Cheryl Sekkappan

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.

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 

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

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    

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    

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

Berries Ripen Moon, Green Corn Moon, and Hot Moon – tonight's Strawberry Moon goes by many names, but whatever it's called, it will be a sight to behold. The June full moon is set to rise over Asia tonight, and it will be an extra-rare one, appearing to hang lower and larger in the night sky. If you're keen to add one more moon photograph to your collection, here's all you need to know about the Strawberry Moon and how to catch it.  When is the Strawberry Moon in Asia 2025? The Strawberry Moon will reach its peak brightness at 2.44am ET on June 11. That's mid-afternoon on Wednesday for moon watchers in Asia, but we expect the full moon to be just as bright and beautiful when it rises tonight (June 10) and tomorrow night. So, don't fret and head out for a nice picnic under the night sky.  What is a Strawberry Moon? Sad to say that the Strawberry Moon is not actually pink, though it's known for having a subtle orange glow. This full moon was named by Native American tribes as it came around every time that wild strawberries reached their peak ripeness, in June.  Why is this year's Strawberry Moon so rare and special? This year's Strawberry Moon is extra special because of a major lunar standstill. This is part of the moon's 18.6-year cycle, where complex interactions between its orbit and the sun's gravitational pull causes it to rise and set at its most extreme northern and southern positions. This year, the moon's path will be the lowest it has been during a June full moon s

'Take A Bite' of Filipino-British singer-songwriter beabadoobee when she swings by the continent on her headlining tour this August.  The indie darling announced plans to perform in Singapore, Taipei, and Manila on August 4, 9, and 12, respectively, bringing music from her third studio album, This Is How Tomorrow Moves, to fans in the region. It'll be her first time back in Asia since her Beatopia Tour 2022, so you definitely won't want to miss out. Beabadoobee first gained attention for her self-composed song 'Coffee', which hit big on YouTube in 2017. After signing to the independent label Dirty Hit Records, she released four EPS and two studio albums between 2018 and 2022, supporting international acts such as Clairo, Taylor Swift, and labelmates The 1975 on their tours. You've likely heard the Gen-Z star's songs on TikTok, such as the viral hit "The Perfect Pair" from 2023. Her latest studio album, This Is How Tomorrow Moves, debuted at number one in the United Kingdom for the first time.  How to get tickets for beabadoobee's Asia tour shows?  There are three pre-sales: Fan club pre-sale, going live on May 5 Mastercard pre-sale, going live on May 6 Live Nation pre-sale, going live on May 7 – register for Singapore, Taipei, and Manila The general on-sale begins on May 8 at noon in Taipei and Manila, and at 2pm in Singapore. Get ticketing links at Live Nation Asia.  Beabadoobee's 2025 Asia tour dates and venues:  August 4: Singapore – The Star Theatre August 9: Taipei –

Every year, millions of Muslims embark on the Hajj pilgrimage, a sacred journey to Mecca and the fifth pillar of Islam. Hajj occurs during Dhul Hijjah, the 12th month and holiest month of the year. And just as Muslims celebrate Hari Raya Puasa to mark the end of the fasting month, so do they celebrate Hari Raya Haji at the end of Dhul Hijjah. Here's all you need to know about this sacred festival celebrated by millions in Asia.  What is Hari Raya Haji? Hari Raya Haji is also known as Eid al-Adha, or "Festival of Sacrifice". It's one of the most important festivals in the Muslim calendar, commemorating Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son in an ultimate act of obedience to God.  Hari Raya Haji also marks the end of hajj, the annual Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca. For hajj, the faithful walk in the steps of Prophet Muhammad to the holy city in Saudi Arabia. Every physically and financially able Muslim is expected to make this journey at least once in their life.  When is Hari Raya Haji 2025? Hari Raya Haji falls on Dhul Hijjah, the 12th and final month of the Islamic year. The exact date changes every year according to the Gregorian calendar. This year, Hari Raya Haji falls on June 6 and ends on June 10, subject to moon sighting.  How is Hari Raya Haji celebrated? Across Asia, the faithful dress in their best outfits and congregate at mosques for ritual prayers. This is also a time to strengthen bonds with the family and community – which means house visits and shared

You know a DJ is legendary when they've clocked 45 million views (and counting) on Boiler Room's YouTube. The one who's achieved this is Fred Again (styled Fred again..), and guess what – he's just announced his first-ever Asia tour. The English songwriter, DJ, and record producer will tour in three lucky cities: Singapore on July 18 and 19, Bangkok on July 21, and Seoul on July 23. He'll then move on to his debut Japan stage at the Fuji Rock Festival on July 25.  Fred gained clout behind the scenes as a talented producer and songwriter for artists like Ed Sheeran and George Ezra. His solo career took off with the release of the 'Actual Life' albums between 2021 and 2022, a trilogy featuring poignant, immersive, and danceable tracks cut with audio samples from YouTube, Instagram videos, FaceTime call, and voice notes from friends. He's since performed at Glastonbury, Coachella, and Reading & Leeds Festival, even staging a show in front of a crowd of 77,000 at the LA Memorial Coliseum. Fred also just wrapped his sold-out North American tour in 2024.  Fred's Asia tour pre-sale begins next week – register here and check out all the details below.  Fred Again.. 2025 Asia tour dates, venues, prices, and sale dates: Bangkok: Date: 21 July (Mon) Venue: UOB Live Ticket price: ฿4,000 Pre-sale: June 3 (Tue), 12pm local time General sale: June 5 (Thu), 12pm local time Ticketing website: Ticket Melon Singapore:  Date: 18 July (Fri), 19 July (Sat) Venue: Pasir Panjang Power Station Ti

From an intimate retreat in bustling Bangkok to a remote private island resort in Cambodia, 2025 has been a good year for hotel openings in Asia. Among them, the cream of the crop – properties so beautiful that they've been given a nod by the prestigious architectural award, Prix Versailles. Every year, the Prix Versailles crowns gorgeous venues around the world: hotels, airports, passenger stations, and more. This May, they recognised two Asian museums among the world's most beautiful. For the World's Most Beautiful Hotels 2025 list, Prix Versailles considered not only visual appeal but also the blend of innovation, heritage, and sustainability in each property's design. Out of the 16 newly opened or reopened hotels recognised as the most beautiful this year, Prix Versailles chose five standouts from Asia. Picks range from Mandarin Oriental Qianmen, consisting of refined hutong courtyard houses in Beijing, to Namia River Retreat, a wellness getaway on a peaceful islet near Hoi An, Vietnam.  Photograph: Courtesy of Ran Baas The Palace One notable laureate is Ran Baas The Palace, which reopened in November 2024 within the oldest Sikh fort. It's Punjab's first luxury palace hotel – "a masterclass in heritage restoration – and a joyful celebration of Punjabi culture and heritage", says Time Out travel editor Grace Beard. She was lucky enough to check into the property this year – read her full review of Ran Baas the Palace here.  Another cool addition to the list is MGallery S

Talk about a city of contrasts. Mumbai is the richest city in India but also home to the country's biggest slum. And while it's packed with soaring skyscrapers, malls, and residential blocks, you'll find that the city is more beautiful and green than you'd expect.  Take it from the locals: 79 percent of them rated Mumbai's green spaces and access to nature as 'good' or 'amazing' as part of a Time Out survey of 18,500 city-dwellers worldwide. That put the Indian city 16th on a ranked list of 20 cities in the world for the best and most accessible green spaces.  Objectively speaking, Mumbai is far from the greenest city in India – urban centres like Chandigarh and Mysore easily surpass it if we're strictly talking about green cover. Nevertheless, it holds it own – it was named a 'Tree City of the World' by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations and Arbor Day Foundation in 2021 for its efforts in preserving urban forests. The city is also dotted with over 200 lovely parks and gardens and has undertaken efforts to transform its wastelands into palm gardens. If you're keen to see where locals are taking a breather, check out spots like the Sanjay Gandhi National Park. It's three times the size of New York City's Central Park and home to more than 35 species of mammals, 274 species of birds, and 170 species of butterflies – a great spot for wildlife lovers. If immaculately manicured gardens are your thing, then you'll love the Hanging Gardens with its colourful

Cross-border rail travel is so back in Asia. Belmond's luxurious Eastern & Oriental Express from Singapore to Malaysia resumed in 2024; just last week, it was announced that the KL-Bangkok direct train will resume in 2025. That's not to mention the expansion of routes like the China-Laos Railway and the Phnom Penh-Ho Chi Minh City railway, or the possible revival of a direct train between Penang and Bangkok.  Now, a rail route between China and Vietnam has quietly reopened (May 25). According to the South China Morning Post, the international service offers an 11.5-hour journey between Nanning, the capital of China's Guangxi region, and Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. It returns after being paused five years ago due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.  Photograph: Shutterstock The route's reopening is expected to boost tourism for both China and Vietnam. China is now more accessible than ever – it's been expanding its visa-free entry policies and now offers up to 30 days of visa-free access to 38 countries, including Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, and Thailand. That gives eligible travellers arriving in Nanning plenty of time to explore the southern city or hop onto China's high-speed rail network to cities like Kunming, a gateway to the natural wonders in Yunnan province, or Guangzhou, with its Cantonese fare and affordable shopping.  Similarly, those arriving in Hanoi will find no shortage of things to do, be it exploring the city's historic Old Quarter or cruising along the enc

Japan, Thailand, and Indonesia are high on the list of Asia travel destinations, but don't sleep on Vietnam. The Southeast Asian nation is an emerging hotspot, and it has lots to offer in terms of nature, culture, and fantastically fresh and delicious cuisine.  If you've ever toyed with the idea of living and working in Vietnam, then here's your ticket – the country has announced a new golden visa programme for investors, entrepreneurs, and professionals worldwide.  The programme is aimed at high-net-worth individuals and is the government's latest bid to boost tourism in the country. After all, the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism has set an ambitious target of 23 million international tourists in 2025.  There are three proposed categories. The golden visa offers a five- to ten-year term that can be renewed after expiration. The investor visa has a 10-year term, with a roadmap to permanent residency after five years. Meanwhile, highly skilled professionals in fast-growing sectors can jump on the talent visa, which offers a five-year term with the possibility of renewal.  You'll still have to wait a while for applications to open, but all reports point to the process being digital, which cuts the hassle of making appointments and trips to an embassy. According to Forbes, the program will also likely be piloted in Vietnam's larger cities first, such as Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi, and Danang.  Ready to pack your bags? First, find out the 19 best things to do in Vietnam.   Have you

There are many blockbuster museums in Asia that we'd recommend to any traveller: the ArtScience Museum, the Hong Kong Film Archive, and the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre, among others. But if you've ticked these off your list or are simply in search of something more quaint, then we've got a list of unsung heroes for you. For International Museum Day (May 18), our team of global editors pitched in for a round-up of the world's most underrated museums. Three spots from Asia made the list, ranging from quirky miniature museums to larger-than-life playgrounds for naturalists.  The first is the Miniature Museum Small Worlds in Tokyo, a stinking cute museum featuring small-scale reproductions of real-world and fictional places. Gallery A has seven zones to explore, including a miniature diorama of Kansai International Airport and a small-scale recreation of Tokyo's Azabu-Juban neighbourhood from the '90s Sailor Moon manga. We're always amazed at the intricacy and artistry on display: these tiny exhibits are complete with sound, light, and moving parts. And here's a cool bit: you can create a small-scale model of yourself to place into the miniature world for a whole year for just ¥2,000.  Love instant noodles? There's a museum dedicated to cup noodles in Osaka called (what else?) the Cupnoodles Museum. Learn about the history of cup noodles, the creative thinking process of inventor Momofuku Ando, and even create your own cup noodle at the My Cupnoodles Factory. Don't miss out on

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