Cheryl Sekkappan

Nestled in the heart of Singapore, Balestier is where you’ll find tantalising local eats, heritage-rich locations and quirky shops. Whether you’re hunting for the city’s best bak kut teh or curious about the history behind its iconic shophouses, this storied neighbourhood is a treasure trove worth exploring.  RECOMMENDED: The 50 best cafés in Singapore and The best hiking trails and spots in Singapore

Yearly, several prominent music festivals light up Asia's calendar. Don't hesitate – catch that flight, as there's nothing quite like joining a pulsating crowd of fellow revellers, dancing and shouting your heart out to the tunes you love alongside beloved international artists. RECOMMENDED: The absolute best hotels in Asia right now and The best places to party in Bali

There's much ado about Jurong Lake Gardens, especially after the Chinese Gardens and Japanese Gardens reopened in 2024. Aside from the two new gardens, we also have Lakeside Gardens, a landscaped, yet naturalistic, park has tons of attractive spots and nature trails that show off the natural heritage of Jurong, while showcasing ways that man and nature can coexist.  Easily accessible from Chinese Gardens MRT and Lakeside MRT, Jurong Lake Gardens is a stunning waterfront destination for nature lovers, families, fitness enthusiasts, and just about anyone who wants a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. We break down the main spots you should be checking out, as well as other things to see and do in this sanctuary of the West.  RECOMMENDED: The ultimate guide to Fort Canning Park and The best secret and hidden gardens in Singapore  

We won’t take part in the never-ending debate of which side of Singapore is the best. But we’ll tell you this – the West is thriving with gems like Lakeside Garden, located in Jurong Lake Gardens. This waterfront place has photogenic nature trails, family-friendly activity spots, and several eateries where you can refuel after exploring. We’ve rounded up the best things to see in this ultimate guide to Lakeside Garden, so get your butt up and make your way over to the West.   RECOMMENDED: The ultimate guide to Fort Canning Park and The best secret and hidden gardens in Singapore How to get to Lakeside Garden The journey to the West might seem far if you don’t live in the area, but Jurong Lake Gardens is accessible by train and bus. Those taking the train can alight at Lakeside MRT station and exit via Exit A. Turn left and follow the sheltered walkway, cross Yuan Ching Road, and you’ll arrive at the entrance (at Lakeside Plaza). You can also take a 20-minute walk from Jurong East MRT station to the Japanese Garden Bridge in Jurong Lake Gardens.  If taking the bus is more convenient for you, hop on bus 154 or 246 and alight at the Chinese Garden stop (stop number 21659). Alternatively, there are two carparks, North and South, if you prefer to drive to Jurong Lake Gardens. Parking is free from Monday to Sunday from 5am to 8.30am and 12pm to 2pm. Charges go at $0.60 per 30 minutes for all other timings.

Asia offers secluded islands, mirrored waters, and year-round sun – all the ingredients for a perfect scuba dive. It's really no wonder that this continent is home to some of the best scuba diving in the world. We're talking incredible wreck dives, vibrant and teeming coral reefs, and depending on the season, pelagics like sharks, whales, and manta rays. So, dive in with us to some of the most prestigious destinations of the underwater world.  READ MORE: The most incredible road trips in Asia and One month in Southeast Asia: The ultimate itinerary    

If you've been dreaming about lounging around in a hammock while sipping on a fresh coconut in a villa, you're not alone. And even if you don't fancy leaving the country, there's no reason why you should put those tropical dreams on hold. Grab your closest friends and spend a weekend at these fancy holiday villas in Singapore and you'll be transported to the Maldives, Seminyak or Phuket in no time.  Recommend: The most romantic hotels in Singapore and the best luxury five-star hotels in Singapore This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

Outdoor lovers will know – there are many nature trails and parks in Singapore, so much so that you can plan an entire weekend’s worth of things to do at these green spaces. And one such place would be the 24km-long Rail Corridor, which reopened in 2021 after two years of renovation work. Following this came the restoration of Bukit Timah Railway Station, the launch of Rifle Range Nature Park, and the reopening of the northern section of the Rail Corridor – all of which are part of the Rail Corridor. Needless to say, there’s much to do here. Whether it’s your first or tenth visiting the revamped space, we’ve curated a guide on what to see and do. Happy trails! RECOMMENDED: The best hiking trails in Singapore and the best outdoor spots in Singapore to admire nature from above  

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   

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

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

Southeast Asia is a backpacker's heaven for a reason. Travellers are drawn to the region for its mix of vibrant cultures and delicious local food, and for those on a shoestring budget, its affordability. Whether in Indonesia or Vietnam, you can get a pretty incredible vacation with quality accommodation, food, and experiences without draining your bank account. So, we're not surprised that a Southeast Asian country just topped a new list of the cheapest countries to travel to in 2025. Travel insurance company HelloSafe studied the average daily budget required by travellers in 131 countries globally, taking into account expenses like accommodation, food, and transport and ranked them from cheapest to most expensive.  And the cheapest country to travel to in 2025? It's Laos. According to HelloSafe's research, the average daily budget needed in Laos is just 15.40 USD, almost 5 USD cheaper then Kazakhstan (No. 2 on the list). We did a little bit of our own research, and it turns out that accommodations in Laos start at just 7 USD a night on Agoda.com, and in pretty well-rated hostels or guest houses too. You can also find affordable local meals at 2 USD and rent a scooter for around 8 USD a day.  Photograph: Chanchai Duangdoosan/Shutterstock Of course, do expect prices to be steeper in tourist hotspots like the Laotian capital Vientiane and UNESCO World Heritage Site Luang Prabang. But don't let that stop you – these cities are still plenty affordable and packed with cultural

Fresh from the announcement that Tyler, the Creator will perform in Asia this year, we've got more awesome concert news – pop queen Lady Gaga will play four spectacular shows in Asia this May. There's a twist, though. She'll be playing in Singapore and Singapore only. The "Mother Monster" will perform at the National Stadium on May 18, 19, 21, and 24, 2025. The stadium's capacity ranges from 55,000 to 60,000, so there will be plenty of space for fans from all over Asia.  This is a big deal for the region. The last time Lady Gaga played here was in Japan for The Chromatica Ball in 2022. It's been even longer for the rest of Asia, which last saw the global pop star in Seoul, Hong Kong, Saitama, Taipei, Pasay, Bangkok, and Singapore during her Born This Way ball in 2012.  The wait will have been worth it. Lady Gaga released her latest album Mayhem just last week, so there's going to be lots of new material to jam to during the concert. And let's face it, as Mingli Seet, Time Out Singapore's Art & Culture Writer put it, Lady Gaga "isn't just a pop star – she's an award-collecting powerhouse" who's guaranteed to put on an incredible, genre-defying show for all her Little Monsters.  Where is Lady Gaga touring in Asia? The pop queen will be playing four shows at Singapore's National Stadium – her only stop in Asia.  What are the dates for Lady Gaga's shows in Singapore? Sunday, May 18, 2025 Monday, May 19, 2025 Wednesday, May 21, 2025 Saturday, May 24, 2025 When do tickets go on s

We're calling it – trains are the best way to travel. You'll need more time to get to your destination, sure. But what you get in return is comfort and a chance to immerse in the sights of the world's most beautiful landscapes.  If you're itching to hop on a train journey, this latest ranking by Titan Travel has come at the right time. The UK-based tour company looked at factors like Tripadvisor review scores, ticket prices, and number of stops covered to determine the rail journeys with the best beauty, accessibility, and value. And guess what? The most beautiful train journey in the world is right here in Asia.  India's The Himalayan Queen emerged as No. 1 in Titan Travel's list, scoring 7.35 out of 10. It runs from Kalka to Shimla railway station in North India, winding through 102 tunnels and over 864 Gothic-style bridges in the Shivalik foothills. Also known as the Outer Himalayas, this region is characterised by low hills and wide valleys filled with lush forests and lakes. On a clear day, you can even see the breathtaking Himalayan range from the train. In fact, the route is so beautiful that it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. Tripadvisor reviewers certainly relate, with many using the phrases "beautiful" and "picturesque" to describe the trip.  Photograph: StockGalery/Shutterstock You'll also be pleasantly surprised to know that The Himalayan Queen is immensely affordable. Costing just 3 USD for a standard ticket and 6 USD for a premium ticket, i

What do you call a group of manta rays? A squadron. And from May to November, travellers have a good chance of swimming with massive squadrons of these graceful oceanic creatures in the Maldives' Baa Atoll. This tiny atoll is rightfully known as one of the best places in the world to snorkel with manta rays. It's well-positioned close to a deep channel, a kind of superhighway for planktonic larvae from the west and east Indian Ocean. This plankton is what hundreds of manta rays come to feed on every year (not to mention other megafauna like whale sharks and eagle rays). There's never any guarantee with wildlife, but the folks at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru and Manta Trust have got manta sightings almost down to a science. Manta experts at the Maldives Manta Conservation Programme (founded by Manta Trust) have studied the resident manta rays in the Baa Atoll for two decades now. Using tidal knowledge, plankton forecasts, moon phases, and their knowledge of local mantas' movements, they've predicted Manta "hot dates" – the best periods between May and November to spot large gatherings of manta rays.  Photograph: Four Seasons These dates are super handy for those planning a trip to the Maldives to catch the otherworldly manta display. Hanifaru Bay is, without a doubt, the most famous site for catching the mantas in a mass feeding event. Just note: the bay is a marine protected area, and you need to go with a licensed guide who is booked through a guesthous

Even displayed next to other vivid works, Cokorda Martin’s art stands out. We first encounter his illustrations at Crossfade, an exhibition by Southeast Asian art curation platform and marketplace GOFY, at Draftland Singapore in 2024. The bold colours, fluid yet razor-clean lines, and smooth symmetry catch the eye. Under his digital pen, figures from Balinese mythology look like they belong solidly in the 21st century, blended intriguingly with Chinese and Japanese cultural imagery.  Cokorda’s art effortlessly expresses the changing face of his hometown, Bali. Much has been said about the island’s transformation from a sleepy locale to a global tourism hub, and even more about its impact on traditional Balinese culture. But in Cokorda’s work, past and present exist in perfect balance.  Photograph: Cokorda Martin/courtesy of GOFY"Past and Present" by Cokorda Martin at the Crossfade exhibition "I’m inspired by Balinese people and how they stay the same despite gentrification and party culture,” says Cokorda during an artist QnA at the Crossfade exhibition. In an email interview with Time Out this year, he adds, “In the morning they work, in the afternoon they pray, and at night they may even party. It’s a reflection of the balance of life.” You see this perspective most clearly in the aptly named “Past and Present”, a cool and contemporary illustration of a Balinese mythic figure with benign eyes in an elaborate headdress. It clutches a turntable against a backdrop of beer ca

The thing about travel is that you'll never run out of places to visit and things to do. Just when you think your trips for the year are set, a stunning new hotel or a cool new destination crosses your radar and you find yourself having to shuffle things again. Well, apologies in advance, because a fresh list just dropped, and it's filled with extraordinary places you'll want to check out ASAP. Every year, TIME magazine publishes a list of the 100 greatest places in the world. It encompasses hotels, resorts, and attractions nominated by its network of correspondents and contributors, and through an application process. The goal? To uncover the newest and best travel experiences that money can buy. 2025's edition is finally out – and there are a whopping 21 picks for Asia.  The selection is split into two categories, the first covering nine out-of-this-world hotels and stays in Asia. They all provide a unique way to experience each destination: sail the Coral Triangle aboard the luxury phinisi, Celestia in Indonesia and tailor your voyage to your interests, be it history, food, or diving; get intimate with Nepalese traditions and way of life with the Community Homestay Network in Nepal, which connects travellers with local families; or go on culinary-focused trips and learn Japanese cooking techniques at Mirukashi Salon in Japan's Kyushu countryside.   The 12 spotlighted attractions and experiences are no less charming. There's the breathtaking Nangma Valley Trek in Pakistan,

What does a 'happy' beach look like? For CV Villas, it's simple really – it's one filled with smiling people. That's the measure they've used to develop their latest list of the happiest beaches in the world. The London-based travel agency used AWS facial recognition software to analyse thousands of Instagram pics of more than 100 beaches worldwide. They looked for smiling faces – the more, the happier – and gave each beach a 'beach happiness score' to determine the final ranking. The top 30 list is absolutely dominated by sandy shores from Europe, with Spain's Sitges Beach claiming the crown of 'happiest beach in the world'. As for the most cheery beach in Asia? That's Sri Lanka's Mirissa Beach, clocking in at No. 24. We can certainly see why folks are all smiles on this beach just two hours south of Colombo. It's hard to be a grump when there are miles of honey-coloured sand and smooth, surf-friendly waves to enjoy. Those who want to lay back with a tipple have plenty of beach bars to choose from. Meanwhile, intrepid explorers can cross a famous sandbar at low tide to get to a tiny islet. It's just the sort of hippie spot that'll put anyone in a good mood. You'll have to share this slice of paradise with other tourists, though. For a quieter experience, you might want to start your beach lounging early or explore other spots like Weligama Beach and Secret Beach. If you're spending some time in Sri Lanka, remember to visit its other breathtaking beaches – here's one approved

Bhutan is known for its jaw-dropping natural beauty. Often likened to the fictional lost paradise of Shangri-La, this far-flung kingdom in the Himalayas has landscapes defined by stupendous mountains, graceful valleys, and glittering rivers. The beauty of its traditional architecture also stands out – seen in the colourful and intricate design of its mighty dzongs and monasteries. Soon, you can add Bhutan’s upcoming Gelephu International Airport to the country's list of architectural gems. Design firm BIG has just revealed new renderings of the planned city, and needless to say, we can't wait for the airport's completion in 2029.  Photograph: BIG Bhutan's natural landscapes and traditional architecture have deeply influenced the design. From afar, the airport's diagrid structure forms a series of peaks meant to appear like a mountain range, bringing to mind the country's soaring pinnacles.  Photograph: BIG Within the airport, BIG plans to build a biophilic "forest spine" courtyard to separate the arrival hall from the rest of the terminal – a shout out to Bhutan's biodiversity. To pay homage to Bhutanese traditional crafts, the airport's interior will also feature vibrantly carved timber, and as Archinect reports, "dragon iconography representing the past, present, and future of the country". Photograph: BIG And as if the airport wasn't awesome enough, the design will also make room for yoga spaces and wellness facilities.  Photograph: BIG The spirit of BIG's airport

Asia is not the first place you'd think of when thinking of the best pizza—its place of origin, Italy, still has the lock on that. But it turns out that we still do pizza pretty well, with enough world-class pizzerias to fill up a list of the top 50 joints in Asia-Pacific.  We're talking about the 50 Top Pizza Awards ranking of the best pizzerias in Asia-Pacific. Revealed yesterday at the Italian Culinary Institute in Tokyo, Japan, this is widely considered the Michelin award for pizzerias, so you'll want to pay full attention. For the tastiest slice in Asia-Pacific? You'll have to hop on a plane to Tokyo, where you'll find The Pizza Bar on 38th. Executive chef Daniele Cason helms this cosy 8-seater bar inside the Mandarin Oriental, where his team turns out Roman-style pizzas fresh from a brick oven. The pizzas here are notable for their light and airy crust, achieved with organic Italian flour and a 48-hour fermentation process. Because the menu changes with the seasons, The Pizza Bar on 38th is worth repeat visits (if you can score a seat). There's something to be said for this pizzeria's consistency – it also ranked first in the 2023 50 Top Pizza APAC list.  The second-best pizzeria in the region is also from Tokyo: RistoPizza by Napoli Sta Ca. In fact, Japan is the region's certified pizza capital – nine pizzerias across Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, and Kyoto made the list, the most of any country in APAC.  Hong Kong's Fiata by Salvatore Fiata is ranked third in Asia-Pacific. He

Asia is the largest and most populous continent on the planet, with a spectacular diversity of cultures — and yes, cuisines. Taste profiles vary from country to country, city to city: fiery, aromatic foods in Southern Thailand, smoky flavours in wok-fried foods in Malaysia and Singapore, and light but irresistibly umami dishes in Japan. There's much more, and it's all incredibly tasty. So, you can imagine how difficult it is to whittle down a list of Asia's best food cities, much less globally. Well, we've done it – with the help of the people who know best, the locals. Time Out asked thousands of city-dwellers all over the world to rate their food scene across 18 criteria, quizzing them on factors like quality, affordability, and convenience. Time Out editors, food critics, and Time Out Market chefs also chipped in with insights on the most exciting food cities right now. Their scores were combined with the local ratings to develop our final list of the best culinary hotspots in the world.  And drumroll, please...four Asian cities made our list of 20 foodie capitals for 2025. Ranking No. 1 in Asia (and No. 2 worldwide!) is Bangkok. 86 percent of locals rated their food scene as 'good' or 'amazing'. In their words, food in Bangkok is 'delicious', 'fast and convenient', and 'diverse'. Almost half of our food experts (47 percent) also voted for Bangkok as the best food city in 2025, the highest of any other city. Check out Time Out Bangkok's coverage for a full breakdown of wha

Talk about a blast to the past: some satellite images have just dropped – and they offer a fascinating glimpse into Bali as it was 60 years ago, long before global tourism changed its face forever. The TreeMap has released satellite images of Bali from 1965. Now available on Nusantara Atlas, these images were captured by the KH-7 Gambit satellite, which was used on a top-secret U.S. reconnaissance mission during the Cold War. According to Nusantara Atlas, these images have "stunning ground resolution of 0.61 to 0.91 metres", which means you can get some incredible detail of Bali's landscape at it was 60 years ago. The Nusantara Atlas website also provides nifty sliders for a side-by-side comparison of Bali then and now. All you have to do is plug a Bali address into the map. We have to say, the comparison is pretty stunning. You can see quiet coasts now lined with sprawling resorts and sophisticated beach clubs. Squares of rice fields and forests have also given way to new infrastructure – we're guessing, more resorts, villas, and tourist-oriented venues.  Besides a nostalgic look back at 'old Bali', it's a timely reminder of the overtourism woes plaguing the island. In 2024, 6.3 million foreign tourists visited Bali – a 20% increase from 2023, and staggering compared to 1970, when it welcomed just 24,000 foreign tourists to its shores. The impact is most famously felt in the choked roads in neighbourhoods like Canggu and Ubud, though littering, waste management, and degradat

If you've missed Exo's Kai while he was serving in the military, then the pining is over. Not only was the Kpop star discharged on February 11, but he's just announced his first-ever solo tour to 10 cities in Asia. For those who need an introduction, Kai (real name Kim Jongin), is a massively famous South Korean singer, dancer, and actor. He's the main dancer of boy group Exo, and a member of K-pop supergroup SuperM. Kai debuted as a soloist in 2020 with his first self-titled EP, Kai, and has since released two other EPs, Peaches (2021) and Rover (2023).  His first solo tour, titled Kaion, will kick off in Seoul on May 17 and 18 before moving on to Kuala Lumpur. In June, the star will perform in Macau, Jakarta, and Singapore, before moving on to Taipei and Manila in July. The tour hits its last leg in August in Bangkok and Yokohama before wrapping in Hong Kong on the 16th.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by EXO Official (@weareone.exo) Ticketing information has yet to drop, but while you wait, there's lots of new content from Kai to look forward to. The star has hit the ground running after discharging from the military, and is in the midst of preparing his fourth EP, set to release in April 2025. It was also announced that he'll be the new host of season six of the popular web variety show Changing Majors. It'll premiere on the ootb Studio YouTube channel at 6pm KST on March 27.   Kai's Kaion Asia tour stops and dates:  May 17 and 18: Seoul,