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

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

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

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.

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.    

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.

*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.

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.

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.

Orchard Road’s newest hotel has recently opened to welcome guests, and it’s one with Hollywood roots. With a name like The Standard, there can only be one of two outcomes – it either sets the, well, standard for other hotels in Singapore’s central shopping district, or risks falling short of its ambitious name in an unfortunate case of irony (see also: café in Singapore called Average Service). Upon Googling images of the hotel along Orange Grove, I was initially a tad doubtful. I could already tell that this wasn’t a particularly sprawling hotel, and while modern as advertised, it didn’t seem to have any standout features – no gym, club lounge, spa and the like. Yet, curious to find out what exactly it is that makes The Standard brand so popular around the world with a presence in more than 10 cities including New York, Ibiza, and Miami, I packed a bag for a one-night stay with no expectations. The short verdict? Whoever was doing the initial stock photography for the hotel certainly didn’t do it justice, and there’s lots more to discover in person. Read on for our full review of The Standard, Singapore. About The Standard hotel group Photograph: Rachel Yohannan for Time OutThe very first Standard Hotel was unveiled along the Sunset Strip in Hollywood back in 1999. That debut branch has since closed as of a couple of years back, but the brand now exists in multiple cities. Each Standard property has its own unique touches, so no two are the same. For example, the one in Lond

The hoardings are finally off, and the revamped Temasek Shophouse is ready to welcome visitors after two years of renovation work. Now comprising a row of four connected shophouses, this complex situated between Plaza Singapura and The Cathay at Dhoby Ghaut is now a social impact hub with a focus on community. Photograph: Temasek Shophouse While a lot is still under wraps, two new anchor tenants have just been announced. The first is Bibik Violet, a new dining concept by Violet Oon. While staying true to the restaurant chain’s Peranakan roots, this café is a more casual and accessibly priced offshoot with delicacies like Nyonya laksa, kueh pie tee, and buak keluak pork ribs – alongside traditional kueh, bakes, and the quintessential breakfast fave of kaya toast with coffee.  Photograph: Canlaken The other is Martket by Abry, a social enterprise retail market that hires seniors, underprivileged women, and people with disabilities. Among its wares are items sporting artwork by Canlaken (Kenneth Chin), a deaf Singaporean illustrator with a penchant for our local biodiversity. Martket by Abry also hosts a six-month mentorship programme where trainees can gain hands-on experience that will help them in various avenues, including the running of home-based businesses. Photograph: Foreword Coffee Bibik Violet and Martket by Abry join Foreword Coffee, an inclusive social enterprise café that employs people with disabilities, neurodivergence, and mental health conditions. Find ou

How do you know that a restaurant takes its steak seriously? When steak is the only main on its menu, that’s how. But we don’t mean focusing on this one dish in various cuts and cooking styles. At Parisian-style steakhouse La Vache!, trimmed entrecôte steak is the sole star dish – your only choice in the matter is the level of doneness, so you’d best come ready to dig into a meaty slab. Vegetarians, stay away. In an endless sea of dining options that gives us the very first world problem of constantly not knowing what to eat, this pared down approach might seem potentially…underwhelming. However, this concept actually draws inspiration from traditional French bistros. Whatever La Vache! is doing sure is working, for the Hong Kong-hailing restaurant with four thriving outlets on its homeground has just expanded with its first international branch in Singapore. Photograph: La Vache! At $68 per guest, an entrecôte steak set here includes a baguette basket, La Vache!’s salad with walnuts, and unlimited servings of its famous golden fries, often praised for being delightfully crisp and warm. But don’t be too quick to load up on the fried ‘tatos just yet, for a dessert trolley piled with sweet treats like mille-feuille and lemon meringue will be wheeled tableside as the grand finale. Photograph: La Vache! Now you know where to take your date if they’re always painfully indecisive when it comes to ordering food. La Vache is located at 40 Gemmill Lane #01-03, just a few minutes’

Time for a last lil’ booty jiggle before the cheeky Crayon Shinchan pop-up café ends its run on September 21 after three months. But in its place at Wong Fu Fu comes another character collaboration, this time with one of Sanrio’s top dogs: Cinnamoroll. A smart pick that we already know will draw in the queues for hungry kawaii-chasers, because the fluffy white character recently snagged first place in Singapore’s Sanrio Character Ranking this year, second overall. Officially opening on September 24, 2025, this Cinnamoroll pop-up café sports a dreamy blue-and-white theme that brings to mind frolicking in the clouds. At the centre of it all is one of the more cutesy renditions of the Sanrio character, where he sports a giant blue bow atop his floppy puppy ears (yes, Cinnamoroll is male). Bro is slaying the coquette trend for real.  Photograph: Wong Fu Fu Feast on three adorable character-themed mains: grilled salmon with rice and beetroot cream sauce ($21.90), grilled beef burger with smoky BBQ sauce ($20.90), and a nourishing Taiwan-style steamed herbal chicken soup with shiitake mushroom ($18.90). This time, desserts are kept to a minimum with the soft Hokkaido milk Swiss roll ($14.90) as the only option, but it’s one that you can’t really go wrong with especially when paired with the fresh strawberries and cookie crumble on the side. Photograph: Wong Fu Fu Ceremonial-grade matcha beverages are once again part of the line-up, with the floaty cloud matcha latte ($11.90) an

While a wave of new home-based cafés are churning out matcha latte after matcha latte, there’s a hidden villa in the jungle of Bukit Timah taking home dining to the next level. Self-proclaimed as “Singapore’s worst-kept secret for communal feasts”, Fork In The Jungle is a dining initiative set in the boho Balinese-style property that is Crane Jungle House. Yes, Crane as in furniture and homeware brand Crane Living – FITJ is its owners’ other passion project. Photograph: Fork In The Jungle From tropical brunches to Italian dinners and Japanese-inspired outdoor barbecues, every private dining experience at Fork In The Jungle comes with a theme of sorts. These are ever-changing, but all are full-course meals where you’ll get to dig into five to seven dishes cooked with love. Typically, a minimum of six diners is required – so you’ll have to rally your foodie crew and sign up together – but from time to time, Fork In The Jungle opens ‘tag-along’ slots for those who prefer coming in a smaller group or as a pair. Not to worry about any awkward small talk with strangers – all attendees get to dine in their own secluded corner of the sprawling villa, so you can soak in the resort vibes at full leisure while catching up with your buddies on the latest tea. Photograph: Fork In The Jungle As for those who do wish to encounter new faces, sign up for The Banquet instead – Fork In The Jungle’s lively communal dinner that’s held on every second Wednesday of the month. There’s always a n

After a delightfully ‘revolting’ run of Matilda last year, another Roald Dahl classic from our childhood is set to take the stage as a colourful musical adaptation. This time, it’s the award-winning tale of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, coming to Marina Bay Sands in May 2026. Join the eccentric Willy Wonka as he takes four lucky children on a tour in his chocolate factory – which actually turns out to be a series of secret tests to see who will inherit his sweets empire. You know how the story goes: it’s a trippy journey beyond your wildest imagination with chocolate-sorting squirrels and cheeky Oompa-Loompas, but with the underlying moral theme of how honesty and goodness of heart always prevail. Tunes as vivid as the kaleidoscopic candyland sets will prove to be earworm for days, but don’t expect the same ones from the 2005 Tim Burton movie starring Johnny Depp. This rendition of Dahl’s timeless classic instead features songs from the original 1971 film, including ‘The Candy Man’ and ‘Pure Imagination’, along with other fresh new ditties. Join the waitlist from now till September 18 to get first dibs on tickets at 15 percent off here. UOB cardmembers can enjoy priority access to the pre-sale on September 18 with 20 percent off, while public ticket sales open on September 20. READ MORE Singapore Nature Film Festival returns for a three-day run with screenings from just $10 We went on a Singapore Design Week mini-tour – here are the exhibits we loved Temasek Shophouse un

Looks like the skies are really putting on a grand show for us in the last quarter of the year. Those who missed the magnificent Blood Moon during the recent Total Lunar Eclipse have more astronomical phenomena to keep an eye out for, with a total of three supermoons and a couple of meteor showers happening across October, November, and December 2025 All events are said to be visible with the naked eye, provided there’s good weather with clear skies. As usual, it’s best to seek out a viewing spot that’s away from tall, brightly lit buildings for the optimum experience – and it won't hurt to use a zoom lens or telescope if you own one. Harvest Moon and meteor showers in October 2025 Next month brings us a triple treat in the form of a big and bright Harvest Moon – also the first Supermoon of the year – along with not one but two meteor showers. A Supermoon is a full moon that’s at its closest point to Earth during orbit, which thus makes it appear extra large and visible. This one’s happening on October 7 and will be visible from 8pm onwards. There will also be the Draconid meteor shower from October 7 to 10, peaking after 8pm on October 8, followed by the Orionid meteor shower, which peaks between October 21 and 22. Beaver Moon in November 2025 The Beaver Moon is named for its timely appearance during the period when beavers start preparing for winter. We won’t get to witness such wildlife activity here, but what we will get to see is a glorious full moon on November 5, 2025.

Would You Still Love Me If I Were a Sticky Frog? – that’s not the sequel to the infamous ‘worm dilemma’ for couples on social media, but the name of a nature-focused film. This, along with a slew of other flicks, are showing at the second edition of Earth in Focus: Singapore Nature Film Festival, held at The Foundry over three days from October 31 to November 2. On the screen roster are award-winning documentaries and shorts, all featuring compelling stories of wildlife and nature conservation. There will also be panel talks by turtle biologists, discussions on environmentally responsible travel, photo displays, and photography masterclasses with a special focus on DSLR camera trapping in rainforests – among other highlights. While there, get creative with a series of sustainable workshops, including one that teaches you how to make jelly snacks from mangrove plants, and an upcycling session where you’ll transform an old t-shirt into a tote bag. Tickets for all festival events are priced from $10 to $15, with each including access to at least one to two films and panel discussions. Get yours via Eventbrite from September 15 onwards and find out more about the film festival here. READ MORE We went on a Singapore Design Week mini-tour – here are the exhibits we loved See Ikea's limited-edition Gustaf Westman collection at its New Bahru pop-up Celebrity chef Yotam Ottolenghi is coming to Singapore for a live cooking show in early 2026  

It’s been close to a year since dessert parlour Huize van Wely opened at Raffles Hotel Singapore with its finely crafted treats. One look at its artisanal sweets and posh ambience, and it’s quite clear that the patisserie hailing from the Netherlands is on the premium end. It does, after all, have longstanding ties to the Dutch Royal Family. Now, you too can dine like royalty without fearing the bill, all thanks to a special promotion that lets you savour Huize van Wely’s afternoon tea at a discounted rate of $66 for two – that’s just $33 per person. Typically, afternoon tea here costs $106 per pair, so there’s no better time than now to indulge if you’ve yet to tick this pretty tea room off your list. Each set comes with pea soup and a cheese stick, four savoury items per person, including sausage rolls and quiche, four sweet tarts/cakes for sharing, and three chocolates for sharing. Every diner also gets their choice of coffee or tea in a pot. Photograph: Huize van Wely There’s no question about Huize van Wely’s quality of fare – every morsel we tried left us wanting for more, though we’d be lying if we said that the petite portion sizes had nothing to do with this. We were rather confused by the fact that we were expected to share tiny bite-sized chocolates, served in odd numbers no less, which could be potentially awkward for diners who aren’t at bestie level. It was also surprising that the selection of items shared with us over HVW’s WhatsApp hotline differed slightly

After flourishing as a home-based business and growing into a brick-and-mortar eatery, Café Lilac by Whisking Bakes is calling it a day after five years of operation. Taking to Instagram, its owner Chanel – who first started experimenting on her now-famous orh nee tarts after losing her flight attendant job during the Covid-19 period – cites burnout as one of the many factors leading to this eventual closure. “The past five years have been filled with amazing memories, proud achievements and more growth than I could ever have imagined…But to be honest, running this all alone has been exhausting. I haven’t felt excitement or passion in a while and I feel ready to take a step back to focus on new dreams,” Chanel shares online. Fans of Café Lilac’s taro burnt cheesecake ($8.50), taro pork floss toast set ($9.90), matcha taro latte ($7.50) and other yammilicious treats have until May 2026 for their final visits, as that’s when the café’s lease expires. Photograph: Café Lilac “It isn’t an easy decision as this has been a huge part of my life and identity, but I want to be brave and follow my heart,” the post continues. There’s one sliver of hope in all of this: the owner is open to letting someone passionate take over the business. So, if she does manage to find the right person to carry on the café’s legacy, Café Lilac and all its crowd favourites will live to see another day. Interested contenders can get in touch via Instagram DMs. For now, you can still drop by Café Lilac at

Revisiting the same ol’ cafés, tile-surfing on Netflix, and descending into the black hole of social media doomscrolling – if your usual weekends sound a lot like this, it’s high time for a reset. Break off from the usual routine and embark on fresh escapes, all without burning through your annual leave or budget with The Weekend Club –  a new initiative by social travel collective Sotravel that offers curated short trips around the region. Sweetening the deal is the launch of The Weekend Pass, a flexible $999 pass that gives you access to four Weekend Club experiences of your choice over a two-year period. These include road-biking day trips in Johor, 3D2N expeditions to Mount Bromo and Ijen Crater, and a leisurely weekend of sand dune ATV rides, snorkelling, and kayaking in Bintan. Travel math? That’s less than $250 per tour, inclusive of lodging, domestic transfers, and some meals. In contrast, signing up without the pass could set you back a good $450 for some of the longer and more strenuous journeys spanning four to five days. Note that international flights are not included, but shouldn’t require much additional dough as all destinations are within close vicinity of Singapore. Along the way, you’ll get plenty of opportunities to interact with your fellow adventure-seekers – all are welcome whether you’re coming with a pal or flying solo. No time to dawdle, though – The Weekend Pass is only available in limited quantities, from September 9 to 23, 2025. Find out more and

Foodies, clear your calendar for February 9, 2026 – famed Israeli-British chef and restaurant extraordinaire Yotam Ottolenghi is stopping by Singapore as part of his upcoming world tour. With 11 back-to-back stops, this tour mainly covers locations in Australia as well as Auckland in New Zealand, with our island city being the only Asian stop announced thus far. Titled An Evening with Yotam Ottolenghi, each show not only treats you to a live display of the celebrated chef cooking up a storm on stage, but also includes sprinkles of his culinary secrets and the stories that shape his favourite recipes and flavours. Ottolenghi is known for his vegetable-focused dishes, rich in spices and flavour inspired by his travels and heritage. At present, he owns a group of eight restaurants and delis in the United Kingdom, and one in Geneva, Switzerland, on top of authoring over 10 cookbooks. Read on for all the details on the one-night-only show that will be held at the Capitol Theatre. Photograph: Ottolenghi When is Yotam Ottolenghi coming to Singapore? An Evening with Yotam Ottolenghi will be held at Singapore’s Capitol Theatre on February 9, 2026 at 7.30pm. Where is Yotam Ottolenghi’s show in Singapore? Ottolenghi will be taking the stage at Capitol Theatre, directly connected to City Hall MRT via an underpass. How long is ‘An Evening with Yotam Ottolenghi’ in Singapore? The show will run for one hour and 50 minutes, inclusive of a 20-minute intermission. As such, you can expect it

No one does beef quite like the Japanese, especially in restaurants that have special access to rarer types of Wagyu, setting the gold standard for meat. Bringing this elevated level of dining from Ginza to Singapore is Nikuya Tanaka – a kappo-style steakhouse that’s been rated Japan’s number one in the 101 world’s best steak restaurants for two years running. In the most recent edition of the awards list, it was also named the 27th best steakhouse in the world and one of the top three in Asia. Nikuya Tanaka was born from decades of meat mastery by the Tanaka family. Helmed by third-generation owner Satoru Tanaka – whose father and grandfather were a butcher and cowherd, respectively – the grill restaurant prides itself on its purebred Tajima Wagyu, which accounts for less than 0.1 percent of Japanese beef. Each cow is personally selected by chef-owner Tanaka himself to maintain top-notch quality for optimum marbling and texture. Photograph: Nikuya Tanaka The same precision is applied to preparation methods, which include binchotan charcoal grilling and sashimi. At the original outlet in Tokyo, seating is kept intimate with just nine coveted counter spots in front of an open kitchen, ensuring that each diner and their meal receives sufficient attention. The Singapore outpost –  also Nikuya Tanaka’s first international opening – mirrors this with only 10 counter seats, and five in a private dining room. Photograph: Nikuya Tanaka Melty cuts of beef aside, diners can also lo