OCTOBER 2022

OCT 2022

STAYCATIONS & OUTDOOR PLAY!

EYE TREATMENTS, LASHES & MORE ART FOR YOUR HOME COUNSELLING

What has interested me about travelling again is seeing the different kinds of travellers now. I love people-watching anyway, but it seems even more interesting in 2022 for some reason! The other thing I’m finding is that it’s even more difficult than usual getting comfy on a plane seat. I wriggle, always need to get up and walk, drink water and snack frequently. But I see so many people who just sit for hours and don’t move. No drink, no loo stop – nada ! Not sure if it’s a skill I am supposed to practice?What am I missing? Talking of uncomfortable, I was reading the info sheet onboard the fab whale-waching trip I just did off the southern coast of Australia. Did you know that humpback whales measure around 4.5 metres at birth … and calves can drink up to 240 litres of milk a day! The mind boggles. The trip was fantastic; at one point we had 15 humpbacks that had gravitated to the boat and were just hanging around, blowing, waving their fins, breaching and playing – it was phenomenal to be up that close. It’s so good to be out and about again though – I’m now just heading out to a rather steep coastal walk. Wish me luck! What things are you finding different these days? We’d love to get some letters or stories from you, if you’ve got a new perspective on life. We have lots of different perspectives in this month’s mag. We meet a couple who moved here for adventure, right in the middle of COVID, and we hear from readers about their favourite artworks. There’s also the issue of burnout and how to deal with it, and a story on how to get your eyes looking good. Plenty of travel, too, so you can book a trip and test your own stamina in a plane seat! We look forward to hearing from you!

REBECCA BISSET Editor-in-Chief

The area around Wilsons Prom in

Victoria where you can set off on whale watching trips with Wildlife Coast Cruises

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OCTOBER2022

Editor-in-Chief REBECCA BISSET

Group Editor SHAMUS SILLAR Copy Editor JULIET KEYS Editorial Team HEALTH & FITNESS: AMY GREENBURG LIFE & FAMILY: PATRICEA CHOW WINE & DINE, TRAVEL & LEISURE: DEEPA CHEVI HOME & PROPERTY: AMY BROOK-PARTRIDGE FASHION & BEAUTY: REBECCA BISSET JUNIOR EDITOR: YIMIN HUANG Online & Digital Content MICHAELA BISSET Client Services (Ads) Manager NUR HANANI KAMAL LUDDIN Production Manager JUDIT GÁL Graphic Designers MICHAEL BERNABE | JEANNE WONG Marketing, Circulation & Administration ANNA TSERLINGAS | VEENA GILL | SITI SHAHIRAH KHIRUDEEN | HARSHARAN KAUR Advertising Sales KARIN GALLEY | DANIELLE ROSSETTI | LARA SAGE | JACQUI YOUNG Events & Partnerships SUSAN KNUDSEN-PICKLES IT & Web Support RENE YUTIAMPO | HANADDI REY DIAZ MAMBA Chief Operations Officer COLIN PURCHASE Contributing Writers ANNA MURPHY | DOLORES PICOT | RODYAN QUINONEZ Contributing Photographers KEN TAN (MISTERKENTAN.COM) | DELON HO (DELONHO.SG) | SHEEN IN FOCUS

CONTACT US Call or WhatsApp: +65 9112 0652

General Enquiries: info@expatliving.sg Advertising Sales: sales@expatliving.sg Subscription: subscription@expatliving.sg Production: production@expatliving.sg Editorial & Media Releases: editorial@expatliving.sg Calendar of Events: calendar@expatliving.sg Events: events@expatliving.sg Websites: expatliving.sg | expatliving.hk Printed by Timers Printers Pte Ltd (timesprinters.com) Published by Expat Living Publications Pte Ltd 36 Carpenter Street, #02-01 Carpenter Haus, Singapore 059915

Cover: Discover Sailing Asia (discoversailingasia.com)

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OCTOBER2022

Upfront 18

What’s on in the coming weeks Around Town: Recent happenings and activities Subscribe or join us at an event Singapore Pages: Interesting facts about where we live Letters to the Editor

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Arty ideas for home 54

Home & Property 30 Home décor news and store updates 36 New arrivals set up home in Ardmore Park 44 Buying Guide: Super storage pieces 50 20 years and counting for this furniture store 52 Meet The Cinnamon Room’s new stockists 54 Buying Guide: Awesome artworks 58 EL readers and their art recommendation 60 Street Talk: Living in Farrer Park

Life & Family 66

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Is this singer’s star set to rise? Noticeboard: New babies, and dogs for adoption About the Forest School programme at Tanglin Boarding over the border in Malaysia What is developmental trauma disorder? All about eight new shops at Cluny Court Great finds for kids in this Tanglin store! An international school celebrates 15 years Preschools with great outdoor play spaces Advice for Aussie expats who are separating The easy way for parents to sterilise bottles A 15-year-old and her art initiatives Why enrichment is important for kids

The latest news for parents and kids Shows to watch and books to read this month

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like? 82

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What’s boarding school

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OCTOBER2022

Where to stay in London 132

spots 113

Wine & Dine 104 Restaurant openings, new menus and more 106 Drinks and gifts delivered to your door 108 Recipes that deliver a fresh slice of Italy 112 Enjoy a girls’ night out on Sentosa! 113 Where to eat in the CBD 114 Singapore’s best butchers and steakhouses 116 How to improve your grill game Travel 120 News on hotels near and far 122 Destination Focus: Tips and advice for Cambodia 124 Travel adventures without leaving Singapore! 128 Is it time to get out on the water? 130 Staycation spots in different corners of the island 132 Two top hotels for exploring London

Downtown dining

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OCTOBER2022

Our product reviews 156

Health & Fitness 160 Medical updates and health tips from experts 166 Coaching that comes to you! 168 Three things to know about breast cancer screening 170 Counsellors share how therapy can help 180 Misconceptions about Traditional Chinese Medicine 182 It’s time to talk about burnout! 184 Why we are losing our focus 186 What to know about ADHD in adults 187 Thyroid hormone and your overall health 188 Orthopaedic conditions that might need surgery 190 Here’s what could be causing your ankle pain 192 Keeping our livers healthy

A trim and a shave 154

Style & Beauty 138 Shopping and fashion news 140 Creating the jewellery of your dreams 144 New beauty and skincare products 148 How collagen can help to beat back time 150 Aesthetic treatments to make your eyes sparkle 152 Where to go for lashes and brows 154 Gents, head here for a stylish groom! 156 Tried & Tested: Eye creams and serums

Regulars 194 Challenge yourself with our Puzzle Pages 196 October horoscopes – what’s coming up? 198 Important contacts and this month’s advertisers 200 Parting Shot: Our turn to leave

Bespoke bling! 140

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OCTOBER2022

CALENDAR

WHAT’S ON Canadian International School Hear from the CIS Head of School about the IB programme and global curriculum at the school’s next Open House. Catering to children aged two to 18 years, the event allows parents to join academic leaders to see learning in action, and meet the experts behind CIS’s innovative programmes, including their award-winning Chinese-English bilingual programme, which now has secondary Open House (5 OCTOBER) This event is for students from Singapore looking for a British boarding and day school experience. Following an introductory presentation by Mr Alan Stevens, the Master of Marlborough College Malaysia, any questions you have about the College will be answered by the Heads of School. Refreshments will be served, too. MCM is a global top 100 school in Spear’s School’s Index 2021. The event starts at 12 noon; register your free spot at marlboroughcollegemalaysia.org . Bring your children for a fun-filled morning at AIS’s Early Learning Village. Get a personalised tour of the purpose-built facilities, specially designed for children aged two months to five years to be in control of their own learning. Understand how the teachers balance soft and academic skills to promote the joy of learning. And enjoy a free coffee and a sausage barbecue while getting your questions answered by the Admissions Team. 10 to 1pm, 3 Chuan Lane (Gate 3). Can’t make this date? Schedule a private tour with the school. Register at bit.ly/AISOpenHouse . Australian International School Early Years Open House (15 OCTOBER) bilingual pathways. Book your slot at cis.edu.sg/admissions/open-house Marlborough College Malaysia Singapore Admissions Event (11 OCTOBER)

Canadian International School

UltraLuxe

Dover Park Hospice Sunflower Charity Concert (20 OCTOBER) Titled Making More Moments Matter , this is Dover Park Hospice’s first fundraising concert. Featuring local singers such as Kit Chan, Dick Lee and Jocie Guo, along with up-and-coming artistes, the event aims to raise $1 million through ticket sales and donations, continuing its mission of helping terminally-ill patients. Esplanade Theatre, tickets from $120 at sistic.com.sg/events/moments1022 . The MacRitchie TreeTop track brings you through real jungle on good footpaths – plus, it includes the first of its kind in the region: a free-standing suspension bridge with a bird’s eye view of the forest canopy and views of Peirce Reservoir. Meet at Windsor Nature Park at 9am. Expat Living’s events manager Susan Knudsen-Pickles will email you details of the meeting point one week before the walk. expatliving.sg/ event/windsor-nature-park-treetop-walk-21-october EL Windsor Nature Park + TreeTop Walk (21 OCTOBER)

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OCTOBER2022

CALENDAR

​UltraLuxe – A Showcase of Luxury Jewellery, Watches, Style and Living (21 OCTOBER) The inaugural UltraLuxe presents “Luxury of Niche”, a festival that brings together a world-class curation of haute design and meticulous craft by internationally acclaimed independent jewellery designers and houses, prestige watchmakers, celebrated fashion designers and niche luxury brands. ultraluxe.io

Professor Brian Cox HORIZONS – A 21st Century Space Odyssey (3 DECEMBER) Having set two Guinness World Records with his previous sell-out World Tour, Professor Brian Cox is back with a brand-new live-on stage show. Horizons is a celebration of our civilisation, of music, art, philosophy and science. Brian will also be joined by co-host of The Infinite Monkey Cage and award-winning comedian Robin Ince. lateralevents.com MENTAL: Colours of Wellbeing (UNTIL 26 FEBRUARY) MENTAL at the ArtScience Museum presents 24 exhibits and large-scale installations by contemporary artists, scientists, makers and designers from around the world. Seven installations by local and regional artists explore mental health from a Southeast Asian perspective. Tickets cost $14 to $21 and can be purchased at marinabaysands.com/ museum/exhibitions/mental.html .

Spooky Fun at S.E.A Aquarium (UNTIL 8 NOVEMBER)

Fan of Halloween? There are all kinds of fun activities for kids at S.E.A Aquarium. Head to the Open Ocean Habitat to say hi to skeleton divers, explore the Trick or Treat Trail, and discover the Spooky Secrets of the undersea neighbourhoods with Count Mobula. On weekends, you can meet and greet the Manta Mascots in their best Halloween outfits. Tickets are $41 to $41 from rwsentosa.com .

Singapore Writers Festival (4 TO 20 NOVEMBER)

The premier multi-lingual literary arts festival in Singapore celebrates its 25th edition this year. With more than 200 programmes over three festival weekends, the line-up consists of immersive experiences, exhibitions, performances, film screenings, meet-the-author sessions and panel discussions. Passes start from $30, at singaporewritersfestival.com or sistic.com.sg .

MENTAL: Colours of Wellbeing

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OCTOBER2022

AROUND TOWN

AROUND TOWN

EL Walk: Geylang at Night Expat Living readers braved the rain to experience and absorb the fascinating history of the back alleys of Geylang. Find details of all our upcoming walks at expatliving.sg/events!

EL Walk: Southern Ridges Our hike took us from Kent Ridge Park to Hort Park and on to Mt Faber, and offered something for everyone, from fitness fans and families, to nature lovers, history buffs and shutterbugs.

BritCham’s Back The British Chamber of Commerce is happy to have live events again and recently hosted a discussion on effective mentoring to drive gender parity.

Also, BritCham members and guests joined an informal meet and greet and Q&A session with former Liverpool pro footballers Neil Ruddock and David James at Singapore Sports Hub ahead of the Liverpool vs Crystal Palace match.

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Rent Hikes! Ou r l a n d l o r d nearly doubled our rent and now we ’ r e ha v i ng trouble getting our deposit back. We have moved the family into a tiny apartment, which is

costing us as much as our house was. I know other people are going through similar increases. Shouldn’t there be some regulations around these increases? Mel P Ed: We ran a story on rents in our September issue (page 54), as so many people are in the same situation. We’re also trying to find out what is being done at a “higher” level to manage these hikes!

The winner of our letter of the month will receive this divine set of Glow Recipe skincare products! If you’d like to share your opinion on an article or topic, please email us at info@expatliving.sg.

Thank You After 16 years in Singapore, we will be relocating to Europe. I’ve been a subscriber since we arrived and it has always been a pleasure to read the magazine. I wish the team behind EL a wonderful future and hopefully many more magazines will be printed. Thank you for looking after me all these years! Marije Feldmann

JUN 2022

June 2022 Issue 239 S$6.90 BOTOX & FILLERS!

WHERE TO GO TO GET FIT

OUTDOOR FURNITURE • SCHOOL REVIEWS • BEST GYMS • KIDS’ PARTIES

July 2022 Issue 240

JUL 2022

KIDS’ PARTIES

PARTING SHOT

Fond Memories A l t h o u g h I ’ v e n ow moved back to Norway, I have many friends that remain in Singapore, and it is close to my heart. During my years

SCHOOL REVIEWS S$6.90 MCI (P) 059/02/2022 LIVING ROOMS | SALONS & HAIR CARE | SUPERMARKETS | NAMIBIA GRILL GURUS & GREAT GROCERS HAIRDRESSERS BEST X-RAY ART

LEARNING TO PARAGLIDE AFTERNOON TEA FOR TWO – OR MORE!

MCI (P) 059/02/2022

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17/5/22 6:48 PM

Ed: Thank you so much, Marije, and I hope you can still read the e-mag version from your new home – to remind you of Singapore life!

SHARON SHIELDS describes how she felt after returning recently from Singapore to the far cooler climes of Norway.

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In Norway, the growing season slows into slumber as it takes a long deep breath into winter. The tree’s bare limbs are in full view as the icy winds blow through them, offering little resistance, and sending a cold, rippling shiver down my spine. In Singapore, the growing season is a constant process of renewal, with warm rains and bright sunshine providing all that plant-life needs to flourish. Both the wet and dry season are marked by tropical downpours that are intense, but short-lived; they leave behind high levels of humidity – and send beads of perspiration rolling down my skin. Such a juxtaposition: heat and cold, humid and dry, two seasons and four, constant growth and seasonal change from snow and ice. The twelve hours of both day and night at the equator are set against the long dark hours and short periods of daylight in northern latitudes. These are reversed in the summer, when cold nights turn to blinding sunlight, reflected from the crystalline snow blanketing the ground, muffling all sound. Singapore’s pace of life, the bustling noise of the city and sunny smiles contrast against the earnest movements of those getting back to comforting warmth. Lushness and greenery is set against withered seed heads and bare branches.

Outside the arrivals hall, I stand upright with my head raised, filling my lungs with the sharp, fresh Nordic air, adjusting from the recycled air of my long-haul flight. The enveloping cold is a marked contrast from hot and humid Singapore, with its bright equatorial sun overhead. Finally, night releases its damp grip, as light appears on the horizon. Overhead, I see a clear pale sky and a full moon. Its craters form a disc of delicate tracery, suspended against a blue backdrop. Tomy right, the first sun gently caresses the trees, silhouetting them as if backlit on a stage. Gradually, the finger-like rays of light pierce the trees, gliding across the ground. The rays are weak, yet they gradually awaken the autumn-struck landscape. The air is crisp, and the earth has its own smell from fallen leaves that have spiralled from lofty heights; the leaves add to the depth and richness of the organic carpet in hues of russet, gold and bronze, now frozen in time and crunching underfoot. It’s a striking contrast to the heat and humidity that sustains Singapore’s vigorous plant life – rich, lush and vibrant. There, colourful exotic blooms contrast against the dense foliage, in all shades of green. Leaves diverse in scale and shape thrust upright blades skyward to form umbrellas or pleated fans, affording welcome shade and a balm to the eye.

A LIFE IN FOOTBALL

LIVINGROOM INSPIRATION

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there, I so enjoyed your magazine – initially on places to visit and health-related articles, then to dining, drinking and fun activities. I also love all the home styling and colour combinations you have featured in some fabulous homes on the island. Kind regards and good luck for the future! Sharon Shields Ed: Good luck to you, too, Sharon – and thanks for writing the Parting Shot story on your return home to Norway for our July magazine! 168 JULY2022

14/6/22 8:56 AM :

My long-haul journey bridges Asia and Europe, each responding to a silent seasonal rhythm, the palpable pulse of life. Each place and season has its own joys and beauty to behold and appreciate.

Here’s your chance to get published – andmake some money at the same time. We’re looking for 500-word written contributions on any funny, poignant, practical or even controversial topic that touches on expat life in Singapore. Simply email your stories in a Word document to contribute@expatliving.sg and we’ll consider them for inclusion in an upcoming issue.

Walks & Talks I really enjoyed Expat Living’s Bukit Brown walk recently and also the makeup workshop – keep them coming! It’s a nice way to meet people and move and learn at the same time. Much better for me than sitting around a table eating and drinking. Anne

Ed: I am enjoying them too! Lots more coming up, so stay tuned.

Email us at info@expatliving.sg

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OCTOBER2022

COMPETITION

Would you like to win a personalised diamond necklace?

Here’s your chance! This b e a u t i f u l p i e c e f r om ARTNASH is worth over $1,050. Bespoke is best, right? At ARTNASH, it’s all about personalising jewellery, and making your jewellery matter. These diamond letter necklaces can be personalised with any letter, and they’re great for layering. The lucky winner can choose up to three initials, and the colour of gold they’d prefer – rose, yellow or white! About the brand Aarti Sonawala is a fourth-generation certi f ied gemologist , diamond grader and jewellery designer in her family’s diamond and fine jewellery business. At ARTNASH, she designs timeless jewellery that covers classic styles, bespoke bridal, everyday elegance and more.

A big congratulations to Dianne Sainsbury, who was our August winner of Clarins skincare products valued at $870.

IG: @artnashsg | aarti@artnash.sg

Simply scan the QR code or visit the Competition section of our website (expatliving.sg/competitions) before 31 October 2022!

23 OCTOBER2022

5 OCT / 10am

6 OCT / 11.30am

Instagram Updates For your Business Get up to speed with IG’s new rules and changes RUNWAY Singapore FW22 Live Fashion Show & Marketplace 7 OCT / 7pm Pilates for Breast Cancer Awareness Month Commit to a better you 27 OCT / 7.30pm Beach Bootcamp & Yoga Kick start your fitness journey 14 OCT / 9am

Lunchtime YOGA Join us for a virtual yoga session

9 OCT / 10am

Early Childhood Development: Understanding Your Child’s Physical & Mental Health with Dr Leo Hamilton

16 & 21 OCT / 9am

TreeTop Walk Exploring Windsor Nature Park

28 OCT / 6.30pm

Old Changi Hospital Night Walk Singapore’s Most Iconic “Haunted” Landmark

Scan to register or visit expatliving.sg/ELevents

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OCTOBER2022

S$8.80 MCI (P) 059/02/2022 October 2022 Issue 243 OUTDOOR PLAY • ART • SAILING STAYCATIONS & OUTDOOR PLAY! FOR THE YEAR AND GET A FREE COPY OF OUR ANNUAL GUIDES!* $69 SUBSCRIBE FOR JUST $105.60 GET OUR MONTHLY MAGAZINE and annual guides delivered to your door OCT 2022 OCT 2022

EYE TREATMENT, LASHES & MORE ART FOR YOUR HOME COUNSELLING S$8.80 MCI (P) 059/02/2022 October 2022 Issue 243 OUTDOOR PLAY • ART • SAILING STAYCATIONS & OUTDOOR PLAY!

EYE TREATMENT, LASHES & MORE

ART FOR YOUR HOME COUNSELLING

HOME & PROPERTY GUIDE 2022 S$9.90 MCI (P) 063/02/2021

Fun Days Out Choosing a School Family Staycations

PRODUCTS & DESIGN IDEAS plus rEAL HOMES

Parents’ Views Foodie Focus C I T Y G U I D E 2 0 2 2 / 2 3 MCI (P) 040/09/2021 Annual $6.90

KIDS’ GUIDE 2022 MCI (P) 044/12/2021 Annual $9.90

Get our annual guides for free whenever they are published over the year!

FURNITURE | HOME DÉCOR | PROPERTIES | NEIGHBOURHOODS

Baby Products Becoming a Mum Enrichment Classes Teen Hangouts Health Tips

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1/4/22 10:34 AM

SET T I NG UP • HOME DÉCOR • TH I NGS TO DO • SCHOOLS • HEALTHCARE • D I N I NG

expatliving.sg/subscribe Scan or visit

*Offer ends 31 October 2022. Your subscription will also include free access to the digital edition on the Magzter app. Each guide is published at a different time within the year and will be mailed with your copy of Expat Living.

25 OCTOBER2022

Investigating the island past and present, with tips, trivia and time travel – and the occasional tricky challenge for readers!

Nature

MEET THE HORNBILL It was announced last month that Jurong Bird Park’s last day of operation will be 3 January, 2023. Among the thousands of birds being rehomed to a new eco tourism hub near Singapore Zoo are several oriental pied hornbills, including one called Stumpy, and another, Sally, who was rescued from an abandoned nest. Here are 10 facts about this unique bird, which is native to Singapore. #1 The oriental pied hornbill is a large black and-white bird that lives high in tree canopies; in Singapore, it’s mostly found on Pulau Ubin and near Changi. #2 Its trademark bill has a knob on top called a casque, made of a honeycombed tissue. (Toucans share a similar-looking bill, but lack the casque.) #3 The top two vertebrae in a hornbill’s neck are fused to help support the head, bill and casque, which together can weigh more than a kilogram. #4 The bird’s loud call has been described as a cross between a cackling witch and a monkey! #5 Hornbills are frugivores – that is, they eat fruit. Well, mostly. They do also eat small critters such as lizards, and even other birds. In fact, the hornbill appears semi-regularly in the news for snatching an unsuspecting pet bird out of a cage left on a balcony.

#6 The male hornbill helps to seal the female into a suitable hole in a tree, leaving only a slit for slipping food in, protecting the chicks until they’re strong enough to leave the nest. #7 The oriental pied hornbill seemingly disappeared from our shores for decades, and was considered virtually extinct, with no sightings at all in the 20th century up until the 1990s. #8 Today, the numbers are quite healthy – this is partly due to a rehabilitation project that involved constructing nest boxes to replicate the hollow nesting areas that hornbills seek in large trees. #9 Two different varieties of hornbill were also once found in Singapore: the rhinoceros hornbill and the helmeted hornbill. #10 Hornbills help to regenerate Singapore’s forests by spreading fruit seeds. For this reason, if you do come across a hornbill, don’t feed it!

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OCTOBER2022

An illustration of a hornbill from around Kelham’s time

History

Drinks

A 19TH-CENTURY “TWITCHER” Henry Rober t Kelham (1853-1931) was a senior

KOPI THAT! How to order coffee Singapore-style

British Army officer who lived in Singapore for several years. He was also a bird enthusiast and amateur taxidermist who documented the birdlife of the region in great detail. Here he describes an encounter with an oriental pied hornbill in what is now Seletar. Like all the hornbills, this one is easily tamed, and makes a most amusing pet; the tamest I ever saw was at Trafalgar, a tapioca plantation on the north side of Singapore, where I stayed for a few days in May, 1879. The following is from my notebook: “On reaching Trafalgar we put on sarongs and made ourselves comfortable in long chairs, out in the open air. In the course of conversation, Mr K, our most hospitable host, mentioned he had a tame hornbill; and a fewminutes later we saw it sitting on the top of the house. But, on being called, it flew down and perched on the backs of our chairs. I never saw such a tame bird. Though it had the full use of its wings and flew about among the trees, it seldom went far away, coming when Mr K called out its name, “Punch”, and taking bread, plantains and other things out of our hands. It was much pleased with the round buttons on my coat, and tried to tear them off – I suppose, thinking them to be berries of some sort. It was of the black-and-white species, with white bands near the ends of the long tail-feathers, and with a casque and beak dusky-white. At dark, it flew up and roosted among some cocoa-nut trees close to the house.” – Excerpt from Ornithological Notes Made in the Straits Settlements and in the Western States of the Malay Peninsula, by HR Kelham, 1882.

There are more than 3,000 kopitiams (coffee shops) in Singapore, where a coffee will set you back only a little over a dollar – especially if it’s in a heartlands market or housing estate. At big chains such as Killiney Kopitiam and Ya Kun Kaya Toast, you’ll pay more. How it’s made In traditional style, the beans are wok-roasted with sugar, margarine and sometimes pineapple skin and maize, to a dark black brown, then ground and brewed with a sock-like cotton strainer in watering can-sized pots. The aforementioned Killiney and Ya Kun were both started by Hainanese immigrants, in 1919 and 1926 respectively. Today, they have dozens of outlets across Singapore. A kopi-C is typically made at both venues by heating a cup by pouring hot water into and over it, then adding evaporated milk and sugar, pouring in the brewed coffee, topping it up with a little hot water and serving it with a teaspoon on the side. How to order By default, a coffee or kopi (“ ko-peeh ”) comes with condensed milk and sugar at the bottom of the cup. Or you can ask for: • Kopi-C: coffee with unsweetened evaporated milk (the C is for Carnation); but they’ll still add sugar • Kopi gah dai: extra sweet, with both condensed milk and evaporated milk • Kopi siew dai: less sweet, with less condensed milk • Kopi gau: for a stronger coffee • Kopi-O: black, with sugar • Kopi-O kosong: black, without sugar • Kopi peng: sweet white coffee with ice • Kopi-O peng: sweet black coffee with ice • Kopi-O-kosong peng: unsweetened black coffee with ice To really sound like you know the lingo, order: • Kopi sua – two regular coffees What to eat A standard breakfast accompaniment to kopi is the Hainanese-Western hybrid of half-boiled eggs and kaya toast. The idea is to break your own very runny eggs into a bowl and season them to taste with soya sauce. Kaya is coconut jam made from coconut, eggs and sugar.

Think you know Singapore well? This close-up photo shows the exterior detail of a well-known building. Which one?

Last month: September issue’s photo showed the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station.

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44 A buying guide to super storage pieces for the home 50 Twenty years and counting for this furniture store! 58 EL readers talk about the artworks they love

“A moment” by Charlotte Lane (REDSEA Gallery)

HOME & PROPERTY

Fancy Fabrics Luxury furniture retailer P5 is collaborating with furnishing textiles brand Jab Anstoetz in an exclusive partnership that saw the launch of the official Jab Anstoetz showroom in the heart of Scotts Road. The range of products on offer includes upholstery, carpets, wall coverings and interior fabrics. Head to 15 Scotts Road to view the collection.

We have three $300 vouchers for you to revamp your windows with new curtains or blinds, courtesy of END Curtain! END Curtain offers personalised styling and quality workmanship across a wide range of soft furnishings, including curtains, blinds, wallpaper and upholstery services – perfect if you’re looking to customise something for your home in Singapore. The team is passionate about helping customers create their ideal space, and will work with you to ensure any needs and requirements are met. Whether you’re after a specific look or you want help putting together a cohesive design, get in touch with them for a chat. CompetitionTime

81 Tagore Lane, #02-15 (by appointment) 8611 1600 | IG: @end.curtain | endcurtain.com

OCTOBER2022 before 31 October 2022. Good luck! HOW TO ENTER...

... Simply scan the QR code or visit the Competition section of our website ( expatliving.sg/competitions )

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HOME & PROPERTY

Turning 10! Congratulations to Tekkie Help on their 10th anniversary of providing award-winning IT support to people at home and SME businesses.

Congratulations! Furniture retailer Originals and contemporary art space REDSEA Gallery are celebrating their 20th anniversaries this year! Both are extremely popular destinations for anyone hunting gorgeous furniture, home décor or art for their home in Singapore. Here at Expat Living, we’ve had the honour of working alongside them since they started, andwe’re excited to see what the next 20 years brings. originals.com.sg | redseagallery.com

Bo and Sarah set up Tekkie Help to assist people with all kinds of technology, whether it’s because they’re frustrated with trying to get it to do what they want, baffled with how it works or simply don’t have the time to get it going! Their main

objective is to take the hassle out of technology and get it working for people in the most effective and efficient way. The business started on a very small scale, with just Bo out in the field helping clients and Sarah running the backend operations from their small home office. A decade on and the company has become the leading provider of home IT support in Singapore with a team of highly experienced Tekkie Specialists and support staff. Here are just a few of the many things they can help you with: #1 Optimising your home Wi-Fi network (no more black spots and buffering!) #2 Setting you up to watch your favourite international TV shows from around the world #3 Repairing computers – both hardware and software issues – with a hassle-free pick-up and drop-off service #4 Installing home surveillance systems, sound systems and even home cinemas! #5 Helping you manage, organise and protect your thousands of precious photos (see their new online company, www.sortyourphotos.com)

Lessons in Style Join a styling masterclass by Arete Culture this holiday season to master the art of creating magazine-perfect tablescapes. You’ll go home knowing how to create colour stories, balance textures, and come up with new looks using only a few statement pieces. Each two-and-a half-hour immersive session includes a theory class, a hands-on session where you’ll create a floral centrepiece worth $80 to take home, and $285 worth of shopping credit. Take advantage of an exclusive EL reader offer when booking. Go to magicalmomentsbyarete.com/pages/masterclasses and enter “EXPATLIVING20” at checkout to get 20 percent off all masterclasses (usual price, $385) from October to December this year.

To book an appointment, call 8113 8682 or visit tekkiehelp.com. Plus, as a special birthday promotion, quote “TEKKIE10” for a 10 percent discount on all services!

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Four expert-approved colour palettes

Arete Culture’s founder and creative director Caroline Chin Geyler shares her professional tips on home design and décor.

Are you someone who already knows that a cohesive colour palette can help make your home feel more sophisticated and design-forward, yet you tend to get overwhelmed when it comes to putting that knowledge to practice? Here are a few of my favourite colour palettes you can copy, with tips on how to make them your own. Tips #1 Prefer a tighter colour palette? Stick to tonal variations of no more than three colours. #2 Saturated colours have more energy while pastel hues feel more elegant. Use no more than one saturated colour in spaces like the living room or bedroom if you are averse to colour. #3 Kids’ rooms and outdoor spaces can use more colour and bolder, stronger hues. #4 Always add black to modernise and ground a space. #5 Walls and floors also count as colours! If you have wood flooring with an orange-brown tone, soften the look without renovation by using a large rug.

Look One: Modern neutral Choose tonal variations of neutrals like creams, grey and browns for a relaxed, polished look.

Look Two: Modern classic For this look, opt for a single accent colour like blue, paired with neutrals. Darker neutrals like greys and darkwoods give a moodier, cosier feel. Light neutrals give a fresher, classic vibe.

Look Three: Classic with a twist To increase visual interest, use two complementary accent colours with a neutral palette. A classic choice is blue with orange.

Look Four: Tropical chic Love interiors that feel sophisticated but are more high energy? Use dashes of an analogous colour palette like green, blue and yellow, modernised with black and white.

Arete Culture | 20 Depot Lane, #01-01/02 | 9640 3829 | areteculture.com

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BY GEORGINA HOCKLEY PHOTOGRAPHY DELON HO

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Tell us a bit about yourself and your family. My husband and I moved to Singapore in September 2021 looking for an adventure. Our two daughters are abroad at university and college, and given my husband’s role means he can be located anywhere, we both really wanted to come to Asia. We arrived in the midst of pandemic restrictions and straight into two week quarantine, so initially it was a culture shock and steep learning curve. I’m enjoying Singapore now that it’s opened up! Your apartment is huge! How did you find such a gem in the current rental market? When I researched properties from the UK, there seemed to be so much availability, but the reality was very different on arrival. After enquiring online about a few places on PropertyGuru, we had a stroke of good luck connecting with agent Karen Tang Sock Keng of PropNex. She turned out to be absolutely fantastic – professional, motivated and well connected. She showed us several properties but we really liked Ardmore Residence for its quiet, leafy, cosmopolitan vibe just a five-minute walk from Orchard. In a competitive rental market, Karen did well to secure us a breezy 28th-floor apartment. While we love the Art Deco architecture and excellent facilities, what really swayed us to move into the condo was the attentive and friendly team. Brit SARAH MUNROE is one year intoher Singapore stay and looking forward to discovering more of what the city and the regionhave to offer. In the meantime, she shows us around her fabulous 3,200-square-foot apartment inArdmorePark!

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How did you get the place looking so great in such a short time? After reading about Gallery 278 in Expat Living, I walked into the store and met the force of nature that is Felicia Koh. Over a cup of lovely peach tea, she explained the furniture lease option and helped us put a design scheme together for the apartment. We leased large furniture items such as beds that we knew we wouldn’t need to take back to the UK, and then supplemented by investing in some signature pieces. I also spent a lot of time hunting in Tan Boon Liat and other design and furniture hubs to finish the look. We faced supply chain issues and long lead times on orders, so we had to make quick decisions to snap up products in-store before they disappeared! Over the years, we’ve focused on buying original local art. Gallery 278 sourced a great piece for my husband’s home office, which everyone comments on during video calls! We visited a number of galleries and attended art exhibitions including S.E.A. Focus and Gillman Barracks during Singapore Art Week. Eventually, we found two amazing pieces from a talented local artist that we knowwe will always love. It was an interesting journey greatly facilitated by a Singaporean colleague of my husband.

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Where do you source your linens and homeware?

We sourced our Weavve bedding and towels through Felicia. After that, it was a matter of tracking down beautiful and functional homeware for every day. We were able to find everything we needed at TANGS, Crate & Barrel and Ikea.

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What’s your favourite place in your home? The Ardmore Residence has an interesting indoor/ outdoor balcony area that we’ve filled with plants. Sitting there late in the evening with a glass of wine, chatting about our days and looking at the view is very relaxing. Tell us about the condo facilities at Ardmore Residence. The condo has a great club room, a small but super gym, and a divine pool. All the public areas are well maintained including an immaculate garden area. The concierge staff are so lovely and are keen to help you with any query, big or small. Favourite thing about Singapore so far? The easy answer would be to say that Singapore is a fabulous travel hub, which of course it is! But what I really like is that everything works – fromwell-established infrastructure toworld-class health care, to the convenience of getting around and efficient government technology. It’s such a refreshing change from the UK where it takes an absolute age to arrange anything.

What would your advice be for newcomers to Singapore?

Find a good real estate agent to guide you through the rental process. While the leasing market here is similar to the rest of the world, there are Singapore-specific quirks and clauses that are useful to understand straight away. Banking as a foreigner (especially as a DP) can be problematic given our lack of credit history, so allow for more time to set up accounts and wade through layers of security. We’ve started to explore Singapore now the restrictions have eased, but we still have so much more to discover. My husband is an avid F1 fan so he’s super excited about its return. We’ve been to the race several times before, but now we’re living here we’ve got lots of friends descending upon us for the weekend. Travel is back on the agenda, and we’re visiting Japan for the first time later this year. What are you looking forward to in the next 12 months?

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Sarah’s

Home Furnishings & Homeware Gallery 278 by Esco Leasing (“for furniture, curtains, art, and interior design services”) | gallery278.com Ipsa Ipse Ipsum (“for individual, quirky artisanal pieces”) ipsaipseipsum.com Bungalow 55 (“for coffee table books and beautiful gifts”) thebungalow55.com The Orientalist (“for traditional and modern rugs”) theorientalist.com Crate & Barrel | crateandbarrel.com.sg TANGS (“especially the basement”) | tangs.com Health, Beauty & Wellbeing Dr Rohan Mendis at Mendis Aesthetics | drmendis.com IMC Camden (“for your family GP”) | imc-healthcare.com Reformer Pilates with Clarissa Ng at The American Club amclub.org.sg Five Iron Golf (“for indoor golf practice and lessons”) fiveirongolf.sg Blonde Boudoir (“for highlights with Leona”) blondeboudoir.sg The National Orchid Garden (“the Sembcorp Cool House is an oasis of calm”) | nparks.gov.sg Restaurants & Cafés Candlenut (“for amazing Peranakan”) | comodempsey.sg Culina (“specialist food and wine at the market and all day dining at the bistro”) | culina.com.sg Saint Pierre (“for a wonderful modern take on French cuisine”) | saintpierre.com.sg

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Bring beauty and order to every room in your home with these stunning storage ideas!

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1 Teak mosaic sideboard with four doors, in solid oak with black powder-coated metal legs, Soul & Tables 2 Naumi teak rattan sideboard with four doors, Originals 3 Natural stripe basket, knitted and roped together in cotton, available in different sizes, Bungalow 55 4 Philbert classic black trunk, a stylish storage solution with rattan cane webbing, Bungalow 55 5 Montecristo display cabinet in solid oak wood and powder-coated metal, House of AnLi 6 Capella tall cabinet in teak with mirror and elegant pattern, Arete Culture

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7 Three-drawer chest with carving, from India, Woody Antique House 8 Kuno cabinet, hand-carved in sustainable mango wood, Island Living 9 Shanxi painted cabinet in elm and pine wood, with original floral painting, Just Anthony 10 Dongbei sideboard, approximately 80 to 100 years old, with original painting finished with a high gloss lacquer, Just Anthony 11 Antique Burmese dowry chest, WTP The Furniture Company 12 Painted shoe cabinet from China, Woody Antique House

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13 Kuta cabinet in natural rattan and mindi wood, The Furniture Makers 14 Mirrored cabinet with glass shelving in walnut finish, made from sustainably sourced teak, Nestify 15 Lathvia cabinet, made from reclaimed teak wood and rattan, Island Living 16 Outdoor storage box in handmade rattan and powder-coated aluminum frame, customisation available upon request, The Furniture Makers 17 Ladder display shelf, offering five layers, with a gentle incline to add a stylish, modern accent to any home, Scanteak

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18 Pacific 180cm TV sideboard in solid teak, with four drawers and two spaces for electric consoles, Scanteak 19 Resort bathroom column, offering an at-home spa feel, in sustainably sourced teak with glass shelving, Nestify 20 Matsuo chest of six drawers, Gallery 278 21 Hall floating wall shelf, Gallery 278 22 Table console in whitewashed birchwood and veneer, WTP The Furniture Company 23 Nolza outdoor storage chest in synthetic rattan, wicker weaved, Boulevard Outdoor Inspirations 24 Shadow oak sideboard with four doors, Originals 25 Oscar sideboard with two sliding doors and three drawers, made from natural solid teak, black tainted solid teak and black metal legs, Soul & Tables 26 Alaska sideboard in solid oak and powder-coated metal, House of AnLi 27 Bespoke metro sideboard with teak carcass and doors, and stainless steel powder-coated legs, Arete Culture

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Directory Arete Culture 20 Depot Lane, #01-01/02 9640 3829 | areteculture.com Boulevard Outdoor Inspirations • 43 Keppel Road, #W1-01/02/03

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• 200 Turf Club Road, #01-18 The Grandstand (South) • 80 Marine Parade Road, #04-K3 Parkway Parade 6781 3211 | boulevardoutdoorfurniture.com Bungalow 55 8D Dempsey Road, #03-04 | 8318 5358 | thebungalow55.com Gallery 278 203A Henderson Road (Wing A), #11-01 & 02 6737 2322 | gallery278.com House of AnLi #02-139/141 Tanglin Mall, 163 Tanglin Road 6235 5056 | houseofanli.com Island Living 8 Kaki Bukit Avenue 1, #06-04 | 8028 2571 | islandliving.sg Just Anthony 379 Upper Paya Lebar Road | 6283 4782 | justanthony.com Nestify FB and IG: @nestifyhome | 8261 4138 | nestify.shop Originals 1 Bukit Batok Street 22, Level 5 | 6471 9918 | originals.com.sg Scanteak 1 Pegu Road, #01-01 | 6355 0208 | scanteak.com.sg Soul & Tables #02-03 & #02-09 Tan Boon Liat Building, 315 Outram Road 9272 1545 | soulandtables.com.sg The Furniture Makers 1 Upper Aljunied Link, #05-01, Joo Seng Warehouse (viewing by appointment only) 9234 4966 | thefurnituremakers.co Woody Antique House 13 Dempsey Road, #01-05 | 6475 7036 | woodyantique.com WTP The Furniture Company 3 Kung Chong Road | 6235 2760 | wtpstyle.com

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BY GEORGINA HOCKLEY

From a small seed big things grow – the story of an iconic furniture brand’s growth from humble beginnings.

I’ve loved Originals ever since I arrived in Singapore as a 26-year-old singleton in 2006. The brainchild of founder Geri Murphy, back then Originals was a small furniture store in the artist enclave of Gillman Barracks. And I simply couldn’t resist investing in a stunning turquoise vintage cabinet from Rajasthan that I found there. Unique and expertly restored by the Originals team, the cabinet retains pride of place in my living room today, showcasing keepsakes frommy travels. While Originals still stocks an extensive range of Indian up-cycled storage solutions, I’ve watched the brand evolve enormously over the last 20 years (yikes, I’m showing my age here!). In particular, it has managed to expand its offerings without compromising the cornerstones of craftsmanship, quality, sustainability and affordability. The Sime Darby days By collaborating with award-winning designers and skilled artisans, Originals grew its range to include all types of indoor furniture – from living and dining, to bedroom and one-of a-kind home décor. A bigger space was sorely needed, so the Sime Darby destination store was born. I distinctly remember the moment I sank into the heavenly cushions of the Beccy L-Shaped Fabric Sofa on a shopping trip with my neighbour. She snapped one up on the spot, and we went on to enjoy many rituals of daily life on that couch over the years (innumerable cups of tea and the odd gin and tonic). My friend has now repatriated, and the pale blue linen beauty is just as at home on the shores of Noosa, Australia as it was in a Singapore cityscape. I’m yet to find a more comfortable sofa!

Packing up at Gillman Barracks.

Sime Darby

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Bukit Batok – a sleek and spacious warehouse

Originals is at 1 Bukit Batok Street 22, #05-02/03. originals.com.sg This is a brand which is aspirational at every age. It appeals to me as much today as a mum of four kids with a rambling house to style as it did when I lived in a compact apartment. I’ve got my eye on a few pieces right now. One thing’s for sure, the Originals story is far from over – and I can’t wait to see what the future holds. vases and other signature accents are artfully placed, creating beautiful vignettes. I felt a tingle of excitement that with a few carefully curated items I could refresh and transform my own home. The challenges of COVID Every business faces challenges, and the pandemic was a curve ball that no one saw coming. Fortunately, Originals had already successfully established its online platform. The online shop is intuitive, a joy to navigate and makes shopping a breeze. If the recent years taught us anything, it was that some things are beyond our control. The closing of international borders made it impossible to travel to source products. It also impacted the timing and cost of shipments. Restrictions and intermittent closure of the bricks-and-mortar store made connecting with people on a personal basis tricky (thank goodness for Zoom). The secret to Originals’ longevity is its ability to take challenges in its stride and emerge out the other side stronger. A bright future With the world all but completely opened up post COVID, it’s an exciting time ahead for Originals. Plans are afoot for some much-needed travel to source new products. I have it on good authority that Mexico is high on the list. Hola!

Success through sustainability If I could point to one reason why Originals has gone from strength to strength, it would have to be the focus on sustainability. Not only does the brand give a new lease of life to antique pieces, it also builds new from sustainable resources. It does this by selecting partners with a proven track record of treating both people and the planet with respect. The store’s Jasdep Singh is passionate about a “made for life” ethos and doesn’t want customers to ever throw out their furniture. The sofas by design have removable washable covers, so you can refresh your look even years down the track (don’t worry, they won’t go out of stock!). And you can always add a complementary piece – an extra armchair, for instance – after the fact, if the mood takes you. Sleek new showroom The move to the huge ex-warehouse space at Bukit Batok in 2019 brought with it a re-brand and the newOriginals Outdoor range. The showroom is as serene as a swan, but there’s furious paddling beneath the surface. New shipments are regularly arriving from around the globe; from handwoven rugs from Turkey, to tribal accents from Africa, solid teak consoles from Java, and soft furnishings from France, to name just a few. But some things stay the same, like the ever-knowledgeable Nikki, who has been welcoming customers at Originals since day one. She really knows her stuff and can help guide you with your purchases, highlighting customisable features and fabrics. While great design speaks for itself, it helps that the space is styled into a series of conceptualised rooms. Table lamps,

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