What’s happening in Singapore
The best things to do this week
Here's something to ponder: how well-prepared are you at dealing with challenges when it comes to ensuring the country's survival? This Total Defence Day, Singapore Discovery Centre is shedding light on current issues such as digital threats, climate changes and trade wars with a special exhibition. Will You Do You encourages you to play an active role in defending the country against such threats. Start with some practices at five interactive zones that simulate real-life problems, then try your hand at other activities such as the Military XD Ride – Operation Lightning Crush.
Green Is The New Black and The Kilo Kitchen are coming together to organise a charity fundraiser dinner on Australia Day weekend to help support the crisis. For $115, dig into a vegetarian feast prepared by the Kilo Kitchen, alongside three complimentary drinks and live entertainment. Those who can’t join the dinner on January 25 can also purchase a raffle ticket, and stand to win prizes from Lisa Von Tang, Parkroyal Collection Pickering, and more. All proceeds will go toward The Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal and the Wildlife Victoria.
The Istana opens its doors for all to check out the President’s sweet digs along Orchard Road, set on the grounds of a former 19th-century nutmeg plantation. This annual open house led by PSM Volunteer guides offers guests a rare peek into the offices of the President and Prime Minister housed inside the charming neo-Palladian style main building.
Celebrate all things from the land down under this Australia Day – So Sofitel style. Things are about to heat up as the 1927 rooftop pool and bar fires up the grill for an Aussie-style barbecue. Savour the flavour of flaming hot wings, beef sliders and more, and wash it all down with an Aussie selection of beer, wine and spirits – did we mention the happy hour deals running all day long? For a bit of fun, stream Triple J’s hottest 100 as you challenge your crew with a friendly match of beer pong or laze in the pool with some floaties.
Gather your beer buds and crack a cold one this Australia Day. Raise a toast as the iconic Aussie brand 4-Pines Brewing Company is dishing out its signature beers at Camp Kilo Charcoal Club. And with a coldie in hand, move and groove to the sweet beats spun by DJ MZA, DJ Twohands, DJ Justo and DJ Toxin.
Don your blue, white and red togs and celebrate all things Oz at a beach shindig with a coldie in hand. Move to the beat as Australian DJ Andrew M helms the deck or challenge your mate to a round of pong – there's always something cracking this Australia Day. P.S. Tanjong Beach Club is donating 10% of sales to aid the Australian bushfire crisis, so do your bit.
It's time to get funky on the first day of CNY with Plastik Funk who broke into the scene with Who, a killer collab with Tujamo that was backed by the likes of Tiësto, Nicky Romero and Afrojack. The track was such a massive hit, it even stayed on Beatport's Top 100 charts for over 16 months. Since then, they've gone on to team up with Armada Music, releasing several new singles on the Armada Deep and Armada Trice imprints.
With a reputation for incredible parties and an incomparable view, CÉ LA VI is one of the hottest nightspots in town, and its all-stars event promises to be a night to remember. Party with the club's tastemakers who are dishing out crowd-favourite club bangers that will have you twerk and work the dance floor.
Bring your best dance moves as Pinball Wizard turns up the bass this CNY. Twerk and work the dancefloor as all your favourite hip-hop and R&B beats from past to present spill from the speakers – courtesy of turntable wizards Ollie’des and YA5TH.
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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
