Cheryl Sekkappan

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. May 2025: This list has been updated with new favourites like Dearborn and Caffe 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. En

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.

Yearly, several prominent music festivals light up Asia's calendar. Don't hesitate – catch that flight, as there's nothing quite like joining a pulsating crowd of fellow revellers, dancing and shouting your heart out to the tunes you love alongside beloved international artists. RECOMMENDED: The best concerts and tours in Asia in 2025 and The absolute best hotels in Asia right now 

Da Nang is one of our top spots for a summer break in Asia right now, thanks to its broad golden beaches, buzzing city sights, and refreshing local cuisine. As the heat cranks up from July through August, so does the fun, with electrifying music festivals on the beach and spectacular fireworks shows over the Han River. Make no mistake, though: it gets hot. Like sweat-beading-before-breakfast hot. But Tin Le, Head of Marketing Vietnam & Cambodia at Coca-Cola ASEAN & South Pacific, has a point: the youth these days feel the heat, but that’s not stopping them from stepping out and having fun. They certainly showed up with energy at zesty events like the Sprite Summer Playhouse beach party in Boracay and a McSpicy x Sprite pop-up in Singapore. Nothing like a ton of Sprite-fuelled fun to make the most of the summer sizzle, we say.   We reckon you should take a leaf from the Gen-Z book. So, grab your shades, portable fan, and a can of ice-cold Sprite for these refreshing summer activities in Da Nang.

Anniversaries are meant to be celebrated with gusto, and Singapore knows just how to party when it comes to National Day. Observed on August 9, the yearly affair marks Singapore’s independence from Malaysia. The city dresses for the occasion with flags lining the buildings, patriotic songs pervading the airwaves, people kitted out in red and white, and of course, the National Day Parade (NDP). Here’s the NDP in a nutshell: impressive aerial displays, military parades, and multicultural performances – all wrapped up with stunning fireworks. This year's parade returns to the historic Padang, alongside Marina Bay and heartland celebrations, so that every Singaporean can join in the festivities.  Whether you're planning to pop the poppers outdoors or join in the fun from home, here's everything you need to know about NDP2025.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Singapore newsletter for the best of the city straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED: The best places to watch NDP fireworks in Singapore for 2024 and The best things to do in Singapore this August

It's that time of year when we hang up our national flags and brush up on classic National Day songs like Home and Where I Belong. On August 9, the nation will congregate at the historic Padang to celebrate how far we've come together and pledge to unite on the path ahead. It's an extra special year too, as Singapore celebrates its 60th anniversary. Besides the state flag flypast, flashy 'Salute-to-the-Nation' bomb burst flown by fighter aircraft and dizzying aerial displays by the RSAF, the most highly-anticipated aspect of the National Day Parade has got to be the fireworks display. This year, you can expect dazzling fireworks show at the Padang and Marina Bay alongside five simultaneous displays at five locations in the heartlands. Keen to catch the spectacular display? Here are the best places to catch the NDP 2025 fireworks in Singapore.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Singapore newsletter for the best of the city straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED: NDP Rehearsal Fireworks 2025: Dates and schedules and The best National Day songs of all time

Ever wanted to leave it all behind and travel the world? Good news for you, because the digital nomad lifestyle is now more attainable than ever, which means you can satisfy your wanderlust while keeping up a steady income.  We'd argue that Asia is one of the best regions in the world for remote workers. We have incredible cities with modern infrastructure and thriving digital nomad communities, vibrant cultures that shift with every city and country, and a plethora of things to do across the continent, which all come affordably if you know what to do.  More Asian countries are courting remote workers, with freshly-launched digital nomad visas (and more to come from the likes of Sri Lanka and Vietnam). Here are the destinations that already offer visas, along with the requirements to qualify.  RECOMMENDED: The most spectacular places to visit in Asia and The best islands in Asia you need to visit at least once    

Outdoor lovers will know – there are many nature trails and parks in Singapore, so much so that you can plan an entire weekend’s worth of things to do at these green spaces. And one such place would be the 24km-long Rail Corridor, which reopened in 2021 after two years of renovation work. Following this came the restoration of Bukit Timah Railway Station, the launch of Rifle Range Nature Park, and the reopening of the northern section of the Rail Corridor – all of which are part of the Rail Corridor. Needless to say, there’s much to do here. Whether it’s your first or tenth visiting the revamped space, we’ve curated a guide on what to see and do. Happy trails! RECOMMENDED: The best hiking trails in Singapore and the best outdoor spots in Singapore to admire nature from above  

Time to get your gig calendar sorted. Tons of amazing group acts and solo artists are touring Asia in 2025 – we’re talking mega stars like Lady Gaga, Blackpink, and Oasis. We can hear your wallet crying already, but that’s the reality of being a music lover. All there is to do now is hunker down and strategically plan your concert schedule for the year.  RECOMMENDED: Brilliant music festivals in Asia in 2025 and The absolute best hotels in Asia right now 

Vesak Day is one of the most significant days on the Buddhist calendar, and marks the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha. Also known as Buddha Day, this sacred occasion is observed with several rituals and celebrations, as well as opportunities for reflection and giving. Here’s everything you need to know about this Buddhist festival, happening on May 12, 2025.  RECOMMENDED: The best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Singapore

If you're a beach person, the best part about living in Southeast Asia is the fact that it is home to some of the most picturesque beaches in the world. Just hop onto a plane from Changi Airport and you can get to a tropical paradise. Whether you're a pro surfer, diving enthusiast or just a beach bum, these are the best weekend beach getaways from Singapore.  RECOMMENDED: The best short day trips from Singapore and Weekend travel guide: 48 hours in Nusa Penida

There’s nothing like taking a pause from the daily grind to spend some time with the family. Especially if you've been working from home, both you and the kids may need a change in environment. From farm visits to skydiving, Singapore has a myriad of things you can do with your toddlers, tykes and teens. And why not complete it with a stay at some of the city’s best fam-friendly hotels and resorts? We pick up some of the best kid-friendly hotels in Singapore. With interconnecting rooms, themed lodgings, cool toys and fun activities for the little ones, it'll make for great bonding time for the whole family.  RECOMMENDED: The best kid-friendly activities in Singapore and the best free activities for kids

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

Feel the beat of New York at this grungy, hip-hop bar along Ann Siang Hill. An unassuming doorway on Ann Siang Road opens up into Brooklyn. Lit by low mood lighting, it has three sections: settle into plush seats for a proper sit-down meal, grab a seat by the main bar to chat with the mixologist, or head down a flight of stairs to the basement where an open-air kitchen shows all the chefs in action. Brooklyn bills itself as Singapore’s first hip-hop bar, so you can bet that hip-hop music will be playing all night long.  On the cocktail menu, 12 tipples are divided into three parts: Heart & Soul, King x Queen, and Ghetto Streets. It’s Brooklyn’s way of paying homage to all that makes up New York — its art, music, and culture. Ladies, come through with the Queen B*tch ($24), a refreshing cocktail with gin, elderflower liqueur, dry vermouth, orange marmalade and yuzu. Or try punchy signatures like The Brooklyn! ($26) and The Big Apple ($26). The former is spirit-forward with its use of barrel-aged wild turkey bourbon, while the latter blends Tiki Lover’s Pineapple, Baldoria dry vermouth, Laird’s applejack, apple maple syrup and black walnut bitters. The usual Maraschino cherry is replaced with a bright red candy apple that bleeds artistically onto a Brooklyn-stamped ice cube. In the Ghetto Streets section, the bartender’s virtuosity and skill come through in complex drinks like the Grandmaster Bear ($24), a fruity concoction with clarified cream. Cocktails aside, the food menu

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

Lazarus Island is undoubtedly one of Singapore's most beautiful islands, and is rightfully beloved for its laidback, rustic charm and idyllic shores. The island has seen some development in recent times, with the addition of Tiny Away Escape @ Lazarus Island cabins, a convenience store called Sol by BDC, and the water sports centre Camelot. The latest addition? Into The Woods, a new glamping experience laying claim to Lazarus Island's most beautiful beach.  Founded in 2022 by Ray and Sam, who were inspired by camping trips they had enjoyed overseas with their young children, Into The Woods is all about "experiencing a life unhurried". The idea is to book one of three family tents (sleeps four) or six couple tents (sleeps two), where you can slow down, disconnect from the bustle of city life, and immerse in nature.  What is it like living at Into The Woods? Where the 'glam' part of the vacation comes into play is in these rooms. On a one-night stay with Into The Woods, we checked into a family tent and found a whole lot to love. It's spacious and fully air-conditioned, with a king bed and a sofa bed to accommodate a family of four. Full-length glass sliding doors offers views of the beach – the glass is tinted so you can look out at the waves from the inside while staying shielded from anyone outside who might be looking in (in any case, there are curtains that you can draw for extra privacy). The room has a snack bar stocked with cereals, biscuits, coffee, and tea, a small f

Grounded is a riveting story of an ace Air Force fighter pilot, whose career in the sky is brought to an abrupt end by an unexpected pregnancy. Recommissioned to the Nevada desert to pilot military drones, she remains physically safe away from the action during combat shifts – but struggles with the disorienting clockwork of motherly duties blended with the psychological toll of war. Based on an award-winning script by George Brant and featuring actress Oon Shu An, Singapore Theatre Company’s Grounded is an empathetic study of both the personal and geopolitical costs of modern warfare.  Oon Shu An’s stellar performance as the protagonist kept us on the edge of our seats for the full 90 minutes, commanding the stage with an unwavering intensity. The script for Grounded is a demanding one, as the pilot slowly descends into madness as the line between her work and personal life begins to blur, a challenge that Oon navigates flawlessly. Despite the character’s disturbing joy in bombing “the guilty”, we found ourselves rooting for her, glad that she found some semblance of happiness in the “chair-force” – a job that she initially despised. The themes of Grounded resonate deeply in today’s context, where one side remains shielded from the threat of death while callously imposing a relentless demise upon others. Grab some friends and book the Watch With Friends package (minimum of four tickets) to enjoy 15 percent off. Interested in a theatre marathon? Grounded is also part of The S

After more than 50 years of parades, Chingay continues to keep things interesting. This year, it's setting out to dazzle with a large-scale floor projection on the F1 track, featuring a lush Chingay garden to fit 2024's theme of 'Blossom'. Look forward to an array of floral motifs throughout six acts to tell the story of Singapore's thriving culture and community.  The whole parade promises to be a visual treat. The floor projection, a first for the parade and the longest yet seen in Singapore, will transform the track at the F1 Pit Building into a massive moving canvas. The parade will open with a majestic dragon flying throughout the F1 track, followed by anamorphic illusions of buildings, flowers, and spaceships. Listen out for the Chingay Gardener (George Chan) and the Flower Fairy (Tan Rui Shan) as they narrate the story of 'Blossom', told through vibrant performances incorporating dragon and lion dances, inline skating, cheerleading, wushu, and pieces by international groups from Uzbekistan, China, Indonesia, and more.  Of course, an indelible part of the Chingay parade is the vibrant floats. This year, five main floats will grace the parade. Presented by groups like Tote Board Group, POSB, and Harmony Circle, they pay tribute to the youth, the elderly, our four major ethnic groups, and more active communities in Singapore. There's no missing the pomp and pageantry in the heartlands either – a float caravan will be parading through residential estates at the Chingay@Hea

Talk about a stunner. The 5-star Artyzen Singapore on Cuscaden Road is Artyzen Hospitality Group's debut in Singapore, and it's a maximalist dream. In a departure from brands that seek to provide a consistent experience across global properties (not a knock, that has its own charm), Artyzen Singapore grounds itself in local history and culture – providing a vibrant stay with a wonderful sense of place.  One fascinating tidbit about Artyzen Singapore is that it's built on prime estate formerly occupied by Villa Marie. It was a 1940s era mansion built by Tan Hoon Siang, a keen horticulturalist and relation of philanthropist Tan Tock Seng. His love of plants, and particular interest in orchids, has been woven into the fabric of Artyzen Singapore. You see it in the bold floral motifs stamped throughout the hotel lobby, in the arched trellises that drip with plants and gems alike, and in the green and tranquil sky gardens across the floors.  The hotel has 142 impressive rooms spanning four categories: Deluxe, Premier, Grand Terrace Room, and Terrace Suite. It's worth noting that all have balconies and soaring ceilings (at least four metres high), which give them a sense of spaciousness and grandeur. The Straits-inspired art we get a peep of in the lift (colourful artwork by Terence Tan that depict Peranakan shophouses) finds its way into these rooms, in the scenic wallpaper and Peranakan-tile motifs.  Our room for two nights is the Terrace Suite, and it's jaw-dropping to say the

What do you look for when holiday planning? Beaches, attractions, dining, or...colour?  At Nottingham creative studio, Berlew, they believe that colour is inextricably tied to a city's identity, with the potential to draw tourists as strongly as all its other travel and lifestyle offerings. After all, how many of us have booked a flight just to take a photograph at Cinque Terre, the famously colourful seaside villages in Italy? In this spirit, Berlew analysed high-resolution images taken by street photographers with computer vision technology, producing colour palettes for each of 125 of the world's top travel destinations. It then assessed it for the variety, vibrancy, and richness of their hues to produce a list of the 20 most colourful cities in the world.  Of these, only one city in Asia broke through the top 10: Jodhpur in India. Famously known as the Blue City, this Rajasthani destination teems with gorgeous blue buildings, majestic forts, and bustling bazaars. Berlew's study found six palette highlights dominated by blues: deep royal, medium, and white. It's not the most diverse of palettes, but Berlew notes that it "generates incredible visual impact across the cityscape".   Another Indian city also made it into Berlew's list: Mumbai. Berlew's analysis unearthed "earthy tones reflecting heat, heritage, and rapid urban growth. Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh sit at No. 20, thanks to its colourful shop fronts, markets, and lanterns.  The world's most colourful destinations: Bura

If you like living the high life but want to stretch your dollar, then this new list is a good guide for where not to go. According to the Julius Baer Group's Global Wealth & Lifestyle Report 2025, three cities in Asia have made it to a list of the top most expensive cities for 'living well'. The Julius Baer Lifestyle Index tracks the cost of living a high-net-worth lifestyle in 25 cities around the world. Some things it takes into consideration: residential property prices, private healthcare costs, business class flights, luxury goods, and even the cost of an MBA. This year, a survey of high-net-worth individuals adds insight into their habits and perspectives.  So, the most expensive cities in Asia for high-fliers? Singapore, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. Singapore gets the (dubious) honour of being No. 1 on the list, and for the third year running too. It ranks first globally for the cost of cars (no thanks to the Certificate of Entitlement that must be purchased to own a car in Singapore) and women's handbags. So maybe get your Louis Vuitton goods somewhere else. Treadmills, on the other hand, are the most affordable index item to get in the country – all the better to work off those degustation dinners. Hong Kong is the third-most expensive city in the world for living well. It slipped one place compared to its ranking last year, losing its second-place spot to London. This is not a place where you want to get in trouble – lawyers are the city's costliest index item. But we

You've heard the news: the former S.E.A. Aquarium has been revamped and extended, and will reopen soon as the Singaporean Oceanarium – three times bigger (and we reckon, better).  Opening on July 24, the new attraction features 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.  Photograph: Liqin Lau for Time Out Singapore 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-changi

Asia-Pacific is home to almost 300 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, some more famous, like the Great Wall of China and the Taj Mahal in India, and others more obscure, like Phu Phrabat in Thailand and the Ombilin Coal Mining Heritage of Sawahlunto in Indonesia. You could spend a lifetime visiting these fascinating landmarks – and now you'll need a little bit more, because eight new sites in Asia have gained World Heritage Status. The UNESCO World Heritage Committee made the decision during its 47th session in Paris, where it recognised a total of 26 new properties worldwide for their invaluable cultural significance. Among the newly-inscribed sites are the fairytale castles, Neuschwanstein Castle, Herrenchiemsee, Linderhof, and the royal house of Schachen in Germany, as well as Australia's largest rock art site.  Over in Asia, ancient kingdom complexes, imperial cemeteries, and prehistoric rock art sites from Cambodia to North Korea have been elevated to World Heritage Status.  Highlights include the Cambodian Memorial Sites, which consist of three locations where the Khmer Rouge carried out torture and executions during its regime from 1971 to 1979. Coincidentally, the inscription of the site comes 50 years after the murderous regime's rise to power.  Next is Malaysia's Forest Research Institute, just 16km northwest of Kuala Lumpur. This site stands as a testament to what early ecological restoration and sustainable rehabilitation practices can do – once degraded by tin mining,

Asia has tons of fantastic desserts, but we'd be lying if we said this continent was known for its cookies. Off the top of our heads, we can name maybe a handful: almond cookies, achappam (rose cookies), kueh bangkit (coconut cookies). Trust the online guide TasteAtlas, which collates food critic reviews and traditional recipes, to suss out the very best ones in Asia, though. It recently published a list of the 100 Best Cookies in the World – and two intriguing treats from Asia made the list.  Top in Asia (and 30th in the world) is silvanas, a Filipino frozen cookie with a 4.0 rating on TasteAtlas. It's actually a snack version of the traditional dessert known as sans rival. Silvanas sound fantastic for the Philippines' hot, tropical climate – served chilled or frozen, they're made from a layer of buttercream sandwiched by two cashew-meringue wafers, slathered in more buttercream and coated in cashew crumbs. According to TasteAtlas, the best place to try this dessert is in the House of Silvanas in Quezon City, Sans Rival Cakes & Pastries, or Sans Rival Bistro, both in Dumaguete.  The only other cookie from Asia that made the list is hodu-gwaja from South Korea (No. 55). Rated 3.8 on TasteAtlas, these walnut cookies are often eaten in the winter. Red bean lovers will enjoy this one – rich red bean paste is mixed with chopped walnuts, and encased in a thin walnut-based batter. It was invented all the way back in 1934 by a couple in Cheonan, a large city in South Chungcheong Pro

If you've ever stopped to admire a building for its clean lines, geometric forms, bold colours, and opulent materials, you're likely gawping at a piece of art deco architecture. A style that became popular in the 1920s and 1930s, art deco works still number among some of the most prominent buildings in the world: think the Empire State Building in America and the Hoover Building in the UK.  To mark the centenary of a landmark Paris exhibition: Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels (International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts) in 1925, our expert in architecture and design has done the tough job of whittling down the 10 finest examples of art deco architecture in the world. Picks range from the Art Deco Historic District in Miami to the Palais de Tokyo in Paris, with just one building from all of Asia making the list.  That honour goes to the Eros Cinema, located at Churchgate, Mumbai, India. Commissioned in 1935 by the Parsi businessman Shiavax Cawasji Cambata in 1935, it was designed by architect Shorabji Bhedwar and officially opened in February 1938.  This is one building you can't miss. The cinema is immense, with an imposing stepped facade of ivory cream and red Agra sandstone protruding onto Marine Drive. The theatre is just as magnificent on the inside: black and white marble covers the foyer, marble staircases with chromium handrails lead up to the upper floor, and elaborate murals, cloud patterns, and relief sculptures ado

Luxury hotels, boutique and shophouse hotels, unique staycations that will take you off the beaten path...you name it, and Singapore's got it. One accommodation category that you simply can't ignore is also the city hotels, which are the places in the heart of the urban action, amidst skyscrapers and Singapore's trendiest hubs. We have our opinion on the best ones in the country – but a new ranking by lifestyle and travel magazine Travel + Leisure is worth a look at for some inspiration too. This year, T+L surveyed close to 180,000 readers to get their honest thoughts on top cities, islands, hotels, spas, airlines, cruises, and more. More than 657,000 votes were cast across over 8,700 properties, with hotels classified as resorts, city hotels, inns, or safari lodges based on their offerings. Readers rated these accommodations based on their rooms and facilities, location, service, food, and value, using a 5-point scale ranging from poor to excellent.  Readers' favourite city hotel in Singapore? Mondrian Singapore Duxton, a gorgeous hotel in Duxton Hill that opened in 2023. The hotel was also recognised as the No. 5 hotel in Singapore in Travel+Leisure Asia’s Luxury Awards 2025 and the Best Overseas Hotel in Singapore in the Travel+Leisure China Reader’s Choice Awards 2025. Things T+L readers loved? Impeccable hospitality and the hotel's winning location. Mondrian Singapore Duxton is located within easy reach of some of the best restaurants and bars on the Tanjong Pagar strip

One of the most crucial decisions you can make on a trip is which hotel to stay in. There's lots to consider – location, amenities, service, cleanliness, and value. The best hotels can completely elevate a trip, answering your every need without compromising on an authentic and local experience. If you're travelling to Asia anytime soon, there's a new ranking of the best hotels in the region that may spark some inspiration. Travel + Leisure just released the results of its World's Best Awards survey, which ranks top cities, islands, hotels, resorts, and more based on votes by almost 180,000 T+L readers. This year, 33 hotels in Asia made it to its ranking of the 100 best hotels in the world, based on criteria like rooms and facilities, location, service, food, and value-for-money. 2025's top Asian hotel is perfect for those in love with the island life. Nay Palad Hideaway in Siargao, Philippines ranks No. 10 in the world with a score of 99.37. A stunning result, considering that Nay Palad Hideaway is a newcomer to the list. The resort is all-inclusive, with sprawling villas offering private private pools, beach access, pavilions, and tree houses. Activities are covered too, from mangrove kayaking to surfing the legendary Cloud 9 break.  The rest of the list represents a pretty even balance of island luxury and city glamour. If you're looking for a remote getaway close to the ocean, there's no going wrong with hotels like Shangri-La Boracay, Meliá Ho Tram Beach Resort, or The S

Whether you're stuck on a speedy two-hour flight or a long-haul journey across the world, the last thing you want is a grimy seat, litter in the pockets, and washrooms that smell less than petal-fresh. It's not a simple matter of comfort, we'd argue – hygiene counts for much more in a post-pandemic world. If you'd like a level of guarantee when it comes to aircraft cleanliness, you can turn to the authorities over at Skytrax. The airline and airport review website recently announced its ranking of the World's Best Airlines for 2025 – and winners in a host of other categories, including cleanliness. For its World's Cleanest Airlines 2025 ranking, it rated the cleanliness and presentation of seat areas, tables, carpets, cabin panels, washrooms, and more to determine the final results.  Topping this squeaky clean list is Taiwanese airline EVA Air. This is the first time that the airline has received this honour from Skytrax, having moved up from the No. 3 position last year. It's an all-round good airline though, having maintained its 5-star rating from Skytrax for 10 years now.  We're proud to say that the World's Cleanest Airlines list is dominated by Asian airlines. A full 13 Asian carriers are on the list, with nine filling out the top 10 ranks. After EVA Air is Japanese airline ANA All Nippon Airways at No. 2 and Hong Kong carrier Cathay Pacific Airways at No. 3. Qatar Airways just edges out Singapore Airlines – awarded the best airline in Asia for 2025 by Skytrax – which s

Tomorrowland is the festival of all festivals. Originating in Belgium, this legendary event consistently earns rave reviews from festival-goers, who love it for its dazzling EDM artist line-up, spectacular stage design, and smooth-as-butter organisation.  For those in Asia, attending Tomorrowland has always been a significant investment and a logistical nightmare – you'll have to pay for festival tickets, flights, accommodations, and sink a substantial amount of annual leave into it to make the trip worth it. But hey, if you've held up this long, then good news – because the festival is coming to Asia for the first time.  The Magic of Tomorrowland lands in Shanghai this November First on the calendar is The Magic of Tomorrowland in Shanghai, China. To be clear, this is a different beast from the Tomorrowland festival altogether. Taking place indoors in the futuristic Hero Dome, it will be more intimate and experimental, with music, technology, and theatrics designed to transport audiences to another world. Look forward to unique stage sets, surprise artist collaborations, and a roster stacked with international stars and emerging Chinese talent.  Details about ticket sales will be announced in September, with early access and exclusive pre-sales for those who pre-register. Time to get on WeChat, where you can join the official Tomorrowland community for updates.  Tomorrowland heads to Thailand in 2026 Now, for the 'real' deal. If you want the full-fledged Tomorrowland experi

This one's for the aspiring entrepreneurs, business leaders, and curious minds. Steven Bartlett, the highly influential host of the popular podcast 'The Diary of a CEO', will be touring Asia for the first time ever.  Steven is a guy you want to get entrepreneurship advice from, for sure. Raised in Botswana, he founded two companies by the age of 22 – one being Social Chain, a social media marketing agency that achieved significant success with clients such as Apple, KFC, and McDonald's. These ventures made him a millionaire by the tender age of 23.  Most prominently, he's the host of 'The Diary of a CEO', an ongoing podcast where he picks the brains of celebrities and business leaders such as Sir Richard Branson, Michelle Obama and Simon Cowell. Intimate, entertaining, and always insightful, the podcast has garnered over 40 million monthly downloads and 1 billion streams. These nuggets of wisdom have been conveniently condensed into his second book, the Sunday Times bestseller 'The Diary of a CEO: The 33 Laws for Business & Life'.  Steven has fingers in almost every pie, with more businesses founded in the media, software, and finance spaces, and key investments in the health and wellness industries. He is also empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs through action and advocacy, with a focus on uplifting individuals from BAME and underprivileged backgrounds.  Inspired yet? Well, you can catch him in September 2025, when he travels to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong

All you business-savvy folk have something to look forward to this September, because highly influential entrepreneur Steven Bartlett is bringing his first Asia tour to Singapore.  The host of the successful podcast, 'The Diary of a CEO' (now with over 1 billion streams!), Steven is an undisputed authority on how to thrive in business and life. Raised in Botswana, he became a millionaire by the tender age of 23, and has multiple companies and strategic investments to his name. In his podcast (and spin-off best-selling book, 'The Diary of a CEO: The 33 Laws for Business and Life), he further delves into the lives and minds of successful celebrities and businessmen to share personal development tools and strategies with his audience. Now, you can absorb all those inspiring lessons in person at his The Business & Life tour stop in Singapore. He'll be speaking on September 19 at The Star Theatre, where he'll share practical and actionable steps for changing your mindset, building a sustainable business, cultivating leadership qualities, and maintaining all that for the long run. Tickets are now available at forthecurious.asia/steven-bartlett-asia-2025 starting at SGD 98. Priority access and general sales are happening on the following dates and times:  Priority access registration: July 10, noon - July 14, noon SGT Priority access for those who registered on: July 16, noon SGT General ticket sales start on: July 17, noon SGT Can't make it to the Singapore stop? Find o