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KAYAK.sg reveals the top 5 night markets in Asia for Singaporean foodies

The travel search engine KAYAK.sg has identified the best night markets that Singaporeans should discover in Asia and the best travelling days for maximum savings

Singaporean travellers can save up to 55% on a round-trip flight to Phnom Penh when flying on Monday and returning Saturday
The cheapest return flight is from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur with an average price of S$76
When booking a return flight for a trip to Ho Chi Minh city travellers can save up to 33% flying on Wednesday and returning Friday

Singaporean foodies can never get enough of good food and are always on the hunt for the best local gastronomic experiences. KAYAK.sg reveals which destinations have the best local food at the most wallet-friendly prices, as well as which travel daysafford the best flight deals. Knowing which days are the best to fly on when booking a return trip allows Singaporean travellers to better plan their trip, while spending less on their flights and more on local delicacies in Asia’s best night markets.

Debby Soo, KAYAK Vice President APAC said “Tasting local food is a highlight on every traveller’s itinerary. To avoid disappointment, travellers should make sure to check the opening hours of night markets as they are not all open daily. Also, Singaporean holidaymakers should come prepared with sufficient loose change as the vendors only accept cash payment.”

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Jalan Alor Food Street

@Kheng Guan Toh/Shutterstock.com

Jalan Alor is the best local tip when it comes to night markets in Malaysia. Expect to find a smorgasbord of street food; ranging from local Malay and Chinese food to international cuisine and exotic snacks; it is the perfect place for those who want to try all of the famous, local dishes. The famous food street is open until late to cater to party-goers around the area. Everything is on offer, including barbequed chicken wings, grilled seafood, tofu bakar and belacan fried rice. The street market is open every day from 5pm till late. Travellers should note that some of the street’s restaurants have very specific opening times and are not open every day or at all hours, thus they should be sure to check the opening times before visiting them. To get better flight deals, Singaporean foodies are encouraged to travel to Kuala Lumpur on a Sunday and stay until a Tuesday, when the average price for a return trip amounts to S$83, saving travellers an average of 29% when compared to a Saturday to Sunday getaway. If travellers are making frequent trips to Jalan Alor to satisfy their cravings, they should consider their stay at Parkroyal Kuala Lumpur – a 10 minute walk away from the food street.

Address: Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam: Ky Hoa Night Market

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Adventurous travellers can slip away from the French cafes and tourist heavy spots in District 1 and hop over to District 10 to explore Ky Hoa Night market which offers a wide range of local food. Among the most popular local delicacies, Singaporean foodies can try Vietnamese Com Tam (broken-rice) with grilled pork, bot chien (fried rice flour cake with egg), bun thit nuong (cold rice vermicelli) as well as exotic delicacies including fried insects and arachnids. Travellers should head to Ho Chi Minh City on a Wednesday and return on a Friday, when a return flight costs an average of S$151, saving up to 33% when compared to booking a flight leaving on a Sunday returning Monday. Luckily for Singaporeans, the market is open daily from 5pm to midnight; however, to make the most of it, travellers may consider staying in one of the top 5-star hotels nearby, such as the Windsor Plaza Hotel, and extending their taste-testing spree by couple of days.

Address: Thong Nhat Stadium, 138 Dao Duy Tu, Thanh Binh, Vietnam

Phnom Penh, Cambodia: Psar Reatrey

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Phnom Penh’s only formal night market, Psar Reatrey, overlooks the riverside from the central reservation that separates downtown and northern Phnom Penh. Singaporeans can enjoy live local pop music as they stroll through this less-crowded and less touristy Cambodian night market. Travellers should make sure to taste some specialties from the local cuisine, including Fish Amok (Cambodian style steamed fish), Kuy Teav (noodle soup), and Prahok (crushed and salted mud fish in banana leaves). Holidaymakers searching for novelties should take a seat at the back of the market and try fried cockroaches and salted grasshoppers. Singaporean travellers who want to save up to 55% should leave on a Monday and return on a Saturday when an average price of a return flight amounts to S$208. Moreover, it is perfect timing as the market is open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 5pm till midnight. Those who want to extend their stay in the capital and spend more time enjoying the local delicacies may want to consider checking into a 4-star hotel e.g the Sunway Hotel Phnom Penh, located within easy walking distance from the market.

Address: Street 1 (Preah Sisowath Quay) in Wat Phnom Commune, Daun Penh District

Bangkok, Thailand: Rod Fai Market 2

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A sea of colourful tents, near the Thailand Cultural Centre, at the BTS station, house row upon row of street food vendors offering travellers everything from stir fried pad thai to barbequed fish and the perennial favourite, mango sticky rice. After eating or when taking a break from it, Singaporeans should head up to the second-story bars, which provide a bird’s eye view of the market below, and enjoy some live music The best days to stay in Bangkok are Monday to Friday, when the average return flight price is around S$173. Also, Singaporean holidaymakers can save up to 27% when booking their flights for these days compared to other booking combinations. For Singaporeans taking advantage of this great deal, take note that the market is only open Thursday to Sunday so book a hotel like the Grand Mercure Bangkok Fortune, just a stone’s throw away from the market, to really make the most of your market dining experience.

Address: Ratcadaphisek Road (close to Esplanade Shopping Mall)

Taipei, Taiwan: Shi-Da Night Market

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Located in one of the city’s trendiest neighbourhoods and near several universities, Shi-Da has a young and vibrant atmosphere. The market can be found along Longquan Street, which runs parallel to ShiDa Road. Apart from tasting such local delicacies as stinky tofu, black pepper buns and grilled squid, Singaporeans should definitely make time to explore the stalls set up by local fashion designers. Travellers can save up to 16% when flying out a Sunday and back on a Tuesday, with an average price of S$337 when compared to holidaying from Tuesday till Sunday. The market is open from 6pm to 11.30pm daily; however, with so much to see and taste Singaporean travellers, wanting to make the most of their time in Taipei may want to consider somewhere like the Rido Hotel, which is a short stroll away from the market.

Address: Lane 39, Shida Rd, Da’an District, Taipei City

Note:

Data analysis is based on flight searches made on KAYAK.sg from June 2015 until June 2016 for travelling dates between June and December 2016. Average prices are quoted in Singapore dollars and based on a return economy flight for one person. All prices quoted may be subject to change and may no longer be available. Hotels are recommended based on short travel distance from the night markets or food streets, rated at least 4 stars. Searches are made on 18 June 2016 for 1 night stay and 2 guests from 27 June to 25 July 2016.

Ridiculously Entertaining Riddles About Money

A prominent form of literature back in the Medieval age, the riddle’s undeniable charm still holds weight today. If your hobby is answering riddles, do you think you can uncover two or all of these?

Answers are provided below.

EASY

1. What word of five letters has only one left when two letters are removed?

2. Whoever makes it, says it not. Whoever takes it, knows it not. Whoever knows it, wants it not.

3. What has a bank with no money and waves with no hands?

MODERATE

4. A mother offered to pay her son S$5 for every correct answer he gets on his Maths test. Her son said he would pay his Mum S$8 for every incorrect answer. There were 26 questions on the test and no money was exchanged.

Why is that so?

5. Jack lent Rose as much money as she already had then, she spent S$10. On the second day, Jack lent her as much money as she had now and she spent S$10 again. The next day, Jack once again lent her as much money as she currently had. She spent S$10 and was broke afterwards.

How much money did Rose start with?

6. Jenny’s friends were chipping in cash to buy her a baby shower gift. At first, ten friends chipped in, but two of them flaked out. Each of the eight had to give in another dollar to bring the amount back up.

How much money did they plan to collect?

DIFFICULT

7. An elderly Singaporean wanted to leave all of his fortune to one of his three sons. However, he did not know which one is worthy of his wealth. He gave each of them a few S$1’s and told them to buy something that would be able to fill their living room. The first man bought straws, but it were not enough to fill the room. The second bought some sticks, but they still did not fill the room. The third man bought two things that filled the room, and he obtained his father’s fortune.

What were the two things that the wise son (3rd man) bought?

8. An affluent man named Phillip Ng had been counting his money. He accidentally left a S$1,000 bill on his desk. He returned for it but, it was gone. Only 2 other people could have seen the bill in the short amount of time. It was either between his maid and his butler.

The maid told him that she had hidden it for safe-keeping under a green book that was on the desk. When they looked the bill was not there.

The butler said he had found the bill where the maid had left it. He had placed it inside the least suspicious book. He had written down the page numbers so that he would not forget them. The bill was between pages 35 and 36, he said. But there was no money in that book.

After Mr. Ellis had talked to the maid and the butler he phoned the police. He knew who had taken the money. How was this possible?

Image Credits: pixabay.com

ANSWERS

1. Money
2. Counterfeit or Fake Money
3. River
4. The son got 10 incorrect answers and 16 correct ones.
5. S$8.75
6. S$40
7. The “wise” son bought a candle and a lighter. The light from the candle filled the entire room.
8. Mr. Ng knew that the butler was lying because pages 35 and 36 of a book are always printed on the opposited sides of the same paper.

Adapted from the riddles on sources: 1,2, & 3.

Useful Money-Saving Tips For Pet Owners

Most owners treat their pets not as animals but as members of their family. With this special bond, they only want what is best for their pets.

Fortunately, you not have to go overboard in order to shower your pet with care and affection.

1. CREATE YOUR OWN TOYS

Instead of purchasing a S$10 chew toy, you can recycle old materials and turn them into instruments of entertainment. Remember your old pair of “ripped” jeans? You can transform it into a good tug toy for your dog. There are more ways to DIY your pet’s toys, you simply have to research online and use your creative juices.

2. BUILD YOUR OWN NEST

Aside from crafting your own toys, you can make a cozy haven for your beloved ones. Shaina from sugarstilettosstyle.com showed her audience how to make a space-efficient and cost-efficient bed for her dogs. Watch this video to see for yourself:

The IKEA SKUBB storage case retails for S$11.90 in Singapore.

3. EMPLOY PREVENTIVE CARE

As the age-old quote goes: “prevention is better than cure.”

One of the best ways to avoid paying costly veterinarian bills is to keep your beloved protected against illness. Do so by religiously employing preventive measures such as vaccinations.

4. SHY AWAY FROM FANCY PET FASHION

There are lots of options for pet apparels these days! Instagram is filled with pets that are decked out with glitter accessories, fancy collars, and customized sweaters. But does your pet need all those?

Shy away from the high-end pet trends and stick with purchasing products that will make your pet’s life easier like a sturdy ID tag (in case she or he gets lost) or a comfortable leash.

5. ALLOCATE MONEY FOR YOUR PET

Keep track of your pet expenses before it is too late. This month, analyze how much you are spending for your pet (e.g., costs for grooming and food). Then, designate a budget for your pet that realistically covers your spending. Lastly, eliminate unnecessary expenses from time to time.

6. APPLY EUCALYPTUS

My cousin recently purchased a 2-month-old puppy. The pup is currently in its oral stage where he is obsessed with licking and biting things. He has bitten countless items such as shoes, papers, and even the cabinet. Since the situation is getting out of hand, he stays in his cage most of the times.

A simple solution that my cousin can employ is to apply eucalyptus-enriched products such as Mentholatum (Decongestant-Analgesic Ointment) or Vicks Vaporub. This works because pets cannot take the potent smell of eucalyptus. So apply it in the areas that you wish your pet can stay away from.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

How Money Can Ultimately Buy Happiness

In the previous posts I wrote entitled “Important Things You Must Know About Money And Happiness” and “10 Wonderful Treasures That Money Cannot Buy“, I highlighted that happiness along with other important values does not come with price-tags. This is supported by the 2012 report by Gallup.

According to the report, Singapore is still the unhappiest nation despite the fact that Singapore enjoys one of the highest per capita GDP values in the world. Surprisingly, it ranked as less happier than the populations of Iraq, Haiti, and Afghanistan.

Money cannot purchase happiness in all circumstances. Unless…you spend your wealth in the “proper” way!

Recent studies showed that there are some efficient ways that money can result to happiness. Here are some of them:

1. WHEN MONEY IS SPENT ON EXPERIENCES

A study by Cornell University researchers found that spending money on experiences instead of material possessions, improved the well-being of the person. Your feelings toward your materialistic purchases are subjected to buyer’s remorse as well as comparisons to others. Almost anyone can buy a new bag but, not everyone can experience the thrill of scuba diving!

To stimulate happiness, focus more on experiences that are unique to you. Only if these expenses are within your allotted budget – of course!

2. WHEN MONEY IS SPENT BASED ON THE SELF

Upon analyzing over 76,000 transactions of 625 participants, a recent study showed that matching personality to spending habits was more crucial than one’s total income and total spending. The personality categories in the study were divided into 5, namely: Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism. This is based on the Big Five Personality Traits.

For example, Singaporeans who are high on “Openness” enjoy trying new things. These people can experience increased levels of happiness if they spent their money on a beauty or hair makeover.

Know your personality and spend money in accordance with your Psychological needs by completing a simple test here.

3. WHEN MONEY IS SPENT ON THE LITTLE THINGS

In the 2010 issue of Journal of Consumer Psychology, Jing Yang Zhong and Vincent-Wayne Mitchell surveyed the spending habits of 5,000 households. They found that the best way to increase one’s happiness was to make a series of smaller purchases. For instance, the people who spent their money on a series of concerts by lesser known artists were happier than those people who spent the same amount of money in one concert by an immensely famous band. Do you agree?

Well, it goes to show that the things that we think will make us happy often do not.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Dr. Elizabeth Dunn even believes that “we may be better off devoting our finite financial resources to purchasing frequent doses of lovely things, rather than infrequent doses of lovelier things.” Simply, satisfying our simple pleasures frequently can elicit happiness in the long run.

How to Keep Hiring Costs Low and Still Find the Right Candidate

Finding the right person for the job is what can make or break a company, especially if you’re a small startup. Singapore is one of the best places right now for fledgling IT companies given the increased interest in supporting infrastructure within the country and investing billions in new IT contracts in 2016. However, there are ways to find the best candidates without expecting people to travel, relocate, or even work in your office. If you’re willing to entertain the notion of a true modern day workforce, here are a few ideas about how to keep your hiring costs down and your productivity up.

Everyone Is Part of the Network

One of the biggest concerns that most managers have is that you’ll miss out on candidates if you restrict your search solely to online resources or interviews on camera. However, of all countries in the world, Singapore is the one where you should be just that. In fact, the Singapore Business Review reports that 74 percent of Singaporeans are connected to the mobile internet, a number higher than even that of North America, which is why the country is poised to win the Smart City race. Therefore, by keeping your search online, you’ll not only be tapping into a huge network of candidates, but it’s also a great way to see all the younger talent that is out there.

Today, you can also conduct interviews much more easily on mobile devices with the right providers. Don’t worry too much about whether or not your candidates will be able to deal with an on-screen interaction. The fact is that if they can’t manage to figure out how to join a video interview in 2016, then they’re probably not qualified to be working for you.

How to Use the Tools Available

Since the idea is to keep hiring costs down, you also don’t want to blow all your money on an overpriced conferencing system in order to conduct interviews or hold meetings. Therefore, a service such as Blue Jeans interactive web conferencing for IT is a common solution due to how affordable it can be for companies of all sizes. If you’re in the IT industry and you’re screening new hires, not only is it beneficial to use video to narrow down your search and make the hiring process go faster, but seeing how candidates deal with the situation is probably an indicator of how comfortable they are with new technology. If you’re dealing with someone who possesses confidence on screen during an interview, whether they’re in IT or not, it demonstrates an ability to adapt. If it’s an IT professional, they also should ideally know at least something about video conferencing today.

Traditional Hires Versus Remote Workers

What costs can you avoid when conducting your search for a new hire online? According to Monster Singapore, there are plenty of reasonable demands that a new employee can make if they’re being asked to relocate, including moving costs, temporary lodging costs, assistance in selling a current home, and more. However, there’s an easy way to avoid all of that and still procure the employee you want. This is a great example of how you not only can attract job seekers from further away than your local area, but also how you can potentially employ remote workers using solely the Internet. Video conferencing has made it possible to hire new staff from afar, an essential option to have in a competitive industry. Given that IT is one of the most popular fields to enter right now, making smart hires in the shortest time is absolutely paramount to the success of individual businesses. This is also a great example of how an investment in video conferencing technology can not only benefit your company when interviewing and finding qualified candidates, but also can be used in longevity, adding to the talent pool of your staff and making your projects even more successful. There’s no replacement for a good employee, and if you find someone who’s employable, regardless of how far away they are, you’d be wise to act on it. Unlike video interactions from years ago that required special equipment, today’s conferencing systems have embraced mobility in particular.

In order to be successful in any business, you need to be a free thinker who’s not afraid of new ideas and systems. This is especially true right now in IT, since it’s the industry’s time to shine in Singapore. Whether you’re a manager in a large company or a CEO in a small startup, branching out to include staff that’s comprised of remote workers or doing all of your interviewing via video is essential. Time is money, and you don’t want to waste yours doing things the old fashioned way. Hop on your mobile device today and start finding the best person for the job in half the time than it would have taken two decades ago.

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