SG Magazine, Dec 18

w w w. s g n o w. s g | 2 0 1 5 M PA S W e b s i t e o f t h e Ye a r

Your FREE independent guide to the next two weeks

Naughty or Nice?

SG MAGAZINE | ISSUE #692 | DECEMBER 18, 2015

what’s on what’s new what matters

Self-taught astrophotographer Justin Ng takes beautiful shots of the Milky Way above the cityscape, and has an app that teaches you to do the same in Singapore.

See PHOTOGRAPHY , page 10, for an interview.

DINING

EVENTS

TRAVEL

REVIEW

Brunches and Xmas Dinners

Countdowns Galore

Scenic Sumba

The Best and Worst of 2015

w w w. s g n o w. s g | 2 0 1 5 M PA S W e b s i t e o f t h e Ye a r

Your FREE independent guide to the next two weeks

SG MAGAZINE | ISSUE #692 | DEC 18, 2015 since 1995

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE MAGICAL WORLD OF CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND Soak up the Christmas spirit with our attractions such as the Blizzard Time, Fun with Bubbles, Ice Skating Rink and Snow Playground. Meet our Santa and enjoy carolling and parade performances. Take a ride on the Carousel, Helter Skelter Slide, Swinging Chairs and Christmas Train. Try your hand at the numerous Carnival Games and take a picture with AIA TrickArt.

27 Nov 2015 - 27 Dec 2015 THE LUMINARIE

FESTIVE MARKET

SPIEGELTENT

Be amazed by the magnificent Luminarie light sculptures around the gardens that will take your breath away.

Tantalise your taste buds with a wide range of food and beverage offerings and be enchanted with our array of unique arts and crafts.

Dine at the spectacular century old Spiegeltent for a unique culinary experience specially curated by Harry’s.

27 Nov 2015 - 03 Jan 2016

27 Nov 2015 - 27 Dec 2015

27 Nov 2015 - 27 Dec 2015

4PM - 11PM

CHRISTMAS TOYLAND IN THE FLOWER DOME Delve into Santa’s secret headquarters, watch the Christmas Pyramid spin amongst lovely Christmas roses and conifers.

21 Nov 2015 - 05 Jan 2016 9AM - 9PM (Charges apply)

PRESENTING SPONSOR

JOINTLY ORGANISED BY

SUPPORTED BY

HELD IN

GARDENS BY THE BAY

ADMISSION IS FREE WWW.CHRISTMASWONDERLAND.SG

page 3

Pop the Bubbly 16

feature

Year in Review 10 exploring

13 photography

Green Corridor Walk

Justin Ng

A Good Singaporean’s NYE Resolutions 1. Be more civic minded. Spearhead a grassroots effort to have the green corridor air-conditioned.

2. Lose weight. Only eat food when there is a free table at Odette, once every six months.

13 wellness

22 new places

Loewen by Dempsey Hill

Stylish Hotels

3. Be charitable. Donate to the City Harvest Church fund.

4. Support local music. Petition to get international pop stars like Adam Lambert banned from Singapore.

24 dining

25 shopping

Delicious New Brunches

Online Gourmet Goods

5. Work on that Dad bod. Join every marathon and collect their finisher’s T-shirts to show everyone you’ve been there.

6. Dress better. Splash all your money on every massproduced, high-street designer collaboration.

26 travel

30 interview

7. Walk to work. Because your feet are more reliable than the MRT.

Sumba’s Idyllic Coastlines

Jolovan Wham of Home

8. Embark on an artistic endeavor. Then showcase your work, but not at an art museum gift shop.

9. Resuscitate the Kampong spirit. Invite all your neighbors for a block party at the void deck, but tell them happy hour ends at 10:30pm.

Who's in charge?

Publisher & General Manager Ric Stockfis countrymanager@asia-city.com.sg Editorial Managing Editor Mrigaa Sethi editor@asia-city.com.sg Features Editor Chelsia Tan Digital News Reporter Xie Shi Min Branded Content Writer Prabhu Silvam Design Associate Art Director Carmen Louise Ho Senior Designer Fishy Toh Designer Carmen Chua

Where to find us!

Bangkok Asia City Media Group 9/F, Room A, Sathorn Nakorn Tower, 100 North Sathorn Road, Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500 Thailand Tel: 66-2-624 9696 Fax: 66-2-237 5656 bkmagazine@asia‑city.co.th

Advertising Director, Business Development Intan Agustina advertising@asia-city.com.sg

Finance Senior Finance Associate Nai Rohmat finance@asia-city.com.sg

Senior Manager, Media & Marketing Shernan Plameras

Finance and Admin Assistant Rusydi Ya’akup

Executives, Media & Marketing Chan Xin Yee, Lee Wee Keong

Group Directors Chief Executive Officer Gretchen Worth gworth@asia‑city.co.th

Media Coordinator Sharon Leong

Group Digital Director Greg Duncan gduncan@asia‑city.com.sg

Marketing Marketing Manager Silver Adrienna Ng marketing@asia-city.com.sg

On the cover Justin Ng

Who are we?

Published every two weeks (with daily updates at sgnow.sg), SG (previously I-S) delivers honest, independent and irreverent coverage of the Singapore lifestyle scene. We’ve been recommending what to do and where to go here for 20 years—and we’ve never been more excited about the city than we are right now.

The Asia City Media Group

Singapore Asia City Publishing Pte. Ltd. Block 211 Henderson Rd. #07‑02 Henderson Industrial Park Singapore 159552 Tel: 65‑6323‑2512 Fax: 65‑6323‑2779 contact@asia-city.com.sg

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Fashion, fitness, tech and more SG Magazine is published 24 times a year by Asia City Publishing Pte Ltd., 211 Henderson Road, #07‑02, Singapore 159552.

Tel: 65‑6323‑2512 • Fax: 65‑6323‑2779. Copyright ©2015 Asia City Publishing Pte Ltd. The titles “SG Magazine”, “I-S Magazine” and their associated logos or devices, and the content of SG Magazine and I-S Magazine are the property of Asia City Publishing Pte Ltd. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is strictly prohibited. SG Magazine may not be distributed without the express written consent of Asia City Publishing Pte Ltd. Contact the Publisher for ad rates and specifications. All advertising in SG Magazine must comply with the Publisher’s terms of business, copies of which are available upon request. Printed by KHL Printing Co. Pte. Ltd., 57 Loyang Drive, Singapore 508968. ISSN 0218‑8872 MCI (P) 174/12/2014

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SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2015

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NUMEROLOGY Blampish

HOT OR NOT

Singapore’s latest news, numbers and dramas at a glance

Hot: NYE

Not: Homophobic Petitions

Seika

It’s two weeks to the start of the New Year and there will be celebrations across hot party spots like Ce La Vi and Lantern on Dec 31 (more countdown options on page 14). But ruining the fun is a petition on social media calling for the removal of pop singer Adam Lambert from the Celebrate 2016 line-up, due to the singer’s alleged “highly sexualized lifestyle and LGBT rights”. For more, see page 17.

200,000

$24 million The estimated property value of the late Lee Kuan Yew‘s 1,120.5 sq ft home at 38 Oxley Road.

Average number of travellers using the Causeway and Second Link checkpoints daily this month.

Not: Maternity leave

jbloom

We were stoked to learn that Facebook is giving its full-time working fathers all over the world (including Singapore) up to four months of paid paternity leave.

While it’s an awesome and progressive move, there seems to be no update on the issue of equal maternity rights for single mothers in Singapore, which, last we heard, was under review by the government.

Cases of Type III Group B Streptococcus (GBS) ST283 strain in Singapore this year, which is linked to the consumption of freshwater raw fish dishes.

OB INDEX DEC

This week you will mainly love your city for its...

Efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2030

$11.2 million Amount former accounting manager Chew Siew Lang allegedly stole from her employer, luxury brand Chopard, over six and a half years.

Sources: The Straits Times, Channel News Asia

According to a statement by Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan on Dec 4, Singapore is confident that it can meet its targets to curb its greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, as indicated in the INDC (Intended Nationally Determined Contribution) to the United Nations in July this year. He also mentioned that Singapore is already tapping into areas like increasing solar energy production, designing and planning more green buildings and improving public transport systems.

Charting the ups and downs of Singapore's openness, tolerance and freedom of expression

1 There was some sad news at SGIFF this year. In The Room, an erotic drama by Singapore director Eric Khoo, was not approved by the Media Development Authority (MDA) here for commercial release, even though the feature was passed uncut with an R21 rating for its debut at the festival.

The film comprises six short stories spanning decades set in the fictional Singapura Hotel. Khoo, also known for controversial but acclaimed works like Mee Pok Man, refused to make the suggested cuts, saying, “If I were to censor it, it would go against my principles as a filmmaker.” Another film at the festival, Sinner in Mecca was also pulled from the festival at the 11th hour, when the MDA classified it NAR (not allowed for all ratings).

Hot: Michelin stars Not: Food wastage It was announced on Nov 30 that the Michelin guide is finally be making its way down to Singapore. Great news for our local dining scene, which has seen exciting new ventures (think Odette and Bread Street Kitchen) recently, but a recent survey revealing that 77% of Singaporeans regularly waste food at home calls for a deeper conversation on excessive consumption here.

BE GOOD

SG

Estimated number of commuters who rode the new Downtown Line 2 for free on Dec 5, before its official launch on Dec 27.

430,000

150 Hot: Paternity leave

WE

NEWS FROM SGNOW.SG

Save a stranger by dining at Strangers' Reunion Specialty coffee shop and cafe Strangers' Reunion (35 Kampong Bahru Rd.) has launched a Save-A-Stranger campaign to support the cafe's 26-year-old head chef, Sebastian, who has been diagnosed with stage four cancer recently. According to the cafe's Facebook post, he does not have the right insurance coverage to cover the costs of his treatments. The cafe, together with its other outfit, Curious Palette (64 Prinsep St.), will now be opened from 12-9pm every Tuesday and all proceeds from the initiative will go towards helping Sebastian. For more information, you can either head to www.facebook.com/StrangersReunion or drop them an email at enquiries@strangersreunion.com.

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There’s a cool new healthy juice bar in the CBD The perrenially time-starved, desk-chained working around Raffles Place have another go-to for a healthy lunch—popular Danish coffee and juice bar Joe & The Juice has just opened an outlet at #01-35 Chevron House. Here’s a quick low-down if you haven’t heard of them before: the chain, which can be found in 70 cities across Europe including London and Oslo, is known for shaking up healthy juices and organic coffee with flamboyant bartending techniques, all set in Joe & the Juice an indie cafe manned by tattooed, lumbersexual baristas/juicers. The menu, which is inspired by the diet of athletes, comprises shakes that could double up as meals-in-a-cup like the Power Shake (strawberries, banana and vanilla milk) and Breakfast Club (avocado, banana, strawberry, vanilla milk and granola), organic coffees with beans sourced from South America, and a selection of sandwiches made with crispy grilled bread from Denmark. For more information, check out their website at www.joejuice.com.

Website of the Year MPAS 2015

S I N G A P O R E ’ S H OTT E ST L I F E ST Y L E N E W S

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SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2015

ADVERTORIAL

HOW

TO

DO

WINTER

IN

Hong Kong

Go hiking on scenic trails, join the New Year’s Eve countdown and eat your heart out on your next trip.

S

oak in Hong Kong’s cool wintry air while taking in the best of what the cosmopolitan city has to offer.

From cutting-edge arts and theater, to the trendiest shopping options and the island’s best cuisine, there’s something for everyone.

Enjoy the chilly outdoors The big thrill of a winter trip to Hong Kong, is, of course, the cooler climate. Temperatures hover at 16-18 degrees Celcius this time of year, making picturesque hikes like the famous Dragon’s Back Trail (also known as Hong Kong Trail Section 8) a pleasure.

Approximately 8km long, the gently sloped hike meanders along scenic spots like Stanley Main Beach and Big Wave Bay before leading you to the top of Shek O Peak (284m). In this chilly weather, you’ll barely break a sweat!

Feast on delicious food No trip to Hong Kong is complete without loading up on local delights like the honey glazed beef brisket, refreshing HK milk tea and barbecued pork dim sum. But the festive season is an especially decadent time for foodies, thanks to major food and drink events like the 13th Hong Kong Food Festival (www.food-expo.com.hk).

Held from Dec 24-28, the festival will see over 1,300 food vendors offering a wide variety of items, from quality dried seafood to organic food and premium meats. For something off the beaten track, try the Tai Po Market Foodie Tour (www.hongkongfoodietours.com) for an unbiased gastronomic trip through lesser known local fare like homemade candy, acclaimed congee and—for those who dare— snake soup.

Soak in the harborside fireworks Easily one of the best places in Asia to celebrate New Year’s Eve, Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour is where you want be to when the clock strikes midnight. Or head nearby to West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade for a picnic countdown party atop its grassy knolls and an unparalleled view of the promenade. Top the night off by signing up for a guided Harbour Tour of Victoria Harbour (www.starferry.com.hk) for a more upclose and personal look at the Hong Kong’s prized skyline.

Tipple all over town For a more standalone adventure, hit up some of Hong Kong’s stylish bars, like Little L.A.B (http://on.fb.me/1Rgauql) for locally inspired cocktails like the Newborn ($20), a rum and beer concoction featuring a homemade ginger vinaigrette rum, or the HK Tea Time ($18), a frothy mix of Scotch, pale ale, cacao beans, evaporated milk and a secret milk tea syrup. For proper G&T’s, go to Ping Pong 129 Gintoneria (www.pingpong129.com). Taking its name from the table tennis gym that previously occupied its premises, it lays claim for having the largest gin collection in Asia—about 40 in total. The drinks list includes rare concoctions like their namesake G&T, the Ping Pong 129 ($18) featuring a Galician gin base with Chinese grapes or the Farmer’s Organic Gin with lemongrass garnish ($22) for something more refined.

Shop till you drop Shopping sprees while you’re in Hong Kong are a must, but save your strength and cash for the 13th Hong Kong Mega Showcase (www.megashow-expo.com.hk) that will run from Dec 24-27 showcasing electronics, designer wear and even automobiles.

For something with a HK flavor, head to PMQ (www.pmq.org.hk), an indie enclave for quaint handmade arts and crafts from the hottest names in local fashion and art. Try not to wipe out your savings!

Get the low down on the best deals in town, plan your itineraries and share your special moments in Hong Kong with the My HK Guide app.

Visit www.DiscoverHongKong.com for more information.

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SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015

Get arty Hong Kong is also a big regional arts hub, but you don’t have to be all high-brow to enjoy what it has to offer. Udderbelly Arts Festival (www.udderbelly.asia) is debuting this year and will run till Feb 14.

Taking place in a giant upside down purple cow tent among the skyscrapers of Central Harbourfront, the festival will feature circus, dance, cabaret, music and a comedy line-up blessed by the Edinburgh Film Festival.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

now

The essential guide to what's on in Singapore Send your events news to art@asia-city.com.sg, nightlife@asia-city.com.sg, stage@asia-city.com.sg

PHOTOGRAPHY

STAGE

2

1

Chinwag at high-brow stage performances

The beloved M1 Fringe Festival is back, and this year, the theme is “Art and the Animal,” with performances like The Chronicles of One and Zero: Kancil by Zeugmae, in which a mousedeer visits the places she loves in the jungle and finds out that her home has been invaded by machinery. Another is dance performance Doggy Style, which explores the relationship between man and his best friend. Jan 13-24, various venues, www. singaporefringe.com. $22 from Sistic.

Get up close with the men of China

WELLNESS

Photographer Patrick Wack is showcasing his portraits of men from China at the Mo Industries pop-up gallery.

From Chong Qing to Tibet and even inner Mongolia, these confrontational potraits are worth seeing. Through Dec 2016, 67 Kim Yam Rd., www.moindustries.com.

4

3

Hike through the Green Corridor

The Green Corridor will soon close for a major upgrade, so enjoy it in its wild state at Let's Hike! 8 @ Reminiscing the KTM Railway. The five-hour walk starts at 8:30am, and ends at Kampong Bahru near SGH. Register now. Jan 9, Kranji MRT, http://ow.ly/VmzGl. Free. There is also the last Green Corridor Run in March.

FOOD

ART

Go cafe hopping

The first-ever Singapore Cafe Week has arrived, with the city’s most Instagrammable caffeine bandits putting out prix fixe menus.

Register on their website to eat at places like Group Therapy Katong, Prive Cafe and Strangers Reunion, for brunch, dinner or tea. Through Dec 20, various venues, www.nomnom.sg. $15-35.

5

Tour through two million years of history Travelling from the British Museum, Treasures of the World exhibition is underway, with cool artifacts like an “unlucky” mummy that was rumored to have sunk the Titanic, gold jewelry from ancient Mesopotamian graves and two million other years of historical knick knacks. Hop on a curator’s tour happening on Dec 18, Jan 15 and Feb 19. Through May 2, National Museum Singapore, www.nationalmuseum.sg/exhibitions. $14-20.

FOOD 5 Christmas dinners if you haven't booked one already 1. AQUAMARINE To ring in the holiday season, Marina Mandarin Singapore's buffet restaurant is offering a special spread of roasted turkey with orange and cinnamon, prime rib of beef with cream porcini and pan-seared Hokkaido scallops with cauliflower espuma. From $98 per person for lunch, to $108 per person for dinner.

4/F, 6 Raffles Blvd., www.meritushotels.com

2. HIDE YAMAMOTO Celebrate the holidays with an Asian twist—this renowned Japanese restaurant is offering a decadent 10-course fusion spread ($450 per person), comprising highlights like the black truffle egg flan with sea urchin and snow crab, Wagyu chateaubriand and red wine-braised beef cheeks. #02-05 Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Ave., www.hideyamamotosg.com.

3. LA TAPERIA This Spanish restaurant is offering an unpretentious and rustic Christmas Eve menu with a la carte tapas, mains and desserts like croquette of suckling pig ($15), grilled farm venison loin ($40) and churros with chocolate sauce ($14). There’s a communal table which can sit up to 20 guests, so call all your friends down. #02-10/11 Shaw Centre, www.lataperia.com.sg.

Marina Mandarin Singapore

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SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2015

Hide Yamamoto

4. ME@OUE Have a fancy five-course meal (from $175 per person) overlooking the Marina Bay cityscape at this rooftop restaurant and lounge. The holiday menu features Asian and Western plates like a sashimi omakase, foie gras terrine, baked black cod and roasted duck.

Rooftop, OUE Bayfront, 50 Collyer Quay, www.me-oue.com.

5. SHELTER IN THE WOODS For a classic Christmas dinner, head right down to this homely European outfit. You can tuck into hearty a la carte dishes like suckling pig (from $171 for half), cote de boeuf ($169 for 1kg) and roast beef ($102 for 500g), with desserts like the traditional log cake ($62 for 1kg). These are available for takeaways too, so call ahead if you’re planning a party at home instead.

22 Greenwood Ave., www. shelterinthewoods.com.

now

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SPORTS

Love one, love all

Say what you will about this club-style tennis tournament, but the

International Premier Tennis League: Singapore Slammers starts today. Catch tennis stars like Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios as they duke it out to be number one.

Dec 18, Singapore Indoor Stadium, www.sgslammers.com. $195-795.

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COMEDY

Rub shoulders with drag queens

ARTS

7

Fangirl at the guys from Wong Fu Productions

If you missed them the last time round, don’t fret—they’re here again.

Popular Youtubers Philip Wang Wesley Chan and Ted Fu, the brains behind the talk-of-the-talk independent film production company will be here to meet and have a chat with their fans on. Dec 19, The Projector, www. wongfuproductions.com. $55.

8

The next edition of drag revue Riot! will be hosted by legendary homegrown drag queen Becca D'Bus. Divas Mona Kee Kee, Ashley Fifty and Noristar will be there to entertain, too. Dec 19. TAB at Orchard Hotel, www.riotdragshow. com. $25-40, for tickets; reserving a table costs $500.

10

FASHION

Find out what inspires a top designer The Louis Vuitton Series 3 exhibition showcases Nicholas Ghesquière’s inspiration and motivation for his fourth ready-to-wear show at the high fashion house. Through Dec 23, Crystal Pavilion South, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, www.marinabaysands.com. Free.

11

Stuff your face at a preChristmas dinner

New restaurant 5th Quarter is having one, so get a hold of the Christmas Sharing Set that includes signature dishes like three-meat terrine, sirloin, porchetta, and yorkshire pudding from $108-173. Dec 20-25, 39 Syed Alwi Road, www.5thquarter. com.sg. For more choices, see page 10.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Meet a local photographer

Aik Beng Chia is known for photographing Little India after dark in a monograph called Tonight The Streets Are Ours. More recently, his photographs were exhibited at the Invisible Photographer Asia (IPA) Gallery. Get him to sign his new book Sing Kar Por at this meet-the-author event. Dec 19, Books Kinokuniya. Free.

SCENE & HEARD

BLAST OFF Known for their breakout single, “Anna Sun,” Walk The Moon will be playing at Fort Canning Green on Jan 19. They are on tour to promote their album, “Talking is Hard.” Here’s hoping they play other songs like “Different Colors,” “Tightrope” and “Walk This Body.”

Tickets start at $98 from Sistic.

PICNIC MATS AT THE READY

St. Jerome's Laneway Festival

Les Miserables Musical

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SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2015

Media Partner

The sixth edition of St. Jerome's Laneway Festival is back Jan 30 at outdoor garden venue, Meadows by the Bay. And now, we know what acts will be making an appearance at next year's edition of this hipsterfest. First off, there are a few big acts making an appearance, like dream pop duo Beach House,

award-winning Scottish electronic band CHVRCHES and majestic electro producer Flume, probably best known for his collab "The Greatest View" with Isabella Manfredi of Australian band The Preatures. www.singapore. lanewayfestival.com.

FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME Hold on to your hearts, your fishnets and your cassette tape collections, guess who might be coming to Singapore next year? Yes, Madonna.

For millenials who are wondering why this is such a big deal: she was banned from performing her Girlie Show World Tour back in 1993. If all goes well, she may be coming over for her ongoing Rebel Heart World Tour for a one-night only concert at the National Stadium on Feb 28.

FOOD

MISERABLE MUSICAL Hardcore musical fans can finally look forward to another staging of Les Miserables after a long absence of 20 years. The production will open May 26 next year. Cast members include actor Simon Glesson, who is playing Jean Valjean, Earl Carpenter as Javert and Anne Greenland as Eponine.

Tickets start at $58 from Sistic.

Flume

now Send your events news to art@asia-city.com.sg, nightlife@asia-city.com.sg, stage@asia-city.com.sg

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DRINK

PHOTOGRAPHY Justin Ng and the Singapore Night Sky

Go drinking with Santa

You don’t have to be alone this Christmas because there’s a Crazy Santa Pub Crawl. The route includes four undiscovered bars and one club, a free shot at every bar and some drinks specials. Dec 25. Pigeon Statue beside UOB Plaza,80 Raffles Place, www.facebook.com/pubcrawlsg. $25.

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Rising Milky Way across MBS and Laser Show

Rocket to the Milky Way

WELLNESS

Get fit at Dempsey’s new lifestyle enclave

Loewen by Dempsey Hill features a total of 13 tenants, of which there is gymnastics and yoga studio Alpha Gymnastics. If yoga’s not your thing, the Dempsey Walking Trails is a self-guided tour comprising walks like the Nature Heritage Trail (nature and history), the Epicurean Trail (dining) and the City Dweller's Trail (art, home furnishings, retail and beauty). Blk 8D #03-01 Dempsey Rd., www.dempseyhill.com.

Justin Ng

Rising Milky Way and Planet Venus

Self-taught photographer Justin Ng's images have appeared on news sources like BBC, CNN, Yahoo! and National Geographic. He gives talks about astrophotography around Asia. Here, he talks about his inspiration, the techniques he uses, and what he looks out for when taking a nighttime shot.

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FOOD

Eat at this new pop-up

Lifestyle mavericks Spa Esprit Group has launched Lazy Susan, a series of celebrity chef stints around town, starting with chef Hann Palcu-Chang from Toronto, who is currently at House at Dempsey. The former chef de partie at one Michelin-starred restaurants like Kiin Kiin and Kokkeriet in Denmark will be serving up breakfast and lunch items inspired by traditional Asian and Western influences. Until Dec 27, 8D Dempsey Rd., www.dempseyhouse.com.

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EXPLORE

Party at Zouk one last time

The local nightclub is going out with a bang this New Year’s Eve before its move to Clarke Quay—for those reminiscing the raves you’ve had at this party institution, here’s your chance to revisit those memories at The Final Victory. EDM star Lincey and electro maestro Hong are taking the stage alongside the club’s resident DJs. Who cares if Marina Bay’s got the fireworks?

Dec 31, 11pm, www.facebook.com/ zouksingapore. $40.

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FOOD

Have a nose-to-tail feast at Dehesa

A 50-seater outfit by famous chef-owner Jean-Phillipe Patruno has opened. Dehasa specializes in an unconventional menu of alternative cuts. Signatures include the crispy pig’s head, duck hearts with membrillo and sprouts and Iberico jowl with sauteed duck hearts. 12 North Canal Rd., www.dehesa.com.sg.

How did you branch out into astrophotography?

Being a photographer allows me to freeze and turn beautiful moments into everlasting memories. I started astrophotography after I visited Mount Bromo, an active volcano in East Java, Indonesia for the first time; I was so fascinated by the night sky there that I began my journey into astrophotography after I filmed my first time-lapse movie of Mount Bromo.

What is the most difficult thing about shooting the night sky in Singapore?

The extreme light pollution here is the biggest challenge an astrophotographer must overcome if they wish to pursue their craft in Singapore.

The artificial lightings like street lights can reduce the number of stars we can see with our naked eye. In CBD area for example, we can only see less than 20 stars on a clear night and to bring out the stars in an image, we need to do a lot of post processing work, depending on how serious the light pollution is.

Finding a good foreground that goes well with the Milky Way is also challenging since most locations with an interesting foreground are well-lit at night, and good foregrounds may not be located along the South-East to South-West direction, where the Galactic Center of the Milky Way is located.

Were there any strange incidents?

Shooting stars here is safe since it’s bright at most part of Singapore. I remember an incident

where I was photographing the Milky Way from Esplanade area, people were curious and they asked me what I was shooting at and I guess the fun part was watching their priceless or jaw-dropping expression when I told them I was photographing the Milky Way rising above the Marina Bay Sands building. They couldn't figure out where the Milky Way was because the Milky Way was not visible to the naked eye and they couldn’t see anything out of my camera as the location was too bright. I had to tell them it required some post-processing work. Then they asked if the image is going to be "real" since I need to post-process it and I said I was merely bringing out what’s recorded by the camera using Photoshop.

What do you look out for when scouting locations?

I look for interesting foregrounds facing the right direction of the night sky where rare celestial events will be taking place. The best location will be the darkest possible location so we don’t have to do much post-processing and we will be able to see more details and contrasts.

In Singapore, the best place for beginners to photograph the night sky will be Sentosa or East Coast Park. I used to go near the Changi area but there are a lot of construction works going on now. In fact, the location where I first took my Milky Way shot in Singapore has become inaccessible. The Punggol and Marina Barrage areas are suitable for astrophotographers who possess advanced post-processing skills.

Check out Justin's mobile app, which features an astronomy tool for astrophotography beginners at www.justinngphoto.com/app. SHI MIN XIE

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Listen to hedonistic poetry

Singapore’s top young poets will deal with animal instincts in this special edition of the monthly spoken word series Speakeasy.

Marc Nair, Divya Victor (pictured), Shivram Gopinath and others will present works about gluttony, lust, wrath and other sinful topics.

Jan 13, Artistry. Free.

LITERARY

Cover Up SG Magazine covers celebrate local artists, photographers and illustrators and their remarkable depictions of Singapore.

They look so good, we’ve even started hanging them on our walls.

To suggest someone we should feature or to partner with us on this initiative, email editor@asia-city.com.sg FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2015 SG MAGAZINE

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now Send your events news to art@asia-city.com.sg, nightlife@asia-city.com.sg, stage@asia-city.com.sg

PARTIES 8 great places to ring in 2016

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PHOTOGRAPHY

Be blown away by these Singapore nightscapes One of our favorite local photographers Darren Soh is exhibiting his series of sometimes-spooky-always gorgeous nighttime landscapes, In the Still of the Night (While You Were Sleeping), in an outdoor setting. Through Jan 3. Esplanade Tunnel, www.darrensoh.com. Free.

Tanjong Beach Club

19 LeVel33

1-ALTITUDE Whether you take your martinis shaken or stirred, turn up in your sharpest tuxedo or fanciest cocktail dress for 1-Altitude’s James Bond themed party on Dec 31. DJ’s Leonard T and Jack T will be spinning their grooves for the night with a guest gig by local funk band Octoberries.

1-Altitude, 1 Raffles Place, www.1altitude.com CE LA VI The sky-high club is hosting an Old Hollywood Glamour-themed party, helmed by resident DJs YA5TH, Suren, Deepak and Styuluxtakut and with views of the Marina Bay fireworks. $148 ($198 at the door) gets you a free glass of Champagne and access to the Club Lounge.

57/F Skypark at Marina Bay Sands, Tower 3, 1 Bayfront Ave., www.sg.celavi.com LANTERN Groove to pulsating beats with cocktail in hand at their swanky rooftop pool.

A $140 entry ticket will give you a choice of two standard drinks from their champagne, wine or beer offerings.

For larger groups, try their $1,400 table packages that include a snack platter and four bottles of champagne to see you through the night.

The Clifford Pier Hotel, 80 Collyer Quay, www.fullertonbayhotel.com LEVEL33 If you’re feeling ritzy, head down to LeVeL33’s Hollywood themed party for a glitzy and glamourous New Year’s Eve. A $398 ticket will get you a welcome drink, canapés, dinner, and a free-flow of craft beers and selected wines.

Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 1, 8 Marina Boulevard, www. level33.com.sg LIGHT UP 2016 NEW YEAR COUNTDOWN PARTY Celebrate NYE at Capitol Piazza with a wholesome line-up of live band performances, stage games and giveaways and food and drinks booths,

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SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2015

all starting from 9am. There won’t be any big-name DJs spinning here but hey, it’s a free party.

Outdoor Plaza @ Level 1, 11 Stamford Rd., www.capitolpiazza.com.

SILOSO BEACH PARTY Possibly one of the largest countdown parties in Singapore, expect foam pools along five different party zones spanning the stretch of the beach. A $58 entry ticket will get you a standard drink as you dance the night away to the synth wave tunes of electronica legend DJ Don Diablo and his entourage of local DJ’s.

Siloso Beach, 51 Imbiah Walk, www.sentosa.com.sg SLEEPLESS SOCIETY NYE 2016 Turn up in your slickest PJs for this upmarket slumber party that’s featuring a great line-up of electro-house legends like DJ Afrojack, DJ Apster and house music maestro Miss Nine. Tickets are going from $98 to $118.

Suntec City Convention Centre, 1 Raffles Boulevard, www.facebook. com/livescapeasia STREET EATS AND UNDERGROUND BEATS 2016 Loadup Mediterranean bites, chargrilled meats and a free flow of bubbly, wine and craft beers at this street party inspired gig by the folks behind Maggie Joan’s and Moosehead. Tickets are going for $160, inclusive of free-flow booze throughout the night, along with tasty pub grub offerings Maggie Joan’s, 110 Amoy Street, www.facebook.com/ maggiejoanssingapore TANJONG BEACH CLUB Expect a night of progressive house sounds by DJ Shawn Livewire as you let by the beach. Table packages start from $700 and they’re throwing in champagne showers, light bar grubs and a car ride home (perfect for when things go overboard).

120 Tanjong Beach Walk, www. tanjongbeachclub.com

FOOD

EXPLORE

Have Euro-Japanese fare on Dempsey

Portico Prime, the off-shoot of European, produce-driven restaurant Portico, doesn’t try to differentiate itself too much from its flagship. The menu has a solid list of dishes comprising the pan-seared Pulau Ubin barramundi, locally-farmed chicken done two ways and Tochigi prefecture Wagyu A4 ribcap. #01-20, 20 Dempsey Rd., www.portico.sg/ dempsey.

20

Get to know Balestier

The Balestier: A Hundred Years exhibition shows what the area was like from the mid 19th century to the 1960s. There are 130 artifacts that show how people settled, what they did for fun, and some of the cultural developments that existed during the era. Apart from the exhibition, there are walking trails for foodies and history nerds, as well as a talk about Singapore film. Through Apr 24, Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall, www.sysnmh.org.sg. Free.

21

NIGHTLIFE

Groove to this funk maestro

You've probably seen him in action under pseudonyms like Sarin Sunday, SYSTM and Airliner. But producer and designer Seth Haley has now morphed into his latest stage persona as synth funk maestro Com Truise. Expect the same experimental and bottom heavy style of mid-fi synth wave tunes with a dash of funk. Expect shoegaze tunes like "Sundriped" and "Slowpeels" from his EP, Cyanide Sisters. Jan 5, Kyo, www. moonbeats.asia. $40.

23

DRINK

Sign up for a whisky delivery

Launched just a couple of weeks ago, Whisky Butler is a service that selects, curates and delivers monthly samplers of four premium whisky drams right to your doorstep. The $88 pay-as-you-go subscription is a good start, followed by the $468 half-year subscription and $888 full year subscription www.facebook.com/ whiskybutler.

22

PARTY

Go for an artyfarty party

Organized by party people Side Show, the opening of performance space and cocktail bar Kult Kafe will feature a night filled with tipple, arts and music with a beat poetry performance by Deborah Emmanuel, funky sounds by electronica maestro DJ B Bravo and a pop-uap art exhibition by Kult Gallery featuring local and international work by artists like Ben Frost, TONO, Sexual Youkai, Boyane, Kristal Melson, Eric Foenander, Mojoko and many more.

Dec 12, Kult Kafe, www.fb.com/ sideshowsg

24

STAGE

LOL at Indian comedians

If you missed the previous Indian Invasion comedy event, the Laugh OK Please Indian comedy show is here for another round. Watch out for Aditi Mittal and Karthik Kumar with solo shows titled "The Things They Wouldn't Let Me Say" and "#PokeME", respectively. Jan 8-9, SOTA studio Theatre. $40 from Sistic.

city scape

Year In Review

The passing of LKY, election season, Amos Yee, and the Michelin guide finally coming to Singapore—these are just some of the highlights of 2015. By Chelsia Tan

January • This year’s St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival had great headliners like synth-pop princess FKA Twigs and American singersongwriter St. Vincent—even though Lykke Li canceled. In a sad twist, the explosion of litter at the Meadow at Gardens by the Bay had Prime Minister Lee Hsien Long tell Singaporeans to pick up after themselves in a Facebook post. Oops!

Alvin Ho

• Housed in a former Bukit Merah rice mill, The Annex @ The Mill, hosted a major pre-demolishment party over three weekends (Jan 31-Feb 14), featuring a mega lineup of 60 artists and creative collectives. Members of the public and other artists chipped in by doodling and painting on the walls of the building. The event was a hit, although some three artists had their artworks damaged after a dance party.

Jovian Lim

START

The Working Capitol

• Sexy co-working space The Working Capitol launched on Keong Saik in a beautiful heritage building, with slick Scandinavian interiors and an events venue and yuccie-approved private offices.

It now has crepe café The Daily Roundup on the ground floor, and restaurants Lollapalooza and Neon Pigeon within the fiveshophouse cluster—to say nothing of all the cool networking events it has been hosting in recent months.

St Jerome’s Laneway Festival 2015

May

June

• The 85 year-old Capitol Theatre finally re-opened after a long revamp, with 900 seats and the largest singlescreen cinema in Southeast Asia. Right beside it are shopping mall Capitol Piazza and the new Capitol Singapore, formerly known as The Stamford House.

• Ngee Ann City’s reveal of its newly renovated third floor (previously occupied by Kinokuniya) injected some excitement to the Orchard Road retail scene with stylish boutiques like Rue Madame and American Vintage.

Sonny Liew

• The National Arts Council revoked an $8,000 publishing grant for artist Sonny Liew’s graphic novel, The Art of Charlie Chan, on the eve of its launch here because of “sensitive content”—the book has gone on to have multiple print runs with its publisher Epigram, to meet popular demand.

Bread Street Kitchen

• Two exciting UK restaurant openings, Gordon Ramsey’s Bread Street Kitchen at Marina Bay Sands and gourmet burger specialist Meat Liquor SIN, made this year the one to watch for new players in the dining scene.

September

October

• Rallies, debates and hot• In other news, writerbutton topics all came to a director Jonathan Lim’s head during the General sketch-parody of Amos Elections on Sep 13. Fresh, Yee was cut by the nubile faces (Kervyn Lim), MDA in a he-said, theyabrupt exits (National said brouhaha.

Solidarity Party secretarygeneral Hazel Poa) and the reshuffling of constituencies were all part of a day’s work.

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SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2015

Jason Graham

• Couch potatos have another reason to stay home—Netflix announced its plans to launch in Singapore.

Haze in Singapore

• The haze, which started in July, reached 341 on the PSI index, making it the worst reading since 2013. Regionally, things were even more dire, with many Indonesian villagers needing evacuation, the smoke plumes visible from space and the incident called the worst on record. The noxious air sparked a conversation among Singaporeans and environmental activists about the consumption of palm oil, which was named as a main catalyst of the pollution.

• Off-shore attraction, Coney Island, was finally opened to the public.

Among the things to see were a single Brahman bull, nationallyendangered wildlife and a villa built by the Haw Par brothers.

• After months of speculation, it was announced that nightlife stalwart Zouk would be sold to Genting Hong Kong, which was buying over the club’s major trademarks like the new Clarke Quay venue and beach party Zoukout.

• The Roy Ngerng saga continued when the erstwhile blogger was ordered to pay Prime Minister Lee Hsien Long $29,000 in total for legal costs and other expenses incurred during the trial.

April

• It was an emotional month for Singaporeans as Lee Kuan Yew passed on Mar 29 at the age of 91. The week leading up to his funeral had locals and foreign dignitaries making tributes to the founding father of Singapore. Thousands queued to pay their last respects at the Parliament House, and thronged the streets to watch his funeral procession despite the rain.

• The Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) Act came into effect on April 1, bringing booze-filled nights under the void deck to an end. The new law meant that drinking in public places is banned from 10:30pm-7am, and shops were also not allowed to sell alcohol during the period.

• 16 year-old blogger Amos Yee was charged in court on Mar 31 for allegedly making insensitive remarks about Christianity in a video on Youtube.

Naturally, there were debates over the charges and plenty of drama.

July

• Part of the Singapore International Festival of Arts, The O.P.E.N (17 JunJul 4) was an augmented reality tour of the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station, which brought visitors on a tour of the site through an app. There were videos, interviews, games and images streamed via the app throughout this interactive walk, making art a lot less stuffy, and tons more fun.

Lee Kuan Yew

August

• Singapore’s grand dame, the 156 year-old Botanic Gardens was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site at the 39th World Heritage Committee meeting in Bonn, Germany. Bring on the confetti!

• Finally, after building up hype about Singapore’s Golden Jubilee since the start of the year, celebrations were abound from the big show at The Padang, to other fringe events along the City Hall and Marina Bay precincts.

• The Urban Redevelopment Authority announced on Jul 1 that it plans to look at the possibility of making the 10kmlong Kallang Park Connector a ride-friendly experience for cyclists to commute from Bishan to the CBD.

• In a heart-warming Facebook post that went viral, netizens praised one Singaporean uncle who encouraged three foreign workers to keep their seats instead of giving them up to Singaporean commuters on an off-peak train.

Andrew Tan

• A double whammy of MRT disruptions happened. First, a trespasser on the tracks caused services to be delayed between Bukit Gombak and Yew Tee stations, and then a track fault from Yew Tee to Kranji caused trains to be stalled for four hours on two separate occasions.

March smuconlaw

February

Fireworks at Marina Bay

December

November

END • Downtown Line 2 opened with free rides across the 12 new train stations on Dec 5.

• Julien Royer’s modern French restaurant Odette opened to much fan-fare at the National Gallery and tables were already booked through Jan next year. Following its launch, the Michelin Guide confirmed a Singapore edition to plenty of buzz.

If Odette doesn’t get a star, we’ll eat our deconstructed hats.

Odette Darren Soh

National Parks Board

• Six City Harvest church leaders, including pastor Kong Hee, were found guilty of misappropriating $24 million in church money to fund the music career of Kong Hee’s wife, Ho Yeow Sun.

• An online petition to remove Adam Lambert from countdown show Celebrate 2016 at Marina Bay made headlines as organizers of the petition cited that the singer’s “highly sexualized lifestyle and LGBT rights” were in conflict to mainstream Singaporean values.

• Singapore’s first Southeast Asian art museum National Gallery opened on Nov 24 with two weeks of free events, parties, art installations, workshops and a maker market.

Coney Island

National Gallery Singapore

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2015 SG MAGAZINE

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CHRISTMAS CAROLLERS

BY SINGAPORE RIVER

Visitors to the Singapore River will be able to enjoy the melodic vocals of local choirs as they cruise down the Singapore River on eye-catching river boats. The choirs will be serenading visitors on the river banks with their angelic voices.

4 – 19 December 2015 (every Fri and Sat) From 7.30pm – 9.30pm Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, Robertson Quay

www.singapore-river.com

FESTIVE FEASTING BEGINS

Foodies can satisfy their festive cravings with a wide array of traditional favourites and modern dishes to suit the Yuletide season from F&B outlets along the river ranging from French to Japanese cuisine.

orne Waterfront Hotel

Photo credit Grand Copth

Presented by

Read Bridge Installation Design

Illumination

Co-sponsor

Supported by

Held in

In Celebration of

RIBBON @ READ BRIDGE It’s just not Christmas without light installations to power up the festive mood. But more than just light, The RIBbon @ Read Bridge will wow visitors with a music and light show as we turn up the festive charm with its collaboration with Philips Lighting Singapore and Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) for an interactive installation light-up titled, RIBbon.

4 Dec 2015 – 3 Jan 2016 (every Fri and Sat) 8pm & 9.30pm Read Bridge, Clarke Quay es

Imag Photo Credit: Getty

SONIC SG A large-scale interactive light installation in collaboration with Philips Lighting Singapore, designed by researchers from the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) and the National University of Singapore (NUS), will be floating along the “Belly of the Carp” (in front of UOB Plaza) in the shape of our island nation.

Visitors can interact with a field of LED Lights through ‘sonified personal pixels’ created with their mobile devices which will connect participants to each other through sound and light patterns.

6 Dec to 3 Jan 2016 7 – 10pm Boat Quay

LUMINOUS FOREST ALONG THE SINGAPORE RIVER’S BANKS

How can we miss out the Christmas tree that is an iconic must-have for the jolly season? Walk down any of Singapore River’s three quays and you’ll spot lines of eight-metre tall LED Christmas tree structures spanning from Quayside at Robertson Quay to Clarke Quay to UOB Plaza at Boat Quay. The Christmas trees sparkle when the sun sets, with lights reflected in the water to create a picturesque landscape of a luminous forest. You will also notice other Christmas and light decorations, either on land or on the riverboats, illuminating Singapore River for a wonderland atmosphere.

island

The latest openings and hottest trends in Singapore

CITY LIVING Saddle Up Tech startup ZaiBike has created a bicycle-sharing app with smart bicycles for riders to grab and ride over short distances in Singapore. Users can reserve a bike at a nearby location, scan the QR code that is attached to the bike, pedal to their destinations, and return it at another point by scanning the QR code again. The team hopes to have at least 10 bicycles for every 500 people, and they’ve just launched an Indiegogo campaign to raise more funds, with the aim to go into beta testing by February, and then launch by May next year. www.facebook.com/zaibike.

HOME Going Green

The recent haze situation got Singaporeans all up in arms about the palm oil issue, but a New Zealand home and bath brand, which supports sustainable palm oil and palm kernel production is now here. Ecostore is flying the eco-conscious flag in the manufacturing process of their products, by reducing the brand’s carbon footprint like eliminating toxic or unnecessary chemicals. They are also part of the GreenPalm programme, which helps ensure good environmental practices and fair trade for independent farmers of palm plantations in developing countries. Prices range from $8.90 for dishwashing liquids to $14.90 for laundry detergents. Available Cold Storage and selected NTUC Fairprice stores. www.ecostore.sg.

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SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2015

NEW STORE Mass Appeal

Japanese lifestyle store Miniso has opened two new stores at Plaza Singapura and Harbourfront Centre. The brand, which is known for accessible low prices on fashion accessories, home ware, electronics, stationery and other knick-knacks, seems to resemble a cross between fellow Japanese retailers Daiso and Tokyu Hands, but with a minimalist spin. Here’s your chance to go crazy with your last-minute Christmas shopping list, with stuff going at $3 for accessories to $40 for electronic gadgets. #04-15/16 Plaza Singapura, 68 Orchard Rd; #02-15/16 Harbourfront Centre, 1 Maritime Square, 6547-8798, www.minisohome.com.

WELLNESS Fit and Fab

The latest fitness pass contender, Yo! Fit Pass (www. yofitpass.com) is offering healthy meals from various cafes on top of fitness classes that range from yoga, dance and Akido to kayaking, fencing and rock-climbing.

For $180 a month, you get 10 classes from partners such as Akido Shinju-Kai, Kinetics Climbing, Shiva Yoga and fencing studio SportivA, and 10 meals from the likes of Korean eatery DoSiRak, Mediterranean pita bar Pita Pit, vegetarian bistro Cafe Salivation and cold-pressed juice bar HIC Juice. There are over 300 classes and 100 meals to choose from per week, and newbies now get $60 off their first month. For updates, visit www.facebook.com/yofitpass.

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island NEW HOTELS

Stylish Sleepovers Staying for the holidays? Then book your staycations at these swish new places. By Shi Min Xie

Sofitel Sentosa

The South Beach

Hotel Vagabond

A

slew of trendy hotels have launched about town recently, like the fancy over-the-top boudoir Hotel Vagabond at Kampong Glam and of course, the much-anticipated opening of The South Beach at City Hall. Here’s where to plan your next break.

Hotel Vagabond The place: Kampong Glam’s newest boutique hotel is unapologetically opulent. Designed by architect Jacques Garcia there are 41 suites inspired by turn-of-the-century Paris, with velvet ottomans, plush beds, mahogany desks and glittery gold light fixtures. Playing up its luxe, bohemian vibe, the hotel has an artist-in-residence program, which currently features Brooklyn-based gumbo funk musician Charlie B Wilder, also known as Captain Planet.

The perks: There’s Fifth Quarter, a restaurant specializing cured meats and The Unlisted Collection, which serves up grilled and traditional cured meats like lardo and coppa. The bar’s cocktails were also created by the mixologists from Proof & Company and 28 HongKong Street.

The damage: It costs from $198 to $398 for a weekend stay in the Classic and Vagabond suites respectively—there’s a complimentary bottle of wine and a check out time at 3pm.

39 Syed Alwi Rd., 6291-6677, www. hotelvagabondsingapore.com

Park Hotel Alexandra The place: Located beside Swedish furniture giant IKEA, this four-star hotel boasts a view of the Southern Ridges, with an infinity pool to boot. Rooms are spacious and modern, with the requisite floor-length windows and high ceilings. Guests can troop over to the adjoining Alexandra Mall, which has a variety of cafes and restaurants like The Bakehouse by Carpenter and Cook.

The perks: You can get away from the crowds heading to the Crystal Club Lounge, an outdoor garden terrace. Access is granted if you book the Crystal Club Deluxe, Executive Suite and Park Suite. There’s also the swanky Aqua Luna, which has 16 swim-up bar seats.

The damage: The Festive Staycation special from now until Dec 31 costs $220 (for either the Deluxe or Premier Rooms). There is $50 food and beverage credit per night, a complimentary spiced cappuccino with caramel sauce at The Coffee Belt and a late check-out till 3pm.

323 Alexandra Rd., 6828-8888, www.thesouthbeach. com.sg.

The South Beach The place: Designed by architectural firm Foster + Partners with interiors by well-known French designer Philippe Starck, the 654-room hotel is filled with eclectic influences. While the rooms are mostly decked in white, Starck’s touches include some brightly colored cushions inspired by artist Joan Miro and a striking black and white carpet. The interiors are peppered with Moroccan-style lamps and other Middle Eastern-inspired furniture, as well as a colorful video mural.

There are also two sky gardens, two infinity pools, and 43 spots around the building with a view of the cityscape.

The perks: The hotel is located in-between City Hall and Bugis stations, near arts venues like The Substation or the Esplanade. The restaurant ADHD (All Day Hotel Dining) offers a spread of local and international cuisine. The place also houses three new and trendy bars— Prefix, Laugh and the

Court Martial Bar. The damage: The staycation package for two costs $485 before tax, and includes Champagne and a choice of breakfast or afternoon tea. Guests stay in Showcase (Me) Deluxe Rooms.

30 Beach Rd., 6818-1888, www.thesouthbeach.com.sg.

Sofitel Sentosa The place: Overlooking Tanjong Beach, Sofitel Sentosa is just a hop, skip and a jump away from the eponymouslynamed club. The hotel is decked out in intimate red and maroon hues, and its suites are in a warm, earthy palette of mahogany and mauve. You might also catch a nice view of the sunset at the pool overlooking the sea and the hotel’s spa.

The perks: Relieve stress at the spa, which has a cascading waterfall and a mud pool. Treatments include the Gotu Kola and walnut body scrub ($100 for 60 minutes) and the Ultimate Anti-ageing Facial ($249 for one-and-a-half hours).

Foodies can also head to Kwee Zeen, for its Magnifique Sunday Champagne Brunch from 12:30-3:30pm ($58-168), serving Tattinger Champagne, caviar, sea urchin, fresh oysters and other live seafood.

The damage: Rooms start from $387 per night in the Luxury Room to $2,161 per night in the Villa du Jardin, which comes with two bedrooms and a private pool.

2 Bukit Manis Rd., 6275-0331, www.sofitelsingapore-sentosa.com.

SHOPPING 4 Christmas markets that are still on brand Start from the Bottom, which are designed in collaboration with Indonesian artists, and stylish spectacles and sunglasses from local eyewear brand Visual Mass. There are also plenty of maker workshops ranging from Japanese clay art to jewelry-making if you want to try your hand at crafting a gift instead. Dec 19-20, 12-9pm. 134 Joo Seng Rd., www.facebook.com/megafashSG. Gardens by the Bay

Big N Breezy Independent designers from Singapore, Jakarta and Bangkok will be making their way down to this Christmas market hosted by e-commerce retailer Megafash. Some unique finds include silk scarves from Indonesian

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SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2015

Millenia Walk The mall’s craft market features handmade leather goods, mossariums, artworks, homemade bakes and skincare products at the South Galleria. Vendors include local multi-label store Goodgoods, florist Flowers Matters and natural skincare brand Neal’s

Yard Remedies. Shoppers can also participate in maker workshops like the Pleated Paper Vase (Dec 19) and Concrete Casting (Dec 20), for a fee of $20 per class. Dec 19-20, 11am8pm. www.milleniawalk.com.

wares ranging from artisan perfume to jewelry. Through Jan 3, 4-11pm. www.gardensbythebay.com.sg.

Gardens by the Bay

Located at the Bull Ring, the resort’s first Christmas market features food and drinks stalls like Hard Rock Café and The Guilty Way, a customizable macaron sandwich shop. It also has shopping options including novelty Christmas items, quirky gadgets and household products from TotallyHotStuff.

Through Jan 3, 10am-10pm. www.rwsentosa.com.

The Christmas Wonderland’s Festive Market, held at the Supertree Grove, names like Peruvian rooftop bar Tiger’s Milk, gourmet wine and bistro Culina and gastrobar Harry’s taking part alongside food trucks and Japanese offerings from supermarket Isetan.

You can even tuck into a weekend brunch spread on weekends, Christmas Eve and Christmas day from 10:30am-3pm. On the shopping front, browse through handcrafted

Resorts World Sentosa

Celebrating the new Opening hours: Monday – Friday: 6pm - 11pm Saturday & Sunday: 12noon – 11pm

From 13 Nov – 24 Dec

Let it SN W!

From 13 Nov – 24 Dec

Venue: Level 1, next to The Lawn Timing: 8pm – 9pm daily Venue: Level 1, near entrance of Christmas Market

Festive Rewards From 13 Nov – 31 Dec 2015 In celebration of the new CHIJMES, we are rewarding shoppers with $10 vouchers with $150* spent at all participating outlets.

Free Parking What’s more? Enjoy 3hours FREE PARKING with every $50* spent. *For more information please visit www.chijmes.com.sg or facebook.com/chijmes.sg.

Terms and conditions apply.

The new all-day dining and entertainment destination Gastronomic Lunch & Dinner:

Open for breakfast

WHITEGRASS Open for breakfast

Opening Soon

Late Night Dining:

Late Night Dining & Live Entertainment:

CHIJMES, 30 Victoria Street, Singapore 187996 Telephone: (65) 6337 7810 Email: chijmes@perennialrealestate.com.sg www.chijmes.com.sg facebook.com/chijmes.sg chijmes_sg

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2015 SG MAGAZINE

23

eats

The inside scoop on Singapore’s drink and dining scene

DRINK 5 places to get tiki cocktails

Aloha Poke

ALOHA POKE Possibly the only dedicated tiki bar in town, this casual Hawaiian concept bar is big on pairing its marinated raw fish salads with cocktails. They do signature tiki drinks like the fiery passion ($18), with white rum based concoction infused with Malibu, fresh passion fruit, lemongrass and vanilla. 92 Amoy St., 6221-6165, www.alohapoke.com.

NEW MENUS

The Breakfast Club

ANTIDOTE Led by poster boy Tom Hogan, the swanky Fairmont bar has rolled out a new cocktail menu, The Revivals, as part of a worldwide boozy campaign.

There are some fun tiki inspired brews on the menu, like Whistlers and Allies ($23), a citrusy cocktail with dark rum, pineapple, Campari, lime juice and cardamom syrup. 80 Bras Basah Rd., 6431-5315, www.facebook.com/ antidotesingapore.

Step away from samey eggs benedict and opt for these hearty brunch plates. By Chelsia Tan Adrift

F

rom trendy, big-name restaurants to new indie cafes, here are some breakfast spots to hit for brunch lovers—or those who can’t be arsed to be up before 10am.

FOR FUN, CAFE FARE

FOR FANCY RESTAURANT BRUNCHES

20F Specialty Coffee House

Adrift

Jalan Besar’s brand new cafe may not join the ranks of Chye Seng Huat Hardware just yet, but its brunch grub is pretty fail-safe.

Try these: It tries to distinguish itself from the flock by offering duck & waffle ($22), with duck confit instead of the usual fried chicken; orange cinnamon French toast ($15), with bacon, mascarpone and mixed berries; and 20F Flats, a meats on flats dish with a choice of pulled duck and Chipotle sauce or pulled pork and fresh guacamole ($17 each).

Beverage-wise, they have your usual coffee suspects (from espressos to flat whites), iced teas and indulgent milk smoothies.

20 Foch Rd., 6291-4940, www.facebook. com/20Fcoffee.

The Da Bang New Australian brunch and dessert spot The Da Bang offers a rather crowd-pleasing array of Korean-style breakfast dishes.

Try these: Order the savory kimchi panini ($12) and bulgogi panini ($12). The menu’s nothing ground-breaking but if you’re looking to fuel up with something simple, then items like nacho cheese omelette ($16), spicy chicken and avocado sandwich ($14) and the big breakfast, with sausages, English muffins, bacon and scrambled eggs ($18), should suffice. Wash it all down with pistachio milk ($6) or a salted butter caramel iced latte ($6.50).

52 Tanjong Pagar Rd., 6221-2007, www.dabang.sg.

Dig into posh nosh with David Myers’ new brunch menu, which comes with unusual takes on classic breakfast items.

Try these: Available only on weekends, there are mains like the Adrift Benedict, with grilled rice cakes, dashi bacon, onsen eggs and chive-miso hollandaise; crispy chicken and sweet potato waffles drizzled with maple-umeboshi syrup; and ricotta pancakes with yuzu honey, vanilla persimmons and azuki bean ice cream. The spread costs from $88 per person, with a choice of a main course, dessert and buffet sides. Want a little morning tipple? An extra $70 per person will give you a free-flow of Champagne, fruit cocktails, beer and selected wines.

SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2015

CLUB STREET SOCIAL

Expect barrel aged and bottled

Bread Street Kitchen

Tower 2, Marina Bay Sands Hotel, 10 Bayfront Ave., 6688-5657, www.marinabaysands.com/Adrift.

Aura This hot new Baroque-style lounge, restaurant and rooftop locale at National Gallery Singapore isn’t just for the evening, Martini-swirling set.

Try these: If you’re set on starting your day on a chi-chi note, then order the crispy egg with grilled octopus and sweet cornmeal ($25), garganelli with lobster and Sicilian tomatoes ($38) or the quail casserole with beetroot and mascarpone orzotto ($28).

Can’t quit your eggs Benedict addiction? Aura serves up a fancier version with salmon and sea urchin hollandaise ($24). And it’s never too early for aphrodisiacs—on the table are live oysters with lemon and tabasco ($24 for six). #05-03 National Gallery Singapore, 1 St. Andrew’s Rd., 6866-1977, www.aura.sg.

24

Club Street Social

20F Specialty Coffee House

Bread Street Kitchen Gordon Ramsay’s new-ish venture at Marina Bay Sands now has a weekend brunch menu.

Try these: While it has typical items like eggs Benedictand buttermilk pancakes, we say skip the Singaporean basics and go for the excessive Sunday Roast, a traditional British, family-style spread. Don’t expect progressive plates here, as it’s all about classic (but delicious) English staples like roasted striploin beef with horseradish cream and gravy accompanied by potatoes. spiced honey carrots and greens and an indulgent Yorkshire pudding ($45 for a platter).

L1-81 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 2 Bayfront Ave., 6688-5665, www.marinabaysands.com/ breadstreetkitchen.

|cocktails from this 1930’s New Yorkstyle restaurant, complete with rustic brick walls and dimly lit plush diner booths. Mixologist Tomas Gejdos shakes up fun drinks like the Icy Zombie in Your Closet ($22), featuring spiced rum, falernum, grenadine, absinth and bitters submerged in crushed ice.

5 Gemmill Ln., 6225-5043, www.clubstreetsocial.com GIBSON Resembling an upscale speakeasy, this cocktail and raw seafood bar at Bukit Pasoh has rum offerings like Angel’s Share ($23)—a concoction of spiced rum, absinthe and bitters that leaves a heady aftertaste of toasted wood and caramel. 20 Bukit Pasoh Rd., 91148385, www.facebook.com/ gibsonbarsg.

KITE At this Southeast Asian-inspired bar, ease into the evening with the Little Rummer Boy ($22), a light cocktail with toasted almond rum mixed with mezcal, amaro mandragola, dark chocolate liquor and capari and cinnamon. Then move on to the stronger Xilam Warrior ($28), with overproof rum with kaffir tequila, fresh lime, maraschino liquer and a fruity mango beer reduction. 53 Craig Rd., 9729-7988, www.facebook.com/ kiteoncraig

eats

Ryan’s Grocery

ONLINE

To Market, To Market Order high-end cuts of meat, chia seeds, fresh organic goodies and tons more at these online gourmet grocers. By Chelsia Tan Honestbee

Superlife & Co.

W

ith several new contenders joining the scene, and a couple older ones like RedMart upping their game, grocery delivery services are huge in Singapore right now.

Go Fresh Buy premium ingredients like fine de claire oysters, grain-fed beef from Australia, live Maine lobsters, Kabocha Japanese pumpkins and fresh herbs and spices here.

There are regular flash sales with pretty good deals, like West Meresa oysters going at $5.84 per piece. Delivery costs $15 for orders below $40, and is free for orders above $60. You’ll receive your groceries the next day if you order before 3pm, and it will arrive between 2-6pm or 6-9pm. www.gofresh.com.sg.

Honestbee Backed by Silicon Valley big wigs like investment firm Formation 8, this new site offers to save you the hassle of making a trip down to a gourmet grocer. Just key in your postal code to check if they deliver to your place, select from a list of retail outlets ranging from Gastronomia Da Paolo, The Butcher’s Dog and Mmmm!

Meats, Marinates & Much More. The site has engaged personal grocery shoppers to do

your shopping for you and once done, your groceries will arrive in an hour. Customers can even choose their preferred delivery timings here. www.honestbee.com.

Open Taste No time to head down to the next farmer’s market? This brand new site links you to farm fresh and organic produce at wholesale prices from around the world.

There’s an extensive list of items shoppers can choose from, like tropical fruits, artisanal cheese, premium seafood and meats, and even deli and baked goods.

Right now, there are over 100 farms and producers stocking up the site, with videos and information on each supplier.

Deliveries are currently free, and you’ll receive your groceries on the same day. www.opentaste.sg.

RedMart No stranger to the online grocery scene, this electronic hyper mart offers more than just produce. You can shop for health

and beauty products, home appliances, electronic gadgets, and even home accessories here. There are plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood and meats available so for those too busy to go about their Christmas or grocery shopping, this is it. RedMart has recently launched Relay, a service which uses personal shoppers to deliver items within an hour of from ordering. Orders above $30 get free delivery for first-timers, and regular customers get the same perk when they place an order above $49. The site delivers daily from 10am-10pm and you can choose your preferred slot upon checkout. www.redmart.com.

Ryan’s Grocery Specializing in organic and free-range meat cuts, this online butcher also carries marinated meats like organic beef roast with herbs, chili and garlic, for those who are pulling together a last-minute dinner party. This is also where you can get gourmet sausages, like beef steak

and merlot sausage and even gluten-free baking supplies, legumes, grains, seeds and other ingredients. Delivery services are only available from Mon-Sat from 10am-5:30pm, and it’s free for orders above $100. You’ll have to place your order before 5pm from Mon-Fri to receive your groceries the next day and express deliveries cost $30 (subject to availability). www.ryansgrocery.com.

Superlife Co. Health nuts, here’s where you can go to stock up on chia seeds, cold-press coconut oil and quinoa for your next raw foods project. The site is pretty new so there isn’t an extensive list of these 100% organic super foods yet, but there are starter kits if it’s your first time on the health bandwagon. The owners have even purchased a farm in Peru to make their venture a more sustainable one, and they aim to get at least 60 to 70% of their chia seeds and quinoa there. Shipping is free and takes one to three days, and orders above $100 get 10% off. www.superlife.co.

John Heng

NEW RESTAURANT Verre Modern Bistro & Wine Bar The buzz: This former wine bar transforms itself into a modern French restaurant with consultant chef Masashi Horiuchi (Shelter in the Woods) at the helm, don’t worry, it still has an extensive selection of Old World and New World wines.

The vibe: Gone are the dark interiors, blackedout ceilings and heavy drapes. The restaurant is now warmly-lit, with simple and contemporary furniture, and its signature glass wine cellar taking center stage.

The food: The restaurant encourages gastronomic dining, which means the food is best savored with wine pairings, which are

indicated in helpful recommendations on the menu. For starters, the tarte flambee forest ($22), topped with button mushrooms, gruyere cheese, creme fraiche with raw egg yolk mix and caramelized onions, is surprisingly uncomplicated and tasty. The humble black garlic soup ($19) is smooth and savory. With just a hint of garlic, the crisp honeycomb biscuit and dill bread garnish adds a welcome crunch.

Steak-lovers should get the filet of Wagyu beef ($62)—the pan-fried tenderloin with mesclun and lemon vinaigrette, and served with a sauce infused with Madeira wine is tender and bursting with flavor. Lastly, the lamp

chop with Moroccan couscous and mint sauce ($46), served with lamb jus, is also one of the highlights.

Why you’ll be back: Chef Horiuchi puts together a rustic, comforting and creative menu, and the friendly staff manning the floor makes this a great place for those who are just getting to know their wines. #01-05/06 8 Rodyk St., 6509-1917, www.verre.com.sg. CHELSIA TAN

Verre Modern Bistro & Wine Bar

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2015 SG MAGAZINE

25

escapes

Holidays, hotels and insider travel news

INDONESIA

Pasola

Sum Kind of Paradise

4 ways in which Sumba is unlike anywhere else in Indonesia. By Ric Stockfis Nihiwatu Family Villa

Nihiwatu

A 1

n hour’s flight east of Bali, the rugged, rolling savannah, wild coastline and lively traditions of Sumba are a world apart from your typical weekend escape. This relatively unknown island in the Nusa Tengarra chain, once renowned for its sandalwood and still producing the archipelago’s finest ikat, remains remarkably undeveloped and retains real living links to its past.

Bloody battles on horseback

Short, stocky ponies introduced by Chinese and Arabian traders are a common sight across the island and riding them is an important rite of passage for young Sumbanese men. Every year, to celebrate the rice planting season in February and March, groups of riders go head to head in a ritual battle called Pasola, which sees warriors armed with wooden spears attempt to draw blood from the other side, in order to pacify the spirits and deliver a good harvest. These days, the spears are blunted and though it’s still a pretty brutal affair with a real risk of serious injuries, it’s a spectacle unlike anything else you’ve seen.

2

Powerful and persistent traditions

Although much of the island was influenced by Christian missionaries and everyone must selfdeclare as a member of one of Indonesia’s official religions, animist Marapu traditions are still an integral part of life in Sumba, and never more so than around funeral ceremonies.

Sumba is one of the few places left in the world to practice megalithic burials, with huge slabs of rock dragged in place to create towering monuments. Vast numbers of animals may also be sacrificed and it’s not uncommon for families to bankrupt themselves to send off their relatives in the proper way, sometimes keeping the body in their home and delaying the burial for decades in order to save up enough money. The government has latterly encouraged more modest rituals, officially limiting the number of animals that can be killed, but the tradition persists and you can see enormous stone tombs all over the island. In the West, the most impressive are in Kampung Pasunga, on the road out of Waikabubak to Waingapu, and Gallabakul, home to the heaviest tomb on the island. Kampung Tarung in Waikabubak hosts the Wula Padhu in November, a monthlong period of restraint (even weeping for the dead is a no-no) and offerings to the spirits, culminating in singing and dancing on the final day.

3

Endless, empty waves

Indonesia isn’t exactly short of surf spots, but there are few places where you’ll have them to yourself like you will in Sumba. One of the very best and most consistent, Occy’s Left, breaks right in front of Nihiwatu (see below), and is limited to no more than 10 riders at a time.

But all along the southern coastline waves roll in onto empty beaches and, give or take a few talented locals, it’s

26

SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2015

just you and the big blue. Kallala has perhaps the best surf in the east of the island: it’s a four hour bus trip from Waingapu.

Sumba isn’t small (it’s three times the size of Bali) and getting around often means bouncing along dusty roads for hours on end, but imagine an unspoilt version of Hawaii’s Waikiki and you’ll have some idea why it’s so worthwhile.

Check www.magicseaweed.com/Sumba-Surfing/339 to find out what’s breaking where.

4

Sumbanese villagers

A resort with a conscience

There are a handful of simple hotels and guesthouses in Sumba’s bigger settlements of Waingapu and Waikabubak, and we dug up a couple of rough and ready options elsewhere on Airbnb, but Nihiwatu (www.nihiwatu. com), the island’s only resort, 90 minutes’ drive from Tambolaka, is itself a reason to visit. What began life as a remote surf camp at the turn of the century has been seriously upgraded in recent years, and is now positioned as an ultra-luxe retreat “on the edge of wildness” (they’re not kidding). With 33 villas at the end of a 2.5 kilometer private beach, world-class waves breaking right in front, and two restaurants serving dishes made with produce from their organic gardens, it’s a pretty special place. Activities abound, from horse-riding on the beach (the resort has its own stables) to safari-style expeditions into the nearby hills in search of pristine waterfalls; as well as surfing, free-diving and spear-fishing instruction out on the ocean. For the— slightly—less active, Nihi Oka Spa Safari is a new addition combining a 90 minute hike (or shorter drive) to a nearby valley, morning yoga session, clifftop breakfast and unlimited spa treatments. 90% of the almost 300 staff at the resort are Sumbanese and profits from the resort as well as donations from guests go to the Sumba Foundation (www. sumbafoundation.org), an initiative set up by the resort’s founders. You’ll see their impressive malaria clinics, water tanks, school projects and other initiatives dotted around the west of the island.

Rates start from USD550 ($775)/night for double occupancy in the “green season” (mid-November to midMarch, not including the New Year period), inclusive of airport transfer and full-board, but exclusive of tax and service. There’s a minimum 3 night stay, but if you’re coming from Singapore you wouldn’t want to be there for less anyway. We left on a Friday and came back Monday and it was far too short.

Village house

Essential Info GETTING THERE You need to fly to Bali and then hop on a domestic plane to Sumba’s Tambolaka Airport, not far from Waikabubak. Garuda (www.garuda-indonesia.com) does the whole thing for around $800 return, with a total journey time of just under 7 hours each way. Wings Air (www.lionair.co.id) also flies from Bali to Tambolaka and, if you want to focus on Western Sumba, from Bali to Waingapu.

VISA After an update in June 2015, more than 40 countries now enjoy visa travel in Indonesia for up to 30 days, including Singapore, Malaysia, the US and many European countries.

Australians still need to pay for a Visa on Arrival (USD35).

ADVERTORIAL

Travel by Numbers Thanks to a world-class airport and a great location, Singapore is a great starting point for your next regional holiday. Here are some Pan Pacific properties to choose from for your next getaway.

2 HRS

Bangkok Located in the nightlife and dining thoroughfare of Thong Lor, Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Bangkok sits a stone’s throw away from glittering supermalls, some of Bangkok’s best fine dining restaurants and its trendiest bespoke cocktail and craft beer bars.

Don’t forget to try the beef khao soi at the ever-packed Soul Food Mahanakorn and delicious drinks at the industrial-chic Iron Fairies.

3 HRS

Manila

Home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites like San Agustin Church and the San Agustin Museum, Manila’s colonial Spanish history can be found at every turn. The luxurious Pan Pacific Manila is propped up against the Manila Bay waterfront. For those who wish to take in all the natural beauty, the scenic bay is home to diverse ecology of wetland reserves, mangroves, coral reefs and sea grass beds, too.

6 HRS

1.5 HRS

Jakarta Look past the snaking highways and bustling traffic and you will find a mix of culture, nightlife and history all around the Sari Pan Pacific Jakarta. History buffs should check out the National Museum of Indonesia located nearby the hotel grounds, and for a night on the town, rent a cab and head to South Jakarta to enjoy hip bars and cool hangouts that will add a trendy touch to your visit.

2 HRS

Bali

Set atop a sheer cliff fronting with sweeping views of the Indian Ocean, Pan Pacific Nirwana Bali Resort is located close to the surfer paradise of Tanah Lot. Besides the natural beauty and gorgeous waves, make time for the bars and cafes that stretch along the coastline, and the famous Tanah Lot Temple, a 16th century Hindu shrine perched on a rock at sea.

5 HRS

Suzhou Suzhou may now be an economic powerhouse, but it was once the go-to summer retreat for the Chinese royalty. There is plenty of old-world charm in the form of shop houses, timeless gardens and Chinese opera performances. Situated near Pan Pacific Suzhou, in fact, is the Pan Gate scenic area, dating back to 247 BC and consisting of the Ruiguang Pagoda, Wu Gate Bridge and Pan Gate, all of which are considered national treasures.

Perth Pristine parklands, sandy white beaches and friendly locals make Perth one of the most liveable cities in the world. Close to Pan Pacific Perth is the unmissable Swan River, a beautiful estuary of deep historical and cultural significance. Also part of any good itinerary should be the nearby King’s Park, great for lush flora and panoramic views of the city.

Book direct at panpacific.com

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3 Follow us on issuu at issuu.com/sg_magazine

SurfGuide (www.surfguide.com) is a handy new guide that will help you plan your next surfing destination. On the site, you can adjust the type of swell size, consistency, air temperature and water temperature range. You can also choose if you’d like to go to locations with surfing schools and public pools nearby, or check if the area has accommodation and free WiFi. The website will give you a list of recommendations so you can plan your next surfing vacay. The site’s information is aggregated based on monthly data from 350 regions, so it seems to be pretty accurate. Surfers can also send emails to over 100 camps worldwide if they’d like to take more lessons.

INDIA

Get Lucky Now

Tigerair (www.tigerair.com/sg) just launched a new route to the Indian city of Lucknow, in the state of Uttar Pradesh. If you like the old colonial and Mughal buildings of Delhi, Lucknow offers a distilled version of all that with less chaos. There are many historical buildings and mosques, including the Bara Imambara, which is a shrine for Muslims built in the 18th century, and the nearby Asifi Masjid, which was designed by famous architect Kifayat-ullah. Flights take off three times a week: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays on board an Airbus A320. One-way fares start at $149, inclusive of airport charges and government taxes.

Jai Ho The eighth edition of the Jaipur Literature Festival (www. jaipurliteraturesfestival.org) will be held Jan 21-25, featuring illustrious names like Margaret Atwood, writer and comedian Stephen Fry and world-

famous photographer Steve McCurry. The event is also known as the biggest free lit fest in the world and takes place in a grand Rajasthani palace. Also among the authors will be Jamaican novelist James Marlon, who just won the Man Booker. There are no direct flights to Jaipur from Singapore, though Singapore Airlines, Jet Airways and Air India have connecting flights via Delhi and Mumbai.

NEPAL

Off the Beaten Track

World Expeditions (www.worldexpeditions. com) is bringing back itineraries to the Manaslu Mountains and Langtang National Park from Mar 2016. Many of these tours venture to the base camps of the country’s mountains, including the 20-day Manaslu Circuit & Base Camp Trek (about $3,669), which runs Mar 28-Apr 16. There’s also the 17-day Langtang & Gosainkunda Lakes Trek (about $2,948) from Apr 2-18 where travelers will visit the Kyanjin Gompa Buddhist monastery and the sacred lakes of Gosainkunda. The tour operator also offers Nepal Rebuild trips, with one to rebuild a section of Manju Shree Primary School (about $4,061) from Feb 27-Mar 22.

MYANMAR

All Aboard

The Strand Cruise (www.thestrandcruise. com) will be holding a four-night Christmas river cruise from Dec 22, inclusive of a Christmas dinner on the way to Bagan from Mandalay. There’s also a four-night New Year’s Cruise that sets off from Dec 29. The ship has 27 cabin suites, and they come with butler service. The crown jewels are the two Strand Suites at the front of the ship, and they come with outdoor terraces.

Those who stay in these two suites also get to bunk in at The Strand Hotel before or after their journey. The cruise operator is offering complimentary travel for buddies, couples and those who’d to share a cabin suite with a paying guest. Prices start from $4,176 per person and if you make a reservation before Dec 31, you get 20% off your trip.

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ADVERTORIAL

How do you like your Heineken extra Cold?

now SHOPPING Finn Avenue Online luxury home furniture store Finn Avenue recently launched a new showroom, with handcrafted pieces like sofas, dining sets and other accessories made from hardwood, wool and fabrics imported from France, Italy, Belgium, New Zealand and Spain. Some popular designers on their roster are Nolie & Finn and Florence de Dempierre. The store also specializes in modern reproductions of antique furniture like King Louis chairs, 18thcentury balloon chairs and other pieces inspired by Baroque, Oriental and Victorian influences. Prices range from $200 for a lamp to $3,780 for a sofa.

Heineken’s coldest beer yet, Heineken Extra cold is served at sub-zero temperatures, staying cold ’til the last sip

with a hearty dinner…

Somewhere secret…

Little Saigon This Vietnamese joint is great for both dining and drinking. It's open 'til late with an after-hours menu of spring rolls, lemongrass prawns and other things that go great with beer. Blk E #01-02, Clarke Quay, 6337-5585. www.littlesaigonasia.com

A.L.T. Cafe and Bar Hidden away just under party spot 1-Alitude, this little glass dome-enclosed bar is perfect for pre-gaming. 61/F, One Raffles Place, 1 Raffles Place, 6438-0410, www.1-altitude.com

Nassim Hill Come nightfall, this minimalist industrial brunch spot provides a relaxing backdrop for drinks. #B01-02, Tanglin Post Office, 56 Tanglin Rd., 6835-1128, www.imagingings. com.sg

NUSS Guildhouse Take a break from the bustle of the city for a swim and a Heineken at this sophisticated clubhouse. #02-401/402, Suntec City, 3 Temasek Boulevard (Tower 5), 6779-1811, www.nuss.org.sg

Timbre @ Gillman The leafy and shed-like Timbre and its live music roster is great for a few rounds of beer. Gillman Barracks, 9A Lock Rd., 66944201, www.timbregroup.asia

Una Who said beer is a dive bar drink? Here, you can have one in a colonial British bungalow with Spanish classics.

1 Rochester Park, 6773-0070, www.onerochester.com

Grand Mercure Roxy Hotel You don't have to head downtown to grab drinks. Get dinner and a round of beer at this East Coast hotel and then take the short walk down to the beach at East Coast Park. 50 East Coast Rd., 63448000. www.grandmercureroxy.com.sg

On the dance floor…

Altimate The stratospheric VIP club is all about upbeat house tunes, cool light installations, drinks brought to your table. 61/F, One Raffles Place, 1 Raffles Place, 6438-0410, www.1-altitude.com

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in the great outdoors…

1-Altitude Cold beers go best with the cool breezes and stellar views guaranteed atop one of the world’s highest rooftop bars. 63/F, One Raffles Place, 1 Raffles Place, 6438-0410, www.1-altitude.com BQ Bar This popular, brick-walled spot is packed on the weekends, thanks in no small part to their river-facing alfresco terrace. 39 Boat Quay, 6536-9722, www.bqbar.com Timbre @ The Substation Tucked behind Singapore's favorite indie arts hub, this semi-alfresco venue is great for live music and a cold beer. 45 Armenian St., 6338-8030, www.timbregroup.asia

Take Art Home 12 – 15 November 2015 F1 Pit Building 1 Republic Boulevard

KPO This luscious hideaway off Orchard also has a cozy backyard with twinkling lights—oh and an attached post office.

1 Killiney Rd., 6733 3648, www.facebook. com/KPO.sg

ice-Cold without the ice

Attica The renovated Clarke Quay stalwart now sports light installations and an inner courtyard bar for a beer and a breather in between DJ sets. #01-03, 3A River Valley Rd., 6333-9973, www.attica.com.sg

Empire Have your Heineken at this penthouse lounge and bar with stunning views of the Marina Bay area. 45/F, Singapore Land Tower, 50 Raffles Pl., 6336-8111. www. massive.sg

Kyo This minimalist club on Cecil Street has nightly dance parties and one of the longest bars in Singapore—perfect for getting your drink on. 133 Cecil St., 8299-8735, www.clubkyo.com

Zouk Singapore’s essential clubbing destination needs no introduction, with over 20 years of parties under its belt. 17 Jiak Kim St., 6738-2988, www.zoukclub.com.sg

#HeinekenSG #FreezeTheMoment

Score a seat to Singapore's big-deal film fest The Singapore International Film Festival will play 146 feature and short films. Catch local films like Mee Pok Man and Bugis Street Redux. Nov 26-Dec 6, various venues, sgiff.com. $12-25 from Sistic.

FESTIVAL

9

ON SAL

NO

DRINK

Nose fancy whisky on Sentosa

8

Get cultural in Kampong Glam

10

Taste from over 70 brands of whiskey at The Whiskey Live Festival, or dive into a masterclass to know more.

Drinks from Teeling Whiskey Distillery, a new Irish distillery in Dublin, will debut at this event. Nov 28-Nov 29, Capella Hotel Sentosa, www. whiskylive.sg. $95-250.

SPORT

Put your calf muscles to the test Masochists, the annual Swissotel Vertical Marathon is back. It's been too hazy to run outdoors, but how about joining 2,200 participants as they race up 1,336 steps over 73 storeys. Proceeds will go to the Rainbow Centre Yishun Park School. Registration closed a couple weeks ago, but you can always run bandit, or just take your participating friends to brunch after. Nov 29, Swissotel The Stamford, www. swisshotelverticalmarathon.

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If you think beer is never cold enough, Heineken Ice Cold is just the thing for you. Thanks to an innovative partly frozen draught column, Heineken Extra Cold consistently serves up (in super chilled glasses, no less) beer that hovers between -3°C and +1°C. Not only does Heineken’s quality beer withstand the sub-zero temperatures, your glass stays cold and refreshing 'til the last sip.

Contemporary art. $100 - $10,000 80 galleries. 600 artists affordableartfair.com/Singapore AAFSG | AFFORDABLEARTFAIRSG

FILM

The Malay CultureFest focuses on the history of the area, with mini events like Lintas Nusantara (Nov 20-21), a discussion about folk, traditional and classical dance performance, as well as a Gamelan Melayu (Nov 24-25), a traditional Malay drum performance. Until Apr 3, various venues, www.malayheritage.org.sg. Free.

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2015 SG MAGAZINE

29

last word

Jolovan Wham Jolovan Wham is the Executive Director of Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics (HOME), an NGO that advocates for migrant worker rights and welfare, providing shelters for trafficked people and conducting vocational training and health education seminars. Here, he tells Shi Min Xie about getting beaten up by gangsters, the most rewarding drink of his life and what’s wrong with capitalism.

I’ve lived with migrant domestic workers throughout my childhood and teenage years and spent a lot of time talking to them. I know what it is like to have to work long hours, to be at an employer’s beck and call and not have adequate rest and days off.

I realized that I wanted to help migrant workers when my domestic worker went on strike and there wasn’t anyone to do my laundry for me anymore.

My parents didn’t realize that making me share a room with a domestic worker when I was a boy would have such an effect on me.

The lack of employment protections and a hypercapitalist culture that treats people as commodities also normalizes abusive and exploitative behavior.

When migrant workers are protected, we will benefit as well. Their exploitation and oppression is linked to ours.

Capitalism is only concerned about containing costs and maximizing profit. If it can dehumanize and exploit you, it will.

I find it scandalous that domestic work is still so poorly regulated and we think it is ok to make them work round the clock.

[Singaporeans tend to treat migrant workers badly] because we have been given so much power and we forget to check ourselves.

Capitalism doesn’t care where you’re from or who you are. It is only concerned about containing costs and maximizing profit. If it can dehumanize and exploit you, it will.

I often feel powerless when a worker isn’t able to get access to justice because of the lack of effective and accessible remedies.

I once burst into tears in front of a bunch of bureaucrats whom I thought weren’t handling an abused worker’s case appropriately.

THIRSTY?

I was assaulted once by some agents and gangsters who were not happy that I was trying to prevent a Bangladeshi worker from being forcefully repatriated.

Fortunately, I managed to squirm away but I never thought this job would entail such risks.

The most rewarding moment of my career was getting drunk with Bangladeshi construction workers after a successful claim for their money.

Sometimes, it is important not to take yourself or the issues too seriously. Having a sense of humor really helps.

In my free time, I try to stay sober and sing in tune at a Mandopop KTV bar.

If I weren’t working with migrant workers, I’d find a rich husband to marry me.

Refugees and asylum seekers are an international issue which require international cooperation. Turning boats away is inhumane.

Don’t miss out on our guide to the best of the Singapore nightlife scene—more than 100 of our favorite nightspots, from the best rooftop bars and cocktail gems to the coolest microbreweries and wine lounges.

Head to is.gd/SGbestbars to download the e-guide, it’s free.

THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID

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SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2015

by Kathy Macleod

Three cuisines.

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Rooftop Level, OUE Bayfront, 50 Collyer Quay, Singapore 049321 www.me-oue.com