Cheryl Sekkappan

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

If you prefer getting away from the crowds this school holidays to spend some quality time with your family, try booking a holiday in a resort destination. Whether you're bonding with your parents or taking the little ones on a vacation, these resorts near Singapore might do the trick.  RECOMMENDED: Last-minute destinations to travel to this Christmas break and the best hiking trails in Johor Bahru

If you've been dreaming about lounging around in a hammock while sipping on a fresh coconut in a villa, you're not alone. And even if you don't fancy leaving the country, there's no reason why you should put those tropical dreams on hold. Grab your closest friends and spend a weekend at these fancy holiday villas in Singapore and you'll be transported to the Maldives, Seminyak or Phuket in no time.  Recommend: The most romantic hotels in Singapore and the best luxury five-star hotels in Singapore This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

Nestled in the heart of Singapore, Balestier is where you’ll find tantalising local eats, heritage-rich locations and quirky shops. Whether you’re hunting for the city’s best bak kut teh or curious about the history behind its iconic shophouses, this storied neighbourhood is a treasure trove worth exploring.  Click here to find nearby Airbnbs RECOMMENDED: The 50 best cafés in Singapore and The best hiking trails and spots in Singapore

Nothing beats getting your nose stuck in a paperback. These bookstores line their walls and displays with a wide range of print publications including secondhand gems and specialty books and magazines to niche readers. Besides endless shelves of hard copies, these are also the best spots to check out the works of local authors and the literary scene in Singapore. Time to refresh that reading list and get lost in the pages of your new favourite book! RECOMMENDED: The best independent and alternative cinemas in Singapore and The best hidden cafés in Singapore for a quiet brunch sesh    

Singapore's café scene promises plenty of gems, if you just know where to look. The growing number of places to visit can seem daunting, even if you resolve to checking off one new spot every weekend. So let us do the work for you. It's about time we put together a 50 Best list of cafés in Singapore anyway — after all, we've got lists for bars and restaurants too, so why not cafés? These are places we won't hesitate to recommend if someone asks where they can grab a good cuppa, pastry, or brunch nearby. These 50 spots range from long-time favourites, new openings, and familiar names, to under-the-radar cafés deserving of a little more love. If you’re looking for something more specific, we also have separate lists for brunch spots, desserts, and lifestyle cafés. Find out more about how Time Out makes recommendations and reviews restaurants. Discover, book and save at hundreds of top restaurants in Singapore with Grab Dine Out.

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 top restaurants in Singapore with Grab Dine Out.

Rock climbing and bouldering are excellent for building both strength and stamina – you’ll be gripping onto the smallest holds and hauling yourself upwards, one move at a time. Despite being solo on the wall, these sports are actually quite social. Fellow climbers on the ground can offer tips, cheer you on, and celebrate your sends – making it a fun and motivating way to work out with friends. We’ve rounded up the best rock climbing and bouldering gyms in Singapore, so grab your climbing shoes and chalk – or rent them from the gyms – and make your way to the walls.  RECOMMENDED: The best gyms in Singapore and the best hiking trails and spots in Singapore

Singapore may be known for its stunning skyscrapers and bustling city life, but our little island also comes with scenic shorelines that are perfect for a quick escape. Thrill-seekers can head to the livelier beaches for water sports, while families can kick back at quieter stretches of sand, letting the little ones run wild and free. Here are the best beaches in Singapore for some sun, sand and sea: RECOMMENDED: The ultimate guide to Singapore's offshore islands and the best hidden beaches in Singapore    

What is the most beautiful place in the world? Well, beauty is subjective – it’s in the eye of the beholder, so they say – so that’s really up to your own definition. To some, there’s nowhere more beautiful than Bolivia’s otherworldly mirrored salt flats; to others, California’s rugged coast takes the crown.  Luckily, the world isn’t held to the same rigid beauty standards as humans are. We asked our network of globetrotting travel writers to tell us the most beautiful place they’ve ever been to. The resulting list is a definitive, but by no means exhaustive, guide to the most stunning spots our planet has to offer. We update this list regularly, ensuring we’re including the big-hitters while considering the impact of overtourism and spotlighting lesser-known beauty spots. From gigantic glaciers and shape-shifting beaches to ancient woodland and lantern-lit cities, here’s what we reckon are the most beautiful places on Earth – chosen by travel writers who’ve seen them all IRL. Grace Beard is Time Out’s travel editor, based in London. 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 and check out our latest travel guides written by local experts.RECOMMENDED:⛰️ The most beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Sites🗺 The most underrated travel destinations in the world🧭 The best places to travel solo🏝 The best beaches in the world

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

Summer is coming in hot, which means one thing – beach time. If you're heading to Asia and need some inspiration for where to get your tan on, then a new list by World's 50 Best Beaches is just for you. The World's 50 Beaches team, its judges and Beach Ambassadors have had the enviable job of racking up hours of sun, sand, and sea time on some of the most idyllic golden stretches in the world. They voted for their favourites based on this first-hand experience, resulting in the Best Beaches in the World, 2025 list.  Of the 50 beaches worldwide, eight beaches in Asia were tipped for being among the best. And if you like frolicking in seclusion, then you'll love the best beach in Asia (and second-best in the world): Entalula Beach in the Philippines. Located in Palawan, this paradise is shaded by towering, limestone cliffs, forming a backdrop to calm, turquoise waters ideal for swimming and snorkelling. Because it can only be reached by boat, it's less frequented by tourists – but perhaps not for long. To get here, hop on a private transfer or group tour from El Nido Town or Corong Corong Beach.  Photograph: B_BEUM/Shutterstock It's hard to find a Thai island that's not overrun with tourists, but Koh Kood still flies under the radar. It's home to the third-best beach in the world, Bang Bao Beach, which the World's 50 Beaches team calls "quiet and pristine". Take a leisurely swim in clear, shallow waters, pick through the jungle fringing the beach, or stroll along the wooden p

With postcard-worthy beaches, endless islands to explore, and welcoming locals, the Philippines is every traveller's dream. If you've ever entertained ideas of living there, soon you can – because the Philippines is (finally) launching a digital nomad visa.  President Ferdinand Marcos Jr recently signed Executive Order No. 86, allowing the Department of Foreign Affairs to issue digital nomad visas to eligible non-immigrant foreigners. This visa allows holders to work remotely in the Philippines for up a year, with multiple entries allowed while the visa remains valid. Once the year is up, remote workers may also renew their digital nomad visa for the same duration.  Applications for the digital nomad visa are not open yet, but a pilot programme is expected to begin 60 days after the Order goes into effect. That was back on April 24, so if all goes well, we should have more news in late June or early July this year.  Who is eligible for the Philippines digital nomad visa? To qualify for the visa, applicants must: Be at least 18 years of age. Prove they work remotely using digital technology. Demonstrate proof of sufficient income earned out of the Philippines. Have a clean criminal record. Possess valid health insurance coverage for the duration of their stay. Hold a passport from a country that offers digital nomad visas to Filipino citizens and maintains a Foreign Service Post. Not pose any threat to the internal or external security of the Philippines. Not be employed w

If you ask us, it's about time for Asia's art and cultural scene to get the global spotlight. We're home to some of the world's oldest civilisations, and to balance that, the region is thrumming with youthful energy, driving an exciting calendar of arts festivals, literary events, and underground parties.  If you're eager to dive into Asia's flourishing cultural landscape, then we've sussed out the cities you can start with. Time Out surveyed 18,500 locals worldwide to get their thoughts on the quality and affordability of their city's cultural scene. Our network of art and culture editors then narrowed the list to 20 of the world's finest cultural hubs. We thought outside the box of museums, galleries, and theatres to consider free-wheeling, community-rooted events like pop-up festivals, museum parties, and even raves in caves.  So, the best city in Asia for a large dose of art and culture? Hanoi (No. 9), Vietnam's charming capital with a history stretching back more than 1,000 years. As local writer Joey Gann puts it, "What's charming about modern, youthful Hanoi is that the past is never far away." One minute, you can be in the Old Quarter watching performers on ancient silk-string instruments; the next, you can rock and roll with upcoming local bands at Hanoi Rock City. The city is a few hours drive from the aforementioned 'rave in a cave' Equation Festival, and home to blistering fashion talent who are bringing ethnic textiles to the global couture stage.  The kicker? Ge

We’ve been mighty spoiled this May with Labour Day, Polling Day, and Vesak Day all falling within the first half of the month. That’s a whopping three public holidays in the same period, out of the 11 gazetted public holidays (or rather 12, with the addition of GE2025 Polling Day) for the entirety of 2025. This year, we get four long weekends – just one less than last year – but it turns out that a couple of these dates fall on a Saturday. This means that those working standard five-day office schedules get to claim an off day on another day, or receive salary in lieu. We suggest creating your own long weekend by taking that off-in-lieu on a Friday or Monday. Naturally, getting back into the swing of things after enjoying three PHs in two weeks is going to be difficult, but if there’s one thing to look forward to, it’s that there’s a Hari Raya Haji break coming up in early June. And since we're on the topic: Get informed on the difference between Hari Raya Puasa and Hari Raya Haji, because the two religious festivals in Islam are not one and the same. Now that we're reaching the middle of the year, these are the last four remaining public holidays in Singapore 2025, with the final long weekend marked by an asterisk: Hari Raya Haji: June 7, Saturday National Day: August 9, Saturday Deepavali: October 20, Monday* Christmas Day: December 25, Thursday  The first three long weekends of the year have already concluded with Hari Raya Puasa, Good Friday, and Vesak Day. The last one

Ever wanted to shop and eat in Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok on a single trip, without ever going through the hassle of hopping on a plane? That dream could become a reality as soon as end-2025, thanks to the revival of a KL-Bangkok direct train. Malaysia's Transport Minister Anthony Loke confirmed that both countries are working to resume a direct train service between the two cities. The route will link Kuala Lumpur, Butterworth, Padang Besar, and Bangkok in one seamless route. As it'll be built on an existing railway track, Malaysia and Thai authorities are confident that it can be set up quickly. This follows news of a Butterworth-Hat Yai train service that will roll out in Q3 2025. Thai authorities have also floated the idea of extending the rail network from Sungai Golok to Rantau Panjang and Pasir Mas in Malaysia, reported Railway Supply. However, these plans will take longer to materialise as these older train tracks will need to be spruced up.  Either way, we're all for greater rail integration between Malaysia and Thailand – it's a more scenic and affordable way to travel between two fantastic countries. If you (like us), can't wait to explore either country in the meantime, check out all the fantastic things to see, eat, and do in their capitals, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok, right now. ICYMI: Two Asian museums have been named among the world's most beautiful in 2025 Plus: This striking skyscraper in Malaysia makes a dazzling appearance in Marvel's 'Thunderbolts' Stay

Lace up your boots, because we're going hiking. It's arguably one of the best ways to experience a destination – whether it's a short trek or a multi-day route, hikes bring you up close with cultural sights and natural attractions. And hey, you'll more than likely to meet a like-minded tramper along the way.  Time Out's network of travel experts and editors have walked all over the world to round-up a definitive list of the best places to hike. These encompass spiritual routes criss-crossing Spain and Portugal, 40-day sojourns through the Middle Eastern desert, and spectacular coastal trails atop dramatic sea cliffs in Hawaii. But the mother of all hikes in Asia? The Nakahechi Route, or the Imperial Route of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Kumano Kodo network. Walking the ancient pilgrimage route is a spiritual experience: you'll cross "mossy forests, mineral hot springs and centuries-old wooden shrines dedicated to 'kami' (nature spirits')", says Time Out Travel contributor Dana Cape. Our recommendation? Block out three to five days to complete this trek, and settle your accommodations along the route early because they book out fast.  Photograph: jlelelr/Shutterstock One other hike in Asia makes it to the list, and it's another one from Japan. It's the Gotemba Trail, and if that sounds unfamiliar, then you can simply know it as the Mount Fuji summit trek. This 19.4km round-trip takes you to the top of one of the most iconic volcanoes in the world via "four main routes of d

Talk about being beautiful inside and out – some museums are worth visiting as much for their stunning exteriors as for the fascinating objects they house.  Prix Versailles, a prestigious architectural award that recognises gorgeous airports, campuses, hotels, and other buildings worldwide, has released its 2025 list of the world's most beautiful museums. In this case, beauty is not just skin deep – these museums also demonstrate exceptional harmony with their environment and artefacts.  It's a short and sweet list of just seven museums, and two are from Asia. The first is Bali's Saka Museum, a cultural gem in Ayana Bali that opened in 2023. Prix Versailles highlights how its architectural design "embodies the Balinese philosophy of Giri Segara, the sacred balance between mountain and sea" with a sloping roof that visually connects sky and ocean. The beautiful reflecting pool invites visitors to pause for introspection, creating a fitting atmosphere for the museum's showcase of Balinese traditions in the past and present. There's lots to check out here, including sensory installations fashioned around Bali's sacred Day of Silence, and a showcase that dives into subak, the island's UNESCO-listed irrigation and water temple systems.   Photograph: Audeum Audio Museum/Instagram Seoul's Audeum Audio Museum, the world's first dedicated audio museum, also made the list. For a spot dedicated to audio equipment, it's fitting that the museum itself is something of an instrument playi

The premiere of Marvel Studios' Thunderbolts on April 22 came with an extra sweet treat for Malaysian fans. The Hollywood movie featured a striking skyscraper – none other than the iconic Merdeka 118. It was showcased in serious style, too, with main actress Florence Pugh, playing Black Widow agent Yelena Belova, taking a dramatic leap off the mega-tall structure (you can read director Jake Schreier's thoughts about that here). Mind you, it's the second-tallest structure in the world after Dubai's Burj Khalifa, standing at an astounding 678.9 metres.  It was a proud moment for Malaysian fans, who took to social media to express their delight at seeing the Kuala Lumpur landmark on the big screen. To celebrate its Hollywood debut, Merdeka 118 even put on a dazzling light show up till May 1.  The light show may now be over, but we'd still encourage you to visit the tower if you happen to be in Kuala Lumpur in the second half of the year. Here's what to know about Merdeka 118 and things to do there.    What makes Merdeka 118 special? First of all, its height. Merdeka 118 is 678.9 metres tall, making it the second-tallest structure globally and the tallest in Southeast Asia.  It's a beautiful building too, with diamond-shaped glass facades meant to represent Malaysia's diverse population. Its shape, with a tall and slim spire crowning the building, is also inspired by then-Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman's hand gesture as he chanted "Merdeka!" (meaning "independence" or "freedom

Happiness is one of the hardest things in the world to quantify, but that's not stopping the folks behind the Happy City Index. Every year, they evaluate and rank global cities on themes like governance, environment, economy, and health to determine which have the policies – and are actually taking action – to improve citizens' quality of life and happiness.  In 2025, Singapore emerged as the happiest city in Asia, ranking third on the global list. The report lauds it as "a global beacon of economic prosperity, governance, and urban innovation", highlighting Singapore's world-renowned universities, high levels of voter turnout, and its commitment to smart urban development. There's a lot else going for the city, like its fantastic public health system, efficient public transport infrastructure, not to mention charming parks in every neighbourhood and an ever-evolving roster of things to do.  Seoul is next on the Gold Cities list, ranking No. 6. Like Singapore, it excels in education, innovation, and governance. But where it really stands out is in sustainability, which the report states is "deeply integrated into Seoul's urban framework" via renewable energy solutions, strong biodiversity protection, efficient waste management, high recycling rates, and low pollution. Anyone who's been to Seoul will also know it's remarkably green, with sprawling parks like Namsan Park and Banpo Hangang Park.  What's notable is the number of Taiwanese cities that appear on the Happy City Inde

Close-ups of eyeballs, chubby and heavily mascaraed faces, baby heads arranged in an endless spiral – Apohapoh's art is weird, psychedelic, disturbing...and kind of cute. Ask the Kuala Lumpur-based illustrator and tattoo artist, and she'll say it's very much intentional. "I've always been curious about crime and psychological horror," says Apohapoh, who grew up on a diet of "weird" cartoons like The Ren & Stimpy Show, which follows the misadventures of a psychotic chihuahua and dimwitted cat. And those uncomfortable close-ups in SpongeBob SquarePants? Her favourite thing about the show. Funny enough, Apohapoh says that she's never been able to create the kind of 'frightening' art she's so drawn to. So, why not make it a little cute? This blend of kawaii (meaning "cute") and kowaii (meaning "scary") has worked very well for her. As she says of the people who encounter her art, "The more they stare, the more they feel weird. But they like it." Photograph: Apohapoh The tattooist-illustrator dilemma Enough to put it on their skin. Now 36, Apohapoh has been drawing since she was a kid, but has now branched out into tattooing. This dual identity – as a tattooist and illustrator – was initially difficult for her to reconcile. There's the difference in approach to both. Apohapoh shares, "Tattooing is something I enjoy, but it's also something that I do 'for someone'. I work for a long time to understand how to put myself into the picture in a way that works for my clients too. But

So, you're planning a summer holiday in Asia, but where to stay? If Vietnam, India, the Maldives, Indonesia, or Cambodia are your target destinations, then you're in luck, because they're home to some of the best hotels in the region – according to TripAdvisor at least.  Booking platform TripAdvisor has just announced the winners of its Travellers' Choice Awards Best of the Best 2025. Among the categories is a ranking of the best hotels in Asia, awarded to properties with a high volume of "above-and-beyond reviews and opinions" from TripAdvisor users over a 12-month period. Fewer than 1 percent of the listings of TripAdvisor's 8-million-strong database manage this, so you can bet they're legit. Grandvrio Ocean Resort Danang in Vietnam emerged as the best hotel in Asia for 2025. It's located in Dien Ban in Quang Nam Province, a coastal town just between its better-known neighbours, Danang and Hoi An. This resort is lavish, with modern pool villas dotted across a spacious, plant-filled compound close to the beach. Something unique that TripAdvisor reviewers loved: a Japanese-style onsen bath where you can soak your stresses away. Two hotels in India come next on the list: Gokulam Grand Turtle on the Beach, an elegant seafront resort in the coastal town of Kovalam, and Chandys Windy Woods, a hilltop hotel with fascinating guest experiences like forest tours, bird-watching walks, and trekking in the surrounding tea plantations. These are good representations of India's diverse ap

Forget the aisle seat – the window seat is where it's at. You get extra privacy, a surface to lean on to sleep, and most importantly, an incredible view when you land at your destination.  However, not all airport landings are created equal. To determine the views worth snagging a window seat for, travel insurance firm AllClear gathered 100 participants to look at images of 32 airports known for their gorgeous landings. Analysts then used eye-tracking technology to see which airport landings caught participants' eyes the quickest and held their attention the longest, cross-referencing the two to determine the final ranking. The most stunning airport landing in Asia? Paro Airport in Bhutan, ranked No. 8 on the list. It's not hard to see why – this airport is flanked by two 5,000-metre-tall mountains, where majestic dzongs (Bhutanese fortresses) perch. An impressive range covered in lush forest (or powdery snow in winter) stretches into the distance.  Photograph: Michaelvbg/Shutterstock Only one other Asian airport made it to AllClear's list: Lukla Airport in Nepal at joint No. 10. Surprise, surprise! It's another Himalayan country, which means more drop-dead gorgeous views of stupendous snow-capped mountains from your airplane window. In fact, there's a massive mountainous wall off one end of the runway and a steep drop into a valley off the other. Fun fact: Paro Airport and Lukla Airport's spectacular terrain make them among the most challenging airport landings in the worl