The day we’ve all been restlessly waiting for has come, and Singapore has finally exited the Circuit Breaker.

However, before we dash out of our homes in euphoria and attempt to carry out every single activity we’ve been waiting to do, we need to understand that our lives from now onwards will be a long stretch from what it previously used to be like.

As we rev our engines and restart our work towards normalcy, we have to remember that our society isn’t the same place that we left behind before we entered the Circuit Breaker.

Our economy is in shambles and Singapore will be entering a recession this year. A dark, ominous cloud looms above our heads, fuelled by a significant amount of uncertainty, especially over the duration and intensity of the period. Singapore’s GDP growth forecast for 2020 has been revised downwards to -7% to -4%, the lowest in Singapore’s history.

How long will we be stuck in this rut? How bad will it be? What can we do moving forward to prevent things from getting worse?

While you may think of yourself as a small speck in Singapore’s 5.6 million population, every effort counts and we all need to work together to save our little red dot. Don’t know where to start? Here are 6 ways in which you can contribute to getting Singapore back on her feet.

AVOID DELIVERY SERVICES AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE AND ORDER DIRECTLY FROM THE F&B BUSINESS ITSELF 

While delivery apps like GrabFood and Foodpanda are undoubtedly a convenient option, placing an order via them may be harming your favourite eateries more than helping them.

These platforms charge a whopping 20% to 40% commission for regular deliveries and 10% to 20% commission for self pick-up orders. To make up for the loss, some eateries tend to jack up their prices, but this usually ends up deterring diners from ordering from them. You can read about all this in detail here.

It is pretty hard to eliminate our usage of such apps completely as there are instances where it is the merchant’s only delivery option or it is inconvenient for you to takeaway from the eatery itself. However, as much as possible, we should try to minimise our usage of these platforms whenever we can to support our local establishments. Check out Facebook groups such as Singapore Restaurant Rescue and Hawkers United — Dabao 2020 to find out which restaurants and hawkers you can order directly from. 

SEND YOUR FRIENDS AND LOVED ONES SOME FOOD

We know it’s a bummer that we still can’t really hang out with all our friends and we sorely miss them. One way to let them know that you’re thinking of them is to send them food. Aside from making your friend happy, you will also be supporting local businesses as well. That’s killing two birds with one stone!

You can order meals from your favourite restaurants that offer islandwide deliveries in Singapore, send them a pint of ice cream or two, or your favourite Basque Burnt Cheesecakes.

Mala instant noodles and Suan La Fen are all the rage in Singapore right now. Order a carton of the popular Mala Oden to send to your friends and family.

Feeling fat from pigging out during Circuit Breaker? Try the best slimming coffee in Singapore from Mskinny.

LEAVE A TIP WHENEVER POSSIBLE 

Though Singapore doesn’t have a tipping culture, there isn’t anything wrong with giving a tip once in a while to spread some happiness and make someone’s day. The next time you order something or head down to dabao something from the chicken rice auntie near your house, tell the merchants or delivery person to keep the change. It may be a minuscule gesture, but every small step counts in helping our local businesses.

#SAVEFNBSG AND VISIT YOUR LOCAL HAWKERS CENTRES AND EATERIES 

The F&B scene in Singapore is in absolute ruins right now. With eateries not being able to allow their customers to dine in and having to switch to delivery and takeaway options, sales have taken a plunge, leaving these poor businesses in a sinking ship that’s close to becoming fully submerged.

We’ve already heard of a number of businesses that have given up on the battle and closed down to cut losses. It would be awful if more of such dining establishments follow suit and we should do as much as we can to protect the remaining ones.

So, whenever possible, support our hawkers and restaurants by patronising them. It doesn’t have to be a daily affair, but we can all attempt to do so whenever convenient.

#SUPPORTLOCAL AND ORDER SOMETHING FROM HOME-BASED BUSINESSES OR HOME-GROWN BRANDS 

We must not forget that aside from our brick and mortar stalls, home-based businesses and home-grown brands are just as badly affected by the pandemic as everyone else. For a period of time during the Circuit Breaker, these brands were not allowed to operate so as to curb human-to-human interaction. This also means that they were not receiving any revenue at all.

To help them out, you can always make a small purchase from them. For a comprehensive list of home-based and home-grown businesses, you can check out hbb.sg.

#TREATYOURSELF AND DO A LITTLE SHOPPING 

Who would have ever imagined that spoiling ourselves with occasional gifts would be useful in saving Singapore’s dying economy? With most physical stores being shut for the time being, many of our favourite brands have desperately turned to online platforms to continue their businesses. To help them make it over the next few hurdles before stores are allowed to re-operate again, purchasing something from them online can help boost their sales and survive another month.

While we aren’t asking you to go crazy and start carting out all the items in your wishlist, a little retail therapy to #treatyourself will definitely help to stimulate the economy. So yes, get those pair of shoes you’ve been eyeing; you deserve it for surviving the Circuit Breaker.

It is no secret that Bangkok is a food and shopping paradise that is full of dirt-cheap deals, and we always make it a point to come here at least once a year to get our fill on affordable food, shopping and massages.

For those of you who are visiting Bangkok for the first time and you need some ideas for your itinerary, we recommend you pay the Pratunam area a visit. The place is chock full of endless shopping, food and even more shopping and once you’re done with all that, you can give your body a break by heading over to one of the many massage parlours that are scattered around the area.

If you want to visit Pratunam but you are absolutely clueless about what you should do there, here’s our guide to give you some ideas.

WAKE UP EARLY FOR CHEAP WHOLESALE DEALS AT PRATUNAM MORNING MARKET 

You can forget about scrolling through Taobao for the next few months after visiting this gargantuan wholesale paradise. The market is filled with hundreds of vendors selling trendy pieces for dirt cheap prices. We recommend coming here with a group of friends because you can get even cheaper prices when you bulk buy!

Ratchaprarop 1 Alley
Khwaeng Thanon Phaya Thai, Khet Ratchathewi
Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400, Thailand
Daily: 5am – 6pm

HAVE BREAKFAST AT LUNG PRATHUNAM BOAT NOODLES 

There are multiple places in Bangkok that serve up decent bowls of boat noodles but one of our absolute favourites is Lung Prathunam Boat Noodle. Here, they have 6 different broths and 8 different types of noodles to choose from. Each bowl costs a mere 30 baht and an upsized version would be 40 baht. For those of you who are in a rush, you can also do a take away for 50 baht.

960/14 Phetchaburi Road
Khwaeng Makkasan, Khet Ratchathewi
Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400, Thailand
Tel: +66 85 919 1994
Daily: 8am – 5pm

GO SHOPPING AT PLATINUM FASHION MALL OR PANDTIP IT MALL 

It is impossible to not have heard of Platinum Fashion Mall and this shopping paradise is home to a plethora of stalls that sell cheap and trendy clothes, accessories and shoes. With 6 floors housing over 2000 stalls, the place will keep you busy for hours! If you aren’t keen in fashion, you can also head on over to Pandtip IT Mall to check out some of the tech stuff that they have available.

GET A MASSAGE ALONG PETCHABURI SOI 15

While shopping may be fun, it can also be pretty exhausting. To ease those muscles and give yourself a break, we recommend heading over to the row of massage parlours at Petchaburi Soi 15 to treat yourself to a good session of kneading and back cracking. While all the parlours there are pretty decent, our favourite is Number One Massage!

Number One Massage 
1/7-8 Pratunam
Phetchaburi soi 15
Thanon Phaya Thai, Ratchathewei
Bangkok 10400, Thailand
Tel: +65 +66 2 653 9967
Daily: 9.30am – 12am

HAVE LUNCH AT GONG TONG CAFE 

Gong Tong is a charming and quirky cafe that dishes out themed homemade dishes revolving around different historical periods of Thailand. They serve up both sets and à la carte options and each and every dish here will take you to a completely different era. While the prices here are on the steeper end, we can assure you that it is well worth every cent.

Thanon Phaya Thai
Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
Tel: +66 64 879 0149
Daily: 10am – 8.30pm

PAY A VISIT TO BRAND NEW MALL ‘THE MARKET’

The shopping scene in Bangkok just keeps getting better and joining the slew of malls is The Market. Located just across the road from Central World, The Market is home to plenty of stalls like boutiques, blogshops, cafes and massage parlours. The prices here are a little on the steeper end as compared to the markets but we feel like the things sold here are of better quality.

111 Ratchadamri Road
Khwaeng Lumphini, Khet Pathum Wan
Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10330, Thailand
Tel: +66 2 121 8888
Daily: 10am – 10pm

HAVE TEA AT BOYY AND SON CAFE 

Located conveniently at the recently renovated Gaysorn Village, BOYY & Son is a chic, stylish and incredibly Instagram-worthy cafe that sells coffee, tea and an interesting array of pastries. We absolutely love their croissants which are flaky, buttery and fragrant all at once!

BOYY 127 Unit L00-01 GAYSORN Tower2 Lumphini
Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Tel: +66 2 253 8300
Daily: 8am – 8pm

VISIT CENTRAL WORLD SHOPPING MALL

Like we said, the shopping never ends at Pratunam! Another mall to check out is the famous Central World Shopping Mall. While it is similar to many Singapore malls and the stuff here isn’t as cheap as the markets, it’s still a great place to do some window shopping and enjoy the air-con!

HAVE DINNER AT GO-ANG PRATUNAM CHICKEN RICE

If you want to try a different variation of chicken rice aside from Singapore’s Hainanese chicken rice, we recommend that you pop by Go-Ang Pratunam Chicken Rice. These plates of Michelin Bib Gourmand chicken rice certainly live up to its name and we can see why it’s so popular with both the locals and tourists. Brace yourself for some really long queues!

960 962 Phetchaburi Road
Khwaeng Makkasan, Khet Ratchathewi
Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400, Thailand
Tel: +66 2 252 6325
Daily: 6am – 2pm, 5pm – 2am

CHECK OUT PALLADIUM NIGHT MARKET 

As the sun sets for the day, all the night markets come out to play. Pratunam has its own share of night markets that come alive when the sky turns dark and one of the more popular ones is Palladium Night Market. Here, you can find rows of stalls selling things like clothes, accessories and random knick-knacks.

487 Phetchaburi Road
Khwaeng Makkasan, Khet Ratchathewi
Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400, Thailand
Daily: 6pm – 12am

END THE NIGHT WITH TALAD NEON NIGHT MARKET

If you still have time, you can also hop on over to Talad Neon Night Market for even more shopping and feasting. We prefer this place to Palladium Night Market as we feel that the things sold here are catered more to the youths. They also have a larger array of stalls that sell food so it’s a great supper spot!

1087, 167 Phetchaburi Road
Khwaeng Makkasan, Khet Ratchathewi
Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400, Thailand
Daily: 5pm – 12am

It is no secret that Singaporeans love Bangkok for being such an affordable travel destination; who can resist cheap shopping, food and massages all conveniently situated in one place?

If you’re visiting Bangkok for the first time or you just want some new ideas to add to your itinerary, we have here a 4D3N Bangkok itinerary that you can use as a guide to plan your next Bangkok trip!

DAY 1 

HAVE LUNCH AT INTER RESTAURANT AFTER CHECKING INTO YOUR HOTEL

If you’re feeling a little peckish after your flight and you want to find some hearty Thai grub to dig into, we recommend popping by Inter Restaurant at Siam. This place is one of our perennial favourites in Bangkok and they serve up unpretentious and authentic local dishes at affordable prices.

9 Rama I Road
Pathum Wan District
Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Tel: +66 2 251 4689
Daily: 11am – 9pm

INDULGE YOURSELVES IN SOME DECADENT DESSERTS AT AFTER YOU

If you’ve been to Bangkok before, this dessert cafe should be no stranger to you by now. After You first started in 2007, and it has been synonymous with Shibuya Toasts ever since. The Shibuya Honey Toast is what After You got famous for, and fast forward many years, queues still form outside its various outlets every day for their amazing desserts. They have multiple outlets across Bangkok but the biggest and prettiest one is at Siam Square one.

Siam Square One
991 Rama 1 Road
Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Tel: +66 02 115 1949
Daily: 11am – 12midnight
Nearest BTS: Siam

SHOP TILL YOU DROP AT SIAM CENTER, SIAM PARAGON, SIAM DISCOVERY AND MBK CENTRE 

The Siam area is the heart of Bangkok’s shopping district and the place is packed with popular malls such as Siam Paragon, Siam Discovery and MBK Centre. As the area is conveniently linked to a BTS station, this shopping paradise is easily accessible and not hard to locate.

PET A RACOON AT LITTLE ZOO CAFE  

While Bangkok is famous for having plenty of animal cafes, our absolute favourite out of the lot is Little Zoo Cafe. The place features all sorts of animals such as dogs, cats and birds of different breeds. To top it all off, there are also exotic animals such as an Arctic fox, Fennec foxes and a massive raccoon. Rest assured, all the animals here are tame and docile when they play with humans.

Entrance to the cafe is free, but all visitors are expected to purchase a main and drink each in order to maintain the welfare of the animals.

424/7 Siam Square
Rama I Road, Pathum Wan District
Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Daily: 11am – 8pm

HAVE DINNER AT NUER KOO 

Located on level four of Siam Paragon in Bangkok, Nuer Koo is known for its premium beef noodles, with prices ranging from THB170 for the sirloin to a whopping THB950 for a bowl of Kobe beef noodles. The beef noodles may be pricey by Bangkok’s standard, but by its quality and taste, it is still considerably reasonable, especially when we are talking about premium beef cuts such as wagyu and Kobe.

Rama I Road
Khwaeng Pathum Wan, Khet Pathum Wan
Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10330, Thailand
Tel: +66 2 610 9773
Daily: 11am – 10pm

TAKE SOME INSTAGRAM-WORTHY SHOTS AT CHANG CHUI PLANE MARKET 

If you’re looking for a more unique and artsy night market to explore, we recommend that you pay Chang Chui Plane Market a visit. Located in the Thonburi district, this massive lifestyle space is a one-stop destination for everything art-related.

Think fashion apparel stalls, concept cafes, food trucks and a vintage cinema for the film buffs. The creative co-working space looks more like a page from a fairy tale book than the usual boisterous Thai night markets you are used to seeing in Bangkok. Also, remember to get a picture with their iconic plane that’s right smack in the middle of the place!

460/8 Sirindhorn Road
Khwaeng Bang Phlat, Khet Bang Phlat
Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10700, Thailand
Tel: +66 81 817 2888
Thu to Tue: 11am – 11pm
 

DAY 2

WAKE UP EARLY FOR CHEAP WHOLESALE DEALS AT PRATUNAM MORNING MARKET 

You can forget about scrolling through Taobao for the next few months after visiting this gargantuan wholesale paradise. The market is filled with hundreds of vendors selling trendy pieces for dirt cheap prices. We recommend coming here with a group of friends because you can get even cheaper prices when you bulk buy!

Ratchaprarop 1 Alley
Khwaeng Thanon Phaya Thai, Khet Ratchathewi
Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400, Thailand
Daily: 5am – 6pm

HAVE BREAKFAST AT LUNG PRATHUNAM BOAT NOODLES

There are multiple places in Bangkok that serve up decent bowls of boat noodles but one of our absolute favourites is Lung Prathunam Boat Noodle. Here, they have 6 different broths and 8 different types of noodles to choose from. Each bowl costs a mere 30 baht and an upsized version would be 40 baht. For those of you who are in a rush, you can also do a take away for 50 baht.

960/14 Phetchaburi Road
Khwaeng Makkasan, Khet Ratchathewi
Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400, Thailand
Tel: +66 85 919 1994
Daily: 8am – 5pm

GO SHOPPING AT PLATINUM FASHION MALL AND PANDTIP IT MALL 

It is impossible to not have heard of Platinum Fashion Mall and this shopping paradise is home to a plethora of stalls that sell cheap and trendy clothes, accessories and shoes. With 6 floors housing over 2000 stalls, the place will keep you busy for hours! If you aren’t keen in fashion, you can also head on over to Pandtip IT Mall to check out some of the tech stuff that they have available.

GET A MASSAGE ALONG PETCHABURI SOI 15 

While shopping may be fun, it can also be pretty exhausting. To ease those muscles and give yourself a break, we recommend heading over to the row of massage parlours at Petchaburi Soi 15 to treat yourself to a good session of kneading and back cracking. While all the parlours there are pretty decent, our favourite is Number One Massage!

If you want more recommendations for other massage spots worth checking out, you can read our article about them here.

Number One Massage 
1/7-8 Pratunam
Phetchaburi soi 15
Thanon Phaya Thai, Ratchathewei
Bangkok 10400, Thailand
Tel: +65 +66 2 653 9967
Daily: 9.30am – 12am

HAVE LUNCH AT THE PLACE 168 

If you’re on a tom yum hunt with a group of ravenous friends, we recommend that you pop by The Place 168 to share their massive Tom Yum Koong Soup. The Place 168 is a humble Thai restaurant tucked away at a rundown building near Pratunam Market. While the small shop has a pretty extensive menu filled with authentic Thai dishes, most people go there for their gargantuan bowls of Tom Yum Koong Soup.

1/49 Phetchaburi Road
Khwaeng Thanon Phaya Thai, Khet Ratchathewi
Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400, Thailand
Tel: +66 2 657 0880
Daily: 10.30am – 9.30pm

VISIT THE NEW MALL, ‘THE MARKET’

The shopping scene in Bangkok just gets better and joining the slew of malls is The Market. Located just across the road from Central World, The Market is home to plenty of stalls like boutiques, blogshops, cafes and massage parlours. The prices here are a little on the steeper end but we feel like the things sold here are of better quality.

111 Ratchadamri Road
Khwaeng Lumphini, Khet Pathum Wan
Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10330, Thailand
Tel: +66 2 121 8888
Daily: 10am – 10pm

HAVE TEA AT BOYY & SON CAFE 

Located conveniently at the recently renovated Gaysorn Village, BOYY & Son is a chic, stylish and incredibly Instagram-worthy cafe that sells coffee, tea and an interesting array of pastries. We absolutely love their croissants which are flaky, buttery and fragrant all at once!

BOYY 127 Unit L00-01 GAYSORN Tower2 Lumphini
Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Tel: +66 2 253 8300
Daily: 8am – 8pm

SHOP EVEN MORE AT CENTRAL WORLD SHOPPING MALL 

Like we said, the shopping never ends at Pratunam! Another mall to check out is the famous Central World Shopping Mall. While it is similar to many Singapore malls and the stuff here isn’t as cheap as the markets, it’s still a great place to do some window shopping and enjoy the air-con!

HAVE DINNER AT GO-ANG PRATUNAM CHICKEN RICE 

If you want to try a different variation of chicken rice aside from Singapore’s Hainanese chicken rice, we recommend that you pop by Go-Ang Pratunam Chicken Rice. These plates of Michelin Bib Gourmand chicken rice certainly live up to its name and we can see why it’s so popular with both the locals and tourists. Brace yourself for some really long queues!

960 962 Phetchaburi Road
Khwaeng Makkasan, Khet Ratchathewi
Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400, Thailand
Tel: +66 2 252 6325
Daily: 6am – 2pm, 5pm – 2am

END THE NIGHT WITH TALAD NEON NIGHT MARKET 

If you still have time, you can also hop on over to Talad Neon Night Market for even more shopping and feasting. We prefer this place to Palladium Night Market as we feel that the things sold here are catered more to the youths. They also have a larger array of stalls that sell food so it’s a great supper spot!

1087, 167 Phetchaburi Road
Khwaeng Makkasan, Khet Ratchathewi
Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400, Thailand
Daily: 5pm – 12am

DAY 3

VISIT THE MAJESTIC GRAND PALACE 

If you’re into culture, history and art, one place you definitely need to check out is the majestic Grand Palace. Located in the old city of Bangkok on the banks of the famous Chao Phraya river, this majestic, sacred landmark is nothing short of breathtaking.

Na Phra Lan Road
Khwaeng Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang
Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand
Tel: +66 2 623 5500
Daily: 8.30am – 3.30pm

ADMIRE THE GORGEOUS STRUCTURES AT WAT PHO

After the Grand Palace, you can head on over to the gorgeous Wat Pho, home of the famous reclining Buddha. The breathtaking structures and statues make for the perfect backdrop for a nice photo for the gram!

2 Sanam Chai Road
Khwaeng Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Khet Phra Nakhon
Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand
Tel: +66 2 226 0335

HAVE LUNCH AT THE SIXTH 

If you’re feeling a little peckish after exploring the Grand Palace and Wat Arun, you can have your lunch at The Sixth. located just a short walk away from the famous landmarks, The Sixth is a cosy and hip little cafe that is run by a young couple. They specialise in wholesome and soulful Thai food which include the likes of Tom Yum Koong, Phad Thai and Thai Green Curry.

Maha Rat Road
Khwaeng Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang
Khet Phra Nakhon
Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand
Tel: +66 64 316 6890
Mon to Sat: 10.30am – 5pm
(Closed on Sundays)

TAKE A TUK TUK TO CHINATOWN 

Travel in style to your next destination by hopping onto a Tuk Tuk. These adorable little open-air taxis are a fun way to get around Bangkok while you enjoy the sights along the way. However, do be careful as some of the Tuk Tuk drivers tend to overcharge customers to earn a quick buck.

GRAB SOME DIM SUM AT LHONG TOU CAFE 

Situated right smack in the middle of Chinatown is Lhong Tou Cafe. This eclectic, cosy eatery is popular for their dim sum as well as their very interesting interior; both of which are incredibly Instagram-worthy. Our favourite menu item here is the Shitake Mushroom Bun!

538 Yaowarat Rd, Khwaeng Samphanthawong
Khet Samphanthawong
Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10100, Thailand
Tel: +66 64 935 6499
Daily: 8am – 10pm

EXPLORE THE STREETS OF YAOWARAT 

The streets of Yaowarat, Bangkok’s Chinatown, are filled with a plethora of things to eat see and do. We recommend coming here during the evening or at night as that’s when the place comes alive with people, street vendors and lights.

SLURP SOME NOODLES AT NAI EK ROLL NOODLE 

Situated at the heart of Chinatown, Nai Ek Roll Noodle is a humble stall that specialises in —you guessed it — roll noodles, as well as some of the crispiest deep-fried pork we’ve ever tried. The food here is so good that they’ve even earned themselves a place in the Michelin Guide

442 Khwaeng Samphanthawong
Khet Samphanthawong
Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10100, Thailand
+66 2 226 4651
Daily: 7.30am – 1.30am

EXPLORE THE MASSIVE TALAD ROD FAI SRINAKARIN

If you don’t have much time to go night market hopping in Bangkok, the one market you need to head to to get the full experience is the famous Talad Rot Fai Srinakarin, also known as Rot Fai Train Market. There are a number of similar train markets across Bangkok but this is one of the bigger ones.

What we love about this place is how it feels like there are multiple night markets packed into one area. Just when you think that you’ve finished walking the whole stretch, you find yourself in another completely different area filled with more rows of exciting things to explore.

Soi Srinagarindra 51
Khwaeng Nong Bon, Khet Prawet
Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10250, Thailand
Thu to Sun: 5pm – 1pm
(Closed on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays

EAT LENG SAAP FOR SUPPER 

Leng Saap essentially translates to ‘Spicy Pork Bone Soup’ and it basically consists of giant portions of pork ribs and spine that are generously doused in a rich and addictively spicy broth as well as plenty of lime, coriander and chilli. We’ve tried the one at Golden Mile Tower back in Singapore and were instantly hooked, and we pleased to say that the ones here in Bangkok taste even better.

Soi Srinagarindra 51
Khwaeng Nong Bon, Khet Prawet
Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10250, Thailand
Thu to Sun: 5pm – 1pm
(Closed on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays)

DAY 4 

DO SOME LAST MINUTE SHOPPING AT UNION MALL 

One mall that has slowly but surely gained some popularity over the years is Union Mall. Located near Chatuchak Weekend Market, this mall has 8 levels full of shopping, food and services. Girlfriends, your boyfriends will love this place as much as you do as there is a whole level just dedicated to men’s fashion. Do take note that as this is a mall that is more frequented by locals, some of the stall owners here may not be fluent in English.

1 Khwaeng Chom Phon
Khet Chatuchak
Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10900, Thailand
Tel: +66 2 512 5000
Daily: 11am – 10pm

EAT BOAT NOODLES AT KIN TIEW KAN 

There are few things as addictive as boat noodles and we love the satisfying feeling of stacking all those finished bowls up high. The great thing about boat noodles is that because the portions are all so small and cheap, you get to try a variety of different broths and noodles till your heart’s content without feeling a pinch in your wallet.

One hot spot to try out boat noodles is Kin Tiew Kan at Union Mall. The stall is perpetually packed with patrons but don’t let the queues discourage you; the place is completely worth a try!

Lat Phrao, Khwaeng Chom Phon
Khet Chatuchak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10900, Thailand
Tel: +66 81 849 9292
Daily: 11am – 9pm

STROLL THROUGH CHATUCHAK PARK 

Walk off the food coma after lunch at Kin Tiew Kan by taking a stroll in Chatuchak Park. This scenic spot is full of lush greenery and is one of the oldest parks in Bangkok. The place is also well-connected to Chatuchak MRT Station and Mo Chit BTS station, making it a convenient pitstop for a nice walk

Kamphaeng Phet Road
Khet Chatuchak
Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10900, Thailand
Daily: 4.30am – 9pm

VISIT THE BANGKOK BUTTERFLY GARDEN AND INSECTARIUM

If you’re not afraid of little critters and creepy crawlies, you can check out Bangkok’s very own Butterfly Garden and Insectarium to admire some gorgeous butterflies. The lofty enclosure is home to a few species of butterflies which flutter around the various rockeries, flowers and shady ferns.

Kamphaeng Phet 3 Road
Lat Yao, Khet Chatuchak
Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10900, Thailand
Tel: +66 2 272 4359
Tue to Sun: 8.30am – 4.30pm

POP BY CHATUCHAK WEEKEND MARKET 

Chatuchak Weekend Market is no doubt one of the most well-known markets in Bangkok and for many good reasons too—the sheer size of this outdoor market makes it impossible for you to cover the entire place in a day. Covering 27 acres of land in total, this is one of the largest markets in Bangkok and it is home to over 8,000 stalls featuring Thai street food, fashion, homeware, flowers and so much more.

Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road
Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
Sat to Mon: 9am – 6pm
Wed & Thu: 7am – 6pm
Fri: 6pm – 12am
(Closed on Tuesdays)

GRAB SOME COOL VINTAGE WEAR AT THE CAMP VINTAGE FLEA MARKET 

If you want to pop some tags but you only have 20 dollars in your pocket, you can head on over to Camp Vintage Flea Market to go thrift shopping. Not only is this place a vintage paradise, but it is also a very artsy spot to snap some great photos for the gram. We also love how they decorate the place with repurposed planes and other air crafts to go with the vintage theme.

The Camp Vintage Flea Market
482 Kamphaeng Phet Soi 1, Bangkok, Thailand
Tue to Thu: 11am – 10pm
Fri to Sun: 11am – 11.45pm

]]> https://www.ladyironchef.com/2019/11/4d3n-bangkok-itinerary/feed/ 1 https://www.ladyironchef.com/2019/06/traditional-markets-seoul/ https://www.ladyironchef.com/2019/06/traditional-markets-seoul/#comments Sun, 23 Jun 2019 16:50:53 +0000 Jade Ye https://www.ladyironchef.com/?p=183391 Continue reading →]]>

When visitors are in Seoul, their itineraries are often packed with touring the grand palaces, retail therapy and relaxing at the aesthetically-pleasing cafes. While we can understand why travellers love these activities, Seoul actually has so much more to offer!

Traditional markets are often overlooked and deserve more attention to the amount of culture, food and interesting experiences that can be offered all in one place.

Feast on affordable street food, gawk at gigantic freshly caught fish and observe as the stall vendors make big batches of kimchi. Here are 7 traditional markets in Seoul you need to visit to get the very best out of your trip.

#1 GWANGJANG MARKET

Opened in 1905, Gwangjang Market boasts over 5000 shops and 42,000 square metres. This is the traditional market you must visit if you are tight on time while in Seoul.

Gwangjang Market is food heaven for those who love affordable Korean street food and snacks; from cheap and generous portions of mung bean pancakes to steaming plates of spicy rice cakes and crispy deep-fried snacks.

Most of the food stalls here have been operating for many years, thus they are well-loved by the locals for the wallet-friendly prices and years of expertise they spent to hone and perfect the dishes.

In addition to food, visitors will be able to watch as stall owners make huge batches of fresh kimchi and explore the many uniquely Korean stalls available here, including antiques and cheap clothing!

88 Changgyeonggung-ro,
Jongno 4(sa)-ga, Jongno-gu,
Seoul, South Korea
Nearest Station: Jongno 5-ga/Euljiro 4-ga

#2 NORYANGJIN FISHERIES WHOLESALE MARKET

Featuring an impressive array of tanks filled with live seafood, Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market is Seoul’s biggest seafood market. Seafood lovers visiting the capital city, this is the ultimate market for you!

The market is made up of two buildings, and here’s everything you need to know before visiting.. Indulge in fresh assortment of seafood, including raw, live octopus.

Buy your fresh seafood from any of the seafood vendors, then head to the restaurants nearby for a freshly cooked meal with the seafood you just purchased for a delightful hot meal.

674 Nodeul-ro,
Noryangjin-dong, Dongjak-gu,
Seoul, South Korea
Nearest Station: Noryangjin

Photo Credit: Seoul Insiders Guide

#3 TONGIN MARKET

A doshirak is a Korean lunch box that local mothers would pack for their children to bring to school and for their spouses to take to work. Tongin Market is popular for its one-of-a-kind concept of filling up your own lunchbox at any of the participating food stalls in the marketplace.

To have the complete dosirak experience at Tongin Market, visitors simply have to head over to the entrance of the market to exchange their money for a roll of traditional coin replicas. Then, they can visit the numerous participating stalls to pick out their side dishes and exchange them for a coin or two before heading off to the next stall to fill up their lunch box.

Load up a dosirak with various exciting side dishes including savoury pancakes, kimbap, egg rolls and dumplings; head upstairs to feast on your lunchbox once you are done, there are numerous tables and chairs provided to enjoy your meal.

18 Jahamun-ro 15-gil,
Tongin-dong, Jongno-gu,
Seoul, South Korea
Nearest Station: Gyeongbokgung

Photo Credit: The Seoul Guide

#4 CHANGSIN MARKET

Go on a major throwback and head to Changsin Market, where there are various old-school toys to reminiscence on simpler times before technology and smartphones blew up.

Nostalgia will hit you like a tidal wave as you take in the many toy shops lining the market here with dolls, robots, kitchen sets and even toys that you have to assemble on your own.

6 Jongno 52-gil,
Jongno-gu,
Seoul, South Korea
Nearest Station: Dongdaemun

Photo Credit: The Soul of Seoul

#5 YANGNYEONGSI MARKET

Traditional herbal medicine has been believed to offer amazing positive effects for our bodies for decades (and even centuries) in Asia.

Discover the world of medicine at Yangyeongsi Market, where the smell of the medicinal herbs lingers throughout the market with the wholesale stores, street vendors and pharmacies that line the market. The traditional pharmacies will typically be spotted with wooden cabinets that cover the floor to the ceiling with an impressive collection of oriental medicine.

Korea is famous for its red ginseng, with numerous health benefits including aiding mental and physical health stimulation, as well as boosting the immunity system. Visitors will be given plenty of opportunities to purchase them at wholesale prices at Yangyeongsi market.

51-1 Namseong-ro,
Jung-gu,
Daegu, South Korea
Nearest Station: Banwoldang

]]> https://www.ladyironchef.com/2019/06/traditional-markets-seoul/feed/ 0 https://www.ladyironchef.com/2019/06/zerowaste-bulk-buy-stores/ https://www.ladyironchef.com/2019/06/zerowaste-bulk-buy-stores/#comments Tue, 11 Jun 2019 16:45:03 +0000 Jade Ye https://www.ladyironchef.com/?p=183697 Continue reading →]]>

Not simply a “trend”, plastic-free living is becoming more popular among Singaporeans due to the heavy cost of single-use plastics on Mother Nature.

This is evident in the zero-waste stores that have been popping up on our island. These stores sell a range of products from organic dry goods sourced from overseas to Castile soaps and lifestyle products to replace single-use-plastics.

Such stores encourage customers to BYOC (bring your own containers) to bulk buy products and purchase only what is needed instead of purchasing in excess which could lead to more wastage!

Providing a simple and seamless process, visitors simply have to bring along their own containers, measure its weight beforehand, fill them up with dry goods that they require, then pay by weight. There are typically friendly and welcoming staff on hand as well to aide in the process too.

Intrigued? Head over to these 9 stores scattered around Singapore to kick start your #ZeroWaste lifestyle!

Photo Credit: UnPackt

#1 UNPACKT

Making waves with its opening in May of 2018, UnPackt is known as the very first zero-waste store in Singapore. Although its location is rather inaccessible to those who don’t own a car, UnPackt’s initiative has sparked more awareness and interest in a zero-waste lifestyle on our island state.

UnPackt places a heavy emphasis on the reduction of waste as we go about our daily lives; this, in particular, applying to the convenience of single-use plastic packaging that is provided when shopping for groceries and our daily necessities.

Offering customers an array of organic and non-organic dry food items sourced from around the globe, UnPackt has groceries such as pasta, grains, nuts, herbs, spices, salt, sugar, coffee beans and even biscuits!

6 Jln Kuras,
Singapore 577724
Tel: +65 8518 0372
Tue to Sun: 10am – 8pm
(Closed on Monday)
Nearest Station: Yio Chu Kang/Ang Mo Kio

Photo Credit: Two Sisters Pantry

#2 TWO SISTERS PANTRY

Located in the East side of Singapore, Two Sisters Pantry is conceptualised as a shop selling natural organic products for a healthy lifestyle rather than a zero-waste store.

The store is run by friendly store owners who are happy to make recommendations and share their vast knowledge if you are new to purchasing organic products. Two Sisters Pantry also has an impressive collection of dispensers filled with a colourful selection of high-quality dry goods that are mostly sourced from Australia!

If you live in the East, do make a trip down to the organic store to check out the plethora of products they have.

50 East Coast Road
#01-45 Roxy Square
Singapore 428769
Tel: +65 8407 9171
Mon to Sat: 10am – 8pm
Sun: 10am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Eunos/Dakota

Photo Credit: Reprovisions

#3 REPROVISIONS

The storeowners envisioned the creation of Reprovisions out of love for food, which then led to a passion for an eco-friendly lifestyle after observing how detrimental single-use plastic is for our planet.

Encouraging customers to take small steps into a sustainable lifestyle, Reprovisions urges visitors to refill instead of purchasing a brand new item.

In addition to a plethora of groceries and superfoods, the store also offers eco-lifestyle products such as Reusable Facial Pads, Silicone Collapsible Cups and even Recycled Paper Rainbow Pencils!

63 Jurong West Central 3
#03-32/33, Jurong Point Shopping Centre
Singapore 648331
Tel: +65 8768 2023
Mon to Thu: 10.30am – 9.30pm
Fri to Sun: 10.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Boon Lay

Photo Credit: The Green Collective SG

#4 THE GREEN COLLECTIVE SG

Showcasing over 25 homegrown eco brands in Singapore, The Green Collective has an expansive selection of eco, socially conscious and sustainable products on display; from bamboo straws to handmade soaps and even jewellery, there is something you will be bound to be fascinated by!

The Green Collective also offers workshops regularly to raise awareness of an eco-friendly and sustainable lifestyle. Participate in any of their workshops to learn how to start on your zero-waste lifestyle; these include learning how to make your own soap, DIY lip balms, as well as how to start composting, plant swapping and upcycling!

KINEX Mall #01-36-41
11 Tanjong Katong Road
437157 Singapore
Daily: 11am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Paya Lebar

Photo Credit: The Zero Ways Pte Ltd

#5 THE ZERO WAYS PTE LTD

The Zero Ways Pte Ltd looks to four necessary survival factors, including food, homeware, well-being and clothing, in order to supply holistic zero-waste lifestyle solutions that everyone can use.

Describing themselves as an “eco-social business enterprise”, the lifestyle store looks to tip the imbalance of our society by working with communities to support fair trade. Visitors can look forward to browsing the store’s organic dry goods, lifestyle products and participate in their various workshops, storytelling for children and talks for adults.

You can find their products stocked at these locations.

Eclecticism
Wheelock Place
B1-06
Singapore 238880
Tel: +65 6735 0543
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

Kapok
National Design Centre
111 Middle Road
#01-05
Singapore 188969
Tel: +65 9060 9107
Daily: 11am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Bugis/Bras Basah

Art of Yoga
121 Upper East Coast Road
#02-01
Singapore 455245
Tel: +65 9863 9610
Mon to Fri: 6am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 8am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Bedok

Photo Credit: Eco.Le

#6 ECO.LE

Eco.Le is a one-stop shop for various needs, the store offers a wide diversity of products to fulfil the daily needs of their customers all in one location.

The store is open with a bulk shop, zero-waste goods, rental of cutlery and sewing machine, as well as other services such as other refilling and mending of products as well as a spot for recyclables. Bring your own reusable containers to fill with soy-wax and your choice of scents in the store to create your own scented soy candles!

Truly encouraging a lifestyle of sustainable and zero-waste living, Eco.Le is a one-stop shop to explore if you are looking for inspiration on how to start upcycling items.

Bukit Timah Shopping Center
170 Upper Bukit Timah Rd
#03-56
Singapore 588179
Tel: +65 8766 5074
Mon, Wed to Fri: 12pm – 8pm
Sat: 11am – 8pm
Sun: 11am – 6.30pm
Nearest Station: Beauty World

Photo Credit: The Social Space

#7 THE SOCIAL SPACE

The Social Space is a contemporary multi-concept store that features a plethora of products and services to encourage customers to involve themselves further into a sustainable lifestyle and socially conscious living.

Purchase your bulk buy goods, browse through their fair-trade lifestyle products and head over for a relaxing meal and a cup of joe at their Tea Bar & Café, consider pampering yourself at their nail salon too, they use non-toxic and cruelty-free products!

333 Kreta Ayer Road
#01-14
Singapore 080333
Tel: +65 6655 0221
Mon, Wed to Sat: 9am – 7pm
Sun: 9am – 6pm
(Closed on Tuesday)
Nearest Station: Outram Park/Chinatown

Marina One Residences
5 Straits View
#01-03, Garden Tower
Singapore 080333
Tel: +65 9099 4181
Mon to Fri: 8am – 8pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 4pm
Nearest Station: Downtown/Marina Bay

Photo Credit: Scoop Wholefoods Singapore

#8 SCOOP WHOLEFOODS

Situated in centralised Tanglin Mall, Scoop Wholefoods offers an expansive variety of raw, organic and natural wholefoods at wallet-friendly prices. They also try their best to use as little packaging and chemicals as possible through their shop operations, this is done with the future and well-being of our planet in mind.

Sourcing their products mainly from certified Australian and New Zealand suppliers, this store promises that their products are obtained through ethical and sustainable sources.

From dry goods to sweet treats such as chocolates and even freshly-made nut butters, Scoop Wholefoods is the largest organic and bulk natural wholefoods store in Asia. If you’re looking for a natural bulk buy goods store within the city, Scoop Wholefoods is not one to miss out on.

Tanglin Mall
#02-17/18, 163 Tanglin Rd
Singapore 247933
Tel: +65 6235 2739
Daily: 10am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

Photo Credit: The Source Bulk Foods Singapore

#9 THE SOURCE BULK FOODS SINGAPORE

Originating from Australia, this bulk foods store encourages a lifestyle that is more conscious of consumption, whether in our eating of food or throwing away of waste. The Source Bulk Foods Singapore is opening their store in Singapore soon at Cluny Court!

From embracing healthier eating with more wholesome ingredients to raising awareness of living a zero-waste lifestyle, we cannot wait for this bulk buy store to open its doors and explore the many nourishing goods they sell.

Cluny Court
501 Bukit Timah Rd
Singapore 259760
Nearest Station: Botanic Gardens

If you need another reason to hit up Orchard Road this weekend, here’s one to finally tip the balance: Takashimaya Food Fiesta is back!

Presenting you with an incredible line-up of delicious Asian street food, you will get to choose from cuisines around the Asian region including Taiwanese, Japanese, Korean, as well as local delights! Prepare to feast as this festival has over 50 stalls for you to fill your tummies.

From 30 May to 16 June 2019, Takashimaya Food Fiesta will be taking place at Basement 2 of Takashimaya Square. Not sure what to indulge in? We were lucky enough to try a myriad of food here, so here is what to expect.

XING FU TANG

Bubble Tea enthusiasts, rejoice! The food fiesta has not one, two or three bubble tea stalls, but four!

Amongst them is a preview stall of Xing Fu Tang, which hails from the streets of Taiwan. We can say that, without a doubt, Singapore has just gained another worthy competitor for the title of best Brown Sugar Boba Milk.

The pearls are stir-fried in a wok before you to ensure freshness. Also unique to the brand is the shape of the pearls; they’re more like rounded discs rather than circular in shape.

Importing their sugar from Taiwan, Xing Fu Tang’s Brown Sugar Boba Milk is easily one of the best in Singapore. If there is only one thing you have to try at this festival, this is it.

KAZO

Light and flaky, the Original Kazo Polo is a must-try for all pastry lovers. We also had the Kazu Kazu with both of the fillings in Hokkaido Cream and Chocolate Cream; these make lovely sweet treats and we love how flaky and crispy the pastry is.

Durian Lovers will definitely enjoy the Durian Cream Puff. The filling is so sweet, velvety and smooth that even non-durian fans will be able to enjoy and appreciate this dessert.

BBQ CHEF

Creating their own unique rendition on a classic Swiss Rosti by fusing beloved Southeast Asian flavours, BBQ Chef offers an addictive selection of rosti that make for something different at the food fare.

Taking the cult-favourite salted egg flavour and combining it with crispy golden-brown potatoes, the Salted Egg Rosti with Chicken Bratwurst is a must-try! Although the rosti was a tad greasy, it was not too overwhelming on the palate.

Stick to a recognised favourite with the Classic Rosti with Smoked Salmon. Complemented by the addition of sour cream, this left us craving for more.

Cheese Stick with Special Sauce has 5 sticks per serving; cheese lovers will get a kick out of the drool-worthy cheese pull and the delicious crunchy batter the sticks are coated in.

BAO MAKER

We love mantou, whether dipped in a luscious helping of Chilli Crab sauce or not, and Bao Maker’s contemporary take on the Asian bun is something different to love.

Immediately drawing our attention was the Blackened Chicken Bao, which arrived with a piece of chicken that was actually black. Don’t let that deter you though, the bun was garlicky and well-paired with the soft bun.

A match made in heaven, the Chilli Crab Bao was no surprise with the crispy exterior of the deep-fried mantou paired with everyone’s favourite crab meat coated in rich chilli sauce.

XI PIN XIAN

It is Xi Pin Xian’s first time in Singapore, and they feature incredibly tasty lunchboxes that will instantly transport you to the busy streets of Taiwan. Their lunchboxes are loaded with fragrant rice, bamboo shoots, mixed vegetables and your choice of meat.

We got the Braised Minced Meat with Pork Belly and the Braised Pork Trotters. The meat was really well-seasoned and had been steeped for a long time. Our favourite of them all was the Pork Belly; it was insanely good with how melt-in-your-mouth the fat was.

THE KIMCHI POT

Featuring a colourful plethora of lunchboxes, The Kimchi Pot is a true Asian favourite.

We had the Bulgogi Lunchbox; it was well-rounded and wholesome with well-seasoned slices of beef along with side dishes of japchae and kimchi, as well as fluffy brown rice!

We couldn’t resist the Egg Rolls too—cooked with seaweed, spring onions and carrots, this is a dish that the little ones would surely love!

BONCHON

Bonchon is a favourite amongst locals for their mouth-watering Korean Fried Chicken. At the food fiesta, they also offer Rice Burgers.

The Luncheon Meat with Egg Rice Burger could be an exciting alternative for breakfast, the creamy mayonnaise in the rice burger complemented the luncheon meat and egg nicely.

Also, try the Truffle Mushroom Rice Burger, it held the alluring smoky aroma of truffle and proved to be a unique rendition of rice burgers.

TAMARU & BAR FIRST DINING (HIROSHIMAYAKI)

If you love Japanese Street Food, head on over to Hiroshimayaki, which is located in the corner close to the water fountain.

Presenting a selection of Dango, Japanese Rolled Omelette and Yakisoba, this stall is as authentic as it gets; it is run by friendly Japanese staff who cook the Rolled Omelette right before your own eyes!

The Rolled Omelette we tried was topped with mentaiko sauce, and biting into it was unbelievably satisfying with creamy sauce flavouring the fresh and distinct layers of egg wrapped around one another.

We also had the takoyaki skewer. Delightfully crisp and generously covered with a sweet and savoury sauce, the takoyaki batter itself was light yet fragrant, and encased in every ball is a chunk of fresh octopus.

MURUAMAMI

Selling addictively squishy and chewy mochi pancakes, expect unique flavours that are oh-so-creamy and rich at Muruamami.

Try the Hokkaido Melon and the seasonal Mao Shan Wang Durian flavours, both of which tasted accurately true to the fruit sans the artificial flavouring. If you want something heavier, go for the Purple Sweet Potato which is filled with a rich puree of the vegetable.

SAWADEE THAI

Thai street food is always a hit, and Sawadee Thai proves this with their diverse selection of dishes.

The Crispy Chicken Wings is a crispy rendition that is subtly packed with a little spice for a robust aftertaste. The Grilled Pork Collar features thickly-cut pieces of meat served with a special sauce; so aromatic and flavourful, you’d want seconds for sure.

Also, try their Glutinous Ball in Coconut which is served with generous portions of sweet rice balls and fresh coconut flesh!

DOCTOR C MALA MALA

Sourcing pure white Snow Corn all the way from Cameron Highlands, the passionate stall owner of Doctor C Mala Mala informed us of how each and every piece of Snow Corn is pleasantly sweet and tasty despite only being steamed and prepared as it is—no frills, no fuss.

The Roasted Sweet Potato here left a lingering earthy scent of roasted goodness throughout the festival. Wonderfully roasted and perfectly gooey inside, the sweet potato was caramelised and amazingly sweet on its own.

COOKIES FOR YOU BY SCOOPZ

To end off our feast on a delightfully sweet note, of course, we had to get ice cream! Scoopz handcrafts all of their uniquely-flavoured ice cream, and the stall at the Takashimaya Food Fiesta is no different.

We selected the soft pink coloured grape ice cream that’s exclusive to the fair, and also paired Avocado and Chocolate Ice Cream together.

Takashimaya Food Fiesta
391A Orchard Rd
Takashimaya Square, B2
Singapore 238873
Daily: 10am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard/Somerset
Open from 30 May to 16 June 2019

This post was brought to you by Takashimaya.

Staycations are hugely popular among couples during Valentine’s day. A few days away from the familiarity of your own home, playing tourist and exploring your own country as if you were overseas. Staycations are great, but here in Singapore, they are crazy expensive—especially if you’re looking for a place that’s beautiful and grand.

A good option to get over this problem is just across the causeway. Johor Bahru is home to a plethora of gorgeous hotels that cost just a fraction of the ones here in Singapore and it’s great for a quick, short getaway to relax and rejuvenate.

For those of you who are looking for an affordable place to have a staycation with Bae to feel like royalty for a day or two, we have here a list of 10 picturesque hotels in Johor Bahru for a luxurious getaway that you can consider below S$110.

AMARI JOHOR BAHRU 

Amari Johor Bahru is located just next to the causeway and directly opposite City Square Shopping Mall and Komtar JBCC. This makes it incredibly convenient to access and you can always pop by over to one of the malls to get a little shopping done!

82C, Jalan Trus, Bandar Johor Bahru
80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +60 7-266 8888

Prices start from S$90.

DOUBLETREE BY HILTON

Tucked away in the heart of Johor Bahru is Doubletree by Hilton Johor Bahru. This luxurious staycation destination has rooms with beautiful wooden furnishings, carpeted floors and gorgeous city views. The rooms are also fitted with a minibar and plush bathrobes are provided so you’d feel like a king when relaxing in your room.

No. 12 Jalan Ngee Heng,
80000 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Tel: +60 7-268 6868

Prices start from S$92.

HOTEL JEN PUTERI HARBOUR

Hotel Jen Puteri Harbour is just a convenient three-minute walk away from the Puteri Harbour Family Theme Park and a five-minute drive to Legoland Malaysia, making it an ideal place to stay at if you’re planning for an adventurous day out. Some of the rooms even have adorable themes which is perfect for people who are looking for something a little different.

Persiaran Puteri Selatan, Puteri Harbour, Nusajaya,
79000 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Tel: +60 7-560 8888

Prices start from S$106.

KSL HOTEL AND RESORT 

KSL Hotel & Resort is located within the popular KSL Shopping Mall, so it’s great for shopaholics out there! The hotel’s luxurious rooms and plush beds are practically made for an intimate, romantic getaway with Bae. To top it off, there are interesting on-site facilities such as a golf simulator, a cinema, and a karaoke centre that you can use to your heart’s content!

33 Jalan Seladang, Taman Abad,
80250 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Tel: +60 7-288 2999

Prices start from S$62.

Photo Credit: Agoda 

KSL HOT SPRING RESORT 

The newly opened KSL Hot Spring Resort has exactly what its name says: hot spring spas! It is definitely one of the more exciting hotels in Johor to check out, especially if you’re dying for a good soak. Aside from the hot springs, they also have other facilities such as a golf simulator, a sauna room and a children’s playground.

31, Jalan Kangkar Tebrau, Taman Daya
81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +60 7-288 2999

Prices start from S$61.

Photo Credit: Booking.com

MIDORI CONCEPT HOTEL 

If you’re looking for a place that has a theme going on then you need to check out Midori Concept Hotel. The entire hotel is dressed up in a modern Victorian theme and the rooms are beautifully furnished with colourful, vintage decor. Located in the heart of Mount Austin, it is also surrounded by a plethora of cafes that sell amazing food.

57, Jalan Austin Heights 8/1, Taman Mount Austin
81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +60 7-364 6555

Prices start from S$54.

Photo Credit: Booking.com

RENAISSANCE JOHOR BAHRU

Renaissance Johor Bahru is the one place you should go to if you want to feel like a King. This luxury hotel by Marriott is equipped with all that you need for that much-needed getaway. The surrounding area is also filled with an abundance of eateries so you’ll never have to worry about feeling hungry.

No. 2, Jalan Permas 11, Bandar Baru Permas Jaya
81750 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +60 7-381 3333

Prices start from S$101.

THISTLE 

Thistle Johor Bahru provides you with a magnificent view of the Straits of Johor and aside from that, they have spacious hotel rooms that feature sexy interior designs which are accentuated by the right choice of colour blocking furnishings. Their pool area is also a pretty solid place to chill at!

Jalan Sungai Chat,
80100 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Tel: +60 7-222 9234

Prices start from S$61.

Photo Credit: Agoda 

TROVE JOHOR BAHRU 

Trove Johor Bahru provides stylish and luxurious accommodation for their guests, especially couples. It is located only a couple of minutes away from the causeway and City Square Shopping Mall, making it an ideal and convenient spot for Singaporeans and shopaholics.

Jalan Dato Abdullah Tahir, Taman Abad
80300 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +60 7-272 8888

Prices start from S$52.

Photo Credit: Expedia

THE ARDENS

Tucked away in a corner of Mount Austin is The Ardens, a small boutique hotel that provides their guests with a cosy, welcoming escape from the city life. Each room is simply yet beautifully furnished and their minibars are stocked up with snacks for when the midnight hunger pangs strike. We recommend getting the room with the bathtub!

19&21, Jalan Austin Perdana 2/22, Taman Austin Perdana
81200 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +60 7-354 9323

Prices start from S$35.

Consecutively awarded the ‘World’s Best Airport’ for its sixth year in 2018—the first time in the history of the awards—, Changi Airport dubs itself as ‘an airport worthy of being a destination in itself’ for good reason. 

Jewel Changi Airport will be Singapore Changi Airport’s newest addition and unmistakably one of the most highly-anticipated openings in our city. Opening on 17 April 2019, this complex will house some of the world’s biggest f&b brands such as popular American burger franchise Shake Shack, A&W and London’s famous Burger & Lobster.

Before the official opening, a public preview will be held from 11 to 16 April 2019 for everyone to have a sneak peek. A total of about 500,000 free tickets will be available and it will run in four three-hour time blocks from 10am to 10pm daily.

The 14,000 sq m Canopy Park—located on the top floor of Jewel Changi Airport—is not available and it will be open to the public only in the middle of the year.

Here’s what you can expect to find in Jewel Changi Airport!

The 10-storey complex will cover a gross floor area of 134,000 meters square and will comprise a whole range of play attractions for both kids and adults alike, a variety of popular restaurants and retail brands.

To date, more than 90% of their retail space has already been occupied by big brands, including NYC’s famous Shake Shack and sportswear giant Nike. Whether you’re looking for international cuisines or local fare or even a place to sit down and sip on a pint of beer, this new mall has covered it all.

A&W

After having left our sunny shores 10 years ago, we thought that the popular American fast food chain A&W will be gone for good. Good news to fans of their famous root beer float, waffles and curly fries—A&W will be re-opening in Singapore as one of the tenants in Jewel Changi Airport!

BURGER & LOBSTER

Those who have travelled to London should be familiar with Burger & Lobster, London’s famous lobster roll restaurant. Known for its rustic yet luxurious concept, the brand’s Singapore outpost will include new dishes that are inspired by local flavours, alongside their signature lobster rolls and burgers.

Photo Credit: Collin’s

EL FUEGO BY COLLIN’S®

Good news to our Muslim friends—well-known Western chain, COLLIN’S, will be opening a branch that specialises in halal European cuisine at Jewel Changi Airport. Branded as El Fuego, diners can tuck into the edible likes of steak, oysters, seafood and more here!

Photo Credit: Laderach

LÄDERACH

Consistently ranked among the top chocolate brands in Switzerland, Läderach has been around since 1962 and now has 65 outlets across Switzerland, Germany, the Middle East and Asia. Promising the use of top-quality cocoa beans, their handmade chocolates will be air-flown and sold in their new outlet in Jewel Changi Airport come end-March.

Photo Credit: Pink Fish

PINK FISH

A Norwegian brand, Pink Fish is a salmon-centric restaurant that focuses heavily on sustainability. Using solely fresh Norwegian salmon, the restaurant aims to serve as a wholesome, healthy alternative to fast-food restaurants and their outlet at Jewel Changi Airport will its first ever outlet outside of Norway. Here you can expect a variety of salmon dishes in the form of burgers, wraps, hot pots and salads!

POKEMON CENTRE

The world’s only Pokémon Centre outside of Japan is set to open in Singapore at Jewel Changi Airport next year. As with every Pokémon Centre, you can expect to find seasonal and regional exclusive toys, stationery, trading cards, jewellery and even chopsticks! In addition, this outlet will be selling Pikachu plushies in pilot and cabin crew uniform, which are only available exclusively in Singapore!

SHAKE SHACK

Since its humble beginnings as a hot dog stand in Madison Square Park, Shake Shack is currently one of the most well-known fast food chains in the world, operating 136 locations internationally. The fast-food brand will be making its debut in Singapore’s Jewel Changi Airport and will be having the same menu as Shake Shack in the US and South Korea.

TIGER STREET LAB

Sip on some local beer whilst touring the new mall with homegrown beer brand, Tiger Beer. The local brand will be unveiling a first-in-the-world concept in Jewel, Tiger Street Lab which will feature both F&B and retail elements. Look forward to Tiger’s usual range of beers as well as exclusive-to-Jewel seasonal brews and pair them with some of Singapore’s street food which will also be available on Tiger Street Lab’s menu.

Photo Credit: Yelp

RETAIL STORES

Besides the myriad of dining destinations, Jewel Changi Airport will also host numerous retail brands where you can shop till you drop and get some retail therapy.

Of which, sportswear giant Nike will be opening a 1000 square meter store, its largest outlet in Southeast Asia. Local, homegrown brands such as Naiise and Supermama will also be introducing first-of-its-kind concepts for their stores in Jewel as part of Changi Airport’s efforts to introduce Singaporean brands to the rest of the world.

Read: Jewel Changi Airport Food Directory – 111 restaurants, eateries and cafes to dine at

Filled with an amalgam of trendy cafes and under-the-radar clothing boutiques, Bugis is a favourite of locals and tourists alike for a day of pure fun and food in the sun.

However, Bugis is more than just a food and shopping heaven. There are plenty of historical and religious sites to explore and a multitude of interesting cultural activities that you can get up to. Why fill up your day with mindless shopping when you could immerse and educate yourself about Singapore’s rich heritage instead?

Here are 13 Interesting Things You Must See & Do In Bugis, one of the most exciting hipster areas in Singapore. It is time to make plans with your partner or friends to visit Bugis this weekend and make sure that you bring along your camera too!

ARTS & CULTURE IN BUGIS

#1 ARAB STREET

Previously the site of an Arab kampung, Arab Street now stands as one of the most cherished neighbourhoods of Singapore that is filled with so much heritage and charm.

Today, you will still be able to find stores selling spices, textiles, basketry items and songkoks and it remains as a key Muslim centre in Singapore.

#2 FORTUNE TELLING

Along your way to Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple, there are many fortune telling booths lining both sides of Waterloo Street. However, fortune telling is not as simple as it seems and you would find many different types of fortune telling experts, such as feng shui masters to Tarot readers to ‘astro-palmists’ here.

Whether you are curious about what your future has to offer or if you want to gain a little insight into the future of your relationship, why not approach one of the experienced fortune tellers along Waterloo Street for a reading?

#3 KWAN IM THONG HOOD CHO TEMPLE

A traditional Chinese temple with a rich historical background, Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple is one religious site in Singapore that you need to visit at least once. The impressive architecture of the temple dates back to 1884 and serves as an exemplary example of Chinese temple architecture and traditional craftsmanship.

If you are dropping by the temple, you can pay your respects to Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Compassion, as it is believed that doing so would bring you good luck and blessings.

Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple
178 Waterloo Street,
Singapore 187964
Tel: +65 6337 3965
Daily: 6am - 6pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

#4 MALAY HERITAGE CENTRE

Located at the Sultan Gate in Kampong Glam, the Malay Heritage Centre is a must-visit for a comprehensive and immersive experience in the culture, heritage and history of Malay Singaporeans, relayed through historic artefacts, multimedia and diorama displays and more.

Visitors can also take part in the Malay cultural programmes and workshops organised by the Malay Heritage Centre. Do also spend some time roaming the grounds and take the time to appreciate what was once the first Istana Kampong Glam in Singapore.

Afterwards, drop by the magnificent Sultan Mosque which is just around the corner of the Malay Heritage Centre. Also known as the Masjid Sultan, this impressive mosque with golden domes houses a massive and gorgeous prayer hall that will take your breath away.

Informative guided tours of the mosque are also available in English, Malay, Chinese and even Japanese.

READ: HOW TO EXPLORE SINGAPORE’S HERITAGE IN A DAY FOR FREE.

Malay Heritage Centre
85 Sultan Gate,
Singapore 198501
Tel: +65 6391 0450
Tue to Sun: 10am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

Sultan Mosque
3 Muscat Street,
Singapore 198833
Tel: +65 6293 4405
Sat to Thu: 9.30am – 12pm, 2pm – 4pm
Fri: 2.30pm – 4pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

FOOD IN BUGIS

#5 S$1.20 ICE CREAM

A scoop (or two) of rich and creamy ice cream is always on the top of our minds whenever we are outdoors and suffering from Singapore’s sweltering heat. At S$1.20 a scoop, how could we say no?

For the uninitiated, the S$1.20 ice cream is one of the most iconic street eats of Singapore’s food scene and it is a must-have if you are traversing the streets of Bugis. With a plethora of different flavours such as chocolate, ripple, blueberry and durian, up for choice, choose to enjoy your sweet dessert in a piece of rainbow bread, within a wafer biscuit or in a cup.

#6 ALBERT STREET FOOD CENTRE 

Although currently under renovations, Albert Street Food Centre should be your next place to run to, once reopened, for a day of glorious, glorious food. The ground floor is where all the food stalls are. Indulge in favourites such as Tong Fatt, Yi Jia Hokkien Mee and Bai Nian Yong Tau Foo. 

Thereafter, head on up to the third storey to shop for some preserved and dried goods. You know our mantra: food all day, every day.

Albert Street Food Centre
270 Queen Street,
Singapore 180270
Tel: +65 6394 2843
Daily: 6am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

#7 CAFES

Bugis is a heaven on earth for all foodies as the area is filled with an endless stretch of exciting and stunning cafes awaiting your discovery. Whether you make a trip down without any concrete plans or even if you have done your research in advance, feel free to let yourself get lost in the maze of cafes and eateries in Bugis.

SHOPPING IN BUGIS

#8 BUGIS VILLAGE

With the increasing cost of living (and unfortunately, shopping), the thought of good and cheap shopping will always be on our mind. As we understand and face that struggle ourselves, let us introduce you to a popular shopping spot for some really affordable retail therapy: Bugis Village.

Upon entering Bugis Village, you would find countless flea stalls lining the “streets” of Bugis Village that sell clothes, food, souvenirs, bags and more. If you are visiting for the first time, navigating through Bugis Village may seem daunting but that’s part of the fun, really!

There will also be stalls selling cold fruit juice and refreshing local drinks such as lemon barley; some stalls have food and local snacks too!

Bugis Village
3 New Bugis Street,
Singapore 188867
Tel: +65 6338 9513
Daily: 12pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

#9 GADGETS AT SIM LIM SQUARE

A large retail complex filled with plenty of electronic goods and services, cameras, phones and more, Sim Lim Square is a six-storey complex and heaven for all whole love and breathe technology. You would also be able to repair or service your electronics here.

Although the deals may seem sweet, take heed to not fall into the clutches of any scams or tourist traps as there were such unfortunate incidents in the past.

Sim Lim Square
1 Rochor Canal Road,
Singapore 188504
Tel: +65 6338 3859
Daily: 10.30am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

#10 HAJI LANE

There is so much to love about Haji Lane—from food to fashion, it is a whole arena to explore and enjoy. Little clothing boutiques line the narrow alleys and streets of Haji Lane and you would find anything from organic bamboo fibre clothes to curated hat stores here.

Even if you end up not purchasing anything, the experience at Haji Lane will be just as worthwhile. There are also countless #OOTD spots all over the place as each store has its own unique style and design that screams perfection.

READ: 24 CAFES, BARS & RESTURANTS IN HAJI LANE AND NORTH BRIDGE ROAD.

#11 WATCH SHOPS AT THE BENCOOLEN

Have a keen interest in watches? Make sure that you include The Bencoolen in your next weekend adventure. Located opposite OG Shopping Centre and close to Sim Lim Square, The Bencoolen is filled with a multitude of watch shops that sell low to mid-range watches at affordable prices.

Do come prepared with cash if you intend to shop at The Bencoolen in the event that the shops do not accept credit cards.

The Bencoolen
180 Bencoolen Street,
Singapore 189646
Daily: 9am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Bugis / Rochor

#12 WHOLESALE DRIED GOODS

Dried ingredients are an essential element of Chinese cooking and aside from being incorporated in Chinese cuisine for its taste, each herb also has a specific health benefit. However, purchasing these dried ingredients from regular grocery marts don’t usually come cheap.

Instead, opt to purchase your dried goods from wholesale shops located in the basement of Fu Lu Shou Complex. Not only will you be assured dried goods of high quality but you would be able to buy them at affordable prices, too.

Fu Lu Shou Complex
149 Rochor Road,
Singapore 188425
Tel: +65 6336 6308
Daily: 7am – 11.30pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

OTHER THINGS TO DO IN BUGIS

#13 MASSAGE AT WAN LIN HEALTHCARE CENTRE

After a busy day at Bugis, what could be better than to relax and unwind with a lovely foot massage? Wan Lin Healthcare Centre at Fu Lu Shou Complex is a good and affordable place to visit for a massage.

Prices for foot reflexology start at S$20 for 20 minutes and S$35 for a 30-minute foot and 10-minute shoulder massage.

Wan Lin Healthcare Centre
149 Rochor Road, #01-13 / #02-07/13/14/15 Fu Lu Shou Complex,
Singapore 188425
Tel: +65 6338 1355 / +65 6339 9445
Daily: 10.30am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

About the writer:
A member of the team at ladyironchef, Claire’s mission is to lead a life without regrets – to explore the world and its treasures boldly. When she isn’t pursuing her interests in writing, academia and music, Claire spends her free time with family and her pets. She also hopes to run her own animal shelter in the future.

So you are headed to Melbourne but haven’t got a clue on where to shop at? Fret not. We have shortlisted 10 Places To Shop In Melbourne that will cover everyone’s differing budgets and styles.

Yes, our comprehensive guide includes thrift shopping destinations, indie markets where you can find one-off pieces and malls where you can find your familiar brands.

From the The Rose Street Market, Sunday Camberwell Market to Chadstone Shopping Centre, here are 10 Top Places To Shop In Melbourne. Do take note of each destination’s opening hours as some markets only operate on certain days. We sincerely hope you find this list useful, and do share with us your favourite shopping places in Melbourne too!

#1 BRUNSWICK STREET

Located in the inner part of North Melbourne, Brunswick Street is a bohemian district renowned for its hipster-looking cafes, live band performances and alternative fashion retail stores. Many Melburnians are drawn to the neighbourhood’s amazing selection of affordably priced preloved garments, unique handmade accessories and local edgy street wear.

Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
VIC 3065

#2 CAMBERWELL MARKET

As the saying goes, one man’s trash is indeed another man’s treasure. Camberwell Market is a local Sunday market that sells second hand goods and handicrafts. From old newspaper collections to retro records, expect to find a fascinating variety of eccentric collectibles. Hardcore vintage fans should definitely not miss this!

Entry: Gold coin donation.

Camberwell Marketplace Car Park
Station Street, Camberwell
VIC 3103
Sunday: 7am – 12.30pm
Nearest Train Station: Camberwell

#3 CHADSTONE SHOPPING CENTRE

Hailed as Australia’s Fashion Capital, Chadstone Shopping Centre is the largest mall in the entire Southern Hemisphere. Located just a 25-minute car ride away from the city, tourists can hop on a free shuttle bus that departs from Federation Square to visit the retail complex. Home to 500 international and local stores, shopaholics will find themselves spoilt rotten for choice.

1341 Dandenong Road, Chadstone
VIC 3148
Tel: +61 3 9563 3355
Sun to Wed: 9am – 5.30pm
Thu and Fri: 9am – 9pm
Sat: 9am – 6pm
Nearest Train Station: Oakleigh

#4 CHAPEL STREET PRECINCT

Chapel Street Precinct boasts an interesting myriad of reputable global brands, local designer boutiques and even quaint vintage stores. It is the ultimate destination to be at and to be seen for aspiring fashionistas. The bustling strip is so popular that it has been coined as the ‘longest catwalk in the Southern Hemisphere’. Ready to shop till you drop?

Chapel Street, South Yarra
VIC 3141
Mon to Thu: 10am – 6pm
Fri: 10am – 8.3pm
Sat: 10am – 6pm
Sun: 11am – 5.30pm
Some stores may vary
Nearest Train Station: South Yarra

#5 COLLINS STREET

Needless to say, Melbourne city’s Collin Street is reserved for those who can afford high-end designer fashion. Even if your budget does not permit a damaging retail therapy, we reckon there is no harm window shopping around this premium precinct. Luxurious international brands such as Cartier, Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co. can all be found here.

Collin Street, Melbourne
VIC 3000

#6 DFO SOUTH WHARF

With more than 180 retail outlets offering up to 70% discount off their usual prices, DFO South Wharf is where one can score a good bargain for a high quality item. Conveniently located a stone’s throw away from the iconic Crown Casino, shoppers can expect favourite local Australian brands such as Forever New, Lovisa and Tony Bianco right at DFO South Wharf.

20 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf
VIC 3006
Tel: +61 3 9099 1111
Mon to Thu, Sat and Sun: 10am – 6pm
Fri: 10am – 9pm
Nearest Tram Station: Port Jct/Whiteman St

#7 EMPORIUM MELBOURNE

Emporium Melbourne might be the newest addition to the city, but it is already making waves in the fashion industry. The huge shopping mall is also connected to David Jones, Melbourne Central and Myer Melbourne via bridges. Emporium Melbourne is truly a shopper’s wonderland with its directory of Australian designers, high street fashion and other brands.

#8 ESPLANADE MARKET

Held every Sunday morning, the Esplanade Market is a must-visit for everyone who loves arts and crafts. The local outdoor beachside market takes immense pride in supporting art pieces, jewellery and other beautiful crafts made by Australians artisans. Explore over 150 stalls and who knows, you might just pick up an one-of-its-kind artwork for a meaningful souvenir.

Upper Esplanade, St Kilda
VIC 3182
Tel: +61 3 9209 6634
Summer Sunday: 10am – 5pm
Winter Sunday: 10am – 4pm
Nearest Tram Station: Robe St/The Esplanade

#9 QUEEN VICTORIA MARKET

No trip to Melbourne is complete until you have visited the famous Queen Victoria Market. Established since some 120 years ago, the heritage attraction is interestingly serving the local communities till date. Come forth and sample a plethora of fresh gourmet or simply shop around the various retail isles (located behind) for some unexpected exciting discoveries.

Corner of Victoria St and Elizabeth St
Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

#10 THE ROSE STREET MARKET

The Rose Street Market remains relatively unknown to foreigners due to its secluded location. However, this hidden gem is an absolute delight featuring all things handmade and is a frequent weekend haunt amongst those in the know! From stunning homewares, one-off hand-sewn dresses to tasty treats, you will find Melbourne’s best designs at this lovely market.

Sat and Sun: 11am to 5pm

For more recommendations, read our guides on the best food & travel places in Melbourne.

About the writer:
Hui Jun Ng is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She previously worked in the food and marketing industry. She loves traveling and enjoys exploring underrated destinations. In her free time, you will find her indulging in coffee and her all time favourite local dish – bak chor mee.

Mothers are the most noble people in the world. They are sacrificial and selfless, they love unconditionally, and they are always there for us. We are nothing without our mothers, and they are key figures in our lives. They deserve nothing but the best of our love.

Mothers’ Day is coming up, and don’t all our moms look forward to this day? There are 365 days a year to love our mothers, but on this very special day, we want to specially celebrate our Moms.

There are many ways to show our appreciation, but let’s be practical, women love it when they can be pampered with beauty treatments and a fully paid shopping trip. We know our moms will be, and we are working with Millenia Walk to bring the very best to the most important woman of our lives.

Here is how you can spend a day with your mom at Millenia Walk, filled with treats and surprises that will surely delight Mom.

#1 DÉJÀ VU VINTAGE

For something truly one-of-a-kind, visit Déjà Vu Vintage! Choose from casual, quirky hand-made accessories & jewelleries , stunning cocktail numbers, and rare collectible designer vintage pieces all handpicked from France, UK or US! Their handmade, one-of-a-kind accessories are also a treat for discerning Moms!

This stunning Handmade Canadian Necklance (pewter & 22k Gold @ $315.00) would make the perfect gift for this coming Mother’s Day.

Millenia Walk #01-70
9 Raffles Boulevard
Tel: +65 6338 8013
Daily: 11am – 9pm
www.dejavuvintage.com

#2 FLOWER MATTERS

What better way to say thank you than with a contemporary bouquet of fresh, exotic flowers? With exquisite blooms from Holland, New Zealand, Japan, Taiwan and South Africa, Flower Matters has a team of talented florists who will put together the ideal bouquet to delight Mom.

Millenia Walk #01-91A
9 Raffles Boulevard
Tel: +65 6732 1503
www.flowermatters.com.sg

#3 NEAL’S YARD REMEDIES

If your Mom is big on fine organic beauty and aromatherapy, then Neal’s Yard Remedies is the place to go to. Pick up the latest Jasmine & Ylang Ylang range for her; the body cream is very nourishing. Prices range from $38 -$62.

From 01 to 31 May, enjoy Jasmine & Ylang Ylang gift sets at 20% off. Bring your mother to the store and enjoy free membership with any purchase made.

Millenia Walk #01-75
9 Raffles Boulevard
Tel: +65 6337 2202
Daily: 11am – 8pm
www.nealsyardremedies.com.sg

#4 RED ARMY WATCHES

How about an everyday accessory like a watch? The Viktoria Luise Lady by Zeppelin is back in stock with many more colours to choose from. Moms can indulge in the gold-plated and rose gold-plated models. The Viktoria Luise Lady (S$405) comes with a structured dial and a Mother of Pearl dial inlay, and its crown is completed with a Swarovski stone for a final touch of elegance. So sophisticated.

Millenia Walk #01-78
9 Raffles Boulevard
Tel: +65 6341 9007
www.redarmywatches.com

#5 SENTEURS DE PROVENCE

Is Mom one who is big on fragrance and scents? Senteurs de Provence is one shop at Millenia Walk that we love so much for their range of exquisite perfumes. Curating only the most precious bottles from France, pamper Mom with a bottle of fragrance this Mothers’ Day! The Violet Divine eau de Parfum (S$143) is highly popular for its intense and sensual floral scent.

Millenia Walk #01-779 Raffles Boulevard
Tel: +65 6334 4163
www.senteurs.com.sg

#6 SK-II BOUTIQUE SPA

How about a beautifying facial session to pamper Mom and to remind her that she is entitled to glow with beauty? SK-II provides bespoke facial services to cater to every skin type and condition, and the Aura Lucency Facial (S$320 for 100mins) is the latest treatment that is centered around the Cellumination range and created specially for women with dull and uneven skin tone, and pigmentation issues. Mom will step out of the spa with an aura that glows from within.

Millenia Walk # 02-54
9 Raffles Boulevard
Tel: +65 6336 4880
Mon to Fri: 10am – 9pm
Sat, Sun & PH: 10am – 7pm
www.mysk2spa.com/eshop/home

#7 THE NATURALLY BETTER STORE

We love the name of this shop! Pick up the the RMS Beauty Lip2Cheek for Mom. As its name suggests, the Lip2Cheek (S$65) gives a beautiful, natural finish on both lips and cheeks. It is one handy pot of colour with a unique organic formula that she can use to touch up and freshen up quickly any time of the day, wherever she is.

Millenia Walk #02-46
9 Raffles Boulevard
Tel: +65 6471 7220
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 8pm
Sat & Sun: 1pm – 7pm
www.naturallybetterco.com.sg

#8 UNIQUE FINE PEARL & GEM

Pearl necklaces are timeless and this piece will please Mom for sure. This pearl necklace (S$318) embodies femininity and elegance, and this simplicity is definitely coveted.

Millenia Walk #01-66
9 Raffles Boulevard
Tel: +65 6333 0037
Daily: 10am – 10pm
www.uniquefinepearl.com.sg/millenia.htm

#9 RIMOWA

Now, if there is only one suitcase to travel the world with you, RIMOWA it has to be. Mom deserves the best, and RIMOWA is all about quality craftsmanship – very befitting as a gift, right? Distinctive and very classic, the Topas Titanium Multiwheel® IATA 52 (S$1,950) makes a practical and timeless gift.

Millenia Walk #01-68
9 Raffles Boulevard
Tel: +65 6338 9252
Daily: 10.30am – 9pm
www.rimowa.com/en-sg

#10 SALON RUNWAY

Not just a salon where you can bring Mom for a hair wash, but a place where you can pick up the coveted Shu Uemura Volume Maker (S$62.02) too. Said to be the first precision hair powder brush to give an instant lift to the roots and texture, this powder brush might just be the newest item on Mom’s wish list!

Millenia Walk #02-48
9 Raffles Boulevard
Tel: +65 6837 8178
Daily: 11am – 8pm
www.facebook.com/SalonRunway

MILLENIA WALK PROMOTIONS

Spend a minimum of S$50 (maximum of 3 same-day combined original receipts) at Millenia Walk to enjoy complimentary gift wrapping, as well as complimentary parking (for the first hour on weekdays & first 3 hours on weekends & public holidays).

Head over to Millenia Walk’s gift guides for more ideas on what to buy for Mother’s Day.

This post is brought to you by Millenia Walk.

Bonusbay is a shopping portal that provides a free service that helps you get money back on your online purchases – with no strings attached. Whether you are shopping at Zalora, getting a new iPhone from Apple Store, booking a hotel on Agoda or getting your flights from Qatar for your next holiday, you get bonus cashback as long as you connect to the websites through Bonusbay.

It is a brilliant platform that encourages savings while shopping, and trust us on this – it is easy peasy and it takes just a few more clicks to enjoy the cashback. Why say no to savings, right?

So how does it work, you’d wonder? Read on to find out more about how you can shop and save with Bonusbay giving you cashback for your online shopping – a free service that is so good and unconditional, you’d wonder if it’s true. And yes, it is true.

WHERE DO THE BONUSES COME FROM?

We know Bonusbay sounds too good to be true, and you must be wondering if there is any catch to this. When you make a purchase at your favourite webstores – like Zalora, Apple, Luxola – through Bonusbay, the merchants will pay them sales commission for your purchases, and Bonusbay shares this commission with you in the form of a bonus.

The idea is similar to that of cashback from credit cards. It is a win-win situation. You get cashback directly to your Paypal account simply from shopping via Bonusbay.

Let’s just put it this way, you are going to shop online at your favourite shops anyway. Why not do it through Bonusbay and earn the extra cashback? As mentioned, Bonusbay is a completely free service and you do not have to pay anything to sign up as a member. All you have to do is to log in to your Bonusbay account and connect to the webstore through Bonusbay’s site, then shop as per normal. Everything is the same from there on.

MORE THAN 200 STORES ON BONUSBAY

Bonusbay has curated more than 200 stores from all over the world across every category. There are big names like Apple Store, Shopbop, Sony, Hotels.com, as well as local brands such as Courts, Rakuten, and FoodPanda.

As much as we love grocery shopping, sometimes it can be quite a hassle to go to the supermarket after a long day of work. That’s when RedMart – an online grocery store that delivers straight to your doorstep – comes in handy.

It takes us no more than 30 seconds to log in to our Bonusbay account and click “Get Bonus” to link to Redmart’s website to get our groceries and home essentials. The reward? 5% bonus back for all your grocery shopping!

From hotels to flights, car rental, travel packages and travel insurance, Bonusbay has 40 travel-related merchants. Booking.com gives 3.80% bonus for Bonusbay’s users, while Expedia provides 4% bonus for every booking.

Let’s say you are going for a 4D3N holiday to Bali, and the stay costs S$300/night. If you book your accommodation on Expedia via Bonusbay, you get S$36 cash back just by logging in to Bonusbay.

It can add up to pretty significant savings for those who travel frequently. Make it a habit to do every booking through Bonusbay!

Fashion and Beauty items can see great savings too. This is especially so for those of you who shop online regularly. We bought a pair of boots from Shopbop and got S$5.90 back in cashback. As mentioned earlier, it took us no more than 30 seconds to log in to our Bonusbay account and click “Get Bonus” to Shopbop’s website. There is really no reason for you not to use Bonusbay when you are shopping online.

FOUR SIMPLE STEPS TO SHOPPING WITH BONUSBAY

1. Create an account on Bonusbay.sg and log in every time you want to shop.

2. Browse through the list of merchants curated by Bonusbay and go to your favourite online shops through Bonusbay – by clicking on “Get Bonus” – and shop away. Just these few additional clicks and you are on your way to enjoying the cashback.

3. Check out from the stores as usual and watch your bonuses grow on Bonusbay.

4. The payout will take a while, but it will be reflected on your Paypal once it is being processed. You need not do anything more to “redeem your rebates”!

If you are new to Bonusbay, sign up through this link www.bonusbay.sg/ladyironchef and get welcome bonus of S$5. Now, we are telling you again – shopaholics have to bookmark Bonusbay. And even if you are not a regular shopper, pick up the habit of shopping via Bonusbay and you will be thankful for the savings in the long run.

For those who are already on Bonusbay, you can earn unlimited amount of cash back from every friend you refer. And be sure to install Bonusbay Chrome extension which will notify you for additional Bonusbay discount whenever you visit any popular online stall.  

This post is brought to you by Bonusbay.

So we’ve got the festive food, the beverages and the catering all covered. Next up is shopping. It is the season of giving, and Christmas presents always bring about so much fun.

Every year, we make a list of people we want to bless with presents. The next question is, what should we buy and where should we buy from? We are a fortnight away from the day, and there is no time to lose. Pick a date, head down to Millenia Walk, and settle all your gifts shopping in that mall that sits conveniently in the  Marina Bay area.

If you do not already know, Millenia Walk has more to offer than dining and kids’ classes. Their line-up of boutiques offers an alternative shopping experience if you do not want your usual high street labels and international brands that everyone will buy from. Packed with under-the-radar designers and quirky finds, shower your loved ones with surprises from the mall.

We have curated a selection of the finer picks from Millenia Walk, and have them categorised into gifts for him and her to make shopping a breeze for all of you. Happy shopping and don’t forget to pick up a little something for yourself too!

Here is our guide to Christmas shopping at Millenia Walk:

G I F T S  F O R  H I M

ED ET AL SHOEMAKERS

Every man needs a pair of dress shoes to complete that sharp ensemble, and we have Ed Et Al Shoemakers – a homegrown shoes company – that carries a massive array of premium leather shoes in different cuts, colours and leathers. Made-to-order services (from S$700) and bespoke services (from S$2,500) are also available, and those are really worthy investments. But for starters, go for their evergreen range like these neutral-coloured ready-to-wear leather shoes (from S$349) that would match almost anything.

Millenia Walk #01-67
9 Raffles Boulevard
Tel: +65 6337 8918
Daily: 11am – 9pm
www.edetal.sg/

MR BULLI AND SONS

We took a fancy to the series of office wear that all come with a touch of funkiness – something more fun for work, but still professional and polished. The team at Mr Bulli and Sons are ever ready to lend some dressing tips, and if you need to tailor your shirts and suits – made from specially curated fabrics sourced from Japan – you can do them here – prices start from S$100 for tailored shirts and S$850 for tailored suits.

Millenia Walk #01-69
9 Raffles Boulevard
Tel: +65 9154 5507
Daily: 11am – 8pm
www.facebook.com/MrBulliSons

RED ARMY WATCHES

A retailer that carries a portfolio of non-mainstream watch brands – that are specially selected to fit into its Acquirable Timepieces brand assessment strategy – for collectors, Red Army Watches is where you should buy the present for the most important man in your life from. Our favourite is this pilot-inspired Basilika watch (S$799) that spots a big dial. Some of the popular timepieces that you can find here include Seven Friday, Choisi, and Alessandro Baldieri.

Millenia Walk #01-78
9 Raffles Boulevard
Tel: +65 6341 9007
www.redarmywatches.com/

G I F T S  F O R  H E R

DÉJÀ VU VINTAGE

Everything here is one-of-a-kind. Embrace individualism with the alternative styles offered here at Déjà Vu Vintage. From accessories to dresses to shoes, the ladies deserve some new wardrobe additions. These wired artisan necklaces and vintage pendants will leave you spoilt for choice, and they are mostly under S$100.

Millenia Walk #01-70
9 Raffles Boulevard
Tel: +65 6338 8013
Daily: 11am – 9pm
www.dejavuvintage.com/

NEAL’S YARD REMEDIES

Fancy some home fragrances and essential oil goodies? We fell in love with Neal’s Yard Remedies – UK’s largest Oragnic health and beauty brand which has opened its first flagship store in Singapore – and love how the collections are so classy and desirable. The Christmas gift set comprises the best of brand – a diffuser (S$68) and the best essential oils (S$18 – S$148) for your home. Alternatively, mix and match and create your own set for a touch of personalisation. There is also a buy-3-get-1-free promotion that lasts till 31 Dec 2014.

Millenia Walk #01-75
9 Raffles Boulevard
Tel: +65 6337 2202
Daily: 11am – 8pm
www.nealsyardremedies.com.sg/

SENTEURS DE PROVENCE

Because fragrance is something really sexy, and females love them. Here at Senteurs de Provence, you can expect the largest collection of fragrances from Fragonard, France. We like the set of six miniatures (S$118) that make really good stocking stuffers. And we also love the Detaille Dolcia EDT (S$107 for 100ml) that comes in a delicate bottle. All the solid perfumes are without alcohol.

Millenia Walk #01-77
9 Raffles Boulevard
Tel: +65 6334 4163
www.senteurs.com.sg/

THE EMPORIUM

This multi-label boutique stocks a carefully curated collection of ready-to-wear pieces, jewelry and accessories, and home decor and lifestyle products. There are new arrivals every week, but for now, these swoon-worthy clutches by Indy K (S$150) in striking candy colours got our hearts. They make great gifts for those fashion-forward friends!

Millenia Walk #01-84
9 Raffles Boulevard
Tel: +65 6338 3944
www.facebook.com/TheEmporiumMillenia

UNISEX GIFTS FOR THE MYSTERY GIFT EXCHANGE

B&W BOWER & WILKINS

Your audiophile friends will love you so much if you give them the greatest gift of all headphones – the Bower & Wilkins P5 (S$499). Sleek and well-built, this black baby offers rich sounds and a built-in mic. It is compatible for iPhones and iPads, with tight seal that shuts out external noise for an ultimate music indulgence. It comes with a protective carrying case, too!

Millenia Walk #01-108
9 Raffles Boulevard
Tel: +65 6337 2183

theexperts.asia/B&W.htm

GOODGOODS

Started in 1999 and focusing mainly on understated and functional leather and canvas designs, Goodgoods offer a range of handmade small leather goods and bags. The Billykirk range is simple yet very practical and durable, so they would make great gifts for that special man in your life. This carry-it-all duffel bag (S$690) is ideal for the ones who are always on-the-go, and its classic design will definitely transcend seasons and trends.

Millenia Walk #01-30
9 Raffles Boulevard
Tel: +65 9320 0033
www.facebook.com/goodgoodssg

RIMOWA

The godfather of luggage, RIMOWA is no stranger to the discerning travelers, and it is the most befitting gift of them all. The Limbo (S$860 – S$1,420) is a light polycarbonate shell case with a strong metal frame that features a spacious interior. Available in three colours but none too gender-specific, this would make a presentable gift – even if the recipient is a mystery elf.

Millenia Walk #01-68
9 Raffles Boulevard
Tel: +65 6338 9252
Daily: 10.30am – 9pm
www.rimowa.com/en-sg/

VAN LAACK

Get your fix of understated corporate fashion here at van Laack. For both male’s and female’s collections, expect nothing but precise tailoring and clean cuts for that minimalistic office ensemble. Or go a little fun with those subtle details, like this fur-collared shirt and printed scarf. Bespoke made-to-measure tailoring is also available.

Millenia Walk #01-28
9 Raffles Boulevard
Tel: +65 6337 8055
Daily: 10.30am – 9pm
www.vanlaack.com

MILLENIA WALK CHRISTMAS PROMOTIONS 2014

From 15 November to 25 December, spend S$250 and receive a box of macarons (worth S$15) from Patisserie G. With S$500 spent, get a Black and White Forest Christmas Cake (S$56) from Conrad Centennial Singapore, made specially for Millenia Walk customers. Also, stand a chance to win S$4,000 worth of travel vouchers and other prizes with every S$50 spent at Millenia Walk. Terms & conditions apply.

Nothing beats receiving a handwritten mail. Write your fond wishes on Millenia Walk’s postcards this Christmas and put them into their red mailbox. To make your messages extra sweet, Millenia Walk will pay for your postage! Approach their friendly Customer Service officers for more information.

Whether you are shopping for them, or finding them under your Christmas tree, festive gifts are an integral part of and attributes to the joy of Christmas. And if you need little breaks in between shopping, why not check out our guide on festive dining for some treats?

For more details on the latest promotions at Millenia Walk, go to http://milleniawalk.com/, and like them on Instagram.

This post is brought to you by Millenia Walk.

We have said it before, and we will say it again – Reebonz, one of the largest online luxury shopping sites, is one of the trusty to-go places when you need to shop for gifts for family and loves ones.

For those of you who have missed The Great Reebonz Sale 2014 at Reebonz SPACE, not to worry because there is still another chance for you to indulge in some retail therapy. Snag your dream bag, snag them at a great price and you don’t have to feel bad about “splurging”.

Now, don’t say we did not share. From now till 30 June 2014, Reebonz is having a site-wide end-of-season sale online with up to 50% OFF your favourite brands like Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, Prada and Givenchy. Fashion trends come and go, but great discounts never go out of style. And we can always bag that past season items and still jazz it up to look trendy, right? No one would say no to an “old” color when it comes to Balenciaga’s motorcycle totes.

And here’s another bonus for all of you, from now till 30 June, there will be an additional 6% OFF when you use this promo-code: SALE6SG. So, don’t wait, just shop away!

For more information, please visit http://go.reebonz.com/eos2, and like Reebonz on Facebook and Instagram.

This post is brought to you by Reebonz.

When it comes to picking a gift for your partner to celebrate a special occasion, you can always trust Reebonz – one of the largest online luxury shopping sites – to have the best deals.

The Great Singapore Sale has just started recently, and Reebonz is having its Great Reebonz Sale, which is just as enticing, if not even better! The Great Reebonz Sale is happening at Reebonz SPACE (24 Raffles Place, Clifford Centre #07-07) on 12 & 13 June (12pm – 8pm), and 14 June (11am – 6pm). Yes, we know how much you ladies love it when Reebonz SPACE opens up; it is like stairway to heaven!

There will be up to 70% storewide discount on brands like Prada, Miu Miu, Balenciaga, Givenchy, Saint Laurent, Chanel, Kate Spade, Coach and more! You get S$200 off with a minimum spend of S$2,000 nett. That’s not all. For Citibank card holders, there is an exclusive promotion. Citibank Rewards & Clear Platinum Cards get an additional 7% off, while all other Citibank cards get additional 5% off.

Want to get your hands on one of these Balenciaga bags? Every Reebonz sale offers different colours, so head over to find out to be surprised by the palate of colours available.

Reebonz will also be having a fabulous selection of pre-loved bags, and you can own all these vintage babies at up to 40% off.

If you have something to let go, sell or consign your pre-loved items — Reebonz is looking for brands like Audermars Piguet, Breguet, Hublot, Cartier, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Céline, Balenciaga, Givenchy, Saint Laurent — during the Great Reebonz Sale and receive S$50 cash voucher, which you can use to shop at the event.

And lastly, we have a special promotion for readers of ladyironchef. Quote ‘ladyironchef’ at the registration counter to receive S$50 gift voucher to shop at the Great Reebonz Sale. Go ahead, you know you need some retail therapy!

For more information, please visit http://go.reebonz.com/greatreebonzsale, and like Reebonz on Facebook and Instagram.

This post is brought to you by Reebonz Singapore.

Have you ever dreamed of being Alice, falling down a rabbit hole and entering a magical world where you could meet The Madhatter, Chesire the cat and gang? If you are visiting Nagoya or Osaka, you will be able to do just that!

Alice on Wednesday is a cool kid to look out for on your next trip to those Japanese cities. Think a lifestyle concept store that is put together entirely based on the love for Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

No Anne Hathaway, though.

But we promise you the White Queen Room will be pleasing all the same with a dazzling array of sweet treats that is nothing short of depicting Alice’s whimsical world – frosted cookies, popcorn in the colours of a rainbow, cute little candies and whatnot. And if you want a piece of the Red Queen, they would be in the form of thematic accessories like charms, umbrellas and tote bags.

A new outlet at Osaka has just opened some time last month, and during our spring break, we paid the concept store a visit and boy, were we blown away by the sheer splendour! It took us a while to figure out where the entrance is. And of course, it had to be that tiny hole that had us bending our bodies into half. Such unadulterated joy, really.

Alice on Wednesday is indeed a brilliant concept and if you ever find yourself there some day, do not forget to bring home a piece of that whimsical world because most of the merchandise are under USD20!

Alice on Wednesday Nagoya
Nagoya-shi, Osu Naka-ku, 2 Chome-20-25
Tel: +81 052 684 6064
Daily: 10am – 8pm

Alice on Wednesday Osaka
Nishi Shinsaibashi 2-12-25
Asahi Plaza Shinsaibashi 1F
Tel: +81 06 6211 6506
Mon to Fri: 11am – 7.30pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 7.30pm

What is one activity that we all love in between eating? Yes, shopping – of course. Last year, we shared with everyone Reebonz’s year-end sale, and so we heard many of you went crazy at the luxury heaven. We thought only waffles had that kind of power, but since all of you are such fans of Reebonz sale events, here is one more to look forward to for the month of May!

For the whole month of May, there is a series of limited-time (12-hour & 24-hour only) events online and mobile-exclusive Sundown Sales on Reebonz’s website. The highlight of Reebonz’s May-Rathon are the sitewide sale events at up to 42% off (from now – 16 May)! Plus, discount codes and credits can be used to offset further – just imagine the savings!

Also, receive extra boosters weekly – essentially the credits are rewarded according to your purchases during the promotion period. Here’s how it works: spend S$500 and receive 50 credits; S$1000 for 80 credits; S$2,100 for 100 credits; and S$4,200 for 100 credits + 2x loyalty points (these points are a part of their reward program, where they can be converted to shopping credits).

For May-Rathon, the good people at Reebonz have curated a list of best buys, with different items on sale every day. Prada, Chanel, Alexander Wang, Saint Laurent, Miu Miu… have you already decided what you want? Good things come to those who wait, so the best way to get your hands on your beloved luxury items is to frequently surf Reebonz’s website and refresh daily for new deals.

For the latest promotions, please visit go.reebonz.com/mayrathon1, and like Reebonz on Facebook and Instagram.

This post is brought to you by Reebonz Singapore.

Singapore may be just a tiny red dot on the world map, but we have been put in the spotlight for many things. Apart from being a hub for transiting flights and hub for several other purposes, Singapore has been a popular tourism destination for her regional fans. While we may not have the glamor of the world famous Avenue des Champs-Élysées, we do have a myriad of options for every shopaholic – from budget shopping to all-time favorite high street labels to a session of luxury indulgence.

Here is our Beginners Guide on Where to Shop in Singapore.

1. Orchard Road

Definitely everyone’s favorite shopping spot in Singapore. Orchard Road is a long belt of shopping malls, each with its own characteristics and tenant mix to entice different crowds.

Far East Plaza has a whole cove of small shops with fab finds, from vintage goods to pocket-friendly fashion to cameras to tailors; spend a little more time here combing the levels and you might just be surprised by unexpected finds.

Ion Orchard and Ngee Ann City are the undisputed destinations for the luxury shoppers, where the international luxe labels congregate and spoil you with choices. Expect all-time favorites like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Saint Laurent Paris and Christian Dior.

313 @ Somerset and Plaza Singapura are two trendy malls with arrays of shops, eateries and beauty services stops. They are both all-in-one malls for the young and family crowds – think names like Daiso, Cotton On, Forever 21, The Body Shop and Jean Yip salons.

2. Bugis Village

This is THE ultimate spot for budget fashionable buys. Bugis Village is one fascinating destination for fashion lovers; even Steve Tyler was spotted buying a pair of shoes when he came to town recently! From accessories of all sorts, to male and female apparels, to shoes galore, Bugis Village has so much to offer – all at very competitive and unbeatable prices. Accessories go as cheap as S$2 for a pair of earrings, and it is not difficult to find dresses at S$10 each.

3. Haji Lane

For the indie lovers, for those with a thing for local designers, for vintage treasurers, Haji Lane is a colorful street just a stone’s throw from Bugis Village. With an exquisite and unconventional offering, this cult street sees both locals and tourists hunting for that unique buy that regular malls do not otherwise offer. Well, even if you are not a fan, take a stroll and snap some photos here because it is really quite a flavorful side of Singapore.

4. Vivo City

If you are not a fan of shopping in town, Vivo City is your next best option. Situated at the South of Singapore, just before our famed Sentosa Island, Vivo City is a relatively huge mall with a comprehensive shopping directory. Here, you can easily keep yourself entertained with the numerous things to do – Shop at your favorite brands like Zara, Aldo and L’occitane, or Tangs the departmental store; wine and dine at the many restaurants, fast food chains and small eateries; catch a movie in between shopping at the cinema; or pamper yourself with a facial or manicure at the various beauty services pit stops. You can even do your grocery-shopping at the hyper mart at the basement.

Words by Melody Yap

Seoul is synonymous with everything beauty-related – cosmetics, skincare, eyelash extension, facial reconstruction, plastic surgery… you name it, and I am pretty sure they have it.

While not everyone is game to go under the knife, we are still vain deep within us, and wherever possible, we want to look our best. Without cosmetic procedures, we can still have fun at Seoul with the endless streets and alleys of beauty offerings in the happening area of Myeong-dong. Trust me when I say that even the typical men with zero interest in masks and moisturisers will give in and reach out for that bottle of very affordable face lotion. And needless to say, Myeong-dong is a heaven for females. Here is our guide to shopping in Myeong-dong, Seoul.

Situated in the central of the capital city, Myeong-dong is a concentrated area that bustles with life all the way till 11pm. Besides the regular street snacks, coffee joints, random apparel boutiques and lifestyle services parlors, Myeong-dong houses all the local beauty brands – Think Etude House, The Face Shop, Tony Moly, Innisfree, Holika Holika, Aritaum (for Laneige) etc - and is the to-go pad for cosmetic shopping in Seoul.

And if this is not mind-blowing enough, you would squeal upon knowing that there are multiple outlets per brand. Just Etude House alone, we counted 5 outlets, all a stone’s throw away from each other. And that is just what I like, because if you cannot find a particular product in the first outlet you step into, there is always a few more in another outlet – without having to walk much.

I have never seen such a beauty archipelago before, and it is no rocket science to understand why avid beauty lovers spend so many hours there. Apart from the diverse offerings and options and extremely pocket-friendly prices (Etude House is at least 50% cheaper than that of Singapore’s prices, and brands like Innisfree are only available in Korea), you would love to know that in Korea, they practice giving out freebies with purchases. They call that ‘service’, and this service include travel-sized beauty products, masks sheets and cosmetic samples. The amount of freebies is dependent on how much you spend.

After a night of shopping, what better way to retreat into the night than to sit down at one of their many coffee joints and bakeries for a drink and a slice of cake? Household names like Paris Baguette Cafe operates till 0000hrs, and they have take-out options as well.

Are you already excited about what awaits you at Myeong-dong? Well, even if you are not a fan of beauty products, it is still worth a trip to the happening pad. Pig out on street snacks or sip coffee as you people-watch!

And a little reminder for all you crazy shoppers – tax refund forms will only be given upon asking.

Words by Melody Yap, photographs by ladyironchef

Yes, they weren’t kidding when they bestowed this name upon the place. It is The Mall, indeed. If there was only one place you could shop at when in Florence, it is undisputedly this factory outlet.

Admit it – deep down within us, we all love steals and cheap thrills. And trust me when I say you will thank me for this recommendation.

The Mall is an exclusive outlet destination for luxury goods at a fraction of its original prices. Situated at the outskirt of Florence and at an unassuming enclave in the green Tuscan hills, a day at The Mall is a promising experience. The air in the open is fresh and crisp, the boundless skies are blue and calming, the surrounding is a humble and quiet neighborhood. We spent an entire afternoon there – shopping (well, needless to say), indulging in a mid-day snack, and to simply bask in the serenity of the countryside.

For the fashion slaves (like me), be enthralled by the array of high-end fashion brands The Mall has to offer. Expect discounted past season items from brands like Prada, Yves Saint Laurent, Lanvin, Dior, Bottega Veneta, Sergio Rossi, Marni… really, I could go on and on.

Are you already excited? Wait till you hear about this MiuMiu satchel that I got for €450 – approximately S$640 after VAT refund, and an unbelievable €70 Dior necklace – approximately S$99 after VAT refund.

Generally, the discounts are at least 20% off its original prices, and as tourists, we are entitled to a 12% VAT refund for purchases above €155 – as long as the items are billed together in the same receipt. For maximum convenience, you may even process your refund(s) at the designated office located at the foot of The Mall. There is even an option to get your VAT refunds back in cash – but I think this is a conspiracy, because when they refund you in cash, you then have more money to shop! Evil, but quite honestly, very thoughtful.

For shopaholics, dedicate at least 5-7 hours for a complete experience. Shopping is never fun when rushed. If you have limited time, capitalize your hours there on bigger boutiques that have wider ranges to boast – Prada (together with MiuMiu and Car Shoe), Gucci, Burberry, Tod’s (together with Hogan), Fendi.

Many asked about shopping at Prada – it was a mind-blowing experience for me. Prada is a hot favorite among the shoppers, without a doubt. Almost everyone at The Mall could be seen carrying a Prada paper bag. I was supremely bewildered by the massive selection the stand-alone boutique had to offer – think of small leather goods like cardholders and key pouches starting at €50, a classic A4-sized leather bag going for as low as €350, men’s shoes at €120…

Yea, you got the idea. Now you know I meant it when I said you wouldn’t want to miss The Mall, don’t you?

Getting to The Mall is a slight hassle, but the trip will be worth the while. It is a thirty-minute drive from Florence. You can either drive there on your own, or take a public bus from the Florence Busitalia/ Sita bus company station, which is close to the central train station. A single ticket is €5, and buses run daily from Monday to Sunday (including public holidays). Do check the timings at the bus station, and be there 10 minutes earlier to ensure a seat.

Have fun shopping, and don’t forget to increase your credit card limit(s) prior to your trip!

Words and photographs by Melody Yap