Biking, running, swimming or even the occasional jog—chances are that the majority of our fitness regime is made up of cardiovascular workouts. After all, a good cardio exercise is one of the easiest ways to keep fit. Recently, however, cardio’s had to share the limelight with another kind of training—weights.

Weighing the Options

If the focus on this particular kind of workout seems a little sudden, you’d be surprised to know that the movement for weight (or resistance) training began in the late ’90s when the fitness boom hit. “People became more aware of the different ways of keeping fit, especially after the government’s push for a healthier lifestyle,” says Joan Liew, a 30-year-old director with Fitness Factory. “The trend became a lot more popular around a year or so ago, when more fitness clubs started popping up,” adds Silas Rabi, a 35-year-old trainer for Fitness 360.

Unlike its aerobic counterpart—which is more concerned simply with fat burning—a weight workout is also designed to increase muscular strength and endurance, while improving muscle tone and appearance. “Weight training improves strength, and strength can improve physical performance. This leads to a greater enjoyment of recreational and leisure activities, which are not just limited to sports,” elaborates Liew. “Moderate strength will help lessen fatigue. If you’re in shape, you can go farther and feel better.”

And building up your strength isn’t the only appeal of weight workouts. “By embarking on a regular weight training program it can allow an improved sense of well-being through the physical effects of improving strength,” adds Liew. “And looking good means feeling good as well.”

The reasons for weights’ rise in popularity aren’t just superficial and recreational ones either. While trainers stress that both types of workouts are important for the body, a cardio workout alone isn’t enough to maintain muscle fitness. Conditioned muscles help promote healthier attributes such as better posture and support for your joints, and decreases your chances of sustaining injuries. This also means that, in the long run when you’re older, weight training will aid your mobility. After all, Rabi says, “Not many people know that weights are the only form of training that helps build up bone density. “

Pump It Up

Unlike cardio workouts, where all you’d need to do is slip into your running shoes or head to the pool, weight workouts obviously use a variety of equipment, which can generally be segregated into two categories—free weights and machines.

“Machines have been designed to stress every major muscle group,” explains Liew. Some types of machines include those that use weights for resistance, isokinetic machines, and pneumatic devices. “Free weights are typically barbells and dumbbells. Most resistance exercises, be it free weights or machines, use gravity to create resistance.”

It’s suggested that beginners with no prior experience with weight training start with the machines. “A machine weight exercise incorporates a guided application of variable resistance that follows a path of an elliptical, circular or kidney-bean shaped track or lever system,” explains Liew. “It would be easier for a total beginner to learn the proper technique of the particular exercise before commencing with free weights.”

Once you’ve got the feel of it, however, don’t abandon machine weights altogether. Trainers encourage that you mix up both free and machine weights in your training program, as each has its own set of advantages—free weights, for example, develop better balance, while machine weights encourage safer positioning.

There’s no hard and fast rule about how to utilize weight training to its full potential, as it’s all based on each person’s capabilities. Rabi, however, says that there’s a simple way to measure how effective the workout is for you. “As long as you can do a maximum of 15 repetitions, but are still struggling a little, that’s the ideal weight. If you find yourself being able to do the 15 reps easily, then it’s time to increase the resistance,” he explains.

Of course, with all this equipment, the question of safety usually does turn up for anyone looking to make the shift and include some weights along with their cardio. “Understandably, a lot of people have a fear of workouts that involve weights, but like cardio, weights are generally quite safe,” assures Rabi. Just like in cardio, moderation really is the key to keeping yourself safe. “Cardio and weights train the use of different energy systems and the various age groups will have their specific limitations,” adds Liew. “But they’re both very safe, as long as everything is done within your personal capabilities.”

Beefcake!

There’s a tendency to associate weight training with weight lifters and the overly muscular physique of body builders. While a nice bod is one of the aims of this type of workout, a figure that’s really bulked up may seem unattractive to some and is one of the main concerns of anyone who wants to take up the training. Liew, however, assures us that to even get to that level would really be quite unlikely. “It’s a whole different ball game,” agrees Rabi. “You’re talking about hours of commitment and an entirely different diet altogether.” In fact, he adds, it’s even more difficult for ladies in particular to beef up to Schwarzenegger proportions, due to the lack of testosterone.

At the end of it, despite a shift in popularity, trainers say that both types of workouts are equally important to your well-being, complimenting each other with what they have to offer.

Hangin' Buff

If you’re looking to add weight training into your workout regime, drop a line to either of these personal trainers:

Fitness Factory 8298-0109, [email protected]

Fitness 360 International #03-11 The Gallery Hotel Complex, 76 Robertson Quay, 6366-4588, [email protected]

Thrash metal act Slayer, which comprises of Kerry King (guitar), Tom Araya (vocal, bass), Jeff Hanneman (guitar) and Dave Lombardo (drums), came into being about 25 years ago, and has banged out album after album of very dark and menacing songs. Often credited as one of the pioneers of American thrash metal, and named as one of the “Big Four” of thrash metal bands (alongside Metallica, Anthrax and Megadeth), Slayer is going to give fans a big treat as they arrive for a destructive concert (or so we hope) come Oct 13.

Slayer has often raised controversy with their lyrics. Their songs dabble with subjects such as serial killers, the Holocaust, war, hell and Satan, and conservatives have often attacked the band for being obscene, and having racist and Nazi sympathies. Slayer’s latest offering Christ Illusion (which has been hailed by some as a sequel to the classic Reign In Blood) is not spared from controversy either. One of its tracks “Jihad,” which looks at the September 11 terrorist attacks from a terrorist’s standpoint, has raised much anger and debate. However, it seems, the darker their songs, the more crowds their draw, as evident from a loyal following who mosh wildly (and leave with bruises) at their every concert.

Aggressive and heavy, Slayer’s music has played a huge role in influencing several notable bands today. Slipknot, Mayhem, Emperor, Sepultura and Killswitch Engage to name a few. This act is definitely worth catching if you are into metal.

If you are in the mood for some “evil” music as some will call it, this concert will be the one to catch. Besides an aural onslaught, it just might be a visual indulgence as well. After all, who can forget how fake blood rained down on Slayer as they performed “Raining Blood” in one of their concerts in 2003?

In part one of this story (Aug 25) we hopped around the Sam Phraeng neighborhood and introduced various tasty fare from somtam to fresh milk. But the food-studded area still has a lot more to offer. Here are seven more top eats to check out on your next food-hunting trip.

Tom Yum Pig’s Brain

11 Phraeng Phuton Rd., 06-772-1600
Open Mon-Sat 9am-4pm

Don’t be scared. This is not a Fear Factor challenge. A visit to Tom Yum Pig’s Brain will open your eyes to this often overlooked menu item. Entering Phraeng Phuton from Atsadang Road, the small eatery is on the left side across from the camping shop.

The deal: As the name suggests, tom yum pig’s brain is the hot specialty. It has been recommended by food critic Mae Choi Nang Ram and featured in many local and international magazines. The Hakka-style spicy soup includes not only pig’s brain but homemade pork balls, fish balls, entrails, deep-fried fish skin and deep-fried taro balls. Try it and you’ll see that, gross as it sounds, pig’s brain tastes great.

The price: B60/bowl.

Pig’s Brain (Thai Tham)

28/1 Phraeng Phuton Rd., 02-221-7612
Open Mon-Sat 7am-2pm

Just a few steps from Tom Yum Pig’s Brain, on the opposite side of the road, is Pig’s Brain (Thai Tham). This hole-in-the-wall shop has been around for over 40 years—since its owner, Auntie Sudjit, was a young lady. Back then the soup cost only B3!

The deal: “Thai Tham” means made by Thai, so the pig’s brain soup here is prepared with a Thai flair. It has attracted lots of celebrity diners and food critics, including MR Thanadsri Svasti, who gave the eatery the Shell Chuan Chim award. The ingredients are pretty much the same as in the Hakka version, but the broth is clear and fragrant with pepper. The soup runs out quickly; arrive early to avoid disappointment.

The price: B70/bowl.

Chote Chitr

146 Phraeng Phuton Rd., 02-221-4082
Open Mon-Sat 11am-9pm

Chote Chitr is small and unassuming with only five wooden tables. But despite its unpretentious neighborhood setting, the restaurant offers some of the best Thai fare in town, and has been building its admirable reputation for almost a century. Its fame has also reached foreign shores, and international media including the New York Times and London’s Financial Times have written up this local institution.

The deal: There are at least 200 dishes scribbled on the menus hanging on the wall. The highlights are gaeng lieng (mixed vegetable soup with dry shrimps and shrimp paste) and yum hua plee (banana flower salad). But the real scenestealer is mee krob (crispy sweet and sour fried noodles), which comes with generous portion of shrimp and chicken. Vegetarian-friendly, the restaurant also serves up a wide selection of meatless choices. Don’t forget to try Chote Chitr’s best-kept secret, its signature ya dong (traditional herbal liquor), whose recipe is said to help combat illness. Watch out for the eatery’s dogs.

The price: A la carte dishes start at B30. Ya dong is B100/shot, B350/bottle.

Seri Thai Cuisine

87 Phraeng Phuton Rd., 02-223-8416
Open daily 10:30am-9pm

From the outside—and, okay, the inside too—this place is not at all attractive. The restaurant sign is old and tatty and the white tile floor is turning yellow. The service is so-so. But the 10-year-old restaurant still manages to draw the crowds with its no-frills Thai cooking.

The deal: The menu features standard (some would say boring) fare you can find elsewhere, like tom yum and green curry, plus a selection of one-plate quick dishes. Skip those and order Seri’s must-try pla ta pien rai kang (deep-fried fish), which is so crisp you can eat the bones.

The price: Side dishes start at B30. For the deep-fried fish, prices vary by size starting at B140.

Nai Kim Thong’s Beef Noodles

71 Phraeng Phutorn Rd., 02-222-0744
Open Mon-Sat 11am-4pm

On the same side of the street as Seri is Nai Kim Thong’s Beef Noodles. In spite of its faded walls, scuffed woodwork and plain décor, customers frequent this shop for its tasty noodles. The busy man cooking the noodles (Mr. Kim Thong?) doesn’t have time for chitchat, but you can always count on him for fast service.

The deal: This Shell Chuan Chim-recommended restaurant’s homemade beef balls are what keep the regulars coming back. On the cooking stall sits a huge stainless steel pot full of mouth-watering braised beef. Tender and savory, the beef couldn’t be more satisfying. But a bigger portion could be an improvement.

The price: B30/bowl.

Udom Pochana

78 Phraeng Phutorn Rd., 02-221-3042
Open Mon-Sat 7am-3:30pm

Udom Pochana has tried out a few locations around the neighborhood before settling in its present spot. However, the eatery has managed to preserve its khao muu daeng (rice with BBQ pork) recipe for three generations, striving to live up to its slogan “60 Years Same Taste.” Most of the customers are government employees who flock to the family-run restaurant during their lunch break.

The deal: While known for its tried-and-true khao muu daeng, Udom Pochana has also added new items such as fresh spring rolls and noodles to the menu. Make sure to try the recommended Chinese-style beef stew and pork curry.

The price: Everything is B30.

Natthaporn Ice Cream

94 Phraeng Phutorn Rd., 02-221-3954, 02-622-2455
Open Mon-Sat 9am-5pm

Go straight from Udom Pochana and you’ll find Natthaporn Ice Cream, a specialty shop whose reputation has outgrown its tiny setting. Over 50 years ago, the famous ice cream parlor started up with just one flavor: coconut milk. Now not only does it have a new and bigger outlet on Tanao Road, Natthaporn Ice Cream also tempts your sweet tooth with more flavors.

The deal: Those craving rich and velvety ice cream might be disappointed—Natthaporn is all about light Thai-style treats. Even the coconut milk flavor is refreshing. Other flavors include chocolate, milk, coconut, iced tea and coffee. Homemade sweet sticky rice makes a nice topping for your ice cream. For an indulgent treat, the owner recommends matching your favorite ice cream with a slice of homemade cake.

The price: B15. Take-away pints are B175-255, depending on the flavor.

Ken wears a pink embroidered shirt from (B1,950) Baking Soda and burgundy corduroy pants (B1,720) from Goodmixer. Ming wears a red chiffon dress (B6,950) from It Happened To Be A Closet and burgundy Paul Frank shades (B4,600) from Niche Nation.

Ken wears a khaki shirt (B2,995) from Greyhound and linen pants (B1,950) from Goodmixer. Ming wears a white dress (B3,900) from Senada. Wan wears a khaki military jacket (B5,290) from Kloset Red Carpet and satin skirt with lace and sequin detail (B4,500) from Baking Soda.

Ming wears a knitted crochet dress (B1,450) from Disco Queen. Wan wears a layered ruffled dress (B3,650) from It Happened To Be A Closet.

Ken wears a sequined shirt (B2,900) from Baking Soda and shades by Chrome Hearts (B30,000) from Niche Nation.

Ming wears a trench coat (B6,900) from Senada and yellow skirt (B3,250) from Fly Now with shades (B4,200) by Funk from Niche Nation. Wan wears a chiffon dress (B6,950) with jewel-encrusted purse (B9,650) from It Happened To Be A Closet. Heels (B6,950) from It Happened To Be A Closet. Accessories from left to right: copper leather handbag (B12,000) from Fly Now, brown suede heels (B3,450) from Kloset Red Carpet, leather bag (B6,595) from Greyhound, leather camouflage bag (B3,500) by Goorin from Baking Soda, gold sandals (B890) from Disco Queen.

From left to right: leather belt (B2,950) by Missile from Baking Soda, gold shades (B19,000) by Mykita from Niche Nation, shagreen necklace with stone pendant (B2,880) from Madame Tango, sunglass earrings (B2,580), “Together” ring (B2,750), gold wing earrings (B1,650) by Missile from Baking Soda, metallic snakeskin shoes from It Happened To Be A Closet, blue shades (B4,800) by Funk from Niche Nation, shagreen bracelet (B2,480) and leather cuff (B2,480) from Madame Tango, “You Love Us” silver necklace (B2,650) by Missile from Baking Soda.

Ken wears dark blue corduroy jacket (B2,990) and pants (B1,890) from Baking Soda. Ming wears blue cotton pouf dress (B2,790) from Playhound.

Ming wears a chiffon top (B2,850) and swirled flower skirt (B17,500) both from It Happened To Be A Closet. Wan wears a chiffon dress (B2,150) from Disco Queen and suede heels (B3,450) from Kloset Red Carpet.

What do you mean you don’t have a webcam? Chatting in the dark is no fun! Aren’t you sick of using emoticons to express yourself? And wouldn’t you like to know if HotThaiDude69 is really all that hot?

There are three categories of webcam users: businesses that use webcams as a tool for meeting with clients and colleagues; organizations that use webcams with some kind of software for surveillance or security purposes; and people who use them for entertainment and casual purposes with friends and family. What you will use the webcam for will determine what kind of camera you should be shopping for. Here are some other characteristics to consider before buying a webcam:

• Lens. Getting a clear shot is an important thing, so don’t forget about image quality. Just like on a regular camera, the bigger the lens, the better the image can be. Focus is also important. If your camera has no changeable focus, there’s no point in getting a bigger lens—the quality will be the same as a small lens.

• Sensor. If image quality is very important to you, you should also test out how the camera processes light. Light sensors have two types: CMOS and CCD. CMOS is the general standard in the market, and the cameras can be made very compact. Those with CMOS are usually relatively inexpensive, but they also offer a lower quality image. CCD is the standard for higher quality instruments, but they are usually bulkier and more expensive.

• Image capture rate / fps (frames per second). This is the rate at which images are captured by the camera every second. If it’s a low number, your actions will be jerky and delayed when your friend sees you. The clear images you see on television with no jerkiness at all are recorded at 30fps, but of course, these better quality images also eat up more of your bandwidth. General users can go as low as 15fps, but will have to suffer a slight delay.

• Sound. Most cameras come with a built-in microphone but offer low quality sound. They will work OK for regular speech; however, if getting higher quality sound is important—for example with music or a multimedia presentaion—getting a camera with a better quality microphone is something to consider.

• Internet speed. In order to have a quick response without visual delay in your transmission, your internet connection speed should be over 200kb/second. This is why using a dial up internet connection (30 kb/s) with a webcam results in jerkiness in the image. Get broadband, baby.

• Space area. Webcams come in many different sizes and shapes so they can be used in a variety of applications. Some clamp onto your notebook or monitor, while others can be attached to the wall or ceiling. The function of the camera will determine the size and shape you need.

• Price and warranty. These things are important to consider in the purchase of any technology product. Make sure there is a service center near your home.

Little and Lively

This webcam from CREATIVE clamps onto your notebook and can rotate 180°. Image can also be rotated if needed. Video resolution: 640x480 pixels; still images 1.3 megapixels. Captures video at up to 30fps. Comes with software to organize and edit your photos and enable video messaging.

CREATIVE Live Cam Notebook Pro. B2,490. Hardware House International. 3/F, IT Mall Fortune. Ratchada Rd., 02-685-8939.

007’s Webcam

This webcam works best with PCs and can be mounted on notebook displays, CRT monitors, flat panel displays or on any flat surface. Comes with an ultra-wide angle lens with an 85° field of view. With smart face tracking, the camera can also automatically follow movement. 4x digital zoom. Software to organize and edit your photos and enable video messaging.

CREATIVE Live Cam Voice. B4,790. IT City, 5/F, Pantip Plaza. Petchburi Rd., 02-656-5030.

Sound & Vision

This product combines VGA performance with good audio sound quality. Video resolution 640x480 pixels; still image resolution 1.3 megapixels. Digital zoom, high quality built-in microphone and CMOS lens. Also comes with video effects software allowing you to play with your images while chatting. (What else you play with while chatting is your business.) Compatible with Windows or Mac OS.
2-year warranty.

Logitech QuickCam Pro 5000. B3,168. IT City. 4/F,
Siam Paragon, 02-610-9530/-6.

Photo Master

This webcam can create and edit videos and capture photos while traveling. It is integrated into a notebook mount so that it attaches to any notebook. Built with CMOS lens. Video resolution 1.3 megapixels, still photo resolution 4 megapixels. Digital zoom, high quality built-in microphone, video messaging. Also comes with video effects software allowing you to play with your images while chatting. Compatible with Windows 2000 and XP and Mac OS. 2-year warranty.

Logitech QuickCam Notebook Pro. B3,400. Accessory Supply Shop. 2/F (Room 250)., Pantip Plaza. Petchburi Rd., 02-255-2317.

With our busy lives in a concrete jungle (albeit one with lots of bouganvilleas), it’s easy to forget that we’ve got an abundance of parks right in our midst. Some are nestled in quiet corners of the island, while others are right in the city. If you think they’re nothing but jogging havens and the locale du jour for the neighborhood tai chi club, think again. Each of our parks has its own personality, so we decided to go a-trekkin’ to check out which park is best for what activity—traditional or otherwise.

Naughty in Nature

Before we proceed to give you the rundown on the best parks for a romp, be warned that if you get caught, we will not be held responsible for your embarrassment (or legal bills).

If you’ve never heard of Pearl’s Hill City Park, you’ll be forgiven. Located in a quiet part of Chinatown, this tranquil park has little to offer besides peace
and quiet ... which really is what eager young couples might be looking for. Find one of the more secluded benches, as opposed to those that face the surrounding flats (unless, of course, you’re into that sort of thing) for a little bit of hanky panky.

Also, for those of you who aren’t in the know, Mount Faber Park has had quite the rep as a great place to make-out (and sometimes to do even more). Nothing sets the mood better than the park’s romantic view of the harbor and ocean. Of course, with such a reputation Mount Faber gets busy and you might have to fend off other couples looking to have a little fun as well.

Here Comes the Bride

Couples in Singapore love to take wedding photos before their wedding day at the most peculiar places, and it is not unusual to see a bride hauling her heavy, puffy white dress up the steps of City Hall or across the lawns of the Botanic Gardens.

But nothing beats this popular wedding photo spot at East Coast Park, located right next to the East Coast Sea Sport Club ... a sewage pipe that juts out into the sea. This location may seem a little unorthodox to say the least, but brides and grooms come here for the perfect ocean backdrop. Hey, when you show your friends and relatives the photos they can’t tell if you’re on top of a sewage pipe or on board a luxury cruise liner right? Be careful though, ladies—the pipe is slippery, and you don’t want sludge on your white gown.

Dog Gone It

Dog owners who want their four-legged friends to get more exercise than a trot around the estate can head to the dog run at Bishan Park. This park features a small fenced up area for man’s best friend to run around in—leash free—and fetch, jump and chase to their hearts’ content. Be sure your K9’s on its best behavior when it socializes with its doggy neighbors and don’t forget to clean up its mess. The dog run is located at Bishan Park II, a short walk away from the Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1 bus stop opposite Blk. 338, and is open from 6pm to 8pm from Mondays to Sundays, and 8am to 11am for Saturdays and Sundays.

Spa in the Park

After pampering your pet, why not also give yourself a treat at Aramsa—The Garden Spa (Bishan Park II, 1382 Ang Mo Kio Ave 1, 6456-6556), the first spa in a park. Offering treatments like body wraps and massages, this garden spa also sports the aptly-named restaurant The Green Room, which serves up healthy spa cuisine and fresh juices indoor and alfresco. It’s open from 10am to 5pm on Mondays to Saturdays, and 10am to 7pm on Sundays and public holidays.

Get Sporty

Our parks are the closest we get to having wide open spaces. While they may not exactly be the great outdoors, they are good enough for outdoor sport. You already know about cycling and inline skating that are mainstays at East Coast Park almost every day. For rentals, you can check out Beach Cabana (East Coast Park Area C, 6344-4773), which charges $4 to $7 per hour for mountain bikes, $5 to $8 per hour for double bikes, and $7 to $10 for skates.

If you’re looking to join kayakers paddling out in the ocean, you can rent your own kayak at Kayak Sports n Beach Pub (Along East Coast Parkway Area E, Carpark E2, 9620-5672). While kayaking is not terribly strenuous (unless you are paddling against strong currents), it does give you a good workout.

When the weather’s favorable, windsurfing is a great option. You can rent whatever equipment you may need from the East Coast Sea Sport Club (1390 East Coast Parkway, 6444-0409), so long as you have the proper certification. Rates are at $30 per hour for non-members and $16 for members of the club.

But the coolest attraction for all you sports junkies is cable-skiing. An alternative to sailing out in the wide open sea, cable-skiing is great for giving it the go-around, or if you’re a little more daring, ramp jumping to show what a badass you are. For this, head down to SKI360° (1206A East Coast Parkway, 6442-7318). Rates depend on whether you go on a weekday or weekend, and vary by the hour, so you should check out their website at http://www.ski360degree.com for more details.

Back In My Day (Ho Hum)...

For history buffs of all ages out there, there are World War II sites in our parks to interest you. While these attractions are mostly for out-of-towners, they are well worth it if you don’t mind playing tourist for the day, and you will learn something interesting. So get your noses out of dusty old books and troop off to these historical sights.

Labrador Nature Reserve offers a tour that takes you through its Secret Tunnels (Labrador Park, Carpark A, Labrador Villa Rd., 6339-6833)—a maze of passages beneath the park that were used during the War by the British. Go underground for just $8 for adults and $5 for kids. Tours are from 10am to 7pm daily.

Similarly, check out the Battle Box (51 Canning Rise, 6333-0510) at Fort Canning Park, which takes you to the very bunker where the British decided to surrender to the Japanese. Tickets for this tour are at $8 for adults and $5 for kids. Operating hours are from 10am to 6pm daily.

Also at Fort Canning are cool monuments such as the memorial walls at Fort Canning Green that are adorned with simple gravestones with epitaphs to the early settlers in Singapore. These gravestones are from a Christian cemetery that lay there until 1885.

Drinks and the Beach

Sometimes, nothing beats a quiet drink. Well, nothing except a quiet drink with a great view, that is. Again, East Coast Park comes out top in this department. Aside from the ever popular BFD (#01-00, Marine Cove 1000 East Coast Parkway, 6244-4434) you should also check out The Beach Hut (Blk. B, Unit 21, 1000, Marine Cove, 6245-1932) which has the right idea with its cozy, holiday kind of vibe and a view of the beach and the sea beyond. Likewise, Irish pub Scruffy Murphy’s (Blk. 7, Marine Cove, 6449 7717) has an equally choice location along the same stretch, with a homely cottage-type feel.

All these places offer live music every week—Scruffy Murphy’s on Friday evenings, The Beach Hut from Wednesday to Saturday and BFD on weekends­—as well as booze at reasonable prices, making them the perfect spots to unwind at after a day of biking or cable skiing.

Dig In

And, East Coast Park is the park when it comes to dining too. It’s impossible not to mention the East Coast Lagoon Food Centre (1220 East Coast Parkway). Located a short walk away from SKI360°, the hawker center has become a popular staple of the park over the years, serving up favorites like satay and wanton noodles. Being by the beach gives this hawker center a breezy, laid back atmosphere, unlike the sometimes stuffy hawker centers in buildings. Getting seats can be a bit of a pain though, so come in a small group.

Alternatively, on the opposite end of SKI360° is the East Coast Seafood Centre, that includes the particularly good Fisherman’s Village (#01-06, 1204 East Coast Parkway, 6336-2228) and Jumbo Seafood (#01-07/08, 1206 East Coast Parkway, 6442-3435). There’s indoor and alfresco dining, but we recommend you take a seat outside to enjoy the sea breeze. Calling ahead is definitely advised, so you can get the table of your choice.

You could also check out Marine Cove (1000 East Coast Parkway), a collection of fast food joints, coffee houses and other eateries, such as Mango Tree Indian Coastal Restaurant (6442-8655).

Eating Out

Prefer a picnic or a barbeque instead of hawker and restaurant food? Well, there’s plenty of opportunity for that too. Perfect picnic spots include Fort Canning Green at Fort Canning Park and the area in front of Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage at the Singapore Botanic Gardens. Both are wide open spaces, so no matter how crowded they get, you’ll always have ample space.

If the picnicing seems too much like a family thing and you just want to kick back with friends, Pasir Ris Park has barbeque pits available all around the park, but be sure to book them in advance through an online form at http://www.axs.com.sg. You’ll receive a call to confirm your booking some time after you’ve sent in the form.

Animal Magnetism

If you think that the only animals loose in Singapore are reckless beasts on the roads, think again. The nature trails at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and MacRitchie Reservoir Park offer you a glimpse of monkeys, squirrels and bloody huge lizards, just to name a few.
While these creatures are awesome to see in the wild, don’t get soft and feed them, as that ruins their diet and encourages them to approach visitors instead of foraging and hunting. It’s best not to bring along any food; although keep in mind that each of these trails are lengthy ones so take some refreshment, such as a bottle of water. Trekking these trails could take up to two hours, depending on your pace.

Bird’s Eye

Hiking on nature trails is a great way to enjoy nature, but an even better way is to go up high—to the HSBC Treetop Walk at MacRitchie. A suspension bridge that sways 25 meters above the ground, this treetop canopy walk provides you with a magnificent view—especially in the mornings—of the surrounding nature reserve. We’ve got to warn you though, just getting to the bridge from the car park takes about an hour, so be prepared to devote an entire afternoon to this hike. But it’s well worth the sweat—when you’re standing in the middle of the bridge, taking in the view and enjoying a refreshing breeze unlike anything you get in the city, you’ll agree too.

The walk is open from 9am to 5pm on Tuesdays to Fridays and 8:30am to 5pm on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. It is is closed on Mondays (except public holidays).

Swamped

If the closest you’ve come to a swamp is watching the latest Pirates of the Caribbean movie, maybe it’s time you go and check out a real swamp for yourself. There are a couple of parks in Singapore where mangrove swamps are preserved, with an abundance of unique plant and animal life.

The mangrove swamp at Pasir Ris Park, although quite small, is interesting. Animals aren’t very common here, but there are some curious looking species of fish. And if you’re craving a little bit of quiet time, this place is excellent—the path that runs through the swamp is peppered with rest stops, including one that overlooks the Tampines River. To get to the swamp, go to Meeting Point Two, along Pasir Ris Green.

You could also swing by the Sungei Buloh Wetlands. You’re likely to find more animal life here, like water snakes, crabs and a resident family of otters, so keep a camera handy. Entry is free on weekdays; and on Saturdays, Sundays, and public and school holidays it’ll only cost you $1 (or $0.50 for children, senior citizens and students).

Sleepover

For anyone who’s ever wanted to sleep under the stars, we suggest pitching a tent at Pasir Ris Park. There are plenty of camping spots along the beach where you can fall asleep to the sound of waves crashing. Much like with barbequing in this park, you’ll have to book in advance—can’t have just anyone loitering around now, can we? To submit an application form, surf over to the National Parks Board website (http://www.nparks.gov.sg), click on the “online-services” section and select the Usage of Parks Application form. Expect a call after you’ve submitted the form.

All parked out

So, who said our parks are all the same? Keep this in mind the next time you’re staring blankly out your window at work, wondering what to do this weekend.

Budget airlines are quickly becoming an integral part of the way we travel by providing us with cheaper prices to those much coveted, less-well-trodden destinations. But exotic travel doesn’t necessarily mean glamor, especially when you’re trying to do it economically. Here’s the lowdown on what you get for your dollar’s worth, and how to secure the cheapest tickets.

Air Asia

Destinations

One of the first budget airlines in Singapore, Air Asia is still a good choice for budget travel especially within Malaysia. Direct from Singapore they only fly to Bangkok, but if you can get to Kuala Lumpur first they offer some of the cheapest fares to Borneo as well as a host of destinations in Thailand (such as Chiang Mai and Phuket) and a hotch potch of others like Jakarta, Manila (Clarke) and Brunei. Another option is to travel overland to Johor Bahru and get flights to eight destinations from there, most in Malaysia.

Flight Times

Because of the transfer times in both KL or JB, weekend travel by Air Asia is a little tight as there are no really late night flights. However there are two direct night flights to Bangkok that are scheduled, which leave you plenty of time to get to the airport from the office.

Cheapies and their Likelihood

Air Asia still offers cheap deals that seem to be readily available at most times. Although the really discounted fares are rare, most flights are still cheap. According to their website, Air Asia’s discounts are based on supply and demand, so the earlier you book, the less you’ll spend.

On Board

Air Asia is definitely a no frills airline—the interior of the planes look old, the planes sound old (everything seems particularly noisy on Air Asia flights), and they offer very limited creature comforts (alcohol isn’t available for purchase). However, if you’re willing to pay, food such as nasi lemak or goreng, cup noodles and sandwiches are available.

The Downside

Because the only destination directly out of Singapore is Bangkok, this severely limits travel options with Air Asia, especially for short or weekend trips. There is also no allocated seating, but as most flights are short-haul, this shouldn’t be a big problem. Baggage check-in allowances are limited, however, to 15 kilograms.

Tiger Airways

Destinations

Tiger Airways was really the airline that opened up destinations such as Vietnam and Darwin with their ridiculously low prices and for that we’re eternally grateful. Also made more accessible are some of the smaller destinations in China such as Shenzhen and Guangzhou, and Thai hubs like Chiang Mai and Krabi. But flights to Manila are also to Clarke, about 70 kilometers (two hours drive) from Manila.

Flight Times

Flight times with Tiger Airways are quite amenable to weekend trips for most of the popular destinations, such as Hanoi, Bangkok, Krabi and Phuket. Watch out for timetable changes on October 28.

Cheapies and their Likelihood

The unbelievable Tiger Airways fares you see advertized are real—we’ve been able to obtain them before. But to get the real discounts, you have to be dedicated to surfing the site regularly and be prepared to make a decision to travel whenever the specials are available. According to Tiger Airways, ultra cheap fares are sold on a first come first served basis, with no restrictions on travel.

On Board

Most things can be purchased on board the airline including cup noodles, sandwiches, alcohol and merchandise. Even blankets are available for a price. There’s also a free magazine if you happen to forget to bring your own reading material. Tiger Airways uses new planes—their starting fleet was brand new in 2004 with another three craft expected by the end of the year.

The Downside

No allocated seating means that Tiger Airways flights typically see people queuing at the gate at least an hour before boarding. And if you can’t keep under the 15 kilogram luggage limit you can upgrade to a 20 kilogram limit for an additional $15 for a two-way trip rather than paying an extra $7.50 per kilogram.

One more thing—recently Tiger Airways has been in the habit of moving flight times around. This can mean that occasionally flights will change day as well as time which can affect your whole holiday—but at least they are willing to offer full refunds or allow you to choose other flight options without penalty, and they’ll usually let you know several weeks in advance.

Jetstar

Destinations

Thanks to Jetstar, Cambodia has suddenly become a lot more accessible, with flights into both Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. Jetstar also offers cheaper flights directly into Manila (rather than into Clark) as well Denpasar (operated by Valuair), Yangon and, of course, Bangkok.

Flight Times

Many Jetstar flights don’t really work for weekend trips as outbound flights after 6pm on a Friday night are extremely limited. However, if your departure time is flexible, then most of the more popular destinations, such as Hong Kong and Bangkok, have multiple daily flights.

Cheapies and their Likelihood

Jetstar tells us that their promotional (read: really cheap) fares are usually available across all flights and all days, and will be released into the next available fare class as the plane sells out. However in our experience, the ultra cheapies sell out quick and tend to really only be available on flights departing Mondays to Thursdays. This is first come first served, so again, once a cheap fare is advertized it’s important to snap it up quick. Fares on Jetstar rarely get cheaper closer to the date of the flight—it’s more about buying the bargains when you see them.

JetSaver fares, as their name indicates, are the fares with the most restrictions, in particular the tickets are non-refundable, and departure and arrival destinations cannot be changed. Other fares tend to be more flexible, although cancellations will usually incur charges.

On Board

Some of the finer details are better taken care of on Jetstar than the other airlines—the planes are just under two years old, seats are leather and they are pre-assigned so there’s no mad rush before boarding. Beer, wine, scotch, gin and vodka are available for purchase on board as well as snacks, including hot meals for trips over three hours. Baggage restrictions are the normal 20 kilograms.

The Downside

Jetstar doesn’t seem to advertise as many of the unbelievably cheap fares as the other two airlines. In this sense their website and email blasters are perhaps a more realistic indication of what price range you can expect. But the flip side is Qantas frequent fliers can earn points with Jetstar JetFlex and StarClass tickets.

As more people dig live music, more clubs and pubs are welcoming bands under their wings. These acts in turn, try to deliver a jolly good time and get audiences grooving to their music. Here, in no particular order, are outstanding bands that have just gained club or bar residencies and those that are still rocking our socks off after all these years.

Addiction

Seven-piece act Addiction is made up of bassist Red, keyboardist Rommel, drummer Tox, guitarist Andy, vocalist Ryan and frontliners Ron and Dia. This act made DXO (#01-13F Esplanade Mall, 8 Raffles Ave., 6582-4896) its home last August. If you are into more commercial R&B, alternative, retro and a bit of jazz, Addiction is it for you.

Addiction is a youthful act that caters to a younger crowd. Dia quips, “The band’s members’ ages range from early to late ’20s. The street chic fashion sense that they possess contributes to the youthful and vibrant image of the band.” She adds: “We draw the teen crowd, and also the young-at-heart.”

So what has the response been like for Addiction’s sets at DXO? Dia says, “So far so good. The people are now beginning to like us and starting to dance to our music, unlike the first few days at DXO, when the crowd were just watching and giving us warm applause at the end of each song.”

Noize Gate

If you are up for a riotous show, then catch Noize Gate in action and down some beer. This act just checked into Vintage (#03-17/18 Cuppage Plaza, 5 Koek Rd., 9760-0885) about a month ago, and is made up of bassist Amree, guitarist Norman and drummer Hairul. Noize Gate changes its vocalist every once in a while, and its current singer is Acep.

The band members insist they are entertainers rather than just musicians. Norman says, “I would say we’re a ‘sight-and-sound’ band. We don’t just play music. We do all sorts of funny tricks on stage. We entertain. We like to crack jokes!”

Catch Noize Gate if you are up for grunge, rock and metal. But be prepared for a boisterous show. The band often invites someone from the audience to come up on stage to sing or play an instrument with them; expect crude jokes in between covers of Led Zeppelin, Metallica and Iron Maiden.

Energy

Energy is a familiar name in the local live band circle. Formed in 1987, the act has undergone lineup changes, and was the house band for Bar None, Hard Rock Café, 1NiteStand Bar and Comedy Club, the now defunct Sparks and more. Energy is now ending their stint at Club Momo and heading back to Bar None
(B1, Singapore Marriott Hotel, 320 Orchard Rd., 6831-4657) from October 3.

Energy plays primarily contemporary rock, and is made up of keyboardist Gavin, guitarist Mus, bassist Is, drummer Johan and lead vocalist Zoul. When asked about why they have been asked to go back to Bar None, Gavin explains, “The owner of Bar None, Jason Choo, wants to get the rock feel back in the place. Now they have Jive Talkin’, which is a good R&B and pop band. But he wants to change the music in the bar.”

Look forward to Energy dishing out lesser-heard songs. Gavin quips, “We try to educate the crowd. People often request the same songs from a particular artiste. For example, when you talk about Eric Clapton, everyone wants ‘Wonderful Tonight.’ But he has a few thousand songs. Instead of playing only the popular songs, we try to play other good songs by the same artiste.”

Douglas O and Satellite

Most of you know by now that five-piece band Satellite which is fronted by former frontman of Energy Douglas O, has gained residence in Le Baroque (B1-07 CHIJMES, 30 Victoria St., 6339-6696) two months ago (if you don’t, you’re slow). Members include Sultan on keyboards, Misran on drums, Fred on bass and Azmi on guitars.

Satellite plays mostly contemporary rock covers, and is working towards a no frill kind of sound to set themselves apart from other acts. Douglas O claims, “We’re trying to go back to the basics. We’re not a band with lots of strings and brass, or complicated arrangements—our sound is more minimal. It’s simple and easy.”

When talking about the chemistry between Satellite and the crowd, he adds, “We try to get everyone involved. We’ll chit chat with the crowd on stage and people will respond. Musicians have to play and move at the same time. I’ve seen bands where only the frontman is moving, and the other members are like statues!”

Drop by Le Baroque for a good dose of rock ‘n’ roll. With 36 years of experience under his belt, rest assured Douglas O has still got what it takes to woo the crowd.

John Molina and Krueger

John Molina and his band Krueger have been whipping the crowd into frenzy at Rouge (Peranakan Place Complex, 180 Orchard Rd., 6732-6966) for some time now. The act is loved for its covers of modern rock and alternative numbers and has garnered a loyal following.

A house band they might be, but the act does not pander to every whim of the crowd. Molina says, “We may be a cover band, but we certainly have a style we work by. We’re not your typical pop or Top 40s band. We refuse to play boy band shit!”

If you just wanna let loose to familiar numbers instead of decking yourself up and gyrating at the dance floor, John Molina and Krueger will satisfy. “The crowd we draw is mostly laidback people like us. Real people with no sticks up their arses like most clubbers have,” asserts Molina. OK, so this act may not be new, but they are always a safe bet to catch if you want a hot and electrifying show.

The Blues Machine

Rocking Crazy Elephant (#01-03/04 Clarke Quay, 3E River Valley Rd., 6337-7859) for about ten years now is The Blues Machine. This band is made up of guitarist John, drummer Ray and bassist Kamal, and often rotates its lead vocalist. If you dig rock and blues and croon to tunes such as “16 Tons” and “Whipping Post,” drop by and get wild.

Anticipate infectious guitar riffs or innovative drum work created on the spur of the moment when you catch The Blues Machine. John says, “We like to play music spontaneously. We’ve actually not heard a lot of the songs that our singer calls out for. We just play them spontaneously and with our own interpretations. These songs will evolve and that is the sound of The Blues Machine!”

The UnXpected

The UnXpected debuted four years ago, with the feisty Shirlyn Tan as the frontliner of the band. Catch this house band at Wala Wala Café Bar (31 Lorong Mambong, 6462-4288) on Thursdays and Saturdays and Muddy Murphy’s Irish Pub (#B1-01/01-06 Orchard Hotel Shopping Arcade, 442 Orchard Rd., 6735-0400) on Fridays and some Sundays.

Rock numbers are the forte of The UnXpected, and its sound has already won the affection of many. Tan claims, “The crowd has definitely grown in size since we started. We’re a lot louder now compared to our easy listening beginning.” She adds, “You can expect to see people really letting go when we play the rock numbers. The energy is infectious.” If you love songs such as “Paint It Black,” “The Immigrant Song” and “Under Pressure,” don’t miss out on this band.

So there you have it—electrifying bands that are adding more than just some sizzle into the local live act scene. Although they play covers, they often improvise songs and try to cultivate a sound they can call their own. Hit these clubs and pubs for a good time, and judge how they fare yourself.

A transfixing array of over 150 art works just graced the walls of the National Museum of Singapore. Derived from the extensive art collection of the Deutsche Bank, these paper-based pieces tackle issues that range from consumerism to gender roles.

Deutsche Bank owns a wide and eclectic range of works, but the art pieces featured in All the Best: The Deutsche Bank Collection and Zaha Hadid are mostly drawings and photographs. Curator Joselina Cruz explains: “I was excited at the opportunity to create a conversation within the exhibition amongst the art works,” she says. “I have always been interested in drawing as a potent medium that has taken a backseat to the more spectacular contemporary art. This media has the potential to create thoughtful and powerful art in the 21st century.” She adds, “Its juxtaposition with photography shows that contemporary drawing can hold its own. The exhibition thus becomes the point of meeting for the exploration of two media; the site where artists are pushing, experimenting and using drawing and photography as important methods.”

Besides photographs and drawings, look out for an on-site installation by the esteemed architect Zaha Hadid. Cutting across the courtyard of the museum to the ceilings and walls of the main exhibition space, it adds a modern and contemporary feel to the whole show.

Check out All the Best: The Deutsche Bank Collection and Zaha Hadid for a visual tease. Don’t miss the works of notables such as Eva Hesse, Gregor Schneider, Joseph Beuys, Juergen Teller, Tracy Emin, Marlene Dumas and Thomas Ruff while you are there. And bank on this show to be an absorbing one.

1. High fashion divas know that chandeliers are not just meant for ceilings. If you second that notion, flaunt it in this irrepressible duo. $1,990 from On Pedder.

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Address Book

GUESS #B1-24A/25-28, Ngee Ann City, 391 Orchard Rd., 6735-7363

Nine West #01-07A/10, Wisma Atria, 435 Orchard Rd., 6735-6660.

On Pedder #02-12P/Q, Ngee Ann City, 391 Orchard Rd., 6835-2660.

Sole2Sole #03-11, Mandarin Gallery, 333 Orchard Rd., 6836-3230.

Stuart Weitzman #02-12/E, Ngee Ann City, 391 Orchard Rd., 6734-2331.