Have A Selfie Spree At The Most Picturesque Places In Singapore

Are you an aspiring model or photographer looking for the perfect photo-shoot location? If you do not have the access to a professional studio, fret not because there are a lot of picturesque outdoor spots that are worth visiting. These spots are not only limited to models or photographers; if you want to savor the scene, you can too! You can always take great photos for fun! Just have your selfie stick ready as you go to the Most Picturesque (Yet No-Cost) Places In Singapore…

1. FOR THE HERITAGE NOSTALGIA

About 15 minutes away from the Eunos MRT is your first potential photo-shoot location – the Koon Seng Road. It is filled with traditional Peranakan shophouses that are pastel colored and intricately embellished. Be in awe with the rich architecture background as you take a beautiful selfie.

2. FOR THE ARTISTIC TOUCH

I was one of the lucky few people who witnessed the halls of National Gallery Singapore before its grand unveiling later this year. All I can say about it is that, every corner and every room is undeniably Instagram worthy. This is because the place used to be the halls of the Supreme Court and the City Hall. Starting it off with the elegantly white entrance that used to be a car park. Instead of going inside the traditional doors, we went inside the windows.

This majestic space is the #Singapore Courtyard at the @nationalgallerysingapore❕

A photo posted by Registered Psychometrician (@agoncilloanna) on

Simply, they took something old and added a creative modern twist. An aesthetically pleasing background is perfect for snaps!

3. FOR THE CHILD IN YOU

Travel to Toa Payoh to see the Dragon Sand Playground…this might be the last of its kind. As its name says, the playground is dragon shaped and sand based. These were the popular playgrounds in the 70s-80s. After 1993, they were phased out due to safety concerns. Take a trip down to memory lane and reminisce your childhood memories as you take photos of your #OOTD (Outfit Of The Day).

Image Credits: http://remembersingapore.org

Image Credits: remembersingapore.org

4. FOR THE NATURE JUNKIE

Punggol Waterway Park as is one of the favorite locations of wedding photographers. It is located at the heart of the Punggol Eco-town – the first eco-friendly town in Singapore. That said, you could take unforgettable pictures along the Punggol Waterway Bridge and the Punggol Waterway Park Tree.

5. FOR THE TOTALLY HIPSTER

Two of the hippest spots in Singapore can house the most pleasing photo-shoots. These are namely: the Haji Lane and the Orchard Gateway Bridge. Haji Lane has a myriad of vintage shophouses that sell contemporary and quirky items such as accessories and clothing. The road is also filled with textile shops that have been in business since the 50s! And, my favorite corner is that of the Piedra Negra Restaurant’s because of its vibrant graffiti.

Image Credits: Luke Ma via Flickr with CC License

Image Credits: Luke Ma via Flickr with CC License

On the other hand, Orchard Gateway Bridge gives a modern vibe as its futuristic glass bridge joins the orchardgateway@emerald and Orchard Gateway. Always have your camera with you so you can stop and snap some selfies while you are walking along. 🙂

Sources: 1 & 2

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How To Not Go Over Budget While Traveling

After working tremendously for a year, a vacation is a well-deserved reward. However, it is easy to become complacent and carefree over your budget. Going over board your budget when on a relaxing getaway is simple, but there are many ways to save money too! Here are just some of them:

1. DO PRIOR RESEARCH

The places you can go to heavily depend on your travel budget. For instance, if you have a considerable amount of money then, go to Europe than limiting yourself to Southeast Asian countries. Choosing an affordable destination that is suited to your travel budget is the first step. Do your research by comparing the accommodations, activities, transportation, and food costs of two preferred countries. Then, narrow it down to one.

2. IDENTIFY YOUR BUDGET

Once you know where to go and how long you are going to be there, you need to figure out how much your travel budget is. Start by identifying how much your spending will be per day. Include unforeseen expenses as well as food and travel costs.

3. BE SMART IN GETTING CASH

If you are still torn between two countries, compare their exchange rates. Sometimes, they make the largest difference. Since some of the foreign exchange centers have poorer rates, it is better to get the currency at the airport or at the ATMs (e.g., in Taiwan and France).

4. SET ASIDE MONEY FOR EMERGENCY

Speaking of unforeseen expenses, it is necessary to prepare for unforeseen circumstances too! If you have travel insurance then, this is only secondary. Money for emergency is important but try not to use it unless the situation absolutely requires it. You have to stick to your travel budget as much as possible!

5. SAVE ON FOOD

There is a greater chance that the breakfast from the hotel is expensive. So, it is better to walk out the door and find a nice local cafe in the mornings. You can immerse yourself to the place, the people, and the culture better by trying their local cuisine. Keep in mind that locally made food and beverage are often cheaper.

Alternatively, you may cook for yourself. Cooking in a new environment, even on a vacation, can be fun!

Image Credits: Nicole Abalde via Flickr Attribution-NoDerivs

Image Credits: Nicole Abalde via Flickr Attribution-NoDerivs

Sources: 1 & 2

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Hey Globetrotter! How Much Is Your Money Worth Around The World?

Has your strong desire to travel been itching you these past several weeks? Is your schedule free enough for you to travel at least 3 days away? If all your answers point to “YES” then, it is time to give in to your wanderlust!

As you let your heart decide which country you shall go next, it is paramount to understand the value of your money and the cost of living dynamics. These said information would help you build the travel fund that is suited best for your trip. Furthermore, you can carry a little more pocket cash in case an emergency rises.

Looking into the globe through a microscope, a few of the countries you may visit are Australia (Continent: Australia), Italy (Europe), China (Asia), South Africa (Africa), Canada (North America), and Peru (South America). Hooked to the globetrotter idea already?

Then, browse through the things that you can buy with S$2.50, S$52.50, and S$1,500…

S$2.50

In Australia, or Commonwealth of Australia, you can buy 1 liter of milk for S$1.53 or a 1.5-liter of water for S$2.48.

Are you a salad enthusiast? Try the lettuce (1 head) from Italy for S$1.35. The 1.5-liter of water there costs S$0.76 only!

If you love imported beer, get a 0.33 liter bottle for S$1.59 in China. Otherwise, conquer your thirst with the very affordable S$0.65 1.5 liter of water.

Image Credits: takuki via Flickr

Image Credits: takuki via Flickr

In South Africa, you can purchase 500 grams of white bread loaf for S$1.31. And, their 1.5-liter of water retails for S$1.47.

Going up to Canada, you may purchase a kilo of tomato for S$1.90 that is otherwise S$2.66 in Singapore. The 1.5-liter of water? It costs about S$2.43.

Lastly, Peru offers friendly priced domestic beers (0.5 liter bottle) for S$1.84 while their 1.5-liter of water is priced at S$1.16.

S$52.50

You can ride a cab (normal tariff) with an hour of waiting for S$51.31 in Brisbane, Australia.

And, if you are a sucker for cheese, get 2 kilos for S$46.14 in Milan, Italy.

There is nothing but pure regard for your money at Zhuhai, China where a three-course meal at a restaurant can cost about S$43.38 for 4 people!

However, in Johannesburg, South Africa it is a tad pricier as the three-course meal at a restaurant can cost about S$48.74 for 2 people.

In Cold Lake, Canada, chain store (e.g., Zara) dresses are priced cheaper at S$43.78 whereas it retails for S$63.60 in Singapore. That is saving you S$19.82!

In the capital of Peru called Lima, you can enjoy 3 hours of playing tennis on a weekend (S$35.94) plus catching a flick on its international release (2 seats for S$15.76). Talk about an ideal date!

S$1,500

With this larger amount, you can rent an apartment for a month (inclusive of Internet services) at all these countries discussed. For instance, in Australia, you can rent a 1-bedroom apartment on the outskirts for S$1,187.62.

While in the world’s eight largest economy, an Italian 1 bedroom apartment outside the city costs S$1,034.54.

Image Credits: Julia via Flickr

Image Credits: Julia via Flickr

For an incredibly cheaper price, visit China where you can rent a 3-bedroom apartment at the city for S$1,030.15.

Or go to South Africa where a 3-bedroom apartment at the city is about S$1,409.27.

And, if you have a month long business trip in Canada, consider renting the 1 bedroom apartment in the city for S$1,340.63.

Finally, Peru’s 3-bedroom apartment at the city will cost you approximately S$1,107.23.

Image Credits: blog.absolutvision.com

Image Credits: blog.absolutvision.com

Oh! By the way…all these data were collected from Numbeo. It is a website that stores the world’s largest database of user contributed information about global living conditions. It has been mentioned in internationally renowned newspapers and magazines such as BBC, Forbes, The Economist, and New York Times among others. See for yourself! 🙂

 

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Stay At Asia’s Most Beautiful Beaches For Less Than S$81 A Night

Whether you are having the an indulging weekend off or having an intimate beach wedding, the surest way to ensure that you get the most stunning moments on print is to have it taken at the beach! Not only will you get gorgeous pictures of the event but also the photographer will follow you along the romantic sandy shore aisle.

If your only concern now is to get the most breathtaking beach resorts at affordable prices, stay as long as you desire at Asia’s Most Beautiful Beaches For Less Than S$81 A Night (airfare not included)…

1. BORACAY, PHILIPPINES

Boracay at Dusk

Boracay at Dusk (Image credit: Chewy Chua, via Flickr)

Dubbed as the tropical paradise in Asia, Boracay has something for everyone, from luxurious spas to exhilarating water sports. Here in one of the most popular go-to island in the Philippines, you shall enjoy meals for less than S$10! Watch the sun set over the white sandy beach and sleep at its decent resorts costing as low as S$34 a night!

Here are the recommended places to stay at, courtesy of Agoda – a renowned online global hotel platform:

a. Boracay Holiday Resort

Rooms from S$66.70

Online Rating: 7.4/10

b. Levantin Boracay Resort

Rooms from S$33.88

Online Rating: 7.9/10

c. Hey Jude South Beach Resort

Rooms from S$56.55

Online Rating: 8.2/10

d. Shore Time Hotel

Rooms from S$77.71

Online Rating: 8.4/10

2. KOH PHANGAN, THAILAND

Koh Phangan

Koh Phangan (Image credit, soma-samui.com)

Thailand is a country full of amazing beaches. Nestled in its southeast region is Koh Phangan. Due to its monthly “full moon parties”, Koh Phangan is place mostly clamored by young travelers. Full moon parties are infamous for its night-long music, cheap drinks, and affordable food. Rest assured the crowd will go mad at this once in a blue moon experience!

Start the party at these recommended places:

a. Buri Beach Resort

Rooms from S$51.56

Online Rating: 7.4/10

b. Da Kanda Villa Beach Resor

Rooms from S$27.14

Online Rating: 7.4/10

c. Cookies Salad Hotel

Rooms from S$32.05

Online Rating: 8/10

d. Beyond The Blue Horizon Resort

Rooms from S$42.91

Online Rating: 9/10

3. BAC MY AN BEACH, DA NANG, VIETNAM

BAC MY AN BEACH

Da Nang Beach (Image Credit: http://danangbeaches.visitwonders.com)

One of the most impressive beaches in Da Nang city that tourists will enjoy is the Bac My An beach. It is a place filled with white sands, clear blue water, and quality resorts. Surprisingly, rooms at Da Nang are available for as low as S$13 a night! What’s more? The street vendors offer can satisfy your hunger for less than a dollar!

Rest after long demanding days at work in these recommended places:

a. Gold Coast Hotel

Rooms from S$73.74

Online Rating: 7.1/10

b. Fansipan Hotel Danang

Rooms from S$80.44

Online Rating: 7.8/10

c. Grand Mango Hotel Danang

Rooms from S$48.40

Online Rating: 8/10

Have an unforgettable trip! 🙂

Sources: 1 , 2, & 3

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Exciting Ways To Spend Your S$20 In Singapore

Is it possible to have a fun-filled afternoon with just S$20? The answer is YES! From water amusement to taking the leap of faith, here are the Exciting Ways To Spend Your S$20 In Singapore…

1. DISCOVER A HERITAGE

Travel to Chinatown (for about S$4) and discover the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum then, spend the remainder of your money by eating at the Yummy Viet Restaurant.

Discover a rich heritage to gain a strong understanding of the Buddhist ways at the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple And Museum (BTRTM). BTRTM has more than 300,000 visitors every month. The admission is free but you have to pay follow the rules before entering the Temple. The rules include wearing decent attire and not bringing pets or non-vegetarian food inside.

After the BTRTM trip, indulge your taste buds in healthy yet tasty Vietnamese food at the Yummy Viet Restaurant. Yummy Viet’s prices are affordable and reasonable. For example, the Chicken Rice Noodle costs S$7.50, the Beef Balls Noodle S$8.90, and the Deep Fried Chicken with Fried Rice costs S$7.90.

2. TAKE THE LEAP OF FAITH

If you happen to be in Sentosa, you can try the “ParaJump” attraction including the Jungle Ride for S$19. ParaJump replicates a free-fall parachute jump through its safety harness and experienced staff. I have to admit…I am fearful of heights but after trying this, I felt a surge of fulfillment and happiness. Beyond the fear, the experience was thrilling.

Image Credits: instagram.com/agoncilloanna

Image Credits: instagram.com/agoncilloanna

3. HOG ALL THE BOOKS FOR S$20

Take all the books you can and pay only S$20! To participate in this BIG BOX SALE by Marshall Cavendish, you must fill up a carton with as many books you want. Categories include cookbooks, travel books, children books, entrepreneurship books, fiction books, and history books. Visit here to know more.

4. WATER AMUSEMENT

One of Singapore’s largest water theme parks called “Wild Wild Wet“ offers exhilarating rides at inexpensive prices. From Monday to Friday, adults get to pay S$20 for the admission while children and senior citizens get to pay S$14 only. Toddlers are free to swim all year round!

The rides include braving the rapids with Ular-Lah, making your way to wacky curves and crazy turns at The Waterworks, and so much more. The best thing is that on May 26, you get to enjoy 50% off the entry tickets.

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