Hi, I’m James, the writer behind Lew Wen Wan Blog. I started this blog to share practical tips on personal finance, career growth, online business ideas, and lifestyle in Singapore. Here, you’ll find: 1. Actionable guides on saving, investing, and building side income. 2. Honest thoughts on health, career, and family life in Singapore. 3. My own journey towards financial independence and balanced living. Thanks for visiting, and I hope you’ll find ideas here that inspire your next step.
Recently i went to Teban Big Box Play with my family before it close down. Right now the whole area at Teban Big Box is surrounded by barricades. Here are the pictures we have taken. It is a pity it close down. It could not last till the new MRT (Pandan Gardens) that is going to pop up. The crowd will have easier access from the MRT.
When most people think about a monthly transport pass, they think about saving money on commuting. That is fair — transport is one of those unavoidable costs in Singapore. You either take the MRT and bus, or you pay a lot more for alternatives.
But after observing my own commuting patterns and talking to people around me, I realised something deeper:
A monthly transport pass is not just a cost-saving tool.
It is an income-enabling tool.
Once your transport cost is capped, predictable, and mentally “settled”, the way you look at work and side income changes. You stop calculating every trip. You stop rejecting small opportunities because “it’s not worth the fare”. You start thinking in terms of time and effort, not distance.
In a city like Singapore, that shift matters more than we realise.
Many freelancing or part-time opportunities in Singapore are:
Short in duration
Spread across different locations
Paid per task, not per hour
On paper, the pay looks decent. In reality, transport eats into margins quickly.
A $40 two-hour job suddenly becomes:
$36 after transport
$32 if you need multiple transfers
And much less attractive when repeated daily
This is where the monthly transport pass changes the equation.
Once transport is fixed, every additional trip becomes cheaper. Eventually, it becomes “free” in your mind — and that psychological shift unlocks more income opportunities.
Home tuition remains one of the strongest freelance options in Singapore.
Primary to JC subjects
Music lessons
Coding, robotics, speech and drama
Pay typically ranges from $30 to $70 per hour.
The challenge is not demand — it is logistics.
Tutors often travel to:
Multiple homes
Different MRT lines
Evening time slots
With pay-per-ride, many tutors limit themselves to nearby students. With a monthly pass, the radius expands.
One extra student per week can already offset the cost of the monthly pass. Everything beyond that becomes pure upside.
This includes:
Fitness trainers
Yoga instructors
Music teachers
Enrichment coaches
Many sessions are short — one hour, sometimes less. Without a transport cap, short sessions feel inefficient.
With a monthly pass:
Short sessions become viable
Back-to-back bookings across locations become realistic
You can accept opportunities based on schedule, not distance
Mobility increases utilisation, and utilisation increases income.
Not everyone wants a full delivery job. But many people are open to:
Part-time parcel delivery
Errand running
Personal shopping
Queueing services
These gigs pay per task, not per trip.
The problem is simple: transport cost kills small margins.
Once you have unlimited MRT and bus rides:
Multi-stop routes make sense
Combining errands becomes profitable
Short-distance tasks stop feeling wasteful
The monthly pass turns these into stackable income activities.
Many assume gig work requires a bike, PMD, or car. That is not entirely true.
In dense areas:
Central business districts
Mature estates
MRT-connected malls
MRT + walking works surprisingly well.
Food delivery, flyer distribution, and promotional work often happen in clusters. The monthly pass allows you to move freely between clusters without worrying about cost efficiency.
There are many behind-the-scenes roles that require mobility but not ownership of a car:
Property viewing assistants
Sales coordinators
Brand ambassadors
Event support staff
These roles often pay:
Per session
Per day
Or per assignment
They require flexibility and willingness to travel. The monthly pass removes the hesitation.
When you can say “yes” more easily, opportunities compound.
Singapore’s ageing population has created demand for:
Elderly companions
Clinic accompaniment
Light home support
These roles are:
Localised
Frequent
Relationship-based
They do not pay huge amounts per visit, but consistency matters.
A monthly pass makes this kind of work sustainable, especially for seniors helping seniors or caregivers working flexible hours.
Content creation is often seen as purely online. In reality, good content requires movement.
Examples:
Hawker food reviews
Neighbourhood guides
Event coverage
MRT-line themed content
With a monthly transport pass, your city becomes your research space.
Every MRT stop becomes potential content. Every bus ride becomes an observation opportunity. Over time, this builds a content library that can generate income through ads, sponsorships, or affiliate links.
These gigs exist quietly in Singapore:
Mystery shopping
Market surveys
Field research
Pay per task is usually modest. Profit depends on volume.
Without a monthly pass, transport cost makes these unattractive. With one, doing multiple assignments in a day suddenly makes sense.
This is a classic example of small income stacking, where consistency beats intensity.
Events happen all over Singapore:
Expo
Convention centres
Shopping malls
Community spaces
Assignments change weekly. Locations shift constantly.
A monthly transport pass allows you to commit without worrying about “far” venues. Over time, this makes you more reliable — and reliability leads to repeat offers.
Most people ask:
“Will I save money with a monthly pass?”
A better question is:
“What opportunities open up when transport stops being a constraint?”
Once transport becomes a fixed cost:
You explore more
You accept more
You experiment more
Some opportunities fail. Some succeed. But the ability to try is what matters.
There is also a mental advantage that is rarely discussed.
When transport is unlimited:
You stop second-guessing yourself
You stop rejecting opportunities prematurely
You move with intention, not hesitation
In a fast-paced city like Singapore, momentum matters.
To be fair, a monthly pass may not be ideal if:
You rarely leave your neighbourhood
You work from home almost entirely
You have very low travel frequency
But if you are actively looking to:
Increase income
Explore freelance work
Stay economically flexible
Then the monthly pass is not a cost — it is infrastructure.
In Singapore, opportunity is rarely far away. It is usually one MRT stop away.
The monthly transport pass removes friction between you and those opportunities. It does not guarantee income, but it increases the number of chances you get.
And in personal finance, chances matter.
Sometimes, the smartest investment is not a stock or a course — it is simply the ability to move freely, consistently, and without fear of small costs.
That is what a monthly transport pass quietly gives you.
Assumptions (realistic Singapore scenario):
Average fare per trip: $1.80
Daily commuting + errands + weekends
About 65–70 trips per month
| Travel Method | Trips / Month | Cost Per Trip | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pay-per-ride | 66 trips | $1.80 | $118.80 |
| Pay-per-ride (heavier use) | 72 trips | $1.80 | $129.60 |
| Monthly Travel Pass (2026) | Unlimited | Fixed | $122.00 |
Light users break even
Moderate-to-heavy users start saving immediately
Any extra trip beyond break-even is effectively free
| Travel Method | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Pay-per-ride (avg $130/month) | $130 | $1,560 |
| Monthly Travel Pass (2025) | $128 | $1,536 |
| Monthly Travel Pass (2026) | $122 | $1,464 |
$96 per year
That’s:
2–3 family meals
A utilities bill
A week of groceries
Small savings, repeated every year, compound quietly.
(You can present this as a simple visual or explanation in text)
Around 68 trips per month
Roughly 3 trips per weekday + weekends
Most working adults cross this without realising.
| Year | Monthly Pass | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $58 | $696 |
| 2026 | $55 | $660 |
Annual savings: $36
| Year | Monthly Pass | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $96 | $1,152 |
| 2026 | $92 | $1,104 |
Annual savings: $48
| Profile | Trips per Month | Best Option |
|---|---|---|
| Work-from-home (3 days) | <45 | Pay-per-ride |
| Office worker (daily) | 60–70 | Monthly pass |
| Parent with children | 70+ | Monthly pass |
| Senior (daily outings) | Unlimited | Concession pass |
Monthly passes flatten cost spikes
Easier budgeting
No “surprise” transport overspending
When I started tracking my transport spending monthly, I realised something uncomfortable: my so-called “cheap” pay-per-ride habit was quietly creeping past the cost of a monthly pass. Once work, errands, and weekend family trips were added in, the numbers no longer lied. The monthly travel pass did not just cap my spending — it gave me mental freedom. I stopped counting stops, stopped avoiding short trips, and started moving more efficiently in daily life.
Monthly pass = financial cap + mental clarity
2026 prices improve value, not reduce it
Savings may look small monthly, but compound yearly
Best suited for anyone who treats public transport as a daily utility
Living in Singapore means one thing is almost guaranteed: public transport is part of daily life. Whether it is the morning MRT squeeze, the familiar bus stop routine, or the late-night ride home after a long day, transport quietly shapes how we live, work, and manage our finances.
Over the years, I have tried different commuting styles — pay-per-ride, mixed usage, and eventually, the monthly travel pass. With fare adjustments taking effect from end-2025 into 2026, many people are again asking the same question:
“Is the monthly pass still worth it?”
Short answer: for many Singaporeans, yes — more than ever.
This post breaks it down clearly:
How transport costs have evolved from 2025 to 2026
What a monthly pass actually saves
Who benefits the most
And why, from a long-term personal finance perspective, a monthly pass makes sense beyond just dollars and cents
In Singapore, public transport is not optional for most people. It is:
The fastest way to work
The cheapest way to travel daily
The most predictable mode during peak hours
A typical working adult easily makes:
2 trips a day (home → work → home)
40–44 trips a month (5 days a week)
More if you include errands, family outings, weekend activities
Without realising it, transport becomes a fixed cost, not a variable one.
And fixed costs should be optimised.
A monthly travel pass is not a “discount” in the traditional sense. It is a cost cap.
You pay:
One flat fee
Get unlimited bus and MRT rides
For 30 consecutive days
In 2026, the Adult Monthly Travel Pass costs $122, down from $128 in 2025.
That reduction alone already tells us something important:
The system is quietly encouraging frequent commuters to switch to monthly passes.
Let’s keep this simple and practical.
| Year | Price |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $128 |
| 2026 | $122 |
That’s a $6 saving per month, or $72 per year, assuming continuous use.
But the real savings come when we compare this to pay-per-ride fares.
As of late 2025, adult fares for MRT and bus rides typically range between:
$1.20 to $2.50 per trip, depending on distance
Let’s use a conservative average of $1.80 per trip.
2 trips per day
22 working days
Total trips: 44
Cost without monthly pass
44 × $1.80 = $79.20
At first glance, this looks cheaper than $122.
But this ignores:
Lunch errands
Meetings
After-work activities
Weekend travel
Let’s assume:
Weekday commute: 44 trips
Extra weekday errands: 10 trips
Weekend family / personal trips: 12 trips
Total: 66 trips/month
66 × $1.80 = $118.80
Now add:
Occasional longer trips
Peak-hour MRT distance pricing
Unexpected detours
Very quickly, this crosses $122.
And once you cross it, every extra trip is effectively free with a monthly pass.
The monthly pass is not for everyone — but for certain profiles, it is a clear winner.
If you:
Work in office roles
Commute daily
Use MRT + bus combinations
You almost always hit the break-even point.
School runs
Tuition
Grocery trips
Weekend outings
The number of trips adds up silently.
With a monthly pass:
You stop thinking about distance
You stop avoiding “one more trip”
You move more freely
This has mental value, not just financial.
For concession groups, the case is even stronger.
| Year | Monthly Pass |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $58 |
| 2026 | $55 |
Unlimited transport at $55 a month is exceptional value in a city like Singapore.
| Year | Monthly Pass |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $96 |
| 2026 | $92 |
For lower-income workers, this directly improves monthly cash flow.
Let’s compare annual costs.
Assume $130/month average
Annual: $1,560
$122 × 12 = $1,464
Savings: $96 per year
That’s:
A utility bill
A family meal
Several Grab rides avoided
Small numbers matter when repeated every year.
Here is the underrated benefit:
You stop micro-managing your life.
With pay-per-ride:
“Should I walk instead?”
“One stop or two stops?”
“Is it worth tapping in?”
With a monthly pass:
You move freely
You save time
You reduce decision fatigue
This matters in a fast-paced city.
From a personal finance perspective, a monthly pass:
Turns variable spending into fixed spending
Makes budgeting simpler
Prevents fare creep over time
Just like:
Phone plans
Internet subscriptions
Insurance premiums
Predictability is power.
Let’s be honest.
It may not be ideal if you:
Work from home most days
Rarely travel beyond basic errands
Live very close to work
In those cases, pay-per-ride remains reasonable.
The key is self-awareness, not blind subscription.
As someone who thinks a lot about:
Long-term finances
Cost optimisation
Lifestyle sustainability
The monthly transport pass fits well into a disciplined but flexible life.
It encourages:
Public transport use
Less car dependency
More spontaneous movement
And with prices dropping slightly in 2026, the value proposition has improved, not worsened.
Yes, if you travel regularly.
Yes, if you value simplicity.
Yes, if you think long-term.
The monthly transport pass is not about squeezing every cent — it is about removing friction from daily life while staying financially sensible.
In a city where time is money, and movement equals opportunity, that is a trade-off worth making.
Public transport in Singapore is already world-class. The monthly pass simply allows you to use it fully, without hesitation.
And sometimes, that freedom is worth more than the spreadsheet says.
Singapore is a city that never sleeps, offering year-round activities, festivals, and experiences for locals and travelers alike. Whether you’re a family looking for fun, a culture enthusiast, or a thrill-seeker, 2025 in Singapore promises an exciting lineup of events. Planning ahead for 2026? Here’s a detailed look at what’s on in 2025, month by month, so you can map out your adventures.
Singapore Art Week 2025: This annual festival transforms the city into a hub of visual arts. Expect exhibitions, installations, and workshops across multiple galleries.
Chinese New Year Festivities: Ring in the lunar new year with street bazaars, lion dances, and the famous Chingay Parade, a vibrant celebration of Singapore’s multicultural heritage.
Chingay Parade 2025: Don’t miss this grand parade featuring colorful floats, performers, and cultural showcases.
Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA) 2025: A month of contemporary performing arts, including theatre, music, and dance performances across the city.
Disney On Ice: Magical Stars 2025: A magical ice-skating show featuring your favorite Disney characters. Perfect for families.
PAW Patrol Live!: Interactive stage performance for kids, bringing Adventure Bay to life on stage.
i Light Singapore 2025: Sustainable light art festival at Marina Bay with interactive installations and projections.
Earth Day Events: Parks and nature centers host workshops and eco-friendly activities for the whole family.
Singapore Garden Festival 2025: Explore stunning garden displays, floral artistry, and horticulture workshops.
Museum Exhibitions: The National Gallery and Asian Civilisations Museum offer special exhibitions for heritage enthusiasts.
World Cities Summit 2025: International summit focusing on sustainable urban development and smart cities.
Asia Pacific Maritime 2025: Premier trade exhibition for maritime industry professionals.
Singapore Food Festival 2025: Celebrate local cuisine with tasting events, cooking workshops, and hawker highlights.
ZoukOut 2025: Beachside music festival with international DJs, perfect for nightlife lovers.
National Day Parade 2025: Singapore’s grand celebration with performances, fireworks, and flypasts.
Singapore Night Festival 2025: Interactive art installations, performances, and light displays in the Bras Basah-Bugis district.
Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix 2025: High-speed excitement on Marina Bay’s street circuit, plus concerts and entertainment.
Singapore International Photography Festival: Exhibition showcasing works from local and international photographers.
Halloween Events: Trick-or-treat, haunted houses, and themed entertainment at Sentosa and Universal Studios.
Deepavali Celebrations: Little India lights up with colorful decorations, cultural performances, and festive markets.
Maritime Week 2025: Seminars, exhibitions, and networking events for the maritime industry.
Christmas Markets Begin: Orchard Road and Marina Bay are adorned with festive lights and markets.
Christmas Wonderland 2025: Gardens by the Bay features spectacular light displays, festive food, and family-friendly entertainment.
New Year Countdown 2026: Celebrate with fireworks, music, and street parties at Marina Bay.
Don’t forget Singapore’s iconic attractions:
Sentosa Island: Adventure parks, beaches, and water sports.
Universal Studios Singapore: Rides, shows, and seasonal events.
Singapore Zoo & Night Safari: Wildlife experiences with seasonal programs.
Gardens by the Bay: Cloud Forest, Flower Dome, and light displays.
ArtScience Museum & National Gallery: Continuous rotating exhibitions.
| Month | Key Events | Venue / Area | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | Singapore Art Week | Citywide | Arts & Culture |
| Jan/Feb | Chinese New Year & Chingay Parade | Chinatown / City | Culture & Family |
| Feb | SIFA 2025 | City theatres | Performing Arts |
| Mar | Disney On Ice | Indoor Stadium | Family Entertainment |
| Mar | PAW Patrol Live! | Indoor Theatre | Family Entertainment |
| Apr | i Light Singapore | Marina Bay | Light Art / Sustainability |
| Apr | Earth Day Activities | Parks / Nature Reserves | Family / Nature |
| May | Singapore Garden Festival | Gardens / Expo | Nature & Horticulture |
| May | Museum Exhibitions | National Gallery / ACM | Arts & Heritage |
| Jun | World Cities Summit | Marina Bay Sands | Business / Innovation |
| Jun | Asia Pacific Maritime | EXPO | Trade / Industry |
| Jul | Singapore Food Festival | Citywide / Hawker Centres | Food & Culture |
| Jul | ZoukOut | Sentosa Beach | Music / Festival |
| Aug | National Day Parade | Marina Bay | National Celebration |
| Aug | Singapore Night Festival | Bras Basah-Bugis | Arts & Nightlife |
| Sep | F1 Singapore Grand Prix | Marina Bay Circuit | Sports / Entertainment |
| Sep | Photography Festival | City Galleries | Arts & Culture |
| Oct | Halloween Events | Sentosa / Universal Studios | Family / Festival |
| Oct | Deepavali Celebrations | Little India | Culture & Family |
| Nov | Maritime Week | EXPO | Trade / Industry |
| Nov | Christmas Market Kickoff | Orchard Road / Marina Bay | Family / Festive |
| Dec | Christmas Wonderland | Gardens by the Bay | Family / Festival |
| Dec | New Year Countdown | Marina Bay | Celebration / Entertainment |
Singapore is a city of endless excitement, blending tradition, modernity, and creativity. Whether you’re planning your 2026 trips or exploring locally, this 2025 calendar ensures you don’t miss out on the best experiences.
5 Habits I am continuing and cultivating going forward to 2026
Exercise is the foundation of everything else I want to improve. When my body is weak, tired, or neglected, everything else in my life suffers — my focus, my patience, my motivation, and even my relationships.
That is why in 2026, I am committing to 300 minutes of exercise every single week.
300 minutes may sound intimidating, but when I break it down, it becomes manageable:
About 40–45 minutes a day, or
Five 60-minute sessions per week, or
A mix of longer and shorter workouts depending on my schedule
The key is flexibility. I don’t restrict myself to one type of exercise. My weekly routine can include:
Jogging
Strength training
Sports or functional training
Stretching and mobility work
As long as I move my body with intention, it counts.
When I exercise consistently:
My energy improves — I feel more alive during the day.
My discipline strengthens — showing up builds mental toughness.
My stress decreases — exercise becomes my pressure valve.
I’ve noticed that when I skip exercise for long periods, my productivity drops and my mood worsens. This habit is not optional; it is foundational.
I schedule workouts into my calendar like meetings
I track my minutes weekly
I vary intensity to avoid burnout
I focus on consistency, not perfection
In 2026, exercise is no longer about looks or weight. It is about showing up for my future self.
I am looking at improving my 10km run timing to under 50mins. I did under 60mins for 2025 at the POSB run. I am looking forward to improve my time for next year Nov 2026.
Reading has quietly shaped the way I think more than almost anything else in my life. Books expose me to ideas, experiences, and perspectives far beyond my own.
In 2026, I am committing to reading one book every week.
When I read consistently:
My thinking becomes clearer
My vocabulary improves
My communication gets sharper
My curiosity stays alive
Reading allows me to learn directly from people I may never meet — leaders, thinkers, researchers, and storytellers.
Instead of overwhelming myself, I break it down:
I read 40–50 pages a day
I use audiobooks during commutes
I rotate between fiction and non-fiction
I don’t aim to read for speed. I read for understanding and application.
My reading list usually includes:
Personal development
Business and finance
Psychology and human behavior
Biographies
Fiction that builds empathy and imagination
After finishing each book, I write down key lessons or ideas that stood out to me. Sometimes these reflections even turn into blog posts. I strive to have micro improvements each day. This will accumulate over time.
Writing is how I make sense of my thoughts. Blogging forces me to slow down, reflect, and organize what I’ve learned.
In 2026, I am committing to writing and publishing on my blog every single week.
When I write consistently:
My thinking becomes clearer
My communication improves
I document my growth journey
I build a personal knowledge archive
This blog is not about being perfect or viral. It is about being consistent and honest.
I write about:
Lessons I learn from books
My exercise and health journey
Family reflections
Financial lessons
Side hustle experiments
Personal challenges and insights
Every post is a snapshot of who I am at that moment in time.
I write first, edit later
I keep a running list of topic ideas
I set aside a fixed weekly writing time
I focus on progress, not polish
Over time, these weekly posts compound into something powerful — clarity, confidence, and a voice.
No matter how much I grow personally or professionally, it means very little if my relationships suffer.
In 2026, I am making it a priority to spend intentional, quality time with my family every month.
Quality time is not about being in the same room. It is about being present.
This can include:
Family outings or short trips
Shared meals without distractions
Game nights
Long conversations
Trying something new together
Even a few hours of true presence can strengthen bonds.
Spending time with my family:
Grounds me emotionally
Reduces stress
Strengthens trust and connection
Reminds me why I work and grow
These moments become memories, and memories shape a meaningful life.
I schedule family time in advance
I turn off my phone during activities
I let everyone have a voice in planning
In a fast-moving world, choosing family is a deliberate act.
Relying on a single source of income no longer feels safe or sufficient to me. In 2026, I am actively researching and developing side hustles that generate extra income every month.
Side hustles give me:
Financial security
Skill diversification
Confidence
Future options
This is not about overnight success. It is about steady progress.
Every month, I:
List my skills and interests
Research market demand
Study what others are doing successfully
Test small ideas
Learn from failures and adjust
Some areas I research include:
Blogging income
Freelancing
Carousell Selling
Content creation
Consulting or teaching
Investments for passive income
The goal is simple: earn extra income while learning valuable skills.
These habits are not separate. They support each other:
Exercise gives me energy to read and write
Reading gives me ideas to blog
Blogging sharpens my thinking
Family time keeps me grounded
Side hustles build financial resilience
Together, they form a balanced growth system.
In 2026, I am not chasing perfection. I am choosing consistency.
Week by week, month by month, these habits will shape who I become.
If you are reading this and reflecting on your own growth, I encourage you to ask yourself:
What habits do I want to carry into the next year?
What am I willing to commit to consistently?
Growth does not happen by accident. It happens by design.
This is my design for 2026.