12 Things You Can Do in Singapore for Under S$50

zovb singapore

Singapore is considered to be one of the most expensive cities in the world. For outsiders, Singapore can come off as an exotic gateway to Asia. However, for all of us who live here, we feel crippled by the rising costs of daily lives, let alone spending on entertainment. We felt your pain, did some research and came up with the perfect list.

Here are twelve fun ways to blow off steam… all for under S$50.

  1. Bring out Your Inner Hamilton at Kart World

Kart World

For the price of $28, you can enjoy a 10 minute session around Kart World’s driving track behind the wheels of a furious Go-kart. Challenge your friends to a few rounds.

  1. Hit the Sky at G-Max Reverse Bungy


For $45, you can hit the sky in heart-stopping seconds, with adrenaline gushing through your veins. Enjoy the breathtaking view of Singapore’s night lights over at Clarke Quay as you spin and whirl your way up.

  1. Get the Ball Rolling at ZOVB
zovb singapore

(Image: ZOVB Singapore)

Go zorbing at ZOVB Singapore and let your head spin wild as you roll down in your own zorba. For $50, you can roll down twice and for an additional $18, you can zorba your way down memory lane for another half hour.

  1. Declare War with Crossfire Paintball
(Image: Crossfire Paintball Singapore)

(Image: Crossfire Paintball Singapore)

Head down for a two hour paintball session at Crossfire Paintball for $40, with which you can buy yourself a whopping 250 pellet heavy ammunition. Don’t forget to take that friend along!

  1. Pretend to Climb Everest at SAFRA Yishun Country Club

rock climbing

With 1,000 square meters of climbing and bouldering surface, SAFRA Yishun Country Club provides a wide range of rock climbing walls. The club is host to the first artificial ice-climbing wall in Southeast Asia.

If you get too bored, or tired, you can also get your adrenaline pumping with a parachute jump simulation from a height of 21 metres.

  1. Get Your Observational Powers on at Tiger Sky Tower

tiger sky tower

Head over to Tiger Sky Tower in Sentosa, Asia’s tallest observatory tower, to get an unprecedented view of Singapore (S$18/Adult S$10/child).

  1. Find Inner Peace at Gardens by the Bay

gardens by the bay f

Reconnect with your natural self at the awe-inspiring and tranquil Gardens by the Bay. While all outdoor areas are free to wander, your credit card can buy an amazing $20 pass for it’s treasured conservatories.

  1. Celebrate Independence with the SG50 Inter-Generational Package

gogreen segway

Reconnect with your history by purchasing a treasured bundle of admission to Madame Tussauds Images of Singapore LIVE and an option of experiencing the Gogreen Segway Fun Ride (2 rounds) or Sentosa Merlion, all for $30.

  1. Experience the Wildlife

Wildlife_no logo

For $28, you can buy yourself a 1 year unlimited entry pass to Jurong Bird Park. If birds aren’t your thing, then you can also choose to go for the exciting Night Safari for $42 or visit the local Singapore Zoo for $32. Go on, bring out your wild side!

  1. Blow off Steam with Some Drinks

There’s nothing better than grabbing a few drinks on a friday evening in order to blow off some steam. Grab your friends and head over to the various bars and clubs which come alive as the sun sets to rest. Although a night out in Singapore is often expensive, there are still more than enough places that offer extremely attractive happy hour deals.

For example, For an approximate $30, men and women can buy themselves the right to drink all they can at Idle-bar/lounge/bistro. At Five Izakaya, you can get yourself a house pour or a snack for a measly $5++, while The Cider Pit provides you a pint of beer for $10, all day, everyday. Some other places with great deals consist of Loof at Odeon Towers, Lobby at 9, Wine Connection and Wine Bos on Stamford Road. So, take your pick!

  1. Treat Yourself to Some Shopping
(Image credit: juliagonerogue.wordpress.com)

Editor’s Market (Image credit: juliagonerogue.wordpress.com)

Everywhere we go, all we see are malls and stores and malls and stores. Well, if you’re a shopper with a card, budget, and purpose, we recommend Far East Plaza. Located on Orchard Road, this mall has over 600 stores filled with affordable fashion.  

We also recommend for you to go to the more manageable Editor’s Market. Also on Orchard Road, this is the only brick-and-mortar store which offers cheaper items with every extra purchase you make.That’s right, the more pieces you buy, the cheaper each piece gets! Now that’s a pie we’re willing to taste.

  1. Eat Your Way through Singapore

There are so many ways to save money on dining in Singapore. If you would like a little bit of Paris on your plate, we recommend you head over to Saveur, a reasonably priced French restaurant with a simple ambiance and a beloved menu. The food is incredibly delicious and patrons swear by it.

If you’d like to head over to North America, then nothing spells Mexico like Piedra Negra, a charming little Mexican restaurant in the middle of Haji Lane.Much like Much like Saveur, the menu consists of dishes which mostly cost S$30 or less.

You can also cater to your oddly houred breakfast cravings at Club Street Social, where you can indulge in an all day breakfast menu, or your need for comfort Italian food at Prego and Pasta Brava. For under $40, Prego offers a festive four-course Italian set lunch at the Fairmont while Pasta Brava helps one indulge in fresh, handmade pastas.

(Image: brazilchurrasco.com)

(Image: brazilchurrasco.com)

We also recommend Brazil Churrascaria, a haven for meat lovers. For $40++, you are provided with delicious barbequed meat in unlimited quantities. Similarly, Shin Minori Japanese Restaurant provides one with an eat-all-you-can ala-carte Japanese buffet with an extensive selection of sake and shochu for the unbelievably reasonable price of $39++.

The best part about the list? It’s not exhaustive! That’s right, we’ve done our research and found an unimaginably large number of exciting things to do in Singapore, all for less than $50.

(This article is brought to you by SingSaver.com.sg)

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Crucial Things To Consider Before Venturing Off To Your Next Job

In the beginning of the year, the Monetary Authority of Singapore forewarned its citizens that the economy may go through a period of uncertainty as the likelihood for trading partners remain down in the dumps. This negative tone caused companies to be more cautious of hiring and even a bank as huge as Barclays axed about 100 Singaporean employees last January. Moreover, short-term contracts started to rise.

So if you are venturing off to a different field to maintain your career’s stability, please consider these things first:

1. DETERMINE YOUR VALUE

Before accepting any offers, you must determine your value earlier on. Your last salary does not only dictate what makes you valuable. Your skills and personality play a part too. How much is your potential employer willing to pay for those?

2. NEGOTIATE YOUR SALARY

You have the right to ask for better working conditions when negotiating for a new position. Negotiating a salary is a conversation that aims to reach an agreement with someone whose interests are not perfectly aligned with yours. Everyone with the right strategy and conversation tools can sway the opinion of another through a pleasant talk.

Start by conducting research on the company and their average salary offerings. Review the appropriate amount of wage on the online salary calculators such as Payscale.com and Hudson.sg. Then talk to the recruiters or the people on the same field as yours about the subject. The data collected will be your weapon throughout the negotiation.

3. KNOW THE WORK EXPENSES

Aside from the salary, know the expenses you might be spending in your “next” workplace. The transportation and food costs depend on the area you are eyeing on. If these benefits are included to your salary already, it will make a huge difference to how much you save.

4. WEIGH THE POSSIBILITY FOR RELOCATION

As you steer your career in a new direction, you may have applied for jobs outside the country. Before you land the overseas position, consider how it will affect your family and relationships. Furthermore, determine if the company willing to cover for your moving expenses.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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6 Major Reasons Why Young Working Adults Are Not Saving Enough

1. MINIMUM WAGE

As fresh graduates enter the workplace with little to no experience, some are forced to settle for entry-level jobs with minimum wages. Whether you are a secretary at a recruitment firm or a personal assistant at an advertising company, the relatively low salary you earn every month makes it difficult to save money.

2. RECURRENT RENT EXPENSE

Some young adults move out once they start earning a decent amount of money. The independence, freedom, privacy, and convenience can be attractive but the reality of the rent expenses can hit you hard.

In the city centre, it will cost you at least S$500/month to live in a single room and at least S$1,500 to live in a small apartment by yourself. It makes more economic sense to stay at your family home and set aside the hundreds of dollars per month to your savings or investments.

3. INDULGING ON DESIGNER LABELS

Most young working adults spend their fortune on designer labels such as Prada and Louis Vuitton as well as other artisan brands. You may think that you are standing out from the crowd by carrying your S$2,000 Prada tote bag and your S$300 artisanal fragrance but you are simply creating holes in your pocket.

4. CABBING EVERYWHERE

Heading to work late? Hail a taxi.

Coming home after a crazy night out? Hail a taxi.

Aside from designer and artisan goods, you are preventing your savings from growing by cabbing everywhere. Five late night taxi rides can cost you at least S$100 and that equates to about 10 lunches at the nearby food court. This is why you must set aside an “emergency taxi fund” with a maximum of S$60 per month. You must not ride a taxi beyond your intended budget.

5. TECHNOLOGY AS NECESSITY

Technology is so pervasive in a young adult’s life that its costs are virtually inescapable. Interacting through social media is not just a culture but also a necessity. But staying connected comes with costly price tags as having the latest gadgets and paying for the monthly broadband fees can affect how much you can save.

6. EASY ACCESS TO SAVINGS

Most of us struggle with keeping our hands off our savings accounts. With the easy access of Internet banking, credit cards and multiple ATM machines, it is more convenient to spend cash than to save it. For young adults with this dilemma, make spending a chore by converting some of your money to US dollars. The thought of having to go for and pay for the currency exchange will likely to dissuade you from spending!

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

Sources: 1 & 2

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Important Money Matters To Sort Out After Divorce

Ending your relationship with someone you vowed to spend a lifetime with is never easy. Getting a divorce causes a significant life change that is often complex and stressful. It involves coping with several issues such as division of assets, discussion of maintenance, and custody of the children. These issues bring forth emotional, economic, and legal considerations.

Divorce is not simplistic wherein one solution fits everyone else’s circumstance. It is case-specific as it takes the needs and means of each person into account. Even the length of your marriage affects the division of assets. For instance, if your marriage is brief, the court may decide to part you with the money you had before coming in to the relationship.

According to the 2013 Population Trends by Statistics Singapore, marital dissolutions are escalating with 7,386 in 2009 from 7,216 in 2008. With this increasing number of divorced couples, it is important to discuss the financial matters to sort out after the breakup.

1. IMMEDIATE FINANCIAL CONCERN

Your first concern shall be the recurrent household bills. If you had been paying your bills through a joint account, you have to make some arrangements with your bank to dissolve this account and pay through your personal account instead. Remember to update your GIRO arrangements as well.

2. MAINTENANCE AFTER DIVORCE

Maintenance is intended to cover the living expenses and necessities of the wife and her children. Under Singapore’s law, maintenance for the wife continues until she remarried or passes away while the maintenance for the children continues until the age of 21 or until graduation. The husband can pay the wife in a lump sum but only monthly maintenance is allowed for the children.

There is no specific amount or length of maintenance as the Family Justice Courts examine the situation to arrive at a reasonable and fair decision.

3. THE FAMILY HOME

One of the most daunting decisions you have to make (especially if you used your CPF savings to buy a property with your ex-spouse) is the housing arrangement. Are you going to sell your family home? Or will you keep it while the other one moves out?

If you intend to sell your house wherein CPF savings were used to purchase it, you will need to apply for CPF refunds to your respective accounts. Please visit the CPF Board website for more information.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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Delicious And Affordable Places For Vegan Food In Singapore

One of the things Singapore is abundant of is food. The diverse food selection extends to the vegetarian options. From organic snacks to vegan Western food, this list has you covered!

1. VEGGIE COTTAGE

Camouflaged within the neighboring grocery stores is a beautifully casual cafe called Veggie Cottage. It serves a wide array of Asian and Western vegetarian food such as Avocado Salad, Claypot Tofu Rice Set, and Spaghetti Bolognese. They also sell cupcakes to satisfy your sweet tooth.

With seriously inexpensive prices ranging from S$2.50 to S$10.80, you will surely wear a smile while browsing their menu – here.

Image Credits: facebook.com/162388397257546/photos/a.162391280590591.1073741826.162388397257546/575124989317216/?type=3&theater

Image Credits: facebook.com

Online Reception: 100% Upvotes at HungryGoWhere.com

Location: 13 Dalhousie Lane, Singapore 209682

2. GOKUL VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT

Fusing Indian cuisine with other yummy vegetarian meals, GOKUL Vegetarian Restaurant boasts with over 100 food items. From bite-sized munchies such as Samosa Chaat and Dosa to health main courses such as Tom Yum Noodles and Paneer Fried Rice, they have it all for you. Furthermore, all of these are free of onion, garlic, and egg.

Image Credits: http://www.hungrygowhere.com/singapore/gokul_vegetarian_restaurant_upper_dickson_road/photo/98920000

Image Credits: hungrygowhere.com

Online Reception: 84% Upvotes at HungryGoWhere.com

Location: 19 Upper Dickson Road, Singapore 207478

3. CI YAN ORGANIC VEGETARIAN HEALTH FOOD

Nestled at the bustling streets of Chinatown is a humble treasure of an eatery called Ci Yan Organic Vegetarian Health Food. This place serves nothing but organic ingredients without the use of MSG.

With an uncomplicated menu of only 4 to 6 dishes that vary per day, it will take your taste buds to a healthy adventure. The quality of the dishes makes up for the lack of choice. However, if you are a picky eater, you may call them up in advance at 6225 9026. Worry not about their prices, as the average plate is S $7 while the noodle dishes are about S $5.50.

Online Reception: 84% Upvotes at HungryGoWhere.com

Location: 8 Smith Street, Singapore 058922

4. REAL FOOD

If I were asked to name a place perfectly suited to a health conscious Singaporean, I would definitely suggest Real Food. Known for serving organic and vegan yet really tasty food, Real Food consists of affordable meal selections.

All of the Real Food outlets showcase a contemporary setting with relaxing lighting. What separates it from other eateries is that the Killiney Road outlet has a 3-in-1-concept design featuring a Cafe and Restaurant, a grocery, and a bookstore. Everything you need in one delightful space.

The recommended dishes include Steamed Dumplings (S$9.80), Beet Millet Burger ($13.80), Genovese Pesto Pasta (S$11.80), and Rise-n-Shine Breakfast ($8.80). End your meal with one of the cold-pressed fruit juices priced as low as S$6.50.

As blogger Doria Teo puts it:
“Everything is vegan and organic and especially for someone health conscious like me, this is a rare gem. I hardly find food that tastes so good and yet is so healthy at the same time.”

Online Reception: 77% Upvotes at HungryGoWhere.com

Locations: Several outlets islandwide, visit: realfoodgrocer.com/outlets for more information.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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