What to Expect in Universal Studios Singapore

The Mummy, Jaws, Jurassic Park, Despicable Me, Shrek, The Phantom of the Opera, Dracula, Transformers, Waterworld and Fast and the Furious—do these movies ring a bell? Are some of these actually your favourite movie? These movies are produced by Universal Studios, and if you would ask if you would see them in Universal Studios Singapore, the answer would be—yes! Many of the different attractions in Universal Studios Singapore have designs and theme inspired by the said movies.

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First attraction here is the Lost World. Dive into the deep by enjoying the live performance inspired by the movie “Waterworld.” This ride is included in the Jurassic trail where forests and water forms are a famous attraction. Flying dinosaur rides, Rapids Adventure and canopy flyers can also be tried by kids in the Jurassic themed area. Not to mention the real life figures of Trex and other forms of dinosaurs. You would really think that you are in Jurassic Park in this part of Universal Studios.

Have a look and experience how Egypt is in the Ancient Egypt Zone. Follow another trail which will bring you back to the era when mummies are still practiced. You can ride the mini vintage car to have a tour in the treasure hunting trail. This area shows an excavation site during treasure hunting. Roller coaster and creative figures and lights will be experienced in The Revenge of The Mummy Ride. Prepare courage and ear plugs because shouts will surely echo in the coaster trail.

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Other rides include those which are inspired by Transformers, Battlestar Galactica inspired roller coaster and the SciFi city which will bring you to the future and nothing of the remnants of the past. There is also a child friendly ride inspired by the Sesame Street—Sesame Street Space Chase.

Have a taste of New York City and Hollywood in the zones especially made for them. Building found in the concrete jungle as well as popular figures can be found in these zones of Universal Studios. Make sure to prepare your camera to have photo opportunities with stars and famous architectural designs.

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What to Do and Where to Go In Marina Bay Sands

Marina Bay Sands is probably the most famous spot in Singapore City, and the infinity pool is probably every person’s dream. Nonetheless, there is far more than the infinity pool once we talk about Marina Bay Sands. There are more activities to do after hanging out and relaxing to the pool that overlooks the cityscape. Let’s start from the infinity pool, though.

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The infinity pool is located at the Marina Bay Sands Skypark. Expect breathtaking view in this place; therefore prepare your cameras to capture the moment because in the Marina Bay Sands Skypark, one gets to see a 360 degrees view of Singapore. It is exciting to play “find that landmark” in this area because most landmarks can be seen and pinpointed. The Merlion, the Singapore Flyer and the River—you can see it all from this spot. You’ll be relaxed and awed as you walk in this park.

Another way on taking a look to Singapore is having a ride to the Singapore Flyer. Have an exciting 30-minute ride in this Flyer. You can see Singapore at a low point to a panoramic view once you are here. If you want something that can truly show that you are in Singapore, go to the Merlion also located in Marina Bay. Merlion is the official tourism icon of Singapore, so never miss taking picture in this landmark.

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Lifestyle, fine dining and world class shows wait in the Esplanade –Theatres on the Bay. Dive into the luxurious place by watching the shows, tasting their good food and choosing Esplanade as your shopping spot. Not to mention this place’s unique architecture. If you are a fan of building designs and figures, you would not stop looking around wondering how amazing Esplanade was built. Arts and culture—these are the two words that best describe Esplanade.

Before ending your tour at Marina Bay, make sure not to leave Gardens By The Bay, and be wowed by their super trees planted in 101 hectares of land. These super trees are not only called “super” because of their size but also because of their environment friendly functions.

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Singapore Rules

Rules imposed strictly are meant for authority and order of a society. There are certain things which we would give up and stop in order to achieve a well-disciplined nation. This is what I learned from Singapore. Below are some DON’Ts in this disciplined country.

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Chewing Gums

The country is not a big fan of chewing gums. These candies are prohibited in Singapore. This ban was enacted on 1992 and still existing. You cannot bring gum from other country and this is a popular rule observed by tourists. People chewing gums just dispose it anywhere so the government decided to ban it. Rather than educating people, they cut the root of the problem.

Eating in public vehicles

Tried eating and drinking in buses or trains? In Singapore, eating and drinking on transport trains and buses is prohibited. Posters which say a penalty of up to S$500 will be imposed for those who are caught violating this law. Better be full before traveling!

Jaywalking

Reckless pedestrian crossing or Jaywalking is a big offense in Singapore. You have to walk half mile to reach a certain walk bridge to cross the road, but again it’s for the benefit of the people since vehicles are driving at a high speed.

Unregulated fireworks display

Important seasons are more fun to celebrate with fireworks but this is not a good idea for Singapore. Selling or buying of firecrackers are banned in Singapore, yes you heard it right! But there are fireworks displays for special events or shows.

Many would think of these rules as pretty harsh and crazy but honestly, these could contribute more benefit and disciple to the society.

Financial Tips for Starting Individuals

Financial Tips

Starting is always the hardest part. If you are a fresh graduate, you will surely find things difficult. Looking for a good and stable job for one is hard. Saving money for the future is another thing. It is important that you know how to manage your finances as early as now for you to survive.

Here are some tips that you can consider for every financial dilemma you have:

Tuition Fee Loans

There are Singaporeans who depend on tuition fee loans to sustain their studies. When you graduate, you will be asked to pay the loan. A letter (Commencement letter) will be sent to you. The letter will tackle your payment options – repaying it in full, repaying it partially and repaying it monthly. The tip here is not to postpone or delay the payment. If you do not start right away, after two years, you will be charged an additional 1%. You have to allocate a portion of your monthly income for the tuition fee loans.

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Credit Cards

As much as possible, you have to avoid using credit cards. Credit cards are borrowed money. If it is borrowed, you should expect an interest. Every time you sue the card, you are borrowing money from your bank. If you do not pay within the given period, you will incur interest. The best tip – do not spend more than your means. You have to pay in cash and do not make acquisitions with your credit cards unless you really need it.

Buying a House

If you want to be independent, you will think of moving out and purchasing your own house or flat. You have to decide if you want to purchase private property or HDB flat. When you buy a house, you will face down payment and monthly payments. The best tip is to clear your debts so you can focus with your house.

Planning a Wedding

After securing your house and car, the next thing that you should think about is your wedding. Getting married will be one of your biggest decisions in life. Weddings are expensive here in Singapore but you do not need to drain your bank accounts for this event. The best tip is to talk with your partner and determine the price ceiling. If you want a budget wedding, you will not spend so much but if you want an extravagant one, expect to spend so much.

Managing your finances is a complicated thing to do but it is necessary. If you do not learn how to manage your finances, you will suffer.

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Must-Visit Locations in Singapore

Singapore has proven to the world that it is a blossoming country most especially as a tourist destination. It has been recorded as an enjoyable tourist destination with fun attractions. Here are top destinations to love Singapore more.

1. Universal Studios

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Universal Studios Singapore is the top tourist destination in the country located in the Resort World Sentosa. It is divided into 7 zones: Madagascar, the Palace of Far Far Away from, the Lost World where Waterworld is located, Ancient Egypt, Sci-fi and the two zones are America’s cities- New York and Hollywood.

2. Singapore Zoo

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If you’re an animal lover, Singapore Zoo is perfect for you. In here you can see animals you’ve never seen in your life. Enjoy the beautiful atmosphere at the Night Safari during sunset. This zoo does not just give entertainment but also education for visitors about the diversity of the ecosystem and rain forests.

3. Botanical Gardens

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An Eden in the city – this is how would Singapore Botanical Gardens is best described. Recharge to the cool air from green trees and variety of plants. The garden is approximately 64 acres. The National Orchid Garden is the highlight in this spot with more than 3,000 species of orchids.

4. Boat Quay

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Relax from the soothing jazz music or groove into the dance floor at Boat Quay and Clarke Quay. Famous for young executives and couples from work and even tourists, this place is best for clubbing.

5. Singapore Flyer

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Enjoy the 360 degrees view of Singapore as you take a ride at the tallest Ferris wheel, the Singapore Flyer. Opened early 2008, reaching 165 meters, the Singapore Flyer takes your breath away as you have a full view of the whole Singapore.

Singapore is a good place to visit anytime but the months June to August is the perfect time to love the tropical climate.

Assessing Eating Habits

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You do not blame the food for being fat or unhealthy. You should blame yourself because you are unable to control the craving or the desire. There are people who are blaming foods for their belly bulges and love handles. Foods are innocent. You have to look at your eating habits before blaming anyone or anything.

There are many tasty and delicious foods here in Singapore. In fact, many Singaporeans are gourmands. You will notice that wherever you go, every corner or every street has more than one restaurant or food centre. Food is highly available and accessible here and with this, it is important that you assess your eating habits first if you want to be healthy. You can assess your eating habits by learning what type of eater you are. Here are the types of eater:

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1.       The Meal Skipper
If you skip meal, you belong to this type. There are people who usually skip breakfast because they think that they will lose weight. They thought wrong. When you skip breakfast (or any meal) you have the tendency to binge eat because you feel very hungry. You consume double than what you regularly eat.

2.       The Convenient Diner
If you do not like or if you do not have time to prepare for food, you belong to this type. You know that junk foods and fast food meals are unhealthy but you eat them anyway. You only want to consume what is there.

3.       The Swing Eater
If you consider healthy eating today and forget about it tomorrow, you belong to this type. You have to be consistent when you consider healthy eating. Remember that healthy eating is not a one-day thing. The inconsistent eating will confuse your body. You should avoid this.

4.       The Hearty Portioner
If you are slowly eating your food because you savour each bite, you belong to this type. When you eat, do it like the Parisians do. They eat and talk in between. If you eat slowly, you are giving your brain time to process it and send a signal that you are already full.

5.       The Steady Eater
If you eat even if you are not hungry, you belong to this type. You think that there is nothing wrong if you spoil your body with foods that you think you deserve. That is understandable but sometimes, spoiling yourself will not do you good.

6.       The Night Time Nibbler
If you love to nibble during midnight, you belong to this type. When you sleep late, you consider eating snacks. You will surely gain weight if you sleep late.

Now you can identify which eater you are. After identifying it, you can now make a plan to change your eating habits and make it healthier. It is not easy to live a healthy life but you have to do it anyway for the sake of your future and your family.

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Helping Your Children Manage Their Feelings

Lately, you notice your kid distant, not eating well and losing weight. There must be something wrong that he/she is not telling you.  You need to find out what it is before it takes all the good things. If you discovered that your child is having difficulties managing his/her feelings, it is time to step up. You should help the child cope up with his/her emotions because it is good for his/her psychological and social wellbeing.

You play a vital role in your child’s ability to identify, comprehend and express his/her feelings. Here are some ways you can help your child when it comes to managing his/her feelings:

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1. Spend time with them

Children with issues feel lonely because no one is there for them. You should not let your kid suffer loneliness. It is important that you spend time with your children so they will know you are always there for them.

2. Getting them to open up

When you spend time with your children, you should talk about your feelings. This is to encourage them to open up. For example, you can tell your children that you are scared about something and you will say that it is okay to be afraid sometimes.

3. Labelling their emotions

It is crucial that you help your children when it comes to labelling feelings. You can help label their feelings by talking to them. For example, you will say “looks like you are excited for your field trip” or “looks like you are sad because you are not invited to the party”.

4. Do not reprimand

Never scold or reprimand your child for his/her feelings. Just let your child be for a few moments. If you shout at them every time they cry, they will believe that feelings of sadness or hurt should be hidden. For example, if the child is angry and throwing toys, you can say “I can feel that you are angry but you should pick your toys now and return it to the proper place”. Do not say “stop whining and return your toys right now or else…”

As you help your children go through their feelings, things will be better. Next time, they will know how to handle, respond and manage everything and it will continue until they grow up. Certainly, they will become stronger.

Helping Teens Cope with Stress

Stress is not only an adult thing. Teenagers are not exempted from stress too! Teenagers should be taught about managing their stress so they can carry on with their daily activities. Stress for teenagers may come in different forms. For example, school demands, negative thoughts, body changes, divorce or separation of parents, family problems, moving to another place, transferring to other school and many more.

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If the teen is unable to cope up with stress, it will lead to aggression, alcohol abuse, drug abuse, withdrawal, anxiety and illness. As a parent, you can help your teens deal with stress by:

Monitoring

You need to be vigilant when your kid is in a stressful situation. You should monitor if stress is affecting their health. You also need to check on their behaviour or feelings and make sure it does not affect their health.

Listening

You can check on their behaviour or feelings by talking to them. You should encourage your teens to talk to you and tell them that you can help. Sometimes teens find it hard to open up because they are afraid of judging or nagging. Just let them know you are there.

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Supporting

Your support will mean a lot to your teens. You have to support, encourage and motivate your teens especially if they are involved in sports and other social activities. Do not let them sulk inside the house because it will only worsen the situation.

On the part of the teens, they should do their best to cope up and do not let stress ruin their life. They can do many things so they cannot think about stress – even if it is only a few hours. They can sleep, exercise, do outdoor activities, go out with friends, listen to music, reading a book and many more.

Strengthening the Hospitality and Tourism Sector

Tourism industry contributes about four percent of Singapore’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product). Every year, there is an increase of visitors and tourists noted. With this, it is important for the country to improve the hospitality services. Improving hospitality services also entail raising the standards of the workforce. This is where SHATEC (Singapore Hotel and Tourism Education Centre) comes in.

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Minister of Trade and Industry Lim Hng Kiang revealed on the celebration of SHATEC’s thirtieth anniversary that the institute would initiate programmes to entice many people to consider tourism jobs. The institute is proud to say that it has been working with different government agencies to improve labour potential and job preservation in the industry.

The institution was founded in 1983 to equip the Hospitality Industry with skilled workforce. The institute trained more than 30,000 students since its commencement to give strong foundation for the tourism and hospitality industries. The institute offer WSQ Advanced Certificate in Food and Beverage, Culinary Arts and Hotel and Accommodation Services. Diploma and other certificates are also provided.

Notably, Singapore has to increase its tourism efforts given the recent haze which affected the whole country and caused massive inconvenience for tourists and locals alike. Apart from forcing the closing of the Seletar Airport and Singapore Flyer, one of the country’s top draws, the haze has also affected public transport and has even seeped into homes. Thankfully, the country’s tourism is getting back on track.

Tourism is important in Singapore. It should be maintained and further improved for the sake of the country and its visitors.