What’s happening in Singapore
The best things to do this week
This Grammy-nominated Sisters Grimm production mixes elements of Western ballet, contemporary dance and traditional Zulu song and dance to deliver a powerful and elevating experience. It features Grammy Award-winning South African choral legends, the Soweto Gospel Choir, as well as some of the best dancers in the world from the Royal Ballet and Rambert.
The national ballet powerhouse of France is pirouetting its way to the Esplanade Theatre as part of this year’s da:ns series. Follow the elegant flow, ethereal movements and impressive techniques of the world-class dance company as it takes you on a journey through awe-inspiring compositions by three legendary choreographers – William Forsythe, Jerome Robbins and Crystal Pite – in one seating. The legendary troupe doesn’t tour often, so don’t miss out when it finally stops by the region.
Let your imagination run wild at StoryFest. The annual festival celebrates the various styles, repertoire and cultural arts from Singapore and around the world through the power of storytelling. See the life of Frida Kahlo unfold through a special performance, catch a theatrical retelling of the ancient epic tale about the Sumerian king Gilgamesh, and sit tight for a night of magical myths from North America, Scotland, Brazil and Italy. Families can also gather around The Storyteller's Fire, immerse in Jungle Adventures, and indulge in a musical storytelling experience.
Roll up to the *SCAPE Playspace this June for this full-day music jamboree which sees an all-Singaporean line-up of music, dance, art and F&B. Hosted by Hirzi, Singapore's unapologetic prince of comedy, the fest features over 10 acts gracing the stage, including rapper Axel Brizzy, instrumental world music band Flame of The Forest, wildly eccentric The MadHatter Project, grunge-rock powerhouse Knightingale, and dance duo ScRach MarcS. Challenge your mates to exciting carnival games or take a breather at the village market which features local crafters and the freshest F&B brands in town.
Explore your artistic side at this family-friendly art festival held in Singapore's largest arts enclave, Goodman Arts Centre. Themed 'Music, Dance and Play', this one-day festival has over 20 different workshops ranging from music jamming programmes and interactive dance performances to storytelling sessions and chime-making workshops. There are also music and dance performances to enjoy in between workshops and an art and food marketplace to grab some bits, bobs and bites.
Get yourself a mystery tattoo at the ink station where tattoo artists Lionel Ng, Lee Wai Leng, and Yin are inking shoppers on a first-come-first-served basis. Otherwise, get a temporary but hyper-realistic tattoo from artists at Out & Ink, and a live tattoo showcase if you're not ready to go all out. All this is soundtracked with live music performances by The Moon House, Genesis Keefer and YanHui. There is also a live mural showcase by local urban artist, ARAIKREVA, and whimsical doodles by Paintinks by Melt to amp up the atmosphere.
Cé La Vi brings you Télépopmusik in celebration of Fête de la Musique, or World Music Day. Having played over 100 concerts globally, this French electronic music trio has gained recognition through hit singles and sold-out tours. Gear up for a night of partying as this sought-after group plays a non-stop mix of dynamic beats with local DJ JB joining them on deck.
Bringing a slice of NYC and London nightlife to Tuff Club this June is NYC party series Back To Life, special guest Preditah, and local heroes Kampong Boogie. Slap on your dancing pants and revel away into the night to some of the finest selection of club music, ranging from hip hop, house, grime and garage to R&B, UK funky and dancehall.
Brew, an original music initiative by Darker Than Wax and Papa Palheta, returns bigger than ever this June. A testament to how collaborations with arts, music and design can help drive sustainable businesses, this supersized block party edition sees quality staples of coffee, craft beers and delectable dishes on sale, as well as a visual projection of Jalan Besar's architecture by film production house Fourthree. There's also a music line-up for the day, featuring local artists, like Funk Bstrd and Rah, as well as special guest DJ Unos, hailing from Belgium.
Featuring over 50 breweries, brands such as KOSÉ, and other F&B companies, the seventh and largest edition of Sake Festival Singapore has loads to offer. You can sample more than 460 different sake and Japanese liquors, and fill your tummy with authentic Japanese dishes cooked up on the spot by well-known Japanese restaurants in Singapore like Yatagarasu, Nirai-Kanai, Kajiken and Kamoshita. An exciting programme – Wanko Soba Eating Challenge – where participants eat as many bowls of Wanko Soba within a time limit set and the one with the highest number of bowls eaten wins, also awaits you.
The latest features
Dotted with everything from bold street art to avant-garde buildings, this vibrant German city and the rest of Western Europe offer plenty to discover
"Success is a Blend" is the theme for this year's Chivas Masters, a global cocktail competition that showcases the creativity and skill of bartenders around the world. Now in its sixth year, the international challenge has been extended to mixologists in Singapore for the first time. After a gruelling selection process, six contenders from the city's top bars were selected to vie for a spot at the Chivas Masters Global Final taking place across the UK later this year. Time Out Bar Hoppers and the Chivas Masters minibus On June 4, 30 Time Out readers joined us for a fun night out where they were ushered to the six bars on a minibus to try all the creative concoctions of Tim Rosete at Manhattan, June Baek at Madame Fan Bar, Demitria Dana Paramita at Anti:dote, Logaraj IM at Long Bar, David Kim at Chihuly Lounge as well as Mark Graham Thomas at Copper. At the end of the night, they got to vote for their favourite creation. Tim Rosete from Manhattan preparing his cocktail, The Wingman At the Chivas Masters Grand Final party, which took place on June 10 at Cool Cats, the Time Out Readers' Choice Award was given to Tim Rosete from Manhattan for his drink, The Wingman. He named the drink, which was a twist on a classic Manhattan, after one of his regular customers who has now become a dear friend – a symbol of what Chivas stands for, hospitality and brotherhood. The judges (from left to right): Tim Webb, Rhys Wilson, Vivian Peh and Andy Griffiths During the event, e
Time Out Singapore is now 11 years old and we want to know what you think of the magazine. Is it useful? Fun? Pretentious? Boring? Good or bad, we want your feedback. Take the Time Out Singapore Readership Survey 2019 and stand a chance to win a one-night stay for two at Grand Park Orchard (worth $238). The survey shouldn't take more than seven minutes to complete – yes, we timed it – and will significantly improve the way we meet your needs. Help us help you explore the best of the city with Time Out. Have more to say? Email us at editor@timeoutsingapore.com and we might invite you down to the office for coffee and a chat. Loading...
Enter a world where art and science come together for endless possibilities at TRANSPORTA: Gooey Oozy Madness! From June 15 to 30, let TRANSPORTA take you through a multi-sensorial adventure – follow the tacky trail of Gooey Oozy around Gardens by the Bay to reunite him with his gooey friends. Start your journey at the balloon truck at the Supertree Grove Lawn where a secret portal to an Instagrammable factory awaits. Treat your senses to interactive light installations and projections that you can control with a special glove. Highlights include floor projections that track movements to create fluid animations and a maze of giant balls that you can touch to light up. Play with the shimmering fabric nearby to create various shapes and forms, and jump on trampolines – all in the quest of learning about the physical qualities of a viscous solution. And if that’s not enough, try your hand at decorating slime or make your very own lava lamp at the workshops. Complete with illuminated balls, interactive wall projections and activated sounds, TRANSPORTA's latest showcase is the perfect multi-sensorial experience for families and curious creatures of all ages. Book your tickets at transporta.sg to not miss out. In the meantime, follow TRANSPORTA via Facebook and Instagram for updates on the latest portal developments. Time Out Singapore in partnership with TRANSPORTA
Rich in flavour, aromatic from the use of spices and herbs and often packs some heat – that's Malay food for you. With dishes that originate from the Malay Archipelago, it makes for one of the main cuisines in Singapore, and also one for adventurous eaters and those who don't shy away from spicy food. When it comes to Malay cuisine it's all about flavourtown. Rendang, lemak chili padi, sambal goreng, mee rebus, mee siam and more, we've got all the right places to go when the craving hits. RECOMMENDED: The best nasi padang restaurants and stalls and the best halal restaurants and cafés in Singapore
While other parts of the world are basking in the summer sun, Singapore is turning up the heat with a smorgasbord of red, hot events on top of the Hari Raya public holiday on June 5. Get pumped as the biggest dance festival Ultra returns with the biggest names in EDM. Prepare to be blown away by two mega ballet showcases – the Grammy-nominated Zulu ballet INALA featuring Grammy Award-winners Soweto Gospel Choir, and the ballet powerhouse Paris Opera Ballet. Revel in nostalgia as you catch Boyzone one last time before they hang their boyband shoes, and fulfill your dreams of becoming a Pokémon trainer at Sentosa's first Pokémon Carnival. Since it's the June school holiday too, unleash your inner kid at Gallery Children's Biennale and Children's Festival. And what's June without the Great Singapore Sale? RECOMMENDED: The definitive guide on things to do in Singapore
Had your breakfast this morning? Great, because you’re going to need all that energy to get you through the high-octane activities Singapore has in-store for the toddlers, pre-teens and teens. No matter what your kids are into – be it the arts, science, or sports – keep your pint-sized posse occupied with heaps of physical challenges, cool exhibitions and some edutainment fun. Plus, we believe that the June school holidays should be used for exploration and the creation of fond family memories. Here are some of the best activities around town to do just that. RECOMMENDED: The best hiking trails for kids and the best kid-friendly restaurants in Singapore
In our clustered cityscape – where dining spots and watering holes constantly jostle for space – these restaurants choose to remain deliberately hidden, all the better to provoke intrigue. Forget Google maps for the moment – you'll have to rely on your instincts and written instructions to get there. Here are the secret eateries in Singapore that are only open to those in the know. RECOMMENDED: The best secret bars in Singapore and The best hidden trails in Singapore to explore
Melbourne is the buzzing centre of culture in Australia. The artsy, coffee-crazy and fashion-forward metropolis is always changing, and is packed to the brim with cool bars, restaurants and cultural events at every turn. The excitement extends beyond the city as well. Take a long scenic road trip, go on a museum or art trail and check out more unconventional offerings you can only do in this part of Oz. It's time to undiscover what you know about the land Down Under with Singapore Airlines.
Suit up with the help of Perfect Attire, a bespoke apparel specialist in Tanjong Pagar. The business was started by founders Tulsi Kamath and Shriram Iyer in 2014 who wanted to bring an element of human touch and art that is missing in the modern production line. Its expertise lies in canvassed suits fully handmade with premium Italian and English fabrics from distinguished brands like Drago, Vitale Barberis Canonico (VBC) and Holland & Sherry. The suits are custom made to each client’s needs and are constructed by skilled craftsmen who have dedicated years to tailoring. According to the founders, a suit should make the wearer feel confident – everything else radiates from there. To ensure the best fit, customers have to attend two fitting sessions – a muslin fitting and a basted fitting – a similar experience to what you’d get at Savile Row in London. Depending on the fabric, cut and style you select, a hand-stitched suit can cost anywhere from $1200 to $2500. Get creative and go for a bold lining that gives the professional suit an edge or pick some unique buttons to make your standard blue dress shirt stand out. Women can also pop by Perfect Attire for handmade dress shirts, cotton chinos and blouses made with fabrics from century-old Italian brand, Andreazza & Castelli. Time Out Singapore in Partnership with Perfect Attire.
Find me a date
These city kids ditched Tinder and let us play matchmaker. Here’s a blow-by-blow account of their blind date...
These city kids ditched Tinder and let us play matchmaker. Here’s a blow-by-blow account of their blind date...
They've gone for their blind date – here's what the couples have to say about each other
These city kids ditched Tinder and let us play matchmaker. Here’s a blow-by-blow account of their blind date...
Game, set, match – we played matchmaker in a blindfolded, speed-dating event and managed to pair up some lovebirds
These city kids ditched Tinder and let us play matchmaker. Here’s a blow-by-blow account of their blind date...
Let Time Out and GaiGai play matchmaker as we bring our popular Find Me A Date series to real life – with a blinding twist
These city kids ditched Tinder and let us play matchmaker. Here’s a blow-by-blow account of their blind date
Every month, we set up two readers on a blind date at one of our favourite restaurants or bars – and it's on us!
The best of Singapore
December 2018: Up to number one on our list is Esora – a new Japanese restaurant at Mohamed Sultan Road serving Kappo-style cuisine with a twist. Other new entries include Preludio, a restaurant that turns fine dining on its head and Thevar, a contemporary Indian restaurant with delectably spicy plates. Welcome to the Time Out EAT List, our handpicked best of Singapore’s food scene. These are the tastiest places to eat in this city right now: the freshest, most inventive and most memorable, ranked by expert local editors. You don't have to look very far to stumble upon an amazing nosh in Singapore. The city is packed with boundary-pushing restaurants run by star-studded chefs as well as humble hawker finds that'll satiate your appetite for cheap. Narrowing down the best restaurants in town to a list of 50 is no easy feat – that's why we have separate lists for the best Japanese, French and Spanish restaurants among others – but these are the places we think are worth a visit for unbeatable food, electrifying ambiance and genial service to boot. Eaten somewhere on this list and loved it? Know of a restaurant that should be on here instead? Share it with the hashtag #TimeOutEatList Find out more about how Time Out makes recommendations and reviews restaurants.
December 2018: Up to number one in our list is Junior – a cosy pocket bar highlighting the drinking culture of New Orleans. It's due to change its concept once again soon so head there quick before yet another refresh. New at number 15 is The Other Roof. Brought to you by the same people behind The Other Room (number 9), this rooftop establishment is fun, breezy and chock full of addictive tea-infused tipples. Welcome to the Time Out DRINK List, our handpicked ‘best of’ Singapore’s drinking scene. These are the most buzzing bars in this city right now: the most inventive and most memorable watering holes, all ranked by expert local editors. Drinking in Singapore is expensive so we did all the hard work for you – scouring the city every night in search of amazing drinks, visiting incognito and footing the bill. That’s how you know that if it’s on this list, it’s awesome. Whether you sip or quaff, these are the city's top bars for a boozy night out. We've got joints stocked with quality vino, speakeasies hidden behind unmarked doors, dens devoted to whisky, craft beer breweries and much more in our roundup. We guarantee you won't be able to stop at one drink – just make sure you have a safe ride home. Drank somewhere on this list and loved it? Share it with the hashtag #TimeOutDrinkList. You can also find out more about how Time Out makes recommendations and reviews bars here.
Neighbourhood guides
Once a prominent red-light district, you’d think it would take loads to eradicate the impression of Keong Saik Road being littered with brothels in the 1960s. Well, you’re right – and it has. Now, this bustling neighborhood has somehow seamlessly fused the traditional with modern to offer some of the most unique (and delicious) places to visit whether you’re a tourist or a local lifestyle enthusiast. From gourmet restaurants to trendy bars and even bespoke tailors, you’ll be filled with an endless array of activities as you traverse along the streets of shophouses. RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in Singapore and the best bars to try out in Singapore
Busy, noisy, filled with people, that’s the general consensus of the Chinatowns of the world. Singapore’s is no different, but ours (perhaps we’re biased) has a charming air about it that appeals to both tourists and locals. A good mix of hawker fare and swish eateries, history and architecture, here are a few good reasons to head down to Chinatown. RECOMMENDED: 101 best things to do in Singapore and guide to getting around Singapore
Joo Chiat and Katong have gained popularity over the years for their blend of Instagram-worthy Peranakan shophouses, delectable cuisine, and indie retail stores. Named after philanthropist, Chew Joo Chiat, this charming corner in the east of Singapore was once a small village of seaside retreats for the wealthy. It's since been revamped into a residential suburb surrounded by shops and eateries. Declared as Singapore’s first Heritage Town in 2011, this East Coast enclave still holds timeless treasures and insight into the rich Peranakan cultural heritage of the 1950s. Today, most of Joo Chiat’s multi-ethnic influences are most evident in its architecture, dining options, and activities. RECOMMENDED Creative spaces in Katong and Joo Chiat and the best restaurants and cafés in Katong
Singapore's glamorous shopping belt dazzles with luxury stores, local boutiques and plenty to eat, see and do.
It’s a given that Little India is colourful, vibrant and a hive of activity – but it’s also changing and gentrifying. There’s never a dull moment on this stretch, here are some of our favourite spots. RECOMMENDED: Where to eat in Little India
What was once Singapore’s sleaze central has smartened up big time thanks to classy new developments like Andaz. While the area is evolving into a mini CBD, it hasn’t gone all business-like just yet. With its mix old-and-new, here are some of our new (and old) favourite haunts. Still can't get enough of what this colourful neighbourhood has to offer? Check out the best cafes in Bugis or go on a bar crawl guide in Bugis when it gets dark out.
Singapore's infamous redlight district is the place to go your craving for the king of fruits and good food at any hour of the night.
Take a one-way (MRT) trip to the far east – you’ll find more than chalets and droves of army boys. Hit up Pasir Ris and Changi for a walk through nature as you explore the mangroves or chug down refreshing brews by the seaside. We round up where to hang out and what to do while you're in these two quaint neighbourhoods.
More than just the neighbourhood with Singapore's first IKEA, Queenstown is also home to plenty of cheap and good eats, outlet malls for a good bargain and more.
Get acquainted: Tampines – named for the large number of ‘tampinis’, or ironwood, trees that used to be in the neighbourhood – is the largest residential area in Singapore. The colourful HDB blocks and smart design of the district earned Tampines the United Nations World Habitat Award for Excellence in Housing Design in 1992. Make a deal: Just outside the MRT exit, bargains abound in 513 Tampines Central 1. Get cheap clothes at CK Discount, then wander around the building clockwise until you hear the carnival soundtrack and come to stall No 152 – Three Stars Buy 1 Free 1. Just like the name says, when you buy one of the household goods on sale, you get one free. Along the way, keep your eyes open for discount underwear and a jewellery pawn shop. Eat: On the third floor of the Tampines Mall (4 Tampines Central 5, and ground zero for mainstream shopping in this area), peek in the window of Din Tai Fung and watch dim sum masters rolling out dough and turning it into divine dumplings… okay, enough watching. Time to grab a seat and eat! For what could possibly be Singapore’s best dining bargain (a major claim), head to block 823A on Tampines Street 81 and find stall No 820 in the Food Park for a plate of $1.30 chicken rice. Get fit: After all that chicken rice (at those prices, you know you’ll get seconds), you’ll need a workout. The Tampines Sports Hall (495 Tampines Ave 5 S) offers 19 badminton and table tennis courts where you can play with your birdies and balls. If that doesn
