4 best-rated bars in Singapore to visit for that cocktail cup
Discover the Best Hotels in Chinatown Singapore for Unforgettable Stay
Chinatown Singapore blends rich heritage with modern vibrancy, featuring traditional shops, cultural festivals, and delectable eateries. Visitors can explore temples, markets, and experience the area’s unique history firsthand.
Importance of choosing a good hotel for an unforgettable stay
Selecting the right hotel is crucial for an unforgettable experience. These hotels in Chinatown Singapore offer a unique blend of cultural charm and modern convenience, enhancing enjoyment and relaxation. A comfortable, well-located accommodation enhances enjoyment and relaxation, creating lasting memories from your trip or vacation. Choose wisely!
Background of Chinatown Singapore
Throughout history, various cultures have evolved uniquely, shaping traditions and identities. Understanding their development enables appreciation for diverse practices, beliefs, and contributions to global heritage and interconnectedness.
Tourist attractions in Chinatown
Chinatown boasts vibrant markets, traditional restaurants, and cultural festivals. Visitors can explore stunning temples and unique shops and partake in authentic cuisine, experiencing the rich heritage of this lively neighbourhood.
Identifying Your Hotel Needs
Importance of reviews and ratings
Reviews and ratings are significant in decision-making processes, guiding consumers toward informed choices. They enhance trust, reflect user experiences, and influence brand reputation and product perception.
Top-Rated Hotels in Chinatown Singapore
Proximity to popular attractions
Being close to well-known landmarks enhances the experience for visitors, making sightseeing more convenient and enjoyable. Easy access to attractions encourages exploration and maximises time spent discovering new places.
Authentic local cuisines
Authentic local cuisines offer a genuine taste of cultural heritage, showcasing unique ingredients and traditional recipes. These dishes reflect a community’s history, customs, and flavours.
Shopping opportunities
Shopping opportunities abound in various forms, from bustling markets and online stores to pop-up shops and seasonal sales, providing consumers with diverse options for fulfilling their retail needs.
Unique cultural experiences
Experiencing diverse cultures enriches our understanding of the world, immersing us in local traditions, art forms, cuisines, and rituals that shape identities and foster connections among people globally.
Things to do in Chinatown Singapore
List of popular attractions
A compilation of favoured destinations includes must-see landmarks, renowned museums, enchanting parks, historic sites, and vibrant markets. Each attraction offers unique experiences that draw travellers from around the globe.
Food and beverages to try
Explore diverse culinary delights by sampling local dishes and unique drinks. Savour regional flavours, indulge in traditional recipes, and treat yourself to innovative beverages for a memorable experience.
Experiences that should not be missed
Certain experiences are truly unforgettable, offering unique perspectives and joy. For enrichment, embrace adventures like travel, learning new skills, connecting with people, and immersing yourself in diverse cultures.
Tips for Booking Hotels in Chinatown Singapore
The best time to book
The ideal moment to secure your travel arrangements is typically several months in advance, allowing you to take advantage of lower prices and better availability during peak seasons.
Reliable hotel booking platforms
Trustworthy hotel booking platforms allow users to easily access genuine reviews, competitive prices, and diverse accommodation options. They ensure seamless reservations and enhance travel experiences for every type of traveller.
Common mistakes to avoid when booking a hotel
When booking a hotel, avoid common pitfalls such as overlooking cancellation policies, neglecting to compare prices, failing to read reviews, and not confirming your reservation details.
Conclusion
Chinatown Singapore offers a distinctive experience where heritage and modernity coexist harmoniously, making it a vibrant destination for travellers. From traditional shops and temples to bustling markets and authentic eateries, the area provides an immersive cultural experience that reflects Singapore’s rich history. For those looking to explore this unique neighbourhood, selecting the right hotel is a crucial element that can elevate your stay from enjoyable to unforgettable.
Choosing a well-located, comfortable hotel in Chinatown Singapore enhances your experience by placing you in the heart of the action. With numerous hotels offering a blend of modern amenities and cultural charm, visitors can easily access popular attractions, indulge in local cuisine, and immerse themselves in the area’s vibrant culture. A thoughtfully chosen hotel becomes a sanctuary after a day of exploring, providing relaxation and comfort that can enhance your overall enjoyment of the trip. Proximity to Chinatown’s famous landmarks, temples, and eateries ensures you make the most of your visit, maximising your time to explore while minimising travel hassles.
The reviews and ratings of hotels in Chinatown are invaluable resources for travellers. They provide insight into past guests’ experiences, helping you make informed decisions and ensuring that your accommodation aligns with your expectations. When booking a hotel, it is important to look for ones that have consistently positive feedback on service, cleanliness, and location. These factors contribute significantly to the overall quality of your stay.
One of the key highlights of staying in Chinatown is the ease of access to Singapore’s best cultural and culinary experiences. Hotels in this area are surrounded by bustling markets where you can shop for unique souvenirs and indulge in street food that captures the essence of local flavours. The area’s diverse eateries offer everything from traditional Chinese cuisine to modern fusion dishes, providing food lovers with an unforgettable dining experience.
Booking your hotel in advance is recommended for those looking to maximise their stay. Peak seasons can see accommodation fill up quickly, and early reservations allow you to secure better rates and room options. Reliable hotel booking platforms ensure a smooth reservation process, offering transparency on prices, availability, and reviews. Avoid common mistakes such as overlooking cancellation policies and neglecting to confirm your reservation details to ensure a hassle-free experience.
In summary, staying in Chinatown Singapore promises an immersive, culturally rich experience that blends modern comfort with historic charm. With careful hotel selection and a focus on experiencing the local culture, your stay in Chinatown will surely be an unforgettable part of your journey.
Latest WFH internships posted from 30 September to 3 October 2024
A warm welcome to October.
This week we’ve got opportunities in business ops, social media, and more, so stick around and see what fits your skills.
#1: Insights Table Pte Ltd – Business Ops Admin
Website: insightstable.com
Allowance / Remuneration: $800 – 1,200 monthly
Job Qualifications
- Strong attention to detail and ability to multi-task with good time management
- Possesses great soft skills and personality
- Approachable, candid, go-getting, and collaborative
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
- Exudes critical thinking and problem-solving skills to help mitigate problems and issues in projects
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
Key Responsibilities
Research, Analysis, and Insights
- Work on a variety of research, including both qualitative (e.g. focus groups and in-depth interviews) and quantitative research (e.g. surveys and secondary data sources)
- Develop screener questions, discussion guides as well as survey questions
- Review and process data that is collected to ensure high-quality standards
- Prepare tabulation specifications and create report templates and charts
- Translate the data and information into insights, that will help clients make informed decisions
- Content analysis and ability to synthesize information into easy-to-understand visuals and charts
- Writing commentaries in a narrative style, including summaries and recommendations
Project Management
- Manage project timelines and collaborate with cross-functional teams (i.e. programmers, vendors, data science, etc) to ensure timely project completion
- Manage or assist in project setup and fieldwork management
- Support fieldwork audit and quality control efforts
- Check survey links to ensure there are no errors
- Provide regular project or fieldwork updates to clients
How to apply?
View the job post here and write to Chen Yi Lin via this link.
#2: Red House Seafood – Social Media Intern
Website: redhouseseafood.com
Allowance / Remuneration: $800 monthly
Job Qualifications
- Familiar with social media platforms and their trends
- Creative mindset, proactive, open-minded & have an eye for details
- Photo-taking, videography, and graphic design skills
- Ability to interact, communicate, and present ideas
- Excellent command of English & Mandarin
- Good copywriting skills
- Comfortable with random ad-hoc tasks
- Knowledge of using design & editing software (eg. Photoshop, Lightroom, Canva, Illustrator, etc)
Key Responsibilities
- Manage all social media accounts (FB, IG, TikTok, XHS)
- Assist in developing social media strategies for various brands
- Create content and marketing materials for all social media accounts (photos, videos, graphics, copywriting captions, etc)
- Design online collaterals, posters, etc
- Monitor online reviews & social media presence
- Reply to social media comments and/or inquiries
- KOL management during campaigns
- Assist with any admin tasks related to social media
- Other social media-related ad hoc tasks as and when required
How to apply?
View the job post here and send in your resume, recent photograph & portfolio (if any) to [email protected] or 96964911 on WhatsApp.
#3: One Date – Marketing Intern
Website: one-date.app
Allowance / Remuneration: $800 – 1,500 monthly
Job Qualifications
- Strong writing and content creation skills with a passion for storytelling.
- Familiarity with social media platforms and current trends. This includes skills to edit short reels, design posters, etc via Canva.
- A creative thinker with the ability to generate new marketing ideas.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
- Prior experience in digital marketing, social media management, or content creation is a plus
Key Responsibilities
- Assist in creating and executing marketing campaigns to promote One Date and events.
- Manage and create engaging content for social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok) to attract and retain users.
- Research market trends, competitors, and audience behavior to inform campaign strategies.
- Support event marketing efforts, including traditional marketing strategies that could be useful to advance One Date’s brand.
- Track and analyze marketing performance, providing insights on campaign effectiveness.
How to apply?
View the job post here and apply for this position by submitting your CV and availability to [email protected].
#4: Wubble AI – Music Intelligence Analyst
Website: wubble.ai
Allowance / Remuneration: $450 – 800 monthly
Job Qualifications
- Educational Encore: Currently pursuing a degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Music Technology, or a related field.
- Technical Tempo: Proficient with data analysis tools like Python, R, and SQL; bonus points if you can code a sonnet in SQL!
- Machine Learning Melodies: Solid understanding of machine learning concepts—knowing your CNNs from your RNNs.
- Passion Playlist: A love for music that hits all the high notes.
- Team Symphony: Ability to keep tempo in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
- Bonus Track: If you play an instrument or have a killer playlist, we’d love to hear about it!
Key Responsibilities
- Be the Maestro: Conduct experiments on music generation models, fine-tuning features and parameters until they’re pitch-perfect.
- Curate the Playlist: Orchestrate the curation of datasets, deciding which tunes make the cut for the model’s training playlist.
- Jam Session: Collaborate with AI and music teams to enhance the harmony and diversity of generated music.
- Data Harmonization: Analyze experimental results and turn data into sweet, sweet insights.
How to apply?
View the job post here and apply for this position by directly sending your CV to [email protected].
#5: Eco-Business Pte Ltd – Partnerships Intern
Website: eco-business.com
Allowance / Remuneration: $950 – 1,000 monthly
Job Qualifications
- Excellent written and spoken English
- Tertiary level student or graduate
- Understanding of, and passion for, sustainability
- Creative problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently
- Good eye for detail & accuracy
Key Responsibilities
- Assisting in partnership development and implementation
- Supporting the development of Eco-Business presence and programs across the Asia Pacific region
- Supporting the management of contacts and Eco-Business community and database
- Assisting in the production of Eco-Business collaterals and communication materials
- Support Eco-Business social media assets and create content across all channels
How to apply?
View the job post here and apply for this position by submitting your text CV via email to [email protected] and [email protected].
Editor’s note: These positions are selected based on the “remote” tag, but some are hybrid ones and you may need to report physically to the office. For more details, contact the employer directly.
6 animal cafes that are not dog/cat cafes to visit in South Korea
Love animals but want a little something different because you’re “sick of” dogs and cats or have been to too many of such cafes?
Why not give these animal cafes we’re about to introduce to you a visit?
They are located all around South Korea and not limited to just Seoul.
Addresses are listed accordingly so have fun exploring 😉
땡스네이쳐카페 | Thanks Nature Cafe
View this post on Instagram
Opening hours:
12 pm to 9 pm (Daily)
Prices: No entry fees but you will have to order something from the menu; drinks start from 4,400 KRW (approx. 4.28 SGD)
Address: 서울 마포구 홍익로 10 서교푸르지오상가 지하121호 | 10 Hongik-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Basement #121
Distance: 402 m from Exit 9 of Hongik University Station
First up, we have this sheep cafe located in hipster Hongdae area. I’ve personally visited this place and their waffles are absolutely delicious. You pay no entry fees but as long as you’re a paying customer (of any food items on their menu), you get to interact with the sheep in the mini barn.
에덴미어캣프랜즈 | Eden Meerkat Friends Zoo (Incheon Branch)
View this post on Instagram
Opening hours:
1.30 pm to 6 pm (Weekdays)
12 pm to 7pm (Weekends)
Prices: 15,000 KRW (approx. 14.58 SGD) for an entry ticket (as of January 2024)
Address: 인천 남동구 호구포로 219 (세중프라자) 10층 | 219 Hogupo-ro, Namdong-gu, Incheon (Sejung Plaza) (10th floor)
Distance: 190 m from Exit 2 of Hogupo Station
This meerkat cafe is located right outside Seoul, in Incheon. They have another branch in Hongdae too but since that doesn’t have many reviews on Naver Maps, I’ve decided to highlight their Incheon branch instead. Pretty easy to get there since it’s a short walk from Hogupo Station.
세븐테마카페 | 7 Theme Cafe
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Opening hours:
12 pm to 10 pm (Weekdays & Saturdays)
11.30 am to 10 pm (Sundays & Public Holidays)
Prices: from 10,000 KRW (approx. 9.72 SGD) for a standard entry
Address: 부산 수영구 광안해변로 237 6층 | 237 Gwanganhaebyeon-ro, Suyeong-gu, Busan (6th floor)
Distance: 758 m from Exit 3 of Gwangan Station
Where are my piggy lovers at? You will adore this themed cafe in Busan, which is within walking distance of Gwangan Station. FYI, it’s very near Gwanganli Beach so you can swing by for the ocean view after your animal adrenaline rush.
수달앤쥬 | Sudal n’ Zoo
View this post on Instagram
Opening hours:
11 pm to 7 pm (Weekdays)
10 am to 8 pm (Weekends)
Prices: 12,000 KRW (approx. 11.66 SGD) for a standard adult entry
Address: 경기 수원시 권선구 금곡로 219 8층 807호 808호 | 219 Geumgok-ro, Gwonseon-gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do (8th floor, #807 & #808)
Distance: about a 10-minute taxi ride from Hwaseo Station
Sudal n’ Zoo is home to otters. If you don’t already know, “sudal”, or written in Korean as “수달” = otters. But since they promote themselves as a zoo, they also house other animals such as rabbits, capybara, and more.
카페 옴뇸뇸 | Cafe Om Nyom Nyom
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Opening hours:
11 am to 11 pm (Daily)
Prices: No entry fees but you will have to order something from the menu; drinks start from 6,000 KRW (approx. 5.83 SGD)
Address: 경기 남양주시 별내면 청학로54번길 122 1층 , 2층 | 122 Cheonghak-ro 54beon-gil, Byeollae-myeon, Namyangju-si, Gyeonggi-do (1st & 2nd floor)
Distance: about a 15-minute taxi ride from Tapseok Station
If the silly expression on an Alpaca’s face amuses you, then consider visiting this cafe in Namyangju-si, Gyeonggi-do. It’s a little out of the way but accessible via a taxi ride from Tapseok Station. The alpacas are accompanied by other animals such as dogs, pigs, and parrots so it’s quite an interesting combo :p
이웃집수달 | Otter’s Home
View this post on Instagram
Opening hours:
1 pm to 6 pm (Weekdays)
12.30 pm to 7 pm (Weekends)
Prices: 15,000 KRW (approx. 14.59 SGD) for a standard adult entry
Address: 경북 경산시 한의대로 136 | Gyeongsangbuk-do, Gyeongsan-si, Haneuidaero 136
Distance: about a 15 to 20-minute taxi ride from Gyeongsan Station (KTX)
And last but not least, we have this cafe which houses otters. It’s the furthest away from Seoul but if you’re visiting Daegu and its surrounding areas, it’s a good place to visit.
Have a good time!
5 Places to Find the Cutest Blind Boxes in Singapore
Do you want to know the latest obsession captivating both kids and adults across Singapore? Well, it’s none other than blind boxes or blind bags.
These mysterious boxes, often linked to beloved franchises, spark a wave of excitement with each unboxing. Just picture the thrill of never quite knowing what treasure awaits inside and the element of surprise that each reveal creates!
Whether you are an avid collector or just hopping into this trend, there’s something undeniably entertaining about uncovering the unknown. On that note, let’s explore some of the best spots in Singapore to find the cutest blind boxes around.
#1: HAPPIBOX
Lucky Plaza might be known for its thrift shops and delicious eateries, but tucked away in its basement is Happibox, a hidden gem for blind box collectors. Here, you’ll find high-end collector toys with prices starting from just S$4.90, like the adorable Ugly and Cute Family Mini Beans series, and the MR PA Mahjong Series 2 Blind Pack from S$6.90. You can also find Happibox at Sim Lim Square.
Image Credits: facebook.com/happibox.sg
#2: ACTION CITY
A favorite for toy collectors, Action City offers a wide range of blind box collections from brands like Pop Mart and tokidoki, starting from S$12.90. For the more serious collectors, you can snag a full set like the Zzoton Treasure Land Series (i.e., S$190.80 for a case of 12 blind boxes).
#3: MINISO
From delightful toys and functional household goods to trendy cosmetics and tasty snacks, Miniso has something for everyone including blind boxes. The brand has made waves with its exciting collaborations, including a whimsical partnership with Winnie the Pooh in 2021, featuring adorable blind boxes priced between S$5.90 – S$12.90. And, its latest collaboration “Miniso x Chiikawa Pop-Up Store” is available at Jewel Changi Airport until October 11. See for yourself!
#4: POP MART SINGAPORE
Pop Mart has taken Singapore by storm, with life-size characters and irresistible blind box figurines. Pop Mart collaborates with artists to create beloved characters like Molly, Labubu, and Skullpanda, making it a haven for collectors. You will find individual blind boxes featuring Disney/Pixar characters from S$9.90 and SpongeBob SquarePants figurines from S$15.90 at their pop-up stores in malls such as Bugis Junction, Century Square, Jurong Point, and Suntec City.
#5: 52TOYS
Marking its Singapore debut this year, this mega Chinese toy chain has an exciting range of blind boxes, designer toys, figurines, and sculptures. If you are after characters like Mickey and Friends, Shinchan, or Doreamon, 52Toys has it all. Prices start at S$15.90 for the Kimmy & Miki Floral Emblems Blind Box and S$16.90 for the Disney Pixar Toy Story – Lotso’s Room Blind Box. What are you waiting for? Head over to 52Toys, located at PLQ Mall (#B1-20).
Image Credits: facebook.com/52ToysCandyBox
Whether you’ve stumbled upon blind boxes in TikTok videos or spotted them in shopping malls, these delightful treasures are popping up everywhere, capturing the hearts of children (and adults!) of all ages. Each store exudes its own unique charm, adding to the thrill of securing that coveted collectible. So gather your friends or plan a fun-filled family outing to explore these stores in Singapore. Happy hunting! 🙂
East-West Line Back on Track After 6-Day Delay
After six days of delays, train services finally resumed between Jurong East and Buona Vista MRT stations along the East-West Line on the morning of October 1. The disruption, caused by extensive track damage, had left many commuters scrambling for alternative routes and dealing with longer travel times.
This return to normalcy brings a sigh of relief for many. However, westbound trains along the four-station stretch (i.e., between Dover and Clementi) are currently running slower at a temporary speed limit of 40km/h until October 3. This slower pace is part of a standard safety process following rail replacements, as trains typically travel at speeds of 60-80km/h.
COMMUTERS’ EXPERIENCE
During the disruption, the daily lives of more than 2.1 million passengers were affected with long waits and crowded platforms becoming the norm from September 25 to 29. The delays created challenges for those heading to work or school, requiring them to leave home earlier than usual.
Many commuters switched to alternative transport like buses, ride-hailing services, or taxis, which are typically more expensive than the MRT. You see, ride-hailing services also implemented surge pricing due to higher demand. These increased travel costs added up, especially for long-distance commuters.
ALTERNATIVE ROUTES
For six days, commuters took alternative routes, with many switching to the North-South Line or opting for the Thomson-East Coast and Downtown Lines. As a result, stations were packed, and transfer points became congested with passengers seeking faster routes to their destinations.
A common strategy involved transferring at Queenstown station to take the shuttle train to Buona Vista, or using Boon Lay station to transfer to Jurong East. While necessary, these options still extended travel times and complicated otherwise straightforward journeys.
REPAIR WORK
The damage affected the stretch between Clementi and Ulu Pandan Depot, requiring a full replacement of rail segments. On September 30, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) announced that the rail repairs been completed and the third rail had also been reinstated.
Before fully reopening the line, the LTA carried out a series of rigorous tests to ensure the tracks were safe. This included load tests using a locomotive to verify the rails were securely welded, followed by an endurance test involving a fully loaded train packed with sandbags to mimic real commuter conditions. Only after passing these assessments were trains allowed back on the line.
THE IMPACT
Commuters faced higher travel costs, missed appointments, and lost valuable time that could have been spent with family or at work. Many shared their frustrations of waking up earlier, enduring crowded buses, and dealing with extended travel times.
Image Credits: unsplash.com
For the millions affected, the six-day disruption felt like a marathon of endurance. With services now restored, they can finally return to their routines, though with a lingering sense of caution until the repairs are fully stabilized.