Rachel Yohannan

Whether you’re a visitor planning your very first visit to Singapore, or a Singaporean mapping out a special occasion in the city, choosing a hotel in Singapore is an important (and sometimes overwhelming) task. With so many spectacular stays to choose between – from the world-famous Raffles to new boutique stays like 21 Carpenter – it can be challenging to decide which is best for you. To help you determine which hotel to book for your next visit or staycation, our team of local editors (including Time Out Singapore Editor Cheryl Sekkappan, Regional Content Director for Time Out APAC Nicole-Marie Ng and local writer Dewi Nurjuwita) have tried and tested the city’s top-ranking hotels to determine which are worth your time.The list has been overseen by Winnie Stubbs, Travel and Hotels Editor APAC and self-confessed hotel obsessive. Each hotel has been chosen based on amenities, design and proximity to the city’s highlights – with many hotels on the list within walking distance of the best restaurants and bars in Singapore.Read on for our guide to the very best hotels in Singapore right now. RECOMMENDED: The best Singapore attractions to visitThe best rooftop bars in SingaporeAirport hotels in SingaporeThe best luxury hotels in Singapore At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on to

Also known as the Festival of Lights, Deepavali (or Diwali) is an annual religious celebration for Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains in Singapore. For those who are still unfamiliar, here's an in-depth guide on everything you need to know about the occasion, from its origins, to how it's celebrated in the Little Red Dot, and where you can get in on the celebrations regardless of your background.We've also compiled some tips on house guest etiquette if you've been invited to a friend's Deepavali open house party for the first time and aren't sure of what to wear or bring. RECOMMENDED: The best Indian restaurants in Singapore and the ultimate guide to Little India

This list is from 2024. Our latest ranking for 2025 is live here. In 2024, what exactly makes a neighbourhood cool? Craft breweries, natty wine bars and street art are well and good, but the world’s best, most exciting and downright fun neighbourhoods are much more than identikit ‘hipster hubs’. They’re places that reflect the very best of their cities – its culture, community spirit, nightlife, food and drink – all condensed in one vibey, walkable district. To create our annual ranking, we went straight to the experts – our global team of on-the-ground writers and editors – and asked them what the coolest neighbourhood in their city is right now, and why. Then we narrowed down the selection and ranked the list using the insight and expertise of Time Out’s global editors, who vetted each neighbourhood against criteria including food, drink, arts, culture, street life, community and one-of-a-kind local flavour. The result? A list that celebrates the most unique and exciting pockets of our cities – and all their quirks. Yes, you’ll find some of those international hallmarks of ‘cool’. But in every neighbourhood on this list there’s something you won’t find anywhere else. Ever been to a photography museum that moonlights as a jazz club? Or a brewery with a library of Russian literature? How about a festival dedicated to fluff? When communities fiercely support and rally around their local businesses, even the most eccentric ideas can become a reality. And that, in our eyes, is

The good thing about working in Singapore’s Central Business District is that you’re never short of food options. And on weekdays, there’s that added perk of set lunches, often at value-for-money prices. Whether you’re bonding with your favourite colleagues during break time or entertaining clients, these CBD restaurants offer some of the best business lunch sets in town – with prices starting from just $18. Even if you’re not planning a meal with work associates, these set lunches are worth taking leave for on a random weekday where you simply feel like treating yourself. RECOMMENDED: The best new restaurants in Singapore and the best happy hour deals in the city

It’s time to live life in the fast lane – the Grand Prix™ Season Singapore (GPSS) is back from September 26 to October 5, revving up with even more thrills beyond the race track. Besides cheering on your favourite speedsters zipping through the circuit, there are also plenty of things to do to immerse yourself in the buzz. With one-of-a-kind experiences that roll out just once a year during race week, you’ve got every reason to explore the city before – and even after – the final checkered flag waves. We’re talking 10 days of exciting experiences covering everything from parties at the hottest clubs to exclusive F&B deals, plus unique retail pop-ups and limited-edition merch drops – there’s bound to be something for everyone, no matter your speed. Here are the best spots to hit up this GPSS 2025, and all the activity highlights you shouldn’t miss. For the full lowdown, download your ultimate guide to the season.

There’s never a bad time for ice cream – especially not in Singapore’s unforgiving tropical heat. An abundance of ice cream parlours are dotted all around the island, and we’ve got the scoop on which are most worth your calories. From a gelato café with tea-based flavours, to a late-night joint that opens till 2am, and a homegrown chain we grew up with and still love dearly – here are the best ice cream stores in Singapore for a cool indulgent treat. RECOMMENDED The best guilt-free ice cream in Singapore and the best soft-serve ice creams 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

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

Christmas has come early for devoted fans of Disney. The first official Disney Store pop-up is sprinkling its magic at Jewel Changi Airport on November 6, 2025 – just in time for festive shopping. Make space on your display shelves, because the line-up here features limited-edition merchandise from your favourite Disney franchises, along with items from Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars – including a 15th Anniversary Tangled collection, and a super cool Baylan Skoll Lightsaber set. You’ll also get first dibs on a Disney Cruise Line-themed collection one week ahead of its online launch, to celebrate the debut of the first Disney Cruise embarking from Singapore. Photograph: Disney With the most wonderful time of the year around the corner, the pop-up is also stocked with character-themed festive paraphernalia – from snow globes to Mickey-shaped baubles that light up, and a cheeky Chip 'n Dale plushie set, with the chipmunks hiding in Santa’s hat. While all items present are also available for purchase on the Disney online store, nothing beats actually getting a good look and feel of the whozits and whatzits galore in person. Photograph: Disney It pays to get there early, as the first 100 visitors on opening day will receive a free Disney sticker set. But if you miss out on that, you can still redeem the sticker packets with a minimum spend of $70 from November 6 to 9, while stocks last. But it’s not a one-and-done affair – repeat visits are warranted with special events and expe

Who let the cats out? A giant eight-metre Mofusand inflatable recently made a few short, surprise appearances at spots in town, but the fun has just begun. That was but a mere teaser to a widespread Mofusand-themed Christmas takeover across multiple malls in Singapore, kicking off on November 5, 2025 through the end of the year. ‘Tis the season of cat-mas indeed, with a whopping 17 CapitaLand malls all decked out in larger-than-life Mofusand installations. These follow three themes based on popular Mofusand merchandise series: ‘Board Shark’, ‘Fruit Meow’, and the latest ‘Coffee and Donuts’. While some malls may share the same theme as others, the decor of each will differ, so you’ll have to go on a mall crawl if you’re planning on experiencing it all. Photograph: CapitaLand Bugis Junction is the only mall where all three themes come into play at once, and its neighbour Bugis+ happens to be the first of six pop-up store locations, which will be progressively rolled out even past the year-end festive period till February 22, 2026. Does that mean Mofusand-themed Chinese New Year displays are also in the works? If CapitaLand’s previous Pop Mart Disney collaboration that stretched from Christmas to red packet season was anything to go by, perhaps yes – we’ll be keeping our paws crossed for that. CapitaStar members get the added perk of meet-and-greet sessions with an adorable Mofusand mascot. Slots are free of charge, but have to be reserved via the app. Find out how to do so he

Wellness isn’t just a trendy buzzword. With an increasing awareness and emphasis on self-care and mental health these days, it’s now a way of life, and we’re all for it. Don’t believe us? This might convince you: A massive $1 billion wellness attraction spanning four hectares at Marina South Coast is in the works as we speak, and it’s set to be the first of its kind in Asia. Led by Therme Group, an established European wellness company with a global presence, this currently unnamed wellness facility will be situated by the water on a plot adjacent to Marina Barrage and Gardens by the Bay – the perfect site to let your mind and spirit renew. Like other projects by the group, this groundbreaking attraction’s offerings are rooted in age-old wellness rituals combined with modern science. Photograph: Therme Group Expect thermal pools, high-tech health-focused facilities, and more – it’s essentially a spa retreat, elevated plenty of notches higher. Sustainable features will also be part of the design, along with art installations within a sprawling compound surrounded by lush greenery. Sounds like a dream healing experience indeed. This wellness facility is expected to open in 2030, and we already know it’s going to be worth the wait. In the meantime, burnt-out folks in need of a reset can hit up new wellness spots like thermal bathhouse Nowhere Baths, or Ice Bath Club for an escape from the heat. There’s also the Japanese-style Joya Onsen Café, and a whole slew of choices in our

Singapore has been a top location of choice for food brands expanding beyond their own shores. Hong Kong’s La Vache!, Korea’s Nuldam Space, Japan’s Udon Shin, and the Philippines’ Mary Grace are just some of the handful of names that have joined our culinary scene recently. The next one set to whet our appetites is Ban Lan (班嵐) – a Fujian-style restaurant from China that’s recognised by the Michelin Guide. It might not have a star or a Bib Gourmand distinction, but the guide has listed it for its "traditional Fujian recipes [that] get an update with an emphasis on lighter seasoning and natural flavours." Its new Orchard Road outpost opening on November 7 is its first international foray. Placing a strong emphasis on ingredients from Suzhou, the restaurant dishes out reasonably priced seasonal menus – with dishes including the tie guan yin tea smoked crispy sesame chicken, crispy taro with scallion oil and meat gravy, and steamed yellow croaker with Yong’an yellow pepper. The three aforementioned signatures will be available at the Singapore branch and they’ll also be going at 50 percent discount during the opening promotion period from November 7 to 16, 2025. Other signatures include the steamed glutinous rice cake with crab, lotus seed milk pudding dessert, and Ban Lan’s rendition of the popular soup ‘Buddha jump over the wall’, which is painstakingly slow-simmered for 24-hours before being re-steamed under a lotus leaf for the richest, fullest flavour. Ban Lan is located at

Intercontinental Singapore, an architectural icon of Bugis, is ending its era under IHG by the end of the year. But when one door closes, another opens – and the compound will soon be transformed and reopened as The Luxury Collection come January 2026. A joint project between Marriott and Frasers Hospitality, The Luxury Collection will house 406 rooms and suites, starting from a comfortable 38 square metres in floor space. Guests can also look forward to an outdoor swimming pool, a gym, and a slew of six dining concepts, including a relaxed pool bar. There will also be event spaces including a ballroom, suitable for hosting weddings and other events. This is the second Luxury Collection hotel in Singapore, with the first one being The Laurus – a cushy all-suite resort at Sentosa that recently started welcoming guests in October. The resort is located just minutes away from new lifestyle hub Weave, which counts the world’s first Coach Coffee Shop and world’s largest Pierre Hermé store as some of its tenants. In the meantime, the existing InterContinental Singapore will be operating as per usual till December 31, 2025. Take this as your last chance for a weekend staycay here, or to visit its restaurants such as Man Fu Yuan or Luce – the latter of which currently hosting Banquet of Hoshena, an immersive story-driven dinner experience.

Two bars from Singapore took their spots on the World’s 50 Best Bars list in October, and now it’s time for the award’s hotel-focused counterpart to shine. Currently in its third year, the World’s 50 Best Hotels list was just announced at a ceremony in London, and only one hotel from Singapore made the ranks.  We’re not surprised to hear that it’s none other than the iconic Raffles Singapore – also known as our ‘grande dame’ thanks to its rich colonial heritage and opulent architecture dating back to 1899.  Although the luxurious all-suite Raffles Sentosa Singapore resort just opened its doors in March this year, the original Raffles property along Beach Road is not to be outshone, ranking fifth in the global 50 Best Hotels round-up. This is a slight bump from last year’s position of sixth place. On the flip side, Capella Singapore, which ranked 33rd last year, has unfortunately fallen off the leaderboard entirely. This is despite Capella Bangkok making the top three, and Capella Sydney ranking 12th as a new entrant. Topped by Rosewood Hong Kong (#1), and Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River (#2), 2025’s winners list also recognises Mandarin Oriental Bangkok (#7), Bulgari Tokyo (#15), and Desa Potato Head (#18) as some of the other top hotels in Asia. Photograph: Yi by Jereme Leung Raffles Singapore’s stunning all-white design, tip-top butler service, original Singapore Sling cocktail, and unmistakable Sikh doormen are some of the distinct characteristics highlighted in

When was the last time you went for a quick health checkup? Probably a little too long ago. We get it – as busy office folk, health matters are often left on the back burner. But there’s no excuse for any neglect now that there are free traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) consults being offered at the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC). Held for a limited time on Thursdays, from 11am to 2pm this November 2025, these ‘Midday Pulse Check’ sessions conducted by The TCM Folks last just 10 minutes each, so you can easily drop by during your lunch break and still have enough time left to wolf down a meal. What’s offered is more than a simple pulse-taking exercise. Through the measuring of each throb, you’ll gain insights into your body’s overall health, and learn how to maintain and improve it through age-old TCM practices, which involve the concept of balance. Photograph: SCCC Make sure you sign up online in advance, as only 15 check-ups per day are available. Sessions are held in SCCC’s cushy VIP lounge on level 9, and physicians present can converse in both English and Chinese. These ‘Midday Pulse Check’ sessions are being conducted as part of SCCC’s free-entry TCM-focused Healing Heritage exhibition, currently ongoing till February 22, 2026 – which you might as well check out while there. Find out more about the TCM consults here, and the exhibition here.

Even if this name sounds unfamiliar, you’ve definitely passed by the House of Tan Yeok Nee before. This low-rise and distinctly Chinese-style building certainly stands out against the taller grey commercial buildings surrounding it, piquing the curiosity of onlookers. What lies within? For the longest time, no one has really known – but here's your chance to finally get a peek inside this gazetted national monument. Photograph: Darren Soh for House of Tan Yeok Nee For the first time ever, the 140-year-old Teochew mansion – Singapore’s last-surviving – is open to the public after a three-year restoration. Most of the house’s original architectural details, from its exquisite gilding to its roof sculptures and carved doors, have been retained. Get a closer look as you walk through the in-house heritage gallery, which also features multimedia displays, along with photography-based artwork by Tan Ngiap Heng, the great-great-grandson of the merchant Tan Yeok Nee himself. Photograph: Darren Soh for House of Tan Yeok Nee Parts of the mansion will serve as event venues, which could range from corporate gatherings to recitals and even weddings. Other areas are set aside for office rental – so lucky you if your company ends up moving to this gorgeous, heritage-steeped compound. Photograph: Darren Soh for House of Tan Yeok Nee Also opening on-site is Loca Niru, a Japanese-French fine-dining restaurant helmed by Japanese chef Shusuke Kubota, who was previously the executive chef at Om

If you’ve always viewed HarbourFront Centre as just a place to eat before a cruise or Sentosa jaunt, that’s all set to change in a bit. The low-rise shopping mall near VivoCity is due for a grand glow-up, where it will transform into a shiny new 33-storey mixed-use building serving both retail and commercial purposes. HarbourFront Centre will close in the second half of 2026 to make way for this makeover, and will reopen in the first half of 2031 – that’s almost a five-year-long renovation so we’ve got high hopes. Out of the 33 floors, 26 will be used for offices, with the rest reserved for dining, shopping, and general recreation. As part of the refresh, HarbourFront Centre will also have an elevated park that sits adjacent to a waterfront promenade. Visitors will be able to soak in 360-degree views of the sea and Southern Ridges from this scenic plant-filled space. To help reduce carbon footprints, the new HarbourFront Centre is designed with sustainable features, including solar panels, eco-friendly water management, smart lighting, and electric vehicle charging stations. There will also be bicycle parking spots and other bike-friendly facilities to encourage car-lite travel since the area links to Labrador Park and other nature spots and park connectors as part of the Greater Southern Waterfront. Find out more about HarbourFront Centre here.

It was only a month ago that Air Japan decided that it would ramp up its Singapore-Tokyo flight schedule. But in a shocking turn of events, the low-cost Japanese airline under All Nippon Airways (ANA) has just announced that it will be ceasing operations altogether before the first quarter of 2026 is over. According to a spokesperson from ANA, this restructuring is part of a new brand strategy aimed at maximising profits and resources. Existing aircraft and staff will be redistributed across ANA Group’s other operations, which include Peach Aviation – a budget carrier that currently offers wallet-friendly direct flights to Kansai International Airport in Osaka. Not to worry if you have pending Air Japan flights already booked and paid for. It’s business as usual between Singapore’s Changi Airport and Tokyo’s Narita Airport till the end of March next year, with the final Japan-bound flight from Singapore departing at 12.55am on March 29, 2026. New flight bookings will also be accepted during this period, so there’s no reason to halt your travel plans. It’s not too late – reserve your final Air Japan flights here. As for trips beyond March next year? There’s always Air Japan’s direct competitor, Zipair by Japan Airlines, to consider for affordable trips to Tokyo.  

Christmas on a Great Street – Orchard Road’s annual year-end light-up – is back once again to blanket our shopping belt in sparkling Yuletide magic. Those with sharp eyes might already have noticed some baubles and bits being strung from Orchard’s lamp posts, but things are about to get more dazzling with the flick of the switch on November 8. Running till January 1, 2026, this 55-day festive display stretches all the way from Tanglin to Dhoby Ghaut. That’s 3.1km worth of sights to soak in. Photograph: Orchard Road Business Association This year’s colour theme features soft, elegant hues of rose gold, gold, and silvery white. But because it’s SG60, local motifs like Merli the Merlion and the iconic dragon playground will pepper the area with more vividness. In lieu of the usual sleigh, Santa’s reindeer will be pulling a trishaw instead – a cute nod to our past. As you’re strolling along, make a point to stop and look up at the facade of Hilton Singapore Orchard for a mesmerising 3D projection mapping show. Spirits will run high at not one but two Christmas villages. The one outside Ngee Ann City will feature carnival games, rides, and a revamped Christmas market with tasty bites and a craft beer bar. Gather around the 14-metre tree for nightly "snowfall", and don’t miss the weekend evening live performances starring Jill-Marie Thomas, Singapore Idol alumni Mathilda D’Silva and Maia Lee, and more. Over at Shaw House, things are more child-friendly with a Kiztopia Christmas Ma

Twinkling Christmas lights are beginning to appear, and our skies are also hamming it up to add some sparkle to the scene. Nope, we’re not done with the series of supermoons and meteor showers for the rest of the year, with not one but two celestial treats in store for us this November. First up is a glowing Beaver Moon – the second Supermoon of the year following October's Harvest Moon. Expected to be visible on November 5, from 7.30pm onwards, the moon will appear larger and more magnificent than a regular full moon on this day. Why the cute name? The moniker comes from how beavers often build their dams and gather food in preparation for winter. You won’t spot any beavers, of course, but if you’re living near a reservoir or large nature spot, don’t be surprised to see a cheeky local otter or two joining the party. Next comes the Taurids Meteor Shower, named for how it originates from where the Taurus constellation is. The Southern Taurids are predicted to peak on November 5 – the same day as the Beaver Moon – while the Northern Taurids should peak on November 9. That’s two chances to catch a glimpse of the meteors’ trails in the sky, which we commonly know as shooting stars. According to Science Centre Singapore, sky watchers can expect to see around 10 meteors per hour and even occasional fireballs, should we be blessed with agreeable weather. You’ll have to stay up late for this one, though; the Science Centre Singapore advises that the best time to view the Taurids Mete