10 Websites Singaporeans Must Stalk Now For Black Friday Deals

Standfirst: This is the moment you’ve been waiting for all year — to make your biggest savings by stocking up on gifts, every-day essentials and clothes from Amazon to Courts

As you know, Black Friday is just around the corner. In fact, it’s so close you could almost touch it. You might have read news reports that this year, Amazon has decided to shorten the wait to this annual Sale of the Year by three weeks — yes, it the e-comm juggernaut has already started the “countdown” to D-Day by offering a slew of attractive daily deals. With that news, we couldn’t help but wonder if other e-tailers — overseas and right here in our backward — might have jumped on the bandwagon with early-bird teasers, too.

So we did what we do best — scout, dig and ferret out all the sites and even brick-and-mortar stores that you should be stalking from now to bag the best deals, whether it’s gifts for the festive season or essentials for the new year ahead. Ready, set, shop!

  1. Amazon
    The race to the best buys is already on. Make a beeline for the “deal of the day” section, and you’ll be spoilt for choice for items going for up to 70 per cent off. It seems like a good place to start looking for stocking stuffers or Secret Santa gifts, if you ask us. Some of the crazy deals spotted so far include “The Hunger Games Complete 4-film Blu-Ray series at US$24.99 (46% off), TaoTronics Bluetooth Nano-Coating Sweatproof Sport Headphone at US$25.49 (58% off) and SanDisk Extreme PRO 64GB SDXC Flash Memory Card at US$34.95 (45% off). Be sure to log on every day to check for new deals and steals.
  2. Zalora

Word is out. Zalora Singapore will have conducting their Black Friday sale from November 27 to 30 with discounts of up to 80 per cent. If you download their app, you’ll get an additional 18 per cent off. We don’t know about you, but we’re already shopping and adding our 2017 wardrobe to wish list. As soon as the clock strikes 12 on November 27, we’re checking out.

  1. Sephora

Hey beauty-philes! Last year, Sephora Singapore offered Black and White card members 15 per cent off their purchases with a minimum spend of S$100. We expect no less from the our beauty fairy godmother this year. If anyone needs us, we’ll be stalking Sephora.sg and their social media for the latest updates.

  1. Uniqlo

You know you can trust the Japanese to be precise. Last year, Uniqlo gave us 20 per cent off storewide (a minimum purchase was required only at their online store). The promotion was valid precisely on the day of Black Friday, and the it’s come to our attention that they almost always launch their promotion at the stroke of midnight. So, if you’re looking to stock up on winterwear, Heattech underwear or — gasp! — Uniqlo’s Carine Roitfeld collection (if they’re still available by then), set your alarm!

  1. Shopbop

From indie to designer labels, Shopbop is a one-stop shop for fashionistas. Have you been searching for the perfect pair of mules or embroidered bomber jacket? There’s a pretty good chance you’ll find it here — and at a sweet discount come Black Friday. If the last two years are any indication, you can expect up to 25 per cent off your order, plus free express shipping worldwide. Keep your eyes peeled.

  1. Nasty Gal

In the Nasty Gal-axy, Black Friday is the new black. Looking at the history books, #Girlbosses everywhere enjoyed 30 per cent off their favourite black styles with a bonus 30 per cent off for Black Friday. Details of their deals are usually up a few days before Black Friday, and include early access for their social media followers. So, start following, go.

  1. Love, Bonito

If you’re a fan of homegrown fashion e-commerce site Love, Bonito, chances are you’d have enjoyed up to half in 2015 with an additional 10 per cent off when you enter a promo code. We are rubbing our hands in anticipation of what’s to come this year. Stay tuned, and support local, people!

  1. Robinsons

Calling big spenders! Are you moving house and in the market for big-ticket items? In case you missed it, Robinsons offered up some seriously delish discounts (up to 80 per cent!) and gifts including limited quantities of the iPad Mini 3 (with a minimum spend of S$3,500) and the iPhone 6 64GB for those who spent at least S$5,000. It’d be wise to start keeping your eyes and ears open a week before Black Friday, and be ready to strike when the time comes.

  1. Qoo10

Love it or loathe it, you can’t deny that Qoo10 does have some good stuff to offer — if you could bring yourself to wade through the clutter. Last year, we spotted Havaianas for S$9.90, Kindle Paperwhite for S$79.90 and Kate Spade wallets for S$59. It could be worth a stakeout.

  1. Courts

This is perhaps the best time of the year to refurbish your home or think about renewing some of your age-old furniture and appliances. At the last Black Friday, Courts rolled out irresistible offers that promised up to 90 per cent in savings. Sure, you can jostle with other bargain hunters at their brick-and-mortar stores, but the promotions are also available online if you’re busy making other purchases the world over.  

This article was contributed by SingSaver.com.sg, Singapore’s #1 personal finance comparison site for credit cards and personal loan.

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Why Many Singaporeans Are Not Tying The Knot

About 4 out of 5 Singapore residents express their intentions to get married. But, why are they not pursuing what their hearts deeply desire?

In 2013, 83% of the participants in the survey by National Population and Talent Division said that they want to tie the knot. This figure is slightly lower than the reported 85% in the previous survey (2007). We can only predict that the decline will continue by 2019.

The leading reasons why most of the respondents are not employing immediate marital plans are saving up for the wedding and saving up for the housing. Furthermore, 84% of the 4,646 participants intended to have 1-2 children only. Those people who are not planning to have any children or to have an extension to their family cited financial costs as one of their top reasons. It does not take a notable genius to understand how money gravely influences the Singaporean’s approach to marriage and parenthood.

Many residents of Singapore are delaying the the event of matrimony as they want to earn more money, to build an attractive career, and to be financially independent. These factors push up the national median age of first marriages.

MAKING MONEY IS HAPPINESS 

“Making money is happiness…”, said Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus. Along with happiness, money seems to go hand-in-hand with marriage. Many Singaporeans perceive that the primary focus of life is building careers and gaining more pay. A relatively significant amount of the population delay marriage to save money for cushioning the high cost of living. They are wary about certain expenses too. I cannot deny the fact that the wedding ceremony, home renovation, and infant care costs an overwhelming wealth!

The recent report by the Department of Statistics Singapore support these sentiments. It found that the median age for grooms at first marriage rose to 30.3 years old in 2015. During the same period, the median age for brides rose at a faster rate to 28.2 years old. These respondents wanted to attain “some level of success” to attract potential partners.

I AM A STRONG WOMEN WITH OR WITHOUT THIS OTHER PERSON

“I am a strong woman with or without this other person…”, said American performer Queen Latifah.

It is probably no coincidence or sorcery that as women gained more economic power in the recent decades, they have been less likely to get married. Women are less likely to wed due to financial security alone. Dr. Norman Li, the Associate Professor of Psychology at Singapore Management University, has his own take on this trend. He said that: “Women are now becoming more and more educated and earning increasingly more income. So, there are increasingly fewer men who meet their standards.”

Do you agree with Dr. Norman’s statements? Well, one thing is for sure. Birth rates have been hit due to women marrying later or not marrying at all.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

In order to entice more Singaporeans to get married and have children, institutions may employ different rewards. Banks may start to offer matrimony loans that specialize on the expenses of the wedding and the early years of marriage. Moreover, employers may provide a baby bonus (i.e., a cash gift) or a paid maternity leave.

Sources: 1 & 2

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Before You Kick The Bucket, Visit These Beautiful Local Places

Whether you like it or not, our time on Earth eventually comes to an end. Most people take this as an opportunity to live within their greatest potential. Keeping this mind, you may create a “travel bucket list” filled with the places that you desire to visit before you die (or at least before you turn 60).

You may think that Singapore is exclusively blessed with luxury malls and highly-rated hotels, but there is more to our country than the sheen of wealth. It is surrounded with diverse cultures and a vibrant history that you must discover.

Consider visiting these beautiful places first:

HIKE AT PULAU UBIN

Have a blast from the bygone years by observing how the villagers of the Pulau Ubin live without the glamorous skyscrapers. Pulau Ubin is an island found in the Northeast of Singapore. It is one of the last rural areas in the country with an abundance of fauna and flora. It is a great place to hike, cycle, and experience other outdoor activities. Make sure you pack the best hiking gps for your trip!

You may take a guided tour to explore the picturesque beaches and mangrove areas.

DISCOVER THE ASIAN WONDERS

Before the optimum condition of your senses deteriorate due to old age, consider savoring the beauty of treasured artworks by visiting local museums. On the top of my list is none other than Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM). Nestled at the mouth of the Singapore River, ACM will take you on a journey of historical discovery as they preserve the heritage of Asia.

It boasts with about 1,300 artifacts from China, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and West Asia. Upon walking inside its halls last year, I was amazed by the abundance and diversity of the Buddha statues as well as the 12 zodiac animal heads donated by Jackie Chan.

To shake things up, they accompany the permanent exhibits with special exhibits such as the “South Asia and the Islamic World”. You will be glad to know that admission is FREE for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents.

STROLL ABOVE THE TREES

Tick one item off your bucket list by conquering your fear of heights!

Take your special someone to a morning hike while watching the sunrise at the MacRitchie Reservoir Park. MacRitchie Reservoir Park houses several long hiking routes including the famous TreeTop Walk. The TreeTop Walk consists of a freestanding suspension bridge that connects two highest points namely: Bukit Peirce and Bukit Kalang. This is the first of its kind. You will truly appreciate the unique experience of looking over the variety of plants and animals while being about 25 meters off the ground.

POSE WITH ALL THE MERLION

Wouldn’t it be nice to share the stories of how you posed beside all the Merlion statues in Singapore? I am sure that your grandchildren will be fascinated to know that their grandparent stood face-to-face with the nation’s “mythical creature”.

As you may know, the Merlion has the head of the lion and the body of a fish. It is regarded as Singapore’s icon since the 60’s. There are seven Merlion statues built islandwide. Among these is the statue located next to One Fullerton. Take a snap with this water-spouting statue before you walk around Marina Bay.

RELAX AT A TROPICAL OASIS

Recently featured inside the pages of the Louis Vuitton City Guide Singapore, Blue Bali is the closest tropical oasis in the bustling city. The serene place consists of a restaurant and a spa where guests can indulge on contemporary Indonesian cuisine while overlooking the surrounding greenery.

Worry not about breaking the bank as the prices of the meals are reasonable. Mains start from S$16 while the kid’s meals start from S$8.

Image Credits: facebook.com/BlueBaliOnCluny

Image Credits: facebook.com/BlueBaliOnCluny

What are you waiting for? Tick “urban paradise” off your bucket list.

Sources: 1, 2, 3

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Why I Failed At My Previous Job Interviews

I can vividly recall the rush of emotions that I felt upon receiving a pleasant message from an esteemed insurance company. At the crack of dawn, the HR department of the international company emailed me to meet up for an interview. I immediately agreed to a job interview at Raffles Place.

This was not my first rodeo, but I was overly excited. I had been dreaming about becoming a party of this company for the longest time. Unbeknownst to me, being overeager was a part of my downfall. You will come to that conclusion later on.

On the day of my interview, I solely entered a spacious room. The recruiter came in and handed me with two Psychological tests. With my background in Psychology and human behavior, you may think that these tests are easy to accomplish. I knew how to answer in a manner that is both genuine and acceptable. However, I was too excited that my mind blacked out she stated the instructions. The tangible gravity of the reality overwhelmed my spirit! She had to repeat the instructions again because I committed several errors. The situation was embarrassing! I compensated by extending our chatter. The excessive conversations made me seem desperate. Needless to say, I did not land the coveted job.

Although the recruiter did not mention the reasons why I got rejected, most of our application rejections are due to basic issues. This is why you must avoid these certain mistakes: being overeager, including documentation errors, and not caring about personal appearance.

The scenario that I shared above is a prime example of the negative consequences that can spring from being too eager and excited. Much like speed dating, a candidate that seems too desperate is a major turnoff. Constantly calling or emailing for updates is a waste of the recruiter’s time. Remain calm and wait patiently for a call back.

Secondly, most people commit typographical errors in printed and written documents. Even professionals cannot escape this wrongful pit!

While I was scanning through my old emails, I noticed that I misspelled a couple of simple words (e.g., “the” became “teh”) in an old application. This happened long before I started to make a living out of writing articles. However, its value holds true until today. The materials that you submitted signify an impression. This is why you must give a substantial amount of time to proofread or revise everything. For handwritten forms, do not forget to do the “i’s” and cross the “t’s”. Pay attention to details!

Lastly, you must dress to impress. Let us face it! We live in a relatively superficial world where physical appearance plays a huge part in our interactions. A recent study even highlighted that tall people get paid more. Look professional during an interview by dressing appropriately. Show that you respect the position that you are vying for by properly grooming yourself. Add a tad of moderate make-up if needed.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

We all learn from our personal experiences and job interviews are no different!

Sources: 1 & 2

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5 Travel Destinations With Exciting Attractions For The Family

The December holidays are looming, and the kids are itching for some year-end fun. Looking for a fun-filled family getaway around the region? The options are aplenty!

From Australia’s Movie World, Taiwan’s World Chocolate Wonderland, to Hong Kong’s Ocean Park, Japan’s Sanrio Puroland or South Korea’s Everland, the choices are endless.

Here we share 17 attractions from around the region for the adventure-seeking you.


1. Australia (5 nights)

Heading to Australia? You cannot miss visiting the Gold Coast region, for that is where all the fun in Australia converges.

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(Use promo code ‘MD4OFF‘ at checkout to enjoy $4 off)
* ‘MD4OFF’ is only applicable for adult ticket

Warner Bros. Movie World is a theme park on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia that revolves around the Warner Bros’ movies.

Witness your children’s favourite cartoon characters come to life, with Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Tweety and Sylvester dancing along with you. Have Australia’s best stunt crew, Showtime FMX, take you on an action-packed movie with heart-stopping driving stunts. The latest addition to the theme park, Arkham Asylum, is the Southern Hemisphere’s first Virtual Reality rollercoaster experience. Embark on a 360-degree thrilling experience, while reaching speeds of up to 85km/h!

56754

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(*Use promo code ‘MD4OFF‘ at checkout to enjoy $4 off)
* ‘MD4OFF’ is applicable only for adult ticket

Also situated on the Gold Coast, Dreamworld is Australia’s largest theme park with over 50 rides and attractions, including five roller coasters.

With so many attractions to catch, there’s a ride for every age. Cruise down river rapids as fast as 45km/h at their favourite family attraction, Thunder River Rapids. For the younger ones, indulge in a sing and dance song with Dorothy the Dinosaur and her friends Wags the Dog, Captain Feathersword and Fairy Claire. That’s not all – be impressed by their LEGO store, with life-sized LEGO models to greet you!

57179

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(*Use promo code ‘MD4OFF‘ at checkout to enjoy $4 off )
* ‘MD4OFF’ is applicable only for adult ticket

Bring your little ones on a wildlife education journey. Learn all about koalas, emus, kangaroos and even the adorable Tasmanian Devil at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary!

If you’re looking for something slightly more adventurous, give their TreeTop Challenge a shot, as you zipline across crocodiles and balance on a tightrope through the canopy!

eureka-skydeck

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If Melbourne is part of your Australia itinerary, catch all of Melbourne’s attractions at Eureka Skydeck 88. At 285 metres above ground, experience Melboune like never before with their floor-to-ceiling views from the 88th floor. Try spotting Melbourne’s prominent landmarks such as the MCG, Federation square and Flinders Street Station from their 360-degree observation decks!

 2. Taiwan (3 nights)

Taiwan is a mecca for food, but did you know, they have over 20 amusement parks throughout the island too?

leafoo

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Musical water shows, parades and safari wildlife zoo that is home to 1000 animals of 70 different species. Experience all these in one theme park at Leofoo Village Theme Park. Attractions-wise, have a taste at Taiwan’s largest man-made river Grand Canyon Whitewater Rafting, their biggest Pirate Ship and also their Volcano Adventure. Fancy experiencing zero gravity? Then you have to ride the 17-storey-high Danu God!

chocolate-wonderland

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(*Use promo code ‘MD4OFF‘ at checkout to enjoy $4 off )
* ‘MD4OFF’ is applicable to admission ticket and admission ticket + DIY Chocolate Workshop

For the sweet-toothed, here’s another reason to rejoice! As the name suggests, World Chocolate Wonderland is a haven for all chocolate lovers. Their chocolate museum features chocolate sculptures of everything imaginable, from sci-fi characters to hand bags. A great family activity includes designing your own chocolates at their DIY workshop. If you’re looking for wet-weather plans to brave the sometimes relentless weather of Taiwan, this could be it.

3. Hong Kong (3 nights)

Madame Tussaud HK

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If you enjoy the attractions in Singapore, then you’re going to love Hong Kong’s version even more. Like Singapore, Hong Kong has their very own Trick Eye Museum and Madame Tussauds that selfie-lovers will enjoy. Impress your friends with funky poses in Trick Eye Museum’s interactive 3D museum, and stand up close and personal with all the celebrity stars from Hollywood and Hong Kong in Madame Tussauds.

Ocean Park HKG

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(*Use promo code ‘MD2OFF‘ at checkout to enjoy $2 off)
* ‘MD2OFF’ is only applicable to Ocean Park (Adult) Admission + HKD100 Souvenir Coupon, Ocean Park (Adult) Admission + Kiosk Meal Combo, Ocean Park Special Admission + Restaurant Meal Combo, Ocean Park Special (Buy 2 Adults Get 1 Child Free Promotion)

Hong Kong has no lack of fun activities as well, with Ocean Park Hong Kong topping the list for family-friendly activities. Encompassing a marine mammal park, oceanarium, animal theme park and amusement park, it is the perfect place to bring your children for a fun and educational journey. Located in the Southern District of Hong Kong, Ocean Park covers more than 915,000 metres. It’s no wonder why they are the first Asian theme park to win the biannual Applause Award, the most distinguished award within the amusement and theme park field.

sky-terrace-428_harbour-view_7

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While you’re on Hong Kong Island, make a visit to The Peak to experience Hong Kong’s oldest and most famous funicular tramway, The Peak Tram. This tramway rises all the way to 296 metres above sea level, offering you a panoramic view of the city. While you’re at the top, indulge in the views from the Sky Terrace 428. Whether by night or by day, Hong Kong’s skyscrapers is a sight like no other!

ngong-ping-2

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(*Use promo code ‘MD2OFF‘ at checkout to enjoy $2 off)
* ‘MD2OFF’ is applicable to only Ngong Ping Round Trip Crystal Cabin Cable Car (Adult) and  Ngong Ping Crystal Cabin Round-trip Adult + Meal Coupon
FIRST 300 CUSTOMERS WHO PURCHASE ANY NGONG PING ATTRACTION TICKETS WILL BE ENTITLED TO A FREE SNACK COUPON VALUED AT $6.50 (HKD36) TO BE USED AT NGONG PING. WHILE STOCKS LAST.

Intrigued by the views of Hong Kong from the top? Then Ngong Ping 360 is another attraction worth exploring. An aerial tramway 5.7 kilometres long will connect you from Tung Chung Town Centre to Ngong Ping Village in the 25-minute ride. With the option of a glass-bottomed crystal cabin, you’ll be greeted with unobstructed views over Lantau Island, the seascape and Ngong Ping Village. Can you spot the airport from this aerial view?

4. South Korea (3 nights)

lotte-world-2

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(*Use promo code ‘MD2OFF‘ at checkout to enjoy $2 off)

Over at South Korea, you can never miss out on shopping. Lotte World is a shopping complex which also conveniently transforms into a theme park, a water park, and an aquarium within the complex. It boasts an indoor and outdoor theme park, with the indoor theme park being the world’s largest. Your children will never run out of things to do with daily ongoing performances and bi-monthly festivals being held, while you can occupy yourself with the myriad of shops in the vicinity. Now you can shop with ease while your children let themselves loose.

everland

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Everland is South Korea’s largest theme park. Different themed festivals are organized all year round, including Tulip Festival, Rose Festival, Summer Splash, Halloween Festival, and Romantic Illumination. Learn about Korean’s history in Pride in Korea. Hear the kings of the jungle roar in Safari World. You also cannot leave without riding on T-Express, Korea’s first wooden roller coaster and also one of Everland’s most thrilling rides!

If you’ve always dreamed of being in a live K-Pop concert watching your favourite bands perform, you can experience how it feels like through the 3D hologram at the Live Hologram Theater! The K-Pop Hologram which plays the first ever hologram concert at Everland is at the Global Fair which is an international market of shopping outlets.

n-seoul-tower

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Set atop Namsan Mountain 237 metres high, N Seoul Tower offers sweeping views of the city of Seoul. While you’re on top of the world, don’t miss out on dining at N Grill, a Western-style revolving restaurant, and the Sky Restroom with its multi-colour creative art space!

5. Japan (3 nights)

Splash Mountain, Tokyo Disneyland

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Tokyo Disneyland is no stranger to the adventure-seeking families in Asia. Riding on the same concept as the rest of Disneyland worldwide, it is based on the films produced by Walt Disney, with some rides not found anywhere else. Interestingly, it is the first Disney theme park outside of the United States to be opened, in 1983.

Scuttle's Scooters, Tokyo DisneySea

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Sister to Disneyland, Tokyo DisneySea is a 176-acre theme park at the Tokyo Disney Resort. Get ready to set sail on the seven themed ports of call: Mediterranean Harbor, Mysterious Island, Mermaid Lagoon, Arabian Coast, Lost River Delta, Port Discovery and American Waterfront.

minion-3

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Let Sesame Street, Minions and Shrek welcome you into a land of joy at Universal Studios Japan. As the first theme park under the Universal Studios brand to be built in Asia, it is the next most popular theme park in Japan after Tokyo Disneyland. Step into the shoes of Harry Potter and enter the massive Hogwarts castle. You can even witness the ‘Moving Portrait Corridor’ as seen in the movie!

In the first half of 2017, Universal Studios Japan will open “Minion Park,” the world’s largest Minion area, inspired by Illumination Entertainment’s Despicable Me franchise. There are so many Minions in “Minion Park” and now all guests, from children to adults, may now celebrate the world of Gru’s subversive and sweet henchmen alongside them.

sanrio-puroland

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Think Hello Kitty, Little Twin Stars and My Melody. Now imagine them greeting you and dancing along with your favourite melodies. At Sanrio Puroland Japan, musicals, parades, and even the food served are all made of Sanrio character heroes. Take a leisurely boat ride through the park and be entertained by Hello Kitty’s wedding. Better yet, visit Lady Kitty House to get a sneak peak of what how Kitty goes about her daily life! Don’t leave without getting a souvenir for your visit to Sanrio Puroland. With over 5000 Sanrio products, at their Sanrio store, you are bound to be spoilt for choice!

Start your trip with a dose of Hello Kitty at Changi Airport’s Hello Kitty café before you kick off your Hello Kitty journey at Japan.

cr-wifi-2

As part of Changi Recommends’ continuous efforts to make your holiday planning effortless, you can now purchase mobile Wi-Fi router rental, airport transfers, Japan Rail Pass and overseas attraction tickets before you embark on your trip!

Planning for a holiday could not have been easier when you can purchase land tour packages directly with Changi Recommends. If you are travelling to Japan or South Korea, check out their Mt Fuji Tour and the Jisan Ski Tour.

To provide you with even a better experience, you can track your flight in real-time with their Flight Watch function by simply entering your flight details and mobile number. This is a free service where you get SMS updates on your arrival or departure flights.  It acts like your personal concierge where it reports to you:

  • when you are scheduled to board
  • which terminal to go to
  • which row to check in
  • which belt for baggage collection
  • flight delay or cancellation updates

Talk about first-class services.

Whether you are bringing little tots for an educational yet playful trip, or teenagers looking for adrenaline, there is something for everyone in the neighbouring countries. Grab hold of the limited year-end promo codes to book your tickets today!

(* Code validity for purchase by 30 Nov 2016)

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