Tomasz
Tomasz was very satisfied with our TouristPad. He even cheekily told me that he wrote down some of the apps so that he could download and continue using those as they rendered him great help during the 3 days rental. However, he was sad that those awesome apps were paid apps. I told him that TouristPads endeavor to deliver only the best apps to our customers, even if they came with a price. He replied he was glad that he got the chance to use those for the past 3 days. He mentioned that 3G is expensive here in Singapore, and that our iPad rental service would be beneficial to business, family and group travelers. He mentioned that he missed alcohol back home because they are cheap! Thankfully, food in Singapore is good and cheap, so these savings would be channeled to him having some drinks!
I-S Magazine
We are very pleased to announce that all our TouristPads are now preloaded with the latest digital copies of I-S Magazine Singapore. I-S Magazine Singapore is a product of Asia City Media Group, which provides city living and lifestyle content and marketing solutions. Being the first to introduce city living magazines to Asia, they have adopted the concept of free-distribution publications in the region. We'd like to thank Asia City Media Group for reaching out to us and allowing us to load their publications onto our TouristPads for tourists to access when they visit Singapore.
We are delighted that we participated in an interview with their editor, and we are looking forward to be featured on their website and/or publications.
We took a quick peek at their website and 4 features caught our attention:
- New Openings. This page shows the most interesting new establishments and happenings in Singapore.
- Happy Hour Finder. Who says Happy Hour can only be found at certain time of the day? With their Happy Hour Clock, you can find a Happy Hour any time of day.
- Top 10 Things to Do in Singapore. On a monthly basis, this segment will provide readers on what's happening the current month, so that you can be part of the action.
- Singapore's Best Set Lunches. With deals under S$40 to above $100, just go take your pick according to your budget!
Tourists renting our TouristPads will be able to access these great magazines and guides from now on! Our iPad rental service will delight you, and now with I-S Magazines, you get even greater value.
Neshan and Daniel
Neshan and Daniel are friends visiting Singapore. They are Danish, and it is our pleasure to rent them our TouristPads, our first 2 customers from Denmark. They were impressed by the service from the start, especially with unlimited connectivity with 3G on the go. I could see that they are particularly interested in finding out more about our transportation system, as they wanted to get to places in the shortest time possible. They liked the fact that the MRT map is clearly pictured on our iPads, and that the SG Nextbus app keeps them informed of the waiting time. I went on and introduced the Hungry app to them as I wanted them to try our best local food at reasonable prices. Apparently, they are food hunters too, and had traveled to Chinatown the day before to taste one of the best chicken rice found over there. Sensing that I could be taking up their precious time in exploring Singapore, I summed up the use of the other apps as soon as possible and wished them a good stay in Singapore. Fortunately, I remembered that I wanted to take a photo of them with our iPads, which they enthusiastically obliged. =)
Here's a sneak look at iOS 6 on the new iPad and what are the cool features that it brings which will be of use to the tourists renting our TouristPads.
Maps
First, let's take a look at maps. You will notice on our TouristPads that the Transport tab now has the rebooted Maps app from Apple:
Transport category
Apple Maps has replaced Google Maps as the native maps app in iOS, and I must say it looks prettier now. The icons indicating roads, train stations, restaurants, hotels, museums, to name a few, have a much better design compared to Google Maps'. There's a 3D mode where you can see the map in perspective, which should help you find your way around even better. Better than a physical map, this map actually shows you where you are all the time. Never get lost again. Now even better!
We have taken a screen shot of the new Maps App:
Maps
Facetime, over cellular
Facetime over cellular is also exclusively available on the new iPad (3rd generation). Tourists will be able to use their Facetime account to (video) call their loved ones on Apple's networks without the use of Wi-Fi, which means that you can now make calls anytime, anywhere back home using FaceTime. Note that with Skype preloaded, you can also make phone calls via Skype on 3G cellular anytime anywhere with your Skype account to any number in the world. Say byebye to roaming mobile costs when you use our iPad rental service for your stay in Singapore.
FaceTime
Personal Hotspot
Tourists who bring along their laptops and other smart devices are going to love their rental for this. Personal Hotspot is now enabled on our TouristPads, which would allow you to connect all your devices to the internet through the wireless hotspot on our new iPads. No more fretting about finding a wireless hotspot at your hotel, or on the go anywhere in Singapore. Comes with all our rentals!
Personal Hotspot
Even as a local living in Singapore for a quarter century, I must admit I still do not know how to get to many places in Singapore. I still remembered the days when technology wasn't that advanced and every time we wanted to go out, we would memorize which train/bus to take, where to alight and change transportation. Then, I held a little blue notebook around, jotting down important bus service numbers as well as major landmarks to help me find my way. I am glad to say, those days are over! These days, Singaporeans are so blessed with a smart device on hand and 3G on the go, they could simply find their way with just a few touches on their mobile screens. Moreover, they are many apps that are created just to give you directions to your desired destination.
I would like to share with you my favourite - the gothere.sg app. This app not only offers accurate details on how to get to places, it is also kind enough to offer the user many alternative routes with the approximate cost and time! This will allow the user to choose the best way, according to the time and money on hand.
Just arrived in Singapore and wondering what's the best way to get to Esplanade? To save the trouble, why not just pre-book our iPad rental service and we will hand deliver a TouristPad to you once you exit the custom gates. From there, you can gothere, the best way.
Travelers visiting Singapore will get curious when they see "free" tissue packets, ez-link cards and even umbrellas found on seats in hawker centres, and the occasional in fast food chains. Are Singaporeans generous? We are not Santa Claus, but we certainly have a peculiar culture. Commonly known as "Chope", which means to reserve a seat in Singapore slang, ingenious Singaporeans would use some of these "tools" to occupy seats while they go and buy their food, which could possibly deny other patrons a seat. Do not be surprised if you get told off by a local if you are found occupying their "chope-d" seats! Well, today I am not here to talk about how to reserve a seat in hawker centres, but to introduce you a method on how to "chope" your place in some of the finest restaurants serving delicious food right here in Singapore.
And very aptly, we use the "Chope" app, which can be found on our TouristPads. Based on your location, you can search for recommendations nearby, or any new establishments which might surprise you. Hungry for a particular cuisine? This app allows you to key in the type of food you are craving for and within specific locations, so the nearest one might just be a stone's throw away.
So what are you waiting for? "Chope" our iPad rental service and you can start "chope-ing" seats the easy and right way!
In 3 days' time, it will be Singapore's National Day. The logo is known as the "Orchidstar". As mentioned on the official website of NDP 2012, the logo is inspired by our national flower, "Vanda Miss Joaquim" orchid. The theme for National Day Parade (NDP) 2012 is “Loving Singapore, Our Home”.
Not known to many, Singapore is only 47 years old this coming Thursday. Her development and rapid growth is considered to be a miracle given her limited natural resources and small population. Against the odds, Singapore managed to emerge as an International Financial Hub as well as a leading research centre for Science and Technology.
I have been hearing sounds of explosions these few days leading up to National Day. What's happening? These sounds of explosion bring excitement to the hearts of the locals because they know fireworks are being displayed at the NDP preview which is held at the floating platform at Marina Bay. Don't worry if you missed the chance to view these fireworks. The most spectacular ones will be on display this coming Thursday. The best of all, you can find both free and paid viewing options here.
For tourists coming to Singapore during this period, you have made a great decision. So why not take up our iPad rental service, and you can get to these viewing points effortlessly, take some epic shots of fireworks and share these memorable sights with family and friends back home via social media with our unlimited 3G services, all using the new iPad we have for you.
Taking the fashion route
After getting enough of Orchard Road and its all-too-familiar shopping brands, I decided to check out an interesting clothing district tucked away in a narrow alley of the Bugis area. Haji Lane. This tiny lane has become a much raved about destination thanks to its one-of-a-kind clothing, accessories and quirky store concepts. My favourite would have to be The Blog Shop, a two-storey store dedicated to selling independent designer labels at extremely reasonable prices. Find a wide array of edgy, vintage and modern apparel, as well as rings.
Haji lane
Not only for female fashionistas, Haji Lane also caters to males with its punk rock and classic menswear, offered by Sup Clothing and White Room respectively.
Even though Haji Lane is a little hard to find, our iPads will have you there in 6 minutes from Bugis MRT Station! If you’ve got more time to kill, walk around Arab Street to get a more cultural experience. Beautiful fabrics and batik, rattan products, carpets and little trinkets can be found along rows of colourful shophouses. There is also a hint of nightlife here as several Mediterranean restaurants offer shisha, best described as inhaling (usually fruity) favoured air.
Ever since I came back from the US, I’ve been having an insatiable craving for local food. That’s one big reason why I love Singapore – it’s a heavenly place for people who live to eat. Now that my US trip has burnt a hole in my pocket, I’ve been determined to feast on foods that are more wallet-friendly. Thanks to the hundreds of hawker stalls in Singapore, you won’t be missing out on great food even on a tight budget.
Ieathawker is the app I just downloaded on my iPhone. With instant access to over 460 hawker stalls, it’s an awesome way to find good local food quickly when you’re on the go. Search based on food categories and get ratings, photos and write-ups on each dish. Better yet, find out how to get there or check out which food centres are near your current location.
ieathawker app
The Ieathawker app is also available on our TouristPads. Rent one now and get your hungry on!
Newsloop
Picture caption: We also like the fact that a write up of our iPad rental service is featured on one of their content categories.
Minutes away from the bustling city but miles away from the constant hustle of life, Pasir Ris Park is a perfect escape destination.
The greenery
Sit by the sea and enjoy peaceful serenity in this tranquil space. Enjoy a nature walk around dense mangrove swamps, a well kept herbs and spice garden, or watch the sunset.
Some flowers
Pasir Ris Park is also a great place for family fun and healthy exercise. Ride on a pony at Gallop Stable, go fishing, rent a bicycle or better yet, have a barbeque party. If you’re up for more adventure, try out water sports activities such as kayaking or dinghy sailing.
Access other parks (Changi Beach, Tampines and Bedok Reservoir Park) through park connectors and explore Singapore’s network of beautiful national parks.
Sit beside the seaside
Our iPad rental service will have you finding this park effortlessly. Take stunning photos using the Instagram app and upload them instantly.
We are proud to say that TouristPads has officially launched. 3 friends with diverse personalities, Josh, Caleb and I connected through our love for travel, adventure and the aim to provide something useful for society. We settled on the people we felt we understood best – people like ourselves, travelers with the spirit for adventure.
Joshua, Abigail, Caleb
To some, people may see Singapore as a boring little island. To us though, there are many underrated sights, local delicacies, little cafes, streets and happenings that should be discovered by any traveler wanting a truly authentic Singapore experience.
TouristPads was established, therefore, to make that possible. With a lightweight, fully connected iPad on hand, information and resources are at your fingertips. Access our range of installed apps to get recommendations on the best hokkien mee in town, ideas on what to sightsee and get directions instantly.
Interested? Call, email or submit a form to us at our official website www.touristpads.com now and a TouristPad will be hand-delivered to you promptly.