Rachel Yohannan

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

It’s that time of the year again where our Little Red Dot starts getting into a festive buzz. That’s right folks, Christmas is around the corner and our island is packed with lots of merry fun.  From dazzling Christmas light displays and frosty winter-themed attractions to lively holiday markets, there’s no shortage of seasonal cheer. Here’s your guide to the best Christmas events in Singapore in 2024 for a jolly ol’ time. RECOMMENDED: The best places to see Christmas lights and decorations in Singapore and The best Christmas markets in Singapore      

Ho ho ho, the merriest time of the year is here. Like the rest of the world, Asian countries are all geared up to turn up the festive fun, with bustling Christmas markets, carnival-like festivals, and dazzling illuminations everywhere from Seoul to Singapore – yes, even the tropical countries are joining the jolly celebrations. No matter where you are and what your budget is, these are the biggest and best Christmas celebrations in Asia that you'll want to travel for.  READ MORE: The best rooftop bars in Asia and The best restaurants in Asia

It’s the season of giving and if you haven’t already started your gift hunt, the best time is now lest you end up stuck in a last-minute scramble. Some say that women are easier to shop for than men, but with the sheer plethora of choices out there, this can still prove to be a daunting task. If you’re still looking for presents for the lovely women in your life – be it your significant other, mum, or sister – check out our list of Christmas 2024 gift ideas that are sure to bring a smile to their faces. RECOMMENDED: The best Christmas gifts in Singapore for men and The best Christmas dinners in Singapore

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

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

In the middle of the bustling shopping district of Orchard lies a new little retreat for those looking to improve the condition of their hair at the root. You won’t find services like haircuts, dyeing, and perms here, because Headspa by Goyo, which recently opened in late 2025, isn’t exactly a hair salon in the conventional sense; Rather, it’s a Korean scalp wellness spa that uses traditional massage techniques to improve hair health and hair growth. First impressions? The outlet is much smaller than expected with just two parallel rows of curtained treatment rooms – basically everything you see in the establishment photo above – and I was surprised to find that it’s void of any reception counter, waiting area or consultation room. Instead, the spa piggybacks on these facilities over at Bada Hair Salon right next door, another Korean hair salon. That said, I was greeted warmly and served a cup of tea along with some Korean snacks – much welcome after a hectic day at work.  My 90-minute Ayurveda Headspa ($180) first began with a scalp analysis and scalp scan, which revealed that I had an oily scalp. We then proceeded into the treatment room for an aromatherapy session with a heated eye mask and head and shoulder massage, just what I needed to really get into the mood of relaxation. This was further enhanced by the salon’s unique woody interiors that are inspired by hanoks (traditional Korean houses). Other steps include a thorough wash, head node combing for blood circulation

​Raffles Hotel Singapore's highly anticipated sakura afternoon tea returns for just two weeks this April, offering a delectable array of cherry blossom-infused bites. Indulge in sweet creations like the sakura azuki roll cake, sakura raspberry mont blanc, and the refreshing sakura coconut miso verrine, as well as savoury selections like crab salad tart with tobiko, inari beef teriyaki, and a classic Japanese-style tamagoyaki sando. Along with these are three types of homemade scones: original, raisin, and a unique savoury option. Your choice of complimentary Jing tea or a special Raffles coffee blend will be served, but you can also add some buzz to the experience with a Sakura Sling – a floral twist on the iconic Singapore Sling cocktail – or a glass of premium champagne served with an additional sweet treat on the house. Find out more about Raffles Hotel's sakura afternoon tea for 2025.

You probably wouldn't have heard of Pan Fresco if you haven't stepped into Shaw Plaza at Balestier lately. And why would you? The neighbourhood mall isn't typically where you'd specially plan an outing to – but this cosy bakery-café might just change your mind. As cafés in Singapore get pricier and pricer, this understated establishment keeps things affordable with $3 kouign amann, $3.80 fruit danishes and almond Hokkaido milk loaves, and a crowd-favourite pistachio croissant for just $5.80.Croffles, lemon tarts, and cube pastries in flavours like green tea and Biscoff are also on the menu, but those who aren't after something sweet can go for the selection of sandwiches, savoury buns, and the ham and cheese croissant with salted egg yolk sauce. Beverages are similarly affordable with coffee-based drinks starting from $3.50 and hot or iced chocolate from $4.50. Apart from its artisan tea, pretty much nothing here is priced $6 and above. Find out more about Pan Fresco here.

The run-down Excelsior Shopping Centre is probably the last place you'd expect to find an art gallery, but that's where I_S_L_A_N_D_S has made its home amidst a hodgepodge of guitar and music hobby stores. Though tiny, this art space is constantly teeming with freshness and creativity, thanks to its ever-rotating line-up of displays mainly by local talents. From cat-themed sculptures to a 'found library' and even a collage made using plant matter, there have been plenty of quirky and boundary-breaking set-ups hosted in this little nook. Entry is free, so it's worth popping by every so often to check out what's new here if you happen to be in the City Hall area. Stay updated on the latest exhibitions via @islands.peninsula on Instagram.

There's no shortage of ryokans lining the vast Lake Kawaguchi area, but if you're seeking one with Mount Fuji views, onsens, delectable meals and a convenient location, Fuji Kawaguchiko Onsen Hotel Konansou ticks all your boxes and more. It's located some ways off from attractions like the Music Forest Museum and Maple Corridor – which means less tourist bustle, more tranquility – but should you wish to explore those spots, a quick 10 to 15-minute bus ride will get you there in a jiffy. Meanwhile, it's a stone’s throw from the Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway for sky-high views of the area. It’s also not too far from Kawaguchiko station, but don’t you worry about walking over with luggage in tow, because the hotel offers a convenient free shuttle service to and from the station for all guests. View of Lake Kawaguchi from our room | Photograph: Rachel Yohannan for Time Out We made our booking via Rakuten Travel, opting for a traditional Japanese-style room (Type B – Kohaku) with futons, but there's also a handful of Western-style rooms with beds. Waking up to the view of the lake right before our eyes was unreal – and the private open-air onsen facing the waters was a real treat in the chilly weather. But don’t just stick to the bath in your room, for it’s fully worth experiencing Konansou’s public onsen, where you’ll be graced by the majestic sight of Mount Fuji on a clear day. Unwind in the onsen’s outdoor rock bath, sauna, cold tub and hot jacuzzi, and grab a complimentary pop

Here's the purr-fect free date idea for cat lovers. Cats in a Floating World is a whimsical feline-focused art exhibition featuring adorable illustrations by 14 Japanese artists. But before you walk through admiring the rows of contemporary framed pieces, you'll come face to face with a giant statue of a kitty dressed in a futuristic outfit, inspired by the significance of cats in ancient voyages. There's also be gachapon minatures of this endearing explorer cat at just $5 per randomised spin. This meow-nificent showcase will be running at the new I.F. Gallery along Tras Street until December 29, 2024. Find out more here.    

Teddy bear-themed restaurant Kumachan Onsen isn’t the only place to enjoy a cutesy hot pot experience in Singapore. Hot on the heels of that comes Singapore’s very first Miffy hot pot pop-up restaurant with adorable Miffy-shaped chicken collagen blocks that melt into a comforting broth. Pick from a whopping six soup bases and a variety of proteins, and top it up with some addictive finger food like tater tots with Taiwan mochi balls. You can even opt for free-flow bubble tea at an additional $3.90. This dining experience opens on October 15, 2024, and will be running at Taiwanese restaurant Wong Fu Fu for an limited period of time. When is the Miffy hotpot pop-up happening in Singapore? This Miffy hotpot restaurant will be around for a temporary period of time starting from October 15, 2024. According to a representative from Wong Fu Fu, this pop-up will run for around three months, so you can expect it to last till mid-January 2025. That said, there might be an extension of the collaboration if there's popular demand. Where is Singapore’s Miffy hotpot restaurant? The Miffy hotpot pop-up will be held at Wong Fu Fu, a Taiwanese restaurant located at 776 North Bridge Rd, Singapore 198744. It’s a stone’s throw from the Haji Lane area, with the nearest MRT station being Bugis MRT. Is this Miffy hotpot restaurant halal? Wong Fu Fu is officially halal certified by MUIS, so yes, the Miffy hotpot sets will also be made using halal ingredients. How much is a Miffy hotpot set?  The hot

Bringing a slice of Japan to Jurong is Joya Onsen Café, the very first onsen complex in Singapore. Just like the real thing, it has communal baths separated according to gender, though couples can also book the private onsen for some one-on-one time. Once you've soaked your stresses away, put on a yukata and head on over to the in-house café for some refreshing Hokkaido milk ($5), ramen and udon (from $12.90), rice bowls (from 14.90) or desserts including seasonal wagashi ($6 for five pieces). Book your tickets in advance here and check out the latest promotions here.

Offering manicures, facials, lash extensions and eyebrow treatments, Diown Beauty is a one-stop beauty salon for ladies to look and feel their best. What sets it apart from other beauty salons is its sheer spaciousness, along with the amount of care put into creating a comfortable environment for customers seeking the total princess treatment. Case in point? Instead of the usual sight of multiple chairs squeezed in a single row against a wall, the manicure area has just four armchairs in total – massage chairs, actually – each spaced one metre from the other in a two by two formation. As such, customers get to retain a sense of personal space even if the salon is fully booked for mani-pedis. Right in front is a massive 85-inch television to keep you occupied while your digits are getting their new coat of paint. The rest of the treatments are done in private rooms that come with a garden view. If you need to doll up post-treatment before heading out to meet your gals, feel free to make use of the vanity corner complete with LED mirrors. Pop by Diown Beauty’s Instagram page to check out their latest first-timer promos if you’re a new customer.

Cherries, bananas, vine tomatoes and lemons – these are some of the key ingredients in the colourful broth of Tess Smith-Roberts’ debut solo exhibition in Singapore. Simply and aptly titled Hello Singapore!, this vibrant showcase by the London-based illustrator is currently open at Heartware Store & Gallery, a cosy new art space at Joo Chiat with free entry. It’s almost serendipitous that Smith-Roberts’ usual doodles and merchandise are centred around food – because that’s what most of us Singaporeans love best. Even for those who aren’t already acquainted with her work, there’s an instant sense of relatability upon introduction, bolstered by an irresistible cuteness; All the subjects of her drawings come with varied facial expressions, so each one comes to life as a whole character instead of remaining a mere fruit, vegetable or common ingredient.   Photograph: Time Out     We can’t get over the adorable merch stand, which is the first thing you’ll see upon entering the studio. Made to resemble a fruit stall, this nook is stacked with plastic baskets filled with items for sale, along with fruit pushies hung up with metal hooks and pink raffia string – exactly like what you’d see at those mom and pop stores in Singapore’s heartlands.   Photograph: Time Out   Some of the items have been sold out all too quickly, but there’s still a good handful of postcards, washi tape, tote bags, stickers, mugs, and other knick-knacks up for grabs, starting from $7. The squishable fruit p

Serangoon BBQ & Curry broke many hearts when it announced the permanent closure of its Sin Ming hawker stall earlier in January this year. Loved for its signature barbecued meat dishes and Peranakan-style nasi padang, this humble but popular family-run business has amassed plenty of regulars over the past 40-odd years – and what a run it’s been. But all good things come to an end, and Uncle Tan and Auntie Cheong – the elderly couple behind some of our favourite dishes – are now enjoying their well-deserved retirement as we speak. But their culinary legacy lives on. Keen to continue bringing his family’s recipes to the masses at accessible price points, their son Eugene recently launched a modern offshoot of SBC at Junction 8 with tweaked versions of old favourites and fresh new items. Though some may be skeptical about a hawker-turned-quick-service concept, Serangoon BBQ & Curry 2.0 at Bishan quickly proved to be a hit. With bowls priced from just $8.90, air-conditioning, and the option to pre-order a takeaway, it certainly checks multiple boxes for hungry folks of all ages seeking convenience, comfort, and honest-to-goodness local flavours. If you haven’t found the chance to get a taste of SBC’s nosh due its heartland location being out of the way, you’ll be glad to know that there’s now a second branch at Raffles Specialist Centre, just a short walk from Bugis MRT station. This outlet has everything you’d get at the Bishan branch and more, with special menu exclusives like

Singapore is known for its rich hawker heritage, but that’s not the only form of cuisine we excel in. Our high-end restaurant scene stays winning too, with plenty of fancy fine-dining establishments receiving recognition in global culinary awards like La Liste and Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025. Now here’s another gourmet-related achievement to celebrate. The first-ever overseas award ceremony for the Black Pearl Restaurant Guide was recently hosted at Marina Bay Sands on April 25, 2025, and Singapore has an impressive record high of 16 restaurants as part of the winning line-up. Out of these, five are new entrants on the list, namely: Cassia, Jade Palace Seafood Restaurant, Peach Blossoms, Seroja, and Waku Ghin – all of which scored a one-diamond award. Peach Blossoms also bags the 2025 Annual Dish Award for its Crispy Scales Fillet of Marble Goby in Spicy Pineapple Sauce, pictured below. Photograph: Peach Blossoms On top of that, two Singapore-based chefs are also named in Black Pearl’s 2025 Chef Awards, with the Master Chef Award going to Sebastien Lepinoy from Les Amis – whose restaurant scores the highest rating of three diamonds in this year’s Black Pearl ranking; while the Young Chef Award is bagged by Toraik Chua from three-Michelin-starred fusion restaurant Zén. The Black Pearl Restaurant Guide is helmed by Chinese tech company Meituan, and it’s the first international food guide based on Chinese dining standards. See below for the full list of winners from Singap

Anticipation is running at an all-time high as campaigning for the Singapore General Election 2025 (GE2025) hits full force. You’ve probably received flyers in your mailbox or seen political party posters plastered around your neighbourhood, and perhaps even experienced some of the passionate rallies yourself. There’s no escaping the topic on social media either – “look left, look right” and you’ll see snippets of the various candidate’s speeches, a ton of public discourse, and entertaining meme-ish moments. No matter where your political views lie, we probably all have the same few questions in the lead-up towards Polling Day, which was recently confirmed for May 3, 2025 as an official public holiday. How do we find our allocated polling station? Can we vote at any polling station in our neighbourhood? What happens if you don’t vote? Our ultimate guide to voting in GE2025 covers all the biggest frequently asked questions, so get informed ahead of time if you’re a new voter, or simply someone who needs a ‘refresher course’ after five long years.   How to check which electoral division or constituency you are in This almost sounds like a no-brainer, but things can get confusing if your neighbourhood is often the subject of ever-shifting electoral boundaries. Your are may not be in the same constituency that it once was in the last election, so if you’re unsure, key in your postal code here on the Elections Department Singapore website to sort out the facts. How to find your de

The June school holidays are just slightly over a month away, and if you’re a parent, you’re probably looking forward to some family fun time with the kiddos while they get a break from the books. An overseas trip might even be on the cards. Haven’t decided where to go? Booking.com has just revealed a list of the top 10 trending destinations for Singapore families during the June 2025 school holidays, so you can take inspiration from the most popular picks. But if you and your fam prefer going against the grain, then consider this a list of places to skip in order to escape the crowds. It's unsurprising, really – with 691,100 Singaporeans visiting it in 2024, Japan remains a top choice for families this June, retaining its number one position from last year. The overtourism issue in Japan is all too real, but it’s worth straying away from the usual big three of Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, and venturing to other prefectures instead. We recommend exploring the underrated Hokuriku region, now made more accessible via a new Shinkansen route. Second most popular is Australia, which was also one of the top three for last year’s June holiday ranking for Singaporeans. We’ll let you in on a little secret: Instead of being stuck on a seven- to eight-hour flight to Melbourne or Sydney, you can jet off to the coastal region of Broome in just four hours, thanks to a brand new direct flight route from Singapore. Next is Malaysia, which has been bumped down one spot this year, essentially swap

Yoshikazu Mera, Sumi Shimamoto, and Azumi Inoue – you may not recognise these names, but you’ve most certainly heard their voices if you’ve ever watched any of Studio Ghibli’s most celebrated animated films. These talented singers are the very ones behind theme songs of movies like My Neighbour Totoro, Princess Mononoke, and Laputa: Castle in the Sky, and they’re all heading to Singapore for a performance this June. The Music of Studio Ghibli – Original Singers Symphony is not to be confused with the upcoming Joe Hisaishi concert in July; The latter is a non-vocal classical music recital, featuring Hisaishi on the piano accompanied by a harpist and the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. On the other hand, this performance will give you a rare chance to hear your favourite Ghibli tunes being sung by their original vocalists in the flesh. The aforementioned trio of songbirds will be joined by Inoue’s daughter Yuyu – a young rising star herself – and backed by the 17-member-strong Tokyo Asia Orchestra, whose accompaniment will help draw out all the rich emotions in each song. The Music of Studio Ghibli – Original Singers Symphony is a one-night-only event held at The Star Theatre on June 11, 2025 at 8pm. Tickets are already on sale and start from $88, going up to $268 depending on category. The full list of prices is as follows: VIP: $268 Cat 1: $208 Cat 2: $188 Cat 3: $168 Cat 4: $148 Cat 5: $108 Cat 6 (restricted view): $88  Get your tickets The Music of Studio Ghibli – Original

It’s impressive how Singapore still manages to squeeze new shopping malls within its limited land space – Punggol Coast Mall and Icon Link@ClubStreet are two that just opened this year. Meanwhile, the shiny new complex that is Geneo has just been unveiled over at the west side of Singapore, offering those working and studying at Kent Ridge a new haunt instead of the usual campus spaces or hospital retail wing. Photograph: CapitaLand Don’t brush Geneo off as just another shopping mall, though, because it’s so much more. Think of it as a much larger Westie cousin of Punggol Digital District. This mammoth of a mixed-development complex – a mega lifestyle hub, if you will – comprises a total of five sleek buildings that are home to offices (including Shopee’s), wet labs, coworking spaces, serviced apartment residence Citadines Science Park which is also open for short staycation bookings, and of course, food and retail options.  Photograph: Citrus Kitchen Some confirmed standout food and beverage brands at Geneo include Olive & Peach, a new-to-market café specialising in coffee and focaccia sandwiches; Great Nanyang Heritage Café with old-school favourites; a Hawkerlab food court; Western-Thai fusion restaurant Citrus Kitchen; healthy DIY bowl kiosk Grains & Co.; Taiwanese eatery Xi Men Jie; Ha-Jun Korean; and Swensen's Unlimited with its buffets. Of course, you’ll also come across the usual chain outlets like Subway, Fun Toast, Pasta Express, Luckin Coffee, and Putien. Phot

Orchard Road has become a lot livelier as of late – foodie mall Taste Orchard, swanky hotels like The Standard, and a 3,000-capacity music venue by Live Nation are just some of the new developments here as part of an ongoing transformation. We can see why it was recently crowned one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world.  Mega bazaar Night At Orchard also made a comeback last year after a four-year, pandemic-induced hiatus, and this monthly pop-up will once again be bringing extra colour to our shopping belt’s street in 2025. Similar to before, this year’s editions of Night At Orchard will also be held from Friday to Sunday, 3pm to 10pm, during the last week of each month – with a special focus on "creative and experiential brands", both homegrown and international. The next one is happening this coming weekend, from April 25 to 27. The bazaar stretches from the outdoor area in front of Wisma Atria to Ngee Ann City (Takashimaya), and typically features a whopping 50-over booths each time. Aside from food, retail, and shopping options, there may also be hands-on activities such as art workshops, accessory customisation, and fun game challenges. Previous editions also had gachapon machines and blind boxes for attendees to try their luck with. Photograph: Night At Orchard At certain times of the year, special themes might come into play – past themes include sustainability, summer, Halloween, and design, just to name a few. Expect handmade items like jewellery and bag cha

Hop into the nostalgic storybook world dreamt up by children’s author Beatrix Potter with the latest edition of afternoon tea at Skai: a Peter Rabbit-themed experience with bite-sized treats that are almost too cute to eat. With Skai being located on the 70th floor of Swissôtel The Stamford, dining there is already a perk in itself. Its elevated ceiling spanning over two storeys high gives an extra sense of spaciousness, with window walls offering arguably the best views of Singapore’s most iconic landmarks and surrounding seas. Now, the restaurant and wine bar is pulling a rabbit out of its hat with this adorable new collaboration that takes us back to the carefree whimsy of our childhood days. Photograph: Rachel Yohannan for Time Out The venue’s interior retains its original elegance, but the magic lies in the details presented on your table. You’ll be given physical menus printed with classic watercolour-style Peter Rabbit illustrations, character-themed place cards, and even print-outs of Peter Rabbit and friends like Benjamin Bunny specially for decorative and photo-taking purposes. The coasters also feature the curious critter, and each table is spruced up with a pot of purple flowers for that English garden vibe. Things kick off with your choice of drink, where each diner is entitled to a complimentary mocktail, TWG tea, or Suzuki Gourmet Coffee. We went for the Blossom Fizz mocktail – a fruity-floral blend of peach puree, rose water, coconut syrup, soda and blue pea

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 just revealed that it will be opening a brand new outlet, within the very same mall, no less. Kinokuniya will not be taking over its sister brand NBC’s former space, and will instead be setting up shop at what used to be Challenger on Level 3 of the mall. 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 physical store. Hoardings for the new Books Kinokuniya at Raffles City are already up, and it’s slated to welcome bookworms on an unspecified date in August 2025. In the meantime, check out our compilation of the best bookstores in Singapore which includes many smaller, independently run names. READ MORE Here’s what to expect at the first Singapore outlet of 2nd Street, a popular Japanese thrift s

It’s a sad, sad time for bookworms in Singapore. Following the sudden announcement of Times Bookstores closing down, comes the news of Epigram Books’ only physical bookstore also biting the dust. Epigram Coffee Bookshop first opened at Maxwell in early 2019 as the first bookstore to exclusively stock books by Singaporean writers and publishers – a step forward in our small, local literary scene. But with the Covid pandemic came a significant decrease in footfall, and the little nook was forced to close in 2021 after struggling with rental costs. Eventually, the book café made a celebrated comeback after finding a home in the new Singapore Art Museum (SAM) at Tanjong Pagar Distripark that opened in 2022. But it seems like the humble book haven is still no match for our swiftly changing times, coupled with high rental and overhead costs. Photograph: The Local INN.terior According to Epigram Books, it has been a tough fight trying to keep this brick-and-mortar store alive. Various initiatives such as shuttle services, book launches, and other in-person events have been put in place, but these have not been successful in bridging the gap. There are currently no plans for Epigram Coffee Bookshop to relocate. The silver lining is that it’s business as usual with Epigram Bookshop’s online store, which will continue to stock fiction and non-fiction reads catered towards a wide range of age groups and interests. Novels and poetry aside, you can also pick up photo books, comics, reci

Getting around in Singapore via public transport is easy peasy, so it’s no surprise that we recently made our way onto a list of cities with the world’s best public transport. But let’s just say you choose to skip the trains and buses, and rely on your own two feet instead – depending on where you’re headed to, that’s an entirely possible alternative as well thanks to our neat, well-paved roads. In a new list of the 20 most walkable cities in the world, Singapore ranks 16th – based on favourable opinion by our locals themselves. In a Time Out survey that was sent out to 18,500 people from over 50 countries, 80 percent of Singaporeans selected ‘amazing’ and ‘good’ in answer to the question, “How easy is it to get around your city by foot?” At top place is Abu Dhabi (91 percent), followed by Boston, USA (89 percent) and Brighton, UK (88 percent). These are followed closely by New York (87 percent) in fourth place.  Asia-wise, Shanghai and Hong Kong are ranked the most walkable – both cities rake up a total walkability score of 82 percent, and are tied at 10th place together with Paris, France and Cardiff, UK. Shanghai, Hongkong, and Singapore are the only cities in Asia that are named in the list. Though the questionnaire doesn’t go into detail on what defines this walkability, let’s delve into the facts: Singapore isn’t walkable just because it’s small and tightly packed. In fact, with a bulk of offices cluttered in town or certain industrial areas, most of us heartland dwelle