For just one week only, Volvo is hosting an exciting lineup of Christmas festivities at their showroom. These include enticing storytelling sessions for kids narrated by Singapore’s Godmother of Storytelling, Sheila Wee. Children of all ages will be enthralled by her worlds of fantasy and wonder!

Other activities such as a party photo booth and Christmas tree decoration craft sessions will surely get you and your children into the holiday spirit. The Christmas tree’s decorations are also lined with pledges for a sustainable tomorrow, representing Volvo’s commitment to sustainability.

Plus, learn more about how you can make a difference too with Volvo and The Salvation Army, who will be sharing more about their mission during the event.

Parents whose kids are interested in the storytelling session can sign up via the link here.

Storytelling dates:

• 17th Dec 2022, 11 am or 3.30 pm
• 18th Dec 2022, 11 am or 3.30 pm

Address: Volvo Showroom, 249 Alexandra Rd, Singapore 159935

Get all of the latest news right here on AutoApp!

Motorsport fans and adrenaline junkies, give a cheer, for a new go-kart circuit is now in business.

Behind the opening is The Karting Arena (TKA), the same folks behind Singapore’s first electric kart track in Bukit Timah. Thing is, while that venue is great for newbies, young’uns, and casual folk, the small track size and limited kart performance makes it a long way short of ideal for true motorsport and racing enthusiasts.

Which is why TKA has opened a new track for traditional petrol-powered karts — both speed-restricted fun karts as well as full-on pro race 2-stroke karts — over at Jurong, across the road from the SAFTI Military Institute. It’s the same site that was previously occupied by KF1 Arena, and before that, Kartright Speedway.

For racers, and racers-at-heart

The track itself isn’t very long, nor is it very complicated. It’s just 700m and 9 corners in total (compared to KF1 Kranji’s 960m and 17 turns). What it is though, is wide — with 10m being the minimum at any point. 

“This circuit’s layout was designed by racers, for racers. The width not only makes the track safer, but it also gives sufficient space for drivers to race cleanly side by side, which improves the racing. It also improves the flow, which is ultimately more satisfying for drivers,” says Paul Lee, TKA’s Director of Operations, and an experienced karting team manager and coach.

Like all of the other go-kart facilities in Singapore, TKA Jurong is equipped with plastic Tecpro crash barriers. These are safer and more flexible than traditional tyre barriers. If you wonder how effective the Tecpro system is, well — it’s even used in Formula 1, in fact.

A different test drive

AutoApp was invited for a preview session at the track for race karters. Our initial verdict? It is indeed a whole lot of fun. Despite the 180-deg nature of most of the turns, the large width makes the track properly flowing, as opposed to the tight, stop-start nature of Singapore’s other pro-level circuit, KF1 Kranji. It’s confidence-inspiring too, with plenty of space to hang the rear end out in the damp, as our exclusive preview video shows.

Other karters we spoke to that day raised another good point. The track’s wide corner radii put extra emphasis on precise throttle control, an important skill that KF1 Kranji doesn’t really allow the development of. Shorter in length TKA Jurong may be, but it certainly isn’t short on challenges to master.

Other facilities at the track include a 2nd-floor open air viewing gallery, air-conditioned lounges for racers and VIPs, private kart storage units, a helmet disinfecting station, and indoor and outdoor spaces for corporate events.

Get your helmets ready!

TKA Jurong has already begun pro karter sessions, and opened to the general public at the end of August. Rental kart rates are priced at $25 per session for youths (9-17 years old), and $35 for adults (18 years and older). The track is located at 511 Upper Jurong Road Singapore 638366; for more information, visit https://www.thekartingarena.com.

If in-person adrenaline is not your kind of thing, check out these must-try car mobile games instead!

The automotive and motorsports industries are not without their stereotypes, and the rather skewed gender distribution is one such instance. One might not need to look far to find a male car enthusiast — my colleague right beside me is a fine example. The female counterparts, on the other hand, are few and far between. However, this doesn’t mean that women were never involved in automobiles or motorsports. Far from it, they’ve played integral roles in the industry!

As we commemorate Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, we celebrate the lives of 10 famous women in the automotive industry. These inspiring women are true trailblazers who have left their (tyre) marks in the car scene.

Bertha Benz, the great woman behind the great Karl Benz.

You might have heard of the famed inventor Karl Benz, but do you know of his wife, Bertha? Bertha Benz too made a name for herself through her inventions. Now, consider your brakes today and how they wear and tear. The old “Motorwagen” was no different — Karl Benz’s first horseless carriage employed wooden brakes to slow the vehicle down. Bertha drove the Motorwagen to visit her mother; a long journey she undertook that proved fruitful. Enroute, Bertha thought to supplement the wooden brake pads with leather. Doing so prevented the wooden brakes from wearing out too quickly during the long journey.

Like mother, like daughter: Charlotte Bridgwood and Florence Lawrence, actors and inventors.

If you’ve trusted your windscreen wipers to keep your vision clear on a rainy day, it’s thanks to two women.

The first is Mary Anderson, who invented the first windscreen wipers in the early 1900s. Her early version still required manual handling of levers to work the wipers and proved quite unpopular. However, Charlotte Bridgwood took things a step further and invented the first automatic windscreen wipers. She received the patent for the wipers in 1917, though the use of rollers instead of rubber blades didn’t gain traction. Eventually, the electronic mechanisms made important contributions to the modern windscreen wipers found on the cars of today. 

What of Florence Lawrence then, Charlotte’s daughter and the “first movie star”?

Florence Lawrence was famed for having a passion for driving only rivalled by that for acting. Like any other car enthusiast, she sought to understand as much as she could about the way cars worked. Her fascination led her to invent the predecessor of today’s signal lights; a simple mechanism that raised and lowered a flag on the rear bumper so drivers could indicate which direction they were turning. These, along with a similarly designed “stop” sign that predates the brake lights, were unfortunately unpatented by Lawrence. However, it is difficult to deny the influence of her safety-centric inventions, having proved invaluable all the more on modern roads. 

Denise McCluggage and Jean Jennings, bringing you automotive content.

Much like the rest of the car industry, even automotive journalism is ever the male-centric industry. But, two women have proven capable of holding their own, and they are none other than the award winning Denise McCluggage and Jean Jennings.

McCluggage made a name for herself in not only journalism but also on the track. In 1958, she was one of the key creators of Competitor Press, a bi-weekly motorsports newsletter that would later be rebranded as AutoWeek. Her contributions to automotive journalism won her prestigious awards such as the Ken W. Purdy Award for Excellence in Automotive Journalism and an induction into the Automotive Hall of Fame. She remains the only automotive journalist to be inducted.

As for Jean Jennings, one might say her foray into automotive journalism should come as no surprise. Her father had been the editor of Automotive News, and she grew up around a steady stream of interesting cars. While she never did hit the track like McCluggage did, Jennings got her career jumpstart as a Chrysler welder, mechanic and test driver. Since then, she has founded Automobile, worked as the automotive correspondent for Good Morning America and founded her own website, Jean Knows Cars.

While she may have many accolades to her name, Jennings’ proudest moment comes from the fourth Caden’s Car Show. That year, she and the team successfully featured the real Optimus Prime among 70-over vintage and exotic cars. All in celebration of one young Caden Bowles who died while waiting for a heart transplant.

Serving you looks with the BMW Z4, Juliane Blasi and Nadya Arnaout.

Now, hear me out before you come at me with pitchforks. Another common stereotype in the automotive industry deals with the sort of cars that appeal to women aesthetically. The idea that women tend to prefer softer shapes and round, cute cars isn’t an unusual conclusion to come to. However, that doesn’t mean that women are incapable of appreciating and creating designs that become synonymous with more masculine adjectives such as aggressive and macho.

Which brings me to Juliane Blasi and Nadya Arnaout. If you’ve expressed admiration for the 2009 BMW Z4 and find the aesthetics particularly to your tastes, the design credit belongs to these women.

Blasi and Arnaout earned the recognition following an internal design competition held by BMW. In order to ensure the submitted sketches and clay models were assessed fairly, all entries were anonymised. Blasi and Arnaout emerged victorious to both pleasant surprise and perhaps, jealous admiration. According to Blasi, whose focus was on the exterior of the Z4, a masculine look was never her aim. “I tried to make it look fierce and strong, and some people would probably relate it to the male” — a conclusion stemming from deeply ingrained values.

And indeed, who says women can’t be fierce and strong too?

Shirley Muldowney and Leilani Münter, right where the racing action is.

Speaking of fierce and strong, it takes a certain mettle to go toe to toe with other racers in a male-dominated arena.

Known as “First Lady of Drag Racing”, Shirley “Cha Cha” Muldowney was the first female Top Fuel dragster driver to be licensed by the NHRA. She cultivated her passion for racing from a young age, learning to drive from her boyfriend-turn husband Jack Muldowney. Eventually, she made her debut competing on the dragstrip of the Fonda Speedway in 1958. Muldowney went on to compete in national competitions and won the International Hot Rod Association Southern Nationals in 1971.

Muldowney was also not one to take setbacks lying down. After a severe crash in 1984 that left her with serious injuries requiring 18 months of rehabilitation, she bounced back and won the NHIRA National title in 1989. She retired from the sport in 2006, and the biopic Heart Like a Wheel is based on her life story.

Leilani Münter’s story is a little different, but no less inspiring. Before recently retiring from professional driving, Münter’s 18-year career consisted not only of her driving accolades but also her environmental activism.

She walked the talk and made history in 2014 when she became the first ARCA driver to drive oil-free. The road trip in her Tesla Model S took her from her hometown in North Carolina to Chicagoland Speedway. Among many other firsts, her race team was also the first to have the pit box completely solar powered. Throughout her career, Münter continued to advocate for cleaner energy, which she hopes becomes a reality by 2050.

Mary Teresa Barra and a lifetime in the automotive industry.

Last, but certainly not the least, is Mary Teresa Barra. Many might recognise her as the current chairperson and CEO of General Motors. Here is a woman who has dedicated the entirety of her professional career to a single company.

From the time she was eighteen, Barra worked at General Motors and rose through the ranks. Starting as a co-op student, she became vice president of Global Manufacturing Engineering, and eventually assumed role of CEO in 2014. She became the first woman CEO of a major automotive company, and also ranked in several lists including Forbes Most Powerful Women and Fortune’s Most Powerful Women.

Her dedication to General Motors is only further buffed by her leadership style. Her vast knowledge of the company’s operations and attentive leadership helped GM weather several challenges, including one which saw over 30 million cars recalled over safety issues.

Now that you’ve read about 10 famous women in the automotive industry, could we interest you in more car trivia? Read more about some of these car brand mascots and how they came to be!

There seems to be a zodiac guide for just about everything when the Lunar New year comes around the corner. So why not cars right?

Well, we actually contacted some professionals about this and none was prepared to tackle this theme. So I’ll use nothing more than my prodigious gut and hazard some reasoned guesses backed up by some information gleaned from ChineseNewYear.net – because it’s for CNY right? For those who actually following with these suggestions and it works out, PayLah! ang pows and Google reviews are equally appreciated…

Alfa Romeo – for those born in the Year of the Snake

As with many car lists, we start with Alfa Romeo for obvious reasons. First, it starts with an ‘A’ and secondly, there’s a snake on the badge. You can see where we’re going with this.

So if you’re born in 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965 or 1953. Driving one of Milan’s finest may work for you. To take it a step further, you might want to spec your Giulia or Stelvio in red, yellow or black. Unlucky colours are apparently white, gold and brown.

Also compatible: Monkey, Rooster and Ox.

Least compatible: Tiger, Pig

Ford v Ferrari and Porsche – for those born in the Year of the Horse

Skipping to the next car brand with an animal in it is obviously Ferrari and let’s not forget Porsche as well. Also, because we’re not all Crazy Rich Asians, a Ford Mustang would perhaps be a more accessible choice.

So if you’re born in the years, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966, 1954 or 1942, you can up your “horsepower” with these equine-inspired cars. Let’s not go down the Mitsubishi Starion route shall we? However the Colt might do…

Owners born in the Year of the Horse would apparently do well by going with cars in red, green and purple. Colours to avoid are gold, brown and black.

The easiest way to give your car a new look is with a wrap. Find out more here.

Also compatible: Goat, Tiger, Dog

Least compatible: Rat, Ox

Jaguar and Peugeot – For those born in the Year of the Tiger

The cat connection is quite obvious here. Fortunately, both carmakers have broad portfolio of cars to choose from so there are plenty of choices for all budgets.

If you’re looking for something sporty and sexy, Jaguar recently launched it facelifted F-type sports car.

If you’re born in the years, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962 or 1950, your four-wheeled feline should ideally come in either green or blue. Try to avoid white apparently.

Also compatible: Pig, Dog, Horse

Least compatible: Monkey, Snake

Lamborghini and Subaru – for those born in the Year of Ox

This is your year, and nothing makes a statement like a flashy Lamborghini. Fun fact, the Raging Bull emblem used by the Italian super sports car maker was picked by the company’s founder Ferrucio Lamborghini because he was a Taurus.

Which brings us to Subaru in case you were wondering. The seven stars on the car badge (one is invisible) are supposed to be the Pleaides star cluster which is found in the north-west of the constellation of Taurus.

If you’re born in the years, 1985, 1973, 1961 or 1949, driving a Bull might give you wings this year. Especially if it is in blue, yellow or green. Ironically not in red or brown.

Also compatible: Rat, Snake, Rooster

Least compatible: Goat, Horse, Dog

Volkswagen – for those born in the Year of the Rabbit

For the uninitiated, the Volkswagen Golf used to be branded as the Rabbit in the US market in the 1970s and 80s. The name was also briefly brought back from 2006 to 2009.

Going further down the rabbit hole (couldn’t resist), those born in the years, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963 and 1951 would do well to drive their Golfs in red, pink, purple or blue. Colours to avoid are brown, grey and white.

Skoda – for those born in the Year of the Rooster

Okay, this is an even bigger stretch than the Subaru-Taurus link. The Skoda logo is apparently an with three feathers. I’ve always thought that it looks like a Rooster’s head, but the official inclusion of feathers is enough to justify this inclusion.

Those born in the years, 2005, 1993, 1981, 1969, 1957 and 1945 would do well to roll up in a Skoda that’s in gold, brown or yellow. On the other hand, they should avoid red, orange and purple.

Also compatible: Dragon, Snake, Ox

Least compatible: Rabbit, Dog, Rooster

Get your car in shape for the Year of the Ox. Download AutoApp now to book our concierge service for a zero-hassle car care experience.

Okay, so here’s the deal. People tend to think of New Year’s resolutions as a sort of To-Do list. But a lot of the time, New Year’s resolutions aren’t something you can just cross off in a matter of days, let alone months. So your plans to “travel more” were scrapped because of the pandemic, and “losing weight” was out of the question with all those McSpicy meals you treated yourself to during your work-from-home sessions.

Well, take a deep breath because everything is okay.

If you managed to accomplish some of your goals or even all of them, well done you! But if you’re like many others who didn’t quite get to accomplish everything you set out to do this year, this might help you make better resolutions for 2021.

Next year, start smaller.

The biggest mistake people make when planning out New Year resolutions is setting out unrealistic goals. It’s good to be ambitious, but remember that your goals need to be achievable within the time frame you set. A good way is to break up your goals into manageable chunks. If you plan Mount Kinabalu but have never climbed a mountain before, then start small. Hike up those staircases at your HDB block several times a week, then go up and down Bukit Timah hill until you’re sure your body can handle something more. There are some cases where a YOLO is not gonna cut it.

Don’t fret, maybe some goals aren’t important anymore.

Sometimes resolutions just stop making sense. Maybe you started the year gearing up for a promotion at work. But suddenly your company’s structure changed and you don’t really want it anymore. Or perhaps you wanted to lose weight, but decided you much rather just bulk up instead.

Okay listen here, friend. It’s okay to let some goals go.

Don’t think of it as you’re making an excuse or chickening out. Lemme put it this way – if you drive out in the morning for Nasi Lemak, but halfway through you start craving a McDonalds breakfast meal, are you going to just journey on to the Nasi Lemak stall anyway? Let it wait. Be brave and embrace the Sausage McMuffin, I’d say.  

Just remember, you aren’t alone.

Just because New Year’s resolutions are something you make on your own, doesn’t mean you have to go at it all alone. Afterall, nothing says motivation better than having a friend next to you cheering you on while you do your 100th 10th sit up at the gym! Next year, share your goals with people close to you who you can rely on or maybe even consider joining support groups, and you’re sure to go much further than you thought you would otherwise. There’s always strength in numbers, afterall!

Less thinking, more doing.

It’s always good to plan out how to achieve your goals. But over-planning and mulling over things too much will not get you anywhere. You want to spend more time with your significant other, so you spend weeks planning out an elaborate staycation, complete with romantic dinner at an exclusive restaurant and specific activities you can do throughout the day. While that’s all well and good, all that time spent deciding what to do means less time actually spent with your loved one, since you were caught up with planning. Sometimes, doing less is indeed more.

Every bit counts so be remember to keep track.

Apart from breaking your goals into smaller, more manageable chunks, be sure to keep track of what you’ve accomplished along the way. If you’re planning to achieve fitness goals, make a list of all the steps you need to take, and then cross them off one by one. Apart from giving you that extra boost of motivation, it’ll also help you remember the all-important journey to success! If you need some help with keeping track of your goals, you could even make use of nifty apps like these!

Now that you know how to plan your New Year’s resolutions more effectively, why not kickstart your fitness goals with these exercises or just mull them over at a relaxing staycay?

Christmas is coming, and for better or worse, the holiday season also signals the end for the ever-eventful 2020. With COVID-19 measures continuing to put a dampener on large gatherings and travel plans, getting into that holiday mood might not come as naturally as before. But, what exactly contributes to that Christmas spirit?

Maybe it’s the gifts we give and receive, or the Christmas trees and lights along (the much emptier) Orchard Road. If you can’t resist humming along to festive tunes blasting on mall PA systems, this playlist is for you! Here are twelve timeless Christmas hits to get you going, and twelve more to really bring you that Christmas cheer!

Access the full playlist here!

1. It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas — Michael Bublé
2. Last Christmas — Wham!
3. Let It Snow! — Dean Martin
4. Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree — Brenda Lee
5. All I Want For Christmas Is You — Mariah Carey
6. Sleigh Ride — The Ronettes
7. Feliz Navidad — José Feliciano
8. Holly Jolly Christmas — Burl Ives
9. Wonderful Christmastime — Paul McCartney
10. Do They Know It’s Christmas? — Band Aid
11. Santa Claus Is Coming to Town! — The Jackson 5
12. The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas to You) — Nat King Cole

Now, many of these need no introduction, and here’s betting you already know the words to them too. But, because you’ve probably heard them before at one mall or another, here are twelve more songs that will add more festive feels to your Christmas playlist!

Instrumentals for that extra magic

Instrumental music is, well, instrumental in creating an atmosphere, and are especially great when you’re all done with Christmas karaoke. What they lack in singing is often made up for with other instruments to carry a melody, while others add texture to the background.

More instrumental magic:

• Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy — Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
• Do You Hear What I Hear? — Kenny G

Something for the kids

… And one delicious cookie! ♫

Besides presents, music by familiar characters is one of the ways to get children excited for Christmas. Granted, many of us young at heart should have no problems enjoying these tunes too.

More Christmas songs for kids:

• Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer — Sesame Street
• All I Want For Christmas (Is My Two Front Teeth) — Alvin & The Chipmunks
• Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas — Kermit the Frog
• Deck The Halls — Mickey & His Friends
• Jingle Bells — Mickey and the Gang

A modern Christmas

Besides traditional carols and popular tracks that have withstood the test of time, there are also many new Christmas bops infused with modern music styles. We’ll know in a few years if these prove to be as enduring as their predecessors.

Listen also to:

• Underneath the Tree — Kelly Clarkson
• Bring Me Love — John Legend

AutoApp Christmas Playlist: Vol. 1

Looking for more music to spice up your drive? Check out AutoApp’s driving playlist here!

Thanks to streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, YouTube and more, there’s no shortage of car-related programming to stream on your smart TV. But weekends are precious and we’d hate for you to waste it watching something that fails to live up to the flashy artwork that got your attention in the first place.

Here are five binge-worthy car shows that are guaranteed to entertain, educate or enlighten, depending on what you’re in the mood for!

If you like supercars: Fastest Car (Netflix)

The formula is simple. In each episode, three grassroots hot rodders pit their “sleeper cars” in a quarter-mile drag race against a supercar. The winner of each round goes on to the season finale drag race.

The show’s tagline, “Money can’t always buy you speed” is the theme that runs through the entire series. It gives a clue that the exotic cars; a Ford GT, some Lamborghinis, a Dodge Viper, a couple of Ferraris and a disproportionate distribution of McLarens don’t always win. But here’s a spoiler, they don’t always lose either.

The unpredictability of each race keeps you glued until the end of each episode while the background story of each racer lends a touching human element.

Formula 1: Drive to Survive (Netflix)

If you find the F1 season too long to watch regularly, this series produced in collaboration between Netflix and Formula One is a nice alternative. For starters, the episodes are beautifully filmed in 4K HDR. Then there’re exclusive behind the scenes interviews with the drivers and key personnel.

Formula 1: Drive to Survive provides a fascinating insight into the challenges teams and drivers face.

Top Gear (BBC Player)

The perennial car show Top Gear returns for its 29th season. The new generation of presenters; Paddy McGuiness, Freddie Flintoff and Chris Harris have come into their own and have their own chemistry that puts the focus back to the cars rather than the hosts.

Expect outlandish stunts and the latest jaw-dropping supercars. Those of a certain vintage can also look forward to an episode where they discover which car from the 1980s and 90s has the ability to break the 200mph (320km/h) barrier.

Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee (Netflix)

Comedian Jerry Seinfeld is a well known car nut. So when he introduces a different car that represents his guest in each episode, he pick his guests up in the car, takes them out for coffee and a conversation ensues.

As the majority of guests are comedians themselves, the interviews are always funny. The cars however, are the real stars of the show.

Car Masters (Netflix)

Fans of car restoration and the stories that go with the cars will enjoy Car Masters: Rust to Riches. Now into its third season, the crew from Gotham Garage challenge themselves to restore and flip one car to the next, with each sale setting them up for a more valuable ride.

Like travel shows? Check out these Netflix recommendations that are sure to take you places!

Under normal circumstances, most of us would have made plans for an exciting holiday in an exotic destination, or a relaxing road trip up North. Unfortunately for us, the COVID-19 pandemic has lasted quite a lot longer than we hoped, and ‘staycation’ is now more in vogue than ‘vacation’.

Thankfully, Singapore still has plenty of places left to explore despite our tiny land area. From nature spots to secret shops, there’s much to discover without the need to touch your passport.

In September, we received exciting news that the government would distribute $100 tourism vouchers to everyone in December. That got all of us on the AutoApp editorial team thinking how we would spend them – so here’re some of our plans!

Marcus is going…

…for a staycation at Crowne Plaza Changi Airport

Except when taking a flight, I rarely ever visit Changi Airport; neither have I gone for a staycation in Singapore.

Sure, I’ve gone for a quick gander when Jewel Changi Airport opened to the public, but my non-travel related visits are as low as thrice a year. For quick getaways, I’ve always preferred to take a short drive up North to Desaru or Malacca for a change in scenery, rather than staying in a local hotel.

2020 has been the most unusual year for everyone, so I thought I’d have an unusual year-end holiday too. To take advantage of the SingapoRediscovers vouchers, I’ll be going on a staycation at the Crowne Plaza Changi Airport – because hey, that’s the closest I’m getting to jetting off on a holiday. Besides, it’s perfect to explore all that Changi Airport has to offer, particularly the Jurassic Mile and Canopy Park.

Sam is going…

…for a Coffee and Spirits Workshop

Originally, I would have settled for a day out at Universal Studios Singapore. However, as luck would have it, a friend of mine recently won us two free tickets (yay). This leaves me with a pleasant dilemma of figuring out what to do with my $100 voucher. While a staycation isn’t off the books entirely, the vouchers seem like a good excuse to try something out of the ordinary that I normally wouldn’t do. After all, having not paid (much) for it is a small comfort for a poor experience.

The idea of a coffee and spirits workshop is wonderfully enticing. For one, I would never say no to a good cup of coffee. For another, I would hardly turn down a well-crafted cocktail, either. What is most attractive about this workshop is the idea of mixing my own cocktails at home next time. I can’t wait to go crazy with the different combinations I could possibly dream up.

I’m keeping my fingers crossed, as there isn’t any indication so far that this workshop is eligible for voucher redemption. For my voucher balance? I might try one of these DIY terrarium kits.

Brin is going has gone…

…for a family staycation at W Hotel Sentosa Cove

Okay, okay, I know I’m cheating a little since I’ve already done this. But having just got back from a staycation at W Hotel Sentosa Cove, I’m pleased to say that I’d gladly do it all over again – $100 off the booking price, of course.

What I love about W Hotel is that with its chic décor and proximity to bars along Quayside Isle, you’d never guess it’d cater so well to families too. So I was pleasantly surprised when the hubs and I brought our cheeky 9-month-old out for a brief getaway. Apart from setting up a little bassinet for bubs to rest in, they also gifted us with some baby toiletries and made sure there was a high chair set up at our table for breakfast in the morning. Also, their WET® pool was definitely the highlight of our visit!

If you do have some extra cash to spare (saved up from that cancelled vacation overseas), I’d recommend splurging on one of their AWAY rooms which come with a private pool! Also, as a COVID-19 preventive measure, just a note that breakfast timings, use of the pool and fitness centre are staggered and have to be booked in advance.

Sheldon is going…

…for a family outing at Wild Wild Wet

Show my kids a body of water and they take to it like the proverbial ducks they are. As I love keeping cool with a good swim or soak, I’m only too happy to indulge them.

Since the family thoroughly enjoyed themselves on our previous sojourn, we won’t pass up the opportunity to go again for what would essentially be a free pass. Well, almost, since a family day pass for two adults and two children runs for $102.

The fact that the Missus will also have her SingapoRediscovers vouchers to spare, could be used towards a staycation at D’Resort which is right next to the water park.

Looking to see where else your SingapoRediscovers vouchers can be used? Here’s the long list of eligible merchants for you to spend them at!

For many families, the school holiday season used to mean a season of road trips and travelling. Now that overseas travel is off the table, it’s time to get creative and discover parts of Singapore that are often taken for granted.

Best of all, these places could help our children connect with their homeland on a deeper level. They might also teach them to appreciate our heritage and local nature just a little more!

MacRitchie Trail

Singapore’s oldest reservoir is home to a network of nature trails. Some of these extend all the way to Bukit Timah Hill more than 10-kilometres away. Whether you’re only up for a short stroll or could do with a long trek, there are many routes that will take you through the rich bio-diversity of plants, animals and even aquatic life. There are many boardwalks that take you right to the water’s edge. Here, there’s a good chance that you’ll see arowanas, tortoises, water monitor lizards. Even the odd alligator gar can be spotted.

If you have any snacks with you, it is advisable to keep them in your back pack. Do not consume them in the presence of the numerous macaques you’ll encounter along the way.

You might also see the odd wild boar. Do not provoke them or try to feed them or any animals for that matter. Follow these rules and you and your ‘troupe’ should be fine.

It gets hot later in the day so remember to bring some water or other forms of hydration with you.

Get directions to MacRitchie trail here.

Orto

About the size of seven football fields, Orto is an eco leisure park in the northern part of Singapore. Set in a rustic kampung-style environment. Just the type of place to spend the school holiday season at.

Here, children and adults alike can indulge in fishing and prawning. On the other hand, those who are more actively-inclined will do well to check out the adrenalin-pumping options here; Katapult Trampoline Park, Maximum Drift Karting Arena or Red Dynasty Paintball Park.

Nature lovers can also take a slow walk through The Live Turtle & Tortoise Museum that was formerly located in Jurong. Over 700 testudines can be seen here with the larger one roaming around the premises.

There are also numerous eateries and watering holes (of the alchoholic kind) that are located at Orto so you’re unlikely to leave hungry.

Get directions to Orto here.

Hampstead Wetlands Park

A new favourite especially among the birdwatching community is Hampstead Wetlands Park. This 3.23-hectare green sanctuary that features its own freshwater ecosystem. Test your photography skills and try to identify the myriad species of fauna that call this place home.

Fun fact. The vegetation in these wetlands also serve as a natural filter for removing sediments from surface run-off when it rains.

When you get hungry, there are numerous food options nearby including Seok Seng 1959 Bicycle Cafe.

Wild Wild Wet @ Downtown East

A firm family favourite, Wild Wild Wet is Singapore’s largest water park. From exhilarating rides to a relaxing float down a lazy river, there’s something for everyone. It even lays claim to being one of the Top 10 water parks in Asia.

Located within metres from Wild Wild Wet @ Downtown East is the family-friendly hotel, D’resort @ Downtown East. You can rent cabanas fitted with air-coolers and refrigerators at the water park. However, nothing beats having a proper room nearby. Freshen up or completely relax after an exciting day out.

Get directions to Wild Wild Wet @ Downtown East here.

While you’re spending quality time at these locations, let AutoApp take care of all the car-related errands – servicing, grooming or inspections just for you. Download the app here and enjoy our many offers.

There’s always that one friend who constantly insists that nothing ever spooks him. Like that time you asked him to go watch the latest horror flick with you and he was like, “Huh? Don’t want la, not scary”, or when you invited him to Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights and he more or less yawned in your face.

Urgh, we get it. So this Halloween, why not take a little drive around and give your insufferable friend a ghastly tour of some very “special” roads in Singapore! Be sure to elaborate on every sinister detail for maximum effect. *evil laugh*

Sheldon recommends:

Sime Road

There’s nothing like the combination of an old cemetery that was also the site of a World War II POW camp to set the scene for a creepy road. The access through old Leonie Road is a little tricky and the site of the once bustling dual carriageway now looks somewhat abandoned now that Leonie Highway taken on much of the traffic volume only adds to a eerie feel.

Be sure to look out for signs that lead to what’s left of Sime Road and Bukit Brown cemetery and I dare you to take a drive there after twilight…

Brin recommends:

Punggol Road down to Punggol Beach

A long stretch of road now flagged by young neighbourhood dwellings, Punggol Road leads up to the bustling Punggol Beach. There, you’ll find The Punggol Settlement, home to F&B establishments offering up exciting waterfront dining options to families, youths and more. However, *cue eerie music* things were not always as they are now.

In the past, this same destination was also one of the killing fields during the Japanese Occupation, as part of the Sook Ching massacre. Many Chinese civilians lost their lives and as such, over the years, human remains have been found even up to the late 90s. It is for this reason that the location is a national heritage site.

Despite the myriad of changes and developments, some Singaporeans say this stretch of road still gives them the creeps, especially when thinking about its macabre past. Welp.

Marcus recommends:

Malcolm Road

Go in the daytime, and this place seems anything but haunted. Malcolm Road is home to a cluster of colonial bungalows, cosily set atop a small hill next to the PIE. It’s a posh neighbourhood near town, flanked by prestigious schools such as St. Joseph’s Institution and Singapore Chinese Girls School.

Built around 1925 for high ranking civil servants of the colonial government, there’s a certain grandeur to them – set on a plot of land measuring over 30,000 sq ft, with a long driveway leading up to the house, an imposing black and white structure with massive pillars.

Seems lovely? Not quite – the family of a not-so-distant relative resided in one of these bungalows back in the 1980s. They narrated stories of the dog randomly barking at an empty hallway, and one standout incident involved an infant cousin. At just one year old, his vocabulary was limited to simple, single words such as ‘mama’ and ‘dog’. One evening on a visit to the family, he randomly pointed to an empty part of the house and went “glass man”, much to the horror of everyone around.

Though Malcolm Road isn’t one of the typical haunted roads in Singapore, local writer Goh Sin Tub regales readers of his book – Ghosts of Singapore – with a tale of a pontianak sighting along Malcolm Road. Looking at a map though, its proximity to Mount Pleasant Cemetery is probably reason why unusual happenings have occured. Lovely as it is during the daytime, visit after dusk at your own risk!

Now that you‘ve learnt more about some of the most haunted roads in Singapore, check out some secret driving spots.