Cheryl Sekkappan

And just like that, September comes to a close. To wrap it up with a bang, head to indie singer Marian Carmel’s new launch party at a roller rink or catch Miss Saigon before it leaves the stage. Then, get ready to welcome the spooky season with an immersive World War II-themed horror experience set in an actual British war bunker from the ’60s. Have fun at the nocturnal wonderland of illumi, and be sure to see the 5,000 cheery sunflowers at Changi Airport for the last time. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Singapore after dark and The best art exhibitions in Singapore

This week, catch the thrilling Singapore Grand Prix right in the heart of the city with our handy guide on everything you need to know. There are also plenty of scenic photo spots around the island, from the dazzling lights of illumi to Gardens by the Bay's newest display of stunning orchids from the Philippines. Besides the mega rooftop F1 watch party Lap 62, head to a rave by Thugshop featuring French DJ CARAVEL or Cherry Discotheque's Half Moon party headlined by UK rapper Artan. It's Negroni Week too, so there's plenty of booze to go around.RECOMMENDED: The best free things to do in Singapore and the best supper spots you can head to for late-night dining

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    

Bali is the gift that keeps on giving. This perennial favourite destination stuns time and again with its diversity. Think soul-searching experiences in the lush jungles of Ubud, thrilling adventures in Tanah Lot’s mighty surfs, and cosmopolitan pursuits in the buzzy cafés, restaurants, and beach clubs of Kuta and Canggu. All this to say – this island is always worth a revisit. Travellers looking for a touch of luxury will do well in the south of Bali. A relatively quiet region, it’s dotted with 5-star hotels that offer bespoke experiences steeped in Balinese culture and tradition. Three resorts come at the top of our list: Umana Bali for a blissful hideaway in stunning villas, Conrad Bali for a vibrant tropical stay replete with guest experiences, and Hilton Bali Resort for wholesome adventures on every corner. Where to stay and what to do in Bali Stay Photograph: Daniel Iskandar/Time Out Singapore | Umana Bali, LXR Hotels & Resorts A true escape from the bustle starts at Umana Bali, LXR Hotels & Resorts. This luxury clifftop retreat perched at the island’s southernmost tip offers 72 one- to three-bedroom villas with spectacular views of Melasti Beach. After a special welcome blessing, you’re whisked away by buggy to your personal paradise: spacious villas with a private infinity pool, whirlpool, and gazebo. Make sure to tap on your personal butler to help curate activities for you within the hotel’s lobby lounge, pool bar, restaurants, and luxurious spa. If you feel the

Birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, graduation, starting a new job, getting laid off from a job, an afternoon alone with time to kill. What do all of these occasions need? Cake! Every milestone in life is worth celebrating and a gathering without cake is just a boring meeting. So liven up your day with a cake (whole or slice, it is all up to you) and we know where to find some of the best halal ones in Singapore. From a decadent burnt cheesecake to a light and fluffy red velvet cake, from traditional kek lapis to modern cakes with flavours of tradition, here are ten bakers and bakeries who make the best. RECOMMENDED: The best hotels in Singapore with halal-certified buffets and The 50 best restaurants in Singapore you must try

We can't turn back the clock but you bet we'll do all we can to slow it down. Begone dull skin, signs of ageing and dark spots! In the name of research (and beauty), we put our best faces forward to try out numerous facials and skin treatments around Singapore. Whether it is a brightening, firming, antioxidising or lifting treatment, we've categorised a handful of treatments according to your skin needs and budget. Here are the best facials in Singapore – and it's all right to splurge a little, your skin deserves some pampering too.  RECOMMENDED: Express lunchtime beauty treatments to try in Singapore and the best mobile beauty services in Singapore

In the vibrant tapestry of Singapore’s cultural heritage, tradition weaves itself seamlessly into the fabric of modernity. For every star-studded restaurant offering mind-blowing gastronomical adventures, you’ll find rows of hawker stalls with endless queues and promises of nostalgia. The art scene on our little red dot is no stranger to tradition either. Amidst the glittery, new art galleries and infinite trends on social media, there are artists and craftsmen who are diligently trying to save traditional crafts from dying out. These guardians of tradition are not only masters of their respective arts but also storytellers, preserving historical narratives about our shared cultures that might otherwise fade into obscurity. In this article, we delve into the lives and works of four remarkable Singaporean artists, each representing a distinct form of traditional art. From the intricate rattan weavings that whisper tales of craftsmanship to the effigies that embody spiritual and historical legacies, and from the delicate stitches of embroidered narratives to the vibrant expressions of folk art, these four artists stand as pillars of continuity in a rapidly evolving world.RECOMMENDED: Tatsu Maker: American linocut printmaker creates intricate prints of local hawkers and food vendors and We chat with Miss Saigon’s main leads backstage to find out why the revamped musical is a must-watch Photograph: Ng Si Ying Ng Si Ying Rattan Weaver  Ng Si Ying's journey began with an apprenti

Looking for a quiet place to do work but not a fan of the stuffy office or library environment? We don't blame you, being cooped up in a cubicle all day drives even the calmest among us crazy. We also understand that not everyone has an ideal work-from-home set-up. Venture beyond your friendly, neighbourhood Starbucks and settle down with free Wi-Fi, power points and a good cuppa to get your productivity game on at these cafés instead. RECOMMENDED: Your ultimate guide to the best cafés in Singapore and the best cafés in the CBD

National Day is just round the corner! In honour of Singapore's 59th National Day, everyone's hopping on the bandwagon to celebrate this special day. A multitude of events are taking place across the sunny island, and everyone is invited. Look forward to exciting online and offline programmes at museums and cultural institutions, concerts featuring your favourite local stars and NDP classics, yummy food deals, and more. Squeeze into your red and white ensemble with pride and check out these National Day events. 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 guide to National Day and the best places to catch fireworks for free on National Day in Singapore  

Gather the fam or crew for some fun in the sun on Sentosa Island. From thrilling amusement park rides and a 50-metre bungee jump, to a cocktail at one of the many fancy bars and restaurants by beach, Sentosa has much to offer for anyone looking to have a bit of fun and relaxation. Here are the best things to do while you're there. RECOMMENDED: Ultimate guide to Singapore's neighbourhoods

It’s about time that we put together a 50 Best list for cafés in Singapore. After all, new cafés pop up on our island almost as frequently (if not more so) as bars and restaurants, warranting a curated list of must-visit places. Curating the 50 best cafés to get your caffeine fix is no easy feat, but we’ve narrowed it down to the best of the best, based on its ambience, food, and most importantly, brews. The resulting list has everything from long-time favourites to newly-opened establishments that wowed us from the get-go. 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.

The leafy Thomson neighhourhood is blessed with beautiful nature trails that skirt some of Singapore's most scenic reservoirs. It's no wonder that the place attracts runners, hikers, kayakers, and nature lovers from all corners of Singapore. All that exercising and time in the sun is bound to make anyone hungry. So, the next time you're exploring nature gems like MacRitchie Reservoir, Upper Peirce Reservoir, or Lower Peirce Reservoir – don't forget that Thomson is also full of food gems. We know the favourites like Casuarina Curry, The Roti Prata House, and One Man Coffee. But when those get crowded, here are the hidden food gems to head for.  RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants and stalls for nasi lemak in Singapore and The best rock climbing and bouldering gyms in Singapore

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 148 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

A gorgeous new hotel has opened on 21 Carpenter Street and it's designed by none other than the award-winning architects WOHA. Built in a restored and redesigned former remittance house, the boutique beauty weaves heritage stories and elements seamlessly with urban design sensibilities. Called 21 Carpenter, the hotel takes up the existing Depression-era shophouse, once known as the prominent remittance house Chye Hua Seng Wee Kee. Founded in 1936 by local philanthropist Mr Lee Wee Nam, it was where Singapore's earliest immigrants came to send money back home. These transfers were often accompanied by poetic letters written for them by skilled writers in Chinatown – pieces of this history can be found in the phrases, plucked from archived letters and records, cut into the aluminium facade of 21 Carpenter's contemporary extension.   21 Carpenter has 48 rooms that are split into the Heritage Wing (26 rooms) over the first four floors and the Urban Wing (22 rooms) over the top five floors. Thoughtful touches elevate every room: custom-made furniture lends graceful form and function, and WOHA calligraphic artworks adorn the room walls in a nod to the remittance letters of Singapore's earliest immigrants. In the heritage rooms, sturdy Chengal timber boards from the 1930s have been lovingly restored and used for flooring in a nod to the shophouse's heritage.    For the ultimate luxury, stay in the Heritage Two Bedroom Suite (which spans a whopping 55 square metres) or Heritage Bal

Take your dining, drinking, and partying to new heights at HighHouse, a new day-to-night venue opening to the public on December 15. It takes over levels 61 and 62 at One Raffles Place where 1-Altitude used to be, serving up stunning skyline views, a sophisticated food and cocktail menu, and a rotating roster of live music and DJs. HighHouse has been carefully designed to take your breath away. Level 61 opens into a grand space marked by a double-storey bar, which faces an immense digital screen featuring immersive artworks to complement the music selection of the night. Plush booths and dining tables line the floor-to-ceiling windows, which look out onto unparalleled views of Marina Bay and the Padang. HighHouse also has more intimate spots, including a karaoke room that guests can book for a private tête-à-tête.  Tuck into fusion fare by executive chef Sam Chin, who's worked alongside big names like Lauren Peugeot and Chen Kentaro, both chefs of Michelin-starred restaurants. There's a wide selection of raw and cured dishes, meat and seafood sharing plates, and steaks for the beef lovers. Highlights include hand-cut beef tartare ($42) cut through with wasabi stems and topped with a delicate quail yolk, grilled Spanish octopus ($38) on a bed of smoked chickpea purée, and Sakura pork belly massaman curry ($32) with sticky coconut rice.  Over at the bar, find a fine selection of cocktails curated by award-winning bar specialist Jay Gray. Traverse the Pacific Coast through dri

There's no doubt about it – analogue is making a comeback. The generation raised on digital technologies need a break from being constantly 'on', and relish the slow pace and rhythms found in using film cameras, record players, and other analogue mediums. When it comes to vinyls, collectors love it for its warm, crackling sound and funky album artwork. That's not to mention the huge appeal of sniffing out and tracking down rare and limited edition records.  Nevertheless, investing in a vinyl set-up and starting a record collection is expensive business. Enter Slow Boat, Singapore's very first vinyl listening café. Started by brother-sister duo Kathy and Kevin, it's not just a cosy place to wind down with a cuppa, it is also a space to dip your toes into the world of vinyl before throwing yourself fully into the hobby.  Slow Boat is housed in a second-floor shophouse space on Craig Road. Walk up the narrow flight of stairs to find a small 'lobby' area that opens to Fotomat on the left and Slow Boat on the right. Slow Boat itself is furnished with plush two-seater couches, each with a single turntable and two pairs of headphones. There's a separate section with a wall of glass windows – it's a gorgeous light-filled space conducive to daydreaming as you immerse in some vinyl tunes.  $30 gets you a free drink and one hour of listening time. The store has more than 500 records from all over the world available. There's no particular curation here – Kevin and Kathy look for the cl

Here’s a reason to cross over to the Island of Fun this festive season. Resorts World Sentosa is launching Superstar Christmas, which will see multiple attractions lighting up with festive offerings. The pièce de resistance is a majestic 10-metre-high Christmas Tree of Wonders, which will light up in a show called Superstar Spectacular beginning on December 1 (5.30pm, 7pm, and 8.30pm).  From December 16 to January 3, RWS will also be hosting a series of performances headlined by former Girls’ Generation member Jessica Jung. Other acts include Mandopop star William So, Australia’s all-male dance group Thunder from Down Under, and Thai artists 4Eve, Potato, PP Krit and Billkin during the inaugural 555 Thai Music Festival. And if you can’t beat the heat with snow, you can still cool off at Adventure Cove Waterpark where there’ll be a wet and wild rave featuring live DJs performances between December 16 to 31.

Step into Santa’s toy factory at the fifth edition of The Christmas Atelier. The Atelier and Co.’s 7,000-square-foot space has been transformed into a wintry wonderland filled with sweets, treats, and lots of shopping. More than 40 brands will be setting up shop from December 1 to 3 – buy festive blooms from The Floral Atelier, customise leather goods with Bynd Artisan, or get stylish fits for your kids at Maison Q. New brands have also joined the line-up, including Sigi Skin, Lingwu, and Cheeselads.

Travellers and staycationers are spoilt for choice when choosing a hotel in Singapore. Our city's hotel scene is as diverse as it gets, overflowing with 5-star properties, cute boutiques, and laidback beach resorts. We even have shophouse hotels for those who want to immerse in Singapore's heritage. But two hotels stand a cut above the rest: Raffles Singapore and Capella Singapore, which were just named in the World's 50 Best Hotels 2024 list. Raffles Singapore, the iconic grand dame completed in 1899, shines at No. 6 – a remarkable improvement from its No. 17 ranking in the World's 50 Best Hotels 2023 list. And it's not a stretch to say that Raffles Singapore is more than a hotel – it's been a landmark for over 100 years and gazetted a National Monument to boot. Travellers from all over the world flock here to marvel at its awesomely white and symmetrical neo-classical facade (as well as its mustachoed Sikh doormen) and to try the famous Singapore Sling cocktail developed at the hotel's Long Bar. For a hotel so centrally located in the city, Raffles Singapore also makes for a surprisingly tranquil escape thanks to foliage-filled courtyards and airy, colonial-style suites. This grand dame is not simply resting on her laurels either; a 2019 facelift kept things fresh by adding new restaurants and bars to round out an impressive arsenal of seven swish dining venues.  Photograph: Capella Singapore/Facebook Coming in at No. 33 is Capella Singapore, a five-star luxury hotel nest

The ever-youthful Barbie turns 65 this year and its working with Krispy Kreme to dole out some celebratory sweet treats.  This September, head down to any Krispy Kreme outlet in Singapore to snag three new Barbie-themed donuts. These confections are all dressed in colours and decorations inspired by the fashionable doll's fabulous world – think pink, sparkles, and Malibu blue. The first Barbie x Krispy Kreme collection donut is the Barbie pink donut. Krispy Kreme's original glazed donut is given some pop with an icing of bright pink buttercream dusted with sparkly pink sugar. You can bet this donut also bears the doll's iconic cat-eye frames (which Margot Robbie wore so appealingly in the Barbie movie) as a sugary treat on top.  Then, there's the Malibu dream party donut, which is inspired by Barbie's DreamHouse. This unglazed shell donut is covered in Malibu blue icing and graham 'sand' which calls to mind the Californian city's beaches. Bite through the Barbie DreamHouse piece to get to the Oreo white chocolate custard filling inside.  Finally, the Barie Berries 'n Kreme donut is sweet as can be. Another unglazed shell donut, this one is filled with strawberry cream, dipped in white icing and decorated with purple and pink buttercream drizzles. A Barbie heart makes for a cherry on top.  Get these fun collaboration donuts at any Krispy Kreme outlet in Singapore from September 5 to 30. It's available in stores at $4.20 each, though you can drop a few more cents for the conven

The whimsical world of the Hundred Acre Wood is where the adventures of Winnie-the-Pooh and friends' adventures unfold. At Bidadari Park, a new 13-hectare park in Bidadari Estate, there are certainly enough charming features to make you feel like you're part of that fantasy land. The park opened to the public on September 3 and is easily accessible by Bartley MRT, Woodleigh MRT, and even via a bridge connecting to Woodleigh Mall. From there, it's a quick walk to one of Bidadari Park's main features: Alkaff Lake. A feature of Bidadari in the 1930s that was filled up in 1964, the lake has been restored as a recreation spot for residents and visitors. If you ever find yourself on a stroll around the lake, remember that it's not just something pretty to look at – it doubles up as a stormwater catchment area to guard against flooding during storms. Photograph: Shaun Tay via NParks/FacebookAdventure Playwoods In the middle of the park is Adventure Playwoods, a playground where kids can play out their adventures. It features bird nest-like structures, observation pods, and slides for children to climb and clamber. There's even a mini zip line for the brave little ones. The adjacent Rolling Hills and Tembusu Lawn are perfect for a meandering stroll or sit-down picnic.  Another cool feature is the marshland, which has an upper and lower section. According to NParks, the upper section only forms after heavy rains and is a habitat for amphibians, insects, and birds. The lower section

If you were enchanted by Impressions of Monet at Gardens by the Bay, then you'll be chuffed to know that there's another Claude Monet-themed exhibition coming to Singapore. This October, Monet Inside will land at Parkview Square at GROUNDSEESAW Singapore, a space by a South Korea-based exhibition producer. It's known for combining cinematic visuals and multi-sensory elements in showcases like Van Gogh Inside: Love, Vincent and Utopia: Nowhere, Now Here (adapted from a short story in Kim Cho-yeop's bestselling book If We Can't Move at the Speed of Light). Groundseesaw's exhibitions are consistently popular in Korea and have drawn more than 5 million visitors worldwide. yoonkwanhee This Singapore showcase promises to bring the same magic, in signature dreamy visuals, soundscapes, and immersive storytelling. Step into more than 200 of Claude Monet's works, including his most iconic masterpieces like Water Lilies, Woman with a Parasol, and Garden at Sainte-Adresse. These will be projected onto five six-metre screens and accompanied by original classical scores. It's not just about his art too. Visitors will also journey through Monet's life from his humble beginnings as a caricature artist in Le Havre and the arduous road to becoming one of the most recognised painters in the world. You'll hear it all from the lips of of his longtime friend and art dealer, Paul Durand-Ruel too, who'll be narrating part of the exhibition. yoonkwanhee Tickets for Monet Inside will go on sale fr

Team Singapore Olympians are coming home with a bronze medal, new national records, and a whole lot of sporting spirit to be proud of. On August 14, celebrate their efforts and achievements at a open-top bus parade that will travel through the city. The open-top bus parade will have five cheer points. It begins at 11.45am at Bayfront Avenue in front of Marina Bay Sands, before travelling to Chinatown, Orchard Road, Serangoon Road, and Victoria Street. The parade should be over by 1pm. Whatever it is, ready your flags (and perhaps your umbrella) and gather at these cheer stops at the designated times for a chance to catch our Olympic athletes in the flesh. Photograph: Sport Singapore According to reports, eight athletes are set to take part in the open-top bus parade. One of them is Maximilian Maeder, who won the Olympic bronze medal for kite foiling in Paris this year – and on our National Day too. He's just 17 years old, making him Singapore's youngest Olympic medalist ever. Other Olympic athletes confirmed to be joining the bus parade are swimmer Gan Ching Hwee, who set two national records at the Paris Olympics in the Women’s 800m freestyle and 1500m freestyle, and badminton mixed doubles pair Terry Hee and Jessica Tan.  Sure, the bus parade is happening in the middle of the work day – but it's as good an excuse as any to take a longer lunch. So, get out there on August 14 and cheer our Team Singapore Olympians for the massive job they've done representing us on a global

  The National Day fireworks may be over, but there's another dazzling – and natural – show to catch. In the early hours of August 12 and 13, the Perseids meteor shower peaks in Singapore's sky. It is one of the two major annual meteor showers visible from Earth and is famous for producing large, vibrant meteors and fireballs.  Want to catch the Perseids meteor shower in Singapore? Here's some information and tips from the Science Centre Observatory and Stargazing Singapore. What is the Perseids meteor shower? The Perseids meteor shower runs annually from mid-July to late August. Produced by comet Swift-Tuttle, it is one of the brightest meteor showers visible from Earth and produces up to 110 meteors per hour at its peak. This meteor shower appears to radiate from the constellation Perseus, which is what gave the Perseids meteor shower its name.  Why is the Perseids meteor shower so beloved? Besides being bright and persistent, these meteors are colourful and are also known to leave persistent glowing trains.  What time is best to catch the Perseids meteor shower? The best time to catch the Perseids meteor shower in Singapore is on August 11, 12 and 13 between 3am to 6am. Stargazing Singapore says that this is when you can spot the maximum number of meteors, assuming that the skies are clear of cloud cover and light pollution. Where can I watch it in Singapore? Find an open area unblocked by tall buildings and trees. Nature parks, beaches, and reservoirs are a good bet – Sta

This August 9, Singapore erupts in a vibrant celebration of its 59th birthday. Besides a blessedly long weekend, Singaporeans can look forward to all the pomp and pageantry of the National Day Parade. This year, the six-segment show unfolds with beloved flag flypasts, military drills, community group performances, and nostalgic song and dance to celebrate the story of the little nation that could.  For those who snagged tickets to the parade at the Padang, questions remain: what time does the parade start? What can I look forward to? And for those who didn't, there's lots to find out too, like how to catch the fireworks or where and when to join the planned heartland celebrations. We answer all your burning questions so you can enjoy National Day to the maximum.  What time does the 2024 National Day Parade start? The National Day Parade officially starts at 6.30pm with the parade and ceremony. However, there is a pre-parade segment at 5.30pm that's worth heading down early for – this segment features float displays, marching bands, and choir and dance performances. Doors open at 4pm anyway, so give yourself plenty of time to get seated.  For a more detailed rundown of the parade and show, check out our NDP guide.  What time are the NDP fireworks in Singapore? The fireworks show is a perennial favourite among Singaporeans. The initial round of fireworks is expected to go off at around 7.30pm and the main fireworks display from 8pm.  Those in the Padang will have the best seats

The Island of Fun is back in business. For a good few weeks, Sentosa's beaches were closed to all water activities because of an oil spill that spread to its shores. But after massive clean-up efforts, Siloso Beach is open ahead of schedule – with Tanjong, Palawan, and Eagle Bay beaches soon to follow.  Some background: On June 14, a Netherlands-flagged dredger lost engine and steering control and collided with a Singapore-flagged bunker vessel, causing a major oil spill. This necessitated the closure of a number of beaches in Singapore, including the Sentosa and Southern Island beaches. Just to give an idea of the scale of the clean-up, Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) coordinated clean-up efforts involving more than 300 trained workers. In the past month and a half, they've deployed booms to contain and absorb oil, combed the beaches to remove contaminated sand, and employed various techniques to flush oil from hard-to-reach areas. Across six sessions, close to 450 volunteers also showed up to remove tar balls and marine debris from the beach. Detailed oil surveys were carried out to ensure that no pesky oil deposits remained lurking underwater and in the seabed. As final reassurance, The National Environment Agency (NEA) has deemed that water quality levels at Siloso Beach are back to normal.  That means swimming and sea activities are back on at Siloso Beach. However, you'll have to wait until mid-August to frolic in the waters of Tanjong Beach, Palawan Beach, and La

If there's one thing that we can all get excited about, it's the announcement of public holiday long weekends. With 2024 more than half over (and just one long weekend left for National Day), we have news to get you excited about 2025. On August 5, the Ministry of Manpower released the dates for the 11 gazetted public holidays next year. Four of these fall on a Friday or Monday, meaning four long weekends. It's one long weekend less than 2024 (which is a little disappointing) but two public holidays fall on a Saturday – so those on a five-day work week have the option of claiming those as a day off or salary in lieu. Our advice? Make your own long weekend by taking that day off in lieu on a Friday or Monday too.  These are the public holidays to look forward to in 2025 (long weekends are marked by *): New Year's Day, Jan 1, Wednesday Chinese New Year, Jan 29, Wednesday Chinese New Year, Jan 30, Thursday Hari Raya Puasa, Mar 31, Monday* Good Friday, Apr 18, Friday* Labour Day, May 1, Thursday Vesak Day, May 12, Monday* Hari Raya Haji, Jun 7, Saturday National Day, Aug 9, Saturday Deepavali, Oct 20, Monday* Christmas Day, Dec 25, Thursday  If you're required to work on a public holiday, remember that you're entitled to time off in lieu, an extra day's salary at your basic rate of pay, or even overtime pay depending on your particular scenario. MOM has a useful calculator to help you figure out your compensation.  For those who have no such obligations to work on public holid

If you looked up at the sky last night, you would have noticed a beautifully bright and full moon. Well, remember to look up on July 24 and 25 too, because things are about to get more fascinating with a Saturn-Moon conjunction. During the conjunction, Saturn and the moon will appear close to each other in the sky, and may even appear to touch. The Science Centre Observatory (SCOB) says that this is a rare event – planet-Moon conjunctions occur often, but Saturn-Moon conjunctions only once every 20 years because of the ringed planet's much longer orbit around the sun. Lucky us, because the celestial phenomenon will be visible in Singapore. Here's more about the upcoming Saturn-Moon conjunction and how you can catch it.  What happens during a Saturn-Moon conjunction? According to SCOB, the moon and Saturn will rise in the eastern sky on July 24 and start to approach each other. Soon, they will appear to touch and become inseparable to our naked eyes.  It's important to note that the Saturn and the moon are not actually touching, but only appear to do so when viewed from Earth because of their positions in their respective orbits. Nevertheless, the conjunction will make a striking picture.  When to catch the Saturn-Moon conjunction? Catch the Saturn-Moon conjunction anytime from 11.30pm on July 24. However, the planet and the moon will be closest to each other at 4.31am on July 25 – so head out to catch that if you can sacrifice some sleep.  Where can I see the Saturn-Moon co

We reported earlier this year that Singapore had the most powerful passport in the world, sharing the top spot with five other countries. Now, no more sharing – in the latest Henley Passport Index, we edged out the rest and emerged top of the pack with visa-free access to a record 195 travel destinations out of 227.  In January 2024, Singapore's passport provided visa-free access to 194 destinations out of 227 worldwide. This put us in the top spot of the Henley Passport Index, sharing the place with Japan, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. In the latest report, Singapore clawed ahead with the addition of one more visa-free destination, bringing the total to 195. Meanwhile, Japan, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain dropped to joint second place with visa-free access to 192 travel destinations each.  Singapore also ranks highly on the Henley Openness Index, which ranks 199 countries worldwide according to the number of nationalities it welcomes in without a prior visa. We rank 15th on the openness index, allowing visa-free access to 164 nationalities out of 199. This is not surprising given Singapore's openness to tourism and foreign labour to support a small domestic economy, but stands in stark contrast to other powerful passport-holding nations like France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, which are themselves open to just 93 nationalities.  All this to say that Singapore is incredibly open, a boon especially for business owners and global investors who need the travel freedom to

There have been a few notable closures in the food and beverage scene in 2024, Sunday Folks at Chip Bee Gardens and Tigerlily Patisserie among them. Madeleine's Original Portuguese Egg Tart follows suit this August, shutting for good after doling out shatteringly crisp egg tarts from its Tanjong Katong outlet for 26 years.  The team at Madeleine's first announced its closure via Instagram on July 10, following up with a TikTok video on July 16. In the post, they thanked customers for their "continued support over the past 26 years" and stated that "while this decision was not made lightly, we believe it is the right step for our business at this time."  Photograph: Madeleine's Original Portuguese Egg Tarts The bakery did not provide an official reason for its closure, although CNA Lifestyle reported that the decision was prompted by the landlord's decision to sell the unit. An employee was also quoted as calling the closure "a break" while they presumably search for another spot to move to. Perhaps, a ray of hope for Madeleine's reopening?  Don't take it for granted, though. There's no knowing for sure if Madeleine's Original Portuguese Egg Tart will make a comeback, so head down to try its famous eggs tarts ($2.50) and Macau crispy puffs ($2.50) before it officially closes on August 16. If travelling to its Tanjong Katong store is a hassle, you can always order boxes of egg tarts ($15.80 for six) and mini egg tarts ($16.50 for 12) for delivery via Oddle.  READ MORE Mister