Rachel Yohannan

The good thing about working in Singapore’s Central Business District is that you’re never short of food options. And on weekdays, there’s that added perk of set lunches, often at value-for-money prices. Whether you’re bonding with your favourite colleagues during break time or entertaining clients, these CBD restaurants offer some of the best business lunch sets in town – with prices starting from just $18. Even if you’re not planning a meal with work associates, these set lunches are worth taking leave for on a random weekday where you simply feel like treating yourself. RECOMMENDED: The best new restaurants in Singapore and the best happy hour deals in the city

Whether you’re a visitor planning your very first visit to Singapore, or a Singaporean mapping out a special occasion in the city, choosing a hotel in Singapore is an important (and sometimes overwhelming) task. With so many spectacular stays to choose between – from the world-famous Raffles to new boutique stays like 21 Carpenter – it can be challenging to decide which is best for you. To help you determine which hotel to book for your next visit or staycation, our team of local editors (including Time Out Singapore Editor Cheryl Sekkappan, Regional Content Director for Time Out APAC Nicole-Marie Ng and local writer Dewi Nurjuwita) have tried and tested the city’s top-ranking hotels to determine which are worth your time.The list has been overseen by Winnie Stubbs, Travel and Hotels Editor APAC and self-confessed hotel obsessive. Each hotel has been chosen based on amenities, design and proximity to the city’s highlights – with many hotels on the list within walking distance of the best restaurants and bars in Singapore.Read on for our guide to the very best hotels in Singapore right now. RECOMMENDED: The best Singapore attractions to visitThe best rooftop bars in SingaporeAirport hotels in SingaporeThe best luxury hotels in Singapore At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on to

It’s time to live life in the fast lane – the Grand Prix™ Season Singapore (GPSS) is back from September 26 to October 5, revving up with even more thrills beyond the race track. Besides cheering on your favourite speedsters zipping through the circuit, there are also plenty of things to do to immerse yourself in the buzz. With one-of-a-kind experiences that roll out just once a year during race week, you’ve got every reason to explore the city before – and even after – the final checkered flag waves. We’re talking 10 days of exciting experiences covering everything from parties at the hottest clubs to exclusive F&B deals, plus unique retail pop-ups and limited-edition merch drops – there’s bound to be something for everyone, no matter your speed. Here are the best spots to hit up this GPSS 2025, and all the activity highlights you shouldn’t miss. For the full lowdown, download your ultimate guide to the season.

There’s never a bad time for ice cream – especially not in Singapore’s unforgiving tropical heat. An abundance of ice cream parlours are dotted all around the island, and we’ve got the scoop on which are most worth your calories. From a gelato café with tea-based flavours, to a late-night joint that opens till 2am, and a homegrown chain we grew up with and still love dearly – here are the best ice cream stores in Singapore for a cool indulgent treat. RECOMMENDED The best guilt-free ice cream in Singapore and the best soft-serve ice creams in Singapore  

Our mums are superstars all year round, but this is the one time of the year where you have the perfect excuse to show extra appreciation toward her. Other than treating her to a delicious Mother’s Day meal or planning a Mother’s Day outing with fun bonding activities like jewellery workshops or strolling through a flower display, you can add a sweeter note to the occasion by blessing her with a thoughtful treat. These local bakeries and dessert stores in Singapore are whipping up special Mother’s Day treats, ranging from cute macarons to a warabimochi cake and even pistachio mille crepe inspired by the latest Dubai chocolate trend.  RECOMMENDED: The best cake shops in Singapore and The best florists in Singapore for any occasion

As far as local landmarks go, Raffles Hotel Singapore is by far one of the most iconic – and not just for its grand postcard-worthy exteriors. Though impeccably well-maintained, this five-star hotel retains its classic colonial charm harking back to the 1800s, and staying here is a premium experience right from the moment you encounter their unmistakable doormen. Plus, it's just been crowned the 17th best hotel in the World's 50 Best Hotels 2023 list, ranking a few spots above Capella, which gives you all the more reason to check it out. Even if you haven't booked one of their luxury suites, there's still plenty to explore within the hotel's sprawling grounds, from its gorgeous lawn area, to the marvel-worthy architecture, and its in-house lifestyle destination, Raffles Arcade. Read on for our guide on the best of Raffles Hotel.

Whether you're a regular runner or just looking to get moving, Singapore has no shortage of scenic trails that make your time outdoors worth it. From quiet nature trails to breezy coastal paths, we’ve rounded up some of the best running routes across the island. So lace up, head outside and get a dose of fresh air.  If you’re looking to soak in the fresh air and stunning scenery while testing your fitness limits, sign up for Singapore T100 and challenge yourself on April 5 and 6 at Marina Bay. RECOMMENDED: The best nature trails in Singapore and The best hiking trails and spots in Singapore  

People who don’t live in cities will tell you they’re busy, lonely and expensive places. But there’s a reason so many people choose to live in them: with world-class art and culture, unbeatable food and nightlife, buzzing neighbourhoods and a dizzying amount of stuff to do and see, there’s simply no better place to be.  Every year, we take the pulse of city living by quizzing thousands of locals across the planet about life in their hometowns. This year, more than 18,500 city-dwellers shared their insights on everything from food, nightlife and culture to affordability, happiness and the overall city vibe. When urban living can sometimes feel isolating and costly, this year we wanted to get a sense of what, exactly, makes a city feel like home. Sure, the nightlife is great, but is the city safe and walkable? Is good quality food and art available at a reasonable price? Is it easy to make friends, find love, and access nature?  Livability was a key factor in our ranking this year. But a great city to live in is, naturally, a great city to visit. So, along with the thousands of responses from locals around the world, we asked Time Out’s global network of city experts to vote on the places they think are particularly exciting right now. After crunching all that data, here we are: Time Out’s definitive ranking of the world’s best cities in 2025. Read on to see how your hometown fared… RECOMMENDED:🛍️ The coolest neighbourhoods in the world right now🌎 The best things to do in the

You know that the Chinese New Year festivites are starting to get in full swing when you see our island lit up with stunning lanterns and striking red and gold garlands. This year, plenty of serpent-themed decorations are slithering their way across our streets and coiling around every corner to herald the year of the snake. Ready to slide right into the lively bustle of the season? There's no better way than to do so by soaking it all up at these best Chinese New Year light-ups spots for 2025. RECOMMENDED: The best Chinese New Year events in Singapore and Best Chinese New Year 2025 light-ups and displays in Singapore

Vibrant lantern displays are starting to take over our streets, heralding the arrival of another Chinese New Year. Beyond savouring pineapple tarts and reconnecting with loved ones during this time, immerse yourself in the spirit of things with all the festive events across Singapore this season, from stunning illuminations to lion dances and even free firecracker displays. Don your festive finest and slither into the year of the snake with these best Chinese New Year events in Singapore. RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants for Chinese New Year 2025 reunion dinner in Singapore and Local fashion brands with modern cheongsams in Singapore

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, dear gentlemen, and it’s time to find the perfect gift for the special lady in your life. Here’s a pro tip: if she says she doesn’t want a gift, she’s probably not being entirely honest – and even if she is, a thoughtful gesture is certainly always welcome. If you're stumped on shopping and need some inspiration, we’ve got you covered with a curated list of Valentine’s Day 2025 gift ideas in Singapore that are bound to impress, with options to suit every budget.  RECOMMENDED: The best Valentine's Day dinners in Singapore for a romantic meal for two and The most romantic restaurants in Singapore    

The year has just started but it’s already sounding like a blast – but can one really expect anything less from Singapore, the fifth best city in Asia? There’s always something fresh poppin’ up in various corners of our island, and these 25 new and upcoming experiences in our Little Red Dot just prove that good things do indeed come in small packages. From new nature spaces, to a lifestyle enclave with charming cafés, and a hangout for music concert buffs, here are our big 25 for the books this 2025. RECOMMENDED: 101 best things to do in Singapore and 50 best restaurants in Singapore

If you’re down to get edgy, mark your calendar for DnA Fest – an unexpected collision of different arts disciplines, served with a side of sass. Sit back for a screening of The House of Janus – a modern film take on Henry Purcell’s opera Dido and Aeneas – starring and directed by Ong Keng Sen who’s also responsible for local comedy hit movie Army Daze. Or, get wild with Dido & The Belindas, a vibrant drag spectacle featuring none other than queen Becca D’Bus. End it off with Afterparty, an underground ballroom event with flashy runway battles and wicked beats. Find out more here.

It’s all things K-culture at Hallyu Weekend, a three-day festival packed with music, dance, and merch. Dance trainer DJ Blink from SM Entertainment will be hosting a free K-pop party with the hottest beats, while Jam Republic’s skilled choreographers will be conducting a dance workshop suitable for all levels. Dreaming of being the next big thing? Try your luck at auditions for KQ Entertainment – the same company responsible for world-famous groups like Ateez. If you’d rather be by the sidelines, watch the finalists of the Dance Dance Hallyu competition battle it out, or simply drop by the K-Culture Market to score some loot featuring your biases. Find out more here.

Thanks to Emerald Hill – a spin-off of popular Mediacorp series The Little Nyonya – Peranakan fever is sweeping over Singapore, and Sentosa is also getting in on the fanfare. From now till the end of August, hop on over to the scenic island and experience a cultural immersion like no other with kebaya rental, Nyonya-inspired afternoon tea, and heritage craft workshops where you’ll learn the art of tile painting and floral embroidery. But the grand highlight? Larger-than-life installations of giant beaded slippers, tingkats and teapots, and a kaleidoscopic replica of a Peranakan shophouse with nightly light shows. Find out more here.

Enjoyed the cute fruit-themed exhibition at Heartware Store & Gallery a couple of months back? The art space at Joo Chiat is now hosting Japanese artist maitoparta’s first solo Singapore showcase titled Itadakimasu! – featuring her signature kooky-looking wooden sculptures all handpainted in bright colours. There will also be exhibition-exclusive posters, plushies, bag charms and more, and pretty much everything you see displayed will be for sale. Be quick, because some of them are one-of-a-kind, with no remakes. Entry is free. Find out more here.

Grab your picnic mats and baskets and make a date for a musical soirée at the Botanic Gardens – because the Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO) is gracing the Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage with a free concert. Lounge on the lawn surrounded by lush foliage, and be serenaded with classical tunes composed by the likes of legends Brahms and Mendelssohn, as well as Singapore’s very own Lee Jinjun. Among the mix, look forward to the first movement of Beethoven’s iconic ‘Symphony No. 5’ – a number you should recognise by its grandiose melody, even if not by title. Pets are welcome too. Find out more here.

Get swept up in a fairytale of gallant knights and castle landscapes with Rose Romance at Gardens by the Bay. This year’s edition of the Flower Dome display takes you back in time to old England, paying homage to the legend of King Arthur with scenes of Camelot brought to life. Spot the mythical sword of Excalibur, take your spot at the Round Table, learn about the history of British castles, and stroll through paths lined with thousands of beautiful roses in various species and hues. Also on display are icons of England’s more modern eras – from red telephone boots to mailboxes and royal palace guard uniforms. Find out more and book your tickets here.    

*Scape knows what’s up when it comes to the cool crowd. Its latest youth-centric event, It’s Giving Fest, is turning up the heat with a solid mix of music, food, wellness and games. Groove to live performances by homegrown music talents including Benjamin Kheng, Shye, and Tasha Low, or get your muscles moving with pilates and K-pop workouts – all for absolutely free. Or, team up with your fave local stars like Annette Lee and Zhang Ze Tong in a celebrity telematch showdown for laughs and prizes. Add some new treasures to your collection at the flea market and celebrity charity auction, snap some photo booth keepsakes, and when you’re hungry after all the action, stop by the food truck for burgers and other festival grub. It’s two days of non-stop fun – check out the full event line-up here.

Seen a long queue outside Mandarin Gallery lately? That would be the line for the purchase of Singapore-exclusive blind boxes and other paraphernalia at the ongoing Pop Mart Summer pop-up. Even if you’re not down to splurge on collectible toys, it’s still worth stopping by to check out the larger-than-life installations featuring Dimoo, Labubu, Hirono and the gang. Parked right outside the mall next to the Peranakan-inspired container store are character standees alongside nostalgic local icons like the dragon playground and a rickshaw. But wait, there’s more – head into the mall for even more Pop Mart photo spots, featuring HDB block facades and traditional kueh. Hint: The fun doesn’t just stop on the first floor.

Myth broken: Sensitive skin can be exfoliated – you just have to do it the right way. Learn all about this firsthand at the Cetaphil SkinLabs pop-up, where you’ll get to try the doctor-approved skincare brand’s all-new Gentle Exfoliating SA range. Happening from now till June 29, the experiential event set across two floors of a cosy shophouse includes plenty of interactive highlights like complimentary hand massages and skin analysis, products at 30 percent off, edgy photo spots, denim tote bag customisation, and free travel-sized bottles of skincare. To upgrade your experience, sign up for a yoga session or expert talk during the weekend. These cost $15 to attend, but come with a complimentary Cetaphil goodie bag worth $50 – so that’s more than good bang for your buck. The new Cetaphil Gentle Exfoliating SA range uses an effective yet gentle triple blend of chemical exfoliants to dissolve dead skin cells, treat dullness, and smooth out any unevenness – all without the abrasiveness. This makes it suitable for all skin types, even those with sensitive and irritation-prone skin. There are currently two products in this line: the Gentle Exfoliating SA Cleanser ($17.25) and Gentle Exfoliating SA Lotion ($22.90), both of which come in sizeable 236ml bottles and can be used on both the face and body. The Cetaphil SkinLabs pop-up is located at 265 Beach Road, and is open from now till June 29 from 11am to 8pm. Entry is free. Find out more via Cetaphil’s Instagram page.

You’re probably thinking of the traditional Singaporean toast spread, but don’t be mistaken – this isn’t a mod-Sin establishment. Instead, Kaya is short for ‘izakaya’, so expect Japanese flavours with a bold modern twist. The restobar is located within The Standard, Singapore, a new boutique hotel in Orchard with Hollywood roots and art in every corner. The vibe  Forget the typical gritty smoke-filled izakayas where patrons are crammed in shoulder to shoulder. Kaya at The Standard is roomy and elegant with botanical wallpaper, rattan chairs, and plants cascading from the ceiling – mid-century meets tropical, if you will. For a more casual vibe, opt to sip and dine at the chill outdoor patio that’s shrouded in greenery. The food  Brace your palate for Japanese flavours like you’ve never experienced before. You can’t go wrong by starting with sharing a refreshing pakuchi salad ($14), a simple but addictive poached chicken and cabbage salad topped with cilantro, shiso and ume dressing. The ash karaage ($18), charcoal-grilled oyster-yaki ($32) and burrata no shoyu ($22) with honey shoyu jam and renkon chips are also good choices to split before digging into an indulgent kani meshi nabe ($68) – a stone pot rice dish brimming with snow crab, ikura and uni creme. Don’t leave without trying the sweet potato mont blanc ($16), the perfect autumnal treat of three types of Japanese sweet potato, pistachio sponge and chestnuts. The drink  Creative Japanese-inspired versions of classic coc

Relive the magic of your childhood days with a new Peter Rabbit-themed afternoon tea experience that's hopped its way into Singapore for a limited period of time. In homage to the beloved storybook series by acclaimed children's author Beatrix Potter, each indulgent set comes with sweet and savoury English garden-inspired nibbles – including those shaped like apples, a pot of flowers, and blueberry basket – and adorable themed decor that you can take home as souvenirs. Special care has also been taken to include bunny-friendly ingredients, such as soft seeds, fruits and vegetables. Best of all, you get to enjoy all of this in an elegant lounge on the 70th floor, with sweeping views of Singapore's landmarks and surrounding seas as a backdrop. Find out more about our experience at this Peter Rabbit afternoon tea.

Mainstays like the Singapore Art Museum and ArtScience Museum are probably the first places that come to mind when you’re in the mood for an artsy outing. But take a look in other areas in Singapore, and you’ll discover smaller independent galleries that are also worth a visit – and one of the newer entrants in the scene is Nonage Gallery, located within brooding gothic tower The Mill at Bukit Merah. It’s always something new with each visit – Nonage Gallery keeps things fresh for visitors by switching up its exhibitions every two months or so. This also allows them to rotate the spotlight on their featured artists, thus providing visibility to a wider pool of these underrated creatives from Singapore and around the region throughout the year. One thing that’s constant throughout, though, is the presence of vibrant, whimsical art styles. While quite a handful of different artists’ works have been featured, all of them have a quirky and almost child-like quality – and we mean this in the best way possible. From pop surrealism to manga-inspired paintings and even giant plush carrots sprawled across the floor, everything you’ll discover here can easily be appreciated by all, even if you don’t consider yourself a serious art buff. Once you’re done, pop by coffee roaster Alchemist within the same building for a caffeine fix. This isn't your regular coffee joint either, as its got dark Victorian-style interiors that match the building itself. Keep up to date with Nonage Gallery’s l

Four large hawker centres and markets in Singapore’s heartlands will be closing on September 22 – with another two following suit a week later – but don’t panic. These closures are just temporary, for repairs and redecoration work. Among the mix are the well-known Toa Payoh Lorong 8 Market, Haig Road Market, and Berseh Food Centre, according to an announcement by the National Environment Agency. Hopefully, the six food spots will reopen looking cleaner and sleeker with improved facilities – all while retaining that traditional neighbourhood charm. Fingers crossed that there won’t be price increases coming from this. Most of the hawker centres’ renovations will take at least two months, with some stretching to three months. All are slated to be completed before the end of the year.  Things might be inconvenient for a while if these food centres are your usual go-tos, but take this chance to explore something new. Punggol Coast Hawker Centre has just opened with 40 stalls and Michelin-recognised names, while there are quite a few new hawker entrants on the latest Michelin Bib Gourmand 2025 list. And if you’re craving local fare while in town, check out the new air-conditioned Hawker Street at Orchard, also with Michelin-approved eats. Full list of hawker centre and food market renovation closures from now till end 2025: Toa Payoh Lorong 8 Market & Hawker Centre (September 22 to November 24) Ang Mo Kio 628 Market (September 22 to December 15) Boon Lay Place Food Village (Septem

A delicate fragrance of fresh florals wafts through the air amidst sleek brand boutiques at Paragon. Trace the scent, and you’ll arrive upon the refreshing surprise of a particular storefront spilling with blooms. Popular Chinese florist-restaurant chain Tomacado (花厨) has brought over a sprinkle of spring romance with its first outlet in Singapore – almost like a secret garden waiting to be discovered in the thick of Orchard’s bustle. With over 10 branches across China and one in Hong Kong since its first sprout in 2015, Tomacado celebrates its 10th anniversary by ticking off another milestone: this new Singaporean outpost is the brand’s 14th outlet worldwide, and its maiden dip into Southeast Asia. Photograph: Tomacado Inside are tables spruced up with vases of flowers, alongside towering Alice in Wonderland-esque peony sculptures and specially commissioned botanical-themed art. There’s also a dedicated exhibition and retail space within the store featuring heritage-crafted treasures like butterfly brooches. Tomacado’s name is a portmanteau of the words ‘tomato’ and ‘avocado’ – which hints at the restaurant’s focus on balanced portions and health bowls. Its Asian fusion menu includes its signature honey-roasted pumpkin salad ($24), wagyu steak ($89), and almond chocolate cake ($14). Some of the desserts and drinks even come dressed with floral elements like petals and flower-shaped chocolate decorations. Photograph: Tomacado While there, customise a fresh floral bouquet

Another dating debacle has surfaced in Singapore: Lau Pa Sat for a first date, yay or nay? Whatever your stance, we’re not judging, but here’s the question – is treating a love interest to a non-hawker meal really such a tough ask? According to a new global study, it shouldn’t be, because Singapore has been named as the sixth most affordable city for dining out – second in Asia, below Osaka (#5). Australian food magazine Chef’s Pencil has crunched the numbers to put together this list based on 177 cities’ meal-to-salary ratios. For Singapore, an average mid-range restaurant meal is listed at $39 against an average monthly salary of $4,642 – which translates to 0.8 percent of one’s paycheck. And turns out there isn’t all that big of a gap between us and first place, with Dallas’ (#1) meal-to-salary ratio at 0.7 percent. Asia-wise, other cities in the top 10 include Tokyo (#7), Shenzhen (#8), and Seoul (#9). Objectively, $39 for a meal in Singapore is already on the higher side of average. Even if we’re strictly looking at restaurants, and not hawkers or food courts, it isn’t difficult to find good food at much lower prices. Some new spots we recommend are Steak Sudaku for A5 wagyu under $30, Revolution for Asian-inspired pasta, and the Coach Coffee Shop for chic New York-style dining, sans high-end prices. If you’re part of the one in five Singaporeans against hawker centre first dates, perhaps this list is a good one to whip out if you’re ever accused of being a gold-digger.

Not too long ago, the beloved Times Bookstore and Epigram Books shut their last physical stores for good within four months of each other – but we refuse to believe that Singapore’s book scene is meeting its demise. We recently chanced upon Book Bar, an underrated bookstore-café in the Tanjong Pagar area that quietly opened in 2023, and it’s cosy spaces like these that give us hope in such times. Book Bar is not to be confused with Littered with Books, a much older and thus more well-known bookstore along the same row of shophouses. Photograph: Book Bar We don’t just love Book Bar because it’s independently run by a passionate bookworm. It’s also an establishment with a deliberate focus on SingLit authors and Asian writers from around the region. All the more reason to support it. Though not by any means elaborately decorated, the book café exudes a homely, unpretentious feel, with chill music playing softly in the background – the perfect environment to sit down and pore over a good title you’ve just bought off the shelves. But even if you’re not here for a read of fiction, history, or self-help, you’re welcome to grab a table and order some tea ($6.50), prosecco ($10), or an ice cream float ($8). Pair those with some French toast (from $17.90), sandwiches ($11.90), and freshly baked earl grey scones. Lunch, settled. Photograph: Book Bar It was practically empty when we popped by on a rainy Saturday at 1pm, so this could be your new go-to for quiet work-from-café session

When it comes to finding space where there’s seemingly none to be found, we can always count on our small but mighty Garden City to come through. Orchard Road’s ongoing revamp has been proving just that, with new monthly street bazaars, a Live Nation music entertainment venue, and hotels like Mama Shelter and upcoming NoMad by Hilton springing up. Photograph: National Parks Board But the shopping belt’s latest announced update isn’t related to consumerism. Instead, it’s all about the green, with vibrant new nature spaces to be created along the Dhoby Ghaut end of the stretch. This is all part of the Urban Redevelopment Authority’s mission to “bring back the Orchard” – the flourishing vegetation that first gave Orchard Road its name.  Photograph: National Parks Board The existing Istana Heritage Gallery will be transformed into a temperature-controlled glasshouse. At the same time, an elevated link will connect Dhoby Ghaut Green to Fort Canning Park for more seamless nature exploration in the middle of the concrete jungle. Kiddos will be able to enjoy a garden playground, and an open lawn and promenade will serve as the setting for community events. An earlier version of the plan, circa 2019, mentions water play features too, so fingers crossed that that’s still in the pipeline. These will sit right across the road from the freshly renovated Temasek Shophouse, which houses Violet Oon’s casual new concept and a social enterprise coffee house – no excuse not to walk off the

Realise you’ve forgotten your passport while on the way for a JB day trip? Hold the U-turn, ‘cause you’re not gonna need it. Singaporean travellers heading into Johor Bahru can now go comfortably hands-free as of September 22, 2025,  with the launch of the new MyNIISE (read: “my nice”) app, which allows you to clear immigration with a QR code. QR code clearance will first be implemented at the Singapore-Malaysia Second Link, as well as two land checkpoints in downtown JB. The initiative is part of a trial that will be progressively rolled out at five Malaysian airport locations, including Kuala Lumpur, Kuching, Kota Kinabalu, and Penang. Other than skipping the hassle of fumbling with physical documents, travellers who are exploring in a group can also clear customs with a single QR code for all parties, which is excellent news for those hopping over with little ones or less tech-savvy older folk in tow. Download the MyNIISE app for Android and Apple to try it out for yourself during your next journey into JB. For an even smoother commute, check out our guide on the best times to travel to Johor Bahru from Singapore. READ MORE This homegrown travel collective lets you enjoy four curated weekend getaways with a single $999 pass Air Japan by ANA ramps up its schedule with daily Singapore-Tokyo flights from late November Revealed: Singapore Airlines' busiest flight routes in 2025

So you’ve read the novel The Little Prince and delved further into his world with an immersive exhibition, but the fairytale magic continues off the pages – dancing straight onto the tips of your tastebuds. In the latest of themed dining experiences in Singapore, there’s a new afternoon tea inspired by the timeless tale by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Held at 1864 – Sofitel Singapore City Centre’s elegant champagne bar and tea lounge – this whimsical afternoon tea experience brings the celestial setting of the children’s classic down to us earthlings in the form of bite-sized treats. Open the ‘book’ to reveal a star-shaped duck rilette monaka with soy curd, a raspberry rose mousse cake that’s an ode to the Prince’s beloved flower, a truffle and white chocolate macaron featuring the wise fox, and plenty more. Photograph: Sofitel Each $68-per-person set comes with complimentary artisanal coffee or your choice of TWG tea, but a top-up will get you themed drinks to round off the experience. The rum-based Star Gazer ($20) is a rose-topped concoction that’s served in a dramatic engulfment of actual flames, while Twinkle Star ($10) is a sweet, citrusy, sparkling mocktail that swirls with ‘mist’. The Le Petit Prince afternoon tea is available at 1864 within Sofitel Singapore City Centre from now till November 2, 2025, from 2pm to 6pm daily (last order at 4.30pm). Find out more and make a booking here. READ MORE This offbeat cocktail bar in Tiong Bahru turns kitchen trimmings into deli

Time to plan a trip to Jewel Changi Airport if you’re a FAM of G-Dragon. No, the king of K-pop isn’t flying over for a fan meet – so hold that thought on sasaeng pursuits – but you’re in for a treat nonetheless with his Übermensch pop-up blooming across two floors of the airport mall. Eponymous with his third and latest solo album, Übermensch is a multimedia exhibition that debuted in Seoul and made its way to other neighbouring cities, including Tokyo, Osaka, Hong Kong, and Taipei. The pop-up will also be making its way to Macau after ending its run in Singapore. Photograph: G-Dragon Starting October 1, pop by Jewel’s Changi Experience Studio (Level 4) and South Gateway Garden and Lookout (Level 2) to dive into the edgy world of G-Dragon with graffiti-laden subway sets, giant inflatables of his iconic daisy motif, and even 3D dancing holograms of the star – almost as though he’s performing right there in the flesh, just for you. Call us delulu, but hey, we’ll take what we can get of the OG oppa. Photograph: G-Dragon Another highlight at past editions of the exhibition is an immersive VR experience that lets you step into a G-Dragon music video. G-Dragon Media Exhibition: Übermensch will be open in Singapore from October 1 to 13, 2025. More details will be released soon. In the meantime, hype yourself up for the event with tunes from the new album and start planning your outfits for all the photo opportunities in store. Photograph: G-Dragon P.S.: While you’re there, che

First a red blood moon, then meteor showers, and now a planet sighting? It would seem that we’re extra celestially blessed lately – but perhaps what many don’t know is that Saturn actually goes in opposition on an annual basis, and this year is no exception. During this time, the ringed planet appears at its biggest, brightest, and most visible when viewed from Earth, so you’ll be able to see it without any pro equipment. Here’s all you need to know about the upcoming Saturn Opposition. What is the Saturn Opposition? Simply put, Saturn in opposition is when there’s a perfect alignment of the sun, Earth, and Saturn – with Earth smack in the middle of the lot. When this happens, the sun shines directly onto the outer planet, and the light reflected makes it more visible. Refer to the diagram by NASA below for a better understanding of this positioning: Photograph: NASA When is the Saturn Opposition best viewed in Singapore? This year’s Saturn Opposition will occur on September 21, 2025, and according to the Science Centre Singapore, it’ll be best viewed from 8.30pm onwards. What does Saturn in opposition look like? With the naked eye, Saturn in opposition looks more like an extra brilliant star – just like how Venus appears to us in the night sky, near the moon, on a regular day. But if you happen to own a telescope, you could very well see the gas giant in all its ringed glory, just as how it’s depicted in cartoons and impressions. Fingers crossed for good weather and cloudl

You’re slurping up fresh Fine de Claire oysters in between sips of limoncello spritz. Surrounding you are rustic brick interiors enlivened with jewel-toned upholstery, all bathed in a golden glow from chandelier lamps. Outside, views of the sky and waters stretch endlessly. No, you’re not on the Amalfi Coast – but this refreshed version of LAVO Singapore comes pretty close. After a four-month hiatus, the soaring Italian restaurant at Marina Bay Sands is back in action, sporting a summery new vibe and menu. Pick a spot indoors, along the scenic alfresco terrace, or at the bar and lounge – each one offers a different atmosphere, but all are equally stylish yet laidback. Photograph: Marina Bay Sands While favourites like the wagyu-veal-pork meatball ($39) and signature 20 layer chocolate cake ($34) make a comeback, new dishes with coastal flair have been added to the list – think plenty of fresh seafood-focused plates including grilled octopus ($34), jumbo shrimp ($45), and a malfadine seafood alfredo ($45) with shrimp, scallops, and lobster butter. Of course, classics like brick oven pizzas (from $34), burrata ($28), and hearty steaks (from $88) are also part of the line-up. Photograph: Marina Bay Sands And if, like us, you’ve sorely missed LAVO’s poppin’ daytime parties in the sky, be glad knowing that its iconic party brunch with live DJs and dancing is back – first roaring off with a high-octane ‘race weekend’ edition on October 4 to celebrate the Formula 1 season.  LAVO

The next time you’re out for foodie pursuits near Tanjong Pagar, consider adding a dash of historical insight to the pie. A new gallery has just opened within the 136-year-old Telok Ayer Chinese Methodist Church (TACMC) – a national monument that you’ve probably passed by multiple times, perhaps even daily during your work commute, but likely never paid much heed to amidst the everyday hubbub. As the first church for the Chinese Methodist population in Singapore, TACMC certainly has stories to tell, harking all the way back to the pre-war era. During World War II, this very building – whose design is a mix of European and Oriental architectural styles – shielded the vulnerable from Japanese troops, and its bell served as a warning for airstrikes. Today, visitors will be able to hear that same bell chiming through one of many interactive points at the heritage gallery, which stretches across four floors of the church. Wartime scenes will be brought to life through the use of AR technology, and plenty of actual artefacts from those bygone days remain on display. Just a note: The church is still operational and hosts services to this day. Be sure to remain respectful and keep noise levels to a minimum when entering this place of worship. Telok Ayer Chinese Methodist Church’s Heritage Gallery is open for free-and-easy visits on Mondays to Fridays, excluding public holidays, from 10am to 5pm. Tours are also available. Find out more here. READ MORE Rumour has it: 'Wicked' stars Ari

There’s been much buzz in Singapore’s wild wild north this year with the opening of wildlife park Rainforest Wild Asia, luxury treehouse pods at Mandai Rainforest Resort, and a new Mandai Boardwalk with lookout points and chances of animal sightings. Those in the know have already heard of Cavern Restaurant, which lets you have meals in a realistic cave-like setting, but Mandai Wildlife Reserve hides another atmospheric dining venue behind its lush tangle of rainforest leaves. Photograph: Banyan Tree Unlike Cavern, which is dark, mysterious, and windowless, Forage has floor-to-ceiling glass windows that give diners an endless view of the surrounding reservoir, with dense forestry lining its banks. While it’s part of Mandai Rainforest Resort, the restaurant is open to the public – but only for dinner. Breakfast remains an exclusive affair reserved only for the hotel’s staying guests. Photograph: Banyan Tree In line with Mandai Wildlife Reserve’s nature-focused ethos, Forage stays true to its moniker with an earth-friendly harvest-to-table concept. Its five-course ($138) and eight-course ($198) fine-dining dinners use ingredients literally foraged from the resort’s own herb garden, as well as meat and fish from local farms with sustainable operating practices. Menus are seasonal, formed based on the best harvest of the moment.  Led by Chef de Cuisine Marcus Tan, who's more than proved himself across Michelin-starred kitchens, Forage earned a spot on our best new restaurants