Cheryl Sekkappan

Singapore is buzzing with year-end excitement this weekend. There is a plethora of music events, such as Singapura LIVE! & Singa Maksima x Locals Only!, a free outdoor concert that spotlights local talent; Different Christmas, a concert that puts a refreshing spin on Christmas music; and a concert by up-and-coming singer Hailai Amu. Not into music? Indulge in some retail therapy and great food at Twilight: Flea and Feast, revisit the nostalgic world of PAC-MAN at the PAC-MAN carnival, or pamper your furbabies at the Big Furry Festival in Holland Village. Either way, there’s something for everyone this weekend. RECOMMENDED: The ultimate guide to celebrating Christmas in Singapore and The coolest new cafés in Singapore to check out this December

2025 has been a rollercoaster of a year, and we can't wait to see what 2026 brings us – fingers crossed it's all good things only. And to ring in the new year with all the fun and all the style, we've compiled all the best New Year's Eve parties and events across Singapore on December 31. Whether you’re dancing the year away at all-night raves, sipping on free-flow bubbly, or enjoying the breathtaking fireworks display with your loved ones, these places pull out all the stops for an unforgettable end to yet another thrilling year. Keep scrolling for all the deets. RECOMMENDED: The best nightclubs in Singapore and Light To Night returns in January 2025 with dazzling light installations    

Planning your travels for the new year? You should absolutely factor in those long-standing bucket list entries, but if you’re looking for some fresh inspiration, 2026 promises a world of brand-new travel experiences.  From sleeping over in an open-air museum to journeying through ancient landscapes on e-bikes, ziplining over glorious wildlife reserves and partying through a solar eclipse – yes, really – there’s a shedload of off-the-beaten-track, out-of-the-box stuff happening over the next 12 months. Scroll on for our handpicked selection of the 26 coolest, weirdest and most exciting things to do in 2026.  RECOMMENDED:🎶 The biggest and best music festivals in 2026🛍️ The coolest streets in the world🏘️ The coolest neighbourhoods in the world🌃 The best cities in the world right now Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out Travel newsletter for all the latest travel news and best stuff happening across the world.

This list is old. Here are the best things to do in the world in 2026.  2025 is set to be a momentous year when it comes to travel. Citywide celebrations and milestone anniversaries will be taking place in Amsterdam and Rome, sparkling new cultural centres are flinging open their doors in Rotterdam, New York and Abu Dhabi, and there are fresh chances to see some wonderful wildlife in Australia, Singapore and Greenland – but that’s just the beginning. Read on for our roundup of the 25 coolest, weirdest and most adventurous new things to do across the world in 2025, no matter your whereabouts or budget. RECOMMENDED:🇬🇧 The best things to do in the UK in 2025🛍️ The coolest neighbourhoods in the world🎪 The world’s best music festivals for 2025🌃 The best cities in the world right now  

Whether you’re a visitor planning your very first visit to Singapore, or a Singaporean mapping out a special occasion in the city, choosing a hotel in Singapore is an important (and sometimes overwhelming) task. With so many spectacular stays to choose between – from the world-famous Raffles to new boutique stays like 21 Carpenter – it can be challenging to decide which is best for you. To help you determine which hotel to book for your next visit or staycation, our team of local editors (including Time Out Singapore Editor Cheryl Sekkappan, Regional Content Director for Time Out APAC Nicole-Marie Ng and local writer Dewi Nurjuwita) have tried and tested the city’s top-ranking hotels to determine which are worth your time.The list has been overseen by Winnie Stubbs, Travel and Hotels Editor APAC and self-confessed hotel obsessive. Each hotel has been chosen based on amenities, design and proximity to the city’s highlights – with many hotels on the list within walking distance of the best restaurants and bars in Singapore.Read on for our guide to the very best hotels in Singapore right now. RECOMMENDED: The best Singapore attractions to visitThe best rooftop bars in SingaporeAirport hotels in SingaporeThe best luxury hotels in Singapore At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on to

Need a change of scenery from your usual work setup? Whether your home office is less than inspiring or you just can’t stand another hour in a stuffy library, we’ve got you covered. Ditch the usual crowded coffee chains and check out these alternative spots instead. These cosy cafés offer free Wi-Fi, ample power points to charge your devices, and of course, great coffee to keep you fueled while you power through your to-do list.  RECOMMENDED: Your ultimate guide to the best cafés in Singapore and the best cafés in the CBD Discover, book, and save at hundreds of restaurants with Grab Dine Out. Enjoy exclusive discounts, use dining vouchers, and make instant reservations, all in the Grab app. Explore Grab Dine Out now.

If you really want to experience local life at its most authentic when exploring a new city, the best thing you can do is take to the streets. And no, not that one major thoroughfare with the samey high street megastores and generic coffee shops. We’re talking about the neighbourhood backstreets and lively avenues that locals love; the places packed with independent shops and creative people, where a brand-new hi-fi listening bar will share the space with an old-school grocer or a centuries-old pub.  This year, to create our annual ranking of the world’s coolest streets, we asked our global network of local editors and experts to nominate the street that epitomises the very best of their city. Time Out’s global travel team then narrowed down the list and ranked each street against criteria including food, drink, culture, fun and community spirit.  From Saturday samba sessions in Rio de Janeiro to a shapeshifting shopping street in Osaka, every avenue, alleyway and side street on this year’s ranking is unique to its hometown. Walking their length is like taking a stroll through the city in miniature, getting a taste of what makes life there brilliant – from food and culture to shopping and nightlife.  Did your favourite street make the list? Read on to find out. RECOMMENDED: 🏘️ The world’s coolest neighbourhoods in 2025🌆 The world’s best cities in 2025 Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out Travel newsletter for the latest travel news and the best stuff happening a

Gone are the days when cafés mostly offered the same eggs benny or tired rainbow cakes. Singapore’s café scene today is bursting with creativity, character, and caffeine-fulled ambition. Whether you’re after a quiet café for remote work, an aesthetic brunch spot for the ‘gram, or an under-the-radar coffee hideout, this city delivers, and more.  This guide isn’t just for the coffee snobs (though we love you, too). It’s for anyone who loves discovering great food, thoughtful design, warm service, maybe even a surprise or two – like a latte made with cereal milk or excellent sourdoughs right beside a lake in Yishun. From minimalist nooks in the heartlands to buzzing bakeries in the city, these 50 cafés have all been handpicked by our editors and contributors, and are places we’d happily revisit any day of the week.  We’ve included everything from enduring favourites and cult-status cornerstones, to low-key gems you’ll wish you found out about sooner. And if you’re after a more specific vibe – say, pet-friendly spots or dessert-first cafés, we’ve got separate guides for those too. November 2025: This list has been updated with new favourites like Dearborn and Pralet, as well as well-deserved inclusions like Elijah Pies and Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee, while bidding farewell to a few that have shuttered or slipped in standards.  Find out more about how Time Out makes recommendations and reviews restaurants. Discover, book, and save at hundreds of restaurants with Grab Dine Out. Enj

Say goodbye to October’s spooky thrills because the November is finally here – and it's an arty one. All sorts of creative events take over this month, with blockbuster festivals like Singapore Biennale, Singapore Writers Festival and Southeast Asia's largest French Impressionist exhibition unfolding citywide. There's tons of shopping and tunes too, with Green-House and Boutiques Fair alongside major concerts (Blackpink, Teddy Swims) and more intimate live music events. So much to check out, so little time – get started by scrolling down for all the best stuff to slot in your schedule.   RECOMMENDED: The definitive guide on things to do in Singapore    

Singapore has a reputation as one of the most expensive cities in the world – and it’s a fair accusation. But despite the city’s many high-end offerings, this bustling metropolis is also home to its fair share of affordable places to stay. Whether you’re a Singaporean looking to book an overnight stay in the heart of the city, or a visitor keen to save your holiday money for the hawker markets, it helps to find a good hotel that won’t break the bank. Luckily for you, we’ve got a team of local writers who know the best spots for a budget-friendly break – with bargain hotels ranging from chic, Nordic-inspired guest houses like Lloyds Inn to lively, neon-trimmed apartments like those you’ll find at lyf Funan Singapore. To help you determine which affordable hotel to book for your next visit or staycation, our team of local writers (including Time Out Singapore Editor Cheryl Sekkappan) have tried and tested the city’s best budget hotels to determine which are worth your time. The list has been overseen by Winnie Stubbs, Travel and Hotels Editor APAC and self-confessed hotel obsessive.Read on for our guide to the best cheap hotels in Singapore for a budget-friendly city break. RECOMMENDED:These are the best Singapore attractions to visitThese are the best rooftop bars in SingaporeAnd here’s our pick of the best luxury hotels in the city At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editori

For the past eight years, we’ve made it our mission to scope out the coolest pockets of the world’s greatest cities in order to create our definitive annual ranking. The places where stuff like nightlife, art, culture, and affordable food and drink can be found on every corner and down every backstreet. Where diversity is championed and independent businesses thrive, from old-school boltholes to the newest avant-garde art space. Put simply, the world’s coolest neighbourhoods are places that represent the soul of our cities, while maintaining their own unique local character that draws people in to live, work and play. So, what are the neighbourhoods that fit the bill this year? To find out, we asked our network of writers and editors across a breadth of cities to nominate the vibiest district in their hometown right now. We then ranked every neighbourhood against criteria including culture, community, liveability, nightlife, food and drink, street life and that hard-to-define sense of ‘nowness’.  On our list this year, you’ll find everything from homely, village-like enclaves with tight-knit communities to revitalised city-centre hubs and formerly dormant, industrial areas transformed into creative districts. Many are underrated spots that sit in the shadow of their commercialised counterparts; others have become unexpected culinary hotspots or magnets for the city’s artists, writers and activists. What they all have in common is a DIY spirit – and an unshakeable proclivity f

There’s a chill in the air, and you know what that means – spooky season is here. While Singapore may lack the classic autumn vibes of orange leaves and pumpkins, we more than make up for it with eerie-sistable events and parties that’ll send shivers down your spine. Whether you're dying to flaunt your best costume, boogie with the undead atop Marina Bay Sands, or scream your way through the terrifying haunted houses at Halloween Horror Nights, we’ve rounded up the spookiest happenings in town. Dust off your scariest outfit, throw on your scratchy wig, and brace yourself for fright-filled fun.  RECOMMENDED: The ultimate guide to Halloween in Singapore and the creepiest haunted places in Singapore  

It’s a sweet, sweet Christmas this year at The Christmas Atelier. Singapore’s favourite holiday market transforms The Cube @ Asia Square into a Candy Emporium, promising picture-perfect moments with vibrant decor, dazzling installations, and sweet treats at every turn. With 100 local brands gathered in one place, discover handcrafted batik from Yeomama Batik, gourmet cheese from Cheeselads, vegan skincare from Handmade Heroes, and a range of other homegrown favourites in fashion, beauty, F&B and lifestyle. From just $6, grab your ticket for multiple entries throughout the day into this whimsical Candy Emporium, complete with a Yeo’s drink, Cloversoft essentials, and $5 off with a minimum spend of $100 at your favourite brands. The icing on the Christmas cake: stand a chance to win lucky draw prizes worth up to $2,000. Get your tickets to The Christmas Atelier 2025 here. 

The Singapore Oceanarium bursts onto the scene as a dramatic upgrade of its predecessor, now three times bigger, with 22 immersive zones, life-sized animatronics, interactive exhibits, and digital projections working together to bring the story of the ocean and its habitats to life. There's a clearer narrative now as you journey through the oceanarium, starting with a single drop of water and prehistoric marine creatures, progressing through various ocean habitats to the future of our oceans.  Our top tip: set aside at least three hours to explore the Singapore Oceanarium – even more if you're the sort who likes to read every panel and try every activity. And we certainly lost some time zoning out in front of the 36-metre panel full of sharks, rays, and fish in the Open Ocean zone.  However, if you're short on time, here are our top picks from the Singapore Oceanarium.  Ocean Wonders The second zone in the Singapore Oceanarium is simply mesmerising. The darkened room is filled with sea jelly exhibits – Don't miss the fried egg sea jelly (it looks exactly like what its name suggests) and the graceful Pacific sea nettle. But the mother of them all is the 6.8 metre diameter kriesel tank, one of the world's largest. The moon-like circular panel houses thousands of moon jellies, drifting with a gentle current under ever-changing lights.  Ancient Waters Next is Ancient Waters, a zone dedicated to prehistoric sea creatures. Upon entering the zone, you're immediately greeted by a sus

If you find yourself endlessly scrolling, refreshing, and swiping, it might be time to hit pause. StarHub invites everyone to step away from the screen and Find Their Digital Balance at the StarHub 5G Wellness Festival, happening on September 13 and 14, from 10am to 9pm at Capital Outdoor Plaza.  The journey begins with the Digital BMI (Balanced Media Index) Quiz, a quick and eye-opening check-in on your digital habits. Find out if you’re Digitally Detached, Balanced, Overstimulated, or Burnt Out, and get a personalised digital wellbeing prescription matched to StarHub’s five grounding pillars: Gather, Grow, Ground, Glide, and Glow – which will tell you if it's connection, mental enrichment, physical presence, relaxation, or self-care that you need to feel centred again. Get exactly what you need at the festival, which comes alive with activities designed around these pillars to help you find your balance. Journal mindfully with mindful art and positive journaling coach Steph T, flow through silent disco yoga with The Hush Retreats founder Mandi Cheung, or try your hand at leather crafting with Hides & Thread. Need something more social? Gather with friends over free-flow coconut water and all-day DJ beats, or glide into the chillout zone with oversized board games and old-school fun.  Admission is free, but workshop slots are limited – so sign up early, take the Digital BMI Quiz, and get ready to reconnect with what really matters. Show us your quiz results to redeem a free

POP Mart's iconic Mega Space Molly character is getting her time to shine at ION Art Gallery. Mega Space Molly: Hello, Moon exhibition is a whimsical look into the adorable toy's world of exploration and imagination – and an opportunity for die-hard fans to cop some event-exclusive merch too. Some standouts: a 1000% Hello, Moon figurine complete with a glowing moon orb, and a ball-jointed Molly Hello, Moon 1/8 Action Figure wrapped in a furry spacesuit. There are also lifestyle items like lamps, rugs and multi-functional lanyards, all available for pre-order. Don't forget to check out the Space Molly wall art and archival pieces, featuring beloved series like Smitten Love, Jon Burgerman, and Pantone. Of course, buy a blind box home and keep your fingers crossed for a secret figurine. Besides the blind boxes, look forward to a Singapore-exclusive: a Vanda Miss Joaquim-themed Mega Space Molly doll in honour of our national flower. This goes on sale on July 30 at ION Art Gallery. There's also a special anniversary collection dropping on August 1 at ION Art Gallery called the Mega Space Molly 100% Anniversary Series 4 – take a sneak peek here.  See the Hello, Moon exhibition in other parts of Asia  The MEGA SPACE MOLLY: Hello, Moon Exhibition is free and open to walk-ins at ION Art Gallery on Level 4 of ION Orchard. It runs from July 30 until August 24, from 10am to 9pm daily. This same exhibition will also be running in other parts of Asia – here are the dates and locations

Perhaps the cosiest event happening this weekend is A "House Warming" at Chin Swee Neighbourhood Club. Run by the folks at Common Man Coffee Roasters, the weekend pop-up market returns in its third iteration in collaboration with Of Wonder Wander. The space is styled like a home, complete with a living room and kitchen, and filled with brands and activities that invite you to slow down. Craft a sling bag from repurposed fabrics with beckynrosie, or settle into the community living room with Stranger Conversations for some heartfelt sharing. There'll be delicious bites to fill you up as you go: think old-school buns from Eat My Curry Bun and handcrafted pizzas from Pizza Keenway. Roots, a Bangkok-based café, has also made it all the way down to share their crowd-favourite brews, such as Orange Tonic Cold Brew and Cacao Nibs Cold Brew. If this housewarming inspires you to spruce up your own home, then you're in luck – you can shop tastefully picked, secondhand vintage by objects.re or gorgeous flower arrangements by FIBRE.  A "House Warming" at Chin Swee Neighbourhood Club is taking place at CMCR Barista Academy on August 2 and 3, from 10am to 6pm. Entry is free. 

Bali has always had two distinct draws: the sun-drenched coasts with its buzzing beach clubs and the enchanting forests and rice paddies in its interior. If you’re a diehard beach bum, Anantara Ubud Bali Resort will convince you to spare a few days up north. This five-star resort in a quieter neighbourhood of Ubud is the definition of tranquillity, transporting guests back to “Bali as it was 40 years ago”, as a world-weary traveller might say with no little amount of nostalgia. Anantara Ubud cascades down a hillside facing the lush Payangan rainforest in a design that will remind you of the terraced rice fields that Ubud is so famous for. It all originates from the impressive main building, its massive columns holding up the lobby and four dining venues. Every feature of the place calls attention to the outdoors – slatted folding doors in the lobby frame green, waving fronds; floor-to-ceiling windows wrap around the excellent signature restaurant Amerta; and alfresco bar Sulang Lounge leads out to one of the hotel’s two heated pools, which itself seems to hang suspended over the treetops. On a clear day, you can even see the conical peaks of Mount Agung and Mount Batur from the afternoon tea spot, Lobby Lounge.  The suites are carved stepwise into the hillside, accessible by an inclined elevator. Connected by an intricate network of stairs are the private villas – ours a one-bedroom abode with a private pool. The villa is spacious yet charmingly cosy: a neutral palette of bei

No need for a scuba diving license to enjoy the treasures of the sea at Koral Restaurants. It’s Bali’s first aquarium restaurant, tucked away in the luxurious Apurve Kempinski Bali. Request for a table under the arched plexiglass of the aquarium to make the most of the unusual setting. It gives you front-row seats to the dance of colourful marine life while you tuck into artistic multi-course menus with Indonesian-inspired dishes like wagyu beef with Maranggi sauce and silken tofu with Kintamani tangerine. 

Bouldering – it's like rock climbing, but scarier since you're scaling the wall sans rope. But the sport has found quite the following in Singapore because it's a true challenge for both the mind and body. Strength, technique, and strategy are a must to excel. It's also just a great bonding activity to have with friends and other enthusiasts.  Lovers of the sport now have a playground at Project Send, a swanky facility that's housed on the second floor of Esplanade Mall. Founded by climbers Kenneth Ng and Sarah Chua, Project Send stands out for its holistic approach to the sport – combining bouldering, strength training, and a dining concept at Beta Café.  Let's talk about the space. Project Send occupies over 5,200 square feet of space at The Esplanade Mall comprising more than 70 routes covering 12 climbing grades. The 14 bouldering walls overlook cityscape and riverfront views for times you need a breather from – quite literally – staring at the wall. Bouldering nerds will also be happy to know that the walls themselves were designed by seasoned Swiss climber Patrick Andrey, who has taken into account the unique features of the space to create an enjoyable spatial flow.  Besides a world-class bouldering wall to climb, gym-goers can also look forward to a holistic set of classes. Expect strength training and mobility sessions to help you conquer that gnarly overhang while protecting your muscles and joints. It all depends on your climbing goals, which Project Send's coaches

There's a new bookstore in the heart of town, and it's a haven for lovers of Chinese culture, literature and art. Taking over the space in Wheelock Place where the Borders flagship used to be is the ZALL Bookstore. It stocks more than 30,000 Chinese literary works for adults and children across two storeys, and has a café and art gallery to boot. Enter on the first floor and be greeted by black and white calligraphic elements that immediately whisk you away to the Jiangnan Watertown. Here is where you'll find childrens' literature, as well as a spacious multi-functional reading and event space. Head to the café on this floor for some quiet reading time with a hot cuppa – they have a variety of coffee blends, Chinese Chu tea and Taiwan tea on the menu.  Adults will want to head up the spiral staircase to do some book hunting. Expect a comprehensive collection across literature, humanities, history and philosophy from China and Taiwan. If that's not enough culture for you, there's always the art gallery on the same floor. ZALL Bookstore will be featuring creative pieces from both local and international talent, as well as stationery collections you can shop from. 

Taiwan-born Draft Land Singapore turns one, and it's throwing an anniversary bash for the ages. From October 10 to 13, its inviting one and all down for a celebration featuring great food, lively music, and of course, its drafted cocktails.  You'll want to swing by on October 10 (4pm till late), when 20 cocktails-on-tap will be going for the absurdly good price of $10. Dance to a diverse selection of R&B, hip hop, top 40s, and disco tunes by DJ Chuin as you sip on cocktail favourites like oolong tea collins and yuzu whisky sour, alongside new concoctions like Red & Stormy and Pornstar bellini. Draft Land is known for its Sample Service – so do ask the friendly 'draft tenders' to recommend a few cocktails to try before you commit.  The next two nights are all about the music, with multiple DJs on rotation. DJ Val starts the party at 6pm on October 11 with house, R&B and party anthems; followed by DJ Dyna with an energetic hip hop set. DJ Zack C, a big name credited for driving Singapore's top LGBT clubs in the 2010s, takes over with DJ Chuin from 10pm to midnight. If you're in your Mandopop era, swing by on October 12 instead, where DJ Pin will be soundtracking the night with beloved Mandarin ballads and jazz-influenced tracks. Draft Land has a satisfying menu of Taiwanese delights to go with its tipples, but October 13 brings something a little different. Chooby Pizza is set to pop-up with its Naples-style pizza, characterised by naturally leavened, light and thin crust overl

If you can’t race a car, why not hop around town on a GPSS pub crawl instead? For $50, join Pints and Pitstops on a boozy trip to four top bars around Singapore. At each, you’ll get a locally-inspired cocktail: think alcohol-spiked chendol and ice milo drinks, with the night wrapping at one of Singapore’s hottest nightclubs. Come prepared with your F1 knowledge though – the pub crawl includes race-themed trivia and games, with prizes up for grabs, of course.

The Projector has long been a staunch ally of the LGBTQ+ community. It runs regular queer parties and events, the crown jewel of which is the annual film festival, Pink Screen. With Pride Month just around the corner, The Projector has now opened ticket sales for this year's festival. It presents a tight curation of indie flicks from Singapore and around the world, which collectively spotlight queer inclusion, transgender experiences, and diverse voices from the community.  From May 31 to June 15, catch romantic comedies, noir flicks, and touching dramas on the big screen. A hotly anticipated film is a re-run of Bugis Street (1995), which paints an evocative portrait of queer Singapore in the 1960s. It's told through the eyes of a young cleaner employed at Bugis Street's Sin Sin Hotel – also a regular haunt for transvestites and transgender sex workers. This film was banned in Singapore for a good 20 years – an important reminder of how far we've come and how much there is left to go.  On the roster are Femme (2023), a seductive erotic thriller about a drag queen on a revenge quest after a traumatic homophobic attack; Love Is Strange (2024), a Women Film Critics Circle Award favourite about a married gay couple who lose their New York City apartment after one of them is unjustly fired from their job; and Peafowl (2022), an award-winning Korean drama that follows Shin-myung, whose dreams of winning a waacking dance competition (and the prize money for gender reaffirming surge

We're calling it: the Greater Bay Area Sports Centre is Guangzhou's most beautiful building. In the works since 2023, this behemoth by Zaha Hadid Architects made its grand opening on December 5. The 70-hectare plot includes a 60,000 seat stadium, 20,000-seat arena, and 4,000-seat aquatics facility within a sprawling, lush public park, complete with outdoor training pitches and tracks as well as accommodation for athletes.   Photograph: Selaojiong Located on the gorgeous and historic Pearl River in the southern part of Guangzhou's Nansha District, the design draws from the region's maritime history. Its sweeping curves emulate the hulls of traditional Song Dynasty ships, while vertical louvres cool and shade the building in Guangzhou's subtropical climate.  It also takes inspiration from local Lingnan architecture, with sheltered areas to passively cool and ventilate buildings in the summer. The wetlands surrounding the venue are designed to aid in flood prevention and manage excess water caused by sea-level changes, helping future-proof it against climate change. Photograph: Selaojiong For those in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay area, this sports centre is set to become the top destination for national and international sporting events as well as cultural performances. Four sold-out concerts are set to take place at the venue and there's more sure to come – with major cultural events such as the Guangzhou Strawberry Music Festival, the Head in the Clouds music

Whether it's to soak up the Christmas lights and market atmosphere or to gather around a cosy dinner table over at a friend's, there's plenty of reason to stay out late on December 24. If you worry about booking a cab home (and demand is sure to be high on the eve of a major holiday), then here's the good news: SMRT and SBS Transit have announced extended bus and train services on Christmas Eve. This means that you can count on affordable public transportation to take you home well past midnight. SMRT train services on the North-South Line, East-West Line, Circle Line, Thomson-East Coast Line will be extended on Christmas Eve, with the latest train departing from City Hall at 1.21am. Just note: those taking the Bukit Panjang LRT and the Changi Airport Service will not enjoy extended hours.   Photograph: SMRT   Those who lean on SBS Transit's North-East Line, Downtown Line, and Sengkang-Punggol LRT haven't been forgotten: trains on these lines will also run around an hour and fifteen minutes later than usual. Here are the last train timings:    Photograph: SBS Transit   The same goes for buses operated under the two public transport companies.  Hop on SMRT bus services 300, 301, 302, 307, 983A, 901, 911, 912A, 912B, 913, 920, 922, 973A, 181, 240, 241, 243G and 974A past midnight, with the latest leaving Bukit Panjang interchange at 2.25am.  19 SBS Transit bus services will similarly run later at their respective interchanges. These are 60A, 63M, 114A, 222, 225G, 228, 229,

The World Architecture Festival hands out its  Building and Interior of the Year titles every year, but it also spotlights the most futuristic and impressive architectural concepts the world has to offer. And this year, its Future Project of the Year crown went to Gelephu International Airport in Bhutan. The Future Project of the Year award goes to buildings that don’t exist yet, and Gelephu International Airport won’t open until 2029. Dreamed up by BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group, the beautiful, light-dappled airport will be the country’s second international hub, starting with 123 daily flights and eventually handling 5.5 million passengers a year by 2065. Bhutan is a country known for its awe-inspiring landscapes with stunning mountain ranges, sparkling rivers, and green valleys, and the airport leans right into that natural beauty. Its diagrid structure forms peaks that look like a mountain range, built from locally and sustainably sourced timber carved with traditional Bhutanese motifs. Its facade also nods to the Kachen, a sacred structural wooden pillar. Photograph: BIG Travellers will enter through a landscaped plaza split into four zones, each celebrating a local native plant species. The ‘Forest Spine’, a lush interior courtyard full of treetop walkways and native flora, will divide the domestic and international terminals. The design taps passive climate-responsive strategies inspired by traditional Bhutanese architecture: timber structures that regulate humidity, ventil

Bali could soon ban private beaches – a major move aimed at tackling overtourism and restoring public access to the island's coastlines. Governor I Wayan Koster has submitted draft proposals to abolish private beaches entirely, hoping to enshrine the rule in law and make enforcement easier. The Balinese government aims to introduce the ban before the end of the year, if it passes with lawmakers. This move is only the latest in a litany of proposed measures to manage overtourism on the island. One of Asia's most popular tourist destinations – with beautiful waters, a thriving food scene, stunning mountains, and rich historical culture – Bali is buckling under the pressure of rampant development, gentrification, pollution, and traffic congestion.  Private beaches strike particularly close to the heart of Balinese traditions, too. Bali's locals are predominantly Hindu, and the sea is traditionally used for religious ceremonies like Segara Kerthi and Pakelem. However, hotels, villas, and beach clubs have been fencing off coastlines for years – which can you imagine makes it near impossible for locals to carry out their rituals. According to reports, the Balinese have even been chased off beaches by property managers and staff of these hospitality companies.  Technically, the fencing off of private beaches is an overreach by private companies. As the governor said, "It’s as if those who build hotels or villas think they own the beach and the sea. They dictate what people can and c

It’s been a long time coming, but Joo Chiat has finally been named Singapore’s coolest street — and one of the coolest streets in the world for 2025. This colourful stretch in the Katong neighbourhood has always been buzzing with indie shops and heritage eats, but this year, a wave of pop-ups and fresh openings has pulled us back to rediscover it all over again. This verdict comes from our annual Time Out Index, put together by our team of local writers and editors, along with more than 27,000 city-dwellers worldwide. Earlier in September, this same index crowned Bencoolen as one of the world's coolest neighbourhoods – but this time, we drilled down to single out the one street in Singapore that best captures the city right now. Joo Chiat is just that: an irresistible mix of old school eateries, hip cafés, lifestyle stores, laidback galleries, pet boutiques, with quirky brands you won't find anywhere else in Singapore. This is the kind of street you can stroll down and discover something new every time. This year, we checked out fresh arrivals like Heartware Store and Gallery, a second-floor shophouse space with rotating exhibitions by the likes of Daisuke Kondo and We Are Out of Office; Don't Runaway, a fast-casual sandwich shop; Bastille Bakery, a French pastry heaven turning out everything from buttery croissants to airy choquettes; and Marlow's Deli, joining existing deli favourites like The Cheese Shop and Baggie's Butcher and Deli.  Photograph: @sojaoshop/Instagram Mo

It's World Toilet Day! It sounds like a funny thing to celebrate, but this is a legit annual UN observance to raise awareness about the sanitation crisis affecting billions across the globe. Here in Singapore, we're lucky to have a well-managed sanitation system and clean and readily-available public restrooms. And we also have some of the best toilets in the world – in our airport, at least. This year, Skytrax released its very first World's Best Airport Washrooms 2025 awards – and Singapore Changi Airport, also Skytrax's World Best Airport 2025, topped the list. There are a couple of reasons our airport restrooms stand out: it's squeaky clean for one, so major kudos to the staff working round the clock to keep it that way. Then there's the downright luxurious design, from marble floors and ambient lighting, to Peranakan-themed restrooms and some with views of the tarmac. Completing the spa-like experience? A faint orchid tea scent in the air.  A good bathroom also has to be functional, and Changi Airport's toilets are thoughtfully designed for the traveller. Spacious stalls mean plenty of space for your luggage, thoughtful nooks and shelves mean you always have a place for your handheld items, while electronic bidets keep you fresh.  Skytrax covered 235 airports around the world to deliver its final list of best airport washrooms in the world. Since this is a new award, results are based on assessments and feedback from the Skytrax audit office. From next year onwards, cust

It's been a long few weeks since our last long weekend on Deepavali, and we now have the last public holiday of the year coming fast at us. Our next 'free' day off happens to be Christmas Day on December 25 (Thursday), and it's one we welcome enthusiastically thanks to a slew of dazzling installations (think Sanrio, Disney, Mofusand), bountiful festive feasts, and themed shopping events to prep for this season of giving.  SEE ALSO: Singapore's public holidays for 2026 announced with total of six long weekends Unlike Hari Raya Puasa, Good Friday, Vesak Day, and Deepavali, the Christmas Day public holiday doesn't give us a long weekend – but you can easily make it one by applying for a couple of days of leave (and maybe even stretch it until the New Year's Day in 2026). All the better to enjoy Christmas festivities happening around town and spend precious time with friends and family.  Remember that if you're asked to work on a public holiday, your company should be giving you a) time off in lieu, b) an additional day's salary at your payment rate, or even c) overtime pay, depending on your particular scenario. These are all officially required as part of Singapore's Employment Act. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has a useful calculator to help you figure out the compensation you should receive, so make sure you don't get shortchanged.  And for the rest who aren’t obligated to work during these public holidays, start planning quick beach getaways, nearby road trips, or a luxuri

Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh...Impressionist and post-Impressionist works have always resonated with Singaporeans, if the response to the multi-sensory exhibitions Monet Inside, Van Gogh Inside: Love, Vincent, and Joaquin Sorolla: Dancing in the Sunlight are anything to go by. These digital, 360-degree showcases offer a uniquely immersive way to engage with beloved masterpieces – but, in our opinion, nothing beats seeing the original works in person. A new blockbuster exhibition at National Gallery Singapore is your chance to do just that. Into the Modern: Impressionism from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston is Southeast Asia's largest-ever showcase of French Impressionism, featuring over 100 masterpieces by Monet, Renoir, Degas, Cézanne, and more big names of the art movement – straight from the collection of Boston's legendary Museum of Fine Arts.  The show is all shimmering light, bold brushstrokes, and scenes of everyday life that feel as alive and fresh more than a century later. Into the Modern opens on November 14 (Friday) and it's an absolute must-go – here's what to know before you head down.  Photograph: National Gallery Singapore Why is this exhibition such a major event? It's the first time that Boston's world-class collection of Impressionist works has come to Southeast Asia – and the scale is simply staggering. We're talking 25 key artists and 100 artworks, including 17 Monets. The show doesn't just look back, though. It also draws clever connections between 19th-cen

He's witty, he's handsome, he's got great crowd work – and he's more than a little bit controversial. American comedian and actor Matt Rife spent more than a decade working the Los Angeles comedy scene, before shooting to fame with a TikTok-viral video titled "The Lazy Hero". Now, he's selling out shows and running a world tour spanning from New Zealand to Canada – and yes, he's coming to Asia, too. Singapore is Matt Rife's only Asia stop for his ongoing Stay Golden World Tour 2026. The comedian is known for his exceptional crowd work, so we're keeping our fingers crossed for some audience interaction and localised jokes made on the fly. Word of warning: he's stirred some controversy for so-called "edgy" jokes about sensitive topics, so if that doesn't fly with you, then this show is not for you.  If Matt Rife tickles every funny bone in your body, though, then here are all the show and ticketing details you need to know. When is Matt Rife performing in Singapore? He's performing in Singapore for one night only: February 7, 2026. Otherwise, you can catch him in the region beforehand in cities like Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.  Where is Matt Rife performing in Singapore? Matt Rife will be juicing up the crowd at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. When do tickets for the Stay Gold World Tour in Singapore go live? There are two presales and one general sale to look out for: Artiste presale: November 12 (Wednesday), 10am Live Nation presale: November 13 (Thursday), 10am Ge

"Dolphins!" The shout ripples across the deck during our post-dive downtime. Within seconds, we're pressed against the rail, watching a mother and calf skim the hull while a larger pod arrows towards a patch of churning sea. Seabirds spiral overhead in a feeding frenzy. It's day four aboard the Mutiara Laut, and as usual, Komodo is showing off. Komodo National Park sits in Indonesia's Lesser Sunda Islands and is fast rising on the global travel radar. Its fame is split between land and sea: the fearsome Komodo dragons and some of the most exhilarating dive sites in the country. It’s quieter than Bali but growing more accessible thanks to new direct flights and a crop of luxury hotels. I've visited Komodo before, drawn to dives like the famous Shotgun, a thrilling drift dive that shoots you through a narrow channel between two islands; Crystal Rock, a superb pinnacle dive teeming with giant schools of fish; and Manta Point – self-explanatory. Like most travellers, I based myself in Labuan Bajo and joined a jam-packed day trip to visit the highlights: Padar Island, Rinca Island, Pink Beach, and manta cleaning stations. Gorgeous, yes – but less enjoyable when you’re packed onto a small boat with 20 strangers and hustled from stop to stop. So when the chance to sail on the Mutiara Laut came up, I didn’t hesitate. Photograph: Mutiara Laut First, what is the Mutiara Laut? Meaning "pearl of the sea" in Bahasa, the Mutiara Laut is a luxury schooner designed with the romance of 19th

If there’s one thing Singapore nails with ease, it’s shopping – especially the indie kind. Our small island is stacked with characterful boutiques and quirky retail gems, each one offering something you didn’t realise you needed until you spot it.  Not sure where to dive in? We’ve done the digging so you don’t have to. Think vintage furniture treasure troves, vinyl dens for serious collectors, independent bookstores for the literature lovers, thrift stores full of surprises, and homegrown fashion labels worth shouting about. Scroll on to explore the full lineup. Aa Furniture Basheer Graphics Books Beyond the Vines Design Store Bynd Artisan Casual Poet Library Grafunkt Grassroots Book Room HonsiePonsie Journey East Knuckles & Notch Loop Garms Objects.re Open Door Store Our Barehands r y e  Ronggeng Records Soilboy Sojao Studio Yono Supermama Swee Lee Clarke Quay Takara House The Bookstore by Books Beyond Borders The Née Vintage Store Vintagewknd Woods in the Books Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Singapore newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox.  TIME OUT RECOMMENDS... Top 50 places for fun things to do in Singapore Top 16 wellness and fitness venues in Singapore Top 51 restaurants in Singapore

Six Hands has always been the spot for those who want their meals to do more than simply “tick the healthy box”. Born from the same team behind the Japanese restaurant Omoté, its Japanese-Australian philosophy leans into balance and flavour: think layered textures, umami for days, and bowls that feel more like a daily ritual than a duty.  Now, Orchard Road gets its own slice of calm with the opening of Six Hands Daily at Paragon. The brand’s third outlet, following its venues at Millenia Walk and Far East Square, is a compact space that clearly carries the brand’s DNA. Here, you'll find a concise menu of six signature bowls, packed with crisp Australian greens, flavourful proteins like nori ranch salmon, and house-made drizzles and crunches, from wasabi ricotta to chilli crunch. In a district where everything moves a mile a minute, Six Hands Daily is a welcome little oasis where you can slow down and genuinely enjoy honest, good food.  As Singapore's wellness scene evolves, Six Hands Daily is shaping our city’s new rhythm – where quick fixes are giving way to more thoughtful and intentional choices. And with more Six Hands Daily locations planned across the city, you can look forward to having their delicious, well-crafted bowls become part of the familiar rhythm of your everyday city life.  Six Hands Daily is now open at 290 Orchard Road, #B1-K25 Paragon, Singapore 238859, daily from 11am to 8.30pm.