39604SIAG_PEC_Strategic_Global_148x210_SG Insider_Jul17_Inc.indd 1 19/7/17 11:01 AM HANDY TIPS 02 Useful information Farewell 2017 and about Singapore Hello 2018! WHAT’S ON 04 Exciting events in the months ahead ‘Tis the season to be jolly! Waste no more time and make the best of what you have left RETAIL THERAPY with 2017 – using our handy 20 guide, of course. Singapore’s shopping hotspots and what to When in Singapore, don't just buy from there eat; be a foodie and treat your taste buds to flavourful local cuisines. For starters, check out Newton Circus Food Centre COVER STORY or Ayer Rajah Food Centre, 11 as recommended by local chef Artist Dyn shares his Haikal Johari. Creatures of the favourite hawker centres in Singapore night can hit the city’s coolest bars such as Native and Ah Sam DAY TRIPPER Cold Drink Stall to enjoy local- 12 These brilliantly curated inspired tipples. THE EAT LIST tours will show you 24 Hawker highlights and Shopaholics, take your shopping different sides of Singapore the hottest tables in town to the next level by being a keeper of local artisanal BY NIGHT goods. For retail therapy with 28 Cool bars and clubs to a distinctly local spin, flip to our drink and be merry favourite section of the guide, Take Me Home (page 22 & 23), where you’ll find hip local gems. Want a fun day out with the little ones? Explore a different side of Singapore with your kids through various day tours or visit unique spots on our ESSENTIAL island such as The Live Turtle 14 SINGAPORE and Tortoise Museum, and The City must-dos and FAMILY FUN Karting Arena. neighbourhood guides 30 Things to do with Lastly, beyond immersing for every visitor the little ones yourself in these festivities, socialise with other hip FOUNDER Chris Edwards THE HONEYCOMBERS [email protected] scenesters at the myriad of MANAGING DIRECTOR Hamish Mcdougall HO PRINTING SINGAPORE PTE LTD exciting events happening across EDITOR Zakaria Muhammad our tropical city-state – from 31 Changi South Street 1 Singapore 486769 SUB-EDITOR Chelsia Tan the BNP Paribas WTA Finals For general enquiries, contact the WRITERS Venessa Thor, Shahfiqah Sukor Singapore presented by SC SINGAPORE TOURISM BOARD, DESIGNERS Stephanie Cahyadi, Darissa Lee Tourism Court, 1 Orchard Spring Lane, Global and Singapore Wine Singapore 247729 COVER ART Dyn Fiesta to Singapore Fashion Tel: (65) 6736 6622 | Fax: (65) 6736 9423 Week and ZoukOut 2017. Tourist line: 1800 736 2000 (outside Singapore) 2017 is set to close with a big STB is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of this bang – see you around the city! publication and shall not be liable for any damage, loss, injury or inconvenience arising from or in connection with the content of this publication. You should verify or seek clarification from the individual third parties referred to in this publication. All information in this guide is correct at the time of printing. DC 001 05 17 Q4 HAD A GOOD TIME? SHARE IT WITH US AT #VISITSINGAPORE 02 | HANDY TIPS Handy Tips A guide to surviving Singapore Transport MRT BUS TAXI Trains typically run from 5.30 am Fares start from as low as $0.78. Try Cab fares start from $3.20. to 12.00 am. Standard tickets vary to have the exact fare as bus drivers SMRT Taxis from $1.40 to $2.70. See page 32 do not give change on public buses. (65) 6555 8888 for map. www.sbstransit.com.sg Premier Cabs www.smrt.com.sg www.smrt.com.sg (65) 6363 6888 (65) 1800 336 8900 (65) 1800 336 8900 Comfort Taxis & CityCab (65) 6552 1111 Visitor Centres Connectivity FREE WIFI SIM CARD TOURIST HOTLINE: Register for free From April (65) 1800 736 2000 public Wi-Fi service onwards, telcos (65) 6736 2000 (overseas) with your foreign in Singapore mobile number at will cease the any Wireless@SG provision of the 2G network hotspot across Singapore, and in Singapore. Buy a Singapore receive your login prepaid SIM card to support details via an SMS 3G/4G roaming from Singapore message. Overseas charges may Visitor Centre (orchardgateway), apply. Alternatively, you can rent Changi Recommends and CHINATOWN a pocket Wi-Fi device at Singapore telecommunication retail shops 2 Banda Street (Behind Buddha Visitor Centre (orchardgateway) located at the airport, major Tooth Relic Temple and Museum) or Changi Recommends at shopping malls and convenience 9 am - 9 pm daily Changi Airport. stores island-wide. Chinatown ION ORCHARD Don't Miss! Level 1 Concierge, 2 Orchard Turn 10 am - 10 pm daily Head up to the second floor of the Singapore Visitor Centre at orchardgateway! Free culinary and hands-on activities are Orchard curated each month for visitors who wish to find out more about ORCHARD Singapore’s culture. For the month of October to December, join 216 Orchard Road in on the activities such as Henna, popiah (spring roll) making (Next to orchardgateway@emerald) and card making workshops. See pages 4 to 9 for more details. 8.30 am - 9.30 pm daily Somerset WANT MORE? VISIT VISITSINGAPORE.COM HANDY TIPS | 03 Local Quirks Singlish, explained Language Uncle / Aunty Shiok Out of respect, locals address Fantastic, or to convey feelings of English is the spoken language, older folks on the street, like satisfaction and pleasure though Singlish – a collection a shopkeeper or taxi driver, as “This plate of chicken rice is of colloquial catchphrases and “aunty” or “uncle”, even if damn shiok!” lingo – dominates everyday they are not related. conversations among locals. Mandarin, Malay, Tamil and Chope Tapao various other dialects are The Singlish equivalent of takeaway It means to reserve a place or also used. “I’m going to tapao lunch from the call dibs on something. If you hawker centre.” see a pack of tissues on a seat or table at a hawker Lah centre during lunch hour, try Har-nor A suffix used to place emphasis your luck elsewhere: the spot The Singlish equivalent of “I agree”, on the sentence; used to express has been choped. or “Exactly!” certainty A: “The movie is exciting!” “Dont worry about it lah!” Queuing Up B: “Har-nor!" Waiting in line for the latest Gostan and the best in the city is a way A contraction of the nautical phrase of life for Singaporeans. We do Boleh “go astern”. It means to reverse or it all the time – and whatever A Malay word for “can” turn around you get at the end of the or “possible” “You need to gostan your car for queue might be worth your “You check on the movie timings the driver to move out of the while, too. and I’ll handle the bookings. Boleh?” parking lot.” GST Refunds Shopping For a pleasant shopping experience, As a tourist in Singapore, you can claim a refund on the 7% Goods compare prices, enquire about and Services Tax (GST) under the Tourist Tax Refund Scheme if refund policies, and check the you make any purchases of more than $100 at the participating invoice as well as the warranty shops - and it’s super easy too! of the product before making a purchase. More information and shopping tips can be found on the Consumer Advisory section at VisitSingapore.com (under Look out for these At the eTRS kiosk, swipe your “Traveller Essentials”). 1 signs at the shops. 4 assigned Token to retrieve your purchase details. Otherwise, scan your For assistance or to flag eTRS tickets to retrieve your purchase details. inappropriate retailer behaviour, Choose one credit/debit call 1800 736 2000 or email 2 card as a Token for tagging [email protected]. your purchases. Don’t forget to ask for your eTRS Ticket, original You can choose to have the invoice or receipt. refund credited directly into your Tipping 5credit card at the eTRS self-help kiosk, or get cash refund. If you choose the It is not usual practice to tip latter (available only at Changi Interna- Apply for your tax refund at the tional Aiport), proceed to the Central in Singapore, although it is 3 eTRS self-help kiosk located at Refund Counter after the immigration appreciated by service staff. Most the airport or international cruise checks. hotels and restaurants quote centres. Be sure to file your GST price as “++,” which includes 10% claims before checking in your goods. service charge and 7% Goods and Services Tax (GST). HAD A GOOD TIME? SHARE IT WITH US AT #VISITSINGAPORE 04 | WHAT'S ON Ongoing SPECTRA - A LIGHT & WATER SHOW Oct Set to an orchestral soundtrack composed by award-winning Singaporean producer, Kenn C, this free-to-public outdoor light and water show is a four-act journey that starts off with Singapore’s origin as a multicultural hub, and closes with a sneak peek into a future using projections. The show takes place nightly after 8pm. www.MarinaBaySands.com/Spectra The Event Plaza at Marina Bay Sands Bayfront Till Nov 12 DEEPAVALI CELEBRATIONS 2017 Join in the merrymaking as the Hindus in Singapore celebrate the ‘Festival of Lights’ with Henna art, performances, and plenty of shopping in Little India and beyond. See page 10 for more details. Various venues Your October will hardly be dull; start filling your Oct 1 to 31 calendars with cultural NIGHT AT SENTOSA celebrations like Deepavali and More than just a leisure destination, Sentosa Island (also known as The Halloween, and State of Fun) is one of Singapore's exciting locally-led hottest nightlife stops with its events like Singapore selection of the finest bars such as Tanjong Beach Club and Mambo Fashion Week and Beach Club.