The best things to do in Singapore this week (May 16-19)

Stellar tunes and a refreshing beer in hand – what more can one ask for? From April 30 to June 26, Tiger Crystal Fire Stages will be bringing 25 live music acts over 20 shows to Timbre+ One North and Timbre+ Eastside, a collaboration that promises rocking good nights by some of the best artists in the local pop and indie scene.

The Covid-19 pandemic has stifled live music acts for too long, but this beer and music festival is set to bring them roaring back to the stage. There's something for everyone – groove to the best of soul and R&B with The Souls of Singapore; enjoy The Eagles' greatest hits performed by Johnny Come Lately, Cactus Cactus and Terrestrea; relive 70s and 80s hits with Reverie & Friends; or original songs by RENE, M1LDL1FE, Benjamin Kheng and more. 

The bands are just as stoked as we are. “There's nothing like playing in front of a crowd. The energy of being both excited and scared, the unfiltered reaction, the chaotic give and take - we're stoked to experience it again at Tiger Crystal Fire Stages!" said local band Terrestrea. 

And it's not called Tiger Crystal Fire Stages for nothing – Tiger Crystal beer will be flowing at the Timbre+ venues. And you can even get the party started early with $5 off a draught at participating outlets islandwide or $20 worth of Timbre vouchers for every purchase of a 2x10 pack of Tiger Crystal cans at participating retailers. 

For the full Tiger Crystal Fire Stages line-up, visit firestages.tigerbeer.com.

This May, Universal Studios invites you to go on a Jurassic World-themed feast complete with immersive special effects and prehistoric meet-and-greets. USS has transformed the Discovery Food Court into a celebration of dinosaurs. The dining adventure will take about 2.5 hours and diners can expect a combination of technical effects, captivating storytelling and dinosaur appearances. A four-course dinner will be served, and they are themed around the diets of the dinosaurs from Jurassic World Dominion. Some examples include fall-off-the-bone BBQ pork ribs and succulent beef skewers as well as an amber dessert made of lemongrass osmanthus jelly. Look forward to seeing Jurassic World Dominion’s highly intelligent Velociraptor Blue and the mighty Tyrannosaurus rex roaming in the park.

There's more to learn yet about our sunny little island, and shining the spotlight on Singapore travel history is Singapore HeritageFest. Last year, the festival brought to light interesting tidbits about our healthcare and food heritage – and this year, we're shifting focus to our travel history and natural heritage. 

From May 2 to 29, the festival is bringing us more than 100 heritage programmes in collaboration with festival partners. Expect exhibitions, guided tours, hands-on workshops and virtual programmes. Each touches on Singapore's past and present as a travel hub, and the flora and fauna that define our natural landscape. 

Some highlights: watch our travel and natural history intersect at the Homeground exhibition, featuring an exhibit inspired by the KTM trains that used to run from Tanjong Pagar Railway Station; learn about early European immigration and its influence on local trade, economy and culture with a guided tour at the Eurasian Heritage Gallery; explore one of Singapore's largest mangrove riverines on the Lower Khatib Bongsu trail; enjoy poetry alongside the vibrant sights and sounds of historic Katong with Ethos Books; and more. 

Programme registration for Singapore HeritageFest 2022 has already begun. To find out more about what's on, simply head to sgheritage.gov.sg.

Take part at the annual Decathlon Run this May 2 to 29. The event will return as a hybrid and physical event - comprising a 5k virtual run where participants can do anywhere at their own pace, and a 7km physical run starting from the Decathlon Singapore Lab. Participants are required to download the MyRaceGate app to record their timings for both of the runs. Upon completion, you will receive a $20 Decathlon shopping voucher!

While away your afternoon with a luxurious high tea and indulge in artisan pastries while overlooking breathtaking views of Marina Bay at MO Bar. Running through the whole of April, MO Bar’s afternoon tea boasts flavours of the Asia-Pacific region. Look forward to savoury delights like the Romesco toast with scallop mousseline and basil and the green pea flan with freshwater rainbow trout. Sweet treats include the scones and refreshing kumquat carrot. Click here for more information. 

Treasure hunt enthusiasts, get ready for an outdoor adventure across five arts and culture monuments of the Civic District. Time Heist: Civic District, an immersive outdoor game, combines treasure hunt elements with multi-disciplinary storytelling. You get to play the role of a time agent from the future tasked with stopping a syndicate of time-bandits from stealing and destroying Singapore’s national monuments. The thrilling event features live elements and plot twists connected to real world locations as you and your team solve puzzles and complete side quests.

Singaporean artist Han Sai Por remembers growing up in the forest in her village in Changi. Throughout her life, she's stayed close to nature – hiking in the dense, tropical forests of Southeast Asia, exploring its beaches, and observing its profusion of fauna. Informed by her keen observation of the region's changing landscapes, the Cultural Medallion artist and acclaimed sculptor hopes to encourage more care and reverence for the natural world through her multi-layered works.

The Forest and Its Soul marks her second residency and solo exhibition with STPI – Creative Workshop and Gallery. Over just three works, Han Sai Por has created 35 new print and paper works using technologies that are new to her repertoire. Expect photo intaglio prints, laser cut works, paper cast 'paintings' and more, which bring forth the 'emotional landscape' of rolling waves and mysterious forests – down to the minutiae of wood grain and micro-life teeming around us. 

Standouts include Sea Vision, an expansive 'painting' that was paper cast and hand moulded to three-dimensional effect, accentuated by sweeps of colour to bring out movement and depth. Using STPI's laser-cut machine, Han Sai Por brings to life ghostly and skeletal trees from textured paper (In the Silence and Light and Day), later laser-etched to produce the haunting 'burnt' images in the Burning Forest series. Detailed sketches of twisting trees and branches find new life in print through the photo intaglio method, expressing breathtaking depth even in a two-dimensional format. 

Other highlights include a paper sculpture series of fruits, lithographic prints of landscapes from the artist's imagination, and stunning stone sculpture works brought in from her studio. The Forest and Its Soul is free for entry at STPI – Creative Workshop and Gallery from now till May 22. For more information, visit stpi.com.sg. 

Having already wowed over 12,000 diners during the wildly successful Gaggan Anand residency at Mandala Club, the demand to experience the headlining collaboration is still pretty hot. Come April till June, this ultimate degustation attempts to show hand Gaggan’s collective of core creations that made their debut in the past decade – a critical era for Gaggan as he rose to international prominence – and treats diners with the most outrageous, riotous, and delicious dishes.

On the line-up are the most enthralling works, such as the signature amuse-bouche of Yogurt Explosion from the early days, the more recent Panipuri Middle Finger, and the return of the provocative Lick it up – a dish to be licked straight off the plate to the sounds of the KISS anthem of the same name. 

Other gems that promise to excite the senses include a whimsical Eggplant Cookie with its plain appearance and humble ingredients belying a depth of surprising textures and flavours. While the beautifully sublime Tomato Matcha Tea is presented with the Zen of a traditional tea ceremony, yet carrying with it the distinct spirit of Gaggan’s creations.

Lunch prices start from $288 (wine pairing $148 pre-booking and $168 on-site), dinner is from $388 (wine pairing $198 pre-booking and $218 on-site). Book here.

If you’re not flying out to Thailand in time for the Songkran festival, experience it all at Tipsy Penguin… but the tipsy way. The Tipsy Songkran as they call it, will serve up bolder and uniquely Thai foods and flavours. On the menu: Seafood Pad Thai, Green Curry with Sea Bass, Otah in a Boat and the delightful Mango Sticky Tower. In addition to the food and drinks, bring your water gun ready for some splashing huddle fun. After all, it is a water festival so prepare to get drenched.

Who says you need a time machine to travel back in time? With OH! Open House's new permanent immersive art experience, all you need is a pair of comfy shoes, inquisitive eyes, a good listening ear, and a whole lot of curiousity. Following its "sleepwalking" digital art trail Days – and counting, the independent arts organisation is back on the street to tempt you with a site-specific, multisensory walk around Jalan Besar. Titled New World's End, the audio-guided walk combines fiction and history to reveal the stories of the iconic New World Amusement Park and the rich history of the district. Expect to go down back alleys, hidden rooms and fancy spaces as you follow the torrid romance between a pair of fictional young lovers. 

Did you know that about 420 million years ago, mushrooms grew taller than giraffes? Well, now you do at this Weird But True! Exhibition held at the Cloud Forest at Gardens by the Bay. Weird But True! is the first in a series of exhibits to be launched as part of the collaboration between National Geographic and Gardens by the Bay. Discover interesting facts through interactive stations full of colourful graphics and catchy texts. From the weirdest in nature and stunning flowers to the ambition of a wasteless world and plants that devour meat, there are amazing facts to learn about the world around us. In addition, there will also be photographs from selected National Geographic Explorers on display.

Take your kids to Jumptopia: Wonder Garden at Gardens by the Bay this March holidays. With 10 unique play concepts including slides and mazes, your kids can look forward to conquering garden-themed bouncy castles, capturing IG-worthy shots and even bringing home limited edition souvenirs. Look forward to Honey Flower Kingdom and Bell’s Flower Pot - a vibrant and whimsical garden filled with flowers, trees and giant insects. Children can even rock on a see-saw looking frog. Explore the Happy’s Garden Maze and Raby’s Veggie Farm, where kids can bounce around cute carrots, peas, corn and mushrooms. After a long day, stretch your legs and enjoy light bites by Kith Cafe. 

Following the success of Volume 1: Hide & Seek, Otah and friends are back with a brand new adventure at Gardens by the Bay! This time, it’s build-a-rocket day at school. Help Otah the hornbill and Billy the hornbill assemble the rocket, and check out the magical Otterland filled with colourful spaces and interactive elements that are sure to delight your young ones. Look forward to imaginative storytelling, rocket-building and a launch control centre to activate your rocket launch and a hopscotch area for your kids to play as well. 

The Year of the Tiger truly lives on – and you can see this in its life-sized glory at Gardens By The Bay. The park is currently hosting the largest number of life-sized tiger sculptures in Singapore as part of WWF-Singapore's AR-mazing Tiger Trail, a campaign to raise awareness of tiger conservation and environmental issues we are facing in the world today. 

Pick up a free Tiger Trail Passport from the information signboards at the Main Entrance and Canopy before you embark on your journey. Keep your eyes peeled – the tigers are located along a trail that will take you around the park from the Flower Dome all the way to The Meadow. Learn fun facts about the Gardens while searching for the tigers and make sure you collect the unique emboss stamp designs from each tiger. 

Enjoy sweeping views of the city from CapitaSpring, Raffles Place’s newest skyscraper. This 51-storey integrated development not only boasts office and living space, but there are also F&B establishments and a rooftop sky garden where you get to enjoy unrivalled views of Marina Bay Sands and the CBD.

Nestled between the offices and serviced apartments is the Green Oasis, a botanical promenade that’s perched 100m above the ground. Sprawling across levels 17 to 20 of the CapitaSpring, this 35m-tall open area is home to 38,000 plants from over 70 species. Stroll through the lush landscaped garden with twisting aerial pathways if you wish to take a quaint respite from the scorching sun and CBD district. Enjoy other amenities in this area such as the ideation nests and work pods. Fancy a drink or a bite to eat? Pop by the newly opened cafe Sol & Luna for Latin-European fare and cocktails.

Looking for more complex LEGO builds and elaborate structures? This official LEGO store in Funan Mall is the first adult-focused concept store in Singapore. Walk up to the front of the industrial-style store where the words 'Adults Welcome' greet you and feel free to browse the wide range of sets that will see build amazing structures and things like iconic buildings from different cities, F1 cars, Star Wars paraphernalia and even replicas of popular art pieces.

Unlike the standard LEGO sets for kids, these sets are generally more complex, and take longer to build – and it is intentional! Think of it as zen in a brick – most adult (and young adult too) builders have said that LEGO set building helps them find their flow and focus singularly on a task, allowing their mind to rest. Instruction booklets are provided so don't be afraid to take up a challenge!

The concept store is also set to hold workshops and classes for hobbyists who want to challenge themselves more and improve in their craft. 

Attack on Titan is the best-selling dark fantasy manga and anime series written and illustrated by Hajime Isayama that has garnered a huge fanbase around the world. It is set in a world where humanity lives in cities protected by three walls from gigantic man-eating humanoids. The fantastical theme, unique plot and nuanced characters have made this anime a global cultural phenomenon – especially in Singapore. 

Now fans can delve deeper into this fictional world at Attack on Titan: The Exhibition, organised by SpaceLogic at the ArtScience Museum. The start of the exhibition is happening after an 11-year publication run and the manga's recent conclusion that marked the end of an era. The fourth and final season of the anime TV series will also coincide with the run of the exhibition, making it quite a bittersweet experience for the fans. 

Visitors can check out over 180 artworks by Hajime Isayama that range from the manga's earliest days to the present, as well as exclusive new pieces that have not been displayed anywhere else in the world. Get up-close and personal with Isayama's drafts and sketches of Titans, characters and objects from the manga from his archives, step into his thought process when creating this sprawling dystopia, and also experience a battle sequence set in the Great Titan Theatre. 

Cycling enthusiasts who have explored all possible trekking routes in Singapore, listen up. You will be glad to know that part of the new Round Island Route (RIR) has now opened. 

The National Parks has announced that the eastern half of the Round Island Route (RIR) - a continuous 75-kilometre-long park connector trail - is now open to the public. Stretching from Seletar all the way to Labrador Park, this eastern half of the park is just the first phase of the Round Island Route. When completed, the 150km Round Island Route will be the longest recreational connection that loops the island.

The eastern stretch of the RIR, starts from Rower’s Bay Park in Seletar, goes through Sengkang Riverside Park, Pasir Ris Park, Changi Bay Park and ends at Berlayer Creek near Labrador Park. The route aims to connect existing natural, cultural, historical and recreational sites, while providing opportunities for recreational activities including cycling, walking and skating. 

Experience new sights when you take the cycling bridges at Changi Bay Point – a 140-metre-long stretch made out of slip-resistant glass fibre and reinforced concrete - that also provides a beautiful view of the waterfront. For the marine diversity lovers, get closer to the water’s edge along the boardwalk at Changi Bay Point and admire the tranquil scenery of the blue waters and cooling sea breeze. Another key feature of the trail is the Sengkang Riverside Bridge, which connects both Sengkang Riverside Park and Sungei Punggol together, and brings visitors closer to the forested nature. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the otters that live among the mangroves and coastal areas. However, please try not to get too close to them because they might just bite.

Rest stops in this long trail are at Changi Bay Point, Sengkang Riverside Park and Jalan Kayu. These sheltered stops come with solar panel charging points, bicycle parking lots, and toilets.

So gear up and discover new sights along the long route together with your cycling buddies. Alternatively, you can also have a calming stroll and enjoy some time off amidst nature or find a new Insta-worthy place for the ‘gram.

Discover the untold stories and personal perspective of Singaporeans who survived the war at National Museum of Singapore’s new exhibition Dislocations: Memory and Meaning of the Fall of Singapore, 1942. The exhibition showcases the World War II narratives to provide an understanding of the experiences that Singaporeans faced during wartime. It brings together the different personal accounts and examines the impact war had on the generations of Singaporeans up to the present. Take a look at the seven exhibition zones featuring the historical artefacts together with video projections and digital touchpoints. There’s also an immersive game, Sunset in Singapore, where visitors can encounter the war through the lens of the various groups of people - a nurse, soldier and civilian. Also on display is the AMX-13 SM1 tank. It signifies the fortitude and the fighting spirit of our nation as well as a reminder of how everyone has a part to play in ensuring the country’s security.

The Singapore Art Museum (SAM) has cool new digs tucked in Tanjong Pagar Distripark – and it's inviting everyday art lovers in. The new space is spread out over two floors, spanning over 3,000 metres of space. Step into the doors and you'll find two expansive climate-controlled gallery spaces that feature 6 metre-high ceilings, a reception foyer that offers varied art experiences for visitors, and an F&B space overlooking a view of the port, which serves as a lounge area for visitors. 

With its new space, SAM is in good company surrounded by other art galleries, conservators and art logistic providers in a historic district where the inaugural Singapore Biennale was held in 2006. 

The space will be unveiled to the public in conjunction with Singapore Art Week on January 14. Don't miss the opening show, a presentation by The Observatory, with elements such as a performative installation and an archival space. Other programmes that are part of this year's SAW include Gan Siong King: My Video Making Practice, a presentation of recent video essays by Malaysian artist Gan Siong King; an immersive video installation by Korakrit Arunanondchai, and Present Realms, which marks the conclusion of the pilot SAM Residencies programme.

We know you've been excited about the reopening of SAM's buildings at Bras Basah Road and Queen Street, but it seems like you'll have to wait a little longer. The redevelopment of both buildings have been delayed further and is expected to be completed in 2026. Meanwhile, SAM continues challenging the notion of a museum as a single physical space that houses artworks by infusing art into the everyday transforming unexpected spaces around Singapore with art. 

If you're a serial staycationer or just looking for a new – and unique – experience to try in town, here's one for the memories: a sleepover at Haw Par Villa. 

Forget sea views or the Singapore skyline, you'll be sleeping right next to the ten courts of hell... in a shipping container. In case you didn't know, the 'rooms' at the Shipping Container Hotel are moveable and now you can find both of its containers at the carpark of Singapore's theme park of horrors, Haw Par Villa. Besides a walk through hell and various gaudy and garish statues depicting scenes, stories and morals from Taoism, Buddhism and also Chinese beliefs, the brilliant and kooky park is also quite nice for a walk especially at golden hour at sunset.

Each container is fully air-conditioned and can house up to four guests for the night. It also comes complete with kitchen and shower facilities and even has a patio for a chill-out or barbecue session. Bookings start from $200 per night and guests get 50 percent off admission tickets to the Hell's Museum. 

So, would you stay here for a night or two?

Jumptopia is back for the year end holidays and it's bigger than ever. With 8 different garden-themed bouncy castles, Jumptopia: Wonder Garden promises an exciting, one-of-a-kind experience for your kids to bounce to their hearts’ content. Located at Gardens By the Bay, the play space has a mini-maze, swings, an obstacle course and a ball pit. There are also station activities and human-sized bubble balls that appeal to adults and childrens alike. 

Explore and be enchanted by Drago’s Tropical Forest, find Chef Bell and his honey at Bell’s Honey Pot and navigate through Happy’s Garden Maze! In addition to these unique play concepts, you can look forward to capturing Instagram-worthy shots, bringing home souvenirs and also enjoy yummy bites by Kith Cafe.

Jews have a long history in Singapore, with the first Baghdadi traders arriving in the 19th century. Since then, the small but significant community has made deep contributions to Singapore, producing businessmen, merchants, philanthropists, top legal representation and Singapore's First Chief Minister David Marshall. 

A new permanent exhibition at the first Jewish museum in Singapore traces the rich 200-year history of the local Jewish community. Located at the Jacob Ballas Centre, The Jews of Singapore permanent exhibition spotlights Jewish culture, religion and its most prolific community leaders. Presented through informational boards and engaging oral histories, you will learn about the likes of David Marshall and Manasseh Meyer and come to a new appreciation of their contributions to Singapore.

Entrance to the Jewish Museum of Singapore is free and by-appointment only. Book your slot via jewsofsingapore@jwb.org.sg or the museum's official website.