10 Free Things to Do in SG This August

From waterfront sails to immersive exhibitions, the city’s free August offerings prove that access to art, history, and wellness need not come with a price tag.

SAIL INTO THE SUNSET
DBS Sailing at the Bay lets you step aboard a sailboat at Marina Bay for a 30-minute ride across stunning city views. This scenic journey also supports sailing as an inclusive and accessible sport. Slots fill quickly, so early booking thru the website is advised.

LIGHT & WATER MAGIC AT MARINA BAY
Each evening, Marina Bay transforms into a visual symphony. Spectra, a 15-minute light and water show at the Event Plaza, combines lasers, fountains and music in one striking performance. It remains a favorite way to enjoy the city skyline after dark.

F1 BTS
Titled SGP: Dare to Be Different, this exhibition explores the transformation of Singapore’s streets into a Grand Prix circuit. Engineering marvels, lighting systems and urban design are showcased through interactive and behind-the-scenes displays. The gallery is open Wednesday to Sunday with free admission.

SUNSET WATCH PARTIES
Palawan Beach hosts sunset sessions every Friday and Saturday until August 30. Visitors can enjoy beachside views, live music, and a relaxed atmosphere. As a friendly reminder: you’re encouraged to bring your own camping chairs or picnic mats for a comfortable viewing experience. It is a stress-free evening activity that captures the luxury of slowing down.

WEEKEND TOURS AT FORT SILOSO
Step into history with guided tours at Fort Siloso every Saturday and Sunday. Discover Singapore’s coastal defenses, World War II narratives and sweeping views from the skywalk. Arrive early as tours are on a first-come, first-served basis.

MEGA SPACE MOLLY
This first-of-its-kind exhibition celebrates the cult toy icon through rare archival pieces and imaginative displays. A short film by Singaporean artist Oh Jia Hao immerses visitors in SPACE MOLLY’s surreal lunar world. Admission to Mega Space Molly: Hello, Moon! is free at ION Art Gallery until August 24.

PERANAKAN LIGHTSHOW AT LOOKOUT LOOP
Traditional culture meets modern illumination at this vibrant light projection show. Peranakan motifs are reimagined through digital artistry, lighting up the heritage-themed Peranakan House until August 31. It is an ideal stop for design enthusiasts and photographers.

NEW BALANCE RUN HUB
New Balance’s Run Your Way Hub takes place from August 7 to 17, 2025, at the Visual Arts Centre in Dhoby Ghaut. This fitness pop-up invites runners to enjoy free runs, shoe trials, and expert talks led by health professionals and elite athletes. Participants can test new gear and train alongside five local run clubs. Registration is required.

LIGHT INSTALLATIONS IN THE CBD
From August 1 to September 6, light projections and digital art displays will illuminate the Bras Basah and Bugis area. These installations span from the National Museum to Stamford Walkway and serve as a prelude to the Singapore Night Festival. Night strolls just became a lot more interesting.

HISTORY COMES ALIVE AT NATIONAL MUSEUM
Singapore Odyssea: A Journey Through Time opens August 8 with an immersive, family-friendly experience covering 700 years of maritime history. The exhibit includes interactive storytelling and multi-sensory elements. Admission is free for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents.

Sources: 1 & 2

 

Read More...

Inside SG’s Next-Gen Oceanarium Experience

Formerly known as the S.E.A. Aquarium, the beloved underwater destination has undergone a bold transformation, emerging as the Singapore Oceanarium. More than just a name change, this is a sweeping reimagination of scale and vision.

Located at Resorts World Sentosa, the Singapore Oceanarium offers far more than a dazzling display of marine biodiversity. It presents itself as a global leader in ocean education, research, and conservation. Visitors are no longer simply spectators. They are invited to engage with a powerful narrative that connects humanity to the delicate balance of marine ecosystems.

Inside, the Oceanarium showcases immersive zones that guide guests through different realms and time periods of the ocean. The redesigned layout feels more expansive and fluid, replacing the dense signboards of the past with storytelling-driven exhibits that captivate and inform. The enhanced flow allows for a more intuitive experience that deepens connection with the marine world.

Image Credits: singaporeoceanarium.com

Ocean Wonders introduces guests to the surreal elegance of sea jellies, creatures that have drifted through the oceans for over half a billion years. Cylindrical tanks offer a full view of these fascinating animals, including rare species such as the Atlantic Sea Nettle and the Fried Egg Jelly. The rotating displays are both hypnotic and educational, highlighting the careful in-house breeding work of dedicated aquarists.

Ancient Waters offers an entirely different perspective. Life-sized animatronics and fossil exhibits bring to life ocean giants from prehistoric eras. Guests can observe modern-day descendants like the Arapaima, Horseshoe Crab, and Epaulette Shark in live tanks, bridging the world of ancient predators with present-day survivors.

The Spirit of Exploration zone features the Jewel of Muscat, a full-scale reconstruction of a ninth-century Omani sailing vessel. Suspended above is the Pier Adventure rope course, an optional ticketed activity for thrill-seekers. Nearby, Explorer’s Nook café serves marine-themed pastries in a spacious and comfortable setting perfect for a mid-visit break.

Shark Seas offers an adrenaline-pumping experience. Visitors walk through a tunnel surrounded by powerful predators such as the Scalloped Hammerhead and Sandbar Shark. Through the official app, guests can also engage in augmented reality experiences that reveal the complex reproductive systems and conservation challenges facing these species.

The Open Ocean zone features the largest viewing panel in the attraction. Manta Rays, Zebra Sharks, and Eagle Rays glide through a breathtaking aquatic landscape that evokes a sense of calm and awe. It is one of the most iconic spots within the Oceanarium.

Interactive areas like the Cleaner Shrimp zone allow guests to immerse their hands for a unique spa-like experience. At the Art-quarium, visitors can digitally design their own fish based on adaptive traits, blending fun with science.

Beyond the exhibits, the Oceanarium offers specialty programs such as the Fossilist Workshop, conservation-focused diving courses, and deep-sea encounters featuring rare creatures like the Japanese Isopod and the Australian Ghostshark. Ticket prices begin at S$42 for Singapore residents on weekdays, with additional premium experiences available for those who want to go deeper.

Image Credits: facebook.com/RWSSGO

Are you excited to visit soon? A friendly reminder: Ticket prices for the Singapore Oceanarium start at S$42 for Singapore residents and S$50 for non-residents on weekdays. Rates increase slightly during peak periods, with adult tickets priced at S$49 and S$55 respectively. Discounted rates are available for children and seniors too.

Ultimately, the Singapore Oceanarium is more than just a visual treat as it’s a journey into the heart of marine life. Guests are sure to leave not only amazed, but also inspired to care for the ocean and everything that calls it home.

 

Read More...

What It’s Like to Buy POP MART in Taiwan, Thailand, & Vietnam

Founded in 2010 by Chinese entrepreneur Wang Ning, POP MART began as a lifestyle store offering quirky pop culture merchandise. Over time, one product line rose to prominence: art toys. Inspired by Japan’s gacha machines, POP MART embraced the blind box model, where customers never know which character they will receive until they open the box. The thrill of surprise became its signature.

As a frequent traveller and passionate collector, I have discovered that the best travel keepsake is not a fridge magnet or postcard, but a POP MART blind box. Recently, I visited POP MART stores in Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. Each location brought a different experience worth sharing.

TAIWAN

Taipei’s Ximending district is home to one of the most iconic POP MART flagships. The store spans four full levels, with a grand exterior resembling a theatre. Inside, you will find a rotating exhibition space, a VIP lounge, and exclusive merchandise featuring Pop Bean and other character lines.

Image Credits: Anna Crisostomo

During our visit just four days ago, the lines were long and products sold out quickly. Still, my sister managed to get a Twinkle Twinkle box, and I picked up a Hacipupu. Beyond the Ximending flagship, POP MART outlets and Roboshops are widely available in cities such as Kaohsiung, Chiayi, Taoyuan, and Tainan.

THAILAND

In Thailand, the POP MART craze is equally strong. The flagship store at CentralWorld in Bangkok offers limited edition collectibles exclusive to the Thai market. Additional branches can be found in major malls like Terminal21 Asoke, Siam Center, Central Ladprao, Central Westgate, and Fashion Island.

Image Credits: facebook.com/popmartth

We explored the CentralWorld branch hoping to shop, but the checkout line was too long, and our schedule was tight. We left without a purchase, a reminder that timing is everything for POP MART collectors in Bangkok.

VIETNAM

Apart from Taiwan, our family’s most recent travel included a stop at Ba Na Hills in Da Nang, Vietnam. To my surprise, the POP MART store there is set inside a castle. It was a unique setting for a collectible hunt!

Image Credits: danangfantasticity.com

Vietnam currently has two official POP MART locations. One is inside Crescent Mall in District 7, Ho Chi Minh City. The other, which we visited, is located inside Ba Na Hills, high in the mountains. With no queues and well-stocked shelves, we were able to buy four blind boxes in under 10 minutes.

VERDICT: MOST REWARDING POP MART EXPERIENCE

Of all the stores I visited, the Ba Na Hills location in Da Nang stood out the most. The stunning views, peaceful atmosphere, and relaxed shopping experience made it the most enjoyable. Since it requires extra effort to reach and an admission ticket to enter, it seems to keep the crowd size down and the product selection wide.

If you are planning a trip and love collectible art toys, a POP MART visit might just be the most memorable part of your journey. Whether you find yourself in Taipei, Bangkok, or Da Nang, the right blind box could be waiting for you!

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

Read More...

What Can You Still Buy with S$1 in Singapore?

In a city where kopi often costs more than S$1 and hawker meals regularly climb past S$5, it is hard not to wonder…is there anything left that still costs just a dollar?

With the rising cost of living and food ingredients, is the humble S$1 still good for more than just candy? Can you still get an actual bite to eat for that price, or is it just a number from the past?

We searched around and found a few surprising ways that S$1 still stretches in Singapore.

#1: BREAD FOR UNDER S$1

Most bakeries now price soft buns and cake slices at S$2 or more. But Love Confectionery in Bukit Timah is keeping things simple.

This old school heartland bakery still offers custard buns, cream puffs, pandan cake slices, and sugar coated doughnuts for S$1 or even under. It is not just affordable. It is also packed with nostalgia.

Image Credits: facebook.com/loveconfectionerysg

#2: ICE CREAM FOR $0.50

Mixue sells its Signature King Cone for S$1.50. You get soft serve in a big crispy cone and according to one Redditor, it is a much better deal that the McD’s. Someone wrote, “Better than McDonald’s by far in my opinion. You get more for what you pay.”

Image Credits: unsplash.com

For a budget option, you can always grab the soy ice cream at IKEA for just 50 cents. Still one of the cheapest cool treats in town.

#3: IKEA’S S$1 HOTDOG

IKEA’s hot dog is something of a local icon. Despite inflation, it still sells for just S$1. You can choose the classic meat version or a plant based option made with kale, lentils, and quinoa. The veggie dog is available at IKEA Tampines and IKEA Jurong.

One Redditor shared, “This was how I used to bribe my son to behave in IKEA. He knew he would get a hot dog at the end.”

#4: DOLLAR DEALS AT 7-11

From now until 15 July 2025, 7-Eleven Singapore is running its rotating S$1 deals and there is a huge list of drinks and snacks on offer.

Items include Milo Gao, Pokka Lychee Tea, Fuze Jasmine Tea, Eurocake mini rolls, Want Want crackers, Nestlé Milo energy bars, and more. All at just a dollar. Do note that these are available only at selected stores and while stocks last.

#5: INSTANT NOODLES FOR JUST OVER S$1

They are no longer exactly one dollar, but Maggi Hot Cup Curry is only S$1.21 and Indomie Mi Goreng Cup goes for S$1.22 at FairPrice.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

If you are in need of a quick and comforting bite, these cup noodles deliver that warm familiar taste.

IN A NUTSHELL

You might not get a full meal for one dollar anymore, but if you look around, you can still find sweet deals for that price or just a little more. Ice cream, drinks, and hot dogs can still be within reach if you know where to go.

Got more S$1 finds? Let us know before they vanish too!

Read More...

Lazada 7.7 vs Shopee 7.7: Which Sale Is Really Worth Your Click?

Singapore’s mid-year shopping showdown is here again, and it is game on between Lazada and Shopee. With both platforms promising jaw-dropping prices, lightning-fast delivery, and massive vouchers, the real question is: where should you spend your money?

We took a deep dive into both Lazada’s 7.7 Big Summer Sale and Shopee’s ongoing 6.6 to 7.7 Great Shopee Sale to help you figure out where the real savings are hiding this season. The discounts may be loud, but we’re cutting through the noise to find the true value.

THE SALE TIMELINE

Shopee launched its Great Shopee Sale, stretching the campaign from June 6 all the way to July 7. It is a full month of timed flash sales, daily dining deals, and exciting voucher drops. The main event will happen on July 7. The campaign keeps shoppers coming back with fresh offers almost every other week.

In contrast, Lazada keeps things concise. Its Big Summer Sale begins on July 6 and ends on July 10. The deals are tightly packed, and users can consult LazCalendar to track the daily highlights and prepare in advance.

Verdict: Shopee dominates in duration and frequency. 

FOOD & LIFESTYLE DEALS

Shopee’s 50% off daily dining deals are a clear win for budget-savvy foodies. From Popeyes and KFC to Mr Bean, the discounts cover everyday cravings and quick comfort meals. Combine that with Shopee Live cashback, time-limited vouchers, and major markdowns on fashion and beauty, and you get a fantastic online GSS experience.

Lazada offers lifestyle deals as part of wider store promotions, but it is not as aggressive in food discounts. Their focus leans more toward value-for-money bundles across electronics, home, and essentials.

Verdict: Shopee steals the spotlight for lifestyle and food offers.

DELIVERY, RETURNS, & USER PERKS

Shopee’s guaranteed next-day delivery is a major win for shoppers. Free shipping vouchers are available all day and buyers enjoy a no-questions-asked 15-day return policy. It is fast, forgiving, and fuss-free.

Lazada offers free shipping on selected items and LazMall products often arrive quickly. Returns are usually accepted but policies can vary depending on the seller. Their 100% satisfaction guarantee provides some peace of mind, although it feels less straightforward than Shopee’s blanket return policy.

Verdict: Shopee leads the way with convenience and smoother logistics.

FLASH SALES, FASHION, & TECH

Shopee’s flash sales hit hard with up to 90% off branded items from Timberland, David Jones, and H&M. Vouchers stack across categories including fashion, home, beauty, and electronics. With major discounts on Roborock, PrismPlus, and Samsung, it is easy to get caught in the shopping loop.

Lazada focuses more on big-ticket deals across electronics, appliances, and home essentials. It may not have as many fashion-forward drops, but for large purchases, Lazada gives strong value through bundled discounts and cashback stacking.

Verdict: If you are planning to upgrade your home tech, Lazada offers a more structured deal path.

OVERALL SHOPPING EXPERIENCE

Shopee thrives on daily engagement. Its interface is built around live shopping, surprise vouchers, and limited-time rewards. The campaign feels more interactive, like a shopping game you want to keep playing.

Lazada appeals more to the planner. LazCalendar helps map your buys ahead of time and big-brand deals are usually clean and clearly labeled. It is less flashy, but arguably more efficient for focused shoppers.

Verdict: Shopee is more fun and immersive, while Lazada wins for structure and simplicity. It depends on your shopping habits.

FINAL VERDICT

Image Credits: unsplash.com

If you are chasing everyday value, fast delivery, and the joy of stacking vouchers across categories, Shopee is your go-to this 7.7. But if your eye is on the prize and that prize happens to be a new appliance or serious electronics upgrade, Lazada still holds its ground.

Want the best of both? Compare, claim early, and shop smart. These deals move fast and so should you.

Follow @moneydigest or facebook.com/MoneyDigest for real-time alerts and top picks this GSS season.

Read More...