Locals Singapore

01/06/2024

Katong laksa is a variation of laksa found in Singapore. Consisting of thick rice noodles in a spicy soup made from prawn stock, coconut milk and rempah(spice paste). It is then topped with prawns and fish cake. A bit of chilli sambal and a touch of laksa leaves(daun kesum) completes the dish.

We headed to Katong to taste the laksa from 2 stalls which have their roots in the original Katong laksa - Janggut Laksa Square and Katong Laksa (George's). Our verdict? We prefer George's Laksa as the soup was more robust and the fine prawn grains enhanced the soup texture.

Let us know your preference in the comment box below!

14/05/2024

The Small Muji Exhibition currently at Muji Plaza Singapura features miniature artwork using Muji items. These 16 artworks by photographer Tatsuya Tanaka depict everyday life, including iconic Singapore landmarks. How many of these can you identify? The exhibition is open from now until June 26, head down to see for yourself!

08/05/2024

https://www.straitstimes.com/business/shell-sells-singapore-assets-at-pulau-bukom-jurong-island-after-strategic-review?utm_campaign=stfb&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1qs-KZS6UO-0Oa4sPigbKHKNgzkvSvymCxOAvnv7jGEFgoqJ8Fl14tUlg_aem_ARKRFJCrLA_-Tu6oD9EbQsYaturjmpcrkpvVt5GdApk2RQLhAYWps6Wpneuu4yYorZpU9Sqc09aO3F3MZ3jZaR0s

The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of 2024. Read more at straitstimes.com.

25/04/2024

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/critically-endangered-raffles-banded-langur-eco-linkbke-spotted-first-time-nparks-desmond-lee-4291126?cid=FBcna&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2g_8NnpcS-Cu538zky19zHhxph3zWotm9nihY8fLQYPIfOAVoj2Ib-T-0_aem_AR13vRIGbkuIniFuJfrn_9ntvAPrj6LCSPs9HhQK94Y6Tse2qTSmWSHPM2Jayg7K0VKRTimo2TuII4dWqPapCjn8

The sighting of a Raffles' Banded Langur on the Eco-Link@BKE suggests the monkeys - known to only reside in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve - may be expanding their habitat to the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve.

22/04/2024

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/telok-blangah-hill-park-trails-closure-2026-slope-failure-nparks-4282181

SINGAPORE: Certain sections of the trails at Telok Blangah Hill Park will be closed to visitors over the next two years for repair works. This was caused by heavy and prolonged rain on Feb 28, 2023, which resulted in a slope failure at the park’s elevated Forest Walk, said the National Parks Bo

14/04/2024

Beautiful moment of a couple posing, with the ornated townhouses as backdrop. These houses follow the Rococo style where almost every inch of the facade is covered with ornamentation in a layered, “wedding cake” style. Together with the vibrant colours, it's no wonder these houses along Koon Seng Road are so instagrammable.

01/04/2024

On a warm morning, we headed to Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, oblivious to the surprises awaiting us. Little did we know, the Main Bridge, long closed, had quietly reopened as a lookout platform. As the morning sun filtered through the dense canopy of mangroves, the air was suffused with a sense of serenity.

But tranquility swiftly gave way to tension when we caught sight of a king cobra stealthily slithering through the undergrowth, its massive frame hinting at a length of possibly 3 metres. Moving amongst the labyrinthine mangrove roots, it meticulously scoured tree hollows in search of its morning meal.

Just as the tension peaked, another player entered the scene - a reticulated python, concealed in a hole by a mud mound. But fate has its ways, and the king circled to the opposite side of the mound, presenting the python with an opportunity. With lightning speed, the python seized the moment, making a daring dash for the safety of the water's edge.

In a heartbeat, the king cobra sprang into action, giving chase with astonishing agility. But despite its efforts, the python eluded capture, disappearing beneath the surface of the water. A heart-pounding moment, reminiscent of scenes from a National Geographic documentary!

01/03/2024

Joining the crowd at the atrium of Toa Payoh town centre, our US guest looked up her Chinese zodiac sign and learnt about her fortune this year.

The Chinese zodiac is a system of 12 animal signs, each representing a year in a repeating 12-year cycle. These 12 animals are in order; the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Each animal has its own unique personality traits and fortune predictions.

What does the year of the dragon holds for you? Join us in our local neighbourhood tour and discover for yourself.

15/02/2024

A dramatic day with driver going MIA and sudden rain. Matters got worst when our US guest left behind his beloved camo hat on the taxi. A 30-year-old hat that holds cherished memories. Thanks to the driver who drove all the way from Queensway to Gardens By The Bay to return the hat. Look at that smile on the guest!

01/02/2024

Fried Hokkien prawn noodles, locally known as Hokkien mee, is a dish of yellow noodles fried in a rich prawn and pork stock, served with sambal belacan and lime on the side. There are 2 versions - dry and wet. This portion of dry Hokkien mee comes with fresh decent size prawns, squids and bits of scrambled egg. The real star is the noodle, infused with the flavourful stock and with a slight smoky flavour. Mmmm ...

15/01/2024

Enjoying some lovely weather as we make our way up to Macritchie Treetop Walk. The view of Upper Peirce Reservoir and the northern parts of Singapore was clear. We even had the pleasure of watching a sneaky long-tailed macaque pull off a snack heist on an unsuspecting family. These clever macaques associate plastic bags as food, so remember, no munching or carrying plastic bags around them!

31/12/2023

When venturing into the outskirts of Singapore, keep an eye out for the lively pasar malam, which translates to "night market" in Malay. These markets, commonly seen in Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, and Singapore, pop up in residential neighborhoods at night. In Singapore, you'll find them in open spaces near town centres or MRT stations. Due to their roving nature, staying in one spot for just 1-2 weeks before moving on, you'd be lucky to spot one. It's like a treasure hunt!

Pasar malams are the ultimate spots for local street snacks like sweet corn, herbal eggs, muah chee, pisang goreng, Ramly burger, otah, and even cotton candy. But wait, there's more! Get ready for mini-carnival games, from dart-throwing to air rifle shooting, where you can score some nifty prizes. And if you're in the mood for some impromptu shopping, you might just find clothes and household items that catch your eye.

With its vibrant atmosphere, it's a place to soak in the lively energy and enjoy a bit of "look see, look see" time. So, keep your eyes peeled for this moving feast of delights and entertainment!

15/12/2023

We recently visited Singaporean visual artist Yip Yew Chong's I Paint My Singapore exhibition. The exhibition showcases a 60-metre long canvas painting of his impression of Singapore in the 1970s and 1980s. It is currently held at Raffles City Convention Centre from 30 Nov 2023 to 01 Jan 2024. We had a wonderful time travelling back in time with snippets of scenes, trades or buildings that no longer exist, in danger of disappearing or given a new lease of life in other forms.

How many can you identify with?

01/12/2023

Whenever we pass by this house on the CTE (Central Expressway), the distinctive roof never fail to intrigue. With elaborate curves and flashy colours, the roof has an uncanny Gaudi-style. Antoni Gaudi, the Catalan architect, created such works as Casa Batllo, Casa Mila and Park Guell. Though we ain't certain if the roof is Gaudi-inspired, it is nevertheless a breath of fresh air in an otherwise concrete jungle.

12/11/2023

Geylang Road is the earliest trunk road that threads the Singapore River area to the island's north-east. Along this 3-kilometre stretch flanked by low-rise historic shophouses, an enchanting view unfolds - the 'Geylanghenge'. Twice yearly, the sunrise lines up perfectly with Geylang Road, creating a striking photographic opportunity. Be sure to catch this spectacle in the month of April and August! ☀️

02/11/2023

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/from-pangolins-to-mousedeer-10-year-old-jungle-bridge-over-bke-proves-a-lifeline-for-wildlife?utm_campaign=stfb&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&fbclid=IwAR30dTFeTPFpVmBYpEqH-fVCHlq-5SHp5ilWB8kPdp3icGUrC0KOSJDR3oo

Since April 2014, the number of pangolins killed on roads in the area has fallen by more than 90%. Read more at straitstimes.com.

31/10/2023

It's been quite some time since we shared our 'durian challenge'. This time, we gathered a multi-generational family from the USA to try durian together. So, how did they react to the taste? Well, their responses ranged from 'it's alright' to 'tastes like custard' to 'tastes like rotten eggs'. You could pretty much tell who gave the thumbs up or thumbs down just by looking at their facial expressions, which went from perplexed to animated to pleasantly surprised.

Join us for the 'durian challenge' when you are in town and give us your verdict! 👎🏼👎🏼👍🏻👍🏻👎🏼👎🏼

23/10/2023

https://fb.watch/nSLrjAgImi/?mibextid=Nif5oz

14/10/2023

This mother and baby Sunda colugo blended well on the lichen-covered tree trunk. Their furry patches mimic lichens, providing a perfect camouflage against predators. The little one spotted me and flashed me the most heart-melting gaze with those big, round eyes – it's no wonder they're a local wildlife fan favourite!

27/09/2023

The Mid-Autumn Festival, also fondly known as the Mooncake Festival, brings families together under the enchanting glow of the full moon, savouring mooncakes and lighting up lanterns. This year's celebration was a global affair, as a diverse bunch from Denmark, the UK, Italy, Germany, Sweden, Israel, and South Africa came together. As our international guests strolled among lanterns of every shape and size, they had a taste of the delectable mooncake.

A delightful way to soak up some local culture.

14/09/2023

Hanging out with the Samsui women and chatting about their incredible lives in Singapore. These remarkable ladies, also known as hong tou jin (which translates to “red headscarf”), hailed from the Samsui district in southern China’s Guangdong province. Arriving in the 1930s, many found work as general labourers in the construction industry, helping to build the country’s infrastructure. They were not just hardworking; they were also known for their resilence and thriftiness. Let’s also not forget their iconic red (and sometimes blue) headscarves, which were their signature feature!

07/09/2023

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=708560064644987&id=100064729984661&mibextid=Nif5oz

31/08/2023

In this peaceful little neighbourhood, there's this captivating house with figurines all over its exterior. One could pick out Batman and Superman catching some fresh air on the balcony, Spiderman chilling on the roof, and Captain America looking out from the garden. And then there are a wild bunch of animals – polar bear, tiger, lion, gorilla, and even a dinosaur – hanging out around the perimeter. It's basically a meetup between Marvel, DC and Jumanji! We can't help but wonder which superhero might call this place home.

14/08/2023

As the sun ascends over the Henderson Wave bridge, a disquieting revelation emerges. The HDB (Housing Development Board) blocks, once modest in stature, now reach for the heavens, casting long shadows over the heart of the city.

Gazing beyond the Henderson Wave, one can see Block 12 of Telok Blangah Crescent, with its milk-coloured façade. Completed in 1975, it stands 16 floors high.

Scanning further to the right, we see the orange-grey presence of Block 25 and 26. Erected in the same year as Block 12, their 25 stories distinguished them as towering figures of their era, standing proud against the sky.

Yet, time's unrelenting march marches on, and the years have bestowed upon us a new perspective. Behold the Kim Tian Vista, the twin blocks to the left of this photo. Adorned with a red horizontal stripe, they stand an impressive 30 stories high.

Still, the true marvel lies further beyond. The 3 blocks of Kim Tian Green, with alternating orange and blue vertical bars, rise majestically against the backdrop of the present. Erected in 2011, they soar to an astonishing height of 40 floors.

In this age of increasing population and scarce land, the only path forward seems to be skyward. How then will our skyline evolve in the years yet to come? The answer eludes us, yet one thing is certain: the transformation will be nothing short of dramatic.

31/07/2023

After our hike to Macritchie Treetop Walk, we couldn't resist treating our Italian guest to a cup of Kopi O Kosong Di Lo. Picture this: it's the thickest, most robust form of kopi you'll find in Singapore. We like to think of it as our local version of espresso. And what did our Italian guest think of this unique brew? "It reminded me more of coffee brewed from a moka pot than from an espresso machine," she remarked. Intrigued to taste this delightful kopi? Just mention "Kopi O Kosong Di Lo" when you join our tours, and we'll happily treat you to a complimentary cup*.

*Offer only for our Italian friends 😏

21/07/2023

Potential source of renewable energy?

Temperatures 1.1km underground near the Sembawang hot spring were found to be 60 to 80 deg C. Read more at straitstimes.com.

13/07/2023

Glad to welcome our guest from India once more.

On this occasion, we embarked on an intertidal exploration at Changi Beach. As the tide receded, extensive portions of the shoreline unveiled a bountiful land teeming with marine life, typically only visible through snorkeling. Our discoveries included seastars, horseshoe crabs, sea cucumbers, and hermit crabs, among others. Regrettably, this precious stretch of land is destined to vanish, as it has been designated for long-term reclamation.

Thankful for the opportunity to relish its presence while it endures.

02/07/2023

Bring Your Own Bag from tomorrow!

Major supermarket chains said their staff have been trained to educate customers on the bag charge implementation. Read more at straitstimes.com.

30/06/2023

Nasi lemak is a fragrant rice dish traditionally served with a hot spicy sauce (sambal), small fried anchovies (ikan bilis), roasted peanuts, fresh cucumber slices, and hard boiled or fried egg. For a more filling meal, sides such as fried chicken wing, fried fish can be added.

We were at Changi Village Hawker Centre, home to a few popular nasi lemak stalls. This plate of nasi lemak from International Nasi Lemak was delicious. The rice was moist, and with subtle flavours of coconut milk and pandan leaf. The ikan bilis, though crunchy, were a tad bit salty. The fried chicken wing was crispy from the light batter, and juicy inside. The sambal was sweet, spicy and had texture. The climax was the fried egg which, when open up, revealed a runny yolk that mixed so well with the rice. Sedap! 👍🏻👍🏻

25/06/2023

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/wish-upon-the-stars-festival-returns-to-chinatown-after-half-a-century?fbclid=IwAR0UJu5_YX-d8_WT23vIMEV3dOcScY3l_2xScUOudr60gU0XIcZUSZar7cU

The long-forgotten Chinese festival was once bigger than Chinese New Year here. Read more at straitstimes.com.