What’s happening in Singapore
The best things to do this week
Don your best pink ensemble for Pink Dot. The celebration of love returns to the Hong Lim Park for another evening of diversity, inclusivity and the freedom to love. Catch performances and speeches by members of the LGBT community.
The annual sloshfest returns to Marina Promenade with four days of beer- driven debauchery, international tribute acts, local artistes and DJs. Grab your beer buddy for a couple of firsts including the 2.4km Beerfest Run and Ignition, a spectacle that features music, lasers, lighting and video mapping for a race experience like no other. Fuel up after with plenty of delectable delights at the festival.
Heading our way for her first Singapore show is American singer-songwriter Maggie Lindemann. Sing along to her infectious tunes as she takes the stage at Esplanade, performing tracks like her global smash hit Pretty Girl, which was written to show that there's more to girls than just being pretty, and her latest single Friends Go.
If art books to you are weighty coffee table tomes, it's time to expand that definition. Get zines, catalogues and books packed with vivid photography, art and design from this book fair. Scope out what's beyond our shores with offerings from international exhibitors, check out talks and workshops, and look out for music performances by Bani Haykal and Ferry, and Kin Leonn.
The annual celebration of Malay arts and culture returns to appreciate the rich heritage of the Malay Archipelago. Anticipate three newly commissioned works – Fatih – The Prince & The Drum, which shines the spotlight on percussion; The Seen and Unseen, a film-to-stage production about a pair of Balinese twins; and Teroka! Kerana Nila, an interactive children's theatre work that follows Sang Nila. Also look out for Singapore artistes like Syarif and Akeem Jahat, plus Indonesian music diva Hetty Koes Endang as they take centre stage. And don't miss the rare kuda kepang dance at the festival opening, as well as the UNESCO-recognised mak yong performances throughout the weekend.
Calling all wrestling fans! Get ready for an unforgettable action-packed night as you watch your favourite WWE superstars battle in the ring live. Featuring a star-studded line-up, expect to see pro-wrestlers Braun Strowman, Seth Rollins and Finn Bálor among many others, as well as new talent additions like RAW Women's Champion Becky Lynch, RAW Tag Team Champions Zack Ryder and Curt Hawkins, and WWE Women's Tag Team Champions The IIconics.
Remaining true to being an incubator of the local arts scene, Merci Marcel is playing host to its third art installation. This time, it features highly-acclaimed Singaporean artist and drawer, Juls. Pop over and witness how this artist's works explore deliberate abstraction through the art of mark-making and automatic drawing, and look for harmony and rhythms within these written vibrations. Art enthusiasts can also look forward to purchasing some of her pieces, ranging from $600 to $1,100.
Gain insight into Singaporean multidisciplinary artist Tan Oe Pang's mastery techniques, creative concepts and inspirations as you gaze at the line-up of works on show at this solo exhibition. Held together with the launch of his new limited edition art book, In Conversation with Tan Oe Pang and Goh Huck Heng in Singapore, look forward to 30 original artworks from this book, and a curated collection of 60 pieces of oil paintings in an array of different styles from Tan's extensive art career throughout the years.
Known for his distinctive and realistic style, award-winning Indonesian artist Vani Hidayatur Rahman unveils a line-up of 15 brand new works in his first solo exhibition in Singapore. Focused around the themes of time, humanity and harmony, his latest paintings serve as a visual representation of his experiences and feelings. These are also drawn on pop icons and well-known figures, such as Ludwig van Beethoven, Kurt Cobain and John Lennon, which illustrate a common theme, like how music has the power to unite rather than to divide.
Get ready for some gruelling action as Singapore Fighting Championship returns with round seven. This edition sees not one, but two unprecedented WBC National Muaythai Title bouts. Anticipate nail-biting tournaments featuring fighters from India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and Singapore, as well as back-to-back WBC Asia Female Fighter of the Year winner, Nurshahidah 'The Sniper' Roslie, as they battle out to prove who is deserving of the title.
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
The demon barber of Fleet Street is finally making his way to our shores, 40 years after his original Broadway debut. The Singapore production of the acclaimed musical thriller by Stephen Sondheim stars Tony and Olivier Award-winning actress Lea Salonga, best known for giving voice to Kim in Miss Saigon, as well as Disney characters Jasmine in Aladdin and Fa Mulan in Mulan. Catch the legendary songstress play the role of Mrs Lovett, Sweeney's accomplice who bakes his victims into pies at her bakery. But it's not all blood, murder and catastrophe, the musical explores themes of human interaction that are still relevant in today's political landscape: how people can move around the world with impunity, how dark human desires can be and the lengths people are willing to go to in order to survive. "Audiences will be affected by the humanity and inhumanity of the piece," shares Salonga. "I empathise so much with Sweeney. He might be a murderer but he's not the villain. He was wrongly accused of a crime and lost everything – that's something people can still relate to today, with international stories of people being wrongly accused by the legal system and police brutality." Sweeney Todd presented by the Singapore Repertory Theatre takes over the Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands from November 28 to December 8. Tickets are priced from $55 and a 15 percent Early Bird Promotion is applicable till July 1 for select categories.
Forget what you know about bingo, the classic cruise ship game gets a fabulous upgrade at W Singapore – Sentosa Cove this Pride Month. Wear your heart on your sleeve as you imbibe an endless amount of cocktails, bubbly, canapés and the raunchy antics of local drag queen, Mona Kee Kee. The Bingo Extravaganza on June 28 is the first of a new series of parties by the ever forward-thinking hotel, with plenty more loud and proud events to come. Till August 30, shout 'Bingo!' every last Friday of the month to win prizes such as dining vouchers or a one-night stay at W Singapore. Ticket prices start from $75 and includes two rounds of bingo, WOOBAR's signature canapés and tipples crafted by in-house mixologists to keep you buzzin' all night long. A limited number of seats are available during each soirée, so book yours early here, call 6808 7258 or email woobar.singapore@whotels.com to avoid disappointment. This event is only open to adults above 21 years of age. Time Out Singapore in partnership with W Singapore – Sentosa Cove
Durian season or not, there is nothing that will stop us from fulfilling our durian cravings in Singapore. Thankfully for durian specialty cafes like Four Seasons Durian Restaurant and Double Durian, it means that we can still dig into a slice of creamy durian cake or attack a box of durian cream puffs at any time of the year. Here's where to go when the craving hits – it's going to get messy. RECOMMENDED: Your ultimate guide to durian in Singapore and where to eat local desserts in Singapore
Pancakes have always been a breakfast staple, but let's face it – it's too delicious to just have it in the mornings. Ever since Singaporeans caught wind of how strikingly 'grammable pancakes can be, renditions of this dish have been popping up in restaurants and cafés everywhere. Here's a list of the most Instagrammable pancakes in town, from inch-thick hotcakes and eight-layer stacks to cartoonishly fluffy Japanese soufflé pancakes. Cue the wobbling. RECOMMENDED: The best brunch spots in Singapore and the best cafés in Singapore for dessert
Despite challenges like uneven terrain, wild animals and unpredictable weather, hiking is a really fun and popular activity in Singapore. But when you add the kids to the mix, it's best to put their safety first. Trust Singapore to think about the kids too and have some of the best kid-friendly trails around for when you want to bring the young ones hiking. Pack some sunscreen, their favourite cap, water bottle and maybe a light snack for when the tantrums kick in mid-hike. RECOMMENDED: The best hiking trails in Singapore and the best secret and hidden parks in Singapore
With no distinct seasons and only summer vibes all year round, Singapore makes a great destination for a modern, tropical getaway. Bask in the sunshine while you check out all the city has to offer, from the arts and culture scene to the massive food scene (it's what we're best known for). There's also plenty of exciting events and festivities happening in each month, so there's no excuse to keep your itinerary short. If the sun's the priority, the period between May to August is your best bet. But pack an umbrella or a raincoat for unexpected showers as the weather can be quite temperamental. Rain or shine, we've put together a nifty guide to aid you in determining the best time to visit the Lion City. RECOMMENDED: 101 things to do in Singapore and the definitive guide on events in Singapore
Embrace the great outdoors with these treks and trails that keep you on your feet for hours. Catch some culture on a civic district walk that covers some of the best museums or square up for a gruelling 36km hike that connects Punggol in the northeast to Jurong Lake out in the west. It’s a big world out there, and there’s more to it than tall buildings and ERP gantries. Let’s see it on foot. RECOMMENDED: The best parks for kids in Singapore and the best hidden parks in Singapore
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
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
