Sofiana Ramli

There's a time for trekking and conquering nature trails but there's also a time for sitting pretty and having a picnic – especially now that beaches are open once again. Forget fighting for a table in a hip cafe in the city too. When the weather's looking fine, it's time to pack some bites and look for a spot in one of the best parks in Singapore.  If you're not in the mood to put together a take-out feast, grab a gourmet picnic basket that comes pre-packed with all the tasty finger food you need. All you have to do is to place an order, swing by to collect and be on your way. We've rounded up some places that don't require you to travel to the middle of nowhere, have some shade, and most importantly, located near the toilets (but not too near). RECOMMENDED: The best places to fly a kite and best nature trails in Singapore

While Singapore might be known for its towering skyscrapers and modern feats of architecture, there’s something charming about the city’s street art scene that gives it that bit of edge. These colourful works are often located in heritage-rich neighbourhoods like Little India, Joo Chiat, and Kampong Gelam, hidden away in the backstreets or covering the facade of old shophouses. The next time you’re out and about, go on a hunt for these street art murals before they’re painted over and gone forever. From the vibrant and bold to the subtle and understated, there’s something for every art lover – or aspiring Instagrammer looking to snap that perfect pic. RECOMMENDED: The best urban art trails in Singapore and the best contemporary art galleries in Singapore

From manoeuvring tricky slopes on Ubin's mountain biking trails to kayaking around the island and hiking up the rocky and steep Puaka Hill, there's lots of activities to get your heart-pumping among these natural terrains.

If you love history and ecosystems, head to the East of the island to check out old restored houses and the Chek Jawa wetlands. Don't miss climbing up the 20-metre tall Jejawi Tower for a bird's-eye view of Ubin.

A paradise for nature lovers, Pulau Ubin has plenty to offer with its lush greenery and abundant wildlife. Go bird-watching, visit the abandoned quarries and learn more about its native plants as you roam around the island.

Pulau Ubin may not have the white sandy beaches of Gili Island or Phuket, nor is it exactly the day-trip getaway of your dreams but the eccentricity and charm of this little offshore island makes it a magical place. One of the two remaining kampongs in Singapore (the other being Kampong Buangkok in Yio Chu Kang), Pulau Ubin is just a 15-minute boat ride away from the mainland. Whether you’re a nature lover or a thrill-seeker, here’s how you can soak in the tranquillity and discover a myriad of hidden treasures on the island. RECOMMENDED: The best hiking trails in Singapore and the ultimate guide to Singapore's offshore islands

Spending 24/7 in the thick of Singapore city life can take a toll. If planning a long trip sounds too tedious to you, then good news – we don't have to get on a plane for a quick respite because our island is itself surrounded by islands that offer a slower pace of life.  Hop on a boat to these offshore destinations and breathe in the fresh air. Set up camp – or a picnic mat if you don't intend to stay the night – and relive those kampong days. These uninhabited islands are ripe for exploration, just don't forget to slather on the mozzie repellant and sunscreen.  RECOMMENDED: The best hiking trails in Singapore and the best nature trails in Singapore

These days, halal fare isn't difficult to find in Singapore. Gone are the days when you were limited to the same few choices – instead, there's a wide range of cuisines that are Muslim-friendly to feast upon. From the city to the heartlands, you can find juicy American smokehouse barbeque, Sichuan dumpling noodles, Halal Guys-inspired rice bowls, proper Cajun seafood boils, and more. And if you were worried about the price point, there many affordable options too – though some venues are just perfect for making a splash.  In this nifty list, take your tastebuds around the world and experience different cuisines that cater all occasions, be they large group eat-outs to romantic dates.  RECOMMENDED: Best nasi padang restaurants and stalls in Singapore and the best Spanish restaurants and tapas bars in Singapore    

Nothing's better than a cool drink in Singapore's tropical weather. Or how about a refreshing dip instead? When temperatures are high, take the kids out to cool down at these free aqua playgrounds around the island (though in one case, it's a steamy warm bath for the feet). We've checked out where to go for the best sprinklers, bubblers and water fountains that are great for kids (and adults). Best of all, they are all in public spaces and have absolutely no admission fees.  RECOMMENDED:  The best public pools in Singapore and The best indoor playgrounds in Singapore

Nightlife in Singapore is not completed without the thumping sounds of the clubs or the acoustic melodies of a busker. But if you consider yourself a jazz purist or someone who simply enjoys the sweet of sounds of sax and double bass in the air, these spots in town are your best bet to find live jazz performances. RECOMMENDED: The best live music venues in Singapore and the best places for live world music in Singapore

There's no doubt that this matured residential town makes our hearts go "Bedok, Bedok." Cheesy lines aside, the name Bedok first made a mark in Manuel Godinho de Erédia's map of Singapore in 1604 to refer to Sungei Bedok. Derived from the Malay word 'bedoh', Bedok translates to a massive drum used as a call to prayer or to sound the alarm back when loudspeakers were non-existent. However, it could also come from the Malay word 'biduk' which translates to a sampan-like fishing boat, which then explains the many fishing villages by the east coast. Now, the fishing village has transformed into a buzzy neighbourhood brimming with hawker haunts, hip cafés, supper spots, obstacle courses and endless sporting activities. Zipline across the reservoir, tuck into scrumptious local delicacies and cool off at the estate’s lifestyle hub while you’re in Bedok. RECOMMENDED: The ultimate guide to Siglap and the ultimate guide to Pasir Ris and Changi

Trust us, there's more to Instagram than #OOTDs, food porn and #selfies. From street artists to illustrators and graphic designers, discover hidden talents beyond the art gallery walls. We scrolled through social media to round up ten of the most exciting Singaporean artists that are using Instagram to showcase their beautiful works to the world. Make sure to double tap and follow them while you're at it.  RECOMMENDED: The best local photographers to follow on Instagram and 6 local artists we love

  Tan Leong KitPhoto: Donn Tan Tan Leong Kit, 86Owner of ‘Y u so like that!’ drink stall How long have you been living in Ubin? I’ve been living here since 1989. What do you do every day on the island? I live on the island on weekdays and go back to Singapore on the weekends to stay with my family. While I’m in Ubin, I usually make sure I keep myself fit by either exercising or gardening, apart from taking care of the shop. I encounter different types of people every day, who come by the store, especially expats and tourists. Favourite part of Ubin? I enjoy every part of the island because the air is really clean here. Mdm Ng Ngak HengPhoto: Donn Tan Mdm Ng Ngak Heng, 67Owner of ‘Yak Hong’ food and drink stall How long have you been living in Ubin? I’ve been living on Ubin for 40 years now. What’s it like living in Ubin? Every day is a pretty easy life. Living here is stress-free. As you get older, it’s harder to find jobs, and Singapore can get really competitive. Shop rentals are high, too. I watch television programmes from time to time as I run the shop and attend to customers. However, business here isn’t too great and I still have to pay my shop’s $1,700 electricity bill each month. Favourite part of Ubin? [Laughs] My shop, lor. Mr LimPhoto: Donn Tan Mr Lim, 61Owner of a rental bike shop (25 Pulau Ubin) How long have you been living in Ubin? I was born and raised here in Ubin. I’ve been living here for almost all my life. What has changed since then? Previously, t

Have you checked out a cool art exhibition? Or dined at a new fancy restaurant in town? Each month, we get our readers to share their favourite experiences in the city for a chance to be featured on our magazine. Here are our May picks: 1. Woodlands SMRT station by Dan Sihay Rise and shine! Let loose of those #Monday blues 💪🏻 A post shared by Dan Sihay (Travel✨Photography) (@dansihay) on Mar 25, 2018 at 4:08pm PDT 2. Bras Basah, Bugis by Wisely Orenjijusu Machine. Lenses by @louisporfirios. . #TravuhlSG #exploresg #visitsingapore #passionpassport #timeoutsg A post shared by WISELY 🇲🇨 (@wi.sely) on Mar 21, 2018 at 8:49am PDT 3. Prudential Marina Bay Carnival by Aurelius Swing in the Central Business District. A post shared by AureliuS (@yyangli_) on Mar 17, 2018 at 2:23am PDT 4. Merlion Park by Ravi The Merlion in Singapore is a mesmerizing place with breathtaking views of Marina Bay and is a must visit for all tourists! I was lucky enough to catch the fiery skies at the end of the day. • • • 📍 Singapore • #passionmadepossible #wonderlustsingapore #whatissingapore #ilightmarinabay2018 #topsgshots #singaporecity #whatissingapore #visitsingapore #ilovesingapore #marinabaysands #merlion #Singapore #asia #singaporetrip #gardenbythebay #letsexploresg #visualsingapore #kilogrammerz #todayweexplore #creatorgrams #milliondollarvisuals #wanderlust #adventureseeker #doyoutravel #travelmore #goexplore #wonderfulplaces #openmyworld #lovetotravel #start

It's a sad day for Inuka lovers. The beloved senior polar bear, who was born in the Singapore Zoo, had been suffering from old age illnesses and the wildlife park has announced that he has passed on peacefully this morning (Apr 25). Inuka had lived up to 27 years old. The zoo has made its official statement in the following Facebook post: Farewell Inuka, you will be missed. RIP.

Unless you've been living under a rock, then you've probably already heard about Hollywood's upcoming summer rom-com Crazy Rich Asians. Based on Singaporean author Kevin Kwan's best-selling novel of the same name, the film tells the story of a woman who travels to Singapore to meet with her boyfriend's family for the very first time – and they're nothing like what she expects them to be. Starring Constance Wu and Henry Golding, the movie takes a peek into the extra lavish and glitzy lives of, well, crazy rich Asians. And it's just dropped its latest trailer. The cast and crew were seen filming here last June, so we weren't surprised to see the clip peppered with glamorous shots of the city. We put our skills to the test and try to spot and guess the iconic landmarks and familiar streets featured: 1) The Merlion Screenshot via YouTube 2) Marina Bay Sands, ArtScience Museum and the Singapore Flyer Screenshot via YouTube 3) East Coast Parkway Screenshot via YouTube 4) Bukit Pasoh Road Screenshot via YouTube 5) Gardens by the Bay Screenshot via YouTube 6) Chijmes Screenshot via YouTube 7) Newton Food Centre Screenshot via YouTube 8) Marina Bay Sands (again) Screenshot via YouTube 9) Infinity Pool at Marina Bay Sands Screenshot via YouTube You can watch the trailer below and see if we missed any!  Are you excited for Crazy Rich Asians? Let us know in the comments!

Welcome to Time Out Singapore's 52 Weeks of #ExcitingSG – our commitment to showing you the best of what's going on in the city this week. Every Monday, a guest writer who's "in" with the scene shares a recommendation on what to see, eat, do or buy in the city. This week, we chat with Willy Tan of content agency Aging Youth, which specialises in talent management and music publishing, to talk about the local music scene and his favourite homegrown heroes. What gets you excited about Singapore? I don’t think there’s just one singular thing that gets me excited. It’s the place where I grew up – my family and friends are here. There are always things to do and places to hang out. In fact, sometimes, there might be too many events to go to, but I think that's actually a good problem. #PassionMadePossible! Where’s your favourite place to listen to live music in Singapore? I’ve always loved Fort Canning Green as a venue. It’s spacious and the best part, no one gets in your face too much. Plus it's got a gentle slope, so everyone gets a decent view of the stage.  What are your thoughts on the current local music scene?  I guess technology pushed the music discovery process, allowing more Singaporeans to gain faster and get easier access to new music content. The underground and indie kids will remain the same. They will be there to support their friends and the acts they like. When they grow older with different responsibilities in life, they move on and the next generation of

Gear up football fans, some of the biggest clubs in the world are heading to Singapore this July to face off at the 2018 International Champions Cup. Already in its sixth edition, the annual football competition will see Arsenal, Atlético de Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain go head-to-head at the National Stadium on July 26, 28 and 30. Taking on a new format, this year's tournament features 18 football clubs playing 27 matches across United States, Europe and Singapore – making us the only Asian pit stop for this season. Check here for more updates and info.

Christmas has arrived a little early this year for all you Mariah Carey fans. The Grammy award-winning American pop diva makes her return four years after her last performance in the city and will perform for one night only at The Star Theatre on November 3. Make sure to watch this space for more info and ticket details! UPDATE: Tickets are priced from $88 to $348 and will go on sale to general public on April 27 at 10am via apactix.com. So mark your calendars Lambs, it's one show you don't wanna miss.  Can't wait? Here, listen to an all-time Mariah Carey classic below. 

Leading up to the release of Avengers: Infinity War, fans are invited to join in on Singapore's longest Marvel movie marathon happening at GV Max, VivoCity on April 24. The 27-hour-long event will screen 10 of Marvel's latest superhero flicks including the first Avengers movie, Doctor Strange and Black Panther. Participants will also be the first ones to catch the screening of the highly anticipated Infinity War. Fans will receive movie collectables, goodie bags and served complimentary breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout the event. Other highlights include a Marvel-themed photo booth and a best-dressed competition, where fans who come in their best superhero outfit will stand a chance to walk away with an exclusive Avengers: Infinity War movie hamper. Tickets are priced at $120 for GV members and $140 to the public. Be sure to snag yours here! Watch the trailer for Avengers: Infinity War below. 

Fans of Marvel, add this to your list of things to do this summer. Aside from the release of Avengers: Infinity War, Deadpool 2 and the Ant-Man sequel, get your superhero fix at Artscience Museum's latest offering, Marvel Studios: Ten Years of Heroes. Happening from June 9 to September 30, the exhibition brings together all 19 films under the motion picture house from the past decade. From Iron Man to Black Panther, chart the beginnings of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and how it's become a worldwide phenomenon and a game-changer in the movie world. Expect immersive installations featuring all of your favourite characters and get to know the science and history behind each one. Also, we hear there's going to be special sneak peeks of the upcoming Ant-Man and the Wasp at the exhibition too! Don't say we never say. Tickets go on sale April 13 and a priced from $12 for kids to $19 for adults. For more info, be sure to check out the museum's website. More Marvel-lous news for you! Don't miss the red carpet event of Avengers: Infinity War happening at Marina Bay Sands. Read here for all the deets. Avengers: Infinity War is in cinemas island-wide Apr 25.

The seventh edition of the annual DBS Marina Regatta is back and it's bigger and better than ever. Held in conjunction with DBS' 50th anniversary, the event is set to return for two weekends this year. Gather the fam for some fun in the sun at The Promontory@Marina Bay from May 26 to June 3 to participate in a slew of exhilarating programmes. Put your wits to the test and take on the Battle Bay Extreme, a massive Ninja Warrior-like obstacle course that features a six-foot wall, inverted ladders, quintuple steps and more. Other highlights include the nail-biting dragon boating competition, fitness classes and the DBS' Creators Market where you can enjoy healthy snacks, drinks and other wellness activities. Thailand's contemporary pop-up market Artbox makes its return too, this time offering more than 400 food, fashion and lifestyle brands. It's going to be a packed weekend, so don't say we didn't warn you. For more updates on DBS Marina Regatta 2018, check out DBS' official Facebook page.

Welcome to Time Out Singapore's 52 Weeks of #ExcitingSG – our commitment to showing you the best of what's going on in the city this week. Every Monday, a guest writer who's "in" with the scene shares a recommendation on what to see, eat, do or buy in the city. This week, we chat with homegrown director Kirsten Tan – best known for her phenomenal work Pop Aye (it also made it on our list for best Singaporean movies of 2017!) – on what the local film community is like and her collaboration with the upcoming Swedish Film Festival that's happening from April 12 to 15. What gets you excited about Singapore? The buzz and dynamism of 24-hour back-alley kopitiams where real life happens, outlierswho go against the grain of this conformist society and Tai Hwa bak chor mee! What should moviegoers and film lovers check out in Singapore? Firstly, there's Asian Film Archives. What I like about the organisation is that they are not influenced by market forces, which allows their film and art programming to be more esoteric. There's also The Projector – I really like the space it occupies between mainstream and arthouse. It functions almost as tastemakers, a diving board for Singaporean audiences to experience a broader range of cinema. Lastly, of course, is Singapore International Film Festival. The annual SGIFF has grown into such an important regional film festival and it always offers an amazing selection of movies, with something for everyone. Recommend 3 Singaporean movies made by f

It's probably too early to be discussing anything Halloween-related right now, but fans of Stranger Things would wanna scooch a lil closer. Universal Studios Singapore is partnering with Netflix for the first time to bring to life the award-winning supernatural television series at this year's edition of the scare festival. Make like Mike, Eleven and the gang as you walk through the Hawkins National Laboratory, the Byers' living room and, of course, the hair-raising Upside Down. Oh, and we hear the Demogorgon will be lurking around too – but keep those slingshots (or wrist-rockets) in your pockets, please. For a sneak peek of what's gonna go down this Halloween, check out the video below. Halloween Horror Nights return to Resorts World Sentosa from Sep 28 to Oct 31. Stay updated on its website.