SG Budget 2024: Aiding Families, Uplifting Mid-Career, Lower-Wage Workers

Get your camping bags ready and head on to Jewel Changi Airport with your family as “A Night at the Airport” returns for an enchanting evening filled with fun adventures!

Starting from June 1 until 22, the holiday camp has prepared a program with different workshops and activities that both kids and adults can look forward to joining.

Priced at S$98 for adults and S$128 for children, campers can look forward to experiencing a family quest with the “Be an Airport Horticulturist” adventure, a floral resin workshop, a colorful tour at Jewel Blooms at Canopy Park, and of course, spending a magical night at Changi Experience Studio.

Additionally, each ticket already includes a free parking coupon (per family), a Changi scent-inspired organic white tea for each adult, and an air mattress to be used in the sleepover.

The camp starts at 2:30 PM and ends at 8 AM the next day at Level 4 of Jewel Changi Airport.

For tickets, visit the airport’s website or download the Changi App, available both on iOS and Android.

For more information about the program and Changi Experience Studio, check out their website.

A special day that celebrates the love, care, and influence of mothers and maternal figures, Mother’s Day allows us to express gratitude and appreciation for our mothers’ support and sacrifices. While we can show our love and thankfulness every day, the occasion lets us go beyond the usual gestures to make Mum feel our love.

Looking for last-minute Mother's Day deals? This year, Mother’s Day falls on May 12 in Singapore. Take this opportunity to express your love for your mother by spending quality time together while relaxing and indulging in a luxurious experience. Treat Mum to a well-deserved day of bliss and check out some of the amazing salon and spa deals you can book today:

Delightful Hair and Beauty Services at Venetian Professional Hair & Beauty Salon

Venetian Professional Hair & Beauty Salon believes that mothers deserve to shine this Mother’s Day! They are offering exclusive makeover gift cards at over 50 percent off so Mum can indulge in a pampering session she deserves.

You have two gift card options: The Pretty Hair Perfection Card which includes services like hairstyle consultation and design, pro-styled haircut, and a single shade hair color at S$138; and The Hair and Beauty Bliss Card which includes services such as hairstyle consultation and design, pro-styled haircut, single shade hair color, eyebrow design and shaping, and Cheryl’s Advanced Facials at S$198.

This offer is valid until today, Mother’s Day, and the makeover gift cards are available for purchase by or for mothers only. Only one gift card can be used. Upon purchase, gift cards are valid for three months.

Location: Venetian Professional Hair & Beauty Salon, 48 Upper Weld Rd, #02-01, Singapore

Discounted Scalp and Hair Treatments at NK Hairworks

Nourish Mum’s tresses at NK Hairworks! If she is visiting the salon for the first time, you can treat her to a L’Oreal Scalp Treatment for only S$106.80. Need to level up the surprises? Go for the Roots Bundle Deal which already includes L’Oreal Scalp Treatment, L’Oreal Scalp Deluxe Treatment, and Kérastase Luxury Scalp Ritual for S$327.

You can also choose to revitalise Mum’s locks with the L’Oreal Absolut Repair Molecular Hair Treatment for only S$146.45. Availing another service? You can purchase your chosen service and a Shampoo and Hair Mask Combo with it for S$73.20 (selected brand only). Guests are encouraged to book their appointment in advance.

Location: NK Hairworks, Multiple locations

Mother’s Day Special at Salon de Edmund

Give your mother a fresh new look on her special day at Salon de Edmund! For only S$169, choose between two services: Organic Hair Colour with Haircut or Organic Hair Colour with Organic Color Shield Treatment (for all hair lengths).

Salon de Edmund highlights its unique formula that’s free from ammonia, parabens, and sulfates to make sure customers get a vibrant and long-lasting colour without compromising the integrity of their hair. This offer is valid until May 12. Book your appointment online.

Location: Salon de Edmund, 93 Soo Chow Walk, #01-01, Singapore

Korean Treatment at 0521 Hair Salon

Highly rated by customers, the 3/6 Steps Korean Treatment is something Mum would surely appreciate. Aside from nourishing and moisturizing the hair, it also prevents tangling, revitalizes damaged hair, and ensures optimal hydration, helping Mum achieve silky-smooth locks.

Surprise your Mum with an appointment by booking a slot online.

Location: 0521 Hair Salon, Orchard Rd, #01-02 100, Singapore

Radiating Facial at Modern Beauty Salon Singapore

Let expert estheticians pamper your mother’s skin with Modern Beauty Salon’s Mother’s Day facial promo! Valid for first-time customers only, the promo allows Mums to experience the Regenerator Hydrating Facial that increases skin hydration, brighter and fairer complexion, and smoother skin for only S$21.80. You can also receive a complimentary skincare travel set worth S$68. Get in touch with the salon to learn the terms and conditions and schedule Mum’s pampering session.

Location: Modern Beauty Salon Singapore, Multiple locations

Wisteria Bliss at Ikeda Spa

The best way to treat Mum on Mother’s Day is with a rejuvenating spa day at Ikeda Spa! She deserves an award-winning spa experience that draws inspiration from Japan’s Wisteria flowers at Ashikaga Flower Park. Wisteria promotes blood circulation, hydrates skin, reduces stress levels, and promotes deep mind-body relaxation, among others.

Choose between three packages:

• The I Love You Mum Package (for one pax) includes 30 minutes of Wisteria Full-Body Scrub and 90 minutes of Wisteria Zen Candle Massage Therapy for S$268+

• The Best Mom Package (for one pax) includes 30 minutes of Wisteria Hinoki Onsen Bath and 90 minutes of Wisteria Zen Candle Massage Therapy for S$308+

• The Mom-Daughter Pampering Package for 2 includes 30 minutes of Wisteria Hinoki Onsen Bath, 90 minutes of Wisteria Zen Candle Massage Therapy, and the VIP couple room surcharge for S$598+

This offer is valid for first-time visitors of Ikeda Spa and can be redeemed until June 30, 2024. You can book your appointment online.

Location: Ikeda Spa, Bukit Timah Road, #787, Singapore

Mother’s Day Spa Indulgence at The Fullerton Spa

Reward Mum with a well-deserved Rejuvenating Spa Day at The Fullerton Spa. This offer features a 75-minute treatment that includes Anti-stress facial and a back, neck, and shoulder massage using premium products. Cap off the relaxing day with an afternoon tea indulgence prepared by The Fullerton pastry chefs. This offer is available until May 31 and can be booked online through The Fullerton Hotel’s website.

Location: The Fullerton Spa, The Fullerton Hotel, 1 Fullerton Square, Singapore

Spa-tacular Bliss at g.spa Singapore

Bring Mum to g.spa Singapore for a day of relaxation. Available only until May 12, the promotion lets her enjoy 15% off on a 90-minute or 120-minute Gateway to Vitality Massage. As the offer is only open to mothers, verification may be required by the receptionist. Don’t miss out on this amazing deal and book Mum’s appointment online.

Location: g.spa Singapore, 102 Guillemard Road, #02-02, Singapore

Cool down this summer and have fun with your loved ones at Adventure Cove Waterpark at their Bubble Fiesta with giant inflatables, live music performances, themed food, and more! Running from June 1 to Aug. 11, kids and kids-at-heart can bounce and slide at eight immersive zones within the water park.

Throughout the day, you can step into a dome as colourful bubbles swirl around you at the Bubble Blizzard or jump around gigantic inflatable bubbles that never burst at the Bubble Bounce! For those who love dancing, get your body moving and grooving to the music amidst a bubble shower at the Bubble Boogie or hit and push the colourful tiles at the Dazzle Dance Floor.

If you’re still feeling energized, you can also dash through a maze of big inflatables at the Bubble Rumble or splash new colours at the Colour-Me-Cottage. There is also a bubbly pit called “Bubble Playhouse” – perfect for your little ones!

Feeling a little tired? Go for bubble-inspired treats like potato balls and croffles to recharge! By the way, they also give out free ice cream sandwiches while stocks last.

Get ready for a fun summer outing with the whole family. Book your tickets here.

In an article published on April 12, The Straits Times reported an increase in the number of Dengue cases in Singapore, with more than 5,500 people contracting the infection within the first three months of 2024. In the same article, Professor Hsu Li Yang, an infectious diseases expert at the NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, mentioned that the rise in cases could be attributed to different factors, one of which is the heat being experienced in the city-state.

Dengue fever is spread through the bite of the Aedes mosquito. While a huge number of those infected with Dengue are asymptomatic, it can lead to hospitalization. In some cases, it can evolve into severe Dengue and may even be fatal. Some of the symptoms of the viral disease include fever, intense headache, body aches, joint pains, skin rashes, and nausea, among others.

To prevent contracting Dengue, it's important to know important must-dos you can do to safeguard your health and protect your home from the disease. From as simple as using insect repellents to ensuring there is no standing water near your home, these essential measures can be your first line of defense against Dengue.

How to Prevent Contracting Dengue:

To avoid getting sick, the National Environment Agency (NEA) suggests keeping “S-A-W” in mind as these three letters stand for protective actions against Dengue.

• Spray insecticides in dark corners around your home, including nooks and crannies where mosquitoes can be hiding. Make sure you spray under the bed, the sofa, and behind your curtains, too.

• Apply insect repellent regularly. Don’t just use any repellent! Use one with DEET, said to be the most effective ingredient in repellents. Apply it to exposed skin and clothing but remember not to spray directly on your face. Remember not to use repellents on wounds and irritated skin.

• Wear long sleeves and pants to cover your arms and legs. While this can be uncomfortable given the humidity in Singapore, choose light materials and colors to help keep you cool.

In addition to “S-A-W,” the NEA also suggests keeping the following tips in mind:

• As Aedes mosquitoes are known to bite during the day, consider sleeping under mosquito nets.

• Install mosquito screens on windows and doors.

• Consider getting an electric mosquito zapper to kill mosquitoes.

How to Protect Your Home from Dengue:

According to the NEA's advisory on Dengue, the Aedes mosquito breeds in clean, stagnant water found in homes. Even a small amount of stagnant water is enough for mosquitoes to breed.

To keep mosquitoes from breeding, the agency suggests doing the Mozzie Wipeout at least once a week, with “B-L-O-C-K” as your guide.

• Break up hardened soil in potted plants as water can accumulate on the surface. If you have potted plants inside and outside your home, make sure you check the pots regularly and make breaking up hardened soil as part of your routine.

• Lift and empty flowerpot plates – especially if you’ve just watered your plants.

• Overturn pails and wipe their rims. Remember that even the smallest amount of stagnant water can turn into a breeding ground.

• Change water in vases. Do you put flowers on display around the house? Don’t let the water sit for too long and change them once a week.

• Keep your roof gutters clean. Dry leaves and debris can accumulate in the gutter, causing blockage of waste and water. This scenario can attract mosquitoes and give them a potential breeding ground. Clean the gutter regularly and don’t forget to use BTI insecticide.

Aside from keeping “B-L-O-C-K” in mind, here are additional must-dos to keep your home safe from Dengue:

• Remove all possible containers or trash that can collect rainwater such as basins, buckets, empty bottles, and cans.

• Make sure there’s no water accumulation on your dish drying rack tray.

• Repair leaky pipes and faucets to avoid having standing water that can turn into a breeding ground.

For advisories about Dengue, visit the NEA website regularly. You can also be in the know about NEA’s dengue colour-coded alert system by downloading the myENV app. If you start experiencing Dengue-like symptoms, it’s advisable to consult with a doctor as soon as possible as early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in managing Dengue effectively.

Bring the whole family and catch your favourite ginger cat on the big screen as the Golden Village(GV) Cinema in Suntec City hosts a watch party for “The Garfield Movie” on May 19! From a wild outdoor quest to a high-stakes heist, you can join the hilarious adventures of Garfield alongside his dog friend Odie and the street cat Vic and maybe learn a few life lessons along the way.

Perfect for your next family day, you’ll get a chance to attend a meet-and-greet with the Garfield mascot and win exclusive merchandise worth up to S$160 and other exciting prizes during a lucky draw segment before the official screening at 12:30 PM. For the draw, you’ll only need to scan a QR code and pray for luck to be on your side!

Tickets are priced at S$26 for members and S$28 for non-members, which comes with a goodie bag that you can collect from 10:30 AM onwards. Each bag comes with an IUIGA tote bag, an IUIGA voucher, a Garfield x PopMart Blind Box, Bebesup flushable wet wipes, a Little Bearnie silicone placemat, and a 2-for-1 BOUNCE Singapore voucher.

Of course, watching a movie isn’t complete without munching on some snacks. So, for a pair of tickets, you’ll get a popcorn tumbler set that you can take home after the show.

Don’t forget to dress in an orange outfit to receive an A5 The Garfield Movie colouring! Find out more here.

If you missed the Pet Expo and Furkids Fiesta 2024, fret not as the Furs & Feathers Festival will be here soon for you and your pets this April 27 at PAssionWave @ Sembawang! Between 3 PM to 9 PM, you and your furbabies can explore over 20 booths, participate in workshops to learn more about your pets, or join friendly competitions.

The event offers a picnic under the stars experience, where they transformed a spacious lawn into an outdoor cinema with carnival food booths, a bird interaction zone, and more. Shop for pet supplies and treats from PickPawket, Pawty Dog, Sgmonsterpets, Dashing Dogs, Woofgang Bark, and more! The Little Spring Sprout will also join the stalls, so fur parents can “capture those unforgettable moments with their furry companions by making paw prints that last a lifetime.”

Any pet owners will do anything to keep their four-legged friends safe – and it costs nothing to know about the proper first aid, just in case the vets are far or closed. At 3 PM, there will be a short intro about “Pet First Aid,” to help keep fur parents informed about the importance of it. Right after that, there will be a seminar about animal communication, and by 3:30 PM, there will be a “Pet Coach Talk.”

Of course, it’s called “Furs & Feathers Festivals,” so guests can expect a discussion about “Responsible Parrot Ownership” at 4 PM and “Purely Adoption Talk” at 4:30 PM.

Onto the challenges, test your pup’s resistance to treats and toys at the Temptation Trail or maybe join the “Fastest Eating Dog Competition,” where they will have to eat in slow-feeder bowls. At 7 PM, you can cozy up and snuggle with your dogs while watching “Marley & Me: The Puppy Years.”

Don’t miss out on this fun-filled event for your furry (and feathery) friends. Sign up today and receive one goodie bag! Please keep in mind that if you have more than one pet and want goodie bags for each, you must purchase another ticket.

Follow Hope for Animals’ Facebook page for more information.

When: April 27, 3 PM to 9 PM

Where: PAssionWave @ Sembawang, 57 Jalan Mempurong, Singapore

How much: S$5

Who doesn’t dream of going to a spa or getting a massage when work gets extra demanding? When it comes to needing a break from the grind, there are many things you can do in Singapore, including booking a rejuvenating visit to a Japanese Onsen spa.

While The Lion City doesn’t have natural springs like Japan, the Onsen spas in the city-state offer an unforgettable experience through calming interiors, soothing treatments, and a relaxing atmosphere. The heated water used in the Onsen spas is also infused with minerals, which have certain health benefits.

Whether you’re going alone or making a reservation for a couple or group package, the Onsen spas below offer a sweet and invigorating escape from the stresses of daily life, allowing you to recharge your body and mind.

HEIWA Wellness & Spa

Considered one of the most luxurious premium massage and spa places in Singapore, HEIWA Wellness and Spa takes pride as a getaway where you can heal your body and mind. Their facilities include an infrared-powered steam bath and sauna and a mineral-rich jacuzzi where you can soak away the stress of the day.

For your visit, consider rewarding yourself with a Heiwa Wellness Spa Signature Package, which already includes a premium Japanese meal, use of spa facilities, and a body massage. Prices start at S$148for members (60 minutes) and S$198 for non-members (60 minutes). If you’re skipping the package and just going in for a specific treatment, you can cap off your visit with a meal at Heiwa’s restaurant, where you can indulge in a delightful Omakase experience.

Location: HEIWA Wellness & Spa, 1 Maritime Square, #03-44/45/46 HarbourFront Centre, Singapore

Yunomori Onsen & Spa

Recognised as the number one Onsen in Southeast Asia, Yunomori Onsen & Spa is known for bringing together traditional Japanese Onsen therapies and Thai spa treatments under one roof. You can kick off your soothing experience by detoxifying in the mineral-rich bath waters before indulging in a healing Thai massage.

Those who are interested in trying the Onsen can choose between traditional and modern baths available. The Yunomori Signature Bath highlights the use of magnesium sulfate, which is known to improve the body’s detoxification process. Feeling achy and sore? Go for the Jet Bath, a therapeutic option where full-body jet streams help relieve your muscles. Prices start at S$45 per entry.

Location: Yunomori Onsen & Spa, 1 Stadium Pl, #02-17/18 Wave Mall, Singapore

g.spa Singapore

Can’t seem to schedule your next visit to an Onsen? Good thing g.spa Singapore is open 24 hours a day so you can just drop by whenever you’re free. The nature-inspired retreat has hot and cold pools available, and at g.spa you can take pleasure in a reflexology massage while taking a dip by placing your feet in front of the water jets.

Aside from the pools, there are also sauna and steam rooms as well as a relaxation lounge where you can also take a power nap. Talk about recharging your batteries!

Location: g.spa Singapore, 102 Guillemard Road, #02-02, Singapore

Joya Onsen Café

Stepping inside Joya Onsen Café can make you feel like you’ve been instantly transported to a ryokan. The establishment takes pride in providing a joyful and memorable experience to Singaporeans looking for a much-needed break.

Joya Onsen Café offers Tea Onsen or seasonal tea baths that brighten and smooth the skin. You can avail of the Private Onsen with Meal Package, with prices starting at S$106 (1 hour and 30 minutes/1 pax), or you can secure a Public Onsen Full Day pass for S$42 (Adults). Aside from the Tea Onsen, there’s also an Ice Bath available, which helps contract the muscles and tighten pores.

Location: Joya Onsen Café, 511 Upper Jurong Rd, #01-06, Singapore

Shiruki Studio

Catering to a wide range of clients, Shiruki Studio is an ultrasonic hydrotherapy center founded by a fitness enthusiast who wanted to create a space for sports rehabilitation. Here, one can also avail themselves of an alternative path to stress and pain relief, improved blood circulation, and preventive healthcare, among other benefits.

Drawing inspiration from Japanese Onsens, the baths feature invigorating air bubbles and soothing temperatures, while the incorporation of essential oils and complimentary blood pressure tests adds a therapeutic dimension to the experience. If you’re going with your friends, there are packages available whether you’re looking into getting a foot or full body bath. Prices start at S$68 for the foot bath and S$95 for the full-body option.

Location: Shiruki Studio, 160 Changi Road, #02-08 HexaCube, Singapore

Ikeda Spa

Named the world’s Best Luxury Day Spa, Ikeda Spa has also bagged numerous local awards, a testament to its commitment to delivering an unforgettable Onsen experience to guests. Here, you can take pleasure in the Hinoki Onsen, the only true Japanese bathing ritual in Singapore. Hinoki is a prized wood in Japan known for its natural bactericidal agents.

Hinoki Onsen's therapeutic properties are attributed to its production of Hinoki wood oil upon contact with hot water, enriched with minerals and essential oils. Hinoki wood oil is known for soothing skin irritations and injuries, and when inhaled, it can act as a decongestant. Prices start at S$100 for 30 minutes.

Location: Ikeda Spa, Bukit Timah Road, #787, Singapore

Elements Wellness

Elements Wellness has multiple branches in Singapore, but you can only find the Koyamaki Onsen at the Centrepoint outlet. The tubs are made of Koyamaki wood, which is known to have antibacterial and antifungal properties when in contact with water. Some benefits of the Koyamaki Onsen Therapy include pain relief and improved circulation.

Feeling extra stressed lately? The water in the Onsen generates negative ions that can help clear your mind and boost your mood. The Signature Koyamaki Ritual already includes an Ocha body massage, a back scrub, and Koyamaki Onsen Therapy in a private suite with a steam bath. Prices start at S$168.

Location: Elements Wellness Centrepoint, 176 Orchard Road, #02-28 The Centrepoint, Singapore