Cheryl Sekkappan

The leafy Thomson neighhourhood is blessed with beautiful nature trails that skirt some of Singapore's most scenic reservoirs. It's no wonder that the place attracts runners, hikers, kayakers, and nature lovers from all corners of Singapore. All that exercising and time in the sun is bound to make anyone hungry. So, the next time you're exploring nature gems like MacRitchie Reservoir, Upper Peirce Reservoir, or Lower Peirce Reservoir – don't forget that Thomson is also full of food gems. We know the favourites like Casuarina Curry, The Roti Prata House, and One Man Coffee. But when those get crowded, here are the hidden food gems to head for.  RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants and stalls for nasi lemak in Singapore and The best rock climbing and bouldering gyms in Singapore

It’s about time that we put together a 50 Best list for cafés in Singapore. After all, new cafés pop up on our island almost as frequently (if not more so) as bars and restaurants, warranting a curated list of must-visit places. Curating the 50 best cafés to get your caffeine fix is no easy feat, but we’ve narrowed it down to the best of the best, based on its ambience, food, and most importantly, brews. The resulting list has everything from long-time favourites to newly-opened establishments that wowed us from the get-go. If you’re looking for something more specific, we also have separate lists for brunch spots, desserts, and lifestyle cafés. Find out more about how Time Out makes recommendations and reviews restaurants.

This weekend is a blast, with something for theatre lovers, shoppers, and sake lovers alike. See National Day in a new light at a satirical play by Wild Rice or catch the 30th-anniversary restaging of Titoudao, which follows the dramatic life of a 1940s Singaporean Chinese street opera star. Shop for candles and art at a cosy pop-up in Apartment Coffee or head down to Sake Meguri, which brings more than 200 premium sake brand straight from Japan. Scroll down for all the best things to do this weekend.  RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Singapore this May and The best outdoor playgrounds in Singapore  

It's that time of year when we hang up our national flags and brush up on classic National Day songs like Home and Where I Belong. On August 9, the nation will congregate at the historic Padang to celebrate how far we've come together and pledge to unite on the path ahead.  Besides the state flag flypast, flashy 'Salute-to-the-Nation' bomb burst flown by fighter aircraft and dizzying aerial displays by the RSAF, the most highly-anticipated aspect of the National Day Parade has got to be the fireworks display. This year, the main fireworks show will occur in the Marina Bay area alongside simultaneous displays at five locations in the heartlands. Keen to catch the dazzling display? Here are the best places to catch the NDP 2024 fireworks in Singapore.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Singapore newsletter for the best of the city straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED: NDP 2024: Guide to National Day in Singapore and The best National Day songs of all time      

Look forward to premium sake brews, belly laughs, and weekend grillouts this week. Sake Meguri returns on July 27 with over 200 sake labels from some of Japan's best breweries, alongside sake masters to impart the finer details of brewing. Those in the mood for a standout stand-up comedy show will not be disappointed at comedienne Atsuko Okatsuka's Full Grown act this mid-week. Meanwhile, Wheeler's Tropikana is firing up the grills for a smokey, boozy grill-out. There are more fantastic art exhibitions, theatre productions, and afternoon teas to catch – read on for the best of this week.  RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Singapore after dark and The best art exhibitions in Singapore

Anniversaries are meant to be celebrated with gusto and Singapore knows just how to party when it comes to National Day. Observed on August 9, the yearly affair marks Singapore’s independence from Malaysia. The city dresses for the occasion with flags lining the buildings, patriotic songs pervading the airwaves, people kitted out in red and white, and of course, the National Day Parade (NDP). Here’s the NDP in a nutshell: impressive aerial displays, military parades, and multicultural performances – all wrapped up with stunning fireworks. This year's parade returns to the historic Padang, alongside heartland celebrations on August 10 so that every Singaporean can join in the festivities.  Whether you're planning to pop the poppers outdoors or join in the fun from home, here's everything you need to know about NDP2024.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Singapore newsletter for the best of the city straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED: The best places to watch NDP fireworks in Singapore for 2024 and The best things to do in Singapore this August

It’s easy to see why people love durians. This thorny, tropical fruit offers a unique sensory experience that is impossible to replicate with any other fruit. Depending on the variety you are eating, the texture could range from smooth and creamy to fibrous with a slight chew and the flavour profiles could vary from bittersweet to sweet with a hint of nuttiness and more. For those who enjoy intense flavours, be sure to go for the mao shan wang or black pearl varieties. If you like them sweet and nutty, get the red prawn or golden phoenix. Here's our guide to help you get the best of the crop on your table.

Work from home is great and all, but sometimes the four walls of your room or personal study are too much of the same thing for you to be at your most productive. Once in a while, it helps to venture outside to quiet cafés or public spaces to some serious headway in exam revisions, an important presentation, or simply in your reading goals. There are many public libraries in Singapore that can do the trick – though, for some extra inspiration, we suggest you head to these beautifully designed libraries. RECOMMENDED: The best quiet cafés with free Wifi to do work or study and 8 cool and hidden streets in Singapore to explore  

Name a sea creature that’s more misunderstood than the shark. Almost 50 years after the first Jaws movie cemented sharks as a bloodthirsty killing machine in the minds of the public, Under Paris hit the screens this year with much the same narrative. But the truth is – shark attacks are incredibly rare, with around 10 deaths per year attributable to shark bites worldwide (as compared to the 150 or so caused by falling coconuts). And these “apex predators” are extremely threatened themselves, with rapidly dwindling numbers that spell trouble for already-stressed marine ecosystems.  We learned some of these things at S.E.A. Aquarium’s AWARE Shark Conservation Specialty course. Launching on July 14 – Shark Awareness Day – it’s a certified programme that aims to educate participants about sharks, raise awareness about the threats they face, and inspire action to protect shark species. The course includes a theory session and a thrilling plunge into S.E.A. Aquarium’s Shark Seas Habitat and Open Ocean Habitat. If you hold a scuba diving certification and diving with hundreds of sharks sounds like your thing, read on to find out what our experience was like.  RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Singapore this weekend and The best attractions to visit in Singapore

Get ready for a music and party-filled month this July. In case you haven’t heard, many concerts and live shows will be happening over the month – with Peggy Gou and Hayden James dropping in for one-night-only acts, block parties and DJ booth sessions with local party collectives, and a very jazzy July at the Esplanade.  Those who love an all-in-one event will also find lots to pique their interest at Green-House, a sustainable festival at New Bahru that has plenty of retail options, fun programmes, and future-forward dining. Similarly, Weave: A Multidisciplinary Playground takes you on an art and music bender with a collection of works and performances by talented local artists. Either way, there’s events and activities aplenty this July. Read on for more on July’s best activities. RECOMMENDED: Our guide to the best concert seats at the National Stadium and Singapore’s best new restaurants       

School's out! It's time to head out to revel in all that Singapore has to offer. Whether you and your little ones choose to stay home or head out for a change in scenery during the June holidays, there are a plethora of things to do, from smelling the roses at Gardens by the Bay and camping out at Jewel Changi Airport to visiting kid-friendly exhibitions at museums and scaling boulders at a kids camp. For more ideas, check out our guide on the 50 best things to do with kids in Singapore. RECOMMENDED: The best kid-friendly restaurants and cafés in Singapore and The best indoor playgrounds for kids in Singapore

‘Overtourism’. It’s more than a buzzword – in the world’s most popular destinations, it’s a problem that affects almost every aspect of local life, from the environment to the cost of renting, transport and eating out. And when a place is overwhelmed by people, it’s not only locals’ quality of life that suffers; the quality of your holiday does, too.  But, with baby steps, it looks like things could be changing. Destinations like Italy and Japan are coming up with ways to redistribute tourism from densely crowded hotspots to lesser-visited regions. Among travellers, overtourism has given rise to the ‘destination dupes’ trend, where overrun holiday destinations are swapped out for less crowded, less expensive, but just-as-good alternatives.  On our newly updated list of the world’s most underrated travel destinations, you won’t find your Bangkoks or your Balis, your Amalfis or your Amsterdams. What you will find is a Yosemite dupe, Morocco’s overlooked neighbour, a place where penguins outnumber people, and plenty more travel inspo where that came from.Chosen by our network of expert editors and globetrotting travel writers, these overlooked spots offer great (or quiet) alternatives to the classics. And in many cases, they’re places that actually really want visitors. In other words, travelling to any of these 24 criminally overlooked destinations is a win-win situation. See you out there? RECOMMENDED: 🏰 The most underrated travel destinations in Europe🚞 12 ways to be a bett

The Projector has long been a staunch ally of the LGBTQ+ community. It runs regular queer parties and events, the crown jewel of which is the annual film festival, Pink Screen. With Pride Month just around the corner, The Projector has now opened ticket sales for this year's festival. It presents a tight curation of indie flicks from Singapore and around the world, which collectively spotlight queer inclusion, transgender experiences, and diverse voices from the community.  From May 31 to June 15, catch romantic comedies, noir flicks, and touching dramas on the big screen. A hotly anticipated film is a re-run of Bugis Street (1995), which paints an evocative portrait of queer Singapore in the 1960s. It's told through the eyes of a young cleaner employed at Bugis Street's Sin Sin Hotel – also a regular haunt for transvestites and transgender sex workers. This film was banned in Singapore for a good 20 years – an important reminder of how far we've come and how much there is left to go.  On the roster are Femme (2023), a seductive erotic thriller about a drag queen on a revenge quest after a traumatic homophobic attack; Love Is Strange (2024), a Women Film Critics Circle Award favourite about a married gay couple who lose their New York City apartment after one of them is unjustly fired from their job; and Peafowl (2022), an award-winning Korean drama that follows Shin-myung, whose dreams of winning a waacking dance competition (and the prize money for gender reaffirming surge

Lazarus Island is undoubtedly one of Singapore's most beautiful islands, and is rightfully beloved for its laidback, rustic charm and idyllic shores. The island has seen some development in recent times, with the addition of Tiny Away Escape @ Lazarus Island cabins, a convenience store called Sol by BDC, and the water sports centre Camelot. The latest addition? Into The Woods, a new glamping experience laying claim to Lazarus Island's most beautiful beach.  Founded in 2022 by Ray and Sam, who were inspired by camping trips they had enjoyed overseas with their young children, Into The Woods is all about "experiencing a life unhurried". The idea is to book one of three family tents (sleeps four) or six couple tents (sleeps two), where you can slow down, disconnect from the bustle of city life, and immerse in nature.  What is it like living at Into The Woods? Where the 'glam' part of the vacation comes into play is in these rooms. On a one-night stay with Into The Woods, we checked into a family tent and found a whole lot to love. It's spacious and fully air-conditioned, with a king bed and a sofa bed to accommodate a family of four. Full-length glass sliding doors offers views of the beach – the glass is tinted so you can look out at the waves from the inside while staying shielded from anyone outside who might be looking in (in any case, there are curtains that you can draw for extra privacy). The room has a snack bar stocked with cereals, biscuits, coffee, and tea, a small f

Grounded is a riveting story of an ace Air Force fighter pilot, whose career in the sky is brought to an abrupt end by an unexpected pregnancy. Recommissioned to the Nevada desert to pilot military drones, she remains physically safe away from the action during combat shifts – but struggles with the disorienting clockwork of motherly duties blended with the psychological toll of war. Based on an award-winning script by George Brant and featuring actress Oon Shu An, Singapore Theatre Company’s Grounded is an empathetic study of both the personal and geopolitical costs of modern warfare.  Oon Shu An’s stellar performance as the protagonist kept us on the edge of our seats for the full 90 minutes, commanding the stage with an unwavering intensity. The script for Grounded is a demanding one, as the pilot slowly descends into madness as the line between her work and personal life begins to blur, a challenge that Oon navigates flawlessly. Despite the character’s disturbing joy in bombing “the guilty”, we found ourselves rooting for her, glad that she found some semblance of happiness in the “chair-force” – a job that she initially despised. The themes of Grounded resonate deeply in today’s context, where one side remains shielded from the threat of death while callously imposing a relentless demise upon others. Grab some friends and book the Watch With Friends package (minimum of four tickets) to enjoy 15 percent off. Interested in a theatre marathon? Grounded is also part of The S

After more than 50 years of parades, Chingay continues to keep things interesting. This year, it's setting out to dazzle with a large-scale floor projection on the F1 track, featuring a lush Chingay garden to fit 2024's theme of 'Blossom'. Look forward to an array of floral motifs throughout six acts to tell the story of Singapore's thriving culture and community.  The whole parade promises to be a visual treat. The floor projection, a first for the parade and the longest yet seen in Singapore, will transform the track at the F1 Pit Building into a massive moving canvas. The parade will open with a majestic dragon flying throughout the F1 track, followed by anamorphic illusions of buildings, flowers, and spaceships. Listen out for the Chingay Gardener (George Chan) and the Flower Fairy (Tan Rui Shan) as they narrate the story of 'Blossom', told through vibrant performances incorporating dragon and lion dances, inline skating, cheerleading, wushu, and pieces by international groups from Uzbekistan, China, Indonesia, and more.  Of course, an indelible part of the Chingay parade is the vibrant floats. This year, five main floats will grace the parade. Presented by groups like Tote Board Group, POSB, and Harmony Circle, they pay tribute to the youth, the elderly, our four major ethnic groups, and more active communities in Singapore. There's no missing the pomp and pageantry in the heartlands either – a float caravan will be parading through residential estates at the Chingay@Hea

Talk about a stunner. The 5-star Artyzen Singapore on Cuscaden Road is Artyzen Hospitality Group's debut in Singapore, and it's a maximalist dream. In a departure from brands that seek to provide a consistent experience across global properties (not a knock, that has its own charm), Artyzen Singapore grounds itself in local history and culture – providing a vibrant stay with a wonderful sense of place.  One fascinating tidbit about Artyzen Singapore is that it's built on prime estate formerly occupied by Villa Marie. It was a 1940s era mansion built by Tan Hoon Siang, a keen horticulturalist and relation of philanthropist Tan Tock Seng. His love of plants, and particular interest in orchids, has been woven into the fabric of Artyzen Singapore. You see it in the bold floral motifs stamped throughout the hotel lobby, in the arched trellises that drip with plants and gems alike, and in the green and tranquil sky gardens across the floors.  The hotel has 148 impressive rooms spanning four categories: Deluxe, Premier, Grand Terrace Room, and Terrace Suite. It's worth noting that all have balconies and soaring ceilings (at least four metres high), which give them a sense of spaciousness and grandeur. The Straits-inspired art we get a peep of in the lift (colourful artwork by Terence Tan that depict Peranakan shophouses) finds its way into these rooms, in the scenic wallpaper and Peranakan-tile motifs.  Our room for two nights is the Terrace Suite, and it's jaw-dropping to say the

A gorgeous new hotel has opened on 21 Carpenter Street and it's designed by none other than the award-winning architects WOHA. Built in a restored and redesigned former remittance house, the boutique beauty weaves heritage stories and elements seamlessly with urban design sensibilities. Called 21 Carpenter, the hotel takes up the existing Depression-era shophouse, once known as the prominent remittance house Chye Hua Seng Wee Kee. Founded in 1936 by local philanthropist Mr Lee Wee Nam, it was where Singapore's earliest immigrants came to send money back home. These transfers were often accompanied by poetic letters written for them by skilled writers in Chinatown – pieces of this history can be found in the phrases, plucked from archived letters and records, cut into the aluminium facade of 21 Carpenter's contemporary extension.   21 Carpenter has 48 rooms that are split into the Heritage Wing (26 rooms) over the first four floors and the Urban Wing (22 rooms) over the top five floors. Thoughtful touches elevate every room: custom-made furniture lends graceful form and function, and WOHA calligraphic artworks adorn the room walls in a nod to the remittance letters of Singapore's earliest immigrants. In the heritage rooms, sturdy Chengal timber boards from the 1930s have been lovingly restored and used for flooring in a nod to the shophouse's heritage.    For the ultimate luxury, stay in the Heritage Two Bedroom Suite (which spans a whopping 55 square metres) or Heritage Bal

Take your dining, drinking, and partying to new heights at HighHouse, a new day-to-night venue opening to the public on December 15. It takes over levels 61 and 62 at One Raffles Place where 1-Altitude used to be, serving up stunning skyline views, a sophisticated food and cocktail menu, and a rotating roster of live music and DJs. HighHouse has been carefully designed to take your breath away. Level 61 opens into a grand space marked by a double-storey bar, which faces an immense digital screen featuring immersive artworks to complement the music selection of the night. Plush booths and dining tables line the floor-to-ceiling windows, which look out onto unparalleled views of Marina Bay and the Padang. HighHouse also has more intimate spots, including a karaoke room that guests can book for a private tête-à-tête.  Tuck into fusion fare by executive chef Sam Chin, who's worked alongside big names like Lauren Peugeot and Chen Kentaro, both chefs of Michelin-starred restaurants. There's a wide selection of raw and cured dishes, meat and seafood sharing plates, and steaks for the beef lovers. Highlights include hand-cut beef tartare ($42) cut through with wasabi stems and topped with a delicate quail yolk, grilled Spanish octopus ($38) on a bed of smoked chickpea purée, and Sakura pork belly massaman curry ($32) with sticky coconut rice.  Over at the bar, find a fine selection of cocktails curated by award-winning bar specialist Jay Gray. Traverse the Pacific Coast through dri

There's no doubt about it – analogue is making a comeback. The generation raised on digital technologies need a break from being constantly 'on', and relish the slow pace and rhythms found in using film cameras, record players, and other analogue mediums. When it comes to vinyls, collectors love it for its warm, crackling sound and funky album artwork. That's not to mention the huge appeal of sniffing out and tracking down rare and limited edition records.  Nevertheless, investing in a vinyl set-up and starting a record collection is expensive business. Enter Slow Boat, Singapore's very first vinyl listening café. Started by brother-sister duo Kathy and Kevin, it's not just a cosy place to wind down with a cuppa, it is also a space to dip your toes into the world of vinyl before throwing yourself fully into the hobby.  Slow Boat is housed in a second-floor shophouse space on Craig Road. Walk up the narrow flight of stairs to find a small 'lobby' area that opens to Fotomat on the left and Slow Boat on the right. Slow Boat itself is furnished with plush two-seater couches, each with a single turntable and two pairs of headphones. There's a separate section with a wall of glass windows – it's a gorgeous light-filled space conducive to daydreaming as you immerse in some vinyl tunes.  $30 gets you a free drink and one hour of listening time. The store has more than 500 records from all over the world available. There's no particular curation here – Kevin and Kathy look for the cl

Here’s a reason to cross over to the Island of Fun this festive season. Resorts World Sentosa is launching Superstar Christmas, which will see multiple attractions lighting up with festive offerings. The pièce de resistance is a majestic 10-metre-high Christmas Tree of Wonders, which will light up in a show called Superstar Spectacular beginning on December 1 (5.30pm, 7pm, and 8.30pm).  From December 16 to January 3, RWS will also be hosting a series of performances headlined by former Girls’ Generation member Jessica Jung. Other acts include Mandopop star William So, Australia’s all-male dance group Thunder from Down Under, and Thai artists 4Eve, Potato, PP Krit and Billkin during the inaugural 555 Thai Music Festival. And if you can’t beat the heat with snow, you can still cool off at Adventure Cove Waterpark where there’ll be a wet and wild rave featuring live DJs performances between December 16 to 31.

Step into Santa’s toy factory at the fifth edition of The Christmas Atelier. The Atelier and Co.’s 7,000-square-foot space has been transformed into a wintry wonderland filled with sweets, treats, and lots of shopping. More than 40 brands will be setting up shop from December 1 to 3 – buy festive blooms from The Floral Atelier, customise leather goods with Bynd Artisan, or get stylish fits for your kids at Maison Q. New brands have also joined the line-up, including Sigi Skin, Lingwu, and Cheeselads.

It’s an understatement to say that we live in tumultuous times. From climate change to geopolitical tensions, the challenges that we face are complex, disheartening, and some would say, hopeless. Well, Southeast Asia’s premier animation festival is back to address these difficult topics – all with a dose of fun and hope.  Happening on November 25, Cartoons Underground will be screening a total of 15 animated films whittled down from more than 1,500 animators from over 100 countries. While animated films are often associated with feel-good narratives, this year’s film selection tackles topics like poverty, the climate crisis, the mental health emergency faced by those living in war, and the rise of artificial intelligence.  “Animation is a brilliant way into difficult issues,” says festival co-founder, Vicky Chen. “It makes the scary feel safer and gives us the distance we need to reflect on the things that worry us without them overwhelming us.” Highlights include Pig, which examines our abuse of the planet’s resources told through the story of a group of animals that depend on a single sleeping pig to power the grid; The Square City, which brings us into the cramped living conditions in a Hong Kong neighbourhood; and Two Gracious Uncles Smooched to the Beat, which takes a look at how AI and capitalism impact art and creativity. Catch other local gems such as Cloudy, by the talented students at Nanyang Technological University; and admire the artistry in flicks like Braided,

You'll no longer have to travel all the way to Japan to pick up your favourite Nintendo merchandise. The first Nintendo pop-up store in Southeast Asia is opening at Jewel Changi Airport, bringing with it toys and merchandise from popular games like Super Mario, Animal Crossing, and The Legend of Zelda.  Happening from November 17 to January 1, the pop-up store is bringing a solid line of toys, apparel, and lifestyle goods that you'd previously only be able to get from Nintendo Tokyo, Nintendo Kyoto, and Nintendo Shop stores. Teaser pictures show Mario-themed tableware, Legend of Zelda apparel and prints, Pikmin vases and stationery, Animal Crossing figurines laptop sleeves. That's not the end of it – Nintendo will be revealing more original merchandise items closer to the pop-up date.  What's more, there'll be six exclusively designed postcards available at the pop-up store. Spend $80 or more in a single transaction to receive one of the limited-edition cards. If you have a Nintendo account, remember to check in at the venue too, in order to get one of 18 adorable Nintendo sticker designs.  The Nintendo pop-up store will be at #04-220 and 221, Jewel Changi Airport. Watch this space for the full line-up of merchandise you can shop for. 

If you looked up at the sky last night, you would have noticed a beautifully bright and full moon. Well, remember to look up on July 24 and 25 too, because things are about to get more fascinating with a Saturn-Moon conjunction. During the conjunction, Saturn and the moon will appear close to each other in the sky, and may even appear to touch. The Science Centre Observatory (SCOB) says that this is a rare event – planet-Moon conjunctions occur often, but Saturn-Moon conjunctions only once every 20 years because of the ringed planet's much longer orbit around the sun. Lucky us, because the celestial phenomenon will be visible in Singapore. Here's more about the upcoming Saturn-Moon conjunction and how you can catch it.  What happens during a Saturn-Moon conjunction? According to SCOB, the moon and Saturn will rise in the eastern sky on July 24 and start to approach each other. Soon, they will appear to touch and become inseparable to our naked eyes.  It's important to note that the Saturn and the moon are not actually touching, but only appear to do so when viewed from Earth because of their positions in their respective orbits. Nevertheless, the conjunction will make a striking picture.  When to catch the Saturn-Moon conjunction? Catch the Saturn-Moon conjunction anytime from 11.30pm on July 24. However, the planet and the moon will be closest to each other at 4.31am on July 25 – so head out to catch that if you can sacrifice some sleep.  Where can I see the Saturn-Moon co

We reported earlier this year that Singapore had the most powerful passport in the world, sharing the top spot with five other countries. Now, no more sharing – in the latest Henley Passport Index, we edged out the rest and emerged top of the pack with visa-free access to a record 195 travel destinations out of 227.  In January 2024, Singapore's passport provided visa-free access to 194 destinations out of 227 worldwide. This put us in the top spot of the Henley Passport Index, sharing the place with Japan, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. In the latest report, Singapore clawed ahead with the addition of one more visa-free destination, bringing the total to 195. Meanwhile, Japan, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain dropped to joint second place with visa-free access to 192 travel destinations each.  Singapore also ranks highly on the Henley Openness Index, which ranks 199 countries worldwide according to the number of nationalities it welcomes in without a prior visa. We rank 15th on the openness index, allowing visa-free access to 164 nationalities out of 199. This is not surprising given Singapore's openness to tourism and foreign labour to support a small domestic economy, but stands in stark contrast to other powerful passport-holding nations like France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, which are themselves open to just 93 nationalities.  All this to say that Singapore is incredibly open, a boon especially for business owners and global investors who need the travel freedom to

There have been a few notable closures in the food and beverage scene in 2024, Sunday Folks at Chip Bee Gardens and Tigerlily Patisserie among them. Madeleine's Original Portuguese Egg Tart follows suit this August, shutting for good after doling out shatteringly crisp egg tarts from its Tanjong Katong outlet for 26 years.  The team at Madeleine's first announced its closure via Instagram on July 10, following up with a TikTok video on July 16. In the post, they thanked customers for their "continued support over the past 26 years" and stated that "while this decision was not made lightly, we believe it is the right step for our business at this time."  Photograph: Madeleine's Original Portuguese Egg Tarts The bakery did not provide an official reason for its closure, although CNA Lifestyle reported that the decision was prompted by the landlord's decision to sell the unit. An employee was also quoted as calling the closure "a break" while they presumably search for another spot to move to. Perhaps, a ray of hope for Madeleine's reopening?  Don't take it for granted, though. There's no knowing for sure if Madeleine's Original Portuguese Egg Tart will make a comeback, so head down to try its famous eggs tarts ($2.50) and Macau crispy puffs ($2.50) before it officially closes on August 16. If travelling to its Tanjong Katong store is a hassle, you can always order boxes of egg tarts ($15.80 for six) and mini egg tarts ($16.50 for 12) for delivery via Oddle.  READ MORE Mister

Step into the shoes of an astronaut at an out-of-this-world exhibition coming to Science Centre Singapore this October. Space Explorers: The Infinite, is a breathtaking virtual reality experience that transports you to the International Space Station, where you get front-row seats to NASA-inspired missions. Space Explorer: The Infinite is based on 250 hours of never-before-seen 360-degree footage taken in space. It uses immersive virtual reality technology to take you on a hyperrealistic voyage into space – and right into the heart of space missions led by real astronauts. The experience has wowed audiences across the United States and China, picking up awards like the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Interactive Program in 2021 and Aurea Awards in the Experience category in 2022.  Photograph: Space Explorers: The Infinite/Facebook Visitors don Oculus Quest 2 VR headsets for the hour-long experience that takes place across three chapters. There's 'A Journey Through Space', where you can participate in the first-ever spacewalk captured on VR and view majestic sunrises from an otherworldly vantage point. If you've ever dreamed of being an astronaut, then the second chapter is your chance to explore a 3D recreation of the International Space Station (ISS) and tag along with real astronauts on their daily tasks and missions. Finally, witness NASA's historic launch of Artemis I, its first major spaceflight of its lunar exploration programme. Now, if only they could find a wa

A traditional Singapore breakfast in a donut? That's something we didn't know we wanted but are totally psyched to have anyway. This August 1 to 31, make a beeline for Mister Donut outlets islandwide to score its Singapore-exclusive flavours made in collaboration with Ya Kun Kaya Toast.  With National Day coming up on August 9, the two brands have joined hands to launch traditional breakfast-inspired treats. Ya Kun's kopi (coffee) and kaya toast are some if its most beloved menu items, so you can bet that these flavours are the stars of this delicious collaboration.  Photograph: Mister Donut x Ya Kun Kaya Toast Take the Japanese donut chain's famous pon de ring, which gets a local spin in the Ya Kun Pon De Ring. In this, you get Mister Donut's signature chewy mochi dough infused with Ya Kun's sock-brewed coffee and finished off with a coating of coffee-flavoured chocolate for a touch of sweetness.  Meanwhile, the Ya Kun Kaya Cream donut is exactly as it sounds. Each pillowy soft bun is piped with airy whipped cream, given a rich twist of pandan thanks to Ya Kun's signature kaya. It's so decadent that you likely won't miss the usual cold slab of butter you get in a traditional kaya toast.  Photograph: Mister Donut x Ya Kun Kaya Toast The Ya Kun Pon De Ring and Ya Kun Kaya Cream donuts are only available for purchase in the month of August. Each donut costs $3 per piece, but if you like, you can go big with bundles of six ($14) or 10 ($23). It pays to be an early bird too b

Celebrate the nation's 59th birthday at the sixth edition of Gardens by the Bay and Mediacorp's National Day concert. Happening on August 4 (Sunday), the free concert features a star-studded line-up of Mediacorp artists, performances by community groups, and pre-concert carnival games.  The National Day concert is themed Our Home, Our Heart, Our Singapore, and features a series of firsts. For one, you can sing along to artist Benjamin Kheng's first official live performance of National Day Parade theme song Not Alone. Or be one of the first to hear headlining act Olivia Ong's debut performance of her latest single 光影 (Azure), alongside a performance of The Little Nyonya drama theme song 如燕 (Like a Swallow). Also, give your support to the vibrant performances by community groups like Diverse Abilities Dance Collective – it will be their first appearance at the National Day concert.  There's lots more to catch over two hours. Stars like Taufik Batisah and Sezairi are performing past NDP theme songs Stronger Together and Breathing City respectively. Brush up on your Singapore folk songs with musicians like Liu Ling Ling, Rahimah Rahim, and John Klass – these veterans are bringing back ditties such as Singapore Town and Geylang Sipaku Geylang (Come Home, Let’s Go Home), with local band The Vasantham Boyz. Of course, you can look forward to modern hits like BTS' Butter and Wonderwall covered by an array of local stars like Bonnie Loo, Desmond Ng, and music duo Jack & Rai. If you'

Cruises offer an all-around vacation experience – spectacular ocean views, luxurious rooms, attractions and live entertainment, and even stopovers at vibrant destinations. Rolled into a package, it's pretty value-for-money too. And with Royal Caribbean's latest promotion, you can shave a few more bucks off your next sea adventure.  From July 16 to August 20, book a Royal Caribbean cruise departing Singapore in 2024 or 2025 to enjoy up to S$950 in savings. The eligible itineraries cover three- to ten-night escapades across Asia, so there's much room to tailor your dream cruise vacation. Photograph: Roy Riley /sbw-photo Just to give you a little taste of what to expect, the Anthem of the Seas cruise departs Singapore in November 2024 on a jaunt to Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam. Frankly, there's no getting bored on this boat, which is outfitted with an indoor skydiving facility, surf simulator and 360-degree observation capsules, but city explorers can choose to step off at vibrant ports like Phuket, Bali, Penang, and Ho Chi Minh City too. Another cruise ship, Ovation of the Seas, departs Singapore in October 2025 with three- to eight-night itineraries across Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Hong Kong. This one's great for the kids, with its full-fledged aqua park complete with water cannons and waterfalls.  If you've set your sights on destinations beyond Asia, Royal Caribbean's limited-time promotion also offers up to US$500 in on-board credits, which

If the popularity of Gardens by the Bay's thematic Floral Dome attractions is anything to go by, we Singaporeans love a good garden or floral display. This August gives you more to look forward to with the return of the biennial Singapore Garden Festival at Suntec Singapore.  Happening from August 3 to 11, the Singapore Garden Festival will see local and international designers, community gardeners, and plant lovers participating in a series of exciting – and visually stunning – competitions. A highlight is the Best of Show Designer Gardens competition, where top designers from garden shows around the world will duke it out in two categories: Landscape Gardens and Fantasy Gardens. The first is more technical, emphasising top-notch horticultural design principles and exceptional plants. The second is set to wow with ethereal garden landscapes set off by creative props and lighting.  Photograph: Aaron Lai courtesy of Singapore Garden Festival Another one to look forward to is the Floral Windows to World Championship. This year, 16 international floral designers will complete six challenges for live audiences. Look forward to an array of vibrant and creatively cut floral window installations throughout the three stages of the competition, which culminates in the Grand Final held during a ticketed dinner event.  Local designers and community gardeners also get their time to shine in the Balcony Gardens competition, Floral Table-Top competition, and the Singapore Gardeners' Cup.

History repeats itself, with eight bars in Singapore entering the coveted Asia's 50 Best Bars 51-100 list once again. That also makes us the city with the greatest number of entrants to the extended list. There's a bit of a reshuffle compared to the 2023 extended list. This time, give it up to glitzy hotel bar Republic and its pop culture-inspired tipples at No. 57. It's followed by No Sleep Club (No. 60), a day-to-night concept on Keong Saik Road that has climbed 14 spots compared to its ranking in 2023. Next are stalwarts Stay Gold Flamingo (No. 63), The Elephant Room (No. 65), and Manhattan (No. 69). Big congratulations to agave and rice spirit specialists Cat Bite Club, which makes its debut on the list at No. 77. Finally, 28 HongKong Street (No. 78) and Last Word (No. 93) round out Singapore's entrants to the 51-100 list. 19 different cities in Asia are represented across this year's extended list, with Bangkok and Tokyo with strong showings of six bars and five bars each. In a sign of the region's growing bar scene, 15 new entrants have also made it to this year's 51-100 list, such as Tokyo Confidential (No. 53) in Tokyo, Lair (No. 68) in New Delhi, Firefly (No. 83) in Bangkok, and Gong Gan (No. 89) in Hong Kong. Of course, there's still the main event to look forward to on July 16. This is when the ninth edition of Asia's 50 Best Bars will be announced at a live awards ceremony in Hong Kong. You can catch the livestream on the 50 Best Facebook channel and YouTube chann

Singapore MYs have so much to look forward to in July. Not only is K-pop girl group Aespa performing for the first time in Singapore on July 20, but they will also be holding a fan signing event on July 21.  The fan sign event will take place at Plaza Singapura, and only a select number of fans will get access. If you don't have tickets to the famous SM Entertainment girl group's SYNK: Parallel Line tour in Singapore (which is already sold out), then this might be your golden chance to see your idols in person.  Here's all you need to know about Aespa's upcoming fansign in Singapore. How many fans will get to join Aespa's fan sign? It's going to be Armageddon, because only 230 lucky fans will get to join the Aespa fan sign event.  How do I stand a chance to join the fan sign? You have until July 8, 11.59pm to purchase Aespa's latest album, The 1st Album [Armageddon] (Zine Ver.) from House of Kpop. This enters you into a lottery system where 230 winners are chosen. All entrants get a special benefit – a random selfie photocard of Karina, Winter, Ning Ning, or Giselle.  The results of the lottery will be announced on July 15, after 8pm.  What will happen at the fan sign? All fans can look forward to a hi-bye event at the fan sign. MYs will most likely have to lineup and walk past Aespa, during which you can wave or make a quick greeting.  On top of this, the first 50 winners will get to go onstage to meet Aespa members for a one-on-one signing session. If you're one of the luc

There's now more reason to visit Gardens by the Bay. In addition to being named the 8th best attraction in the world by Tripadvisor, it has launched a new digital experience that will take you into the unique and mysterious world of cloud forests.  Photograph: Gardens by the BayThe Hidden Forest Named The Hidden Forest, this new attraction was created in collaboration with Japanese creative production company NAKED, INC. It's known for dazzling, experiential projects like the Naked Flowers Flower, Dance, Light and Shadow Exhibition and Naked Cherry Blossom Festival that skillfully combine art and technology. This time, it brings its magic to Gardens by the Bay's Cloud Forest, bringing to life the interconnected ecosystem of remote cloud forests and the rare flora and fauna that live within. The Hidden Forest is now open at the third and fourth levels of the Cloud Forest. In this darkened, mist-shrouded environment, you will get to meet and interact with 17 plants and 16 animals from cloud forest habitats typically found between 500m and 3500m above sea level in regions like Central and South American, southern Mexico and parts of the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, eastern Africa, and New Guinea. The experience is fully interactive too – your movement will stimulate the growth of Cecropia trees (also known as the Tree of Laziness as they provide food for sloths), Monkey-faced orchids, and other plant life found in cloud forests, and touching the walls will conjure sleepy sloths

Relive those nostalgic childhood days at this year's Singapore Night Festival. Returning to Bras Basah.Bugis precinct from August 23 to September 7, this year's nocturnal festival is themed Art of Play, with numerous experiences paying homage to the district's history as the birthplace of some of Singapore's earliest schools.  As with all our night festivals, some of the most anticipated showcases are the projection mapping artworks and dazzling night light installations. These will continue to be a key feature at this year's Singapore Night Festival, with contributions from both local and regional artists. You can look forward to many Festival Villages scattered across the precinct too. These will be chockful of food and shopping experiences as well as live performances. In a first for the festival, there'll be a xinyao singalong where you can sing your heart out to local Mandarin favourites.  A highlight act that we're looking forward to is Wonder World. This experience is conceptualised by Sam Lo (or SKL0), a local urban street artist known for pasting satirical stickers on the streets of Singapore. This time, they kick it old school with an experience meant to transport us back to the Singapore from the 1950s to 1970s. This means retro amusement park rides, old school games stalls, food and beverages you'll remember from childhood, plus performances and more.  More details to come about Singapore Night Festival this July – so watch this space. In the meantime, you can sta