Inside SG’s Next-Gen Oceanarium Experience

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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.

 

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TANGS ‘Mid-Autumn Fair 2025’ has early bird special deals up to 50% off your favorite brands

by  in Deals, Lifestyle
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TANGS Mid-Autumn Fair 2025

Do you know when the Mid-Autumn Festival falls this year?

Apparently, it’s on a Monday, on 6 October 2025.

We’re still pretty far from the actual celebrations, but early bird specials from TANGS are already in place and will run through till Sunday, 31 August 2025.

Their ‘Mid-Autumn Fair 2025’ has early bird deals up to 50% off your favorite brands, so don’t miss out on them.

Oh yes! If you spend a minimum of $200 nett on mooncakes, enjoy $10 off by using promo code <MAF2025> upon checkout.

Here are some product highlights worth considering.

1+1

Baked White Lotus Mooncake with Melon Seeds, Box of 4

Baked White Lotus Mooncake with Single Yolk, Box of 4

Assorted Chocolate Truffle Snowskin Mooncake, Box of 4

Signature Durian Combo - Heavenly MSW Snowskin Mooncake, 2pcs & Premium D24 Snowskin Mooncake, Box of 4

New Arrivals

AUTHENTIC WHITE RABBIT MOONCAKES - MULTI PURPOSE TIN, 4 pieces/box

Mango and Macadamia 芒果蓉夏威夷果, Box of 4

Sea Salt Chocolate with Pistachio Kunafa Praline, Box of 8

Hotel Brands

Red Lotus Seed Paste with Single Yolk, Box of 4

White Lotus Seed Paste with Double Yolk, Box of 4

Low Sugar White Lotus Seed Paste with Single Yolk Baked Mooncake (4 pieces) 低糖单黄白莲蓉月饼 (4粒装)

Double Yolk White Lotus Paste Baked Mooncake 双黄白莲蓉月饼, Box of 4

Charcoal Peach Long Jing with Okinawa Brown Sugar Mochi (Moonlit Chest Box- Orange Vermillion), Box of 4

Assorted Mini Snowskin Mooncakes 特选迷你冰皮月饼, Box of 8

Durian Favorites

SNOWY MINI 4PCS CAKES - DURIAN, BOX OF 4

Pure ‘Mao Shan Wang’ Premium Grade Durian, Box of 8

Mao Shan Wang Durian Snow Skin Mooncake 纯猫山王榴莲冰皮月饼, Box of 4

Snow Skin Mooncakes

Black Sesame with Purple Sweet Potato and Walnut

Snowskin Mooncake, Box of 8

Mango Pomelo Snow Skin Mooncake 芒果柚子冰皮月饼, Box of 4

InterContinental Negroni Lychee Martini Truffle Ball Mini Snow Skin Mooncake, Box of 8

Baked Skin Mooncakes

Assorted Baked Mooncakes特选烘皮月饼 | Box of 2

Tropical Lychee White Lotus with Double Yolk , Box of 4

Low Sugar White Lotus Seed Paste with Double Yolks Baked Mooncake (4 pieces) 低糖双黄白莲蓉 (4粒装）

Add-on Special Buys till 28 September

Add-on Special Buys till 28 September

  • [TANGS Exclusive] Ceramic Mugs, Assorted Designs. Promo Price: $6.90 (was $19)
  • [Comvita] Dual Essence Honey Bundle. Promo Price: $39 (was $89.90)
  • [Shinno Tea] Mid-Autumn Tea Pairing Box, 20 Teabags, Assorted Flavors. Promo Price: $18 (was $29)

T&Cs may apply.

All image credits to TANGS and the respective brands.

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

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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

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50+ newly launched stuff in July 2025 from Daiso Korea to buy & bring back to Singapore

by  in Lifestyle, Travel & Entertainment
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Daiso Korea July 2025 Newly Launched Items

Are you in South Korea right now?

Don’t miss out on these new launches from Daiso Korea this July.

We’ve got a range of fresh skincare products from PDRN, lip makeup from I.CON, and more! 👄

#1: PDRN Glow Toner (5,000 KRW; approx. 4.63 SGD)

#2: PDRN Glow Essence (6 Pcs) (3,000 KRW; approx. 2.78 SGD)

#3: PDRN Glow Cream (5,000 KRW; approx. 4.63 SGD)

#4: PDRN Glow Sun Essence (5,000 KRW; approx. 4.63 SGD)

#5: PDRN Glow Sheet Mask (1,000 KRW; approx. 0.93 SGD)

#6: PDRN Glow Lifting Mask + Glow Essence (2,000 KRW; approx. 1.85 SGD)

#7: ‘a solution’ Trouble Spot Patch / Trouble Clear Patch (2,000 KRW; approx. 1.85 SGD)

#8: I.CON Glossy Plumper (Clear / Red) (3,000 KRW; approx. 2.78 SGD)

#9: I.CON Color Wand (Assorted) (3,000 KRW; approx. 2.78 SGD)

#10: I.CON Water Velvet Plumper (Assorted) (3,000 KRW; approx. 2.78 SGD)

#11: Tomato Candy (1,000 KRW; approx. 0.93 SGD)

#12: Jewelry Cross-Stitch (2,000 KRW; approx. 1.85 SGD)

#13: Hello Kitty Mold Cutter (1,500 KRW; approx. 1.39 SGD)

#14: Mickey Measuring Spoons (4 Pcs) (1,000 KRW; approx. 0.93 SGD)

#15: Mickey Fork / Spoon (1,000 KRW each; approx. 0.93 SGD each)

#16: Disney Beach Ball (Assorted) (2,000 KRW; approx. 1.85 SGD)

#17: ‘THE DOG Dr. HEALTH CARE’ Food Pouches (Samgyetang / Chicken Porridge / Duck Soup / Duck Porridge / Pollack Soup) (2,000 KRW each; approx. 1.85 SGD each)

#18: ‘PALMY DAYS’ Mega Plus Cat Food Pouches (3 Pcs) (Assorted) (2,000 KRW; approx. 1.85 SGD)

#19: ‘PALMY DAYS’ Probiotics Chicken Soup for Cats & Dogs (3 Pcs) (Assorted) (2,000 KRW; approx. 1.85 SGD)

#20: ‘INABA’ Dog Treats (Joint Care / Intestine Care / Skin Care) (10 g x 6 Pcs) (3,000 KRW; approx. 2.78 SGD)

#21: Dental Fix Minis (Assorted) (3,000 KRW; approx. 2.78 SGD)

#22: Soft Dental Gums (Assorted) (3,000 KRW; approx. 2.78 SGD)

#23: Key Rings A (2 Pcs) (1,000 KRW; approx. 0.93 SGD)

#24: Key Rings B (2 Pcs) (1,000 KRW; approx. 0.93 SGD)

#25: Felt Photocard Holder (6 Pcs) (1,000 KRW; approx. 0.93 SGD)

#26: Photocard Pouch (2 Pcs) (1,000 KRW; approx. 0.93 SGD)

#27: Veggie Key Rings (1,000 KRW each; approx. 0.93 SGD each)

#28: Doggy Key Ring (1,000 KRW; approx. 0.93 SGD)

#29: Froggy Key Ring (1,000 KRW; approx. 0.93 SGD)

#30: Matchsticks Box Card Sets (3 Sets) (1,000 KRW; approx. 0.93 SGD)

#31: Bingsu Card Sets (3 Sets) (1,000 KRW; approx. 0.93 SGD)

#32: Index Mini Memo Pads (180 Pcs) (1,000 KRW; approx. 0.93 SGD)

#33: Memo Sticker Packs (5 Pcs) (1,000 KRW; approx. 0.93 SGD)

#34: Sticker Cards (3 Sets) (1,000 KRW; approx. 0.93 SGD)

#35: Big Stickers (2 Pcs) (1,000 KRW; approx. 0.93 SGD)

#36: Long Stickers (20 Pcs) (1,000 KRW; approx. 0.93 SGD)

#37: DIY Key Ring Doll Maker (2,000 KRW; approx. 1.85 SGD)

#38: Pet Scratcher House (3,000 KRW; approx. 2.78 SGD)

#39: Squeaky Toys (Tomato / Korean Melon) (1,000 KRW; approx. 0.93 SGD)

#40: Patterned Beach Towel (5,000 KRW; approx. 4.63 SGD)

#41a: Big Watermelon Beach Ball (3,000 KRW; approx. 2.78 SGD)

#41b: Watermelon Beach Towel (5,000 KRW; approx. 4.63 SGD)

#42a: Floral Pants (5,000 KRW; approx. 4.63 SGD)

#42b: Sun Hat (5,000 KRW; approx. 4.63 SGD)

#43: Mesh Bag (2,000 KRW; approx. 1.85 SGD)

#44: Linen Slippers (3,000 KRW; approx. 2.78 SGD)

#45: Cushion Ribbon Key Ring (1,000 KRW; approx. 0.93 SGD)

#46: Teenieping Character Band-Aids (20 Pcs) (1,000 KRW; approx. 0.93 SGD)

#47: Star / Pink Heart Marshmallows (2,000 KRW; approx. 1.85 SGD)

#48: DIY Letter Sets (4 Sets) (1,000 KRW; approx. 0.93 SGD)

#49: Jelly-Shaped Individual Stickers (20 Pcs) (1,000 KRW; approx. 0.93 SGD)

#50: Cushiony Stickers (1,000 KRW; approx. 0.93 SGD)

#51: Deco Tapes (4 Pcs) (1,000 KRW; approx. 0.93 SGD)

#52: Stamp Line Pens (6 Pcs) (2,000 KRW; approx. 1.85 SGD)

#53: Shopping Bags (3 Pcs) (1,000 KRW; approx. 0.93 SGD)

#54: Bunny Characters Zipper Bags (10 Pcs) (1,000 KRW; approx. 0.93 SGD)

#55: Handle Paper Bags (2 Pcs) (1,000 KRW; approx. 0.93 SGD)

All image credits to Daiso Korea.

Price conversion from KRW to SGD is accurate at the time of writing.

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50+ new Korean convenience store foodstuffs in July 2025 to buy & try from GS25 because Singapore don’t have

by  in Travel & Entertainment
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GS25 July 2025 Foodstuffs

Will you be in South Korea soon?

Head to GS25 for these new finds when you land! 🛬🇰🇷

#1a: Turkish Red Velvet Brick Cake (4,200 KRW; approx. 3.88 SGD)

#1b: Sweet Mix Jelly (Cola) (3,000 KRW; approx. 2.77 SGD)

#2a: Squid Game Chewy Cookie (2,000 KRW; approx. 1.85 SGD)

#2b: Lotte Kancho Snack (Melon) (1,500 KRW; approx. 1.39 SGD)

#3a: Ottogi Curry Crispy Roll (1,800 KRW; approx. 1.66 SGD)

#3b: ‘Real Price’ Oven Baked Whole Chicken Leg (2,900 KRW; approx. 2.68 SGD)

#4a: Soy Sauce Bulgogi Mealbox (5,200 KRW; approx. 4.80 SGD)

#4b: LABNOSH Black Pepper Chicken Rice (5,900 KRW; approx. 5.45 SGD)

#5a: ‘2-Minute Cup’ Korean Beef Radish Soup (1,500 KRW; approx. 1.39 SGD)

#5b: ‘2-Minute Cup’ Dried Pollack Soup (1,500 KRW; approx. 1.39 SGD)

#6a: Spicy Loach Soup (5,900 KRW; approx. 5.45 SGD)

#6b: Jeju Pork ‘One-Meal Pork Belly’ (7,900 KRW; approx. 7.30 SGD)

#7a: Whizzy Gloss Lip (Assorted) (3,000 KRW; approx. 2.77 SGD)

#7b: Whizzy Eyeshadow (2 Types) (3,000 KRW; approx. 2.77 SGD)

#8a: ROROMALLOW Ice Brulee Matcha (4,500 KRW; approx. 4.16 SGD)

#8b: Ice Balls (Acai Berry) (2,000 KRW; approx. 1.85 SGD)

#9a: CHOYA Iced Ume & Apple Sherbet (3,300 KRW; approx. 3.05 SGD)

#9b: Squid Game Rope-Jump Jelly (Fruity) (1,500 KRW; approx. 1.39 SGD)

#10a: Spicy Chilli Shrimps (7,900 KRW; approx. 7.30 SGD)

#10b: ‘Cotton Ball’ Tangsuyuk (6,900 KRW; approx. 6.37 SGD)

#11a: Chicken Leg Scorched Rice Samgyetang (6,900 KRW; approx. 6.37 SGD)

#11b: Eel Rice Bowl (8,900 KRW; approx. 8.22 SGD)

#12a: ‘Real Price’ Korean Chicken Leg (Spicy) (2,200 KRW; approx. 2.03 SGD)

#12b: ‘Real Price’ Frozen Sliced Pork Belly (9,900 KRW; approx. 9.15 SGD)

#13a: Ottogi Shrimp Jjamppong (Small Cup) (1,900 KRW; approx. 1.76 SGD)

#13b: Yummy Spicy Ramen (Packet) (1,300 KRW; approx. 1.20 SGD)

#14a: Low Sugar Apple Tea (2,000 KRW; approx. 1.85 SGD)

#14b: Low Sugar Peach Tea (2,000 KRW; approx. 1.85 SGD)

#15a: Lotte Melon Ice Cream (3,000 KRW; approx. 2.77 SGD)

#15b: ‘One-Hand’ Bingsu (2,200 KRW; approx. 2.03 SGD)

#16a: Random Key Ring Candy (3,000 KRW; approx. 2.77 SGD)

#16b: Capybara Churos (800 KRW; approx. 0.74 SGD)

#17a: Bacon Bread Burger (3,800 KRW; approx. 3.51 SGD)

#17b: Chicken Bread Burger (3,800 KRW; approx. 3.51 SGD)

#18a: Mini Bread (Black Olive) (3,400 KRW; approx. 3.14 SGD)

#18b: Mini Bread (Basil + Tomato + Cream Cheese) (3,400 KRW; approx. 3.14 SGD)

#19a: Juicy Cool ‘Zero’ Konjac Jelly (Plum) (2,000 KRW; approx. 1.85 SGD)

#19b: Juicy Cool ‘Zero’ Konjac Jelly (Pineapple) (2,000 KRW; approx. 1.85 SGD)

#20a: ‘Real Price’ King Lobster (2,400 KRW; approx. 2.22 SGD)

#20b: ‘Real Price’ Protein Bar (1,000 KRW; approx. 0.92 SGD)

#21a: CJ One-day Natto (2 Pcs) (3,900 KRW; approx. 3.60 SGD)

#21b: LABNOSH Apple Cider Vinegar Gummy (1,900 KRW; approx. 1.76 SGD)

#22a: French Fries Shape Jelly (2,500 KRW; approx. 2.31 SGD)

#22b: Babam Bite Mini Ice Cream (12,000 KRW; approx. 11.09 SGD)

#23a: Corn Bread (1,500 KRW; approx. 1.39 SGD)

#23b: Seongsu Salt Bread (Walnut Cream) (3,200 KRW; approx. 2.96 SGD)

#24a: Spicy Gopchang (Intestines) (7,900 KRW; approx. 7.30 SGD)

#24b: 3900 Cold Noodles (3,900 KRW; approx. 3.60 SGD)

#25a: Lemon Cream Shrimps (7,900 KRW; approx. 7.30 SGD)

#25b: Guobarou (锅包肉) (6,900 KRW; approx. 6.37 SGD)

#26a: ‘Real Price’ Chewy Cheese Balls (4 Pcs) (1,980 KRW; approx. 1.83 SGD)

#26b: ‘Real Price’ Whole Shrimp Dumplings (5 Pcs) (4,980 KRW; approx. 4.60 SGD)

#27a: Whole Grilled Eel Mealbox (16,000 KRW; approx. 14.78 SGD)

#27b: Grilled Eel Kimbap (9,500 KRW; approx. 8.78 SGD)

#28a: Dried Squid (Stone-Grilled / Chewy Sweet) (1,900 KRW; approx. 1.76 SGD)

#28b: Beef Jerky (Assorted) (3,900 KRW; approx. 3.60 SGD)

All image credits to GS25.

Price conversion from KRW to SGD is accurate at the time of writing.

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