m an old soul. When I travel overseas, I don’t carry any bank cards with me.
Instead, I’ll just bring a certain amount of Singapore dollars together with the country’s currency when I go travelling.
Why? Because it’s too dangerous.
Don’t believe me? Check out these 10 insane ATM scams that will make you paranoid AF. These ones no joke. #NotKidding
1. When you check out the keypad and card slot but didn’t find anything
So you’ve checked the keypad and card slot, and everything seems legit. Well…not quite. Because the entire thing is rigged.
How the hell did they get it there in the first place?!
2. The green, secure card reader might not be secure
Put your card in the slot and you’ll have your entire card scanned by the scammers. Who will then proceed to thank you by spending with your card.
3. Even the earphone jacks have to be checked
Inspect everything on the machine, even ones that you don’t use.
4. Checking the machine isn’t enough
If you think checking the earphone jack is excessive, wait till you see where the pinhole camera is hidden here. Didn’t expect that, did you?
5. Scammers so smart they camouflaged the equipment
A guy spotted this because he uses the machine frequently. But what about those who don’t know what the machine originally looked like?
6. Sometimes, it’s not due to wear and tear
If you see cracks on the machine slots, it might be good to change to a new one. Why? Because scammers might have broken it apart to put a scanner within.
7. Lift up the keypad
Think a key logger, just in physical format. If the keypad feels loose, it might be a good idea to check if the real keypad is located below a fake one.
The keypad logs your pin and the scanner scans your card. Voila, say goodbye to your hard-earned cash.
8. Here’s a tricky one, because some real ones are designed like this
If the card slot is sticking out, it could be a fake reader. Of course, do note that some ATM machines in Europe are designed like this and it’s real.
9. The effort to put a pinhole camera
Another case of great camouflage, this time, scammers install a pinhole camera at the hand guard that’s supposed to keep your PIN secret.
You’ll never know who’s watching… #TheStartOfAHorrorMovie
10. It pays to check everything before making a withdrawal
This ATM got the full treatment. The green card reader placed over the card slot and a panel over a screen which has a pinhole camera to record your PIN.
Here’s a piece of advice: Only use ATM machines located within banks. They have 24-hour surveillance so it’s harder for scammers to tamper with them.
Or even better, go cashless. But that has its own dangers as well.
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Heard of that? A supporter of that phrase? A warm welcome to the squad. And please, educate those who think that traveling alone is pathetic.
According to the Visa Global Travel Intentions Study 2015, traveling solo is facing an upward trend. At least one in 5 persons have traveled on their own on their most recent leisure trip.
Back in Singapore, more Singaporean women are taking solo trips abroad, with the number of Singaporean female solo travelers doubling since 2016. If you do not know where to start, we’ve written a guide to help you get started, even if you’re kiasi (afraid of death).
But right now, regardless of gender, we’re focusing on the 10 things any solo traveler can do. If not, it’s better for you to laze in bed all day during your staycation in Singapore.
Get rid of your phone
“Siao ah! Ask me to throw away my precious phone. I’ll get anxiety attacks one leh.”
That’s the point. Deal with your anxiety attacks for the first time and I promise you, it will get better as time goes by.
“But aren’t you contradicting yourself? I thought you say we must use Google maps for solo trips?”
Yes, I did mention in the guide to help you get started. It is a guide to FREAKING GET YOU STARTED. It’s for those who have zero ideas on how to begin.
If you’re a seasoned solo traveler or just gung-ho enough to ditch your phone altogether, by all means, do it! Disconnect to connect with where you’re at presently. If not, you should just lie in your bed with your eyes glued to the phone and have a home-cation instead.
Join an activity unique to the country you’re visiting
This can be subjective because countries are copycats of each other. So, really, it could be anything that you enjoy doing!
Let’s say if you’re heading to Seoul, then you could rent a traditional Korean hanbok and stroll the streets of Seoul. Or go for a Korean Temple Stay to live among Buddhist monks and learn how to slow down your current pace of life.
Call for room service another time
I challenge you to dine out alone. “Huh… How?”
I’m no superwoman so when I first started, my head was literally in a bowing position and I couldn’t look up for maybe the first 15 minutes? It can be awkward so I’m not going to paint you a flowery picture.
But again, all things come with practice. Before trying, you might be thinking of giving up. Doing it for the first time and you can’t wait to bury your head in the sand. After a few tries, you probably think you can conquer the world.
When people in the restaurants stare at me, I just look back at them in the eye. Most of the time, they will just look away. If they don’t, you can have a staring competition. How thrilling!
Join a tour group
Who says you should only join a tour group when you’re traveling with the family? Nonsense. You can, and you should join a tour group to meet other international travelers while touring the destinations.
But I must say not all tour companies can accommodate single travelers so… search and choose those who are inclusive. Let’s hope that more online tour agencies will start catering to solo travelers.
Attend a performance
Even if you don’t understand the language.
I’m serious, friends. There’s so much to take away from a live performance. It’s YOUR takeaways after all, so if you’re a fan of the arts, then what’s stopping you?
Personally, I haven’t had the opportunity to catch a live performance (in another language) overseas but I’ve caught a play in French without looking at the subtitles at the Esplanade before.
Image: culturalweekly.com
While I may not understand the play in full (or just read the synopsis after), I thoroughly enjoyed myself and got the gist of what the actors were trying to portray. I’m sure it would be a wonderful look-back when you walk down memory lane in the future.
People-watch
If you’re not pressed for time, then as you stroll the streets or sip on coffee at a local cafe, lift up your head and observe the details around you. It could be people, children, stray animals or even shadows on a building.
Leave rushing from home to work and back behind. Don’t be trapped in the hustle and bustle of the city life back at home. Instead, take time to appreciate your surroundings. Your heart and soul will thank you for that.
In addition to that, for me, I like to pen down whatever that comes to mind or reminds me of. You could do that too!
Get your adrenaline pumping
After giving your heart and mind a break, it’s time to get moving. Partake in an activity that challenges you to your limits.
This is not just for the adrenaline junkies because you’re what you think you are. Tell yourself you’re a scaredy-cat and your brain will process it as it is. Remind yourself you’re fearless, strong, and powerful and the information will sink in no time.
Heading to Macau but think you can’t handle the Macau Tower Bungy Jump? That’s fine. Challenge yourself to a climb instead. You will stand victorious at the top after conquering Macau’s highest summit at 338 meters.
Image: klook.com
Too scared? Then at least go for a Skywalk?
Plan a day without any plans
“Oh, hold up. What do you mean by planning a day without plans?”
Simply put, have a day aside without making any real plans. That’s the beauty of traveling solo, isn’t it? You don’t have to make compromises with anyone at all so it’s your rules, your time, and your day.
See something you like? Walk into that shop.
Craving for ice cream during the winter season? Go grab that cone and enjoy your sweet treat. I once bought an ice cream from the mart and walked out into the cold winter night in my PJs (with no long-johns). It’s dumb, I know, but hey, you only live once to do ‘stupid’ things!
Wander, do not ponder over things too much. You can enjoy this freedom for just a day, can’t you?
Meet the locals
Honestly, I’ve never tried Couchsurfing before but I’m following closely and may actually try it in due time. There are success stories and slightly creepy ones, as usual, in all circumstances. But that’s a really nice way to meet up locals in the area.
I’ve also read up stories on people using Tinder during their solo trips so if you’re up for it, why not? That’s an alternative way to meet people too.
Keep an open heart & mind
This quote by Ronald Reagan perfectly sums up our final point:
“There are no constraints on the human mind, no walls around the human spirit, no barriers to our progress except those we ourselves erect.”
I can go on to list another 10 more things you shouldn’t miss out doing as a solo traveler. Or, you could move on to read more well-written articles on insane things to do while traveling alone… but know this, it’s all in the mind.
There’s no limit to what YOU can do, except those barriers YOU yourself have created. So I urge you to tear down those walls and challenge yourself to greater heights.
The world’s a book…
… and those who do not travel (have) read only a page. — Saint Augustine
May you be a better version of yourself in the days, months, and years to come as you travel to become an intern of the world. Toodles!
Our content partner even wrote an article about our love for anything Taiwan.
We love Taiwan so much that people would jump at an opportunity to buy food from Taiwan in Singapore.
Remember the first batch of Kiki Fine Goods Singapore’s 2,000 packets of noodles?
Image: Kiki Fine Goods Singapore Facebook Page
The Sichuan Pepper (椒麻拌面) and Aromatic Scallion (葱油拌面) were sold out within 6 days of their launch!
P.S: They have since added two new flavours to the list recently, Young Vinegar (小醋面) and Aged Vinegar Hot Noodles (老醋辣面).
So if you’re interested, which I’m sure you are, you can buy them online or in stores.
But for those who are travelling to Taiwan, you can have your fill in the country itself.
But of course, apart from Kiki noodles which originated from Taiwan, there are other fascinating facts about the island so… let’s dive into the juicy news right away!
1. Taiwanese girls like to have fair skin
That’s why they avoid the sun as much as they can. Just look at this young Taiwanese student:
Image: Weibo / Lure Hsu
Oh wait, did I mention she’s a young student? I take that back. She’s 43 this year.
“WHAT?! Don’t bluff leh.”
I’m not. Her name is Lure Hsu and she’s a designer by profession.
She swears by using sunscreen in summer. “After your skin is tanned, it will become dry. Freckles and small wrinkles would appear,” she told Taiwan’s Friday magazine during an interview.
Coupled with watching her diet, she also takes nutritional supplements like Vitamin C pills and collagen, to help maintain her ever-glowing skin.
2. Taiwan Has Facilities Suitable For Muslim Tourist Too
Image: ttrweekly.com
Taiwan is predominantly occupied by ethnic Chinese with Taoism as the main religion, so Muslim tourists might be leery of visiting the country.
With halal fried chicken and hot springs equipped with prayer rooms, Muslim tourists who visited the country were surprised at how welcoming Taiwan is.
You can easily find halal eateries with Google Maps, including one Beef noodle eatery.
Gaia Hotel in mountainous Beitou, best-known for its natural pools, is one example
They even have minibars that are alcohol-free and cakes that do not include pork-based gelatin. Their hotel kitchen is halal-certified and has a separate cooking and dining area. How incredible is that?
3. 20 restaurants in Taipei awarded Michelin stars
You’re a foodie who’s always on the lookout for good food? Then I’ve got great news for you.
There are tons of Michelin-starred restaurants in Taiwan.
Cantonese restaurant, Le Palais, is the only restaurant to be awarded the prestigious three-stars in the Michelin Guide Taipei 2018.
Image: taiwannews.com.tw
Following behind with two stars each are the authentic Japanese restaurant, RyuGin and Chinese cuisine restaurant, The Guest House.
The other one-star restaurants are Da-Wan, Danny’s Steakhouse, Golden Formosa, Ken An Ho, Kitcho, L’ATELIER de Joël Robuchon, La Cocotte by Fabien Verge, Longtail, Ming Fu, MUME, Shushi Nomura, Shushi Ryu, TaÏrroir, Three Coins, Tien Hsiang Lo, and Ya Ge.
Now you know where to go for a fulfilling meal to satisfy your taste buds.
4. Taipei Metro is one of the world’s most reliable subway systems
Worried about public transport in a foreign country? Don’t be because their Metro is one of the most reliable systems you can find.
It is so reliable that Singapore has sought Taiwan’s help to review operations and improve the MRT system we have here.
Though honestly, they did not shoot to fame immediately.
Opened in 1996, they had their fair share of troubles. In 2003, six delays of over an hour had a major impact on commuters and affected its image.
“The public was very angry,” said Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation president B C Yen.
But they quickly turned the situation around, setting up weekly technical meetings looking at the problems and solutions for it.
Standard operating procedures were written and thus when a fault develops, the staff was able to follow the SOPs quickly to minimize disruptions.
Unlike Singaporeans who are cursing and swearing at our train systems, commuter’s trust in Taipei is soaring high.
Taipei resident, Mr. Wan Qi-Wei, who co-founded a Facebook group of Taipei Metro fans, said: “We won’t make a point of checking for delays before we head out. We’re very confident in the system.”
5. Train ticket fares have not changed in the past 20 over years
And that’s not the only thing. It’s affordable too.
Again, on the contrary to Singapore’s situation, ticket fares have not changed in the past 20-something years.
Mayor Ko Wen-Je, the metro’s boss, said: “If profit is the only criterion … then very quickly, the public transport will break down.”
Well said.
6. Taiwan ranks top 30 in the World Happiness Report 2018
When you go overseas, the last thing you want to do is to get into a country that’s even more unhappy than yours.
Image: World Happiness Report
Taiwan is the only country in Asia that is ranked in the top 30 in the World Happiness Report 2018. Standing at 26th position, it’s 8 ranks ahead of Singapore, which stands at 36th in the report.
That means, if you’re feeling happy right where you are in Singapore, you will be much happier in Taiwan. How wonderful!
7. Taiwanese have the strongest desire to save
Based on a Mastercard survey conducted between May to July in 2017, 87% of Taiwanese respondents have planned to put more money in their savings or keep their savings unchanged over the next 6 months.
Here are the 3 major reasons they are saving money for – retirement, investment, and overseas travel.
I guess, in a way, if you’re worried about overspending in Taiwan, just make your way to where the locals shop and eat at and you’ll see higher savings.
So how? Did you see Taiwan in a different light now? There’s so much more to talk about Taiwan but so little time.
Share this with your friends because there’s something for everyone. It’s time to start planning our Taiwan trip!
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