Cheryl Sekkappan

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 as well as more fireworks taking place on August 10 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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

The National Day long weekend is right around the corner, and for some of us, that means only one thing: time to go to Johor Bahru. But as seasoned border-crossers would know, practically half of Singapore will have the same idea, spelling jams at the land crossings and long queues at immigration checkpoints. The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) certainly expects heavy traffic at Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints in the lead up to and during the National Day weekend (August 8 to 10). The trend indeed suggests so: the June holidays this year saw more than 525,000 travellers crossing both land checkpoints, an almost 10% increase from the same period last year; a record number of crossings in a single day was also made on June 20.  Besides heavy traffic, ICA has also advised travellers to expect longer waiting times for immigration clearance. If all this doesn't deter you from going to JB anyway, here's what you need to know to make your journey as smooth as possible.  What are the peak periods to avoid? ICA has not released exact peak period timings, but taking previous years as a guide, here's when you might want to avoid: Departing Singapore between 3pm and 11.59pm on Friday (August 8) Departing Singapore between 6am and 10am, and 4pm and 9pm on Saturday (August 9) Entering Singapore between 5pm and 7pm on Sunday (August 10), and 1pm and 11.59pm on Monday (August 11) ICA also advised travellers to opt for cross-border bus services instead of driving to Malaysia to a

When it comes to work-life balance, not all countries are created equal. Sure, a place might have great beaches and decent Wi-Fi, but what about fair work hours, healthcare access, public safety, and enough paid time off to actually enjoy your surroundings? Remote.com’s 2025 Global Life-Work Balance Index ranked 60 countries based on exactly that, and while Asia may not dominate the top spots, a few countries in the region are stepping up their game. For those looking to relocate to Asia, the data offers some clear frontrunners – and a few red flags. Singapore and Malaysia are the best in Asia Leading the pack in Asia is Singapore, coming in at 25th globally. The city-state scores well on healthcare and safety, all essentials for a healthy work environment. It’s not exactly laid-back (this is still Singapore), but it offers solid infrastructure, reliable transport, and a thriving café scene for the laptop crowd.  Malaysia, meanwhile, is the real mover. Ranked 27th globally, it jumped 20 places from last year thanks to improvements in maternity leave and work-hour regulations. For workers, Malaysia is a tempting balance: Kuala Lumpur’s digital scene is growing fast, and spots like Penang or Langkawi offer the coastal calm you’re probably craving between Zoom calls. Japan drops, China struggles Japan has slipped to 29th in this year’s index. While it still scores well on safety and healthcare, it ranks near the bottom for annual leave. Those hoping to soak in onsen towns or Tok

If you've got a taste for luxury, then these hotels are ones you'll want to put on your travel bucket list. Robb Report has released its annual list of The 50 Greatest Luxury Hotels on Earth, and it's safe to say we're drooling at all the incredible stays in Asia.  The list was put together after some painstaking deliberation by Robb Report's 26 Travel Masters – a group of luxury travel specialists who make a living from recommending the best experiences to some of the most discerning clientele in the world. They each shared their top five luxury hospitality experiences, comprising both new properties and old favourites across key regions like Europe, America, Africa, and, of course, Asia.  Top in Asia is NIHI Sumba, ranked No. 7 on Robb Report's list. It's located on Sumba Island, an up-and-coming destination just an hour's flight from Bali. This island is pristine, (still) devoid of the tourist crowds and tourism development found on the ever-popular Bali. NIHI Sumba, one of the few (and earliest) luxury resorts on Sumba, fits right into this island's rustic charm. Robb Report touts it for its focus on sustainability, highlighting its "light footprint", comprising thatched villas (which bring to mind the island's unique uma traditional houses), private pools and bales, and total seclusion on 2.5 kilometres of untouched beach. It also gives back: locals from nearby villages are trained at Nihi's hospitality school and employed at the resort, and curated experiences are offer

Here's one more way to get between Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok: Malaysian budget carrier Batik Air has launched a new service between Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB) and Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) on July 28.  The inaugural flight took off on July 28, marking the start of greater connectivity between Malaysia and Thailand's capital cities. For travellers, Subang is a great alternative to fly in and out of, too, as it's just 20 minutes from the KL city centre – closer than Kuala Lumpur International Airport. The new route is Batik Air's first international service operating from Subang Airport. The Subang-Bangkok route follows the launch of its Subang-Kuching route in the same week, bolstering the carrier's existing services from Subang to Penang, Kota Bahru, Kota Kinabalu, and Tawau.  Book your flights on Batik Air here.  Have you heard? This gorgeous Central Asian country just expanded visa-free access to 56 countries Plus: Asia's richest countries ranked – but it's not all about GDP Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Asia newsletter for the best travel inspiration straight to your inbox.      

The happiest beach, a stunning ancient fortress, and surf breaks for all levels...We didn't need more reason to travel to Sri Lanka, but we'll gladly add this one to the list: as of July 25, 2025, Sri Lanka has officially extended visa-free access to 40 nations worldwide (up from just seven countries), including heavy-hitters like the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates.  The Sri Lankan government is giving up $66 million worth of visa fees per year, but is betting that the boost in arrivals and spending will make up for it. The decision to extend visa-free access to 40 countries comes after a trial in which it offered 30-day tourist visas to citizens of India, China, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, and Russia.  What travellers should know Before you book your tickets to Sri Lanka, take note: eligible visitors still need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before departure. You'll receive a visa-on-arrival that's valid for up to 30 days upon entry.  Here are the countries with visa-free access to Sri Lanka: Australia Austria Bahrain Belarus Belgium Canada China Czechia Denmark Finland France Germany India Indonesia Iran Israel Italy Japan Kazakhstan Kuwait Malaysia Nepal Netherlands New Zealand Norway Oman Pakistan Poland Qatar Russia Saudi Arabia South Korea Spain Sweden Switzerland Thailand Turkey The United Arab Emirates The United Kingdom The United

It's been a hot minute (seven years, actually), but music icon Mariah Carey is finally returning to Singapore. The songstress, famed for her extraordinary vocal range and elaborate vocal runs, will be performing for one precious night only at the Arena @ Expo.  Titled The Celebration of Mimi, the concert will take place on October 8. It celebrates the 20th anniversary of Mariah Carey's tenth studio album, The Emancipation of Mimi. It's a legendary record that's been credited with reviving her career, producing hit tracks like "We Belong Together" and "It's Like That". To date, it's sold over 10 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling albums of the 21st century.  UOB cardholders have first dibs on tickets to The Celebration of Mimi in Singapore. Selected cardholders get to join a UOB premium presale starting on August 12, 10am. A UOB presale follows on August 13 at 10am, before general ticket sales open on August 20 at 10am. You may purchase your tickets on Sistic.com.sg.  Mariah Carey hardly needs an introduction, being one of the best-selling musical artists of all time (over 200 million records sold worldwide, mind you). She has multiple Grammy awards to her name, with notable hits like "Vision of Love" and "All I Want for Christmas is You" – the latter cementing her title as the Queen of Christmas. She's performed The Celebration of Mimi as part of a Las Vegas residency that started in 2024, comprising four acts that the Las Vegas Review-Journal called 

Good news for spontaneous adventurers, curious globetrotters, and business travellers: Kazakhstan has expanded its visa-free policy to include a whopping 56 countries, effective immediately. So, if you hold a passport from Thailand, Vietnam, the US, the UK, and beyond, you can now enter Central Asia's largest nation for up to 30 days while skipping all the fuss with paperwork.  With this move, Kazakhstan hopes to attract business travellers, digital innovators, and, of course, travellers. Its tourism profile is undoubtedly rising – the country welcomed over 7.5 million visitors in the first half of 2025, an 8.7 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024 – and expanded visa-free access will only boost visitor numbers further. Whether you're eyeing a trip to the futuristic capital of Astana, the historic sights in Turkistan, or the otherworldly landscapes near Almaty, Kazakhstan just got a lot more welcoming. So, here's what you need to know about the country's new visa regime.  Who can enter Kazakhstan visa-free? Europe (34 countries):Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and Vatican City Asia (9 countries):Indonesia, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand,

How rich is rich, really? According to a recent study by Visual Capitalist, that depends on how you measure it – and in the case of Asia, the results might surprise you. The global ranking of 25 nations looked at three key metrics: each country's 2025 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita, 2025 Gross National Income (GNI) per capita), and UBS's 2024 median wealth per adult. Translation: the total economic activity produced by each country, the average income earned by residents, and the median net worth of adults built over time.  The result is three very different 'rich' lists. The GDP per capita ranking places economic powerhouse Singapore as the fourth richest country in the world – and the undisputed richest in Asia, with a GDP per capita of $92,932. It's followed by Hong Kong at No. 18 on the global list, with a GDP per capita of $56,031. These are the only two Asian nations to make the ranking. Of course, GDP per capita may not accurately represent the economic well-being of residents if a large portion of profits flows out to foreign entities. For a better picture, you can look at the ranking of countries based on GNI per capita. Singapore is still the wealthiest in Asia by this metric, but drops to No. 9 worldwide with a GNI per capita of $74,750. Meanwhile, Hong Kong quickly closes the gap at No. 14 worldwide, with a GNI per capita of $57,100. Again, these are the only two Asian nations to make the ranking. The story changes again when countries are ranked by media

If your passport's been feeling neglected, now's the time to blow the dust off because Asia is officially back on the global travel map. According to the latest figures from UN Tourism's World Tourism Barometer, Asia-Pacific welcomed 13% more international travellers in early 2025 (compared to the same period in 2024), reaching 92% of pre-pandemic levels. It's the strongest the region has been since borders reopened, and we reckon that the momentum is still building.  Northeast Asia (including Japan, South Korea, and China) is leading the charge, with a massive 23% jump in arrivals compared to this time last year. If we break it down by country though, Vietnam is the Asian destination that everyone's talking about – and flying to. The country saw a 30% jump in tourist arrivals early this year, which is pretty much in line with reports that its tourism-related search growth has overtaken other heavyweights like Thailand and Singapore. Are we surprised? Not at all – the country has long been an underrated gem, with everything from gorgeous beaches along its long coast, stunning highlands in the north, and vibrant cities with growing food, drink, and thrifting scenes.  Japan is another tourism powerhouse, recording a 23% jump in inbound travellers in the first quarter of 2025. This is perhaps to the dismay of residents in hot spots like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, who have been speaking out about the impact of overtourism on their daily lives. We're not stopping you from travelling

A powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck off Russia’s far eastern Kamchatka Peninsula on July 30, rattling the region and triggering tsunami alerts across parts of Asia, including Japan, China, South Korea, and Taiwan.  While the epicentre was deep in the northwest Pacific Ocean, the seismic activity sparked a wave of warnings for low-lying coastal areas across the region. So if you’ve got travel plans in East Asia — or you're already there and wondering whether to ditch the beach — here’s the latest. Where exactly was the earthquake? The quake struck the Kamchatka Peninsula around 8.25am local time, just 119km east-southeast of the city of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. This region, known as the Kuril-Kamchatka arc, is a notoriously active seismic zone. The tremor was shallow, at a depth of about 19.3 kilometres. It's now been recognised as the sixth-strongest earthquake ever recorded on Earth, tied with the 2010 earthquake in Biobío, Chile and the 1906 earthquake in Esmeraldas, Ecuador.  Which Asian countries are affected? The initial tsunami warnings were issued for: Japan: tsunami warnings for waves up to 3 metres have been issued along Japan's coast, from Hokkaido in the north to the country's southern islands. Residents along coastlines and rivers have been advised to evacuate as a precaution. According to the latest reports, tsunami waves have reached parts of Japan, the highest being a 1.3-metre tsunami recorded at Kuji Port in Iwate prefecture.  China: the country

The Pop Mart craze shows no signs of abating, judging by the perpetually long queues at the retail store in ION Orchard. Now, there's something else to line up for – and that's the MEGA SPACE MOLLY: Hello, Moon Exhibition, which just landed at ION Art Gallery.  First, for those who need an introduction, Molly is a highly popular Pop Mart character created by Hong Kong artist Kenny Wong in 2006. Her character was inspired by Kenny's chance encounter with a young girl at a charity event – you'll recognise her from her short hair, enormous eyes, and adorable little pout. The "Mega Space Molly: Hello, Moon" exhibition focuses on the beloved Mega Space Molly series, which features the iconic doll in a spacesuit designed in a wild range of themes, from Donald Duck to the Minions. We got the chance to visit the Hello, Moon exhibition before it opened to the public – here's what to expect.  Photograph: Cheryl Sekkappan for Time Out Singapore Event-exclusive merchandise you'll want to take home Take some time to read the Hello, Moon exhibition blurbs, which give a great introduction to the creation of Molly's character and the spirit of exploration that underlies the Space Molly series.  Right after this is a section showcasing all the event-exclusive merchandise. The most valuable of the bunch is the 1000% Hello, Moon, featuring Space Molly holding a glowing moon orb. You can (carefully) lift the orb in and out of her hands and watch the light switch on and off. This, alongside th

The Perseid meteor shower is one of the most anticipated showers of the year. It's beloved by stargazers worldwide because it's one of the most prolific – according to NASA, there could be up to 100 meteors per hour during the shower's peak.  Just one little bummer this year: the Perseids pretty much coincide with a bright, waning full moon, so moonlight could very well wash out the meteors. Nevertheless, if you're keen to head out into the night to try your luck, here's when, where, and how to catch the Perseid meteor shower in Asia in 2025.  What is the Perseid meteor shower? The Perseid meteor shower comes from the Comet Swift-Tuttle, which was first discovered in 1862. It orbits around the Sun about once every 133 years, leaving a wake of dust and particles as it goes. On its own journey around the sun, the Earth passes through this trail, causing the comet's cosmic debris to collide with our atmosphere. As the debris burns up, it creates glowing streaks of light visible in the night sky, which is the meteor shower that we see.   When can you see the Perseid meteor shower? The Perseid meteor shower is active from mid-July until late August, but will peak on the night of August 12, before dawn on August 13.  What time is best to see the Perseid meteor shower? We recommend timing your meteor-gazing session between 3am to 6am – this is when the skies are the darkest and the shower is at its most intense.  The best places in Asia to watch the Perseid meteor shower  For the