What’s happening in Singapore
The best things to do this week
Electrify your Saturday night with a panoramic view of the city skyline at CÉ LA VI. Turning up the heat of the rooftop dancefloor on October 19 is Italian DJ and producer Fabio Neural who is set to spin his signature blend of heart-thumping tech sounds. With plenty of prolific productions under his belt, the DJ landed in the 48th spot of the Traxsource 100 Techno Artists Chart in 2017. He also caught the attention of legendary spinner Carl Cox who featured two of his energetic tracks on the Essential Mix on BBC Radio 1, and invited him to play in the Main Room of Space in Ibiza for the Music Is Revolution party series.
Thank our collective devotion to the milky beverage, the bubble tea gods have blessed us with an exhibition dedicated to all things bubble tea. It promises to be a multi-sensory experience: step into an enchanting world of larger-than-life boba trees, dive into a ball pit filled with 'taro pearls', or go all Miley in a room with nothing but a giant pearl swing. And when you're done, feed your belly with bubble tea-inspired treats and grab a cup of bubble tea (obviously) from curated vendors. There's even adorable bubble tea merchandise you buy.
Hit pause on the rising Scottish comedian’s Netflix specials Dark and Jigsaw, and see the world through his eyes. Known for his challenging and controversial stand-up, Daniel Sloss takes the mic to address racism, homophobia, and sexism, cracking open a bigger conversation through comedy. Fellow comedian Kai Humphries joins him on-stage.
Celebrate Deepavali with a mix of tradition and experimentation amongst blooms at Gardens by the Bay. Have some informative fun with the fam by checking out a travelling exhibition by the Indian Heritage Centre which showcases the various traditional Indian practices in Singapore across different sub-themes of traditional crafts, trades and games. Then learn the art of Rangoli in which patterns are created on the ground using materials like coloured rice, flour, sand or flower petals. Don't miss renowned Rangoli artist Vijaya Mohan create her signature work along the Colonnade with a unconventional medium.
The 30th edition of the Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF) partners up with 10 personalities from the film and media industry to create nature-inspired self-portraits. Amongst the list of names are television host Anita Kapoor, writer Alfian Sa'at, actress Fiona Xie and photographer John Clang. In line with the nature theme, the snapshots are exhibited at the Supertree Grove Colonnade at Gardens by the Bay.
You don't have to be a kid to soak up Gardens by the Bay's youth festival. Come sunset, enter a world full of possibilities as the Supertree Grove transforms into an enchanting neon jungle complete with attention-grabbing light installations, colossal neon sculptures, roving LED stilt walkers and a slew of exciting programmes. Work those itchy fingers in an upcycling workshop, catch a movie under the stars, discover your next favourite maker at the neon night market, unleash your inner kid at the fun zone, and more.
Pop Bandits the Tinker Brothers are back with their latest exhibition, Dinner is Served, which features past work and a new limited edition print series. You'll come face to face with an array of recognisable pop icons, reimagined with sinister mirth by the brothers themselves. Think the scrappier side of Snoopy, Felix the Cat and Mickey Mouse, subverting pop culture characters and throwing them into gangsta-land scenarios. We won't spoil the fun for you, so head on down to the gallery to see the artworks for yourself.
There's a new bar in town and it's opening its doors with a hill warming party. What's that you ask? For starters, the new hangout has called a former police barrack tucked away at 195's Pearl's Hill Terrace home. Brought to you by the brains behind Kult Kafe, Kult Yard is a brand new cool sanctuary for musicians, design studios and makers. And to showcase what it's all about, it's throwing a three-day bash complete with live music and graffiti bomb sessions. Sample the refreshing Kultails and Japanese street food while soaking up the sounds spun by Rah and Funk Bast*rd from Darker Than Wax, the Push-in'On boys, Gonzo and MissT.
Get ready for a mix of affable charm and absurdity that'll leave you on the edge of your seat with Scottish comedian Phil Kay. After winning the Edinburgh Fringe Festival’s newcomers competition, So You Think You're Funny, in 1989, the stand-up comic has gone on to perform at comedy festivals around the world, host his very own comedy series Phil Kay Feels and worked with other big names like Eddie Izzard, Jonathan Ross, Harry Hill and more.
Who says comedy can't be challenging and insightful too? This Wild Rice production explores the expectations and the roles of men and women, as well as the inequalities faced by either gender. Fair Play starts off with Boy and Girl who are each assigned scripts by a Playwright before making their debut into our world. This is then followed by the launch of the Theatre-In-Education (TIE) programme which aims to ignite discussions among the youth in terms of the play's themes as well as issues faced in everyday life and the world we live in.
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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
