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How to spot a Singaporean abroad

Singaporeans are a well-travelled bunch. This means that wherever we go in the world, we are bound to run into some of our countrymen. The tell-tale ‘holding phone up for Wi-Fi’ posture is a dead giveaway - because let’s face it, whether in Singapore or abroad, the first thing we do is to look for free Wi-Fi hotspots.

What are some other endearing and die-hard behaviours of us Singaporeans? Read on to find out!

“Eat already or not?”

Some may say, Singlish is what makes us uniquely Singaporean. The Singlish accent and slang are distinctive and dead giveaways when you’re in a foreign country. Singlish abounds all over the world – from the finest Michelin-starred restaurants (“Must eat! Very shiok!”) to slow-moving public bathroom queues (“Why so long one?”). You won’t even have to eavesdrop or strain your ears to catch it.

When you’re miles away from home and mentally exhausted from speaking proper English, there’s nothing more heart-warming than catching a hint of Singlish. Cue teardrop emoticon.

We’ll try anything once

Eating is certainly one of the highlights of any Singaporean’s trip overseas. Singaporeans are big on food, and we’ll happily give exotic delicacies a try – no matter how outlandish.

It’s not uncommon to hear of people who travel to foreign countries just for a taste of the local cuisine. Some of us fly regularly to Kuala Lumpur for a weekend of Malaysian Hokkien mee, grilled chicken wings and lok lok, but that’s nothing in the grand scheme of things. Want to up yourself to true foodie-status? Crunch down some fried cockroaches, half-formed ducklings or whatever else is deemed ‘authentic and local’. (And then of course, share a photo and post about your deliciously harrowing experience on social media and refresh repeatedly while the comments pour in. See next point.)

#PhotoBeforeFood

If you spot someone standing up in a rustic cafe to angle their phone for a perfect flat lay shot of their lunch, there’s a high chance that he or she is Singaporean.

It’s not just food either. Be on the lookout for scenery-snapper, selfie-takers on the streets and boyfriends commandeered to get a dozen shots of their dolled-up girlfriends walking across the street. Note for the uninitiated, this is to get material for that one elusive photo which will be tagged #OOTD on Instagram. This bunch will also be the ones asking for Wi-Fi passwords once they’ve edited their latest snap — an endeavour which could take a good ten minutes and a multitude of apps -- so they can post it on Instagram and Facebook.

Bargain hunters

We’re pros when it comes to shopping, and experts at bargain hunting! If there’s a sale happening anywhere, even in a foreign land, you can be sure that there’ll be at least a couple of Singaporeans there. We find great joy in being able to haggle the price down in order to get what we think is the right price for what we want. And for most Singaporeans, the bargain hunting starts right from the minute we book our trip—by flying with airlines that give us the most value, like AirAsia. Don’t forget to supersize your baggage allowance too, for all the shopping you’ll do!

AirAsia flies to more than 100 destinations worldwide at the lowest fares. You’ll get to explore less-travelled places, and discover new and fascinating things about familiar countries. The new Go-To-Gate service also eliminates the hassle of queues, perfect for us Singaporeans who love efficiency and convenience! Book your vacation with AirAsia today!

This article was created in partnership with AirAsia

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Single Video Test Post From Youtube

The RGG EDU Influencer Event | Puerto Rico

In November 2016 RGG EDU invited 25 photographers to Puerto Rico to meet, drink, and go to the beach. The meeting was the first annual RGG EDU Influencer Event held annually on an island by invitation only.

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Single Video Post Format Testing

Can you travel for 12 days in South East Asia for under $3,000 for two travellers? We challenge two siblings, actress Caitanya Tan and musician Govin Tan to do exactly that, and so far the results have been hilarious.

After spending approximately $1,400 in Phuket and Cebu, the siblings now have around SGD$1,600 left to spend for the next two countries, covering airfare, accommodations, food and activities! Things are looking bright, as it seems there’s more than enough for two more destinations and more shenanigans!

Click on the video above to let the siblings show you how fun is done in Jakarta!

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12 days in SEA for under $3,000. This time, Jakarta! #gowhereah

Can you travel for 12 days in South East Asia for under $3,000 for two travellers? We challenge two siblings, actress Caitanya Tan and musician Govin Tan to do exactly that, and so far the results have been hilarious.

After spending approximately $1,400 in Phuket and Cebu, the siblings now have around SGD$1,600 left to spend for the next two countries, covering airfare, accommodations, food and activities! Things are looking bright, as it seems there’s more than enough for two more destinations and more shenanigans!

The third instalment of the epic 12-day trip across four countries in South East Asia – Jakarta!

Cait was doing a lot of feeding...

Govin was performing his heart out...

And they’re both eating a lot, non stop. 

Click on the video above to let the siblings show you how fun is done in Jakarta!

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Escape the heat and haze this holiday season

Following the cooler, albeit rainy, days of the monsoon season, we’re in for progressively warmer weather over the next few months. Soon stepping outdoors will feel more like stepping into a sauna or a pressure cooker. Instead of blasting the A/C all day long and racking up those electricity bills, how about a trip down under?

Australia’s location in the southern hemisphere means that it’ll start turning blessedly cooler when it gets unbearably hot here in Singapore. And with flights to Sydney starting from $618 when you fly with Singapore Airlines, there is nothing stopping you from planning your upcoming vacation right now. Here are some fun activities to include in your itinerary that you definitely can’t do here in hot and humid Singapore:

Credit: Holly Bradford; Capital Country Tourism

Huddle around a crackling fire

If you’re like us, you’ve seen all the movies and have dreamt of sitting by a fireplace with some hot cocoa to warm up during cold winter afternoons. Now you can make that dream come true. Many bars and pubs in Sydney have fireplaces installed and cranked up to the maximum when it’s cold outside. Grab a mug of something warm and bring a book for a toasty, enjoyable afternoon!

Credit: Destination NSW

Explore the café scene

We know you are self-respecting foodies who would never pass up the chance to indulge in great food. The good news is Sydney is full of culinary delights for you to sample. The café scene in Sydney has every kind of cuisine imaginable on offer. Many of these cafes also offer specialty coffee, and whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or not, you’ll be glad for something piping hot when you come in from the cold! 

The Three Sisters at the Blue Mountains (Credit: RA Stanley Landscape Photography)

Hike without breaking a sweat

Winter is the best time to hike. Not only do you get your daily quota of cardio in, you also enjoy all that Mother Nature has to offer, without breaking a sweat or dealing with mosquitoes or other bugs. The Blue Mountains region, just a short drive from the Sydney city centre, is one of the most popular bushwalking areas in the region, with plenty of walking trails of varying difficulty levels. With breath-taking panoramas, wilderness, waterfalls, and even ancient caves to explore, you could easily spend all your time in Sydney right here!

Credit: Destination NSW

Catch the migrating humpback whales

Every year between May to November, schools of humpback whales make their way north towards warmer waters from Antarctica, passing by the Sydney and New South Wales coastlines on the way. Now you too can catch these majestic creatures as they travel through, either by finding a good vantage point by the coastline with high elevation, such as at Bondi Beach, or by joining a whale watching tour. Be sure to download an app like Wild About Whales so you can keep track of the latest sightings and plan your whale watching adventure.

Vivid Sydney, the world’s largest festival of light, music and ideas (Credit: Destination NSW)

Watch the city light up

Winter in Sydney is always magical, in part because of Vivid Sydney. Happening from 26 May to 17 June 2017, this stunning annual event is the world’s largest festival of light, music and ideas, bringing together artists and designers from all over the world. You’ll get to check out light-art sculptures, grand projections on the sails of the world-famous Opera House, and cutting-edge sculptures along the harbour. It’s definitely one of the most enthralling after-dark experiences you’ll ever see!

Ready for your winter vacation? Singapore Airlines flies direct to Sydney 31 times weekly from $688. Book your tickets at singaporeair.com/Sydney now

SIA NSW

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Discover Bandung, the Paris of Java

There’s no place quite like Bandung, Indonesia. With delicious local fare, quaint shopping streets, and a gloriously cool climate, visitors leave this exquisite city recharged and eager to start planning a return trip. Typical travel worries, like the need to hunt for palatable food, plan your budget down to the last cent, or wipe sweat from your brow before taking a selfie, don’t apply here. Bandung has a rich heritage and a long history of arts and culture, earning it the nickname “the Paris of Java”. Here’s a list of what makes Bandung so special and why it’s the next destination you should travel to!

A thrilling locale for amateur and professional photographers

Picturesque Bandung is rife with photo opportunities. Whether you choose to go off the beaten track for breath-taking views of green paddy fields, or walk along the edge of a live volcano, you’re sure to make cherished memories. Amidst misty mountains and lush green tea plantations lies the fabled crater of Mt. Tangkuban Perahu, an active volcano on the island of Java.Hire a driver to take you to the crater's edge and ask your guide to tell you the legend of how the mountain got its shape like an upturned boat - it's a tragic love story to rival one of Shakespeare's! Once you reach the crater, you and your significant other can create stunning photos together, with a backdrop worthy of one of Peter Jackson’s movies.

Outdoor fun for the whole family

You can’t miss feeding the deer at Ranca Upas, Ciwidey. Situated within 215 hectares of lush green forest, Ranca Upas is home to a plethora of flora and fauna, including monkeys, a variety of birds, and of course, deer. The deer conservation compound provides visitors with the opportunity to get up close and personal to these Bambi lookalikes and even feed them! There's also a wide range of activities such as Flying Fox, Water Ball, Shake Stairs, ATV arena, Cargo Net, hot springs, and a waterpark. For the full outdoor experience, you can even camp out there overnight!

A shopping paradise

Living up to its nickname as the Paris of Java, Bandung is well known for shopping. You could easily spend days navigating the maze of factory outlets, and in fact, that’s what many Singaporeans do! The three main shopping areas - Jalan Setiabudi, Jalan Riau and Dago - are all within walking distance of each other, and here you’ll be able to find ladies, men and kids wear, cheap branded goods and even leather items. The oldest centre of factory outlets is Cihampelas, also known as Jeans Street. Keep an eye out for the unique shop fronts!

For those who want something extra special, such as a Hari Raya outfit, there are many skilled tailors happy to create bespoke garments you won’t see anywhere, or on anyone, else. There are also many great value shoe stores so you can get yourself a completely new outfit from head to toe. Hip local designers abound in the city and some of the best, including Kidnapped Ally and Wed’s Shoes, can be found at the delightful Popshop. As a centre for textile mills which produce much of Indonesia’s clothing, linen, and upholstery exports, prices in Bandung are usually quite reasonable.

If the men in the family aren’t excited by shopping, they can head to the nearby hot springs – Gracia Spa Resort is just an hour’s drive from the city and features soaking pools in a beautiful jungle setting. This will leave the ladies free to shop ‘til they drop!

So if you’re looking for a fresh take on South-east Asian cities, make your way to Bandung with AirAsia, which offers frequent flights at the lowest fares. To accommodate all that shopping, be sure to supersize your bag at checkout so you won’t get caught by excess baggage charges!

This article was created in partnership with AirAsia.

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Travel solo and uncover the gems of Indonesia

Veteran travellers claim that travelling solo is the best way to see the world. After all, it’s the ideal opportunity to try new things and test your limits, plus you don’t have to do or see anything you don’t want to!

Do more than eat, pray, love in Bali

Starting off with Bali, the island made famous by solo traveller extraordinaire, Elizabeth Gilbert of Eat, Pray, Love fame. There is so much to do and see in Bali that it would be impossible to cover it all in one trip. However, must-do sights include Tanah Lot, Uluwatu Temple, the rice terraces in Ubud, Monkey Forest, and a hike up the still active Mount Batur volcano. All of these are well-known to locals and tourists alike, and therefore easily accessible to a solo visitor. For a taste of something out of the ordinary, visit a Luwak Coffee Plantation for a cup of kopi luwak – civet coffee. There are great tours which will give you an insight into the world’s most expensive coffee, and if you can get over its slightly unappealing origins, then you’re in for a treat.

Party time in Jakarta

From the verdant green and peaceful rice paddies of Bali to the hustle and bustle of Jakarta, the contrast between these Indonesian locations could not be starker. But once you’ve adjusted to the pace of life in this hectic capital city you’ll start to notice and appreciate the fascinating mix of cultures that have come together in one (massive) place. Ojeks (moto-taxis) are a good way to get around in Jakarta’s notoriously heavy traffic, but if you’re nervous of jumping on the back of a stranger’s bike, then download the free Blue Bird taxi app to get around.

Another thing Jakarta is famous for is its nightlife. Tourists and locals alike flock to its many bars and nightclubs, and the city is full of places to go once the sun goes down. The hardest part will be choosing where to go! With something for every mood, your options include everything from chilling on the street with a beer to five-star hotels with upscale wine bars, amazing roof top bars, and world-renowned nightclubs. Start your night off with a cocktail at classy Skye Lounge, high on the 56th floor of the BCA tower, one of the tallest in the city; followed by dinner al-fresco and live music at Lucy in the Sky; and end the night at some of the wildest nightclubs in the world. Take your pick from the classy X2 Club to the breath-taking behemoth that is Colosseum Club.

Reflect on it all in Yogyakarta

If you’re travelling alone because you are looking for some quality ‘you’ time to reflect on the meaning of life, then Yogyakarta is a great place to check out. Life is laidback here, and alongside a wealth of cultural and historical landmarks, you’re also surrounded by some of Indonesia’s most important archaeological sites, the spectacular temples of Borobudur and Prambanan. Book a sunrise tour to Borobodur temple and a sunset one to Prambanan – you can’t help but be moved by the magical sight of the sun rising and setting over the world renowned stupas.

Snorkle heaven near Semarang

For many solo travellers, the charm of visiting a new destination lies in the fact that it is off the beaten track. Although Semarang is the provincial capital of Central Java, its attractions are still largely undiscovered by the hordes of tourists who descend on Indonesia every year. Fantastic flight connections mean this rapidly developing city won’t remain unknown for long, so visit now before the secret gets out!

One particularly unmissable spot in the surrounding area is national marine park Karimunjawa. This small chain of islands is still relatively undiscovered, and is the place to go if you want some peace and quiet, stunning white sandy beaches and beautiful coral reefs. During the day take a snorkelling tour of the uninhabited picture-perfect islands nearby, and at night don’t miss the fish market, where you can choose your own fresh fish and have it grilled on the spot!

Shop ‘til you drop in Bandung

Last but not least on our list is Bandung, otherwise known as the Paris of Java thanks to its tree-lined boulevards and elegant colonial buildings. It’s the perfect place for a relaxing solo getaway, and the surrounding area is just as attractive, with volcanoes, tea plantations and mountains aplenty. In fact, the city’s high elevation means you really feel like you’re in the mountains, and the cooler weather makes a nice break from the heat and humidity of Singapore.

If you’re a shopaholic, you couldn’t have picked a better place for a solo splurging session. There is not one, but three main shopping areas - Jalan Setiabudi, Jalan Riau and Dago – and they are handily all within walking distance of each other. Get your fill of branded goods, leather items and jeans - all very well priced. If you want something off the rack, there are plenty of good tailors around - suits, blazers, kebayas and kurungs can all be tailor-made and sent to your hotel the very next day.

Whether you choose to visit one of the locations above, or all of them, save time at the airport by using Air Asia’s Go-To-Gate to breeze through check-in, and be on your once-in-a-lifetime experience a little sooner. All you’ll need is your hand luggage, boarding pass and travel journal to enjoy your very own solo Indonesian adventure!

This article is presented by the Ministry of Tourism Republic of Indonesia and AirAsia.