Western Australia: What to see, eat, do & everything new

May 29 2023

Growing up in the UK in the 1980s means that the version of Australia I had in my mind was not an altogether accurate one. For me, it was all about the Sydney Opera House, a big rock, golden sand and Kylie Minogue’s impressive perm. How ignorant I was – and perhaps continued to be – untiI I visited Western Australia last month.

Shamefully, WA was not high on my travel hitlist. If you’re reading this as an Australasian, it might not be on yours either. Over the years, the state has been outshone by its more confident counterparts, but during that time the west coast has been doing some serious inner-work. Post-pandemic, a new and transformed region is emerging, beautiful and butterfly-like, ready to show the world just how much it has to offer.

With capital city Perth being just a five hour flight from Changi airport and joyously in the same time zone, Singapore is Western Australia’s number one market for foreign visitors. Indeed, arrivals into WA from the red dot are already back at 80 per cent of pre-Covid levels. Keen to see what the fuss was about, plus desperate to cuddle a quokka, I booked a trip to Perth for me and my mum. After all, she had to live through my own difficult Kylie ‘perm’ years, so it only seemed fair. Here’s why we both wish we’d visited sooner.

1 The art

Perth is a good-looking city. Sitting pretty where the Swan River meets the southwest coast, sandy beaches line its suburbs, the snaking waterway creates a stunning contrast to the city’s skyline, Kings Park and the Botanic Garden provide green sanctuary from the urban sprawl, gothic architecture peppers the main shopping district, and the arrival of the $375 million Western Australian museum in 2020, Boola Bardip, adds a swish stamp to the bustling Perth Cultural Centre.

However, it’s in Perth’s backstreets and alleyways that you’ll find its most eye-catching secrets in the shape of street art. “Every laneway in Perth with cobblestone down the middle has a secret at the end,” reveals our sunny Perth city tour guide, Jack (twofeet.com.au). Mum and I were kept entertainingly up to speed on the old and new of our surroundings as Jack escorted us to the city’s most famous landmarks such as the Town Hall, St George’s Cathedral and London Court, but it was when he introduced us to a selection of stunning hand painted wall murals that the wow-factor kicked in.

Back in 2014 an initiative was launched to transform more than 35 spaces or walls in the city into an urban canvas. Showcasing work by local and international artists, subjects include Australian birds, dystopia, the multicultural nature of Perth, Solyptol soap, and mental health. My favourite mural was by Argentinian artist Hyuro, depicting women breaking the glass ceiling. Prince Lane, which was home to dressmakers and factories in the 1960s, was also captivating with frescos paying homage to the fashion industry and hip retro signage by local artist Stormie Mills.

Alongside Perth’s graffiti scene to which pieces are continually added, there’s around 200 public artworks on display across the CBD, so if you want creative inspo, look no further. Perth International Arts Festival (perthfestival.com.au) keeps the party going in February and March so get booking for 2024 now.

2 High-flying adventure

I’m at a 45-degree angle, 50 metres above the Swan River when I understand why my 70-year-old mother declined to climb the new Matagarup Bridge with me. However, while I’m not great with heights, Mum’s really missing out because ascending the 314 steps to the viewing platform 72 metres above ground is well worth it. The bridge and climbing attraction opened in 2021 and sees adventurous types (aged 8+) first receive a thorough briefing on full body harness, bridge latch device and safety procedures before they shimmy their way to the top. The best bit? You get to soak up breathtaking views before ziplining 400 metres over the water back to land. Wheeeee! Armed with two trusty guides who were educational and lots of fun, I felt safe (and a bit like a superhero) the entire time. zipclimb.com.au

3 Hip new hangouts

Miss Mi
Miss Mi’s inaugural outlet in Melbourne is a hot favourite and the new sister venue in Perth is following suit. We dine here on a Tuesday evening during the third week of opening and the place is packed, the vibe dynamic, the service impeccable and the location excellent. The menu, curated by Filipino-born Australian chef Alex De Leon brings Western Australian ingredients and Asian flavours together. Big hitters include Miss Mi’s Lamb Shoulder Rendang with Toasted Coconut; Pemanggang Ikan Market Fish with Spicy Tamarind Broth; and Curry Pineapple with Kaffir and Curry. Pair with a Pandan Colada for a Southeast Asian spin. missmiperth.com.au
Astral Weeks
Perth’s first hi-fi listening bar opened last year in a former Chinese medicine store. The intimate 60-seater venue is an ode to an era before Spotify and puts music at the forefront with vinyl tucked into custom-built shelves and all bar staff being musicians or DJs. astral-weeks.com.au
Novotel Perth Murray Street
If you’re looking for a prime location, spacious rooms, slick staff and a splash of style, the newly revamped Novotel Perth Murray Street is for you. Emerging victorious and with more va-va-voom than its pre-pandemic days, this hotel has it all – yes, even a rooftop pool (see above). It’s the perfect place to cool down after browsing Chanel a few doors down. all.accor.com

4 The wine region no-one knows about

Margaret River may be WA’s most famous wine region, but those in the know (and with no time or inclination for a longer tour) head just outside of Perth to the region’s best kept secret, Swan Valley. A mere 25-minute drive away, SV boasts almost 50 wineries and vineyards, artisan eateries, farmers markets and grapes the size of your head (okay, slight exaggeration). Being in such close proximity to the city centre, Mum and I had barely digested our Weet-Bix before we found ourselves immersed in bucolic surroundings.
We were shown around the region, which is encompassed in a neat 32-kilometre loop, by local guide Shannon (upcloseandlocaltours.com.au) who only escorts guests to locations she’s tried and tested personally and targets the parts big bus tours can’t reach. All we had to do was enjoy the incredible knowledge of the winemakers, go behind-the-scenes to witness the wine-making processes firsthand, and pull out the phrases “primary flavours’’ and “complexity” while reaching for the Parmigiano-Reggiano. The dream! All the vino was soaked up by a lovely lunch in the recently revamped Upper Reach restaurant (upperreach.com.au/restaurant) which now comes with updated décor, a new menu and a great focus on flavourful local produce.

Your Swan Valley Hitlist

Kato’s at 3000 (ask for Marlene)
The House of Honey ( thehouseofhoney.com.au)
Olive Farm Wines ( olivefarmwines.com.au)
Faber Vinyard ( fabervineyard.com.au)
Mandoon Estate ( mandoonestate.com.au)

5 Pick of the landscapes

While Perth may be one of the most isolated cities on the globe – surrounded by the Australian outback on one side and the Indian Ocean on the other – it certainly packs in the scenery. It’s. Just. So. Versatile.

South of Perth we explored Boranup Karri Forest, saw thrombolites at Lake Clifton, passed through farmland, ventured into the world’s longest cave, Mammoth Cave, and dangled our toes in crystalline waters from coastal jetties (mcleodtours.com.au). North of Perth we marvelled at ancient rock pillars the Pinnacles, laughed our way through a 4WD in Lancelin Sand Dunes, and got powder in our shorts while bumboarding. We watched the sunset from Gnarabup coast, took in the harbourfront at Perth’s Elizabeth Quay, and at Cottesloe Beach we swam in the ocean and held up the very British tradition of sunbathing just a bit too much.

6 Daily escapes on your doorstep

Mum and I made Perth our base but were in awe of the options for day trips or longer that are available. From coffee tasting (yahava.com.au) to kangaroo spotting (cavershamwildlife.com.au) to lobster lunching (lobstershack.com.au), it’s all here. It’s ridiculously easy to just ‘get away’ and feel a freedom that’s hard to instantly access anywhere else (especially Singapore!).

We took the 45-minute ferry journey from the bohemian town of Fremantle to Rottnest Island (sealinkrottnest.com.au), a paradise island and protected nature reserve with a sandy-footed, back-to-basics ethos where the beaches are ivory white and the water gin-clear. The heat can be searing, so jump on a Bayseeker tour bus (buy a package with ferry crossing) and plump for a seat on the left-hand side to bag the best views of 20 secluded bays, coral reefs, passing dolphin pods, amazing flora and fauna and Rotto’s smiley endemic species, the quokka. Touted as ‘the world’s happiest animal’, after visiting Perth it’s easy to see why they would be. Ten days exploring WA made Mum and I feel on top of the world, too.

Carnival magic at ANZA Netball

May 24 2023

The 2014 Netball Ninjas and Dream Team pictured with Coach Andy, Emma, Vanessa, Susannah & CJ

Over two Saturday mornings in March, the 2015, 2014, and 2013 players participated in their first “away” netball carnival hosted by The Netball Academy at Kallang Netball Centre. For the youngest ANZA Netball girls, the seven-year-olds, this was their first carnival and a bit of rain couldn’t dampen their spirits.

It was a wonderful opportunity for the players to apply the skills they’ve been learning during their Saturday training sessions via friendly inter-club games. As they progressed through the morning of short matches, their understanding of play dramatically improved. Volunteer umpires provided friendly guidance to explain the rules while keeping the game flowing and it was fabulous to watch the girls communicate better on court . Most importantly, the teams were having fun and growing their love of netball.

“The teams were having fun and growing their love of netball”

Thank you to the organisers, volunteer coaches, and parent cheerleaders for two fantastic mornings of netball. It was rewarding to see our junior players blossoming into little netballers. We know they are all eagerly awaiting their next carnival, especially the one hosted by ANZA, as we overheard many asking, “but where is the bake sale?”!

PTO Asian Open Duathlon: Join this world-class race experience

May 24 2023

Sponsored Content

As part of the Professional Triathletes Organisation’s (PTO) expansion endeavours, an exhilarating race is set to make its debut in Singapore on 20 August 2023 – the PTO Asian Open Duathlon.

Read on to find out more details of this fantastic event!

Run-bike-run

Get ready to embark on an extraordinary journey where you’ll conquer an iconic course amidst the bustling cityscape, closed roads, and the electrifying energy of a major international race.

Proudly organised by MetaSport, this unique duathlon, the first of its kind in Singapore, invites athletes of all fitness levels to participate in a thrilling run-bike-run experience like no other. Whether you’re a seasoned duathlete or venturing into the duathlon realm for the first time, this race promises an unforgettable adventure that will showcase your athletic prowess.

Participants can choose between two distances that suit their goals and aspirations. The Standard Duathlon of 4.5km Run/32km Bike/4.5km Run will test your speed and agility, while the Long Duathlon of 9km Run/64km Bike/9km Run will push your endurance to the edge.

Imagine pounding the pavement against the backdrop of Singapore’s most iconic sights, with the stunning Marina Bay serving as the backdrop to your every stride. The route, carefully designed to immerse you in the city’s vibrant atmosphere, will take you through closed roads, ensuring an uninterrupted flow and an unparalleled duathlon experience.

The races offer an individual or relay option, allowing athletes to team up with friends or fellow enthusiasts. Share the exhilaration, support each other along the way, and create lasting memories as you conquer the course together. The relay format, where one participant takes on the cycling segment while the others handle the running segments, adds a unique element of teamwork and camaraderie to the race.

The excitement does not end there. Sport enthusiasts can expect a full weekend of sport action and entertainment. Alongside the duathlon races, the inaugural PTO Asian Open will feature a 100km triathlon race (2km swim; 80km bike; 18km run) featuring the world’s best pro athletes in a battle for one of the sport’s highest prize money in the world. Although the amateur triathlon race has been sold out, entries are still open to relay teams – the big highlight of the triathlon being the first opportunity ever for experienced amateurs to swim in Marina Bay.

Certainly an event not to be missed! Enjoy a truly next-level race experience, a buzzing festival atmosphere with entertainment for the whole family, and the opportunity to be inspired by the best triathletes in the world.

ANZA’s Got Talent: The Musician

May 23 2023

ANZA Executive Committee member Christo Alexander is from Sydney, and lives with his partner, Lina. He’s the General Manager at SongDivision Asia, and has been a full-time musician for over 20 years.

When did you discover a love for music?
I remember as a child, tuning my radio into this amazing sound: ‘It’s Too Funky In Here’ by James Brown. I was done for! I got my first guitar when I was 12. Today I’m a professional musician, facilitator and composer. I’ve worked in the music industry since the age of 15.

Have you had any formal training?
No, I was an on the job musician and learned the hard way.

How did your skills develop?
I started a band at school – we were not very good! I just wanted to be a rock god
on guitar, but we couldn’t find a singer. I offered to do the vocals, so bunkered down in my family bathroom (which had great acoustics) and practiced singing at the top of my voice for hours. I found my calling!

Tell us about your style of music …
I enjoy singing classic (epic) rock songs that are super-hard, and smooth and funky jams. I’ve been told I have a classic 80s rock voice, high and powerful.

What’s your creative process?
I’ve written songs in 30 minutes, and others have taken years! Usually, I’ll start with chord progressions on a guitar, then sing a melody and add lyrics.

“I’ve written songs in 30 minutes, and others have taken years!”
– Christo Alexander

What piece are you most proud of?
My song ‘Magnified’ took 10 years to complete, the lyrics are about a struggle I had with my mental health. Check it out on my YouTube channel (youtu.be/93VLb360s24).

What does music bring to your life?
It’s brought me endless joys. I’ve played in many different countries for countless audiences. My greatest musical achievement was playing the Singapore F1 in 2022 with my mate Nolan Bradbury and his band, The Countdown Band. It was amazing sharing the bill with Black Eyed Peas, Green Day, and TLC.

Come and celebrate ANZA’s 75^th birthday with Christo and The Countdown Band at the upcoming ANZA Black Tie Ball – GLITTERBALL. Find out more about the event here!

linkedin.com/in/christoalexander/
@christoalexandermusic
@thenefariousfriends

How to spot dental problems in kids

May 23 2023

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Children experience common dental problems similar to adults, but because of a child’s physical, physiological, and even psychological differences, such issues require a keen professional eye to notice them. When it comes to areas of concern, your child’s dentist can tailor specific tips and provide recommendations based on your child’s age and stage of development.

Silent signs

A foundation of good oral health in childhood paves the way for a lifetime of functional and beautiful teeth. Early signs of poor oral health are often missed as they are usually painless. This is true for adults but even more so for kids, especially the little ones who will not keep still for you to inspect their mouth! We’ve met countless parents who bring their children to us for routine check-ups and are shocked when we find numerous cavities. Here’s some red flags to look out for:

Halitosis (bad breath) that persists after brushing
Red and/or puffy gums, which may bleed when brushing along the gumline
Colour changes on the surfaces of the teeth – white, yellow, brown, or dark spots/streaks that cannot be brushed off

Teeth malalignment

Orthodontic (related to the alignment of teeth) and orthognathic (related to the jaws) problems can lead to dental issues including:

A tendency to trap food and plaque, and difficulty in brushing and flossing
Poor aesthetics and a detrimental effect on self-esteem
Poor chewing ability
The uneven wearing down of teeth
Effects on speech
Asymmetric growth

These problems have a range of types and severity which can depend on your child’s stage of personal dental development. A paediatric dentist or orthodontist can recommend treatment options at the optimal age.

“Traumatic dental injuries in children make up 5% of all injuries”

Dental trauma

Traumatic dental injuries in children and young adults make up 5% of all injuries, therefore a well-fitted mouthguard is highly recommended if your child plays contact sports. In the case of a tooth avulsion (where the entire tooth gets knocked out of its socket and you can see the entire tooth, crown and root), it’s essential to reimplant it as soon as possible, if this is the child’s permanent tooth.

Gently hold the tooth by its crown (the white part) and avoid handling its root (the long, yellow portion). If visibly soiled, rinse it gently using milk, saline, or the child’s saliva. Insert the tooth back into its socket and have the child bite on a gauze or handkerchief to hold it in place.

If you cannot reimplant the tooth, store it immediately in a solution such as milk, Hanks’ Balanced Salt Solution, your child’s saliva, or saline. Seek dental care immediately. If the avulsion involves a milk or baby tooth, refrain from putting it back in the mouth. Doing so can risk further injuring the unerupted permanent tooth in the gum above.

Tooth tips to live by

Toothbrushing should be done at least twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste. Parents should supervise until (a) the child has sufficient fine motor skills to brush by themselves, and (b) the child is motivated to brush well
Flossing should be done once a day, ideally before brushing
Food that is bad for your teeth is generally bad for your body, too. Limit “empty calories” from snacks and treats like candy, cookies, and cake, and ensure an intake of well-balanced meals with enough protein and fibre
Pick a “treat day” or “sweet drinks day” that you and your children can enjoy together. Keep it within one sitting, avoid nibbling/sipping over a long period, and follow it up with toothbrushing or a good gargle with water
Establish a regular dentist for your child early in life. The American Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends the first dental visit should take place when the child’s first tooth erupts or by their first birthday, whichever is earlier. Starting a dental routine now means dental visits become scheduled in and easy, instead of being random, scary appointments

Dr Pauline Lee has experience in treating children including sedation and GA cases, special needs and medically compromised patients, as well as interceptive orthodontics and trauma. She takes pride in providing a pleasant and positive dental environment where every child can achieve a beautiful, healthy smile.

To learn more about children’s dental issues or to book an appointment with one of our friendly dentists, contact us at 6733 9882 or www.smilefocus.com.sg

Dulwich College reveals Ignite Switzerland programme

May 20 2023

Sponsored Content

Ignite Switzerland is an exclusive 12-week residential programme for a cohort of Year 9 students from the Dulwich College International schools in Asia. This programme is truly transformational because it not only meets the core IGCSE academic criteria of the curriculum, but also focuses on developing self-confidence, independence, resilience and a sense of community through world-class indoor and outdoor learning.

The first cohort of Dulwich College (Singapore) Year 9 students to take part in the Ignite Switzerland term abroad programme thoroughly enjoyed their experiences. Located at Hochalpines Institut Ftan (HIF), a boarding school in the Swiss Alps, the students were fizzing with excitement when they returned.

By living away from home and encountering new challenges, the students discover their best selves, finding new ways to reflect on the world in an awe-inspiring natural environment, surrounded by mountains, forest, pastures, rivers and wildlife.

“This programme is unique, offering an incredible opportunity to experience life away from home, with a variety of activities and learning opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable, but with the security of being in a school with the same high expectations and values as those found here,” said Melanie Ellis, Head of Senior School.

When each student was asked to describe their experience in one word, the enthusiasm was unmistakeable: “exciting”, “inspiring”, “eye opener” and “adventure”.

Student Indrani shared,” I’ve learned and developed independence and responsibility; being responsible for simple things like cleaning up my room; as well as for my actions and words. The challenges I faced during my time at Ignite have made me a stronger person. I know that with the right mindset I can now do anything.”

Passion project

As well as keeping up with the Year 9 curriculum, students took advantage of everything the Alps had to offer, including downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, snowshoeing through the forest and ice-skating. They really were living the dream!

In addition to the core curriculum, students choose from a range of electives, including photography, filmmaking, art, music and exploring the natural world, where they consider what constitutes a truly sustainable and ethical society. Besides developing basic life skills, such as learning how to cook, the students take on a ‘Passion Project’ which they will present and share upon their return to school.

“My ‘Passion Project’ was a website focusing on how climate change has affected the region’s economy, community and biodiversity,” says student Hayden. “The excursions we took during our time at HIF brought to light the immense issues that climate change has caused. With everyone on a digital device, I chose to use a website with many photographs, which I took to visually present the issue and to spread this message efficiently and quickly. I will continue to expand and build the knowledge that I have gained to propose sustainable solutions.”

Ignite Switzerland presents amazing new opportunities for current and future generations of students. It is hoped the experience will inspire them to Live Worldwise and make a positive difference in the world. Click here to view the photos showing how the students spent their time at HIF, and here for more programme information.

Dulwich College (Singapore), 71 Bukit Batok West Avenue 8, Singapore, 658966, +65 6890 1003, [email protected], www.singapore.dulwich.org

ANZA Cricket: Bushies are GO!

May 17 2023

Bushies kick off!

The first game of the ANZA Cricket season took place at the beautiful Dempsey ground with the batsmen of Bushies showing no rust. Rishi Kakhani led the way with a great 60 run and 53 ball innings, supported by Domonic Abhriham (25 off 20) Reanto Rainone (28 off 40) and – of course – 35 extras. The grand total of 194 was a real good one despite no real big hits in the final overs.

As for the bowling …

It started off well. Gaurav Nikam scared them with his pace, but it was Ramesh (Rammy) as captain who came on to pump and capture three quick wickets off his six overs. We were really in the game at the early stages, however, as the sun bore down, the field dried and out came the heavy swingers. While a lot of our shots went to fielders, the Champions Friends squad had the knack for finding gaps and the short side boundaries of Dempsey came into play. A couple of good middle innings stands for the 4th and 5th wicket meant damage was done. All in all, it was a great game with lots of runs, but Bushies fell short in what was an impressive opening for the season.

Commonwealth Capers

ANZA Cricket took on the British Club for the Commonwealth Cup at NUS ground. It was an enjoyable social game, no better explained than by their tweet to the world (or Twittersphere!). Special thanks to the BC boys who were awesome hosts, and not bad at cricket either! We’ll let you hang onto the cup for a while …

Interested in sponsoring ANZA Cricket? Contact Kerry Low, [email protected]

The ultimate summer camps for kids in Singapore

May 16 2023

Sponsored Content

It’s upon us again – the end of the school term and time for holiday camps with Camp Asia! We offer your children the opportunity to explore their interests and learn new skills, all while making friends that will last throughout childhood and beyond. So, keep your little ones entertained this holiday season with some great creative and artsy camp activities!

Let your children experience our Drama Academy camp, an opportunity that will build your child’s creativity, confidence, character development and communication through games, improvisation, storytelling, acting and movement. Drama Academy camp gives children exposure to different views of the world through characters and bringing literacy to life. Warm-ups, games, improvisation, learning lines, devising scenes complete with costumes, music and rehearsals culminate in taking to the stage on Friday afternoon. It’s an emotional and memorable moment for both you and your child.

Imaginative thinking

Passionate kids performing at the parent’s showcase from Drama Academy

If drama doesn’t quite suit, there’s always dancing! Dance is an excellent way for children to develop many different physical skills such as balance, flexibility, strength, conditioning, posture, agility, and stamina. Dance also teaches children how to exercise safely and look after their bodies. So, blast the music, pump up the energy and join the Let’s Dance camp where children will be taught a variety of choreography hip-hop, street jazz and other popular dance moves. This includes the fundamentals of dancing, proper execution of movements, understanding rhythm and music and most importantly, performing what they have learnt with passion and confidence.

“You’re likely to be astounded
at your child’s creativity and newfound skills”

There is also Passion for Art camp at Camp Asia. Art encourages creativity and imaginative thinking, two skills that are increasingly linked with long-term professional success. There’s an artist in every child, and Camp Asia’s skilled and experienced teachers will bring out the artist in yours through painting, drawing, ceramics, and recycling. Kids will also learn art history and global cultures and how to appreciate different styles including Neolithic, Classical, Romantic, Impressionist/Abstract Impressionist, Pointillist, Pop, and Minimalist. The week concludes with a gallery exhibition, where you’re likely to be astounded at your child’s creativity and newfound skills.

Fascinating food

Our Super Chefs whip up diverse cuisines – pastries, comfort food, you name it!

Far from being a chore or ‘just something parents do’, cooking takes on a whole new meaning for those who join Camp Asia’s Super Chef camp. Kids get to explore a range of flavours and textures, celebrate diverse cultures, learn kitchen basics and ingredients, and prepare and create exotic starters, mains, desserts and cakes from scratch. Our talented team of professional chefs teach how to create tempting dishes, but also explain why it’s done in such a way, ensuring a sound understanding. Children also discover fascinating food facts and history throughout the daily workshops and masterclasses. The highlight of the week for you and your child is lunch with parents – cooked, naturally, by your offspring. Bon appetit!

As the five consecutive years Readers’ Choice gold winner for best holiday camp in Singapore, Camp Asia will be available from 29 May – 4 August 2023. Fees range from $685 to $775 for five days. Each camp runs from Monday to Friday, 9am – 3pm except public holidays. The all-inclusive price covers equipment and materials used in camp activities, a Camp Asia t-shirt, healthy meals (morning and afternoon snacks and lunch). Drop-off is from 8.30am where children can join in any of the morning activities. There’s also the option of a two-way bus service with stops across the island for an additional $120.

To book your favourite camps visit www.campasia.asia/campasia-availability. For questions or updates drop us a message at [email protected],
+65 6289 5888
www.facebook.com/campasiasingapore www.instagram.com/campasia

18 creative activities (that don’t involve booze!)

May 15 2023

1 Go gold with kintsugi

Kintsugi (golden joinery) is the 15th-Century Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with lacquer dusted or mixed with powdered gold. The idea is that rather than hide the cracks, through kintsugi you learn how to embrace imperfections. Gold & Behold invite you to arrive at their studio armed with your broken bits (or use theirs) and gently bring them back to life. Not only do you leave with a new art piece with a story behind it, but kintsugi is meditative, serving as a reminder to stay optimistic when things feel like they’re falling apart.
Stay Gold Studio by Gold & Behold, 48 Hillview Terrace #05-02A, 669269. goldandbehold.co

2 Eat your art jam

Why paint on paper when you can get innovative on biscuits? This fully-guided art jam provides you with the humble macaron and a vat of food paints with which to decorate them. From French style to floral, you’ll learn miniature painting techniques alongside patience and restraint as you try not to wolf down the lot as you go. Just bring your own container if you feel like sharing your wares afterwards.
The Art Nooq, 195 Pearl’s Hill Terrace, #01-58, 168976. artnooq.com

3 Play & paint a ukulele

If you need a new party piece, look no further. You get to acquire two talents in one at this awesome Ukulele Paint and Play workshop which offers just what it says on the tin. SmallGiant’s music instructors teach you the fundamentals of ukulele playing, then you get to decorate and customise your new instrument to display or take home and play.
SmallGiant, 865 Mountbatten Rd, #01-30, 437844. smallgiantmusic.sg

4 Craft leather

Concerned about the state of your goatskin wallet (the outside, not the inside)? Cursing at the poor workmanship of your suede belt? Whip up your own leatherware at a workshop teaching the basics of leather crafting. All templates and tools are provided at Crafune’s classes which teach you how to make bags and pouches with the leather and threads of your choice. Watch out Louis Vuitton!
Crafune, 38 Haji Ln, #02-01, 189231. crafune.com

5 Swing from the chandelier

Founder and ANZA member Yasmeen Cole has created a gorgeous home ground for artists to come together and have fun making new things. New this year is real life painting, Macrame, and Chandelier-making classes (if your mansion needs a showpiece). Crafty Whizz is also looking for talented creators to open classes and share knowledge, so if that’s you, sign up!
Crafty Whizz, 81 Joo Chiat Road, #02-02 and #02-05, 427725. Tel: 91018203.
craftywhizz.com

6 Fire up at a dance class

Add some spice to your life with a little salsa! Grab a partner and head to En Motion Dance to learn some sexy Latin American-influenced moves. Street Salsa Beginner Packages will help you get the hang of the basics, while dance clinics teach you more fancy dips and tricks. See you cutting up on the dancefloor at the ANZA Ball!
En Motion Dance, #03-05 / 03-05A, Cineleisure Orchard, 8 Grange Road, 239695. dance-en-motion.com

7 Indulge in legal vandalisation

Random graffiti may be illegal in Singapore, but if you’re itching to get busy with a spraycan, head to Heaven Spot where you can spray away to your heart’s content! Their one-hour graffiti sessions allow you to bring out your inner Banksy as you suit up in protective gear, grab your cans, and let your imagination go wild! A session here is a winner for families, hen nights and parties, but those aged 16 and under must be accompanied by parents.
Heaven Spot, 3 Lorong Bakar Batu, #03-01, 348741. heavenspotsg.com

8 Create perfume

Who needs a dash around Duty Free when you can craft your own bespoke fragrance? At Oo La Lab, an Oo La Mixologist will work with you to do just that. While they share insider fragrance intel, you get to select 20 scents from a dreamy list of ingredients to form the top, middle and base notes. You’ll leave with your own Eau de Parfum, presented in a 50ml glass bottle with your name or message printed on the label.
Oo La Lab, Delta House, Alexandra Rd, #02-04 2, 159919. sg.oola-lab.com

9 Be potty (& dirty)

You might recognise owner Tiffany Chua’s gorgeous pottery pieces from the likes of The Ritz-Carlton, Intercontinental and Shangri-La hotels. Her intimate roof-top terrace classes teach you coil, slab and pinch construction when hand building with clay, followed by (everyone’s fave bit!) instructions on how to throw and shape on the potter’s wheel. Take your new hobby into the night with the Dirty Supper evenings where you can relax post-potting with nibbles and wine prepared by Chef Pete Smit.
Dirty Hands Only, 3 Mount Emily Road, Emily Residence, 228485. dirtyhandsonly.com

10 Try tufty textiling

This studio teaches you how to play and paint with yarn to create fluffy works of art – think mirror frames, custom rugs and vibrant wall tapestries. Grab a tufting gun (it’s a thing), choose your yarn, get in a tizzy over colours, and go for your life on a monk cloth canvas. Alternatively, take a simple design of your own and trace it onto the canvas with the help of a projector.
Tuft Club, #03-01, 57 Circular Rd, 049412. tuftclub.com

11 Let loose at Balloon Splatter Painting

At Art Pop Studio you can throw darts at paint-filled balloons attached to canvas and watch them explode on it all in the name of self-expression. Before you let loose, you’ll learn techniques such as colour-mixing and layering as a bid to make your creation look better. If you have kids aged five years or older, bring them along for some family fun (as darts are involved, parental supervision is imperative). The best bit? You don’t have to clean up afterwards.
Pop Art Studio, 3007 Ubi Road 1 #06-446, 408701. artpop.sg

12 Quill with Mum

For host Praveena MangipudiIt, quilling is a form of therapy. At this workshop especially for Mother’s Day on Sunday 14 May 2023, she’ll be sharing all you need to know to set you on your quilling journey, providing step-by-step instructions for you to create a personal masterpiece. Understand the materials and tools and how to handle them, make basic shapes, and learn how to rustle up a mandala and a pair of earrings.
Crane Joo Chiat, 281 Joo Chiat Road, 427962. eventbrite.sg

13 Get a pseudo tattoo

Learn the art of tattooing without the actual permanency of ink on your skin at this Pseudo Tattoo workshop. For three hours you’ll get the lowdown on the history of tattoo art, the do’s and dont’s of operating the parlour’s machines, and a tutorial on using stencils by a State of Shiok staff member. Afterwards, you get the opportunity to create your own design using a sheet of fake “skin” as your medium.
State of Shiok, 195 Pearl’s Hill Terrace #03-69, Singapore 168976. stateofshiok.com

14 Make a concrete creation

No, we’re not expecting you to fashion a patio. You can start small at Concrete Everything where cool home accessories are the name of the game using concrete, jesmonite, or resin as your base. Try your hand at a chic concrete lamp, take an advanced terrazzo clock-making workshop, or design a resin flower coaster. New workshop dates are released monthly, so keep an eye out.
Concrete Everything, 37 Jalan Pemimpin, #03-08, Mapex, S577177.
concrete-everything.com

15 Scrub up with soap-making

If you want to wow guests who enter your bathroom, bond with bubbles on this soap-making workshop at Soap Ministry. Here you’ll discover how to make soaps via the quick Melt & Pour method, or start from scratch. In the Melt & Pour workshop, you can start Basic (perfect for kids), go Intermediate, or opt to Upsize and learn layering techniques or more advanced moves like flower petal infusions.
277 Orchard Road, #03-04, Orchard Gateway, 238858. soapministry.com

16 Boost your eco-skills

The Sustainability Project host a wide range of workshops each with the protection of our planet in mind. Individual classes include how to make a beeswax wrap, eco-friendly deodorant bar or toilet bomb, to more niche lessons on upcycling the likes of orange peel and coffee grains. Both physical and virtual workshops are available, so you can up your skills from the comfort of your sofa.
The Sustainability Project, various locations. thesustainabilityproject.life

17 Experiment with skincare

Fawn Labs conduct research and development on skin with a focus on sustainability and clean beauty. This workshop shows skincare enthusiasts what goes into products, talks you through clean beauty principles, plus lets you create your own luxury skincare range with non-toxic ingredients and natural botanicals tailored specifically to your needs. You’ll look ten years younger (possibly) when you leave with your new products beautifully packaged.
Fawn Labs, 71-2B Tras St, 079010. fawnlabs.co

18 Enjoy Batik printing

Kamal Arts teaches the age-old art of batik, a traditional wax technique for fabric from Java. You’ll have an introduction to the history and traditional methods, hear about the cultural aspect of batik, and suss how to use traditional tools like the ‘tjanting’.
Kamal Arts, Wisma Geylang Serai, 04-05/06, 1 Engku Aman Turn, 408528.
kamal.sg

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