Amanda Tan

Going for brand names isn’t always about chasing status symbols. Sometimes, it’s as simple as wanting a certain guaranteed quality that’s associated with a particular label – a familiar, trusted one that you know you’re in good hands with. And despite the innate nature of people to go googly-eyed over all things luxurious  – from Louis Vuitton chocolate to the latest lavish resort openings – it appears that Singaporeans favour simpler, everyday brands, according to the latest report by YouGov. In YouGov’s Best Brand Rankings 2026, brands were ranked using an index based on data collected over the entire year of 2025. With input from actual users, experts, and some help from AI, the final score was put together according to six aspects: impression, quality, value, reputation, satisfaction, and whether a given brand is recommended. The top winner for Singapore – and this should come as no surprise – is none other than the world’s best airline. Yes, our beloved Singapore Airlines takes the crown, while its home base, Changi Airport, also makes the list at fifth place. Other brands in Singapore’s top 10 brands list are those you’d often encounter or use in your day-to-day life – with tech brands Shopee (#2), WhatsApp (#3), YouTube (#7), Google (#8), and Netflix (#10) dominating half the entire lot. Uniqlo (#5) and FairPrice (#6), both known for wallet-friendly but reliable goods in their respective spheres, are also among the winners. If there’s one thing we can take away from th

It’s tough resisting the allure of Japan – and the numbers speak for themselves. Last year, it was reported that a record-breaking 691,100 Singaporeans visited Japan in 2024. And if you thought that was going to be a one-off high, wait till you hear about 2025’s data. According to the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO), a whopping 726,200 Singaporeans travelled to Japan in 2025, setting yet another all-time record for tourism with a 5.1 percent increase. Where exactly in Japan has everyone been traversing? Unsurprisingly, Kansai – which encompasses prefectures such as Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara – is the most popular region among us. Other regions in high demand include Hokkaido, Kanto (including Tokyo and Kanagawa), Kyushu (including Fukuoka and Nagasaki), and Tohoku (including Aomori and Akita). Zooming in on the specific Japanese prefectures that Singaporeans want to visit, we have Hokkaido, Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Okinawa – again, no surprise there. Been there, done that? JNTO has revealed the most underrated prefectures among Singapore travellers: Nagasaki, Saga, Yamaguchi, Okayama, and Shimane. Pencil these spots on your list if avoiding the tourist throng and seeking new experiences are priorities for your next vacation in Japan. The keen interest in exploring Japan isn’t expected to die down anytime soon. Japan has been pinpointed as one of the top three value-for-money destinations for Singaporeans in 2026. The trick is to venture beyond the usual spots – like ho

Local street eats, affordable clothes, and little trinkets that tempt you to spend with every turn– that’s the core of Asia’s charming night markets. Despite the bustle, noise, and grittiness of it all, we’re often in search of such street bazaars when we cross borders for cheap travel destinations around the region.  It might be ironic, then, that Singapore’s very own Bugis Street scraped through to the 10th spot in Travelbag’s list of top destinations for night markets – right alongside many hop-on-a-plane-worthy ones including Chatuchak Weekend Market (#1), Jodd Fairs (#3), and Shihlin Night Market (#5). But hear us out on this one – we actually think they’re on to something. While it’s important to acknowledge our Singaporean pasar malam culture, those traditional night markets in the heartlands are occasional and temporary, often arriving as a surprise and disappearing within a week or two. This makes it hard for them to mark their spot on the world map – a local open secret, if you will. Bugis Street, however, is a permanent hangout that many of us grew up with – and it’s still standing strong today for a new generation of youth, as well as grown-ups seeking a nostalgia trip and cool new finds rolled into one. If you haven’t visited that haunt in a while, here’s what’s new. For one, Bugis Street has developed a creative streak, with its own outdoor Art Lane where trend-seeking folk gather for live music and handmade goods by local crafters. Within Bugis Street Market it

Stately colonial hotels and sleek boutique stays in the city – we’ve seen it all when it comes to Singapore’s ever-growing list of award-winning accommodations. But away from the usuals in town, there’s a new contender shining in the midst of Mandai’s jungle. Though it’s been less than a year since it started welcoming guests, Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree has been making waves across the world – even earning one of 10 coveted global spots in the recent AHEAD 2025 Awards, despite its relative newness. In this latest edition of AHEAD (Awards for Hospitality, Experience and Design), the opulent Orient Express La Minerva, which overlooks the Pantheon in Italy, snags the win for Ultimate Accolade. Standing at fifth place, Mandai Rainforest Resort narrowly misses the top spot in Asia to Aman Nai Lert Bangkok (#4), but beats Capella Taipei (#7), the third and final Asian hotel in the list. Photograph: Banyan Tree What’s so special about Mandai Rainforest Resort, other than its serene location, is that it’s the only one in Singapore where you get to stay in a treehouse pod. It’s quite literally a breath of fresh air, as you’ll be waking up to the forest – and perhaps some wildlife – right by your window. The resort is also home to Forage, a harvest-to-table restaurant with seasonal fine-dining menus and lake views. Read our review on Mandai Rainforest Resort for more details on all the best highlights to expect at this luxury eco resort. Those who book a treehouse suite

Singapore’s first new hotel of 2026 has just opened, and culture-seekers are going to want to keep tabs on this one. Newly built in the Bras Basah-Bugis district, boutique hotel Hotel Waterloo is part of the Accor group, which also manages luxury names like Raffles Sentosa, Mondrian Singapore Duxton, and Pullman Singapore. Photograph: Hotel Waterloo This sleek city stay sports a contemporary tropical theme – think less beach club, more understated luxe. Its interiors are washed in varying shades of deep, muted green, with plants dotting every corner, while the guestrooms feature botanical wallpaper for a tranquil, forest-like escape. You’ve got all the usual must-haves: a gym, lap pool, and in-room minibar with Nespresso machine – as well as smart room features including voice-controlled lighting and AC, and an AI-powered concierge. Dining is taken care of at Hotel Waterloo’s in-house restaurant, Antler & Ember, serving Western and Asian fusion fare. Look forward to mouthwatering buffet breakfasts too, which kids aged under 12 get to enjoy for free. Photograph: Antler & Ember Delve further into the intricacies of the neighbourhood by embarking on the hotel’s curated Gem and Jewellery Heritage Trail, accessible both as a physical copy and online. This mini free-and-easy excursion will take you through the museums, cultural spots, and traditional jewellery and craft stores in the vicinity. Even if you choose not to go on the walking tour, you’ll still want to explore a litt