Unforgetable Story from a Thai Nightclub in Singapore

A friend of mine told me that there was a Thai nightclub that played live Thai music in Singapore. It's on the opposite site of Clarke Quay. So I decided to check it out. 

I told my freind if inside we found 'cayotes' or anything fishy I would leave. Inside, it reminded me so much of a pub RCA (a clubbing street in BKK). There were a big stage with runway in front, lots of cocktail tables n high chairs, lounge area, and dj booth at the back. It was a very simple set up very standard nothing spectacular. Even the loo was so similar to the one at Route66 pub in BKK. I felt ok about the place n couldn't wait to hear the music. 

The Thai band started to play at 10.45. I missed Thai music so much and to hear it live must be terrfic. Unfortunately it sucks. They will never ever be able to sing like this in any club in BKK. Maybe they are good karaoke singers but not stage performers. I could only hope that the band would do better later but it didnt, with some exception to a few singers that night. 

Well at the beginning I could not understand the logic of this club at all. Imagine every song the band performed, there were at least 2 singers, sometimes 8 or 10. They played about 10 songs per one round and the singers were all diffrent! If my calculation was correct they might have more singers than customers during low season. Considering Singapore is a very expensive city, how could they split the income n still survive! 

It became more interesting when a group female dancers were on stage. They barely moved, seriously a trunk of a tree could make more moves than these girls were doing. Singers and dancers dressed quite similarly n difficult to differentiate them. 

More surprisingly, the club was almost packed n most of the customers were local who hardly understood any word of Thai. Why would they enjoy the music or anything here?

Not too long the answers came right at my table 

I met a girl, the one made some moves on the stage, Thai, age at 25 meters early 20 up-close hmm not so sure, in her short dress, talking to some guys next to my table. She overheard me talking to my friend in Thai so she greeted us. And the conversation began: 

Me: (nosy me) How long have u been working in SIN? 

The girl: Just 3 weeks n about to leave next week. 

Me: aw why so short?

The girl: I don't have work visa sis. I came here as a tourist. 

Me: oh I thought you guys work here for a long period of time. 

The girl: no no no most of us works only for a month at one place. After that we move on and some will go to KL but I will go home. 

Me: I see. One month is quite an eperience already huh. But how did you know that they offered a job here?

The girl: words of mouth ka. My sis knew about it n she told me to come. Ah it's my turn to be on stage again. See you in a sec. Don't go home. 

........ After a few songs .........

Me: hey i hardly see u dance :P aren't u supposed to dance to earn money (as being a dancer)?

The girl: not really. Me: eh? And there are so many dancers n singers. How can u guy split the money? Singapore is so expensive where do u stay?

The girl: oh someone arrange a place for us to stay n provide free meal. Here I can get some snack for free too. You want some? 

Me: no thanks. But I didn't see you dance so much on stage. (not being sacastic but still didn't get the answer)

The girl: Why should I? Dancing on the stage doesn't bring me any money you know. Money is here. I need to talk to customers asking them for money. This week is bad. I didn't earn much. The best week i got 20000 thb (700 usd)! *smile 

Me: ah then u better talk to customers now don't stick with me :P (as I hv no money to give)

The girl: nah that's ok I feel bored n tired too. 

After a short while I left but the conversation kept bothering me. Ok it's not completely new but it's the first time I had a chance to talk to them like this. Some say this poor girls don't have a choice. Many of them are 'forced' to do so. But today I learned that a lot of them made their own choices seeking for the fortune in this way. And not only girls, I saw some male singers that could hardly reach the notes, mingled with middle age female customers too. 

I think in every society there is a group of people who are willing to pay for a short-term happiness and in every society there is a group of people who are willing sell to it. Thing is the porportion of these groups are getting big n obvious. Are we, Thai people, using our great smile n hospitality in a wrong way? Are we taking life not so seriously? Are we admitting to the claim of being sabay sabay (easy easy)? Can we accept that this is normal? 

I dare not to answer.

Cheap and cheerful things to do in Singapore

Vibrant, exciting and oh so big and shiny, Singapore is easily among the most impressive cities in the world. But it can also be one of the most expensive.

It’s little wonder that the city-state ranks in the top ten most expensive cities in the world according to most cost-of-living surveys. One only needs to look at the sprawling city skyline or visit one of the labyrinthine underground shopping malls to see that it can be a terribly expensive town.

But don’t be put off. It may not be as backpacker-friendly as its cheaper Southeast Asian neighbours but you don’t have to break the bank to have a good time in Singapore.

Here’s a few budget travel tips to help make the most of your stay.

Singapore hawker centres and Little India

In Singapore the challenge is not so much finding a cheap place to eat as deciding on what kind of cuisine you’d like.

Hawker centres offer a huge range of ethnic food at a cheap price. These often-huge food markets are all over the city and may be fairly intimidating for the first timer but they do offer a wide range of ethnic cuisine at an incredibly cheap price.

I recommend the hawker centre at Lau Pa Sat for the best satay in town. Meanwhile, Little India is the place to go for cheap Indian food. A couple of vegetarian curries with naan should set you back no more than $3 at a road-side restaurant.

MRT and Singapore water taxi

Singapore is among the easiest cities to navigate by subway. For travel on a budget you really can’t do better than the city’s MRT (Mass Rapid Transport) system, which is incredibly easy to use. One-way tickets are the way to go, with fares very rarely ever costing more than $3 – including a $1 deposit which you can get back from a ticketing machine upon arrival.

For the best views of the city’s magnificent skyline, I’d recommend getting out and about on the harbour. The delightfully-named bumboats are popular with tourists but I’d recommend catching a much cheaper water taxi from Clarke Quay to the Esplanade, which takes about 20 minutes and takes in the city skyline.

Free concerts and the Singapore waterfront

Speaking of the Esplanade and the Singapore skyline – budget travellers can enjoy either of these at no cost at all.

The Esplanade is home to the Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, a massive performing arts centre with a concert hall and outdoor theatre stage. It’s at this outdoor stage where the budget traveller can enjoy free music most nights of the week – live rock bands, classical music recitals and everything in-between – while overlooking the impressive Marina Bay Sands and the Singapore city skyline.

Meanwhile, walking along the Singapore waterfront doesn’t cost a thing either – plus it affords the best view of the Singapore city skyline. Take in the views at night time or during the day but make sure you budget an extra $1.50 or so to buy yourself an ice-cream sandwich from one of the many riverside vendors on bicycles.

Read More : http://www.manversusworld.com/cheap-and-cheerful-things-to-do-in-singapore/

Cheap Things to Do in Singapore

Singapore is an expensive place to visit. There’s no way around it. The small city state is priced relative to the United States, which is a lot more expensive than its neighbors! On a small stop-over trip, this isn’t a problem. However, on a big trip through the region, a trip into Singapore can elicit sticker shock, and it can turn people away if they are trying to do the area on the cheap. However, for those still wanting to visit this country, there are still many ways to travel around Singapore without breaking the bank. Check out these free activities you can do:

The best places to cool off in this very hot city are the underground malls where the A/C is cranking and all the city is connected. You’ll be able to move around most of the city and never expose yourself to the heat and humidity. Since it gets cool at night, it can save you from having to pay extra for A/C at your hotel or hostel. Moreover, you can spend your afternoon wandering underground Singapore without spending any money.

Singapore has some great food, but many of the restaurants are expensive. However, one of the best places to eat is Little India, where great Indian meals cost as little as 5 Singapore Dollars. Make sure you find the places where you can eat with your hands! They are the most authentic and local places. You’ll probably be the only Westerner in there, though, so be prepared for people to stare. However, eating at these places was the most fun I had in Singapore.

Read More : http://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/cheap-things-to-do-in-singapore/

where to live in Singapore?

a lot of discussion on Facebook this morning about how ( or where) expats can find "the better place to live in Singapore" made me re think what it was like when we first came here five years ago..... first of all, there is NO 'better place' for everyone to live.

everyone is very different with very different needs and wants.

IF you are in the process of moving here or just 'thinking' about a possible move, then you are obviously wondering where you may end up living....

and you - as in the family unit - will learn that Singapore is a small, heavily urbanised, island city-state in Southeast Asia, located at the southern tip of the Malayan Peninsula between Malaysia and Indonesia. Singapore has a total land area of 778 km² and 193 km of coastline. It is separated from Indonesia by the Singapore Strait and from Malaysia by the Straits of Johor. 

Singapore is not large by any stretch of the imagination. It is about 25km running north-south and 48.2km running east-west.

Singapore has reclaimed land with earth obtained from its own hills, the seabed, and neighbouring countries. As a result, Singapore's land area has grown from 581.5 km² in the 1960s to 710.2 km² today, and may grow by another 100 km² by 2033.

OK, so now you have an idea where Singapore is in relation to other surrounding countries and you now know the size of the island. But where to live is THE question!

You will need to ask yourself a lot of questions, so get out the notepad and pen.

If you have children, where are they going to attend school?

what school, secondary level, primary, nursery school or even university?

would you feel more comfortable to live "where all the expats live"?

or would you prefer to live "in the heartlands' to experience more of the local culture?

where will the 'bread winner' be working?

in most cases it will be the husband that is working and so you - as a family unit -  need to find somewhere to live that will be within easy access to his workplace.

You will need a Property Agent. Get one as soon as possible and stay with that one only IF you get on well with them and they KNOW what you are looking for.  Every agent here uses the same database of properties.... so it comes down to personal preference as to who to use. Give them a list of your priorities and make sure they understand your needs and your budget. Please feel free to CONTACT ME if you would like the name of the property agent we used for this apartment. She was very helpful.

Will you have a vehicle?

some do, many do not.

if you are in the latter category ..... do not fear!  You will be able to get around Singapore quite easily via public transport. In fact probably far better than you did in your own 'home country' wherever that may be.  Public transport in Singapore is quick and easy to get elsewhere within the island, even more so now that the new Circle Line is opening this weekend!

BUT ... as seen in the above map, you would not choose to live near Changi Village (the red arrow on the right) if the bread winner is working at the IBP (International Business Park) in Jurong (the red arrow on the left) for example. You can do it by train, though it will take one hour and 10 mins on the MRT. (train)

If you are coming to Singapore due to work, locate where the workplace is on the map of Singapore.  From that point, take each of the main roads or train line out by about "20 minutes"... of course this is probably going to depend on the scale of the map you are using!

If you are looking at the map according to the MRT (rail lines) then it is approx three to four minutes between each station. That might give you a better idea!

Look at Jurong East MRT (station) on the map above, which will be the one at the end of the red line (the North-South Line) on the left of the map ..... it will take approx 15 mins to get to Kranji MRT heading north or approx 15 mins to get to Queenstown MRT on the green line heading south/east.

From Juong East MRT it takes about 35 mins to get Orchard MRT with one 'train change'.

This will help you plan where to live by to traveling to work using the MRT.

When we had to move from Bukit Batok last January. I used the same principle ... where to live that would be easy for John to get to work at Jurong?  We needed to live somewhere cheaper and the Pasir Panjang Road area seemed to fit that bill. I looked at the map and anywhere along the MRT lines was going to be expensive, so checked all the bus routes coming away from where he works.... there were at least 8 bus routes that I could "follow".  As I "followed" each bus route I made note of the condo's to check. I found one on Pasir Panjang Road with a bus stop right outside the door that will take him to work with 20 minutes!

I am not saying how we did it will work for you ...... but it maybe a  way of starting to consider "where to live". Add in where the children are to go to school, what you can afford, where you need to shop etc.You may not be living in a condo, you may decide to live in a 'landed house' or a HDB (Housing Development Board) apartment. There is a lot to consider and it usually will come down tp what you can afford or what is convenient for work, school or shopping.

Cheaper will give you less convenient places to live as in shopping, schools, transport etc. But you - as in the family unit - need to work out your own priority. Some expats get the whole 'package deal' complete with car, accommodation, schooling etc, so really have no 'need' to worry about costs!

But there are others that do - or will - need to weigh up the costs in relation to convenience.

I do most of my shopping on-line so do not worry too much that I am a long way from a supermarket. If I do go shopping and end up carrying far too much back, then it is 'convenient' to grab a cab. Cabs here are not expensive and it costs me usually $4.00SGD to go from the supermarket to home.

Most stores do a home delivery of large items too.

Public transport in Singapore is safe, clean and easy to use, be it to work, school or going out of an evening. The two following images will show you 1, at a bus interchange and 2, on a bus.

Read More : http://leonefabre.blogspot.com/2011/10/where-to-live-in-singapore.html

Best Rooftop Bars in Singapore

Milda Ratkelyte, Community Manager at AsiaRooms.com, goes in search of the best rooftop bars in Singapore and presents us her ultimate list.

Despite Singapore’s heat, humidity and frequent heavy downpours, the booming number of rooftop bars here have spoilt us for choice. There’s everything from comfortable lounges to unwind after a long day, intimate couple hideouts for a bit of romance or bars with views of bright orange sunsets over the Singapore skyscrapers. So my Kiwi friend and I went on a mission in search of the best of the best rooftop bars in Singapore for you to chill, drink or party away.

1-Altitude
First stop – the famous 1 Altitude. We were greeted by live music and attentive staff suggesting a wide range of the chef’s creative cocktails as we entered the highest open space rooftop bar in the world. Located on the 63rd floor of One Raffles Place Building, the bar completely overwhelmed me with its stunning views of the unfolding cityscape.

2. Ku De Ta 
As soon as the lift doors opened, we were immersed in the picturesque surroundings of the sunset view from 257m above sea level. Located within the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark, Ku De Ta is a classy club, bar and restaurant that was originally founded in Bali. The place has a serene beach-like atmosphere (despite being on high ground) where you can enjoy carefully-crafted drinks.

Breeze 
This is one of our personal favourites. Resting atop the refurbished 1924 Art Deco building, this rooftop bar offers the perfect spot to bond in a cozy sanctuary while enjoying panoramic views of bustling Chinatown. We felt like we were being pampered in a Spa and staff were very attentive and friendly. I happily indulged in my Naughty Scarlet while enjoying the privacy and intimacy of the candle-lit atmosphere and the light breeze.


See more at: http://www.asiarooms.com/en/community/blog/best-rooftop-bars-in-singapore/#sthash.tAgfIpZ3.dpuf

Pasar Semawis: Berawal Dari Peringatan Hari Raya Imlek

Berbicara
tentang kota Semarang dan hari raya Imlek, ada satu tempat yang tidak
bisa dilewatkan, yaitu Pasar Semawis yang diadakan di daerah Pecinan
kota Semarang. Awalnya, area yang sebelumnya bernama Waroeng Semawis
hanyalah sekedar pasar malam yang diadakan beberapa hari menjelang
perayaan hari raya Imlek pada tahun 2004. Pada saat itu, presiden
RI, Bapak Abdurrahman Wahid, mencabut Inpres No. 14 tahun 1967 yang
melarang perayaan kebudayaan Tionghoa dan menjadikan libur Imlek sebagai
hari libur nasional. Pada saat yang sama, Kopi Semawis (Komunitas
Pecinan Semarang Untuk Wisata) bersepakat untuk mengadakan perringatan
600 tahun mendaratnya Laksamana Cheng Ho di Semarang. Sebagai hasilnya
diadakanlah Waroeng Semawis.

Saat pertama diadakan, Waroeng
Semawis mengambil tempat mulai dari Jalan Wotgandul Timur, Gang Warung,
Gand baru, Gang Belakang, Gang Tenggan, Gang Gambiran, dan berakhir di
Gang Besen. Namun siring berjalannya waktu dan semakin banyaknya
pengunjungnya yang sebagian besar justru bukanlah masyarakat keturunan
Tionghoa, maka diputuskan untuk juga mengadakan acara tersebut setiap
hari Jumat, Sabtu, dan Minggu atau hari libur nasional. Namanyapun
berubah menjadi Pasar Semawis. Tempatnya juga pindah ke Gang Warung yang
meliputi daerah jalan sepanjang 350 m yang dimulai pukul 18.00 hingga
23.00.

Ratusan stand dibuka. Mulai dari stand makanan Chinese,
makanan khas Semarang, Arab, Pakistan, dan India tersedia disini dengan
variasi makanan seperti bakmi jawa, sate sapi, nasi goreng babat, nasi
pindang, seafood, serabi, loenpia, aneka es, aneka teh bermerk tempo
dulu, hingga wedhang ronde, wedhang kacang tanah, dan berbagai makanan
lainnya. Terdapat juga stand buah-buahan, pakaian dan pernak-pernik
lainnya. Berbagai macam pertunjukkan kesenian dan kebudayaan Tionghoa
seperti: opera klasik Cina, Wayang Potehi, Barongsai, Wushu, dan seni
Kaligrafi juga ditampilkan disini. Satu hal yang unik yang tidak akan
ditemui di pasar malam manapun juga, terdapat tenda khusus bagi para
pengggemar karaoke. Siapa saja yang fasih menyanyikan lagu mandarin
boleh berpartisipasi disini. Tetapi jangan kaget, karena para pengunjung
yang mau bernyanyi harus mau mengantri karena peminatnya banyak.
Walaupun ramai dengan banyaknya stand dan pengunjung, Pasar Semawis
tertata rapi berbeda dengan pasar malam lainnya. Semua tenda-tenda
pedagang berada di sebelah kanan sedangkan kursi dan meja makan berada
di sebelah kiri yang menghilangkan kesan terlalu ramai dan semrawut
walaupun disaat penuhnya.

Bila anda mengunjungi kota Semarang
terutama disaat hari raya Imlek jangan lupa bertandang ke Pasar Semawis.
Bukan hanya anda dapat menikmati suguhaan wisata kuliner yang beraneka
ragam, anda juga dapat menikmati paparan budaya Tionghoa melalui setiap
pertunjukkan kesenian dan budaya yang ditampilkan.

Merayakan
Tahun Baru Imlek di Semarang, tinggal bersama kami adalah pilihan yang
paling tepat!. Nikmati suasana khas Pecinan dan Pasar Semawis. Booking
segera! - Hotel di Semarang dan nikmati suasana tahun Imlek seperti di negeri Tirai bambu

Wisata Lembah Kalipancur, Semarang

KETIKA Menbudpar Jero Wacik memberi isyarat positif untuk perkembangan desa wisata di kawasan Kab. Semarang beberapa waktu lalu, maka banyak tumbuhlah desa wisata di wilayah ini.
Tapi yang terjadi kemudian adalah, konsep yang seragam, dan nyaris tak ada yang berbeda. Artinya, mereka hanya mengandalkan potensi keindahan alam, kuliner, atau mengangkat kearifan lokal.
Bermain dalam kondisi yang berbeda itulah, maka dalam waktu dekat di kota Semarang bakal terdapat tempat rekreasi yang berfungsi sebagai sarana pendidikan dan penelitian.
Lokasinya masih berada di dalam kota namun memiliki atmosfer pedesaan, yakni di kel. Kalipancur, Manyaran, Semarang. Untuk mencari lokasi ini pun tidak sulit. Letak persisnya di sebelah kiri sebelum jebatan Kalipancur.
Di sini dikembangkan konsep eduwisata, yakni wisata edukasi. Konsep itu diam-diam mulai dikembangkan Drh. Nugroho, salah seorang dokter hewan dan peneliti masalah peternakan asal Semarang, yang mendirikan tempat bernama Desa Wisata Lembah Kalipancur.
“Sebenarnya ini adalah cita-cita lama saya, bagaimana membuat sarana rekreasi yang sekaligus bisa memberi pendidikan kepada para pengunjungnya,” kata Drh. Nugroho, Minggu (17/7) saat mengajak CyberNews berkunjung ke “desa”nya.
Menempati lahan seluas 7 ha, dengan kontur tanah berbukit-bukit dan tidak jauh dari pusat kota Semarang ini, menjadi tempat ini bukan saja sebuah desa wisata tapi adalah desa yang banyak memberikan ilmu terutama untuk para pelajar atau mahasiswa yang ingin belajar banyak soal peternakan atau pertanian.
Sarana hidup.
Oleh pemiliknya Drh. Nugroho, pengajar senior fak peternakan Undip yang juga lulusan UGM (Universitas Gajah Mada) Jogja tahun 1965 ini, tanah yang semula berupa semak belukar dan merupakan hutan “gung lewang lewung”, kini dijadikan wilayah desa buatan, yang segala fasilitas dan sarana hidup sudah ada di sini.
Persisnya, menurut Eko Nugroho, MBA, salah satu anak Drh. Nugroho yang juga ikut mengelola, ayahnya ingin mengembangkan konsep kemandirian sebuah desa. “Jadi pengunjung di lingkungan ini bisa menghidupi diri sendiri. Karena di sini tersedia semua kebutuhan hidup tanpa harus mencari di luar,” tambah Eko Nugroho.
Awalnya sekitar 3 tahun lalu, untuk merintis itu semua, Nugroho bersama anaknya, Eko Nugroho mendirikan restoran. “Resto ini penting untuk pamasukan harian, lebih dari itu kami juga mengembangkan bagaimana semua sisa makanan di resto, kami olah lagi untuk dijadikan pakan ternak yang ada, terutama bebek,” kata Nugroho.
Soal peternakan, di lokasi itu kini telah mulai dibangun beberapa kandang untuk aneka jenis sapi (sapi Bali, sapi Jawa, sali limousin), kambing, kelinci, bebek, ayam, bahkan kuda. “Ya sebenarnya tempat ini sebagai showcase agar pengunjung bisa memilih langsung dan melihat wujud binatang aslinya,” kata Eka Nugroho, sang anak.
Sangkar raksasa.
Yang sekarang sudah tersedia di desa wisata itu adalah penangkaran rusa, burung kepodang dan burung elang. Kelak, beragam burung ini berada di tempat yang bernama “Green House”. Yakni berupa “sangkar” raksasa, namun sebenarnya tempat itu berupa ruang meeting yang disewakan umum.
Meski konsepnya sebagai eduwisata, pada setiap hari libur atau minggu, tempat ini sudah banyak didatangai pengunjung untuk sekadar makan, berenang, atau naik perahu. Hanya dengan Rp 5 ribu orang bisa naik perahu kecil mengelilingi danau buatan sepanjang 200 m.

Anda tidak perlu bingung mencari penginapan, karena di sekitar sini terdapat banyak Guest House Semarang , yang harganya terjangkau untuk para backpacker. Mulai dari 100ribu-180 ribu. Ayo Wisata ke Semarang.

Lawang Sewu

Lawang Sewu ? Apakah yang pertama kali terpikir di benak anda semua bila mendengar kalimat ini ? Bilakah anda langsung teringat pada suatu makanan nikmat ? Atau mungkin pikiran anda langsung tertuju pada sosok seseorang ? Bila pertanyaan ini tertuju kepada saya, jawaban saya [mungkin] akan bersinggungan dengan tempat horor, angker, eksotis dan indah. Ya, indah sekaligus mistis, kenapa ? Kenapa harus saya katakan hal-hal seperti itu ? karena ini adalah kenyataan. Entah percaya atau tidak tergantung anda menyikapinya [agak sedikit mirip dengan suatu slogan tayangan misteri di salah satu stasiun televisi rupanya :p]