Cheryl Sekkappan

Nothing beats getting your nose stuck in a paperback. These bookstores line their walls and displays with a wide range of print publications including secondhand gems and specialty books and magazines to niche readers. Besides endless shelves of hard copies, these are also the best spots to check out the works of local authors and the literary scene in Singapore. Time to refresh that reading list and get lost in the pages of your new favourite book! RECOMMENDED: The best independent and alternative cinemas in Singapore and The best hidden cafés in Singapore for a quiet brunch sesh    

News of club closures and sober youngsters might have you thinking that nightlife is dead. We’re here to tell you – with proof! – that you couldn’t be further from the truth.  The way we go out might be different, but people are by no means staying in. Cities are adapting to our changing nightlife habits: as summers get hotter, street parties and rooftop raves are bigger than ever. Rather than heading to one or two big-name venues, locals are flocking to new nightlife districts for an evening of bar-hopping and curbside drinking. And, trust us, the nightclub isn’t going anywhere – in fact, communities and local governments have successfully rallied to save historic nightlife venues (in Berlin’s case, they’ve even managed to grant techno UNESCO-listed status). So, we’re here to celebrate going out in the city. From Bangkok to Berlin, Medellin to Mexico City, Time Out’s Best Cities for Nightlife with Intrepid Travel is the ultimate guide to today’s after-hours capitals. To curate the ranking, we went straight to the people who know their city best – the locals – and asked them to tell us all about the nightlife scene in their hometown right now. We asked them about everything from clubbing to cocktail bars, how affordable it is to go out at night, the overall quality of nightlife in their city, how easy it is to find community, and how safe, exciting, welcoming and diverse their city is. After crunching all that data, a panel of nightlife experts – Time Out’s city editors, cult

2026 update: Gardens by the Bay remains one of Singapore's top attractions (and third-best in the world), famed for its futuristic SuperTrees, gorgeous gardens, and spectacular events that run the gamut of world-class art exhibitions and character-themed floral displays. Since this list was last updated in 2021, the gardens have added an immersive exhibition space, revamped its food hall, and refreshed its upscale dining concepts.  There's plenty more in store for Gardens by the Bay, too. Bay East Garden opens in 2027, and a 5-hectare TeamLabs attraction comes in 2028. That's not to mention a new bridge linking to Marina Reservoir, a new food court, and al fresco dining. Perhaps it'll clinch the honour of world's best attraction next.  You may or may not remember a time when Gardens by the Bay was just... the sea. All 250 acres of the Gardens sits on reclaimed land, and it is now an iconic marker of Singapore and our 'City in a Garden' ambitions. From the futuristic biodomes, and the surreal Supertrees, to the sweeping waterfront gardens – there's no denying that Gardens by the Bay is simply majestic.  This feat of design and engineering is not only nice to look at. The conservatories replicate climates you'd never get in Singapore so that you can enjoy hundreds of exotic plant species up close. The alien Supertrees – when not being an Insta-moment themselves – provide a fantastic vantage point over Marina Bay. Meanwhile, there are a multitude of outdoor gardens and amenities

Here's a festival unlike any other in Singapore: the Hungry Ghost Festival. Every year, for a month, the Chinese honour the memories of those who have deceased. The Hungry Ghost Festival is much rooted in Buddhist and Taoist culture and happens during the seventh month of the Lunar calendar across fourteen days.  When is the Hungry Ghost Festival? 2026's Hungry Ghost Festival lasts from August 13 to September 10.  What happens during Hungry Ghost Festival? During the Hungry Ghost Festival, it is believed that the dead return to 'visit' the living – and they can get mischievous if they are not pleased. To satisfy them, various offerings are made including hell money, flashy cars, fancy jewellery, lavish mansions, and even the latest iPhone – all in paper form of course. Getai shows are also held all around the island to keep our otherworldly guests entertained. Most of the shows include song and dance performances, Chinese opera, and comedy.  As with other celebrations and festivals in Singapore, there is a list of dos and don'ts we should observe (we're a superstitious lot!) – we unpack the list.  RECOMMENDED: The most haunted places in Singapore

Gone are the days when cafés mostly offered the same eggs benny or tired rainbow cakes. Singapore’s café scene today is bursting with creativity, character, and caffeine-fulled ambition. Whether you’re after a quiet café for remote work, an aesthetic brunch spot for the ‘gram, or an under-the-radar coffee hideout, this city delivers, and more.  This guide isn’t just for the coffee snobs (though we love you, too). It’s for anyone who loves discovering great food, thoughtful design, warm service, maybe even a surprise or two – like a latte made with cereal milk or excellent sourdoughs right beside a lake in Yishun. From minimalist nooks in the heartlands to buzzing bakeries in the city, these 50 cafés have all been handpicked by our editors and contributors, and are places we’d happily revisit any day of the week.  We’ve included everything from enduring favourites and cult-status cornerstones, to low-key gems you’ll wish you found out about sooner. And if you’re after a more specific vibe – say, pet-friendly spots or dessert-first cafés, we’ve got separate guides for those too. RECOMMENDED: Discover new cafés in Singapore here and here

‘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 trip does, too. But it’s not all bad. Destinations are coming up with ways to redistribute tourism from densely crowded hotspots to lesser-visited regions. Travellers are seeking cooler climes and embracing slow travel, allowing space to discover somewhere new. And they’re still riding 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 the hidden side of Yosemite, the French Riviera’s overlooked twin, a place where penguins outnumber people, and plenty more travel inspo where that came from.Why trust us? Because we’ve been to them all. Every spot on this list was picked by one of our expert editors and globetrotting travel writers, recommended because they offer great (or quiet) alternatives to the classics – and in many cases, because they’re places that actually want tourism. In other words, travelling to any of these 33 criminally overlooked destinations is a win-win situation.

Singapore turns 61 this year, and the celebrations aren’t just confined to August 9. All across the city, the National Day kampung spirit is already in full swing, with exhibitions, performances and pop-ups happening before, during and even after the big day itself. Whether you’re chasing fireworks, celebrating local heritage, or simply vibing with the red-and-white energy, there’s no better time to show your Singapore pride. From dazzling fireworks to family-friendly festivals, we’ve rounded up the best ways to soak in the season. So rally the crew and get ready to paint the town red and white – here’s where to head this National Day. RECOMMENDED: The guide to National Day and the best places to catch fireworks for free on National Day 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. What’s more: this year's parade returns to the historic National Stadium after a decade. Whether you're planning to pop the poppers outdoors or join in the fun from home, here's everything you need to know about NDP2026. 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 2026 and NDP Fireworks 2026: Schedule, Timing and Where To Watch 

Analogue is making a comeback in 2026, and cafés and bars in Singapore are fully embracing the movement. Across the city, there's been a growing number of listening lounges that pair curated soundtracks with speciality coffee and cocktails. Granted, that number is smaller than we'd like, but there are still a handful of spots that guarantee a good time when you visit. These sonic sanctuaries that we've shortlisted come equipped with impressive vinyl collections, turntables and state-of-the-art sound systems that put the listening experience front and centre, while serving up a solid food and drink menu to boot. If you're a self-professed audiophile, these are the cafés and bars in Singapore you should definitely have on your list. July 2026: We've noted closures of old haunts like Vertigo 26 and Simply Analog by Tin Box, while expanding our previous bars-only list to include cafés like Muro Coffee, Slow Boat and Swee Lee Clarke Quay. RECOMMENDED: The 50 best bars in Singapore and The best record stores 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 National Stadium to celebrate how far we've come together and pledge to unite on the path ahead.This year’s parade is slightly different from the past. It will not include segments like the mobile column, Red Lions and aerial displays. Instead, you can expect an indoor drone show, aerial performances, and special effects. The presidential gun salute will also take place at Kallang Basin for the first time as well. And no National Day is complete without the iconic fireworks. Keen to catch the spectacular display? Here are the best places to catch the NDP 2026 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 Rehearsal Fireworks 2025: Dates and schedules and The best National Day songs of all time

Singapore's culture scene is wildly underrated, more so than most would think. This is especially true since it's home to some of the best museums and galleries in the region. This July, get out of your comfort zone and fill your free time getting reacquainted with Singapore's art and culture scene. Head to a museum to learn more about the untold stories and history that have shaped our identity. The best part? It makes for a great activity for two. If you're not sure where to start, we've curated a list of essential museums to visit. But for something more than the usual arts-focused spaces, scroll on down for our round-up of a broad spectrum of other funky collections: toys, musical boxes, optical illusions and more. RECOMMENDED: The best reading spots in Singapore and the best things to do in Singapore in groups of two 

Nothing's better than a cool drink in Singapore's tropical weather. Or how about a refreshing dip instead? When temperatures are high, take the kids out to cool down at these free aqua playgrounds around the island (though in one case, it's a steamy warm bath for the feet). We've checked out where to go for the best sprinklers, bubblers and water fountains that are great for kids (and adults). Best of all, they are all in public spaces and have absolutely no admission fees.  RECOMMENDED:  The best public pools in Singapore and The best indoor playgrounds in Singapore

Would we stay again? Yes – and we'd book the suite with the circular bathtub specifically, which is large enough for four adults and deep enough to actually float in. That alone tells you something about how Varel Singapore thinks about the guest experience.  Part of Marriott's design-led Tribute Portfolio hotels, Varel Singapore sits on Selegie Road – six minutes from Rochor MRT and within easy walking distance of Little India, Bencoolen, and Dhoby Ghaut. It's not an obvious luxury hotel district (the immediate neighbourhood runs mostly budget to mid-range), so Varel's level of considered, hyperlocal design feels like a real surprise. Two giant saga seed sculptures greet you on the ground floor, Five Stones sculptures beautify the lobby, and complimentary TWG iced tea and Denzy gelato arrive at check-in. It makes it plain from the get-go that someone has thought carefully about this. Varel's 128 rooms span five categories, coming in either a light or dark colour scheme. A full 90 percent of rooms have a private balcony attached. We stay in a Varel Suite – dark scheme, with deep forest green panels, walnut wood, and black marble – with a cosy living area partitioned from the bedroom. Local motifs run throughout: dim sum basket lamps, chendol-inspired swirls in the carpet, and grilled panels that recall vintage shophouse lifts. It's coherent and inviting – though it's worth knowing that the view will be of surrounding HDB blocks rather than anything scenic.  The bathroom is o

Acclaimed Chinese contemporary artist Ma Dongmin brings his vivid equine portraits to the Leica Store South Beach Quarter with his major solo exhibition, Fire Horse – The Decisive Moment. It features over 20 oil-on-canvas masterpieces from his celebrated Blue Fire Horse Collection 2026, alongside brand-new paintings such as Twilight Ascension, Radiant Storm, Velvet Thunder and Celestial Pulse. Among the showcase highlights is the Singapore premiere of Registered Kiss, Ma’s interpretation of Alfred Eisenstaedt’s legendary 1945 photograph, V-J Day in Times Square. Beyond just a display of his artistry, the exhibition also offers insight into Ma’s practice, how he combines photography with painting, and his fascination with horses and the colour blue. Using a Leica Q camera to study the creature’s graceful movements, he transforms these delicate moments into energetic, surreal cerulean artworks filled with motion and emotion. RSVP for a complimentary pass here – tickets are limited. 

Tai Seng gets a bad rep as a boring industrial town, but Kapo Factory Building proves that the neighbourhood has a creative edge. This 1970s industrial block just a stone's throw from Tai Seng MRT is a surprising and thriving hub of vinyl record shops, music studios, ceramic workshops, and curated lifestyle good stores. Pick up screen-printed t-shirts and zines at Open Door Store, antique goods at Treasure at Home, vintage vinyl at Red Point Record Warehouse, and so much more. We recommend looking out for block-party weekends so you can explore permanent tenants alongside pop-up F&B and live performances.  Check out our full guide to Kapo Factory Building here. 

It’s a sweet, sweet Christmas this year at The Christmas Atelier. Singapore’s favourite holiday market transforms The Cube @ Asia Square into a Candy Emporium, promising picture-perfect moments with vibrant decor, dazzling installations, and sweet treats at every turn. With 100 local brands gathered in one place, discover handcrafted batik from Yeomama Batik, gourmet cheese from Cheeselads, vegan skincare from Handmade Heroes, and a range of other homegrown favourites in fashion, beauty, F&B and lifestyle. From just $6, grab your ticket for multiple entries throughout the day into this whimsical Candy Emporium, complete with a Yeo’s drink, Cloversoft essentials, and $5 off with a minimum spend of $100 at your favourite brands. The icing on the Christmas cake: stand a chance to win lucky draw prizes worth up to $2,000. Get your tickets to The Christmas Atelier 2025 here. 

The Singapore Oceanarium bursts onto the scene as a dramatic upgrade of its predecessor, now three times bigger, with 22 immersive zones, life-sized animatronics, interactive exhibits, and digital projections working together to bring the story of the ocean and its habitats to life. There's a clearer narrative now as you journey through the oceanarium, starting with a single drop of water and prehistoric marine creatures, progressing through various ocean habitats to the future of our oceans.  Our top tip: set aside at least three hours to explore the Singapore Oceanarium – even more if you're the sort who likes to read every panel and try every activity. And we certainly lost some time zoning out in front of the 36-metre panel full of sharks, rays, and fish in the Open Ocean zone.  However, if you're short on time, here are our top picks from the Singapore Oceanarium.  Ocean Wonders The second zone in the Singapore Oceanarium is simply mesmerising. The darkened room is filled with sea jelly exhibits – Don't miss the fried egg sea jelly (it looks exactly like what its name suggests) and the graceful Pacific sea nettle. But the mother of them all is the 6.8 metre diameter kriesel tank, one of the world's largest. The moon-like circular panel houses thousands of moon jellies, drifting with a gentle current under ever-changing lights.  Ancient Waters Next is Ancient Waters, a zone dedicated to prehistoric sea creatures. Upon entering the zone, you're immediately greeted by a sus

If you find yourself endlessly scrolling, refreshing, and swiping, it might be time to hit pause. StarHub invites everyone to step away from the screen and Find Their Digital Balance at the StarHub 5G Wellness Festival, happening on September 13 and 14, from 10am to 9pm at Capital Outdoor Plaza.  The journey begins with the Digital BMI (Balanced Media Index) Quiz, a quick and eye-opening check-in on your digital habits. Find out if you’re Digitally Detached, Balanced, Overstimulated, or Burnt Out, and get a personalised digital wellbeing prescription matched to StarHub’s five grounding pillars: Gather, Grow, Ground, Glide, and Glow – which will tell you if it's connection, mental enrichment, physical presence, relaxation, or self-care that you need to feel centred again. Get exactly what you need at the festival, which comes alive with activities designed around these pillars to help you find your balance. Journal mindfully with mindful art and positive journaling coach Steph T, flow through silent disco yoga with The Hush Retreats founder Mandi Cheung, or try your hand at leather crafting with Hides & Thread. Need something more social? Gather with friends over free-flow coconut water and all-day DJ beats, or glide into the chillout zone with oversized board games and old-school fun.  Admission is free, but workshop slots are limited – so sign up early, take the Digital BMI Quiz, and get ready to reconnect with what really matters. Show us your quiz results to redeem a free

POP Mart's iconic Mega Space Molly character is getting her time to shine at ION Art Gallery. Mega Space Molly: Hello, Moon exhibition is a whimsical look into the adorable toy's world of exploration and imagination – and an opportunity for die-hard fans to cop some event-exclusive merch too. Some standouts: a 1000% Hello, Moon figurine complete with a glowing moon orb, and a ball-jointed Molly Hello, Moon 1/8 Action Figure wrapped in a furry spacesuit. There are also lifestyle items like lamps, rugs and multi-functional lanyards, all available for pre-order. Don't forget to check out the Space Molly wall art and archival pieces, featuring beloved series like Smitten Love, Jon Burgerman, and Pantone. Of course, buy a blind box home and keep your fingers crossed for a secret figurine. Besides the blind boxes, look forward to a Singapore-exclusive: a Vanda Miss Joaquim-themed Mega Space Molly doll in honour of our national flower. This goes on sale on July 30 at ION Art Gallery. There's also a special anniversary collection dropping on August 1 at ION Art Gallery called the Mega Space Molly 100% Anniversary Series 4 – take a sneak peek here.  See the Hello, Moon exhibition in other parts of Asia  The MEGA SPACE MOLLY: Hello, Moon Exhibition is free and open to walk-ins at ION Art Gallery on Level 4 of ION Orchard. It runs from July 30 until August 24, from 10am to 9pm daily. This same exhibition will also be running in other parts of Asia – here are the dates and locations

Perhaps the cosiest event happening this weekend is A "House Warming" at Chin Swee Neighbourhood Club. Run by the folks at Common Man Coffee Roasters, the weekend pop-up market returns in its third iteration in collaboration with Of Wonder Wander. The space is styled like a home, complete with a living room and kitchen, and filled with brands and activities that invite you to slow down. Craft a sling bag from repurposed fabrics with beckynrosie, or settle into the community living room with Stranger Conversations for some heartfelt sharing. There'll be delicious bites to fill you up as you go: think old-school buns from Eat My Curry Bun and handcrafted pizzas from Pizza Keenway. Roots, a Bangkok-based café, has also made it all the way down to share their crowd-favourite brews, such as Orange Tonic Cold Brew and Cacao Nibs Cold Brew. If this housewarming inspires you to spruce up your own home, then you're in luck – you can shop tastefully picked, secondhand vintage by objects.re or gorgeous flower arrangements by FIBRE.  A "House Warming" at Chin Swee Neighbourhood Club is taking place at CMCR Barista Academy on August 2 and 3, from 10am to 6pm. Entry is free. 

Bali has always had two distinct draws: the sun-drenched coasts with its buzzing beach clubs and the enchanting forests and rice paddies in its interior. If you’re a diehard beach bum, Anantara Ubud Bali Resort will convince you to spare a few days up north. This five-star resort in a quieter neighbourhood of Ubud is the definition of tranquillity, transporting guests back to “Bali as it was 40 years ago”, as a world-weary traveller might say with no little amount of nostalgia. Anantara Ubud cascades down a hillside facing the lush Payangan rainforest in a design that will remind you of the terraced rice fields that Ubud is so famous for. It all originates from the impressive main building, its massive columns holding up the lobby and four dining venues. Every feature of the place calls attention to the outdoors – slatted folding doors in the lobby frame green, waving fronds; floor-to-ceiling windows wrap around the excellent signature restaurant Amerta; and alfresco bar Sulang Lounge leads out to one of the hotel’s two heated pools, which itself seems to hang suspended over the treetops. On a clear day, you can even see the conical peaks of Mount Agung and Mount Batur from the afternoon tea spot, Lobby Lounge.  The suites are carved stepwise into the hillside, accessible by an inclined elevator. Connected by an intricate network of stairs are the private villas – ours a one-bedroom abode with a private pool. The villa is spacious yet charmingly cosy: a neutral palette of bei

No need for a scuba diving license to enjoy the treasures of the sea at Koral Restaurants. It’s Bali’s first aquarium restaurant, tucked away in the luxurious Apurve Kempinski Bali. Request for a table under the arched plexiglass of the aquarium to make the most of the unusual setting. It gives you front-row seats to the dance of colourful marine life while you tuck into artistic multi-course menus with Indonesian-inspired dishes like wagyu beef with Maranggi sauce and silken tofu with Kintamani tangerine. 

Bouldering – it's like rock climbing, but scarier since you're scaling the wall sans rope. But the sport has found quite the following in Singapore because it's a true challenge for both the mind and body. Strength, technique, and strategy are a must to excel. It's also just a great bonding activity to have with friends and other enthusiasts.  Lovers of the sport now have a playground at Project Send, a swanky facility that's housed on the second floor of Esplanade Mall. Founded by climbers Kenneth Ng and Sarah Chua, Project Send stands out for its holistic approach to the sport – combining bouldering, strength training, and a dining concept at Beta Café.  Let's talk about the space. Project Send occupies over 5,200 square feet of space at The Esplanade Mall comprising more than 70 routes covering 12 climbing grades. The 14 bouldering walls overlook cityscape and riverfront views for times you need a breather from – quite literally – staring at the wall. Bouldering nerds will also be happy to know that the walls themselves were designed by seasoned Swiss climber Patrick Andrey, who has taken into account the unique features of the space to create an enjoyable spatial flow.  Besides a world-class bouldering wall to climb, gym-goers can also look forward to a holistic set of classes. Expect strength training and mobility sessions to help you conquer that gnarly overhang while protecting your muscles and joints. It all depends on your climbing goals, which Project Send's coaches

There's a new bookstore in the heart of town, and it's a haven for lovers of Chinese culture, literature and art. Taking over the space in Wheelock Place where the Borders flagship used to be is the ZALL Bookstore. It stocks more than 30,000 Chinese literary works for adults and children across two storeys, and has a café and art gallery to boot. Enter on the first floor and be greeted by black and white calligraphic elements that immediately whisk you away to the Jiangnan Watertown. Here is where you'll find childrens' literature, as well as a spacious multi-functional reading and event space. Head to the café on this floor for some quiet reading time with a hot cuppa – they have a variety of coffee blends, Chinese Chu tea and Taiwan tea on the menu.  Adults will want to head up the spiral staircase to do some book hunting. Expect a comprehensive collection across literature, humanities, history and philosophy from China and Taiwan. If that's not enough culture for you, there's always the art gallery on the same floor. ZALL Bookstore will be featuring creative pieces from both local and international talent, as well as stationery collections you can shop from. 

We've seen Spirited Away more times than we can count, and the thought of standing inside its iconic bathhouse – an eight-metre-tall, 3D recreation – is doing things to us. The Story of Studio Ghibli opens at Gardens by the Bay's West Lawn on December 18, 2026, and it features world-first experiences that don't exist anywhere else, not even Japan.  Spanning nearly 3,500 square metres, Singapore's The Story of Studio Ghibli presentation is also a brand-new expanded format that dwarfs any other Studio Ghibli exhibition or pop-up to date. Across 12 life-sized environments, the exhibition draws on more than 40 years of Studio Ghibli films, including classics like My Neighbour Totoro, Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, Kiki's Delivery Service, Howl's Moving Castle, and The Boy and the Heron.  Photograph: Studio GhibliThe Story of Studio Ghibli The Story of Studio Ghibli uses interactive multimedia and animatronic installations to bring its most iconic sets to life. There's the eight-metre-tall build of the Spirited Away bathhouse, which you can explore after wandering through the world's mysterious, lantern-lit streets. Stand under the rain at the bus stop right beside Totoro as you wait for the Catbus, explore the lush and mystical woodland from Princess Mononoke, and even face off with a life-sized Ohmu straight from the Toxic Jungle of Nausicaä of the Wind – one of Studio Ghibli's most ambitious yet underrated works.  Educational programmes and learning opportunities for child

You may have seen Borderlessbutter pop-ups at fairs and markets across Singapore, and even picked up some butter yourself. Three years after its launch, the homegrown artisanal butter brand has its first physical space – and it's opening this weekend at Sprout @ AMK.  Started by Arden Zhuo, Borderlessbutter is known for its flavoured compound butters like chunky miso shiitake, whipped seaweed brown butter, and smoky maple chipotle. Whipped up from a base of French butter, these are typically sold in individual jars or bundled sets you can take home and spread onto toast or toss into pasta, meats, and seafood dishes.  For the first physical space, Arden aims to get more face-to-face time with customers. There's a small tasting booth where you can try a rotating selection of three to four compound butters, and a weekend menu of four sandwiches incorporating Borderlessbutter butters – so you'll have a taste of what's possible at home before committing to a jar.    Photograph: Cheryl SekkappanMala kani tartine   We tried the mala kani tartine ($9.90) and the smoky maple chipotle tamago sando ($8.90). We enjoyed the first, mainly for the punchy, surprisingly numbing XO Mala butter, which Arden made with at least five different spices. The smoky maple chipotle tamago sandwich is a riff on the Japanese tamago sandwich, but with the mayo dialled down and substituted with its housemade smoky chipotle butter. The sandwiches are flavourful and indulgent, but both would benefit from mo

Just For Laughs Singapore returns for its second edition with a line-up that's way bigger than last year. Catch eight shows from October to December across four venues, with Trevor Noah headlining at The Star Theatre on November 3. Noah is one of the biggest names in comedy, full stop. He's the Emmy Award-winning host of The Daily Show, a six-time Grammy Awards host, author of the New York Times bestseller Born a Crime, and sold out his Off the Record tour worldwide.  The programme starts earlier, though. On October 6, Jiaoying Summers brings her Lucky Pony Tour to Capitol Theatre. China-born and Austin-based, the fast-rising comedy star turns immigrant identity, cultural clashes, and motherhood into fearless dark comedy. Her brand of humour has earned her 2 billion views and five million followers, and propelled her to the Apollo – the first Chinese comedian to headline that stage.  On November 25, Atsuko Okatsuka brings The Big Bowl Tour to The Star Theatre. Her second special, Father, landed in Hulu's top 10 at premiere; her first, The Intruder (HBO), won a Gracie Award and was named one of the best specials by both Vulture and Variety. She's one of the most consistent live performers now, combining personal storytelling, absurdist humour, and fantastic fashion sense – no wonder he 2024-2025 Full Grown tour sold out over 200 shows across over 100 cities.  For the biggest gathering of comedy talent in one room, don't miss the All Star Gala on November 15 at the Esplanade Th

Here's another stop for your Joo Chiat wanderings: Elijah Pies' brand-new flagship store at 72 Joo Chiat Place.  The homegrown brand is best-known for its artisanal dessert pies – most notably its marbled and highly Instagrammable wild berry lavender pie – and has physical stores at Tanjong Pagar Plaza and King George's Avenue. The new flagship is its third and largest location, a 60-seater within a restored 1930s Peranakan shophouse. Photograph: Elijah PiesElijah Pies Joo Chiat There are some serious credentials behind the flagship's design. Elijah Pies collaborated with Nice Projects, a London- and Sydney-based design studio behind other gorgeous projects like Odette and New Bahru. For Elijah Pies, they've refreshed the original shophouse facade in the brand's signature navy blue and laid down 1,480 Italian-carved travertine tiles in a geometric pattern as a subtle nod to Joo Chiat's Peranakan heritage. A table for 10 anchors the space, complete with a Lazy Susan centrepiece for easy sharing. There's also a private dining room with a botanical backdrop designed by This Humid House if you ever want an intimate birthday or anniversary gathering.  What's new on the menu? All this sets the scene for the refreshed menu. One new addition is the Elijah's Soufflé Pie, a chocolate soufflé pie with a warm gianduja centre over almond joconde and hazelnut praline, topped with a handmade chocolate flower inspired by Peranakan tilework. This is made to order, so it comes piping hot fro

Popular sourdough-centred bakery Marymount Bakehouse is opening a second outlet at 9 Thomson Ridge on September 12.  Born from a pandemic-era passion project, Marymount Bakehouse's first-ever physical bakery was at Sin Ming (it only shifted to Racecourse Road in 2024) – so this second outlet opening at Upper Thomson is something of a homecoming. Photograph: Marymount BakehouseMarymount Bakehouse Upper Thomson The new space seats 60, with design elements borrowed from the Racecourse Road outlet: think a clean, neutral palette, pops of its signature sangria red, clay brick walls, and warm accent lights. Where the first bakery is small and cosy, the Upper Thomson store has larger dining tables, a more spacious dining room, and outdoor seats.   We've waxed lyrical about the sourdough loaves at Marymount Bakehouse: high-hydration, with thin crusts and a soft middle, the sourdoughs here are lower in gluten, with a complex, tart profile thanks to a 20-hour natural fermentation process. Each loaf is finished with intricate, hand-scored patterns. Photograph: Marymount BakehouseMarymount Bakehouse Upper Thomson Marymount Bakehouse will offer 15 sourdough loaves in total. These will be baked in small batches and rotated throughout the month – which means you'll find something new every time you come back. Some loaves you can find include the pain de campagne ($15.50), a French-style country loaf made with dark rye and wholemeal flour; Not A Croissant Sourdough ($20), a flaky loaf ac

One of the most gripping scenes in Christopher Nolan's Interstellar sees Cooper (Matthew McConaughey) manually docking his spinning lander to the out-of-control Endurance spacecraft. It's one of the most suspenseful action sequences of all time – and a big reason is Hans Zimmer's tense and relentless 'No Time for Caution' track.  Now, you can catch Interstellar's famous score played live along with the movie at Interstellar – Live. Happening on October 31, 2026, at The Star Theatre, the one-night show combines a film screening with a live orchestral performance by the Metropolitan Festival Orchestra, with Martin Gellner as conductor and Charles Andrews on the organ.  It runs approximately 200 minutes, including a 20-minute intermission – but we bet it won't feel long at all. Not with the visual spectacle of extraordinary worlds in deep space as you follow former NASA pilot Cooper, who leaves his family behind on a mission beyond our galaxy to search for a habitable planet for humanity. Starring Anne Hathaway, Sir Michael Caine, Jessica Chastain, and Casey Affleck, the film received five Academy Award Nominations and won Best Visual Effects.  Starring a 1926 Four-manual Harrison & Harrison organ at London's Temple Church as the core instrument, Hans Zimmer's score adds scale, depth, and emotion to key scenes – from Cooper leaving his daughter and a tense chase through the cornfields, to the heartbreaking sacrifice he's confronted with towards the end of the movie.  Tickets are

With the year-end holidays just around the corner, it's time to get those travel plans out of the group chat and into reality. And now's the time, because the annual 9.9 mega sales have officially kicked off across major travel platforms. That means stackable promo codes, 1-for-1 attraction passes, and huge flight and hotel markdowns.  To save you from endlessly refreshing five different booking apps, we’ve rounded up the best 9.9 travel deals in Singapore you can stack right now. 1. Trip.com 9.9 Mega Sale When September 9 to 12, 2026 Trip.com's round-the-clock flash sale is packed with deals covering flights, hotels, tours, and attractions. These are timed drops, so you'll need to be strategic. The biggest coupon drops are happening at 12am on September 9, where you can grab $199 off First or Business Class flights, $109 off five-star hotels and Bundle-and-Save deals, and $50 off coupons for flights to Japan and hotels. If you're big on theme parks, then set your alarms for 4pm daily from September 9 to 12. That's when you can score 1-for-1 deals on attractions like Universal Beijing Resort and Universal Studios Japan, and 50 percent off promotions on Shanghai Disneyland and Hong Kong Disneyland. There are flight and hotel bundles to Taiwan and all-in fares for destinations like Beijing and Manila, too. More promo codes drop at 9am, 3pm, and 9pm with $39 off hotel bookings.  Time Out tip Planning a quick getaway? Catch the Johor Bahru hotel flash sale at 3pm on September 9,

It's official: Singapore is getting the Pokémon World Championships. The annual tournament – the grand finale of the Pokémon competitive season, where the world's best trainers battle it out for the title of World Champion – is set to take place at the Singapore Expo from August 13 to 15, 2027.  The announcement was made by Pokémon Company president and CEO Tsunekazu Ishihara during the closing ceremony of the 2026 championships in San Francisco on August 30, which drew a crowd of more than 50,000 fans.  This is a big deal for Singapore, as it's only the fourth time that the World Championships have been held outside of the United States, and the first time it returns to Asia since it was hosted in Yokohama, Japan in 2023. For Southeast Asia, it's a first.  The tournament spans four competitive formats over three dates: Pokémon Video Game Championships, Pokémon Trading Card Game, Pokémon GO, and Pokémon Unite, with a combined prize pool over $2 million USD and return invitations to the following World Championships on the line.  Even getting into the competition is no easy feat. Competitors must qualify through the Pokémon Championship Series season by earning Championship Points at sanctioned events throughout the year, or by finishing in top positions at regional, international, or special championships. For Asia-Pacific competitors, invitations are awarded through regionally organised play and esports programmes rather than the Championship Points system. If you want to at

Live Nation's long-anticipated Orchard Road venue finally has a name. The 3,000-capacity entertainment venue will be known as Grange House, with an opening confirmed for mid-2027. Originally announced as part of Budget 2026 earlier this year, the venue sits on Grange Road next to Somerset MRT, filling what Live Nation describes as a gap between Singapore's smaller clubs and its large-scale arenas and stadiums. At 3,000 capacity, it's big enough for mid-tier international touring acts, yet small enough to feel like an intimate gig rather than a stadium event.  Photograph: Live Nation AsiaGrange House main event stage Crucially, the venue will be open to all promoters and event organisers – not just Live Nation productions. That opens up a broader range of programming for Grange House, with the possibility of shows from independent local promoters alongside global acts.  Grange House's design is handled by Live Nation's in-house Blueprint Studio, which has prioritised acoustics, sightlines to the stage, and artist facilities built to international touring standards. Indoor and outdoor spaces have also been designed for use beyond show nights, with a landscaped terrace, all-day café and restaurant that can host community talks and public events, and a foyer for pre- and post-show dining and gathering. Photograph: Live Nation AsiaGrange House Conveniently, there will also be a walkway linking Grange House directly to 313@Somerset so you can go straight from retail therapy to

UPDATE August 27, 2026: The punchline for Post Malone's April Fool's Day announcement is landing a little late, but it's confirmed – his Big Ass World Tour show in Singapore is postponed.  Speculation has been swirling since the concert's listing on Ticketmaster Singapore was marked as "Currently Unavailable". Today (August 27), the ticketing platform confirmed the news and assured that ticket holders will receive a full refund. If you have a ticket, you'll receive the refund via your original payment method but it may take up to 60 business days to be processed.  Post Malone was originally slated to perform on September 25 at the National Stadium. The rest of his shows across Asia and Australia will also be postponed, though an official reason hasn't been announced yet.  April 1, 2026: If your 2026 bingo card didn’t include a singalong to Post Malone’s Circles in a 50,000-seat stadium, consider this your plot twist: Post Malone is hauling his gloriously named Big Ass World Tour to Singapore this September, and he’s bringing Don Toliver along for the ride. The Singapore stop lands on September 25, 2026 at the National Stadium, and is part of a multi-city sweep that hits Hong Kong, Kaohsiung, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Seoul, and Tokyo. If you last saw him in Singapore, it was probably during the 2023 Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix weekend. Since then, he’s only gone bigger. Diamond-certified smashes like Circles, Sunflower, rockstar, and Congratulations are just the

A larger-than-life Jurassic experience is stomping into town. Japan's live dinosaur spectacle Dino-A-Live is bringing its signature production, Dinosaur Odyssey, to Resorts World Sentosa from December 3 to 6 – its first large-scale indoor production outside of Japan. The show drew over 25,000 attendees during its Japan premiere and is expected to welcome over 30,000 guests during the Singapore season. Photograph: Dino-A-LiveDinosaur Odyssey by Dino-A-Live The approximately 70-minute experience places you up close to 15 hyper-realistic, life-sized dinosaurs. The line-up spans iconic species like Tyrannosaurus Rex, Brachiosaurus, Triceratops, and Stegosaurus, as well as lesser-known species like Ankylosaurus, Utahraptor, Allosaurus, Parasaurolophus, Suchomimus, and Dakotaraptor. These aren't static exhibits or 2D projections, either – they're all moving and roaming freely across the arena, within arm's reach of the crowd.  The dinosaurs appear so realistic because of Dino-A-Live's patented Dino-Techne mechanical suits. Developed by Japanese firm On-Art over more than 20 years, these suits recreate lifelike muscle movement and physical presence. The effect is enhanced by theatrical music, dance, projection visuals, and nature-inspired effects like wind, plants, flowers, and swimming fish. It'll feel like you've been transported back into prehistory rather than in a stage set.  Photograph: Dino-A-LiveDinosaur Odyssey by Dino-A-Live Beyond the main performance at Resorts World

Bookworms are in for a treat this October, because Singapore is getting its very first Indie Bookshop Day (SGIBD). It brings together 20 independent bookstores across the island for a three-day celebration of literature, community, and local reading culture. Taking place from October 2 to 4 (with the main festivities on Saturday, October 3), SGIBD features events happening directly within the participating bookshops – so that each has space and freedom to showcase its unique personality.  The 20 bookstores involved span genres and languages: there's the art and design institution Basheer Graphic Books, Korean bookstore Bommoi, children's bookstore Woods in the Books, Muslim bookshop Wardah Books, and Singlit publisher Epigram Books, among others.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Singapore Independent Bookshop Day (@sgibd26) Rather than just browsing their shelves, you can take part in interactive activities at each. Some highlights include a blind book swap at Epigram Books, a live sketching demo by author David Tsnen at Basheer Graphic Books, a PowerPoint party at Wormhole, and puppet shows at Eliko Picture Books & things. You can even browse President Tharman Shanmugaratnam's personal reading recommendations at Book Bar.  Even hopping between the venues comes with a fun twist: organisers are releasing an official SGIBD Passport that doubles as a directory and stamp rally. Collect customised stamps from at least 10 participating bookshops t