Please check your January-February Bamboo Telegraph for full details of our upcoming Local Tours

January 20, Friday ~ Just Coffee

Come and join us for a coffee and a chat-no booking, no commitment, just AWA members for some good old fashioned chit-chat!  There will always be a member of the committee ready to welcome you and the Orchard Road shops are not far away.  This coffee morning is for newcomers and old hands alike, so feel free to drop in and meet some new faces.  Time: 10 AM to Noon.  Meet at Starbucks at Orchard Parade Hotel.  Please note change of Venue!  No Registration Required!

January 23 & 24, Monday & Tuesday ~ AWA Office Closed for Chinese New Year

January 25, Wednesday ~ WSN Coffee

Do you have unanswered random questions about Singapore?  Are you looking for a friend to go to movies with?  The Women’s Social Network exists for any AWA member who spends a lot of time on her own and is looking for company to explore Singapore.  We meet on alternate Wednesdays for a casual coffee and to put faces to names that we share information with online.  Time: 10 AM (Please note NEW TIME!).  Venue: Starbucks at 313@Somerset, 2nd Floor (Please note NEW VENUE!).  *Please note, the December 28 coffee will not be formally hosted.  No Registration Required!

January 27, Friday ~ Botanical Babies

Time to burn off that extra baby weight!?!  Come join us for a ‘power walk’ around the Botanical Gardens every other Friday at 9am.  Don’t forget to bring your little ones in their stroller!  And afterwards, stick around and join us at the café for coffee and a chance to chat.  Time: 9.00 am.  Venue: Visitor’s Centre at the Main Gate, Botanical Gardens.  Cost: None.  No registration required!

January 30, Monday ~ Local Tours: Titanic Documentary and Privately Guided Tour

Please join us for a rare opportunity to step on board RMS Titanic for the first time in Southeast Asia.  Experience the majestic and dramatic maiden voyage of the iconic ship almost 100 years after it set sail in 1912.  Our museum guide will take us through the ship's conception, construction, sailing day, life on board, the famous iceberg, Titanic's sinking, the discovery of the wreck, while all throughout telling the incredible stories of her passengers and crew.  Embark on a journey through about 275 authentic artifacts, of which 14 have never been seen before and extensive re-creations of the first and third class cabins, the grand staircase, boiler room and other locations on Titanic.  You will have an all access pass, so after the guided tour, please feel free to browse the museum and other exhibitions.  Time: 10 am to 12 Noon.  Venue: Art Science Museum Marina Bay Sands.  Cost: $29 Members, $36 Guests.  Please register with the AWA office ASAP, but by Friday, January 20 at the latest.

January 30, Monday ~ Kids JWT Play Gym

Come and join AWA Kids for a monthly open play gym session at JWT Kids Gym!  They will have two different age-appropriate play areas set up for us, including an obstacle course and will end the session with a Sky ride done strictly by their trainers.  Time: 12.30 pm to 1.30 pm  Venue: JWT Kids Gym, UE Square, #02-12, 81 Clemenceau Ave.  Cost: $6 per child.  Recommended Ages: 12 months to 9 years old.  Please register with the AWA Office ASAP – call now to reserve your spots!

February 3, Friday ~ Just Coffee

Come and join us for a coffee and a chat-no booking, no commitment, just AWA members for some good old fashioned chit-chat!  There will always be a member of the committee ready to welcome you and the Orchard Road shops are not far away.  This coffee morning is for newcomers and old hands alike, so feel free to drop in and meet some new faces.  Time: 10 AM to Noon.  Meet at Starbucks at Orchard Parade Hotel.  Please note change of Venue!  No Registration Required!

February 7, Tuesday ~ Local Tours: Understanding Thaipusam

One of the most unique festivals in Singapore is the Hindu celebration of Thaipusam.  We board our buses and travel to Sri Perumal Temple on Serangoon Road, as our professional guide, explains the customs and beliefs of this fascinating celebration.  The guide will also explain the rituals Hindu devotees undergo in preparation for the ceremony, which makes this walk a not-to-be missed occasion.  Upon arrival, we watch the devotees as their kavadis are attached with hooks and skewers to their bodies and then we follow a portion on the route.  We will accompany the procession of devotees and chanting well-wishers as they walk toward the Chettiar Temple on Tank Road.  The bus will then take us to the temple where we will observe the kavadis being removed with much ceremony.  Please note that this festival shows body piercing and might not be suitable for everyone.  Time: Choose from one of the following: 7 am to 10 am OR 10:15 am to 1 pm.  Venue: Newton Hawker Centre Car Park.  Cost: $33 Members, $42 Guests.  Please register with the AWA office ASAP, but by Tuesday January 31 at the latest.

February 8, Wednesday ~ WSN Coffee

Do you have unanswered random questions about Singapore?  Are you looking for a friend to go to movies with?  The Women’s Social Network exists for any AWA member who spends a lot of time on her own and is looking for company to explore Singapore.  We meet on alternate Wednesdays for a casual coffee and to put faces to names that we share information with online.  Time: 10 AM (Please note NEW TIME!).  Venue: Starbucks at 313@Somerset, 2nd Floor (Please note NEW VENUE!).  *Please note, the December 28 coffee will not be formally hosted.  No Registration Required!

February 8, Wednesday ~ Arts & Culture: Singapore's Changing Landscape

Join us as historian and author Gretchen Liu explores Singapore's changing landscape through its visual heritage records.  From the earliest photos produced by visiting Western photographers in the mid-19th century, through to the compelling images of amateur photographers active in the last century, she will take us on a pictorial journey which will chronicle the island's history and give us a chance to glimpse Singapore as she was.  Time: 10 am to 12 Noon.  Venue: The American Club Colonial Room.  Cost: $20 Members, $25 Guests.  Light refreshments will be served.  Please register with the AWA office ASAP, but by Wednesday February 1 at the latest.

February 10, Friday ~ Local Tours: U.S. Embassy Tour

This is a guided tour of the United States Embassy on Napier Road.  The Embassy Community Liaison Officer will guide us through the Embassy, sharing the details of how things work within the walls of this impressive structure.  You will also have time to shop in the Embassy shop to purchase logo items.  This is a unique opportunity to understand the many and diverse tasks that the Embassy staff perform.  Non-US citizens are welcome.  Security requires that you provide us with your passport number at least one week prior to the tour and therefore, note that only registered tour participants will be allowed into the Embassy.  You must also bring your passport with you on the day of the tour.  Time: 9:45 am to 12 Noon.  Venue: Corner of Entrance of Tanglin Mall (outside Starbucks).  Cost: $5 Members, $7 Guests.  Please register with the AWA Office ASAP,  but by Wednesday, February 1 at the latest.

February 17, Friday ~ Local Tours: Old World Charm of Balestier

Want to know what Singapore was like in the 70's?  Join us for a tour of Balestier, named after the 1st American Consul of Singapore.  Our professional guide will regale us with local anecdotes and point out the award winning architectural details of this old world area, known for its rich and interesting history.  It is a town of mixed curiosity, dotted with temples and side streets named after Burmese towns and known to Singaporeans as an enclave famous for its delicious local fare.  This tour offers an insight into Sikhism and the local Sikh community, as well as the sporting history of Balestier Plain, starting block of many of Singapore's National sportsmen.  Time: 9 am to 1:15 pm (approximately).  Venue: Newton Hawker Centre Car Park.  Cost: $38 Members, $48 Guests.  Please register with the AWA Office ASAP,  but by Thursday, February 9 at the latest.

February 17, Friday ~ Just Coffee

Come and join us for a coffee and a chat-no booking, no commitment, just AWA members for some good old fashioned chit-chat!  There will always be a member of the committee ready to welcome you and the Orchard Road shops are not far away.  This coffee morning is for newcomers and old hands alike, so feel free to drop in and meet some new faces.  Time: 10 AM to Noon.  Meet at Starbucks at Orchard Parade Hotel.  Please note change of Venue!  No Registration Required!

February 21, Tuesday ~ Simply Social Luncheon

Asian antiques bring an unsurpassed richness and depth to contemporary interiors.  Los Angeles based designer David Desmond will show images of how he integrates these pieces into interiors ranging from a Craftsman beach house to a high-rise penthouse to an 18th century French-style chateau.  He will discuss areas in which to collect, including furniture, decorative arts, fine art and porcelain, as well as selection criteria, connoisseurship, valuation and market trends.  Time: Registration at 11:30 am.  12 Noon to 2 pm.  Venue: American Club Colonial Room.  Cost: $34 Members, $43 Guests.  Please register with the AWA Office ASAP,  but by Tuesday, February 14 at the latest.

February 22, Wednesday ~ WSN Coffee

Do you have unanswered random questions about Singapore?  Are you looking for a friend to go to movies with?  The Women’s Social Network exists for any AWA member who spends a lot of time on her own and is looking for company to explore Singapore.  We meet on alternate Wednesdays for a casual coffee and to put faces to names that we share information with online.  Time: 10 AM (Please note NEW TIME!).  Venue: Starbucks at 313@Somerset, 2nd Floor (Please note NEW VENUE!).  *Please note, the December 28 coffee will not be formally hosted.  No Registration Required!

February 23, Thursday ~ AWA Welcome Coffee and General Meeting

Are you looking for a way to meet new people?  Have you been trying to find ways to get connected in our community?  Join us to experience one of Singapore's hidden treasures with a long term supporter of AWA.  This morning of shopping and socializing is a great chance to catch up with old friends and meet someone new.   Time: 10 am to 12 Noon.  Venue: Window to the Past 3 Kung Chong Road.  Cost: None.  Please register with the AWA office ASAP, but by Tuesday, February 21 at the latest.

February 24, Friday ~ Local Tours: Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum Tour

Please join us as we explore one of the newest religious centers in Singapore.  The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum is a living cultural monument in the heart of Chinatown that displays many artistic and religious artifacts.  Our professional guide will introduce us to Buddhism as practiced by many Chinese in Singapore and take us through the life of the Buddha.  We will explore each of the 4 floors of the museum and temple to appreciate the fine craftsmanship in the grandeur of the halls and chambers.  We will also get to visit the peaceful rooftop pavilion where 10, 000 Buddhas are enshrined and see the blooms of the Dendrobium Buddha Tooth Orchid.  Following the tour we will stop for refreshments at a local bakery or tea house (optional, not included in the price of the tour).  Time: 9:45 am to 12:15 pm (approximately).  Venue: Corner of South Bridge Road and Sago Lane.  Cost: $12 Members, $15 Guests (includes donation to the temple).  Please register with the AWA office ASAP, but by Thursday, February 16 at the latest.

February 25, Saturday ~ Kids Family Hike

Join AWA Kids for a family hike at MacRitchie Reservoir  Park.  Bring your children and spouses for this Saturday morning walk.  MacRitchie has become a popular spot for nature lovers and exercise enthusiasts.  It is also a great place for morning strolls along the water's edge.  For little ones, we will stick near the reservoir, waterside area.  For those with older kids, MacRitchie offers miles of trails to explore.  It is likely we will see some monkeys, so it is recommended not to carry food.  There is a food court for snacks and drinks following the hike.  Time: 9 am to 11 am.  Venue: Main entrance at MacRitchie, under the pavilion, near the washrooms and food court.  Cost: None.  Please register with the AWA office ASAP.

February 28, Tuesday ~ Daring Divas

Nothing releases your inner California girl like riding the waves.  Come surfing with us at the Wavehouse.  You do not need experience to try this sport.  There will be a trained professional guiding you along the way if needed.  You are also welcome to try knee boarding if you dare.  Remember to bring a change of clothes to have lunch afterwards at the Wavehouse restaurant & Bar.  Time: 10:30 am.  Venue: Wavehouse 36 Siloso Beach Walk, Sentosa Island.  Cost: $22 Members, $27 Guests. Please register with the AWA office ASAP, but by Friday, February 24 at the latest.

March 2, Friday ~ International Woman of the Year Award Ceremony 2012

Be sure to join us to celebrate International Women's Day and recognize expatriate women that have contributed to our local community.  Time: 10 am to 12 Noon.  Venue:  The Residence of United States Ambassador Adelman.  Cost: $35 Members, $40 Guests.  Please register with the AWA office ASAP, but by Friday, February 24 at the latest.

March 2, Friday ~ Local Tours: Joo Chiat/Katong Food Tour (Evening Tour)

Calling all foodies-those of you with big appetites as well as an 'appetite' for culture.  This evening tour of Joo Chiat is just for you!  Joo Chiat, or as it is often referred to as the Katong area, is a popular suburban town in the southeastern part of Singapore island, home of the Malays, Straits Chinese and Eurasians.  It is also the largest architecture conservation district.  Join us for a gastronomic snacking trek around Joo Chiat, sampling famous local dishes such as Peranakan kueh-kuehs, kueh pie tie, laksa and tau kwa pau.  Please note that this will be a walking tour once we reach Joo Chiat.  Time: 5 pm to 11 pm (approximately).  Venue: Newton Hawker Centre Car Park.  Cost: $62 Members, $77 Guests ($35 included toward food tasting). 

Please register with the AWA office ASAP, but by Friday, February 24 at the latest.

March 9, Friday ~ Local Tours: U.S. Embassy Tour

This is a guided tour of the United States Embassy on Napier Road.  The Embassy Community Liaison Officer will guide us through the Embassy, sharing the details of how things work within the walls of this impressive structure.  You will also have time to shop in the Embassy shop to purchase logo items.  This is a unique opportunity to understand the many and diverse tasks that the Embassy staff perform.  Non-US citizens are welcome.  Security requires that you provide us with your passport number at least one week prior to the tour and therefore, note that only registered tour participants will be allowed into the Embassy.  You must also bring your passport with you on the day of the tour.  Time: 9:45 am to 12 Noon.  Venue: Corner of Entrance of Tanglin Mall (outside Starbucks).  Cost: $5 Members, $7 Guests.  Please register with the AWA Office ASAP,  but by Thursday, March 1 at the latest.

March 9, Friday ~ AWA Annual Arts & Culture Luncheon

Enjoy a festive High Tea and champagne while experiencing Singapore's rich heritage through an ethnic fashion presentation and diverse cultural entertainment.  Embrace turn of the century colonial style by dressing in traditional white High Tea attire.  Local AWA fine artists will be showcasing their lovely work, along with other exhibitors, a silent auction and fantastic surprises.  Time: 11 am.  Venue: Raffles Hotel-The Ballroom.  Cost: $98 Members, $128 Guests.  Please register with the AWA office ASAP, but by Thursday, March 1 at the latest.

March 13, Tuesday ~ Local Tours: Toa Payoh-The Heartlands

Come and explore the heartlands with our heritage guide.  Our journey takes us around Toa Payoh-the first planned satellite town built in the 1960's.  The pace of life here does not seem to have caught up with the rest of modern Singapore even as redevelopment is changing its townscape.  The highlight of our tour is a visit to the renowned Lian Shan Shuang Lin Monastery, one of the largest Buddhist complexes in the region.  It recently reopened its doors to the public after 10 years of restoration works for which it has won architectural awards.  This tour includes the HDB Hub-headquarters of Housing Development Board, the local public housing authority.  At the Hub, we visit the HDB gallery, a showcase of the history and evolution of public housing in Singapore, as well as mock-ups of HDB apartments.  Time: 9 am to 1:15 pm (approximately).  Venue: Newton Hawker Centre Car Park.  Cost: $33 Members, $41 Guests.  Please register with the AWA office ASAP, but by Monday, March 5 at the latest.

March 17, Saturday ~ Kids: The Three Little Pigs

The time has come for the Three Little Pigs to seek their fortunes.  What will happen to them when the Big Bad Wolf gets in their way?  Embark on an adventure with the three little Pigs as they battle the Big Bad Wolf with their charming and witty ways!  The original adaptation of the classic fairy tale will be presented by the Singapore Repertory Theatre.  The Three Little Pigs teaches young children how success can be achieved through hard work and perseverance.  Filled with humor, this endearing tale will leave you squealing with glee and howling with laughter!  Time: 11 am to 12 Noon.  Venue: Singapore Repertory Theatre, 20 Merbau Road.  Cost: $27 Members, $ 34 Guests (same for children and adults).  Please register with the AWA office ASAP.

March 23, Friday ~ AWA Spring Carpet Auction

If only your husband were like an Eastern Carpet... An Eastern Carpet improves with age, provides plenty of conversation, looks good even after a night on the tiles, comes with a guarantee, only needs cleaning once a year, won't embarrass you in front of your friends, comes in all sizes, colors and values, gets better the more you walk on it, is a credit to your good taste, has no unpleasant habits, can always be exchanged for another one if you get bored with it, is a purchase of a lifetime.  Oh, bring your husbands, as the carpets can be quite heavy!  Time: 6:30 pm cocktails, dinner and carpet viewing, 7:30 pm promptly auction starts.  Venue: East India Room, Raffles Hotel.  Cost: $30 Members, $40 Guests.  Please register with the AWA office ASAP, but by Friday, March 16 at the latest.

AWA Refund Policy

We always try to avoid cancelling events and activities, but it is possible that we may have to do so on occasion due to lack of interest.  If we do have to cancel an event or activity you will receive a full refund of the amount paid.

If you have to cancel an event or activity that you are registered for we require 96 hours notice in order for you to receive a refund.  In the event of you cancelling after this time, no refund will be given.

Page last updated:  January 19, 2012