Cheryl Sekkappan

Don't be fooled by the looks of Pilates. The workout may consist of low-impact exercises that don't require treadmills and kettlebells but it is undeniably tough (thanks, Joseph Pilates). Each exercise is designed to lengthen your muscles, tone your frame, and stretch every inch of your body, so expect your legs to shake and your abs to quiver at every twist and turn. All about control, this popular HIIT alternative also helps improve your metabolism, balance, and posture. And what better way to get started than these studios in Singapore that offer classical, mat and reformer Pilates classes, bringing you one step closer to becoming a lean, mean, fighting machine – sort of. RECOMMENDED: The best yoga studios in Singapore and the best gyms in Singapore

No matter the occasion, gifting a beautiful bouquet to your loved one is always a great idea – you get to choose a design that best suits your recipient, and fresh blooms look (and smell) great when displayed on one’s dining table. To make your gift-giving easier, we’ve rounded up some of the best flower delivery services in Singapore that’ll safely deliver your precious bouquet to your giftee. You won’t even have to leave the house to pick the bouquet. All you have to do is select your posy and cart out.   RECOMMENDED: The most romantic restaurants in Singapore and The most romantic hotels in Singapore

We won’t shame you if Valentine’s Day slipped your mind. But we can’t guarantee that your beau won’t be mad. Save yourself the headache and bookmark one of these last-minute date ideas in Singapore – these include learning about film photography, chilling at a board game café, and building some trust at a bouldering gym. RECOMMENDED: The most romantic Valentine's Day dinners in Singapore and The best Valentine's Day events in Singapore Have a travel-themed photoshoot   Fasten your seatbelts and simulate an overseas vacation with your beau at Solace Airlines, an airplane-inspired photobooth by Solace Studios. This self-shot photo studio at Haji Lane adopts the trendy Gen Z style of shooting pictures from a high and wide angle, with airplane lavatory rooms and lounges to snap your photos in.  Learn about film photography with Objectifs Why use Instagram filters when you can get that same effect with film? Sure, it’s much more convenient, but shooting with film provides a satisfying challenge. Singapore has a healthy film community and you and your boo can delve deep into all things film by joining workshops hosted by Objectifs to learn the intricate process of film photography.  Hunt for street art murals around Singapore Light up your Instagram feed with a special Valentine’s Day shot in front of a beautiful mural. Pose in front of Medley Alley at Katong – it’ll make you look as if you’ve sprouted majestic wings – or head to Art Porters to snap

In the blink of an eye, we’ve finally hit December. With just weeks to go until 2025, we’ve got plenty of events that will make you wish the month was longer. Kick off the festive season with the return of yuletide fun around the island. From the dazzling lights along Orchard Road to a European-style Christmas market at Marina Bay, this year’s festive season promises to be unforgettable. Aside from Christmas magic, find Disney magic at a themed floral showcase and airport pop-up. Take a break from the festivities by checking out anonymous street artist Banksy’s debut exhibition here or visit New Bahru for its first design-centric fair. There's plenty to do this month, so scroll to know more. RECOMMENDED: The 101 best things to do in Singapore and 2024 Time Out Singapore recommended venues

Birthday cakes. Wedding cakes. Cheesecake. Chocolate cake. Cake for one, just one. We sift through the best bakeries to present you with the best cake shops on the island. Don't worry – the perfect cake is not a lie. But if you want to lie to yourself about the calories you're consuming, go right ahead.  RECOMMENDED: The best traditional bakeries and cake shops in Singapore and the best cafés in Singapore for dessert   

January is (thankfully) nearing its end. You know what that means? It’s high time you book that trip you’ve been thinking about. The question is, where to go? Well, we at Time Out have some ideas. We asked our editors for the number one destination they think should be on travellers’ radar this year, whether for unmissable events or cool new hotels, unspoiled nature or a growing dining scene. Our sights are set on foodie trips in Spain, starry skies in Norway, surf breaks in Siargao – and much more where that came from. Here are 12 amazing places we think you should explore in 2025. RECOMMENDED:🌇 The best cities in the world in 2025🗺️ The 25 best things to do around the world in 2025🧳 Five countries that really need more travellers this year

There’s nothing wrong with wanting to pamper your beloved with a rejuvenating spa session or romantic staycation. But for those who are cash-strapped or simply saving up, there are other activities that don’t require spending any money – all without compromising the quality of the date. From museum-hopping to conquering hiking trails, here are the best date ideas you can do for free:      RECOMMENDED: Unique and fun date ideas in Singapore and The most romantic restaurants in Singapore

Chinese New Year (also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival) remains the most significant event in the Chinese calendar. Celebrating the arrival of spring, it also marks the end of one Chinese zodiac cycle and the beginning of another. It’s the perfect time to reconnect with loved ones and indulge in festive treats like pineapple tarts. But of course, Chinese New Year is so much more than just feasting – it's steeped in legends, traditions, and etiquette worth exploring. Read on for our comprehensive guide to help you usher in the Year of the Snake this 2025. RECOMMENDED: The best Chinese New Year 2025 events in Singapore and The best restaurants to have reunion dinner and celebrate Chinese New Year in Singapore 

The Lunar New Year festival is one of the largest celebrations in Asia. From China and Hong Kong to Vietnam and Singapore, cities turn up the volume with loud and auspicious red decorations, vibrant parades, lively lion dances, and fireworks shows. The 15-day festival is also steeped in tradition: it's a time for families to reunite, exchange blessings, and welcome good luck in the new year.  If you're unfamiliar with the Lunar New Year festival, you might wonder about its significance, traditions, and how to join the festivities. Scroll on for our guide to how the festival is celebrated across Asia and more you need to know.  READ MORE: Chinese New Year events in Hong Kong and Where to celebrate Chinese New Year in Singapore

Mention cheongsams and what comes to mind would probably be the traditonal Mandarin collar and traditional body-hugging silhouette. While such designs are classic, some of us might prefer a more modern look that we can rock all year round. We’ve done the work and shortlisted these local fashion labels that have just that, from figure-hugging halterneck qipaos to those with floral prints and bubble skirts. Scroll on to browse the collections: RECOMMENDED: The best cheongsam boutiques in Singapore and The best Chinese New Year meals and festive menus in Singapore

You may or may not buy into the tradition of getting new clothes every Chinese New Year. Regardless, donning a cheongsam brings festive spirit and marks the start of the CNY merriment. Take this opportunity to upgrade your wardrobe and check out our list of places that sell bespoke and timeless cheongsams. These labels also feature subtler designs that can be worn beyond the festive season, so you’ll get a bang for your buck when investing in these pieces. Read on to find out more. RECOMMENDED: 7 local fashion labels with modern cheongsams in Singapore and the best Chinese New Year meals and festive menus in Singapore

Hello, 2025! We're already kicking off the new year with plenty of fun activities this January – the city’s annual light art festival is back along with a ten-day art extravaganza. Skateboarding competitions, rare vintage collectibles and interactive art exhibitions are some of the line-ups at several exciting street culture-centric events. Hold on to your wallets because Artbox Singapore is making its return to the city, bigger and better than ever. See more below. RECOMMENDED: The 50 best cafés in Singapore and The best art exhibitions in Singapore you shouldn't miss    

Feel the beat of New York at this grungy, hip-hop bar along Ann Siang Hill. An unassuming doorway on Ann Siang Road opens up into Brooklyn. Lit by low mood lighting, it has three sections: settle into plush seats for a proper sit-down meal, grab a seat by the main bar to chat with the mixologist, or head down a flight of stairs to the basement where an open-air kitchen shows all the chefs in action. Brooklyn bills itself as Singapore’s first hip-hop bar, so you can bet that hip-hop music will be playing all night long.  On the cocktail menu, 12 tipples are divided into three parts: Heart & Soul, King x Queen, and Ghetto Streets. It’s Brooklyn’s way of paying homage to all that makes up New York — its art, music, and culture. Ladies, come through with the Queen B*tch ($24), a refreshing cocktail with gin, elderflower liqueur, dry vermouth, orange marmalade and yuzu. Or try punchy signatures like The Brooklyn! ($26) and The Big Apple ($26). The former is spirit-forward with its use of barrel-aged wild turkey bourbon, while the latter blends Tiki Lover’s Pineapple, Baldoria dry vermouth, Laird’s applejack, apple maple syrup and black walnut bitters. The usual Maraschino cherry is replaced with a bright red candy apple that bleeds artistically onto a Brooklyn-stamped ice cube. In the Ghetto Streets section, the bartender’s virtuosity and skill come through in complex drinks like the Grandmaster Bear ($24), a fruity concoction with clarified cream. Cocktails aside, the food menu

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. 

Taiwan-born Draft Land Singapore turns one, and it's throwing an anniversary bash for the ages. From October 10 to 13, its inviting one and all down for a celebration featuring great food, lively music, and of course, its drafted cocktails.  You'll want to swing by on October 10 (4pm till late), when 20 cocktails-on-tap will be going for the absurdly good price of $10. Dance to a diverse selection of R&B, hip hop, top 40s, and disco tunes by DJ Chuin as you sip on cocktail favourites like oolong tea collins and yuzu whisky sour, alongside new concoctions like Red & Stormy and Pornstar bellini. Draft Land is known for its Sample Service – so do ask the friendly 'draft tenders' to recommend a few cocktails to try before you commit.  The next two nights are all about the music, with multiple DJs on rotation. DJ Val starts the party at 6pm on October 11 with house, R&B and party anthems; followed by DJ Dyna with an energetic hip hop set. DJ Zack C, a big name credited for driving Singapore's top LGBT clubs in the 2010s, takes over with DJ Chuin from 10pm to midnight. If you're in your Mandopop era, swing by on October 12 instead, where DJ Pin will be soundtracking the night with beloved Mandarin ballads and jazz-influenced tracks. Draft Land has a satisfying menu of Taiwanese delights to go with its tipples, but October 13 brings something a little different. Chooby Pizza is set to pop-up with its Naples-style pizza, characterised by naturally leavened, light and thin crust overl

If you can’t race a car, why not hop around town on a GPSS pub crawl instead? For $50, join Pints and Pitstops on a boozy trip to four top bars around Singapore. At each, you’ll get a locally-inspired cocktail: think alcohol-spiked chendol and ice milo drinks, with the night wrapping at one of Singapore’s hottest nightclubs. Come prepared with your F1 knowledge though – the pub crawl includes race-themed trivia and games, with prizes up for grabs, of course.

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

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

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

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

Talk about a stunner. The 5-star Artyzen Singapore on Cuscaden Road is Artyzen Hospitality Group's debut in Singapore, and it's a maximalist dream. In a departure from brands that seek to provide a consistent experience across global properties (not a knock, that has its own charm), Artyzen Singapore grounds itself in local history and culture – providing a vibrant stay with a wonderful sense of place.  One fascinating tidbit about Artyzen Singapore is that it's built on prime estate formerly occupied by Villa Marie. It was a 1940s era mansion built by Tan Hoon Siang, a keen horticulturalist and relation of philanthropist Tan Tock Seng. His love of plants, and particular interest in orchids, has been woven into the fabric of Artyzen Singapore. You see it in the bold floral motifs stamped throughout the hotel lobby, in the arched trellises that drip with plants and gems alike, and in the green and tranquil sky gardens across the floors.  The hotel has 142 impressive rooms spanning four categories: Deluxe, Premier, Grand Terrace Room, and Terrace Suite. It's worth noting that all have balconies and soaring ceilings (at least four metres high), which give them a sense of spaciousness and grandeur. The Straits-inspired art we get a peep of in the lift (colourful artwork by Terence Tan that depict Peranakan shophouses) finds its way into these rooms, in the scenic wallpaper and Peranakan-tile motifs.  Our room for two nights is the Terrace Suite, and it's jaw-dropping to say the

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

Happy Valentine's Day! Especially to lucky birds in Mumbai, Beijing, Jakarta, and Bangkok. According to Time Out’s 2025 Best Cities in the World survey, these five Asian cities rank among the best to date and find love. Every year, we quiz thousands of locals around the world to find out what it's like to live, work, and play in their hometowns to create a ranking of the best cities in the world. This time, besides questions about things like going out, dining, nightlife, and cost of living, we also asked locals, "how easy is it to find love in your city?"   And it looks like Asia's all loved up! Mumbai, India tops the list, with an impressive 72 percent of locals finding it easy to mingle and pair up where they live. Four other Asian cities made the top 10 list, with Beijing coming in second followed by Jakarta and Shanghai. Thailand's capital, Bangkok, slots in at ninth place with just over half saying it's easy to find love in their city.  Two Asian cities are not so lucky in love, though. Tokyo, Japan is the second worst in the world for singles looking to mingle, apparently. The cool Japanese capital has all the shopping, dining, and culture you can dream of, but only 21 percent of locals are having any luck with romance. Hong Kong doesn't fare much better – 23 percent have some success in love, which leaves 77 percent who are probably spending Valentine's Day solo this year.  Which is not to say that romantic love is the be all and end all of things. Whether you're in

Remember this list of the 100 best cities in the world? For the first time ever, Resonance Consultancy has released a list of the 100 best cities in Asia-Pacific (APAC), giving us a fantastic deep dive into our vibrant and continuously evolving region (and some ideas about where we might want to travel to next, too).  First, some background. Every year, Canadian tourism and investment advisory Resonance Consultancy publishes a report on the best cities in the world. Their list ranks cities with a metro population of 1 million or more based on an overall score covering livability (things like rent, number of highly rated sights and landmarks, number of parks), lovability (such as nightlife, shopping, and Tripadvisor reviews), and prosperity (number of Fortune 500 companies, GDP per capita, and more).  And the first APAC city to snag the crown? It's Singapore, which placed fifth in Resonance's 2024 global list. The thriving regional powerhouse ranked #1 for GDP per capita and #2 for Google Trends but also fared well for shopping and eating. That's all well in line with what we know of the city, which is home to glitzy shopping havens like Marina Bay Sands, Michelin-starred restaurants and award-winning bars, and plenty of hawker centres.  Coming #2 on the list is Tokyo, Japan – a little surprising given that it beat Singapore in the global rankings last year. Nevertheless, this urban playground proves why it's one of the most liveable cities in the world and a perpetual favouri

What comes tops for you when choosing an airline to fly with? For most, safety would win out. And in a world of shrinking in-flight leg space, we reckon that roomy seats would rank high too. If those are boxes that you need to tick, take it from AirlineRatings, Korean Air is the best airline in the world to jet set with. The airline just topped the platform's ranking for the World's Best Airlines for 2025. The results are based on traveller feedback and expert editor reviews, plus factors like safety ratings, financial stability, and innovation.  This year, Korean Air edges out 2024's winner, Qatar Airways, thanks to one thing: it's majorly roomy economy class seats. While many airlines have added extra seats per row on 777 aircraft and downsized seat pitch in economy class to 31 to 32 inches, AirlineRatings notes that Korean Air has eschewed this trend. Instead, the airline has kept its original seat configuration – and seat pitch is a supremely comfortable 33 to 34 inches. Perhaps this will send a message to airlines to keep seating space spacious and comfortable?  Korean Air's recent merger with AsianaAirlines also tipped things in the brand's favour. The consolidation put Korean Air in good business standing, which it followed up with significant investments in modern, fuel-efficient aircraft – a good sign of its commitment to efficiency and innovation.  Korean Air flies to more than 150 destinations globally, including hotspots like Bangkok, Tokyo, and London. It could a

  A shiny new hotel is a good a reason as any to book a plane ticket. And in 2025, there are many new properties popping up from Japan to Cambodia to tempt the discerning traveller. We're excited about the hotels on this list for a couple of reasons: some feature the debut of well-respected luxury chains in new (and often, unique) locations, all have outstanding design, amenities and experiences rooted in local culture and traditions, and most have a strong wellness offering – because hey, we all need a little pampering in this fast-paced day and age.  Get your calendars open to plan your holidays – here's our pick of Asia's most anticipated hotel openings for 2025.  Photograph: Studio Piet Boon 1. Rosewood Miyakojima Forget Tokyo and Kyoto. This 2025, discover an unseen side of Japan on the remote Ryukyu Islands in Okinawa, which will soon be home to Rosewood’s first Japanese property. Rosewood Miyakojima will have 55 guest rooms overlooking the pristine Oura Bay, with architecture and experiences designed to immerse you in the region’s unique culture. Learn calligraphy from a local artist, snorkel over coral reefs, and feast on exquisite meals built around locally sourced ingredients at the resort's four dining venues. Rosewood Miyakojima will also have a beachside infinity pool, an Asaya Spa, a yoga studio, and fitness centre to round out a heavenly stay.  Rosewood Miyakojima opens on March 1. It’s now accepting reservations here. 2. Raffles Sentosa Singapore  The icon

It's Valentine's Day come early for BLACKPINK's Jisoo fans in Asia. The massively popular K-pop star has just dropped the tour stops for her 'Lights, Love, Action!' fan meet tour, and seven Asian cities have made the cut.  Blissoo, Jisoo's agency, announced via Instagram that she will visit Manila, Bangkok, Tokyo, Macau, Taipei, Hong Kong, and Hanoi on her solo fan meet tour. This will happen after a two-day fan meet, "Soo in Love", at CGV Cheongdam CineCity cinema in Seoul on February 14 – also the release date of her debut solo mini-album, Amortage.  A combination of the words 'amor' ('love' in Latin) and 'montage' (a film editing technique showing a sequence of short clips), the album's name reflects "the emotional stages of love and the defining moments in a relationship". Amortage will feature four songs: "Earthquake", "Your Love", "Tears", and "Hugs and Kisses". Jisoo is said to have participated in writing all the songs – look out for the track spoiler on February 10 and a music video teaser on February 12.  We're sure you're eager to get tickets to see Jisoo in the flesh (and possibly be among the first to hear the Amortage tracks performed live). However, Blissoo has yet to release venue and ticketing information, which the agency says will be out "soon" on the Jisoo App. Watch this space for more updates.  Dates for Jisoo's 2025 'Lights, Love, Action!' Asia tour: March 17 to 18: Tokyo, Japan, Saitama Super Arena TBA: Manila, the Philippines TBA: Bangkok, Thailand TB

If you haven't jumped on the "reset jetting" trend, then it's about time. With modern life being such a grind, Skyscanner's Travel Trends 2025 report found that more and more travellers are booking into wellness centres and spa resorts to relax and reset their minds and bodies. Take it from SpaSeekers.com – Vietnam should be the first country you book a plane ticket to for some truly curative experiences. According to the online booking platform, Vietnam saw a 175 percent increase in Google searches for spa holidays, the most of any country globally.  This result hasn't come out of the blue. The Southeast Asian country was crowned Asia's Best Spa Destination by the World Spa Awards 2023, and the country's wellness landscape has only grown since. Just in January this year, Six Senses Con Dao debuted a new 100,000-square-foot spa and wellness centre offering a variety of personalised therapies based on Vietnamese medicinal principles. Later this year, Waifofo Resort Hoi An will debut a new wellness and longevity centre with technology-driven treatments like IV vitamin therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and luxurious spa packages. Keen on treatments rooted in local landscapes and practices? You can get bamboo roller treatments at TIA Wellness Resort, Red Dao herbal baths at Tha Phin Village near Sapa, cupping therapies at The Spa at Amanoi, and even mineral mud baths at Thap Ba Mud Bath in Nha Thrang.  It also doesn't hurt that everything else about Vietnam lends itself well to

What makes a travel destination welcoming? Hospitality is surely key, with inviting accommodations and friendly locals to complete the feel-good holiday vibes.  Now, the verdict is out on the city that's most likely to give you all the warm and fuzzy feelings. Travel booking platform Booking.com has just revealed the 10 Most Welcoming Cities on Earth for 2025 as part of its 13th annual Traveller Review Awards. It looked at 360 million verified customer reviews of travel partners across accommodations, activities, and transportation options and sussed out the places with the greatest share of top reviews.  That city is none other than Sigiriya, Sri Lanka. Technically, it's not a city but an ancient rock fortress near the actual city of Dambulla. This cultural hotspot dates back to 477 AD and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site prized as one of Asia's best-preserved examples of urban planning, with a complex water system, one of the world's oldest landscaped gardens, and fascinating age-old artwork on the rock walls. With a lush national park and cultural village to explore nearby, it's no wonder Sigiriya also snagged the top spot on Time Out's list of most spectacular places to visit in Asia.  To best experience Sigiriya, Booking.com recommends Roo Mansala Boutique Villas for an unparalleled view of Sigiriya Rock or Back of Beyond – Pidurangala for a peaceful jungle getaway with adventurous excursion options like an elephant-watching safari to Minneriya National Park. Otherwise, t

If there's one thing that we can all get excited about, it's all the public holidays and long weekends in store for us. If you haven't already heard, out of all the 11 gazetted public holidays in 2025, four will fall on a Friday or Monday. This means that we'll get to enjoy a total of four long weekends. That's one long weekend less than what we got in 2024 (which is admittedly a tad disappointing) but it turns out that two public holidays happen to fall on a Saturday – so those on a five-day work week have the option of claiming those as an off day, or receiving salary in lieu. Our advice? Create your own long weekend by taking that off-in-lieu day on a Friday or Monday too.Now that New Year's Day and our two-day Chinese New Year break are over, these are all the eight remaining public holidays to look forward to in 2025, with long weekends marked by an asterisk: Hari Raya Puasa: March 31, Monday* Good Friday: April 18, Friday* Labour Day: May 1, Thursday Vesak Day:  May 12, Monday* Hari Raya Haji: June 7, Saturday National Day: August 9, Saturday Deepavali: October 20, Monday* Christmas Day: December 25, Thursday  If you're required to work on a public holiday, remember that you're entitled to time off in lieu, an extra day's salary at your basic rate of pay, or even overtime pay depending on your particular scenario, as part of Singapore's Employment Act. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has a useful calculator to help you figure out the compensation you should receive.  A

        Do you chase sunsets? Or just a really good plate of food? If you're an insatiable foodie traveller, we promise there's a lot in Asia to whet your appetite. From multi-course tasting menus in fancy restaurants to diverse and affordable hawker options, there's something to recommend for every palate and budget. Well, those looking for their next Asian culinary adventure should sit up, because the prestigious Michelin Guide has just released its list of the world's most exciting foodie destinations in 2025. Alongside places like Mexico City and Amsterdam, six cities in Asia were tipped by Michelin as must-gos this year if you want to keep your stomach happy.  As a country, Thailand takes the cake. Michelin identifies three exciting cities: Bangkok, Koh Samui, and Phuket – which are not-so-coincidentally the filming locations for season three of The White Lotus. If you're swinging by the capital, book a seat at Sorn, Thailand's first-ever Three-Star restaurant. Koh Samui offers a breezier, beachside vibe at spots like Jun Hom, while Phuket's scene is as diverse as it gets, with 58 Michelin Guide spots showcasing anything from "aromatic curries and fresh seafood to savoury street food like satay and roti".  Osaka, one of our best places to visit in Asia in 2025, is also spotlighted by Michelin for its bold street food and cutting-edge fine dining scene. It recommends Three-Star restaurant Kashiwaya Osaka Senriyama for a culinary journey through Japan's ancient festivals,

Call us biased, but Asia has some of the most kick-ass cities in the world. You get ultra-modern megacities like Shanghai, Seoul, and Bangkok – colourful, chaotic, with a centre of gravity of their own – and quainter destinations like Hanoi and Kyoto, threaded through with tradition and old-world charm. Whatever your lifestyle or holiday needs, we guarantee there's an Asian city to suit your preferences.  If you're searching for a place in Asia to visit (or settle down in), then you've come to the right place. Every year, Time Out talks to thousands of locals worldwide (18,500 city dwellers this year, to be exact) to suss out how they feel about living, working, and playing in their hometowns. We're talking food, culture, nightlife, affordability, and even how easy it is to find love. Our city editors also chip in by voting on the most exciting places in the world right now. The result – a definitive list of the 50 best cities in the world. And guess what? 11 hip and happening Asian cities made the global list for 2025, with some exciting new entries and incredible comebacks. Let's take a closer look at the results.  Bangkok is the second-best city in the world Give it up for Bangkok, the second-best city in the world and officially the best city in Asia for 2025. That records an incredible jump of 22 spots from our 2024 round-up of the world's best cities. So, what propelled Bangkok to the top? Time Out staff writer Kaweewat Siwanartwong boils it down to a few essential fact

From Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) Thailand to Seoul World DJ Festival, Asia is home to some of the most exhilarating music festivals in the world. And if you like some rhythm, swing, and sublime improvisation in your music, then there's Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival to tickle your fancy.  The legendary festival is set to celebrate 20 years of jazz music magic from May 30 to June 1 this year, and it's just released an absolutely stacked first wave lineup of international stars and local Indonesian gems. First on the list: you've all seen him conducting massive audiences in rousing harmonies – none other than Jacob Collier, a multi-Grammy-winning artist who'll be staging a special show at the Java Jazz Festival. He's joined by acts like Canadian electro-soul collective Busty and the Bass, English jazz drumming tour de force The Yussef Dayes Experience, celebrated American jazz singer Jane Monheit, a Brazilian and global music collaboration Munir Hossn & Elas, the humorous and talented American a capella group Straight No Chaser, and 2024 NPR Tiny Desk Contest winner The Philharmonik. Since its inception in 2005, Java Jazz Festival has also made it a point to showcase Indonesian talent like Maliq & D'Essentials, Afgan, and Ardhito Pramono in the 2024 edition. This year's no different, with smooth crooner Adikara Fardy, contemporary R&B and jazz artist Dreane, and emerging singer-songwriter Bilal Indrajaya announced in the first wave lineup.  Tickets are now on sale a

Wedding bells are ringing in Thailand; at long last – it's for the LGBTQIA+ community. The country's historic Marriage Equality Bill comes into effect today, making Thailand the first Southeast Asian country to legalise same-sex marriage. It's also third in all of Asia to do so after Taiwan and Nepal.  The Marriage Equality Bill has been cooking for quite a while. After decades-long efforts by Thai LGBTQIA+ activists, the legislation was passed by Thailand's parliament and endorsed by the king last year. It goes without saying that the new law is a very huge deal, granting full legal, financial, and medical rights to married couples of any gender. Same-sex couples will also have full inheritance and adoption rights. If you're in Thailand now, you can expect nationwide celebrations. Bangkok will be particularly vibrant, with a mass wedding, Pride Carpet, and a mini-concert featuring drag stars and celebrities at Siam Paragon today, co-organised by Bangkok Pride. The campaign group is gunning for a world record too – it hopes more than 500 couples in Bangkok and more than 1,448 couples across Thailand will officially register their marriages to break the current record for the largest LGBTQIA+ marriage registration set in Brazil in 2014, reports the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.  It's not all about the 'I do's, of course. The marriage act is set to amp up rainbow tourism, events, media representation, and even retirement schemes. If you're part of the LGBTQIA+ community