Rachel Yohannan

Celebrate Singapore’s birthday weekend with a fun line-up of events across the city, from the family-friendly Majulah Fiesta 2025 to the stunning Orchid Extravaganza at Gardens by the Bay. Art lovers can explore Pasar by Art Again, while those with a soft spot for local hawker fare can collect cute food-themed plushies at Mr. Merlion and Friends’ Hawker Fest at Changi Airport. Here are the best things to do in Singapore this week. RECOMMENDED: The 101 best things to do in Singapore and New attractions in Singapore in 2025    

Singapore’s heating up this week – and we’re not just talking about the weather. From sizzling grilled meats at Sentosa’s beloved GrillFest to the dreamy, otherworldly charm of The Little Prince exhibition, the city is brimming with things to see, eat and do. Catch free fireworks lighting up the night sky before the big day happening real soon and soak in the vibes at Kampong Boogie if you're looking for something more lowkey. Need an excuse to hit the beach? Sunset parties, Peranakan-inspired art, and quirky wooden sculptures are waiting for you at Sentosa. RECOMMENDED: New openings and attractions in Singapore in 2025 and The 50 best restaurants in Singapore

Our mums are superstars all year round, but this is the one time of the year where you have the perfect excuse to show extra appreciation toward her. Other than treating her to a delicious Mother’s Day meal or planning a Mother’s Day outing with fun bonding activities like jewellery workshops or strolling through a flower display, you can add a sweeter note to the occasion by blessing her with a thoughtful treat. These local bakeries and dessert stores in Singapore are whipping up special Mother’s Day treats, ranging from cute macarons to a warabimochi cake and even pistachio mille crepe inspired by the latest Dubai chocolate trend.  RECOMMENDED: The best cake shops in Singapore and The best florists in Singapore for any occasion

As far as local landmarks go, Raffles Hotel Singapore is by far one of the most iconic – and not just for its grand postcard-worthy exteriors. Though impeccably well-maintained, this five-star hotel retains its classic colonial charm harking back to the 1800s, and staying here is a premium experience right from the moment you encounter their unmistakable doormen. Plus, it's just been crowned the 17th best hotel in the World's 50 Best Hotels 2023 list, ranking a few spots above Capella, which gives you all the more reason to check it out. Even if you haven't booked one of their luxury suites, there's still plenty to explore within the hotel's sprawling grounds, from its gorgeous lawn area, to the marvel-worthy architecture, and its in-house lifestyle destination, Raffles Arcade. Read on for our guide on the best of Raffles Hotel.

Whether you're a regular runner or just looking to get moving, Singapore has no shortage of scenic trails that make your time outdoors worth it. From quiet nature trails to breezy coastal paths, we’ve rounded up some of the best running routes across the island. So lace up, head outside and get a dose of fresh air.  If you’re looking to soak in the fresh air and stunning scenery while testing your fitness limits, sign up for Singapore T100 and challenge yourself on April 5 and 6 at Marina Bay. RECOMMENDED: The best nature trails in Singapore and The best hiking trails and spots in Singapore  

People who don’t live in cities will tell you they’re busy, lonely and expensive places. But there’s a reason so many people choose to live in them: with world-class art and culture, unbeatable food and nightlife, buzzing neighbourhoods and a dizzying amount of stuff to do and see, there’s simply no better place to be.  Every year, we take the pulse of city living by quizzing thousands of locals across the planet about life in their hometowns. This year, more than 18,500 city-dwellers shared their insights on everything from food, nightlife and culture to affordability, happiness and the overall city vibe. When urban living can sometimes feel isolating and costly, this year we wanted to get a sense of what, exactly, makes a city feel like home. Sure, the nightlife is great, but is the city safe and walkable? Is good quality food and art available at a reasonable price? Is it easy to make friends, find love, and access nature?  Livability was a key factor in our ranking this year. But a great city to live in is, naturally, a great city to visit. So, along with the thousands of responses from locals around the world, we asked Time Out’s global network of city experts to vote on the places they think are particularly exciting right now. After crunching all that data, here we are: Time Out’s definitive ranking of the world’s best cities in 2025. Read on to see how your hometown fared… RECOMMENDED:🛍️ The coolest neighbourhoods in the world right now🌎 The best things to do in the

You know that the Chinese New Year festivites are starting to get in full swing when you see our island lit up with stunning lanterns and striking red and gold garlands. This year, plenty of serpent-themed decorations are slithering their way across our streets and coiling around every corner to herald the year of the snake. Ready to slide right into the lively bustle of the season? There's no better way than to do so by soaking it all up at these best Chinese New Year light-ups spots for 2025. RECOMMENDED: The best Chinese New Year events in Singapore and Best Chinese New Year 2025 light-ups and displays in Singapore

Vibrant lantern displays are starting to take over our streets, heralding the arrival of another Chinese New Year. Beyond savouring pineapple tarts and reconnecting with loved ones during this time, immerse yourself in the spirit of things with all the festive events across Singapore this season, from stunning illuminations to lion dances and even free firecracker displays. Don your festive finest and slither into the year of the snake with these best Chinese New Year events in Singapore. RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants for Chinese New Year 2025 reunion dinner in Singapore and Local fashion brands with modern cheongsams in Singapore

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, dear gentlemen, and it’s time to find the perfect gift for the special lady in your life. Here’s a pro tip: if she says she doesn’t want a gift, she’s probably not being entirely honest – and even if she is, a thoughtful gesture is certainly always welcome. If you're stumped on shopping and need some inspiration, we’ve got you covered with a curated list of Valentine’s Day 2025 gift ideas in Singapore that are bound to impress, with options to suit every budget.  RECOMMENDED: The best Valentine's Day dinners in Singapore for a romantic meal for two and The most romantic restaurants in Singapore    

The year has just started but it’s already sounding like a blast – but can one really expect anything less from Singapore, the fifth best city in Asia? There’s always something fresh poppin’ up in various corners of our island, and these 25 new and upcoming experiences in our Little Red Dot just prove that good things do indeed come in small packages. From new nature spaces, to a lifestyle enclave with charming cafés, and a hangout for music concert buffs, here are our big 25 for the books this 2025. RECOMMENDED: 101 best things to do in Singapore and 50 best restaurants in Singapore

We’ll be the first to say it: 2025 could not come any sooner. End off 2024 with a resounding bang with our compilation of the best New Year’s Eve parties and events across Singapore on December 31. Whether you’re dancing the year away at all-night raves, sipping on free-flow bubbly, or enjoying the breathtaking fireworks display with your loved ones, these places pull out all the stops for an unforgettable end to yet another thrilling year. Keep scrolling for all the deets. RECOMMENDED: The best nightclubs in Singapore and Light To Night returns in January 2025 with dazzling light installations

The New Year's Eve fireworks in Singapore get even more impressive with each year, and we aren’t expecting anything less this December 31. While the annual Let’s Celebrate countdown show and fireworks will be televised live on our local free-to-air channels, nothing beats getting to experience the fireworks in person. While this show will be held at Singapore Sports Hub at Kallang this year, the Marina Bay area will still be having its own fireworks extravaganza, as will Sentosa – which means you’ll get to admire the pyrotechnics from even more locations this year. Read on for a list of the best New Year’s Eve fireworks viewing locations in Singapore, from free viewing spots to paid venues that are worth the splurge. RECOMMENDED: Best New Year's Eve parties and events in Singapore and 17 heartland locations across Singapore will have New Year's Eve celebrations

If you’re down to get edgy, mark your calendar for DnA Fest – an unexpected collision of different arts disciplines, served with a side of sass. Sit back for a screening of The House of Janus – a modern film take on Henry Purcell’s opera Dido and Aeneas – starring and directed by Ong Keng Sen who’s also responsible for local comedy hit movie Army Daze. Or, get wild with Dido & The Belindas, a vibrant drag spectacle featuring none other than queen Becca D’Bus. End it off with Afterparty, an underground ballroom event with flashy runway battles and wicked beats. Find out more here.

It’s all things K-culture at Hallyu Weekend, a three-day festival packed with music, dance, and merch. Dance trainer DJ Blink from SM Entertainment will be hosting a free K-pop party with the hottest beats, while Jam Republic’s skilled choreographers will be conducting a dance workshop suitable for all levels. Dreaming of being the next big thing? Try your luck at auditions for KQ Entertainment – the same company responsible for world-famous groups like Ateez. If you’d rather be by the sidelines, watch the finalists of the Dance Dance Hallyu competition battle it out, or simply drop by the K-Culture Market to score some loot featuring your biases. Find out more here.

Thanks to Emerald Hill – a spin-off of popular Mediacorp series The Little Nyonya – Peranakan fever is sweeping over Singapore, and Sentosa is also getting in on the fanfare. From now till the end of August, hop on over to the scenic island and experience a cultural immersion like no other with kebaya rental, Nyonya-inspired afternoon tea, and heritage craft workshops where you’ll learn the art of tile painting and floral embroidery. But the grand highlight? Larger-than-life installations of giant beaded slippers, tingkats and teapots, and a kaleidoscopic replica of a Peranakan shophouse with nightly light shows. Find out more here.

Enjoyed the cute fruit-themed exhibition at Heartware Store & Gallery a couple of months back? The art space at Joo Chiat is now hosting Japanese artist maitoparta’s first solo Singapore showcase titled Itadakimasu! – featuring her signature kooky-looking wooden sculptures all handpainted in bright colours. There will also be exhibition-exclusive posters, plushies, bag charms and more, and pretty much everything you see displayed will be for sale. Be quick, because some of them are one-of-a-kind, with no remakes. Entry is free. Find out more here.

*Scape knows what’s up when it comes to the cool crowd. Its latest youth-centric event, It’s Giving Fest, is turning up the heat with a solid mix of music, food, wellness and games. Groove to live performances by homegrown music talents including Benjamin Kheng, Shye, and Tasha Low, or get your muscles moving with pilates and K-pop workouts – all for absolutely free. Or, team up with your fave local stars like Annette Lee and Zhang Ze Tong in a celebrity telematch showdown for laughs and prizes. Add some new treasures to your collection at the flea market and celebrity charity auction, snap some photo booth keepsakes, and when you’re hungry after all the action, stop by the food truck for burgers and other festival grub. It’s two days of non-stop fun – check out the full event line-up here.

Grab your picnic mats and baskets and make a date for a musical soirée at the Botanic Gardens – because the Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO) is gracing the Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage with a free concert. Lounge on the lawn surrounded by lush foliage, and be serenaded with classical tunes composed by the likes of legends Brahms and Mendelssohn, as well as Singapore’s very own Lee Jinjun. Among the mix, look forward to the first movement of Beethoven’s iconic ‘Symphony No. 5’ – a number you should recognise by its grandiose melody, even if not by title. Pets are welcome too. Find out more here.

Seen a long queue outside Mandarin Gallery lately? That would be the line for the purchase of Singapore-exclusive blind boxes and other paraphernalia at the ongoing Pop Mart Summer pop-up. Even if you’re not down to splurge on collectible toys, it’s still worth stopping by to check out the larger-than-life installations featuring Dimoo, Labubu, Hirono and the gang. Parked right outside the mall next to the Peranakan-inspired container store are character standees alongside nostalgic local icons like the dragon playground and a rickshaw. But wait, there’s more – head into the mall for even more Pop Mart photo spots, featuring HDB block facades and traditional kueh. Hint: The fun doesn’t just stop on the first floor.

Get swept up in a fairytale of gallant knights and castle landscapes with Rose Romance at Gardens by the Bay. This year’s edition of the Flower Dome display takes you back in time to old England, paying homage to the legend of King Arthur with scenes of Camelot brought to life. Spot the mythical sword of Excalibur, take your spot at the Round Table, learn about the history of British castles, and stroll through paths lined with thousands of beautiful roses in various species and hues. Also on display are icons of England’s more modern eras – from red telephone boots to mailboxes and royal palace guard uniforms. Find out more and book your tickets here.    

Myth broken: Sensitive skin can be exfoliated – you just have to do it the right way. Learn all about this firsthand at the Cetaphil SkinLabs pop-up, where you’ll get to try the doctor-approved skincare brand’s all-new Gentle Exfoliating SA range. Happening from now till June 29, the experiential event set across two floors of a cosy shophouse includes plenty of interactive highlights like complimentary hand massages and skin analysis, products at 30 percent off, edgy photo spots, denim tote bag customisation, and free travel-sized bottles of skincare. To upgrade your experience, sign up for a yoga session or expert talk during the weekend. These cost $15 to attend, but come with a complimentary Cetaphil goodie bag worth $50 – so that’s more than good bang for your buck. The new Cetaphil Gentle Exfoliating SA range uses an effective yet gentle triple blend of chemical exfoliants to dissolve dead skin cells, treat dullness, and smooth out any unevenness – all without the abrasiveness. This makes it suitable for all skin types, even those with sensitive and irritation-prone skin. There are currently two products in this line: the Gentle Exfoliating SA Cleanser ($17.25) and Gentle Exfoliating SA Lotion ($22.90), both of which come in sizeable 236ml bottles and can be used on both the face and body. The Cetaphil SkinLabs pop-up is located at 265 Beach Road, and is open from now till June 29 from 11am to 8pm. Entry is free. Find out more via Cetaphil’s Instagram page.

You’re probably thinking of the traditional Singaporean toast spread, but don’t be mistaken – this isn’t a mod-Sin establishment. Instead, Kaya is short for ‘izakaya’, so expect Japanese flavours with a bold modern twist. The restobar is located within The Standard, Singapore, a new boutique hotel in Orchard with Hollywood roots and art in every corner. The vibe  Forget the typical gritty smoke-filled izakayas where patrons are crammed in shoulder to shoulder. Kaya at The Standard is roomy and elegant with botanical wallpaper, rattan chairs, and plants cascading from the ceiling – mid-century meets tropical, if you will. For a more casual vibe, opt to sip and dine at the chill outdoor patio that’s shrouded in greenery. The food  Brace your palate for Japanese flavours like you’ve never experienced before. You can’t go wrong by starting with sharing a refreshing pakuchi salad ($14), a simple but addictive poached chicken and cabbage salad topped with cilantro, shiso and ume dressing. The ash karaage ($18), charcoal-grilled oyster-yaki ($32) and burrata no shoyu ($22) with honey shoyu jam and renkon chips are also good choices to split before digging into an indulgent kani meshi nabe ($68) – a stone pot rice dish brimming with snow crab, ikura and uni creme. Don’t leave without trying the sweet potato mont blanc ($16), the perfect autumnal treat of three types of Japanese sweet potato, pistachio sponge and chestnuts. The drink  Creative Japanese-inspired versions of classic coc

Relive the magic of your childhood days with a new Peter Rabbit-themed afternoon tea experience that's hopped its way into Singapore for a limited period of time. In homage to the beloved storybook series by acclaimed children's author Beatrix Potter, each indulgent set comes with sweet and savoury English garden-inspired nibbles – including those shaped like apples, a pot of flowers, and blueberry basket – and adorable themed decor that you can take home as souvenirs. Special care has also been taken to include bunny-friendly ingredients, such as soft seeds, fruits and vegetables. Best of all, you get to enjoy all of this in an elegant lounge on the 70th floor, with sweeping views of Singapore's landmarks and surrounding seas as a backdrop. Find out more about our experience at this Peter Rabbit afternoon tea.

Mainstays like the Singapore Art Museum and ArtScience Museum are probably the first places that come to mind when you’re in the mood for an artsy outing. But take a look in other areas in Singapore, and you’ll discover smaller independent galleries that are also worth a visit – and one of the newer entrants in the scene is Nonage Gallery, located within brooding gothic tower The Mill at Bukit Merah. It’s always something new with each visit – Nonage Gallery keeps things fresh for visitors by switching up its exhibitions every two months or so. This also allows them to rotate the spotlight on their featured artists, thus providing visibility to a wider pool of these underrated creatives from Singapore and around the region throughout the year. One thing that’s constant throughout, though, is the presence of vibrant, whimsical art styles. While quite a handful of different artists’ works have been featured, all of them have a quirky and almost child-like quality – and we mean this in the best way possible. From pop surrealism to manga-inspired paintings and even giant plush carrots sprawled across the floor, everything you’ll discover here can easily be appreciated by all, even if you don’t consider yourself a serious art buff. Once you’re done, pop by coffee roaster Alchemist within the same building for a caffeine fix. This isn't your regular coffee joint either, as its got dark Victorian-style interiors that match the building itself. Keep up to date with Nonage Gallery’s l

Set your phone reminders: VietJet is having an 8/8 super sale this August 8, 2025, where flights between Singapore and multiple destinations in Vietnam are going at up to 80 percent off. This is a one-day-only sale starting from 1am to 12am, so blink and you’ll miss it – no time for delays. To successfully get in on the promo fares for both international and domestic flights, make sure you enter the promo code ‘VJ80’ when booking Eco tickets via the VietJet website or mobile app. Do note that the discounted rates exclude taxes and fees, but those should be negligible amounts either way. Pick your preferred travel dates from September 2025 all the way to May 2026 – good news for those who’ve used up their annual leave or travel budgets for the year. It pays to be quick, because the first 500 passengers who book international flights to Hanoi or Van Don between August 8 to 15 will also be entitled to 20 percent off a one-night stay at Royal Ha Long Hotel – a five-star hotel in central Halong. Find out more and make your booking via VietJet’s website. READ MORE Asia's best airlines for 2025 named by Skytrax It's official: These are the safest airlines in Asia for 2025 The best things to do in Singapore this week

From Hello Kitty to Miffy, cult coffee chain Starbucks has dished out collabs with plenty of beloved characters. And with Japanese franchise Mofusand in peak popularity, it’s about time: The first-ever Starbucks Mofusand collection is launching exclusively in Singapore this August, with purr-fectly cute drinkware and lifestyle accessories that we predict will be swept off shelves faster than you can say “nyan”. Starbucks Mofusand merchandise in Singapore Photograph: Starbucks If you missed out on Starbucks’ previous puffy bags of viral hype, here’s another chance. The Mofusand range has puffer totes ($49.90) in cream and charcoal, each with a different character bag charm. Dress things up even more with a Mofusand barista plush keychain ($29.90), featuring a grey kitty donned in the Starbucks uniform, or get a larger orange Starbucks Mofusand plushie ($48.90) as your new cuddle buddy. Blind box enthusiasts will get a kick out of unveiling the Mofusand cup clip blind boxes ($14.90 for one, $59.60 for a set of four). These rubber figures can be displayed on their own or slotted atop the rim of your cup for a dash of kawaii with every sip. Photograph: Starbucks Not forgetting drinkware, of which there are three to choose from in this series: a stainless steel mug ($34.90), a stainless steel tumbler ($49.90), and a green cold cup ($39.90) – all of which sport a green hue and adorable Mofusand cat motifs. Also in a similar pastel shade are a foldable reusable bag ($24.90) for

The beloved Story of the Forest exhibition by teamLab had its final hurrah last October after eight years, but a brand new experience takes its place at the Glass Rotunda at the National Museum of Singapore. Titled Singapore Odyssea: A Journey Through Time, this immersive permanent exhibition takes you on a time travel voyage through the Little Red Dot’s seven-century history, with a special focus on the role of the sea in our country’s development. Photograph: National Museum of Singapore Look out for the giant ship-shaped structure on Level 2 of the museum – that’s where your adventure begins. Explore five multisensorial chapters, starting with a peek into the future before going on a throwback to our early days as a sleepy fishing village. Along the way, be mesmerised by stunning animated imagery of Singapore’s coastal landscapes and native wildlife, coupled with moving soundtracks further enhancing the magic.  Photograph: National Museum of Singapore Another highlight is a suspended LED globe, from which you’ll witness a two-minute light show detailing the web of maritime routes linking Singapore to the rest of the world. Photograph: National Museum of Singapore For added fun, grab an RFID wristband to ‘adopt’ an animal friend that’ll accompany you through the experience – there are nine in total, including a pangolin, crab, and hornbill. Not only does this creature serve as a ‘guide’ as it brightens your way down the spiralled path, it also responds to motion and d

Travel bugs would have sorely missed The Planet Traveller’s Ion Orchard store, which first opened in 2009 but unfortunately shuttered its doors in 2016. Well, good news: After an almost decade-long hiatus, the travel goods giant is now back in the same mall, bigger and better than ever – with that iconic globe greeting you at its entrance once more. This isn’t simply the largest branch of The Planet Traveller in Singapore – it’s also the largest travel and lifestyle store in all of Asia, which makes it the perfect one-stop shop for both locals and tourists to pick up any trip essentials. Photograph: The Planet Traveller The new 11,000 square feet outlet is over three times the size of its other existing shops, boasting more than 6,000 items for both outdoor adventure enthusiasts and regular travellers – think luggage in a wide range of dimensions and colourways, roomy camping haversacks, tumblers and flasks, packing cubes, and accessories for casual everyday use like tumblers and totes. Look forward to snagging goods from first-to-market brands and special ‘shop-in-shop’ concepts featuring labels like Alpaka, Briggs & Riley, Orbitkey, Sttoke and plenty more. Make your small leather goods and drinkware purchases truly yours with the store’s foil stamping and engraving services.  Photograph: The Planet Traveller As part of its opening celebrations, The Planet Traveller at Ion Orchard is having a slew of promotions, including 20 percent off storewide and limited bundles till

Shiny new hotels are popping up in Orchard left, right, and centre – with some of the latest openings being The Standard and The Singapore Edition – but old household name St. Regis Singapore isn’t about to lose out on the pie. The hotel along Tanglin Road, which first opened in 2008, has since gotten a timely refresh and now boasts redesigned rooms, in-house F&B venues, ballrooms and more. Photograph: Marriott With its old New York and European design influences, St. Regis has always possessed a very different sort of charm compared to the average city hotel in the shopping district, and this defining characteristic is thankfully retained amidst the revamp. Trading its previous red-and-gold colour scheme for muted tones of blue and turquoise, its rooms still hold that sense of old world regality, now with an added touch of modern sleekness and sophistication. Spot subtle floral motifs – an ode to its locale near the Botanic Gardens. Photograph: Marriott Wander over to the new Tea Room for a treat from the Patisserie, or while your time away with an afternoon tea session, where you’ll enjoy a selection of sweet and savoury morsels with free-flow scones, a glass of sparkling tea, and your choice of Taylors of Harrogate tea or Tanamera coffee. The cherry on top? A live harpist playing soft, lilting tunes as you dine in elegance.  Photograph: Marriott St. Regis’ steak and seafood restaurant The Astor Grill has also gotten a luxe makeover with botanical-inspired touches, de

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

Your afternoon tea sessions just got majorly elevated with a brand new garden-to-table experience at Kaarla, a sleek restaurant that’s perched way up high on the 51st floor of 1-Arden. From a lemon aspen tart with thyme, and basque cheesecake with berry coulis, to an edamame hummus tart and more – every item served is made using edible plants from 1-Arden’s ‘food forest’. That goes for the complimentary tea as well, with choices like milky oolong with marigold, hojicha with mint and lemon myrtle, and jasmine tea with rose petals. But if you’re more of a coffee person, opt for a latte, cappuccino, flat white or long black instead. Matcha lattes are also available with a $2 top-up. Photograph: 1-Arden In line with the botanical theme, it’s no coincidence that the food set-up also resembles a Japanese zen garden – complete with real florals, bamboo and moss balls arranged artfully atop a bed of white ‘pebbles’ (beans) alongside the pretty morsels. The freshly harvested herbs add a unique, refreshing balance to each item, and flavour-wise, we have zero complaints. However, with each item being so daintily bite-sized, portions are definitely smaller compared to other more substantial (but perhaps less well-crafted) high teas we’ve had. We left feeling slightly peckish still, having skipped lunch in preparation for this feast – perhaps some classic scones would be a good addition to satiate diners better. That said, the views from our window seat were unmatched – it’s not every da

You can’t separate a Millennial’s fond memories of youth from *Scape, the low-rise mall steps away from Somerset MRT station. While the cool kids of that era have since grown up, *Scape is determined to uphold its reputation as Singapore’s top youth hangout – starting with an ongoing refresh that’s been in the works since 2022. Three years on, we can now anticipate the grand unveiling of its brand new era in November. Swapping out its past pre-loved flea sales for curated pop-up markets, underground concerts for live music by local talent, and cutesy purikura Neoprints for trendy Korean-style photo booths, *Scape will continue to serve as a hub for Singapore’s youth, but tweaked to the tastes of today’s crowd. And dance enthusiasts no longer have to park themselves at a random corner of the mall or its rooftop anymore, because there are now dedicated open spaces – with full-length mirrors, no less – where you can practise choreography with your crew. Speaking of music and dance? Renowned K-pop agency SM Entertainment will be setting up shop here with its first talent academy in Southeast Asia, with opportunities for further training in Seoul. But if dreams of stardom don’t excite you, look forward to watching larger-scale concerts within the five-storey complex, with The Ground Theatre almost doubling its capacity as part of *Scape’s whole spruce-up. Photograph: Access Singapore Along with the revamp comes all-new youth community space The Trampoline. An initiative by charit

Massive Pop Mart conventions, lash extensions for Labubu, and even character-themed festive decor – when will it all end? Not anytime soon, that’s for sure. In fact, just when we thought the craze-inducing toy company couldn’t surprise us any further, we spotted aircraft decked out in Pop Mart livery touching down right here on Changi Airport’s tarmac. As seen on Changi Airport’s official Facebook and Instagram pages, the special Pop Land City Paradise airplanes feature beloved favourites including Molly, Dimoo, Skullpanda, Bunny, Sweet Bean and plenty more – all against a striking red background. And according to netizens on Chinese social media platform Xiao Hong Shu, the interiors of the Airbus A320 plane are also splashed in similar decor, with themed amenities including Pop Mart barf bags, of all things. Photograph: Pop Mart The Pop Mart aircraft belongs to low-cost Chinese airline Zhejiang Changlong Airlines Co., more commonly referred to as Loong Air (长龙航空). Currently, the themed flights only operate on selected domestic routes within China, with destinations including Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Hangzhou, as well as on limited international routes from China to Jeju and Bangkok. The silver lining? Loong Air launched a new direct route between Singapore and Wenzhou in China’s Zhejiang province not too long ago, so Changi Airport’s posts might very well be a teaser of potential upcoming Pop Mart-themed journeys involving Singapore as well. Fingers crossed for the blind bo

Would you believe your eyes if ten million fireflies were to light up Singapore’s skies? Almost as a prelude to the grand National Day fireworks comes Spark, an immersive light show by Dutch artist Daan Roosegaarde. Having toured over 10 cities, including Tokyo, London, Melbourne, and Auckland, this captivating installation now lands at Gardens by the Bay’s Supertree Grove, marking its very first appearance in Southeast Asia. Photograph: Daan Roosegaarde Meant to be a more environmentally friendly rendition of fireworks as we know them, Spark uses thousands of biodegradable light sparks that resemble a swarm of fireflies and stars as they float about and twinkle through the night. They’re also silent, which means that those with sensory issues – or even your furry friends – are also able to comfortably enjoy the enchanting spectacle without experiencing any distress normally associated with traditional pyrotechnics. Don’t believe the photos? Here’s a video teaser of what’s in store IRL: Dates and timings for ‘Spark’ in Singapore: July 31 to August 2: 8pm to 10pm August 3: 9pm to 10pm Admission to Spark at Gardens by the Bay’s Supertree Grove is free. Do note that the 7.45pm Garden Rhapsody show on July 31, as well as the ones at 8.45pm from July 31 to August 2, will be cancelled as a result of Spark – though the ones on August 3 will be proceeding as per usual. We suggest strategically timing your visit so that you can catch both shows in succession during the same visit

With National Day around the corner, many of us are clamouring to catch a free glimpse of the NDP rehearsal and preview fireworks – which means that the usual fireworks-gazing spots in town are now extra packed over these few weekends. Cue camping an hour in advance just to snag a good spot, as you try to fight off boredom and hunger by munching on convenience store snacks as you wait. But we’ll let you in on a little secret: skip all that fuss and discomfort while still enjoying a good eyeful of the spectacle with a sumptuous satay buffet at Meh’r by Inderpal, helmed by MasterChef Singapore Season 4 winner Inderpal Singh. Named after his daughter, the restaurant doles out modern dishes inspired by Chef Inderpal’s favourite Southeast Asian flavours, from local to Indian and Thai, among others. Don’t expect the standard satay that you’d find at your neighbourhood hawker centre. This $58 all-you-can-eat feast at Meh’r by Inderpal will have you devouring skewers in the following reinvented flavours, served with ketupat: Chicken satay, marinated overnight Beef satay, made using a four-generation recipe Tandoori lamb satay Iberico babi pongteh pork satay Chayote lemak chilli padi (vegetarian) Photograph: Rachel Yohannan for Time Out Dunk these in the cashew sauce, an addictive spicy blend that is Chef Inderpal’s elevated rendition of the traditional peanut sauce. Pair these with beer and G&Ts at just $8 per glass for a winning combination. When we visited on June 28, Chef Inde

Rekindle your sense of childhood wonder and imagination with the latest immersive exhibition that’s landing in Singapore. The Little Prince: The Journey of Stars takes you through the whimsical children’s tale by French author Antoine de Saint-Exupéry – a beloved classic that’s been pored over by generations. You’ll know what to expect if you’ve attended the other exhibitions by Korean multimedia art collective Groundseesaw: vibrant 3D visuals projected across six-metre walls, educational snippets that delve deeper into the storybook world of The Little Prince, and a rousing instrumental soundtrack that heightens the whole multi-sensory experience. Follow the prince as he travels across planets, gains wisdom from the fox, and shows you to see the world through a different lens. Photograph: Fever The Little Prince: The Journey of Stars is suitable for all ages, and not to worry if you aren’t already familiar with the book. Treat this exhibition as an introduction to the simple yet poignant tale that holds multiple layers of profound, compelling themes beneath its colourful surface. The exhibition replaces Gustav Klimt: Timeless Beauty, while Van Gogh Inside: Love, Vincent and Monet Inside will continue running all the way till the end of July 2025, minimally. Each session lasts one hour in fixed time slots. As sessions start on the dot, visitors are advised to arrive at least 10 minutes earlier so that they can find a good spot and settle in nicely before the story comes ali