Joycelyn Yeow

Another week, another stacked line-up of things to do in Singapore – because this city never hits snooze. From world-class football clashes between Arsenal, AC Milan and Newcastle United at the National Stadium to a long-awaited headline show by genre-defying maestro James Blake, your schedule's about to get very full, very fast. Also on the radar: whimsical art exhibitions, a sizzling beach barbecue bash, and the highly anticipitated opening of Singapore Oceanarium. Whether you're planning a hot date, a wholesome family outing, or just something new to do with the group chat crew, we’ve got ideas to keep you entertained all week long. RECOMMENDED: The 101 best things to do in Singapore and New attractions in Singapore in 2025

The hot days might make you want to stay home all day this weekend, but don't sweat it – Singapore’s weekend lineup is looking cool in all the right ways. See the city in a different light at Archifest, where architecture meets imagination in unexpected forms. For something a little more playful, pop down to Catalog for a cheeky dose of cherries or Heartware Store and Gallery for more fruity art. If your weekend revolves around food, you’ll want to feast your way through Sentosa GrillFest. Managed to snag tickets to the already sold-out Fred Again or Jay Park concerts? You’ve officially won the weekend. Read on for more fun happenings to check out. RECOMMENDED: New openings and attractions in Singapore in 2025 and The 50 best restaurants in Singapore

July in Singapore is shaping up to be packed with lots of fun things to do. From thought-provoking stage productions to interactive exhibitions, there’s a little something for everyone to explore this month. Catch Singapore, Michigan, a dark comedy road trip brought to life by Pangdemonium, or marvel at larger-than-life inflatables at Pop Air – Art is Inflatable. Art lovers can immerse themselves in marine worlds, psychedelic mirror rooms and Southeast Asian dreamscapes across venues like the National Gallery and Singapore Art Museum. For families, the Gallery Children's Biennale and Disney Garden of Wonder are perfect for some multi-generational fun. Want something outdoorsy? Make your way to Palawan Beach for Sentosa’s Sunset Watch Party, or see dinosaurs come to life at Jurassic World: The Experience in the Cloud Forest. And if you’re a foodie, don’t miss Seoul’s cult favourite Standard Bun at its first pop-up here. Whether you're rediscovering the city or seeing it for the first time, July is packed with reasons to go out and explore. And hey, some of it’s even free. RECOMMENDED: Singapore’s best new restaurants  

Singapore’s hotel scene is buzzing with a fresh crop of new openings in 2025, offering everything from rainforest resorts to urban lifestyle hotels. Whether you’re a local in need of a pampering staycation or a tourist hunting for a new place to stay, there’s something for everyone. From lavish villas with private plunge pools to a boutique hotel housed in a decommissioned MRT train, here are the hottest new hotels in Singapore to bookmark this year:  RECOMMENDED: The best new restaurants in Singapore 2025 and The 50 best cafés in Singapore

The Singapore National Stadium is easily one of the most sought-after concert venues in the city – and for good reason. Despite a variety of other venues available, this iconic stadium stands out with its massive 55,000-seat capacity and the accolade of being the largest dome in the world. Over the years, it has drawn a stellar line-up of international superstars including Harry Styles. Guns N’ Roses, Coldplay, Ed Sheeran, Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift,  thanks to its state-of-the-art sound system and well-designed space. With the significant sums of money spent on concert tickets, coupled with the chaos and stress of ticketing queues and limited availability, choosing the right seat becomes all the more important to make the most of the experience. Ticketing platforms typically release general seating plans, but the ideal spot depends largely on personal preferences. Some fans enjoy being on their feet in the standing pens, immersed in the energy of the crowd. Others may prefer a comfortable seat to enjoy the music with a full view of the stage. Some also opt for side-stage seats for a closer glimpse of the performers. To help make the decision easier, we’ve broken down the seating options based on the different types of concert-goers. Seating layouts can vary from show to show depending on stage design, so use this guide as a starting point when planning where to sit for the next big gig at the National Stadium. RECOMMENDED: The best concerts and music festivals in Singapore i

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  

Singapore Changi Airport hardly needs an introduction. Crowned the world’s best airport in 2025, the airport’s striking architecture and impressive dining offerings are just some of the reasons why it has earned its global acclaim.  Whether you’re flying through or simply looking for a new spot to explore, there’s plenty to uncover here – from rooftop pools and interactive installations to serene nature spaces. Here’s a round-up of the best things to do at Changi Airport. RECOMMENDED: The 50 best restaurants in Singapore and The best concerts and music festivals in Singapore in 2025

Jewel Changi Airport isn’t just for layovers and luggage. It is also home to Canopy Park, a sprawling indoor playground for all ages. From sky-high bouncing nets and mirrored mazes to misty gardens and floral wonderlands, it’s a great place to unleash your inner child. Whether you're racing through hedge mazes or snapping selfies with animal-shaped topiaries, there's no shortage of ways to kill time and calories at this all-day attraction. Canopy Park is open from 10am to 9pm from Mondays to Thursdays, and 10am to 10pm from Fridays to Sundays. Tickets are priced from $6 for both adults and children.  RECOMMENDED: The best new restaurants in Singapore 2025 and New attractions in Singapore in 2025

In Singapore, Hari Raya Haji will be observed on June 7, 2025. Also known as Eid al-Adha, or the Festival of Sacrifice, it is one of the two most significant celebrations in Islam, the other being Hari Raya Aidilfitri, which marks the end of Ramadan. This occasion commemorates the completion of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia – a journey that every Muslim who is physically and financially able is expected to undertake at least once in their lifetime. Recognised as the fifth pillar of Islam, this occasion holds deep spiritual importance in the Muslim faith. RECOMMENDED: Ultimate guide to 2025 public holidays in Singapore and The best halal restaurants and cafés in Singapore

Mark your calendars – Father’s Day is happening on June 15 this year, and it's time to honour the man who probably says he doesn’t need anything but secretly enjoys a good surprise. Skip the clichéd ‘World’s Best Dad’ mugs and those last-minute gift cards. From elevated wardrobe staples to hands-on coffee roasting experiences, here are some of the best gifts to consider getting him this Father’s Day. RECOMMENDED: The best Father’s Day meals in Singapore 2025 and The 50 best restaurants in Singapore

May is shaping up to be an exciting month, with Polling Day kicking things off and Mother’s Day just around the corner. There are also events and activities to look forward to – from the iconic The Phantom of the Opera to the roar-some Jurassic World: The Experience. Plus, international stars like Taeyeon and The Click Five will be lighting up our stages. Here are the best things to do in Singapore this May.  RECOMMENDED: 101 things to do in Singapore and The 50 best restaurants in Singapore

We’ve all heard the exciting news: pop icon Lady Gaga will be performing in Singapore this May. Whether you’ve secured tickets to this highly anticipated concert or not, there’s no shortage of Gaga-themed activities to help you celebrate. So, get ready to Just Dance and check out our list of the best Lady Gaga-themed events happening around the city.  RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Singapore this May and The best concerts and music festivals in Singapore in 2025

Goodman Open House returns with a full-day celebration of the arts at Goodman Arts Centre. This annual event features over 60 artists and groups, and invites visitors of all ages to explore artist studios, catch live performances and engage with interactive installations spread across the space.  Expect flea markets like the Mighty Makers Creators Market, where local artists and crafters showcase and sell their handmade creations. There’s also the Nature-Inspired Eco Market, spotlighting eco-friendly brands and local farmers offering everything from botanical art to handmade skincare. When hunger strikes, fuel up with Asian-inspired bites from That Hot Dog Stand, dishing out hot dogs, loaded nachos and more. Families can look forward to outdoor art activities, open studio sessions, dance and puppetry performances and bracelet-making stations. Round off the evening with a romantic outdoor screening of Transformers One under the stars. More information on the event can be found here. 

Set in a ghost town, Singapore, Michigan is a thought-provoking comedy about three Gen Z friends – two Singaporeans and one American – who set off on a wintry road trip to find the mythical settlement that was once called Singapore, Michigan. What begins as a quirky adventure quickly spirals into a chaotic need to survive as the trio gets snowed in, confronting not just the brutal cold but also each other’s secrets, dreams and heavy existential questions. Written by Ong Chong An and commissioned by local theatre company Pangdemonium’s mentorship programme, this play dives into themes of identity, heritage and the never-ending tug-of-war between passion and practicality. Expect injections of sharp humour with surprisingly emotional moments that are relatable to everyone.  Singapore, Michigan takes place in the Singapore Airlines Theatre from June 26 to July 11, 2025. Tickets are priced from $35 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays and $45 on Friday and Saturday evenings. Get your tickets here.

Happy Ever Laughter Party kicks off this June with nine nights of sharp, politically charged comedy at Capitol Theatre. Also comically known as Habis Election Liao Party, the show features a stacked lineup including Fakkah Fuzz, Jacky Ng, Jinx Yeo, Prem John, Sharul Channa, Rishi Budhrani and Broadway Beng. Newcomers Bree Wang and Don Shiau will also join with bang on political impressions that’ll have you rolling in the aisles. Expect punchy stand-up sets, political impressions, and a satirical gameshow segment by podcast duo Yah Lah But. Tickets start from $55 and can be purchased here.

The inaugural Chinese Opera Festival 2025 is your chance to experience the richness of traditional Chinese opera, right here in Singapore. The event runs from June 21, 2025 to July 26, 2025 at the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre, showcasing five local Chinese opera troupes: Chinese Opera Studio, Chinese Opera Ensemble, OperaWorks, Tian Yun Beijing Opera Society and Tang Renaissance. Each troupe will perform in a different dialect, including Teochew, Cantonese, Peking and Hainanese. There are five shows in total, including The Mistake of Justice Bao on June 21, The Peacocks Flying Southeast on July 5, and Marshal Lim Bo Seng on July 26, all showing at 7pm. Tickets are priced at $30 each, but if you plan to catch all five shows, you can get a bundle for $120. Tickets can be purchased here.

Kidz Pop Con Asia is taking over Sands Expo and Convention Centre Halls A, B, and C with a jam-packed lineup of family-friendly fun. Kids can bounce off their energy at 14 massive Baby Shark-themed inflatables in the Pinkfong Baby Shark Bounce Wonderland or dive into Kiztopia’s Jumptopia Lite zones. There’s also The Little Lost Dreamer – an immersive experience featuring four interactive zones with digital art, motion sensors and AR elements. Beyond the play zones, little ones can enjoy creative workshops like baking cookies and choux puffs with Beard Papa’s, take part in Aikido self-defence classes, and meet their favourite mascots such as Peppa Pig, Paw Patrol and Baby Shark. Tickets start from $8 for adults and $15 for children, with add-ons available for bounce zones and exclusive activities.

You don’t have to hop on a plane to immerse yourself in Japanese culture. The Japan Summer Festival at One Punggol is where you can experience Japan in a nutshell, and enjoy live performances including the thunderous rhythms of Taiko drumming, traditional folk dances and J-pop acts. Head to the Natsu Matsuri game booths where both adults and kids can try their hand at classic Japanese festival games. Then, make your way to the curated flea market featuring charming Japanese crafts and quirky knick-knacks that are great for sprucing up your home.

Singapore’s largest card show is returning for another weekend edition. Whether you're an avid collector or starting your new card collection, this event caters to all fans of trading cards and collectibles. Following its February 2025 edition, the upcoming show promises to be even bigger, taking place in a venue four times the size. It is expected to feature around 150 vendors offering trading card games, sports cards, collectible figurines and more. Admission is free for all visitors. However, those keen to get a head start can opt for the Early Access VIP Pass. Priced at $29.90, this one-day pass allows entry to the venue one hour earlier than the general public and includes fast lane access. More details can be found here.  

Take a moment to slow down and enjoy the beauty of nature at the Sentosa Sunset Watch Party. Held at Palawan Beach, this free event invites sunset enthusiasts to gather and admire the golden hues as the sun sets over the horizon. In addition to the stunning view, visitors can take part in wellness activities such as gong meditation and crystal singing bowl sound bath sessions. There will also be a sunset-themed photo exhibition and free photo printouts for guests to take home a keepsake of the evening. The event runs every Friday and Saturday from 6pm to 8pm. Admission is free, and Sentosa Islander members will receive a free portable fan while stocks last.

K-pop artist Kai will be bringing his first solo concert tour to Singapore for a one-night-only performance. He originally debuted in 2012 as a member of the boy group EXO, and began his solo career in 2020 with the release of his self-titled track Kai. Since then, he has released several chart-performing songs, including Mmmh, Peaches and Rover. Tickets can be purchased here. 

Singapore Sports Hub is turning up the fun this June holiday season with an exciting line-up of family-friendly activities, including giant inflatables, freebies, and workshops. Little ones can bounce to their hearts’ content at a massive inflatable playground, decked out with adorable bouncy castles featuring unicorns and safari animals. There’s even a 16-metre-long ball pit inspired by the iconic bumboats of Clarke Quay and the Kallang rivers. Stay cool and beat the tropical sun with free treats on-site. There’s a selection of refreshing ice cream and beverages up for grabs, including Binggrae melon cups, Sunkist orange ice tubes, Magnolia Hershey’s cookies and cream sticks and 100Plus Active drinks. For those who’ve always wanted to pick up cycling, don’t miss the free cycling workshops happening on June 14 and 15. Professional coaches from the Singapore Cycling Federation will be on hand to guide you. Find out more about the National Stadium Open House here.

Ice Cream Sundays and Darker Than Wax are teaming up once again for ICS x DTW: Haw Par Thrilla #5 on June 14. Taking place at the Culture Courtyard in Haw Par Villa, this fifth edition features tunes chosen by selectors from both collectives, with a live EWI performance by Kaye of Darker Than Wax. The event also gets an upgrade with a brand-new stage design and custom lighting, transforming Haw Par Villa’s surreal environment into a multi-sensory playground.  Attendees can enjoy casual chess matches at the Aliwal Chess Club’s glowing neon chess setup, and indulge in refreshing options from the on-site food and drink vendors. Highlights include Asahi’s self-foaming Nama Jokki beer can, Boujee Botanical’s kombucha, and Unico Zelo’s natural wines. As a bonus, the first 50 guests will receive a complimentary Iced Oat Latte from Prefer Coffee. Tickets can be purchased here.

Alliance Française de Singapour presents Ocean: Diving into the Unknown from now to August 30, 2025, showcasing the transformative journey beneath the sea’s surface. The exhibition explores France’s historical and scientific connections to the marine world, aiming to deepen awareness of the oceans’ fragile ecosystems and humanity’s collective responsibility for their protection. Structured into four immersive zones, the exhibition begins with Myths of the Depths, showing how oceans have inspired centuries of French literature and art. The second zone, New Worlds to Discover, delves into innovations by French explorers and scientists that aided in uncovering facts about the ocean. The Wonders Underneath showcases marine biodiversity through immersive visuals and offers visitors a virtual reality experience simulating underwater exploration. A Treasure to Protect touches on issues like pollution, climate change and ecological imbalance, inviting attendees to reflect on their role in conserving the ecosystem. More details can be found here.

Travel can be tough on the wallet, which is why we’re always on the lookout for deals – and Cathay Pacific’s latest offer is one to jump on. Recently named the World’s Best Economy Class Airline, Cathay Pacific is offering $160 off the total fare for bookings made before July 22, 2025. The details are straightforward – simply key in the promo code BESTECONSG when checking out. The discount applies to all destinations worldwide, except Tokyo (Narita), Osaka and Taipei, for travel between September 15, 2025 and March 31, 2026. A minimum of two travellers per booking is required, so rally your travel buddy to enjoy this deal. All bookings must be made by July 22, 2025, or while tickets last. The offer is valid for round-trip economy class tickets only, and is available exclusively to Cathay Pacific members. Membership is free and you can sign up via the Cathay Pacific’s official website. READ MORE Singapore named the most expensive city in the world to ‘live well’ (again) Surprise ranking: Singapore places 17th in Global Housing Affordability Index There’s a free NDP concert at Gardens by the Bay featuring Kit Chan, Taufik Batisah and more

Singapore’s music scene is anything but quiet, with international pop icons regularly stopping by  to perform. This September, the spotlight turns to GrooveDriver Festival 2025, an electrifying music festival featuring a stellar line-up of international and local talent. Set across Suntec Plaza and Level 11 of South Beach Tower, the festival boasts a dynamic mix of sounds including R&B and electronic pop. Headliners include UK singer-songwriter Henry Moodie, who will be performing in Singapore for the first time in an exclusive appearance. Also on the bill are Korean acts Shaun and Gemini, and Taiwan favourites Karencici and Bestards. Adding to the mix are Singapore’s very own Regina Song, Sherman Zhuo, Whylucas and Soph T., bringing local flair to this hyped festival. Tickets are priced from $58 and can be purchased here. READ MORE Waterbomb Singapore is back this August featuring 2NE1, Taemin, EXID and more This quiet park in Tampines is the perfect place to go touch some grass We tried the world’s highest garden-to-table afternoon tea on the 51st storey of a Singapore skyscraper

  Scoring a BTO flat in Singapore can feel as elusive as snagging a limited-edition Labubu – so when fresh units hit the market, you can bet hopeful homeowners are paying attention. Come July 2025, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) is launching a bumper crop of homes: around 5,500 Build-to-Order (BTO) flats and more than 4,600 Sale of Balance Flats (SBF) will go on sale as part of its latest exercise, as announced by Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat on July 16. Among the new BTO flats, about 1,400 units in Clementi Emerald and Bangkit Breeze (in Bukit Panjang) will come with waiting times of less than three years, a huge plus for buyers who don’t want to wait for up to five years before getting their keys. Clementi Emerald will offer 753 units just a stone’s throw from Clementi MRT. It's next to the redeveloped Clementi Polyclinic, two schools and other amenities like a minimart, eating house, and preschool. Expect a wait time of just 34 months. Over in Bukit Panjang, Bangkit Breeze will house 643 units near Bangkit LRT and Beacon Primary School, also with similar amenities and a slightly longer wait of 35 months. These aren’t the only flats going on sale. This round also includes 775 units in Sembawang Beacon (announced earlier this month), located in a brand-new estate with two-room Flexi, five-room, and 3Gen options. There are also more than 4,600+ Sale of Balance Flats (SBF), including 1,733 ready-to-move-in homes, ideal for those who need housing as

Southeast Asia has no shortage of stunning islands, and this year, several of them have landed top spots on Travel+Leisure’s World’s Best Islands 2025 list. Over 657,000 votes were cast, and islands were rated based on natural attractions, activities, food, friendliness and value. Leading the pack is Palawan, Philippines in second place, known for its limestone cliffs, clear lagoons and the UNESCO-listed Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. Bali, Indonesia comes in third, while the Maldives ranks sixth on the list, securing its position as a perennial favourite among luxury travellers.  And at the very top of this year’s list is Páros, Greece – a charming Greek island that’s a more laid-back alternative to its busier neighbours like Santorini and Mykonos. These are the top 10 best islands in the world in 2025: Páros, Greece Palawan, Philippines Bali, Indonesia Ischia, Italy Fiji Maldives Galápagos Islands, Ecuador Hvar & the Dalmatian Islands, Croatia Madeira, Portugal Mallorca, Spain View the full list here.  Have you heard? Just in: all the new and awesome UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Asia for 2025 Plus: These are the 15 best cities in Asia for 2025, according to nearly 180,000 travellers Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Asia newsletter for the best travel inspiration straight to your inbox.

Talks of expanding Marina Bay Sands (MBS), owned by Las Vegas Sands, began as far back as 2019. This week, the highly anticipated $10.3 billion expansion project has officially broken ground. The centrepiece of the expansion is a new 55-storey hotel tower designed by Safdie Architects – the same design firm behind MBS. The upcoming tower will house 570 suites, alongside an array of new upscale retail outlets, a casino, fine-dining restaurants, wellness facilities and more.  Another part of the development includes a new 15,000-seat podium that is built to host large-scale live events. Echoing the iconic SkyPark Observation Deck, this fourth tower will also feature Skyloop – a multi-level rooftop space with both public and private areas. Visitors can enjoy sweeping panoramic views of the city skyline at the observatory, swing by the rooftop gardens and dine at the various restaurants set to open here. Hotel guests will get exclusive access to private cabanas, infinity pools and a wellness terrace that will host curated events. Construction is expected to be completed by June 2030, with the official opening set for January 2031. READ MORE Books Kinokuniya opens new outlet at Raffles City on July 18, 2025 Singapore named the most expensive city in the world to ‘live well’ (again) Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025: Five Singapore bars are in the top 50 this year

Singapore’s MRT network continues to grow, with ongoing projects like the Tengah and Seletar lines and the full rollout of the Thomson-East Coast line. Now, Singapore is set to introduce its eighth MRT line, the Cross Island Line (CRL), the longest fully underground line to date. Photograph: Land Transport Authority The CRL is being built in three phases, with construction for Phases 1 and 2 already underway. Phase 1 of the CRL comprises twelve stations, stretching from CR2 (name to be confirmed) to Bright Hill Interchange. It will serve key residential and industrial zones such as Loyang, Tampines, Pasir Ris, Defu, Hougang, Serangoon North and Ang Mo Kio, with improved accessibility to recreational spots like Changi Beach Park and Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park. Jurong Lake District, Punggol Digital District, and the Changi region will be among the major areas connected by the line, which stretches across the east, west and northeast. With eight interchange stations planned, the CRL will provide smoother, more versatile routes across the island. Journeys from West Coast to Ang Mo Kio Industrial Park are expected to be shortened by up to 40 minutes. Additionally, a four-station extension between Pasir Ris and Punggol is set to launch in 2032, alongside the completion of Phase 2. READ MORE *Scape gets a major glow-up and it’s all about the next generation Mondrian Singapore Duxton has been crowned Singapore's top city hotel of 2025 This cute 'LimSimi' personality quiz is going viral

We’ve already seen exciting new attractions pop up this year, from Minion Land at Universal Studios Singapore to Rainforest Wild Asia at Mandai. Joining the list this July is the highly anticipated opening of the Singapore Oceanarium – the rebranded version of the former S.E.A. Aquarium at Resorts World Sentosa. Set to open on July 24, 2025, the refreshed attraction is three times larger than before, with 22 themed zones spotlighting different aspects of marine life. Visitors can explore everything from shallow waters to deep-sea habitats, as well as travel through time from prehistoric oceans to present-day waters. Photograph: Resorts World Sentosa Highlights include the Ocean Wonders zone, filled with thousands of mesmerising moon jellies, and Singapore’s Coast, which recreates our local mangrove ecosystems with interactive displays.  Photograph: Resorts World Sentosa Other features include life-sized models of prehistoric sea creatures, a reconstruction of the whale fall ecosystem, and a massive 36-metre-wide screen projecting reef manta rays and zebra sharks gliding through. Visitors can swing by the Singapore Oceanarium Store for ocean-themed souvenirs, books and pop-ups by local brands. There’s also Explorer’s Nook, a themed café serving light bites and pastries.  Tickets are priced like so: Non-peak (weekdays): $42 for adult residents, $35 for child residents; $50 for adult non-residents, $39 for child non-residents Peak (weekends and public holidays): $49 for ad

Call it the plot twist of the year. After announcing the upcoming closure of the beloved NBC Stationery & Gifts at Raffles City – much to the despair of devoted fans – Japanese bookstore group Books Kinokuniya has revealed that it will be opening a brand new outlet, within the very same mall, on July 18, 2025. Kinokuniya will not be occupying the former premises of its sister brand NBC. Instead, the bookstore will occupy the space previously held by Challenger on Level 3 of Raffles City Shopping Centre. Spanning 3,433 sq ft, the new outlet offers a wide range of book genres, alongside exclusive stationery from Matsuo Miyuki and more. You'll also find rare Pickles the Frog merchandise that are only available at this location. Additionally, the store will host exciting events including mascot meet-and-greets with characters including Smiski and Moomin.  Concurrently, Books Kinonkuniya at Takashimaya is downsizing to make space for a café, but the good news is is that some of its book collection, along with its iconic navy blue shelves, will be migrating over to the new outlet at City Hall. Photograph: Books Kinokuniya This news offers avid readers a glimmer of hope in the face of a dwindling book scene in Singapore. The island’s very last Times Bookstore at Holland Road closed for good last year, and this was subsequently followed by the closure of Epigram Coffee Bookshop at SAM. While Epigram Books continues to operate online, it has no intention to continue running a physic

Singapore has topped yet another global ranking – and this one comes with a hefty price tag. According to the Julius Baer Group’s Global Wealth & Lifestyle Report 2025, Singapore has been crowned the world’s most expensive city to “live well” for the third year in a row. The report’s Lifestyle Index, which tracks the cost of luxury goods and premium services that define a high-net-worth lifestyle, places Singapore firmly at the top, beating out 24 other cities across the globe. Think swanky property, high-end cars, handbags that cost more than a condo down payment and private healthcare. Singapore ranked first globally for the price of cars and women's handbags, second in the world for the price of women's shoes and third for residential property and private healthcare. It ranked first globally for car prices and women’s handbags, second for women’s shoes, and third for both residential property and private healthcare.  The only category where we came out cheapest? Treadmills. But if you're a fan of these running routes in Singapore, then maybe you don't need one. So what keeps the ultra-rich coming back despite the sky-high costs? According to the report, it’s Singapore’s political stability, low crime rate, world-class healthcare and efficient infrastructure that continue to attract high-flyers, billionaires and luxury-lovers alike. We are after all, home to the world’s best airport and widely praised for its efficient public transport system. The 2025 edition of the repo

Whether you catch the National Day Parade live or tune in from the comfort of your home, there’s no denying that Singapore’s birthday bash is always a spectacle – with live performances, military parades, and, of course, the grand finale: fireworks lighting up the sky. This year’s National Day marks Singapore’s 60th anniversary of independence – a significant milestone and the heartland festivities are set to reflect that, with a bold, inclusive lineup that brings the party straight into the neighbourhoods.  The celebrations continue on August 10, 2025, with heartland festivities across the island, giving you and your loved ones another chance to join in the National Day spirit. Plus, it’s all completely free of charge (just make sure to grab your tickets early). Where are the heartland celebrations for NDP 2025?  Organised by the People’s Association and the NDP 2025 Executive Committee, the heartland celebrations will take place at five locations, each representing a different district and theme: Open field beside Bishan Junction 8: Nurturing Communities, Shaping Tomorrow Open field beside One Punggol: One Hope Open field beside FutsalArena @ Yishun: Heartbeat of our North West Open field beside Wisma Geylang Serai: Bridging Generations, Stronger Together Bukit Combak ActiveSG Stadium: Together We Shine and Spark What can I expect at the heartland celebrations for NDP 2025? Each venue will feature its own mix of live performances, community activities, and fireworks,

When you think of “affordable housing”, Singapore might not be the first place that springs to mind. But according to the latest Demographia International Housing Affordability report, we've landed in 17th place worldwide for housing affordability. Surprised? So were we. The US-based Demographia International Housing Affordability report has just released its 2025 edition, ranking Singapore 17th among the most affordable housing markets globally. The study compares cities across countries such as the UK, Hong Kong, the US, Australia and Canada, using a metric known as the median multiple – a price-to-income ratio that divides the median house price by the median household income.  Singapore’s median multiple for resale HDB flats stood at 4.2, placing it in the “seriously unaffordable” category but in the context of global real estate, it's not too shabby. Singapore still boasts one of the world’s highest home ownership rates at around 90%, with roughly 78% of households living in HDB flats. The report credits this to Singapore’s long-standing public housing policies, which include generous subsidies for first-time buyers and a supportive framework for low-income housing through the HDB. The most affordable housing markets in the world 1. Pittsburgh 2. Cleveland 3. St. Louis 4. Rochester 5. Edmonton 5. Middlesbrough & Durham 5. Oklahoma City 5. Omaha 9. Sheffield 10. Cincinnati 10. Detroit 12. Buffalo 12.Louisville 12. Minneapolis-St. Paul 15. Indianapolis 15. Tulsa 17. Singa

National Day celebrations are in full swing – from the weekend NDP rehearsals that have drawn eager crowds, to the highly anticipated heartland festivities just around the corner. Adding to the lineup is the Gardens by the Bay and Mediacorp National Day Concert 2025, taking place at The Meadow at Gardens by the Bay on August 3, 2025. Now in its seventh year, the concert returns with even more heart and spirit, as part of this year’s SG60 celebrations. Expect an evening of stirring performances and Singapore pride, brought to life by some of our most beloved homegrown talents including Kit Chan, Taufik Batisah, Hady Mirza, Yung Raja, Charlie Lim and more. For the first time ever, sisters Tay Kewei and Tay Kexin will perform together on stage. Hosting the night’s festivities are Gurmit Singh, Yasminne Cheng, Zhin Sadali and Nithiyia Rao, leading the crowd through a night filled with laughter, memories and the shared pride of being Singaporean. The night will also include the live debut of Ties That Bloom, a new National Day song by Hady Mirza. Admission is free. Gates open at 4.30pm, with the concert running from 7.30pm to 9pm. More information can be found here. READ MORE The No. 1 must-try dessert in Singapore is… pandan cake? According to TikTok, that is We tried the world’s highest garden-to-table afternoon tea on the 51st storey of a Singapore skyscraper 5 new restaurants in Singapore to check out this July 2025