activities Archives | MoneyDigest.sg

8 Free Things to Enjoy in Singapore This Month

Itching to get out of the house and explore what the island has to offer? Fortunately for you, you do not need to shell out money to enjoy a variety of shows, workshops, and tours. You will be able to experience the activities on this list at no cost!

#1: VISIT SINGAPORE’S OLDEST FIRE STATION

If you dreamt of becoming a firefighter as a child, this is your chance to encapsulate your childhood dream. Plan your visit to the Civil Defence Heritage Gallery to learn more about Singapore’s Civil Defence Force.

Within the halls of the Singapore’s oldest fire station are collections of firefighting exhibits and paraphernalia, which tackle notable moments in history including the Bukit Ho Swee fire. Experience simulating a real fire attack by going to their SCDF Emergency Preparedness Centre. What are you waiting for? Book your visit here.

Location: 62 Hill Street, Singapore 179367

#2: INVITE A FRIEND TO A PHOTO WALK

Invite a friend to a photo walk where you will both get insider tips from phone photography experts. These experts will teach you how to improve your mobile photography and editing skills. Apple’s “Photo Tour: Capture Marina Bay After Dark” takes you around Singapore’s Marina Bay to learn how to take beautiful low-light photos using Night mode and more on iPhone.

Experts will show you how to balance foreground and background, adjust exposure, and set up your best night shot. The Tour streches about 500m. Best of all? All these techniques are free! All you need to do is bring your iPhone or you can loan the latest iPhone models for snapping memories.

There are three sessions this March 2023. Click here to sign-up.

Location: 2 Bayfront Avenue, B2-06, Singapore 018972

#3: DIGEST THE HISTORY OF ST JAMES POWER STATION

The St James Power Station began its restoration works in 2018. At present, the monument has been reborn with a new Heritage Trail and Gallery. History enthusiasts can visit a free trail of Singapore’s maritime history and the evolution of the country’s first power station of such magnitude.

After relishing history during the trail, you can go inside the Heritage Gallery. Here you will experience impressive 3D artwork, animated augmented reality video series, and an interesting exhibit.

Location: 3 Sentosa Gateway, Singapore 098544

#4: TURN YOUR OLD TEE INTO A TOTE BAG

Say goodbye to your old shirt and hello to a reusable tote bag with the support of Project Re:ground. Project Re:ground is a mental wellbeing initiative by Youth Corps Singapore in collaboration with the Health Promotion Board. This event highlights the importance of breathing new life into the items that you would otherwise throw away.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

This artistic event happens on 23 March 2023 at 7pm. Do not forget to bring along an old T-shirt and a water bottle! Learn more about this event by visiting volunteer.gov.sg.

Location: 113 Somerset Road, The Red Box, Singapore 238165

#5: GO TO THE SINGAPORE CAT FESTIVAL

Singapore Cat Festival is back for the third time! Celebrate your beloved cats this 25 to 26 March 2023 by joining cat adoption drives, breed showcases, vet chats, retail booths, and face painting.

This Festival is a cat-friendly event, so you can bring your purrfect companion as you browse the booths. Just make sure that your cat is secured in a carrier.

Location: Great World, Level 1 Atrium & Office Lobby, 1 Kim Seng Promenade, Singapore 237994

#6: INDULGE ON THE SNEAKER AND STREET CULTURE

Sneakertopia, an ArtsScience Museum exhibition, features film screenings that explore important films displaying streetwear and sneaker culture. This month, you will be able to watch entertaining films such as Space Jam: A New Legacy (2021), Space Jam (1996), and more.

From iconic blockbusters to indie titles, you can take a closer look at how films play a vital role in fashion and style. There are more film titles to come for April and May screening.

Location: ArtScience Cinema (Level 4), ArtScience Museum, 6 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018974

#7: BOOST YOUR RESUME

Thanks to the National Library Board (NLB)’s “Get Professional” series, you will be able to access professional techniques on how to improve your resume or C.V. writing and networking skills.

Industry experts will guide you throughout the process. This online workshop is on 22 March 2023 from 7pm – 9pm. Secure your spot here!

#8: GO FOR A WALKATHON

Let’s Walk, Singapore will take you on a free 3km walkathon in Yishun Park. Start your fitness journey with your friends and family! As a bonus, all attendees will receive a Sunnystep voucher.

This free event on 25 March will start with a gentle warm-up stretch routine and give you breaks every 20-30 minutes or so. To end the session, you will go through a short cool down stretch. What are you waiting for? Get your tickets here.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Location: Yishun Park (entrance near SAFRA Yishun Country Club)

Sources: 1 & 2

6 Cheap and Entertaining Daytime Activities in Singapore

Living like a Crazy Rich Asian in Singapore can be exhausting, especially for your wallet. While it does not hurt to indulge in the luxuries of life occasionally, you can pay close attention to budget-friendly activities that will bring you excitement.

From eating for cheap to going on nature trips, here are some daytime activities* that you can explore without breaking the bank!

(*As a friendly reminder, please visit the website of these places first before heading down for a trip because the COVID-19 restrictions are ever-changing.)

#1: UNLEASH YOUR INNER SKATER

It may be hot outside, but it is ice-cold wonderland inside the Rink. Get your skate on with your friends or your date in Singapore’s first and only Olympic-sized ice-skating rink!

Apart from opening its doors to the public, The Rink hosts events and international tournaments. These tournaments include figure skating, ice hockey, and ice curling. As a beginner, you may want to use their skating aids such as the Bambi. This experience will only set you back by S$18 for two hours for adults and S$16 for two hours for children.

Image Credits: facebook.com/therink.sg

Address: JCube, 2 Jurong East Central 1, Singapore 609731
Website: therink.sg

#2: ROW YOUR BOAT

Pasir Ris Park is a peaceful stretch of coast with thriving flora and fauna. You and your loved ones can buke along the designated pathways or rent kayaks from the Ohana Beach House. The rates in Ohana start from S$12 per hour for sit-on-top kayaking and S$14 per hour for sea kayaking. People who love to highlight their balancing skills can opt for the stand-up paddleboards, which start from S$15.

Image Credits: facebook.com/Adventurepaddlers

Address: 131 Pasir Ris Road, Singapore 519148
Website: adventurepaddlers.com.sg

#3: GO ON NATURE WALKS

One of my favorite places to visit for nature walks is the MacRitchie Reservoir Park. Its pleasing aerial walkway called the Treetop Walk will give you a bird’s eye view of the forest canopy.

Image Credits: nparks.gov.sg

With so many scenic spots, MacRitchie is an excellent destination for people who love the outdoors.

Address: MacRitchie Reservoir Park, Singapore 298717
Website: nparks.gov.sg

#4: APPRECIATE DIGITAL LIGHT ART

Embrace the boundaries of physical space as you enter the Digital Light Canvas in Marina Bay Sands. Witness a school of fish gathers in the ocean beneath you or paint calligraphy as you watch flowers blossom before your eyes.

What’s more? You can celebrate special occasions with your family or significant other by requesting a display of personalized messages. This message will appear on the LED floor in beautiful calligraphy.

Image Credits: marinabaysands.com

This digital art event is open daily from 11 am to 9 pm with tickets being sold for about S$5. Children under 2 years old and “Future World: Where Art Meets Science” ticketholders can visit this for free.

Address: 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956
Website: marinabaysands.com

#5: TAKE FEED-WORTHY PICTURES AT MUSCAT STREET

Amp up your feed by taking Instagram-worthy pictures at Muscat Street. This vibrant neighborhood has more to offer than its stretch of cafes and bars. You see, the back alleys of Muscat Street double as an outdoor art gallery. You will come across mural artworks and paintings by local artists.

Image Credits: asiaphotostock.blogspot.com

Feel free to either get in front or behind the camera as you take artful snaps!

Address: Muscat St, Singapore 198833

#6: SAVOR THE FLAVORS OF HAWKER FOOD

Maxwell Food Centre is lauded by both locals and tourists as the place to go to if you want to taste the magnificent flavors of Singaporean food. Home to a myriad of food stalls that champions different dishes from Nasi Lemak to Hainanese Chicken Rice, Maxwell Food Centre remains to be a favorite for the lunchtime CBD crowd.

In fact, celebrity chefs Gordon Ramsay and Anthony Bourdain were impressed by the Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice. Fill your stomach with this dish and other dishes that cost less than S$5 a pop.

With these budget-friendly and exciting activities around the island, your date or family will surely have an amazing day to remember!

Address: 1 Kadayanallur St, Singapore 069184

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

5 Stay-Home Activity Kits For The Entire Family

While lounging around in the sofa and watching your favorite show can help you pass time, here are six alternative activity kits that you can consider. Order these kits online to add spice to your homebound lives. Whether you want to craft your own jewelry or create your own terrariums, your next do-it-yourself craft is only a couple of clicks away!

#1: CANDLE DIY KIT SET BY SOAP ART SINGAPORE

Have you ever tried making your own candles? Candle making is a delightful activity that you can perform with your friends and loved ones. Go to Soap Art Singapore to check out the Candle DIY Kit Set as well as their online workshops.

Image Credits: soapart.sg

Customize your own candles to ignite your creativity and unleash your inner zen. These candle kits include natural soy wax (150gm), natural essential oil (2ml), 1 choice of color (2ml), 2 wicks (6cm each), 2 glass containers, Candle DIY workshop guide, and an inclusion of local mail delivery fee.

Price: S$32
Location: 183 Jalan Pelikat, #01-70 The Promenade@Pelikat, Singapore 537643
Website: soapart.sg

#2: LEATHER ANIMAL CHARM DIY KIT BY HIDES & THREAD

Strike a balance between luxurious and adorable by making leather animal creatures with the Hides & Thread’s Leather Charm DIY Kit. Start by picking your favorite animal and colored leather. The Saffiano leather comes in four shades namely: black, red, whiskey, and orange. These leather pieces can be used to fashion out an elephant, a hippo, a moose, or a bull.

Children as young as 10 years old can refer to the instructional sheet or the website’s instructional video. Use this scratch and water-resistant leather charm to add bling to your handbag or to add a twist to your TraceTogether token!

Price: S$25
Location: 81 Ubi Ave 4 #06-09, Singapore 408830
Website: hidesandthread.com

#3: CLOSED ORNAMENTAL TERRARIUM DIY KIT BY GREEN CAPSULE

Founded by two plant enthusiasts in 2014, the Green Capsule offers a variety of terrarium kits in Singapore. This terrarium shop aims to provide Singaporeans and its residents with an option of full terrarium customization. For instance, you may purchase the Closed Ornamental Terrarium DIY Kit.

Image Credits: thegreencapsule.com.sg

The kit is inclusive of 1 glass jar, pre-packed soil, pre-packed Lecca, pre-packed pebbles, mini pot of plants (Green and Red Fittonia), pre-packed moss, a stirrer, 1 FREE gift card, 1 FREE figurine, an instructional sheet, and a box carrier. See for yourself!

Price: S$35.00
Location: 107 North Bridge Road, #04-11, Singapore 179105
Website: thegreencapsule.com.sg

#4: FOR THE LOVE KIT BY STUDIO MU/YU

Studio MU/YU got its name from the Chinese characters “木语” and embodies these in their pieces. The For the Love Kit – Valentine includes a pair of earrings and a necklace. It is the perfect gift for your partner who likes to add something special to her jewelry collection.

The For the Love – Valentine Kit consists of Valentine pieces, jewelry findings, pliers, sandpaper, wood oil, wood stain, and upcycled cloth. Watch the tutorial below for your reference.

Price: S$40
Location: 10 Kaki Bukit Avenue 4 #04-61 Singapore, Singapore 415875
Website: muyu.co

#5: TOTE BAG DIY KIT BY MAKE YOUR OWN WORKSHOP CAFE

Whether you want to customize a tote bag by yourself or with the help of a loved one, you can paint it to what your heart desires! Make Your Own Workshop Cafe offers a wide range of DIY kits including the Tote Bag DIY Kit that retails for S$38. It includes a sturdy canvas tote bag that holds most laptops and A4-sized documents.

As a friendly reminder, please avoid machine wash and spot clean only. You can hand wash the tote bag gently if needed and iron it on low heat.

Image Credits: makeyourown.sg

Each Tote Bag DIY Kit consists of the following:

1 canvas tote bag (35cm x 30cm),

1 paper plate palette,

2 sets of acrylic paint in 12 colors,

1 acrylic color chart, and

2 standard soft bristle nylon flat brushes

Price: S$38
Location: Blk 4 Upper Aliunied Lane #01-06, Singapore 360004
Website: makeyourown.sg

Do you know any other DIY kits in Singapore? Please do not hesitate to comment below. Enjoy!

Keep Yourself Busy With These Brilliant Stay-At-Home Ideas

Not all establishments are opening during Phase 1. This means that many Singaporeans are still working from home. Staying mostly indoors for long periods of time can take a toll on anyone. One way to get rid of the unpleasant feelings you have been having is to keep yourself busy. Here are five stay-at-home ideas that you can explore to spice up your days!

#1: BOOST YOUR CHILD’S ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

Increase your child’s grades by using technology to your advantage. Distance learning is no longer limited to schools as more enrichment and tuition centers have been opening their doors to modern possibilities. Companies such as 88tuition and ThinkersBox can help your child excel in various subjects.

The former provides video-based learning materials suitable for students from Primary 1 to Secondary 4 for subjects such as Mathematics, Mandarin, and English. The child will be able to take his or her own pace through reviewing and re-watching these videos. The latter provides enrichment classes for kids geared towards enhancing their brain development. ThinkersBox enables your child to concentrate well with its Brain Booster sessions focusing on developing concentration, stronger attention span, and other cognitive abilities. See these websites for yourself!

#2: SPARK JOY IN YOUR WARDROBE

Your routine may consist a cycle of: eat, sleep, and repeat. However, this does not mean that you have to forgo dressing up. You still need do occasional grocery and office runs. Do this in style by de-cluttering and mixing up your wardrobe. Start by cleaning up your closet and searching for items that you can donate or dispose. Get rid of these items. Lastly, you can purchase online to avoid coming in contact with the mall crowds.

Buying your new outfit online is so convenient these days. Virtual Boutiques such as Zalora and Love, Bonito have a wide array of selection. Take advantage of their seasonal promotions such as the previous Chinese New Year sale.

#3: EXPERIMENT IN THE KITCHEN

While following the CB period, my sister unleashed her talents in baking. She recently cooked the most delicious and chewy chocolate chip cookies. She had everyone involved and so can you! Make cooking a family affair or a friendly competition among parents. The two opposing dishes can be judged based on the taste, affordability, and presentation. Who says dining at home has to be boring?

Your family’s routine may have changed due to the pandemic, but you do not have to lead a bland life. Take this time to spend quality moments with your family such as when you cook together in the kitchen.

#4: RE-VISIT YOUR FINANCIAL GOALS

With time in your hands, take this opportunity to re-visit your financial goals. What were you aiming to achieve in the new decade? What were the financial steps that you put on hold, before the pandemic? Browse educational articles online to help you brush up on your financial knowledge or gain new money insights through in-depth research.

You can consider opening a trading account as you begin your investment journey. Or, you may educated your children about the basic concepts of money. It pays to integrate a sense of curiosity in them at an early age.

#5: DO MENTAL CHECK-INS

Mental health is as important as your physical health. Ask yourself, your friends, and family members a simple question. “How are you feeling today?” This question can unlock many underlying issues or problems faced due to the COVID-19 situation. Some people have a hard time sleeping at night. While, others cry due to their anxiety of not going back to work.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Checking the emotional state of people close to you can show how much you care for them. Allow yourself to experience these complex emotions and know that you will not be in the same state forever.

Sources: 1 & 2

Wallet-Friendly Ways To Make Parenting Simple And Fun

One of the best parts of parenting is spending quality time with your children. Most of the time, creating fun memories are simple. However, there are days when it is far from easy.

This is why you must unlock the “inner child” within you by trying these inexpensive ideas:

1. BE A PART OF WHAT THEY LOVE TO DO

In the weekends, you just want to lay down and rest your body from all the week’s work. But, you also want to spend time with your beloved ones. Kill these two birds with one stone with the “Car Play Shirt”.

The Car Play Shirt allows you to relax and lay down while your kids are playing with the activity on your back. The interactive puzzle is drawn at the back of your shirt lets your boys imagine where they want their cool cars to go. You can either purchase them for S$32.17 or make your own by following this tutorial.

Image Credits: thebluebasket.blogspot.sg/2011/09/tutorial-car-shirt.html

2. TALK ABOUT THEIR FEELINGS

Children who do not express themselves genuinely can become people-pleasers with low self-esteem or unhappy adults who cannot reach their fullest potentials. This is why as parents, it is important to encourage the child to be more demonstrative.

Do so by making “Paper Plate Emotion Masks”. The goal of this artistic activity is to open up a conversation with your children to know more about them. With this, you can emphasize more on happy situations and decrease the sad situations.

Simply gather these materials: paper plates, popsicle sticks, markers, crayons, scissors, and tape. Then, let your child create a mask with basic emotions such as happy, sad, scared and angry. If you need more help, follow the instructions here.

Image Credits: thepinterestedparent.com/2013/11/teaching-toddlers-emotions

Note: This activity is great for toddlers and preschoolers.

3. FEED YOUR CHILD’S IMAGINATION

If you want a few minutes to an hour to yourself to do some work at home, you can try indulging your child with arts and crafts. Aside from keeping him or her occupied, art therapy is especially beneficial for children since they are naturally more imaginative and creative. Furthermore, it enhances the child’s problem solving and cognitive (brain) skills.

Inspired by various craft from the Internet, a blogger that goes by the name of “A Little Learning For Two” came up with the “Sticky Window Art”. This easy craft lets your child illustrate endless images with colorful sticks drawn on the “sticky paper” that is plastered in the window. You would need these four items: scissors, clear contact paper, tape, and colored matchsticks/popsicle sticks. After which, follow the tutorial here.

Image Credits: alittlelearningfortwo.blogspot.sg/2010/11/sticky-window-art.html

Much to the blogger’s surprise, her daughter played this activity for almost an hour without losing interest!

Note: A roll of clear contact paper can be found at your nearest stationery shop such as Popular Bookstore.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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