Joycelyn Yeow

Just a short 10-minute boat ride away from Singapore, Pulau Ubin might not be the first place that comes to mind for a fun day out, given the lack of trendy cafés and thrilling activities. But that doesn’t mean the island is short on unique experiences. For those who are unfamiliar with Pulau Ubin, we’ve rounded up the best things to see and do on this underrated island. RECOMMENDED: The best hiking trails in Singapore and the ultimate guide to Singapore's offshore islands

It’s a week filled with candlelight concerts, comedy shows, and more. If you’re undecided about travelling to Bangkok, join the Songkran festivities at Aperia Mall instead – no flights or water fights required. Art lovers can also explore new exhibitions popping up around town. Here are the best things to do in Singapore this week:  RECOMMENDED: The 101 best things to do in Singapore and New attractions in Singapore in 2025

Have you heard? Singapore is expected to experience a rainy start to April. But that’s not going to stop us from having fun. From a flea market at Sentosa (with free entry!) to the annual Music Run, here are the best things to do in Singapore this weekend:  RECOMMENDED: New openings and attractions in Singapore in 2025 and The 50 best restaurants in Singapore

Singapore may be known for its stunning skyscrapers and bustling city life, but our little island also comes with scenic shorelines that are perfect for a quick escape. Thrill-seekers can head to the livelier beaches for water sports, while families can kick back at quieter stretches of sand, letting the little ones run wild and free. Here are the best beaches in Singapore for some sun, sand and sea: RECOMMENDED: The ultimate guide to Singapore's offshore islands and the best hidden beaches in Singapore    

Don’t spend April like a fool cooped up at home – there’s plenty happening this month, plus a public holiday to look forward to: Good Friday on 18 April, 2025. The return of Tulipmania, PetExpo and vOilah! France Singapore Festival are just some of the events to look forward to. Here are the best things to do in Singapore this April:  RECOMMENDED: 101 things to do in Singapore and The 50 best restaurants in Singapore  

The Islamic holy month of Ramadan sees Muslims around the world (except the sick, elderly, pregnant or menstruating) abstain from eating and drinking from dawn until dusk. These are all done while practising charitable deeds and acts of compassion as fasting doubles as a reminder of the sufferings faced by the less fortunate.  To mark the end of the fasting month, Muslims celebrate the festival of Eid al-Fitr, also known as Hari Raya Aidilfitri or Hari Raya Puasa in Singapore on March 31, 2025. Besides a massive feast (home-cooked or delivered), the religious holiday is a time for forgiveness and making amends.  RECOMMENDED: The best hotels in Singapore with halal-certified buffets and local Muslim-friendly brands in Singapore

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.

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

There’s a reason why the Queenstown BTO projects are consistently in high demand – this neighbourhood is home to plenty of up-and-coming eateries, budget-friendly shopping malls, and beautiful spaces that make your trip over well worth it. But if you need more convincing, we’ve rounded up the best things to see, eat, and do here in this ultimate guide to Queenstown.  RECOMMENDED: Ultimate guide to Singapore's neighbourhoods and the ultimate guide to Tiong Bahru

Singapore’s beauty and fashion scenes are constantly evolving, with an increasing number of Halal-certified brands popping up to cater to the modern Muslim. Whether it’s a women-only hair salon or unique and practical modest wear, the options are limitless. We’ve compiled a list of the best homegrown Muslim-friendly brands, so you can prep for the upcoming Hari Raya or any other occasion.   RECOMMENDED: Local designers you need to know and best local sustainable, vegan and eco-friendly brands in Singapore

Singapore may not experience all four seasons, but we do have the occasional flash floods that cause a flurry. While some of us might enjoy snuggling in bed on a rainy day, there’s a limit to how much you can entertain yourself at home. Instead of cancelling your plans altogether, look for things to do indoors – and we’re not just referring to aimlessly wandering around malls or hanging out at Singapore’s many cafés. Scroll on for more wet weather plans.  RECOMMENDED: 101 best things to do in Singapore

Songkran festivities are arriving at the Thai Supermarket at Aperia Mall this weekend. Look forward to traditional Thai cultural performances, live music, carnival games, and a smorgasbord of Thai street food. We’re talking coconut ice cream, beer, ice popsicles and more. Get updates via the Thai Supermarket Instagram page. 

You’ve probably come across clips of her hilarious banter on TikTok and Instagram. Stand-up comedian Jiaoying Summers is set to make her Singapore debut with a one-night-only show. Expect an evening packed with razor-sharp wit, dark humour, and unfiltered takes on life as an Asian immigrant – delivered with her signature no-holds-barred storytelling and personal anecdotes.

Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour may be long over, but fans can still soak in the magic of her biggest hits at Candlelight: Tribute to Taylor Swift on Strings, set against the warm glow of candles. A live string quartet will perform renditions of fan-favourites like Love Story, Enchanted, Anti-Hero, and more. The concert also includes arranged medleys from albums including Red, Reputation, Folklore, and 1989.

The pet-friendly Sentosa Festive Market is back to elevate your weekend plans, with a focus on health and wellness. Learn about traditional Chinese medicine, try 9D breathwork, or go for some sound healing to soothe your stressed soul. Otherwise, try retail therapy and shop over 30 local vendors selling handmade trinkets, apparel, F&B and more. Don’t forget to check out Ye Olde Cow’s food truck on April 5, 2025 too.

Plan a family day out to New Art Museum Singapore for Wonders of Nature, the newest kid-friendly exhibition that highlights the significance of the natural world. Featuring works by eight international artists including Yayoi Kusama and Go Yayanagi, the exhibition unfolds across five sections, each offering interactive artworks and immersive projections that bring the beauty of nature to life through art.

Pet parents, get ready to spoil your furry companion (and your wallet) at Singapore’s biggest pet event. PetExpo 2025 brings together a wide range of pet-centric vendors, where you can stock up on food from brands like Ciao, Pet Cubes, Zesty Paws and more. You'll also find accessories and toys to pamper your four-legged friend. Join workshops and talks covering topics like low-stress dog grooming and massage techniques to keep your pet relaxed and happy. And if nothing else, it’s the perfect chance to take your furkid on an outing and meet fellow pet lovers. More information can be found here. 

You scream, I scream, we all scream for ice cream. Mark your calendars, as the annual Ben & Jerry’s Free Cone Day is back for one day only on April 8, 2025. Simply head to the Ben & Jerry’s shop in VivoCity to claim your complimentary cone.  

This year’s vOilah! France Singapore Festival celebrates 60 years of bilateral relations between France and Singapore. Look out for the Two Rivers and City of Others exhibition highlighting the cultural exchanges between both countries. French and Singaporean artists will also hold live theatrical performances, comedy shows, and musical productions. Find out more here.  

The beloved Tulipmania returns to the Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay with dozens of beautiful tulips from Türkiye. Last year’s edition featured more than 54,000 tulips across over 20 varieties, including the unique double late tulips and purple circus tulips. Charming farmhouses, a windmill, and a watermill were also part of the set-up, so here’s hoping that this year’s display will be just as beautiful. 

The ADEX Ocean Festival Singapore is a celebration of marine life, with a special spotlight on cephalopods like octopuses, cuttlefish, and squid. Dive into the experience – literally – with a free scuba diving session, or browse an array of diving gear from the vendors. Don’t miss the ocean gallery, where you can admire a collection of underwater photography featuring marine creatures from around the world. Then, wrap up your visit with a live mermaid performance. More information can be found here. 

We Call It Ballet is taking dance to the next level with stunning glow-in-the-dark costumes, worn by talented Australian dancers to light up the stage. They will be performing the classic Sleeping Beauty, bringing the tale of the cursed princess and her prince charming to life through graceful pirouettes and dynamic allegros. Tickets are priced from $59 and more information can be found here.

Step into a world of creativity at Singapore Art Museum’s upcoming showcase Access Showcase 2025: common language, aimed to shed light on inclusivity in the arts. Catch live performances by neurodivergent artists, get hands-on with an interactive tactile experience specially designed for visually-impaired participants, and join kid-friendly workshops to create Singapore-inspired artwork. More information can be found here. 

Mark your calendars and set your alarms, everyone – the annual Ben & Jerry’s Free Cone Day is making a sweet return to Singapore on April 8, 2025. Just like in previous years, there are no hidden T&Cs and no minimum spend required. Simply turn up, pick your favourite flavour, and enjoy a free scoop on the house. While the official flavour line-up for 2025 hasn’t been announced yet, we are hoping to see classics like Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Chunky Monkey, and Half Baked on the menu. Singapore is currently home to just one Ben & Jerry’s scoop shop, located at VivoCity, Level 2. Doors open from 12pm to 8pm, though early birds will definitely beat the queues – and the afternoon heat.  READ MORE Review: Japan’s famous kakigori café Sakanoue opens a permanent outpost in Singapore Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’ the musical is coming to Singapore this December Blue Bottle Coffee's first Singapore café is now open at Raffles City

The tale as old as time is finally making its way to Singapore. Beauty and the Beast the musical will make its Asia premiere at Marina Bay Sands – with Singapore being the only stop in the region. The beloved story follows Belle, a bright and spirited village girl who sets off to rescue her imprisoned father, only to find herself in an enchanted castle held captive by the fearsome Beast. With help from his charming enchanted servants, Belle begins to soften the Beast’s icy heart – and a timeless romance starts to bloom. This Disney-produced spectacle is directed and choreographed by Olivier Award nominee Matt West. Audiences can look forward to stunning sets, magical costumes, and reimagined versions of nostalgic favourites including Belle, Gaston, and Beauty and the Beast. The musical is set to premiere in Singapore in December 2025. The waitlist for tickets is now open via the Base Entertainment website and runs until 10 April 2025. UOB cardmembers enjoy priority access to a pre-sale from 10 to 20 April 2025, with a 20 percent discount. Sands LifeStyle members receive 15 percent off during their exclusive pre-sale, which runs from 12 to 20 April 2025. Those who join the waitlist can access a separate pre-sale from 11 to 20 April 2025, also with 15 percent off. Early bird tickets will be available to the public from 14 April to 31 May 2025, with a 10 percent discount. READ MORE Resorts World Sentosa will debut a new lifestyle hub with over 40 brands, including Asia-exclusive

Getting around Singapore is a breeze, thanks to our top-notch public transport system and a variety of ride-hailing platforms – including the newly launched Geolah, which hit the streets in February 2025. And now, here’s the latest news: To offer passengers more options and create additional job opportunities for drivers, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has granted Grab a street-hail operator licence. The licence applies to GrabCab, a subsidiary of GrabRentals, and will be valid for ten years starting April 9, 2025. GrabCab taxis are required by LTA to be easily identifiable, sporting a distinctive rooftop sign and paint scheme. Fare-wise, GrabCab will follow the same pricing structure as other street-hailing operators. There’s no official launch date for GrabCab just yet, but Grab started recruiting GrabCab drivers on April 2, 2025. While we wait for the rollout, here are some other new features Grab has introduced that you might not know about. Group rides were launched in March 2024, allowing users to invite up to three friends on a shared ride. Not to be confused with GrabShare, this new function allows you to choose between a group departure, with the same pick-up point and different drop-off points, or a group arrival, with different pick-up points and the same drop-off point. Grab will suggest the best route based on the added stops. Every user can conveniently track their journey on their respective phones, so you no longer have to constantly text your friend to ch

If you were revelling in the rainy season in March, you’ll be pleased to know that April is shaping up to be just as wet – well, at least for the first half. According to the Meteorological Service Singapore’s latest update on April 1, 2025 (no, not an April Fools’ joke), we can expect rainstorms with occasional thunder over the next two weeks. Most of the showers will hit in the afternoons, with possibilities of stretching into the evenings –  so it’s best to keep your brolly handy. And with the Sumatra squalls rolling in, we’re in for some heavy thunderstorms and gusty winds too. For the uninitiated, Sumatra squalls are intense lines of thunderstorms that develop over Sumatra, Indonesia, before sweeping over Singapore. With inter-monsoon conditions setting in, consider swapping outdoor plans for cosy indoor activities. If you must brave the elements, take caution and check out our monsoon survival guide for handy tips, including where to find live flood updates. READ MORE ‘Jurassic World: The Experience’ comes to Singapore with hyper-realistic life-sized dinosaur animatronics Resorts World Sentosa will debut a new lifestyle hub with over 40 brands, including Asia-exclusive flagship stores The Cathay re-opens this weekend with a new 360-degree multimedia tower as part of a big revamp

The Broadway musical Wicked has finally arrived on our shores this March at the Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands. Since its Broadway debut in 2003, it has remained one of the most popular musicals, seen by over 70 million worldwide.  This isn’t the first time Wicked has come to Singapore. The musical previously premiered in 2011 and 2016, though with completely different cast members. Then came the movie adaptation in 2024, which won multiple awards, including the Oscars and Golden Globes. Having missed previous opportunities to see the musical, I jumped at the chance to watch the 2025 rendition on its gala night, March 20, to see if it truly lives up to the hype. And no, this isn’t sponsored. Photograph: Base Entertainment Asia For the uninitiated, the musical follows the journey of Elphaba and Glinda as they navigate the trials of school and life. Elphaba, a green-skinned figure with formidable magical abilities, is headstrong and fiercely independent. Meanwhile, Glinda, a bubbly and well-liked socialite, is her complete opposite. When they first cross paths at Shiz University, it’s instant unadulterated loathing. What unfolds is an enemies-to-besties arc that, while familiar, is anything but cliché. It’s utterly heartwarming. I’m no musical connoisseur. In fact, I’m not even a frequent theatergoer. But suffice it to say, the first act was nothing short of spellbinding. Australian actresses Courtney Monsma (Glinda) and Zoe Coppinger (Elphaba) dazzled the audience with top

Animal lovers, here’s some great news – there’s been a baby boom at Mandai Wildlife Reserve. Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, Bird Paradise, and River Wonders have welcomed an impressive 998 newborns across 143 species in 2024, surpassing the previous year’s record. Among the 143 species, 34 are classified as threatened, including the giant anteater and West Indian manatee – making these arrivals even more significant for conservation efforts. Here are the highlights:  Photograph: Mandai Wildlife Group Singapore Zoo welcomed the following baby animals: Slender-tailed meerkat Oriental small-clawed otters Linné's two-toed sloth Proboscis monkey Goeldi’s monkey Ring-tailed lemurs Golden mantella Black-legged poison frog Chrisangi leaf insect Photograph: Mandai Wildlife Group Night Safari welcomed the following baby animals: Malayan sambar deer Barasinghas Hog deer Turkmenistan markhor Woylie  Photograph: Mandai Wildlife Group River Wonders welcomed the following baby animals: Giant anteater  West Indian manatee calf Lake Titicaca frog Blue discus Photograph: Mandai Wildlife Group Bird Paradise welcomed the following baby animals: Golden parakeet Yellow-mantled chattering Iory Blue-winged leafbird Madagascar teal Meller’s duck Nyasa lovebird Green honeygreeper  Gentoo penguin Take this as your sign to visit the adorable babies at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve parks while they’re still younglings. Ticket prices for each park are as follows:  Singapore Zoo: From $44.10 Ni

Many of us were taken aback when national monument The Cathay announced its closure for renovations in 2023. But good things come to those who wait, and the beloved mall has now emerged with a fresh new look, exciting tenants, and standout features – including a 360-degree multimedia tower. Spanning from the atrium to the third floor, this immersive tower boasts high-definition, dynamic visuals that shoppers can enjoy from all angles. Seating steps surround the display, inviting visitors to take a breather and soak in its mesmerising animations. The revamped mall also welcomes an array of new tenants in fashion, beauty, F&B, education and more. Browse quality homeware at IUIGA’s biggest flagship store in Southeast Asia, tuck into a meal at the brand-new food court, or sign up for graduate and post-graduate courses at PSB Academy. Familiar favourites are making a comeback too – shoppers can expect Starbucks, Saizeriya, Yakiniku Like!, Tsui Wah, Fore Coffee and more to re-open their doors. While there’s no update on the cinema’s return, shoppers can still hope for its comeback in the near future. To mark its soft opening this weekend, local artist Jeff Ng – AKA The Cathay Busker – will be performing live at the central atrium on March 29 from 7.30pm, March 30 from 4.30pm, and March 31 from 4.30pm. READ MORE  A famous South Korean bakery is bringing its signature bakes to Singapore in mid-2025 Resorts World Sentosa will debut a new lifestyle hub with over 40 brands, including As

If “alamak” and “tapau” are part of your daily lingo, you can now proudly tell your friends that they’re officially recognised words in the Oxford English Dictionary (OED). As of March 2025, the OED has added several “untranslatable” words from Singapore and Malaysia. Here’s the full list of new entries: Alamak Fish head curry Half-boiled egg Kaya Kaya toast Ketupat Mat rempit Nasi lemak Otak-otak Steamboat Tapau Terror While this is amusing news, it’s not the first time Singaporean words have made it into the OED. Back in 2016, 19 Singlish words – such as “ang moh”, “shiok”, “sabo”, and “lepak” – were added. And on 11 February, 2015, “kiasu” was even featured as the OED’s Word of the Day. Read the full OED update here. OTHER NEWS World Happiness Report 2025: Singapore ranks second in Asia, dropping four spots down the global list  QT Singapore is the only Singapore hotel on Time Magazine’s World’s Greatest Places list for 2025 Singapore’s Changi Airport is officially the world’s best airport for food 

If warm, fluffy buns are right up your alley, here’s a delicious piece of news: South Korea’s renowned bakery, Standard Bread, is opening its first international outlet in Singapore. The brand is among several others set to launch at Resorts World Sentosa’s new lifestyle hub, Weave, in mid-2025. Other F&B highlights include French pastry boutique Pierre Hermé and Middle Eastern-inspired restaurant WeWa. Despite its name, Standard Bread’s bakes are anything but ordinary. Though the bakery only opened in 2024, it has quickly become a favourite among locals and tourists, with many raving about its fresh loaves online. Expect thick, pillowy bread with options such as chestnut and coffee, cheese and nuts campagne, butter brioche, and salted butter. You might’ve seen their “tissue bread” on Instagram – think kueh lapis, but with thin layers of bread. Their French toasts are also a crowd-pleaser, featuring flavours including crème brûlée, honey garlic butter, and pistachio.  While the Singapore menu has yet to be revealed, there’s plenty to be excited about with this beloved South Korean bakery making its way to our shores. In the meantime, stay tuned to our page for more updates.  READ MORE Blue Bottle Coffee's first Singapore café to open at Raffles City on April 3 2025 Boronas: A new Colombian bakery by the chef-owner of Latido, selling its famed rye bread Pan Fresco: Underrated bakery-café in Balestier with inexpensive pastries including $3 kouign amann

With the reopening of the mega water park HydroDash, the launch of Raffles Sentosa Singapore, and free weekend shuttle buses to make your journey back to the mainland even easier, there’s really no excuse not to visit Sentosa. But if you need another reason, here’s one more – Resorts World Sentosa is set to unveil Weave, a brand-new lifestyle destination featuring more than 40 retail, dining, and lifestyle brands. Photograph: Resorts World Sentosa Details on the new space are still under wraps, but we know the 20,000-square-meter space will span three interconnected levels. Shoppers can look forward to Asia-exclusive flagship boutiques, including world-renowned macaron house Pierre Hermé, which will take up two floors at Weave. Foodies can indulge in authentic yet affordable Mediterranean flavours at WeWa or grab soft, fluffy loaves from Korea’s famous Standard Bread – where the bread is anything but standard. Michelin-starred chef Paul Pairet will also bring his French culinary expertise to two new dining concepts – a French kitchen specialising in grilled meats and an ice cream parlour. Other dining options include Peking Chamber, Chatterbox, and Chagee. For the latest updates, keep an eye on the Weave page on Resorts World Sentosa’s website or stay tuned to our page for more details. READ MORE Blue Bottle Coffee's first Singapore café to open at Raffles City on April 3 2025 Boronas: A new Colombian bakery by the chef-owner of Latido, selling its famed rye bread Eden Café

You might have noticed smaller crowds on buses and trains since the March school holidays began. But it’s a different story over at Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints – long queues of cars and motorbikes have been piling up, with waiting times exceeding two hours. No surprises there, as many families are opting for a short weekend getaway to our neighbouring country. Throw in the heavy rain Singapore has been experiencing over the past few days, and traffic at the checkpoints has only worsened. The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has advised travellers to avoid or postpone non-essential trips to Malaysia this weekend to ease congestion. They have also urged motorists to refrain from queue-cutting and lane-splitting, as several road accidents have been reported recently. If you're looking for weekend plans, skip the jam and head to Sentosa instead. Grab has launched free shuttle buses, making it even easier to visit. Or, take advantage of the many SG60 deals and rediscover Singapore’s various attractions. READ MORE Blue Bottle Coffee's first Singapore café to open at Raffles City on April 3 2025 Boronas: A new Colombian bakery by the chef-owner of Latido, selling its famed rye bread The popular sakura afternoon tea at Raffles Hotel Singapore is back with more delectable treats this April

For many of us, weekend plans often include a quick getaway to our neighbouring country Malaysia. After all, there’s plenty to see and do in Johor Bahru, from indulging in tasty lok lok to unwinding with an affordable massage. But if there’s one thing that puts us off, it’s the notorious traffic jams at the Causeway. To make your journey smoother (and far less painful), we’ve rounded up the best times to travel from Singapore to JB. Best times to travel to JB by car As a rule of thumb, avoid travelling during peak hours on weekdays when Malaysians commute to Singapore for work in the morning and return home in the evening. This means steering clear of the rush from 7am to 9am and 6pm to 8pm, when both Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints are heaving with traffic. Friday evenings are especially busy as many Malaysians head home for the weekend – so if possible, give that timing a miss altogether. For weekends, aim to drive into JB early in the morning before 8am or later in the afternoon from 1pm onwards. Heavy traffic usually kicks in around 5pm, as there are still some Malaysians returning home to JB after work. When heading back to Singapore, it’s best to drive back before the post-dinner rush at 7pm or late at night after 11pm. Waiting times for cars have improved over the past year thanks to the introduction of the QR code system. Travellers are encouraged to use QR codes instead of scanning passports, as this helps ICA officers speed up immigration clearance.  While there’s no