Rachel Yohannan

DIY impulse bangs, damaged locks from daily tonging, and cheap box dyes that leave a nasty rash  – we've all been there at some point, with much embarrassment and regret. Some things are just best left to the pros, and hair is probably one of them. When done right, your tresses can have the ability to magically enhance your features, or even shave some years off your visual age. Be it for routine trims, dye jobs, or even treatments to tackle tricky issues like dandruff and hair loss, here's a list of the best hair salons in Singapore to ensure that you'll never be caught with a bad hair day.RECOMMENDED: The best hair salons in Singapore for curly hair

Shopping options in Singapore are aplenty, but none offer an experience as unique as that of Bugis Street. It’s somewhat a cross between a shopping mall and traditional pasar malam; Buzzing from day to night, the fully sheltered, partially air-conditioned shopping street houses a hodgepodge of street food, clothing, claw machines, and even nail and tattoo parlours. It's a popular haunt for youngsters chasing trends on a budget, yet also a hotspot for tourists to try local street eats and grab souvenirs all in one place. Bugis Street has also gained a rep for wallet-friendly fashion and tech accessories since the early 2000s. While this still holds true today, much has evolved over the years, especially with a recent revamp. Here are some must-visit stores within the three-storey enclave, from well-loved mainstays to the new and exciting. RECOMMENDED: An insider’s guide to Bugis Street shopping Photograph: Time Out Singapore Those who frequented Bugis Street during their teenage days would be glad to know that OG costume jewellery stores Fresh Profusion (#02-145) and Fairytale (#02-151) are still going strong with affordable earrings priced at less than $5. Pick from a range of character-themed pieces, food-inspired ones, or more elegant rhinestone-studded items. They also sell bracelets, necklaces, and the like. For something with a bit of punk rock attitude, check out Silver Trade (#02-51 to 52, #02-155 to 156) nearby, with 925 silver body jewellery, leatherette cuff brace

Our mums are truly the heroes of our lives. While they deserve nothing but the best all year round, it’s time to shower them with extra love this Mother’s Day, which falls on May 12 this year. Whether you’re seeking something to pamper your beloved Mum with – or are simply looking to show appreciation to the mother of your children for taking great care of the family – these Mother’s Day gifts will make this special lady feel like the queen she is. RECOMMENDED: The best Mother's Day meals in Singapore and The best sweet treats in Singapore for Mother's Day

There are three types of Singaporeans right now: those who are looking forward to sakura trips in places like Japan and Korea, those who’ve just come back from one, and those who are reeling in a sense of FOMO. If you fall into the last category, chin up – because our tropical island isn’t about to miss out on the yearly cherry blossom hype either. Here are some ways to experience sakura season right here in Singapore, from a sakura-infused onsen bath to dining specials and a floral display with real sakura blooms.  RECOMMENDED: Air Japan under ANA launches new Singapore-Tokyo flight routes with budget-friendly rates and The best pink cafés and restaurants in Singapore

Ticking off the main tourist attractions on a city break is all well and good, but it’s only when you veer off down a side street or stumble across a leafy avenue that you really get a glimpse of a city’s true character. Streets are the heart of local life; they’re where communities come together, where new local businesses become go-to staples and where urbanites go out, hang out and have fun.  So what are the world’s coolest streets worth a stroll right now? To find the answer, we reached out to our global team of local expert editors and contributors, who each made a case for the coolest street in their city. We then narrowed down the selection to create a definitive ranking of the best avenues, thoroughfares, backstreets and boulevards on the planet. And so you have it: the coolest streets in the world’s best cities. Over the last few years, street life has gone through something of an evolution. Outdoor drinking and dining, at one point a temporary measure, has become a staple on many of the streets on our hotlist; only bolstered by green initiatives like pedestrianisation and low-traffic avenues. In other words, these streets have become much more walkable and pleasant places to spend our time. On every street on this list, there are bold, creative new ventures in food, drink, nightlife and culture: from listening bars to repurposed heritage buildings, these streets are where you’ll find a city’s most exciting cultural trends. Ready for a wander?  RECOMMENDED: 🏘️ The w

What makes a city great? Some would say it’s all about buzzing neighbourhoods, affordable food and drink and a mighty selection of things to do, from art galleries and museums to live music and theatre. Others might highlight things like the happiness of its locals, access to green space and strong community vibes. We factor in all that and more in our annual survey, which asks city-dwellers around the world to tell us what it’s like to live, work and play in their hometowns right now. Thanks to the opinions and insights of locals on the ground and our global network of city experts, we’re able to create a global ranking of the world’s best cities – and the 2024 results are in. As in previous years, the basis of the ranking remains our global survey of the people who know their city best: the locals. Working with research company Potentia Insight, we surveyed thousands of city-dwellers about the quality and affordability of food, culture and nightlife in their city. We also asked locals how their city makes them feel: are they happy there? Is it a beautiful place? Is it easy to make social connections? Their thousands of responses gave us a unique insight into the reality of living in the world’s greatest cities right now. Now that international travel is forecast to bounce back to the highest levels since 2019, many travellers will be planning a city break this year – so in 2024, we added a little extra weight to a city’s global appeal. Each survey respondent was asked which

It’s that time again. Every year, we ask thousands of city-dwellers to tell us the coolest spots in their cities. What are the places locals love and visitors flock to? Where are the exciting new openings across food, drink and culture? Where are people going out, hanging out and having fun? For the sixth year running, the results are in. Over 12,000 people had their say in this year’s shortlist, naming the neighbourhoods in their hometowns where everyone wants to be right now. Then, we narrowed down the selection with the insight and expertise of city editors and local experts who know their cities better than anyone else. To create and rank the final list, we considered factors including community and social ventures, access to open and green space, and thriving street life. In 2023, our neighbourhoods are more global than ever before. The rise and rise in post-pandemic digital nomadism has led to an explosion of brand-new community spaces, multi-purpose culture centres and more cafés than we can count on two hands. But while most of these neighbourhoods have experienced a transformation over recent years, they remain resolutely local at heart. Slick new developments and cool cafés might bring in new crowds, but neighbourhood stalwarts – from old pubs to family greengrocers – keep it real.  The world’s coolest neighbourhoods this year are, therefore, places with big personalities. Each area’s diversity is reflected in its food, culture and festivals. Community is key: local

Singapore is teeming with hidden gems that only locals know about. Even if you consider this vibrant city your playground, there's always something new to discover. It doesn't matter if you’re a first-time visitor or seasoned explorer – these four best-kept secrets will let you experience Singapore like never before.  And here's an insider tip: they're all available with Kris+, the lifestyle rewards app by Singapore Airlines. With more than 1,500 perks available across local restaurants, retail shops, and attractions, Kris+ is a nifty way to uncover some of the country's lesser-known experiences. You can also conveniently use your own KrisFlyer miles to pay for these experiences, or even earn up to nine miles per dollar spent when you pay with Google Pay or Apple Pay via Kris+.  

Working up a sweat in a gym or HIIT studio is a great way to stay active, but sometimes, an outdoor run can do wonders for the mind. After all, it’s a relatively fuss-free way to stay fit without the need for expensive gym memberships – and it's a welcome bonus when there are great views to make the journey seem less tiring. Here’s a rundown of scenic running routes across various zones in Singapore. Run along the scenic Marina Bay waterfront, complete with road closures, at the T100 Triathlon that’s happening this April 2024 – it’s suitable for both race pros and rookies. RECOMMENDED: The best gyms in Singapore and Cheap gyms with memberships under $100

Time Out Singapore is all about uncovering the best things to do, the hottest new restaurants and bars, along with hidden gems and anything that’s trending in Singapore. Of course, we wouldn’t be here without you guys – our wonderful readers – and we’d love your honest opinions on what you’d like to see more of, both on our site and socials. Fill in our annual readership survey to let us know what you enjoy most about Time Out Singapore – and where we can do better to keep you guys entertained. This will be open until March 8, 2024, 11.59pm, and all respondents will automatically be entered into a draw for a 2D1N staycation in a Heritage Room at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, complete with breakfast for two. Win a 2D1N staycation at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore   The Fullerton Hotel Singapore is one of the grandest five-star luxury hotels on the island, with gorgeous colonial architecture and cushy rooms possessing an old-world charm. Take in sprawling views of the Marina Bay area as you cool off in the infinity pool, or lounge about on a recliner chair. Breakfast is a buffet at the in-house Town Restaurant, where a spread of local and international dishes, fresh artisanal bakes, cheeses, various styles of eggs and more await. Simply complete the readership survey to stand a chance to win a staycation for two. By participating in this survey, you agree that you have read and accepted the prize draw terms and conditions, terms of use and privacy policy of Time Out.  

Valentine’s Day is around the corner, good lads, and that means it’s time to hunt for a gift for your special someone. Now, here’s a tip: if she claims she doesn’t want a gift, she’s probably lying – and if she isn’t, it wouldn’t hurt to give her one anyway to show her just how much she means to you. Stumped on shopping? Not to worry, here are some Valentine’s Day gift ideas for 2024 that she’s sure to love, all across a range of price points to suit every budget. RECOMMENDED: Best Valentine's Day gifts for him and the most romantic restaurants in Singapore    

We Singaporeans are so lucky to have Christmas and Chinese New Year celebrations so close to each other every year, because that’s all the more reason to consecutively feast on grand meals with loved ones. This Year of the Dragon, restaurants across the island have pulled out all the stops to curate menus and dishes that celebrate abundance and prosperity in an opulent fashion. If you’re still unsure of which to book, our list of best Chinese New Year reunion meals for 2024 will have you sorted. RECOMMENDED: The ultimate guide to Chinese New Year in Singapore and the best Chinese New Year events in Singapore

Parisian perfume label Maison 21G has a line of ready-to-wear fragrances that you can get right off the shelf, but it’s best known for its perfume customisation sessions, and for good reason. This is where you can get hands on and enjoy the satisfaction of creating your very own bespoke scent – something that’s unique to you, and you alone. An added bonus is that all sessions are private, so you really get to focus on the experience while  And if you think making a perfume is just a matter of mixing different scents in trial and error, you’ll be proven wrong in Maison 21G’s in-depth yet easy-to-follow perfume workshops. A session will first start off with a light educational portion, where the knowledgeable perfume experts will delve into the history of perfume as well as the different types of scent families. After that, you’ll each take a fun personality quiz, and a couple of fragrances will be recommended to you based on your results. From there, narrow down your favourites of the lot, and blend them together to your liking. As a cherry on top, free bottle personalisation is provided for a truly unique touch – what you get printed on your 30 millimetre bottle could be anything from your initials to your favourite inspirational quote or even a creative name for the original scent you’ve just come up with.  Whether you attend as a couple, a bunch of pals, or with your colleagues for a team bonding session, these perfume creation sessions are suitable for all. They’re also c

After a good few weeks packed with wellness activities, CapitaLand’s Live It Up! festival comes to a close on July 21, ending things off nicely with The Yoga Retreat – a series of calming yoga sessions held at Raffles City Singapore on level three. Conducted by local yoga studio Real Yoga, this closing event comprises three back-to-back one-hour yoga sessions, with 30-minute breaks in between. Start off with Balancing Yin & Yang at 11am, which involves slower, deeper stretches to really awaken those muscles. This is followed by Master Yoga at 12.30pm, which goes into more technical details of perfecting your poses. After that comes a relaxing Stretch & Twist session at 2pm, which is sure to leave you refreshed and invigorated through the rest of the day ahead. Not to worry if you’re a beginner yogi, because these classes are designed to be suitable for all proficiency levels. Choose your preferred programme out of the above, or go all out and attend them all – each session costs just $5 and you may also walk away with an exclusive gift by MUJI and HARNN, while stocks last. Find out more and register here.

What a time for toy collectors to be alive – especially so for fans of POP MART and its various character franchises. The cult toy company is bringing their famous POP TOY SHOW back to Singapore this August 2024 with a special 'Dimoo in the Garden City' theme, following the raging success of last year's inaugural event, and it promises to be bigger and better than ever. This three-day mega toy extravaganza at Marina Bay Sands will be a treasure trove of all your favourite character collectibles. Latest launches aside, you'll also be able to get your figurine fix with limited edition event-exclusives, rare models, and other cute and colourful POP MART-themed merch.  Curious about the creative minds behind these figurines? Jump on the chance to meet and chat with the POP MART toy designers who are flying down as special guests for the event. Some names include Ayan Deng, Lang, Xue Chen, and Yumi – the artists of characters Dimoo, Hirono, Sweet Bean, and Pino Jelly respectively. A one-day pass starts from $28 at early bird prices. Find out more about POP TOY SHOW Singapore 2024.

Previously located at Singapore Botanic Gardens, Botanico has since shifted but its monicker still remains as apt as ever; While no longer within the sprawling nature attraction, it has recently made its home in another colonial bungalow at Seletar Aerospace Park, and is similarly surrounded by verdant greenery. In fact, the restaurant has now levelled up with its very own edible garden, with fresh herbs and vegetables used to garnish their dishes and cocktails. Botanico is parked on the second floor of The Summerhouse, and this space is split into two zones, both of which are air-conditioned and draped with lush botanical decor. We recommend booking a window seat at the outer deck for the views, lit up by fairy lights that will add an extra romantic touch to your date night. With Botanico’s gorgeous new locale comes an all-new menu too. Instead of serving its previous line-up of European dishes, it now serves an innovative spread of modern Asian fusion cuisine, incorporating flavours of Singapore as well as other countries in the region. An easy favourite at the table was Botanico’s Iberico pork rib ($36). Painstakingly slow-cooked for 12 hours, these ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender and come drizzled in a thin and runny yet flavourful sauce that bears that unmistakable peppery taste of bak kut teh. Another dish for meat-lovers to try is the wagyu bun ($45), where a sizzling plate of Japanese beef in bulgogi sauce is served with mantou, along with perilla leaves and pickl

Formerly known as LeeKaJa Beauty Salon, the Korean-owned Bada Hair Salon is brooding and stylish – with rustic wooden furniture, large leather seats, and forest-like decor adding a touch of homeliness. A basic cut here, inclusive of wash and blow, starts from $60 for men and $70 for women. Other than the usual expected services like colouring (from $140) and relaxing Korean head spas (from $80), this Jeju-inspired establishment is popular for their Bada Cinderella Treatment (from $300) – a heat-based keratin treatment which transforms frizzy manes into smooth, glossy ones. According to many a happy customer, results last for months on end. The salon also offers makeup services  to complete your Korean oppa or unnie metamorphorsis, be it for a self-pampering treat or special events like weddings and gala dinners.Find out more and make your booking here.

Hair issues such as bald spots, dandruff, and premature greying are not just tricky to tackle – they can also be potentially embarrassing, and eat at one’s self-esteem. But at the medically backed TrichoLab, you’ll be able to get these sorted once and for all and gain your crowning confidence back, all through scientific methods that are actually proven to work. You’d think that a hair and scalp specialist centre like this would be clinical and bare in appearance, but TrichoLab is a far cry from that. Instead, their Plaza Singapura outlet is a welcoming oasis with lush foliage throughout its sleek monochromatic space, from little potted plants at each vanity station, to framed moss art statement pieces on the walls. On the flip side, their newly renovated flagship at Wheelock Place is washed in earthy hues of pink – a fresh yet calming environment oozing modern femininity. Whichever you choose, you’ll be in good hands as you undergo a rejuvenating hair or scalp treatment specially designed by experts. If it’s some first class pampering that you’re after, try the new TrichoLuxe Heavenly Head Spa, which incorporates a series of head, neck, and shoulder massages that’ll take you straight to cloud nine as your scalp receives nourishment to stimulate healthy hair growth. If you think the sub-treatments of this head spa are reminiscent of Avatar: The Last Airbender, you’re not entirely wrong; Each of the four options are inspired by the elements, with ‘Earth’ for hair growth, ‘Wat

Japanese hair salons have a positive reputation for their attention to detail and all-around great service, and Aube Beauty Salon – with a staggering 270 outlets worldwide – is one that will give you that true blue omotenashi (Japanese hospitality) experience. Across their four outlets in Singapore conveniently located at Wheelock Place, Marina Square, Cineleisure, and Clarke Quay Central, they’re armed with a skilled arsenal of 20 Japanese stylists who will whip even the frizziest of locks right into shape.  You’re probably already thinking that a new ‘do here is gonna hurt your wallet, but their offerings are surprisingly affordable with all haircuts at $70, full dye jobs at no more than $130, and point highlights from just $40. Only the best products from Japan are used so as to avoid any damage to your tresses or scalp, even if you’re undergoing intensive procedures like bleaching (from $120), cosmetic perms (from $130), or straightening (from $150). Aube Beauty Salon’s Marina Square outlet also offers mani-pedi services, with everything from glitter gradient designs to holographic ones and even character-inspired nail art. Find out more and make your booking here.

You might have seen a particular blue-maned unicorn appearing all over your Instagram feed as of late. This magical creature is part of none other than the Jentle Salon pop-up – a whimsical fantasy land created specially to mark the third collection co-created by luxury Korean eyewear brand Gentle Monster, and Jennie of popular K-pop girl group Blackpink. The pink-washed pop-up is located within the Gentle Monster's Marina Bay Sand store at level B2, and will be running until June 30, 2024. Entry is free, and you’re more than welcome to snap photos with the installations; Show up dressed in girly pastels to match the installations for bonus Instagram points. Find out more about the Jentle Salon pop-up in Singapore.

Volkswagen is embracing the move towards greener commutes with its inaugural fleet of electric vehicles, and to celebrate this launch, they’ll be throwing a big Volkswagen Electric City bash this May. Not just one for the motorheads, this free-entry weekend pop-up will also serve as a delightful outing activity for the whole family – furkids included.This is your chance to be one of the first in Southeast Asia to get up close to Volkwagen’s all-electric cars: the Volkswagen ID.3, ID.7, and ID.Buzz. While there, get in on other thrills like a racing simulator, foosball, and air hockey. For something less intense, browse through the plant nursery, or make paper flowers at the Mother’s Day craft workshops on May 12. Unwind to live music by local artistes Dominic Chin and Shazza, as you tuck into a wide range of food options  from acai bowls to German nosh and Sourbombe bakery’s bombolonis. Pets can also enjoy a tasty treat at the pet-friendly zone, with vendors for pet supplies and accessories. Volkswagen Electric City will be happening at Volkswagen Centre Singapore on May 11, from 10am to 9pm, and on May 12, from 10am to 8pm. Find out more here.

Mandarin Oriental, Singapore has gotten a recent refresh, and the luxury hotel along Raffles Avenue is looking swankier than ever post-renovation. Sleek and modern while retaining classic elements of heritage, this five-star establishment has added a new Presidential Suite and Royal Marina Bay Penthouse to their list of cushy accommodation options, located on the 22nd and 23rd floor respectively. The most lavish option available, the expansive four-bedroom penthouse comes with its own private balcony, a fully equipped kitchen, a dining table for 10, and complimentary minibar, among other indulgent perks. The other rooms and suites within the property have themed interiors, with designs inspired by outer space to jungles and seascapes.  Guests won’t be short of choices for wining and dining either. MO Bar – lauded as one of the world’s best bars – remains as the hotel's pride and joy, now with a new menu. Melt Café has since been rebranded as Embu, a garden-themed restaurant offering daily buffets and weekend brunches. There’s also Zuicho for Japanese fine-dining, Morton’s for hearty steaks, and Cherry Garden for Chinese fare, among others. Find out more and make your booking here.

The romantic season of spring is washing over Raffles Hotel’s grand lobby yet again with the comeback of their highly-anticipated sakura afternoon tea, which consistently garnered great hype in earlier editions. 2024’s version retains some of the previous years’ favourites, while introducing delectable new morsels – this time inspired by the chef’s own virgin sakura experience in Japan. The savoury items include cold bites like the kanikama hosomaki roll, salmon sushi roll with avocado, and tamagoyaki with ikura and Japanese pickles, though our to pick is the beef sando with katsu bechamel – served warm, juicy, and with a touch of moreish crispiness from a panko coating. This year’s sweet treats are arguably even more of the feast for the eyes than before – as they are for the belly – with cherry blossom motifs and attractive shades of pink. Turns out, special custom moulds are used for some of the sakura-shaped motifs seen in items like the sakura tea strawberry tartlet and sakura coconut sable. These are complemented with the sakura matcha mochi profiterole – a favourite at the table – as well as the sakura raspberry roll cake and palate-cleansing sakura yuzu verrine. Adding on to that is a variety of not one, not two, but three home-made scones, each in a different flavour: original, raisin, and a less commonly-seen savoury version with bacon and chives infused in the batter. You’ll also get your choice of Mariage Frères tea, or a custom Raffles coffee blend. The sakura a

Treating yourself to a shiny new handbag for no particular reason needn’t be a guilty affair – because OnTheList is holding a Ferragamo flash sale this March with up to 75 percent off. Yes, you read that right – now’s your chance to snag some sleek shoes, purses, and other fine leather accessories from the luxury Italian label at dreamlike prices that you won’t be able to get elsewhere. Plus, get an extra 20 percent discount when you buy 3 items.  For the uninitiated, OnTheList is a members-only platform for flash sales held both online and in-store, with the best steals from popular fashion brands. And yes, everything is authentic – how this works is that they acquire surplus or past-season goods that can no longer be sold in stores, and we get to benefit off the heavily slashed prices. The Ferragamo flash sale by OnTheList will be held at CIMB Plaza at Raffles Place. Premium access starts on March 5, while public access will be from March 6 to 9. Find out more and sign up here for free. Time Out Singapore in partnership with OnTheList

It's about darn time, but Kylie Cosmetics has finally landed in Singapore. And in true dramatic Kylie Jenner fashion, the brand has announced its grand arrival with a striking pink cosmic-inspired pop-up right in the middle of Orchard Road, outside ION Orchard. Now, whether you love or hate the Kardashian-Jenners and their everyday shenanigans, you can't say that you aren't at least a little curious about this brand that's been highly raved by both beauty influencers and casual makeup enthusiasts alike – and the free-entry pop-up will give you the perfect opportunity to try the products out for yourself before committing to a purchase.   Photograph: ION Orchard Be prepared to get immensely tempted at this pretty pink-washed space, where you’ll get to explore Kylie Cosmetics’ best-selling products such as the Kylie lip kits and Kylash volumizing mascara – along with Kylie Jenner’s first-ever perfume, the sweet and floral Cosmic Kylie Jenner. If you’re a Sephora member, take the opportunity to get dolled up with a makeover and free private makeup consultation at the pop-up, where an in-house makeup artist will be using the products available to teach you how to recreate Kylie’s iconic makeup looks, suited to your features. Slots have to be booked in advance via the Sephora website, subject to availability. While there, partake in fun games for a chance to score yourself some Kylie Cosmetics lip products and enjoy free ice cream. Drop by over the weekend from July 26 to 28 for

While Singapore’s Changi Airport has lost its status as the best airport in the world for 2024, it still has plenty of achievements worth shouting about. For one, it’s still the best airport in all of Asia, and it recently made travel more convenient by adding new automated lanes for foreign visitors, sans the need for prior enrollment. In a brand new ranking, Changi Airport is also officially the best airport in the world for shopping – so all you travellers would want to arrive well-prepared with extra luggage space to better-maximise your time spent waiting for flights. This win is by quite a substantial margin, with Changi Airport outranking Hong Kong International Airport (#2) by a good 10 percent. In fact, Changi Airport is the only one in the world that has been given a shopping score of more than four stars, at 4.44 out of 5. Hong Kong scores 3.95, followed by South Africa’s Cape Town International Airport with a ranking of 3.86. Zooming in on other airports in Asia, it’s probably no surprise that both of Tokyo’s major airports – Haneda Airport (#7) and Narita Airport (#9) – make the global top 10. Other highly-rated Asian airports include Incheon Airport (#5) in Seoul, Korea, as well as Taoyuan International Airport in Taipei, Taiwan (#6). On the other end of the spectrum, Krabi International Airport in Thailand has been listed as the worst airport in Asia for shopaholics, earning itself a dismal 1.43 stars out of 5. All that being said, if you do find yourself Krabi

Luxury fashion brand Hermès has been upping the ante each year with their themed pop-us. It all started with ‘Hermès In The Making’, an exhibition that delved into the history of the iconic French label, followed by last year’s 'HermèsFit’, an unexpectedly sporty yet luxe gym complete with fitness classes. This year’s edition, ‘On the Wings of Hermès’, takes on a dreamier tune – it’s a cinematic experience that tells the mythical story of Pegasus and his seven foals. Photograph: Hermès Gear up for a magical ride with this immersive display that combines music, cinema, dance, and object puppetry. Through seven mini performances – each with its own special backdrop – watch the magical winged horse and his kin take flight and make the space come alive with a dose of enchantment. We won’t spoil it too much so you can enjoy it yourself with a fresh lens, but some highlights you can look forward to include scenes of a mini circus, an opera show sung by Hermès Kelly bags, and a romantic dance number centred around a pair of lovers, drifting off with the wind. It’s sure to be an eye-opening spectacle that’ll have you gasping in awe. Photograph: Hermès Complementing that is a special 45-minute movie screening afterwards that serves as an extension to the performance segment. ‘On the Wings of Hermès’ opens in Singapore on July 19, 2024 at the Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre, level B2, and will be ongoing till July 28. Entry is free, but you’ll need to book your slots onl

Just how much are you willing to splurge on a holiday abroad? For us Singaporeans, it seems the cap’s pretty darn high; A new study published in June 2024 has just revealed that Singaporeans are the world’s third largest spenders for international vacations, with each individual forking out an average of USD2,966 – roughly $3,988 in Singapore dollars – per trip.  Given Singapore's high cost of living and the fact that it's the world's most expensive city, this news might seem ironic at first glance to outsiders. But to us locals, it's not entirely surprising; After all, it has recently been found that Singapore is the country with the most searches for travel, proving that we Lion City dwellers are often dreaming of our next getaway. With things being pretty fast-paced in this tiny but busy city, going on vacations is likely a much-needed form of escapism for many of us, so when we do get the chance to sneak away on a trip, we tend to go all out to pamper ourselves and make the experience fully worthwhile.   The country that splashes the most cash on overseas vacations globally is Australia, with the average spend by our friends Down Under being USD3,078 (roughly S$4138) per person per trip. Next on the list is South Korea in second place (USD3,040 or roughly S$4087), followed by Singapore ranking third in the world. The above figures take into account spending on tours, attractions, dining, shopping, and the like – everything that makes for a solid getaway. Top 10 countries

With Esplanade's dynamic programme lineup, the rest of 2024 promises to be a whirlwind of contemporary theatre productions and live film screenings. Dive into The Studios, an all-encompassing series of productions, talks, and programmes, or catch screenings of plays filmed live on stage at London’s National Theatre. Your calendar is sure to be packed – here are some key highlights you wouldn't want to miss. Photograph: Joseph Nair The Studios While The Studios is a series dedicated to contemporary theatre, it's open to all – you don’t have to be in the industry to enjoy the experience. With both free and ticketed programmes, here's your chance to experience both local and international theatre. From now to September, you'll want to catch: Air by Drama Box, from July 12 to 14 Rhapsody in Yellow: A Lecture Performance with Two Pianos by Ming Wong, August 16 and 17 One Day We’ll Understand 有那么一天 by Sim Chi Yin, from August 30 to September 1 This Song Father Used to Sing (Three Days in May) by Wichaya Artamat, September 6 and 7 If you’re curious about the larger forces that shape our trajectories, then The Studios is the ideal theatre series for you. It explores how our perspectives come about, from the point-of-view of an individual to the collective thinking of a society, all while featuring the different perspectives of the artists. There’ll also be ample opportunities to chat with the artists after the show. Photograph: Johan Persson National Theatre Live No need to fl

After a raging weekend of success last year, the POP TOY SHOW will be returning to Singapore for its second run, and it’s going to be even bigger and better than before with over 50 artists, toy designers, and collectible toy brands present. This year’s edition will also be a three-day celebration of all things POP MART, held at Marina Bay Sands from 23 to 25 August, 2024. This time, it’s beloved character Dimoo taking centre stage, with a “Dimoo in the Garden City” theme, so you can expect to encounter larger-than-life statues of the character and at least four event-exclusive Dimoo merchandise drops. And it’s not just Dimoo that will be making an appearance – his creator, Ayan Deng, will also be joining the event once again to meet fans.  Other POP MART artists that will be making special guest appearances are Lang, artist of Hirono; Xue Chen, artist of Sweet Bean; and Yumi, artist of Pino Jelly. Look forward to exclusive toys that can only be purchased in Singapore, as well as meet-and-greets, signings, and live drawing sessions.  POP TOY SHOW 2024 will be happening at Level 1 of the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, across Halls A, B, and C, from 23 to 25 August, 11am to 8pm. Regular one-day tickets are priced at $28 for early bird, $32 for standard purchase, and $35 on event days. If you’re planning on attending with friends, team up in a group of four to get your one-day tickets at $98 in total – this works out to $24.5 per person, which is even better than the early bi

It was a mad rush to the checkout page when Starbucks Singapore first launched their Pufflet Sling earlier this year, with the bags getting wiped off their online store practically moments after being released. 'Twas a similar sitch with the Starbucks Miffy Collection, which also included puffer bags that caused crazy hype – even more so for their cute character-themed elements. If you previously missed out, now’s your chance to own one of these highly coveted Pufflet Slings, as Starbucks is bringing them back this June. Designs remain exactly the same as that of the February 2024 launch, but this time, the Pufflet Sling comes in two sizes, along with brand new colourways that are just as eye-pleasing as the last. Photograph: Starbucks The regular-sized version is priced at $29.90 – same as with the previous collection – and comes in a sweet pastel pink as well as purple. Take note though, the latter is more of a light lavender blue or light blurple. This measures at 27 centimetres by 17.5 centimetres – conveniently compact, yet roomy enough for your daily must-haves. There’s also a large version at $36.90, available in dusty green and black. Dimensions for this are 31 centimetres by 23 centimetres, which means that it should be able to snugly fit a small 12- to 13-inch laptop – though it'll be best to head down in person to try it out, just to be on the safe side. Starbucks Singapore’s new Pufflet Sling range is currently available for purchase at their physical outlets as

Oops, it looks like Singapore Airlines is no longer the best airline in the world. The latest Skytrax 2024 ranking for the world’s best airlines has just been published, and our national carrier has slipped down a spot to second place in a switcheroo with Qatar Airways, which has soared to the top of the list after coming in second in 2023. That said, Singapore Airlines – also commonly referred to as SIA or SQ – is still very much ‘A Great Way To Fly’, as their slogan boasts. Despite not taking the crown for first global spot, it remains as the best airline in all of Asia, beating the likes of Japan’s ANA All Nippon Airways (#4) and Japan Airlines (#6), Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific Airways (#5), and Taiwan’s EVA Air (#8). On top of that, Singapore Airlines bags multiple other accolades as part of Skytrax’s World Airline Awards for 2024, namely: World's Best Airline Cabin Staff Best Airline in Asia World's Best First Class World's Best First Class Seat Best Business Class in Asia Best Business Class Onboard Catering in Asia Best Cabin Crew in Asia Best First Class Airline in Asia Best First Class Onboard Catering in Asia Most Family Friendly Airline in Asia Best Business Class Lounge in Asia Best First Class Airline Lounge in Asia Well that’s certainly a mouthful of awards to boast about. Indeed, many have hailed Singapore Airlines for its stellar service, as well as its first class and business class flights and food options. On that note, it’s also worth mentioning that Scoo

Ask any Singaporean about Scoot, the low-cost sister airline of Singapore Airlines, and you’ll likely receive a polarised response. Some locals absolutely swear by this budget airline that goes to places as far as Greece at wallet-friendly prices, while others might say they’d rather pay twice the price to fly on economy class with a full-service airline instead. Love ‘em  or hate ‘em, Scoot is here to stay as one of the leading budget airlines in existence – and they’ve just marked their position as the world’s best long haul low-cost airline for 2024. Jetstar Airways, owned by Qantas, scores second place in this category, followed by Norse Atlantic Airways. This award is part of Skytrax’s latest ranking for the world’s best airlines in 2024 – for which Singapore Airlines scored second globally and first in Asia, along with a couple of additional accolades for other aspects like cabin crew and business class seats. That’s not the only honourable mention for Scoot this year. Scoot also comes second on both the world’s best low-cost airlines list as well as Asia’s best budget airline list for 2024, losing out to Malaysia’s AirAsia on both counts. Other airlines that have been hailed as the best in Asia include Jetstar Asia (#4) which is majority Singapore-owned; Peach (#5) and Zipair (#8) from Japan; and AirAsia X (#9), the medium and long haul arm of AirAsia. Globally, Scoot scores 32nd as part of the world’s best airlines list in 2024. Here’s the full list of the best low-co

One could say that Singaporeans started 2024 in a bit of a pinch, with GST being raised to nine percent – just shortly after Singapore was crowned the world’s most expensive city for yet another year running. Naturally, we’re all feeling the strain on our wallets, especially when it comes to daily necessities like meals and groceries. Thankfully, to help defray the increasing cost of living, the government granted every Singapore household $500 worth of CDC (Community Development Council) Vouchers earlier this January, and these could be used at places like supermarkets, hawker centres, and more. And for the first time ever within a single year, we're now eligible to claim another round of these CDC vouchers this June, this time with a total value of $300. Here’s a handy guide on using your CDC Vouchers this 2024, covering everything from the redemption process, deadlines to take note of, and whether you can claim physical copies instead of digital credits. Who is eligible for CDC Vouchers? Every Singaporean household, regardless of income status, is eligible to receive the additional $300 worth of CDC Vouchers – split into $150 for participating supermarkets, and $150 for participating heartland hawker stalls and merchants. This amount is fixed no matter how big or small the household is, so if you live with your parents, siblings, or children, it’s up to you guys to decide on how to split the credits.  Credits from one category cannot be transferred to the other.   How to r

We all have our fair share of gripes and grumbles about Singapore’s Mass Rapid Transport (MRT) network, but there’s clearly a reason why it’s hailed as the second best public transport system in Asia. It wasn’t too long ago that we only had one to two main lines connecting limited areas of the island, but now, there’s a whole web of stations that even locals need to pause to navigate. From 2020 onwards, Singapore’s highly-anticipated Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) – also commonly referred to as the ‘brown line’ – began welcoming commuters in various phases. At time of writing, it’s currently in its third stage, stretching all the way from Woodlands North to Gardens by the Bay. Think that’s already a blessing? You’ll be chuffed to know that a whopping seven more TEL MRT stations are opening to the public this coming Sunday, on June 23, 2024, as part of its fourth phase of expansion. Photograph: Land Transport AuthoritySiglap MRT station The new TEL MRT stations opening on June 23 are: Tanjong Rhu Katong Park Tanjong Katong Marine Parade Marine Terrace Siglap Bayshore By then, the TEL will be more than 90 percent complete, pending its fifth and final stage. Founders’ Memorial station – situated in between Gardens by the Bay and Tanjong Rhu stations – is slated to start operations in 2025, together with Bedok South and Sungei Bedok stations located at the easternmost end of the line. Thomson-East Coast Line public preview on June 21 with free MRT rides Self-professed ‘train o

Earlier this year, Singapore was named as the most livable city in the world for Asian expats for multiple reasons – our stellar public transport system, general peacefulness, and level of English proficiency are just some of the handful. What was not mentioned, however, was the general cost of living as an expat in Singapore, which, as most of us probably know by now, is pretty darn high. In the latest cost of living report by Mercer for 2024, Singapore is the second-most expensive city in the world for expats, with no change from last year’s ranking. This is not entirely surprising, given that Singapore is also the world’s most expensive city in general, for the ninth time in 11 years no less. That said, the report also mentions that we rank highly for quality of living. Such data is more or less consistent across the list, whereby residing in most cities with great standards of living also comes with a hefty price. There are only a couple of outliers that manage to strike a balance between low living costs and high standards of living, and these include Warsaw, Budapest, and our friendly neighbour Kuala Lumpur. Singapore happens to be one of only two Asian cities in the top 20 for this list; The only other one is Hong Kong, which takes the number one spot for the costliest city in the world for international workers. Cities from Switzerland and the United States of America appear quite a number of times in the top 20. Here’s the top 20 most expensive cities in the world fo