Rachel Yohannan

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

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

This month is proving to be a great start to 2025 with a smorgasbord of things to do. We’ve got a Beauty and the Beast live orchestra concert, striking art exhibitions, and pet-friendly markets to pamper your precious four-legged pals. We’re just scratching the surface here, so scroll on for 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

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

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

We’ll be the first to say it: 2025 could not come any sooner. End off 2024 with a resounding bang with our compilation of the best New Year’s Eve parties and events across Singapore on December 31. Whether you’re dancing the year away at all-night raves, sipping on free-flow bubbly, or enjoying the breathtaking fireworks display with your loved ones, these places pull out all the stops for an unforgettable end to yet another thrilling year. Keep scrolling for all the deets. RECOMMENDED: The best nightclubs in Singapore and Light To Night returns in January 2025 with dazzling light installations

The New Year's Eve fireworks in Singapore get even more impressive with each year, and we aren’t expecting anything less this December 31. While the annual Let’s Celebrate countdown show and fireworks will be televised live on our local free-to-air channels, nothing beats getting to experience the fireworks in person. While this show will be held at Singapore Sports Hub at Kallang this year, the Marina Bay area will still be having its own fireworks extravaganza, as will Sentosa – which means you’ll get to admire the pyrotechnics from even more locations this year. Read on for a list of the best New Year’s Eve fireworks viewing locations in Singapore, from free viewing spots to paid venues that are worth the splurge. RECOMMENDED: Best New Year's Eve parties and events in Singapore and 17 heartland locations across Singapore will have New Year's Eve celebrations

It’s that time of the year again where our Little Red Dot starts getting into a festive buzz. That’s right folks, Christmas is around the corner and our island is packed with lots of merry fun.  From dazzling Christmas light displays and frosty winter-themed attractions to lively holiday markets, there’s no shortage of seasonal cheer. Here’s your guide to the best Christmas events in Singapore in 2024 for a jolly ol’ time. RECOMMENDED: The best places to see Christmas lights and decorations in Singapore and The best Christmas markets in Singapore      

Ho ho ho, the merriest time of the year is here. Like the rest of the world, Asian countries are all geared up to turn up the festive fun, with bustling Christmas markets, carnival-like festivals, and dazzling illuminations everywhere from Seoul to Singapore – yes, even the tropical countries are joining the jolly celebrations. No matter where you are and what your budget is, these are the biggest and best Christmas celebrations in Asia that you'll want to travel for.  READ MORE: The best rooftop bars in Asia and The best restaurants in Asia

It’s the season of giving and if you haven’t already started your gift hunt, the best time is now lest you end up stuck in a last-minute scramble. Some say that women are easier to shop for than men, but with the sheer plethora of choices out there, this can still prove to be a daunting task. If you’re still looking for presents for the lovely women in your life – be it your significant other, mum, or sister – check out our list of Christmas 2024 gift ideas that are sure to bring a smile to their faces. RECOMMENDED: The best Christmas gifts in Singapore for men and The best Christmas dinners in Singapore

If you’re a repeat visitor to Japan – as many other Singaporeans are by now – then you probably have some favourites on your must-eat list for each trip. But instead of queueing for ages at Ichiran Ramen, batting the hordes at Dotonbori’s street stalls, or going back to the same old fast food chains for the umpteenth time, it’s high time to venture out of the usual big cities and try something new for a change; We’re talking about exploring Japan’s less-frequented regions in search of the best gastronomical treasures that are unique to each area. Doing that doesn’t have to be a daunting task either, because things just got a lot more convenient with the newly extended Hokuriku Shinkansen route that takes you along the Hokuriku region – covering prefectures like Ishikawa, Fukui, and Toyama. The best part? Hokuriku is easily accessible from Tokyo, so you can book a flight from Singapore to the capital and traverse up to these hidden gems. Excited to escape from the tourist crowds, we hopped onto the high-speed Hokuriku bullet train and had a satisfying foodie adventure in Ishikawa prefecture, where we uncovered the local delights of Kanazawa, Noto, and Kaga. From the freshest and widest variety of seafood, to a highly rare breed of wagyu, and traditional sweets made using age-old recipes, here are the best things to eat in Ishikawa, Japan. P.S.: Food in Ishikawa aside, stay till the end to check out our recommendations for other things to do in the Hokuriku region for an all-ro

Also known as the Festival of Lights, Deepavali (or Diwali) is an annual religious celebration for Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains in Singapore. For those who are still unfamiliar, here's an in-depth guide on everything you need to know about the occasion, from its origins, to how it's celebrated in the Little Red Dot, and where you can get in on the celebrations regardless of your background.We've also compiled some tips on house guest etiquette if you've been invited to a friend's Deepavali open house party for the first time and aren't sure of what to wear or bring. RECOMMENDED: The best Indian restaurants in Singapore and the ultimate guide to Little India

The run-down Excelsior Shopping Centre is probably the last place you'd expect to find an art gallery, but that's where I_S_L_A_N_D_S has made its home amidst a hodgepodge of guitar and music hobby stores. Though tiny, this art space is constantly teeming with freshness and creativity, thanks to its ever-rotating line-up of displays mainly by local talents. From cat-themed sculptures to a 'found library' and even a collage made using plant matter, there have been plenty of quirky and boundary-breaking set-ups hosted in this little nook. Entry is free, so it's worth popping by every so often to check out what's new here if you happen to be in the City Hall area. Stay updated on the latest exhibitions via @islands.peninsula on Instagram.

There's no shortage of ryokans lining the vast Lake Kawaguchi area, but if you're seeking one with Mount Fuji views, onsens, delectable meals and a convenient location, Fuji Kawaguchiko Onsen Hotel Konansou ticks all your boxes and more. It's located some ways off from attractions like the Music Forest Museum and Maple Corridor – which means less tourist bustle, more tranquility – but should you wish to explore those spots, a quick 10 to 15-minute bus ride will get you there in a jiffy. Meanwhile, it's a stone’s throw from the Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway for sky-high views of the area. It’s also not too far from Kawaguchiko station, but don’t you worry about walking over with luggage in tow, because the hotel offers a convenient free shuttle service to and from the station for all guests. View of Lake Kawaguchi from our room | Photograph: Rachel Yohannan for Time Out We made our booking via Rakuten Travel, opting for a traditional Japanese-style room (Type B – Kohaku) with futons, but there's also a handful of Western-style rooms with beds. Waking up to the view of the lake right before our eyes was unreal – and the private open-air onsen facing the waters was a real treat in the chilly weather. But don’t just stick to the bath in your room, for it’s fully worth experiencing Konansou’s public onsen, where you’ll be graced by the majestic sight of Mount Fuji on a clear day. Unwind in the onsen’s outdoor rock bath, sauna, cold tub and hot jacuzzi, and grab a complimentary pop

Here's the purr-fect free date idea for cat lovers. Cats in a Floating World is a whimsical feline-focused art exhibition featuring adorable illustrations by 14 Japanese artists. But before you walk through admiring the rows of contemporary framed pieces, you'll come face to face with a giant statue of a kitty dressed in a futuristic outfit, inspired by the significance of cats in ancient voyages. There's also be gachapon minatures of this endearing explorer cat at just $5 per randomised spin. This meow-nificent showcase will be running at the new I.F. Gallery along Tras Street until December 29, 2024. Find out more here.    

Teddy bear-themed restaurant Kumachan Onsen isn’t the only place to enjoy a cutesy hot pot experience in Singapore. Hot on the heels of that comes Singapore’s very first Miffy hot pot pop-up restaurant with adorable Miffy-shaped chicken collagen blocks that melt into a comforting broth. Pick from a whopping six soup bases and a variety of proteins, and top it up with some addictive finger food like tater tots with Taiwan mochi balls. You can even opt for free-flow bubble tea at an additional $3.90. This dining experience opens on October 15, 2024, and will be running at Taiwanese restaurant Wong Fu Fu for an limited period of time. When is the Miffy hotpot pop-up happening in Singapore? This Miffy hotpot restaurant will be around for a temporary period of time starting from October 15, 2024. According to a representative from Wong Fu Fu, this pop-up will run for around three months, so you can expect it to last till mid-January 2025. That said, there might be an extension of the collaboration if there's popular demand. Where is Singapore’s Miffy hotpot restaurant? The Miffy hotpot pop-up will be held at Wong Fu Fu, a Taiwanese restaurant located at 776 North Bridge Rd, Singapore 198744. It’s a stone’s throw from the Haji Lane area, with the nearest MRT station being Bugis MRT. Is this Miffy hotpot restaurant halal? Wong Fu Fu is officially halal certified by MUIS, so yes, the Miffy hotpot sets will also be made using halal ingredients. How much is a Miffy hotpot set?  The hot

If you’re someone who wants to jazz up your computer station with a cool new keyboard, pay a visit to The Laboratory by Reformd. Think of The Laboratory’s ‘build a board’ experience as the tech equivalent of a Build-A-Bear Workshop; You basically get full rein in selecting the various components of your keyboard, starting from the base followed by the switches and keycaps. These parts are from a wide range of established brands including Akko, Gateron, Keychron, Monsgeek, and plenty more – mix and match for a unique creation that’s a reflection of your personality. There are all sorts of bases in different dimensions – from 65 percent to full-sized – made of both plastic and metal for different usage needs. As for switches, pick from a whole double-sided wall of clicky, linear, and tactile types. Expect an extensive collection of keycaps here, with designs ranging from food-centric to retro-inspired and cutesy cat- and hamster-themed ones. There’s even a set of mahjong-themed keycaps for fanatics of the Chinese tile game.

Bringing a slice of Japan to Jurong is Joya Onsen Café, the very first onsen complex in Singapore. Just like the real thing, it has communal baths separated according to gender, though couples can also book the private onsen for some one-on-one time. Once you've soaked your stresses away, put on a yukata and head on over to the in-house café for some refreshing Hokkaido milk ($5), ramen and udon (from $12.90), rice bowls (from 14.90) or desserts including seasonal wagashi ($6 for five pieces). Book your tickets in advance here and check out the latest promotions here.

Japanese-owned Nook Hair & Nail Salon isn’t just a place to get your beauty needs sorted. As its name suggests, it’s a quiet hideout where you can fully unwind and give yourself the pampering you deserve. Furnished mainly with wooden and brown-toned pieces, and accented with plants and flowers, the spacious Duxton shophouse unit just around the corner from hotel Mondrian Singapore Duxton is full of zen vibes. It’s tip top Japanese-style hospitality right off the bat, and each hair stylist here has their own speciality – be it layered cuts, dye jobs, or hair reconstruction treatments. Try the highly raved head spa treatments, which nourish and purify the scalp and come with a relaxing head massage that might just have you drifting off to dreamland. As a cherry on top, all patrons will be served a complimentary beverage of their choice, along with a little snack, which can range from flavoured popcorn to Japanese tidbits. Classic gel manicures start from $110 nett, and you'll be in great hands with a skilled Japanese nail artist with more than a decade's worth of experience. Whether it's trending 3D jelly designs, Pokémon-inspired art, or Christmassy bejewelled looks, she'll be able to pull off just about anything to your request. Eyelash extensions are also on the menu, with 80-strand sets priced at $80 nett. Check out Nook’s full price list here.

Offering manicures, facials, lash extensions and eyebrow treatments, Diown Beauty is a one-stop beauty salon for ladies to look and feel their best. What sets it apart from other beauty salons is its sheer spaciousness, along with the amount of care put into creating a comfortable environment for customers seeking the total princess treatment. Case in point? Instead of the usual sight of multiple chairs squeezed in a single row against a wall, the manicure area has just four armchairs in total – massage chairs, actually – each spaced one metre from the other in a two by two formation. As such, customers get to retain a sense of personal space even if the salon is fully booked for mani-pedis. Right in front is a massive 85-inch television to keep you occupied while your digits are getting their new coat of paint. The rest of the treatments are done in private rooms that come with a garden view. If you need to doll up post-treatment before heading out to meet your gals, feel free to make use of the vanity corner complete with LED mirrors. Pop by Diown Beauty’s Instagram page to check out their latest first-timer promos if you’re a new customer.

Popular Japanese lifestyle chain Tokyu Hands has undergone a revamp, and they’re now simply known as Hands across Japan and its overseas outposts. But a change in name and logo isn’t all there is to it – they’ve also revamped their selection of products in Singapore with over 1,200 new offerings, including items that are exclusive to our Little Red Dot. Some of these Singapore exclusives include premium stationery, specific ranges of the popular Lululun face masks, HARIO Immersion Dripper Switch coffee dripper, and adorable stickers that feature local motifs like the Merlion. If you’re a fan of personalised stationery, check out the premium Pilot MR3 fountain pens which come with Japanese-inspired designs and complimentary name engraving services. Of course, the usual favourites like Japanese cosmetics, kitchenware, plushies, and adorable collectibles like Sonny Angels blind boxes remain.

Unleash your inner speed demon and zoom across the tracks of KF1 Karting Circuit, the largest go kart facility in Singapore. Located within walking distance of Kranji MRT station, this sprawling space in the 'countryside' of Singapore boasts a 960-metre track with 18 exhilarating corners, complete with a snazzy lighting system inspired by Formula 1 Grand Prix races. Novices can race at up to 30km/hour without requiring a driving license, while seasoned motorists can take the advanced karts that reach more exhilarating speeds of 50km/h. The cars run on petrol so there's no need to worry about them needing a recharge mid-circuit. You won't be at the mercy of the weather's mood swings either, because these karts are safe to ride even in the rain – if you don't mind getting a bit of a splash, that is.  Prices start from $80 for a four-hour run, though members can enjoy special prices from just $30 for the same duration. Parties and large corporate bookings for over 100 pax can be catered to as well. Find out more and make your booking via KF1 Karting Circuit's website.

Cheery sunflowers are blooming at Changi Airport as part of A Sunflower Sojourn – a massive floral showcase boasting over 5,000 sunflowers of various species. Spread across all four terminals of the airport, these sunflower set-ups include towering floral sculptures standing up to eight metres tall, along with rare varieties of the flower including the red and yellow Florenza and pastel pink Strawberry Blonde. The joy extends outdoors to Hub and Spoke Cafe, which is serving sunflower-infused yogurt soft serve and butter toast for a limited period of time. Check out the full list of sunflower display locations at Changi Airport.

Local bakery chain Swee Heng’s newest sister brand, Toast & Roll, has just opened its doors at Jurong Point with unique bakes that are aesthetically pleasing as well as affordably priced. From pink multigrain animal-shaped bread ($3.80) that’s naturally dyed with beetroot, to fluffy Hokkaido Taro pudding rolls ($4.80), and toast (from $2.60) in special flavours like Taiwan pumpkin mochi cheese and pandan kaya with peanut butter, its trendy offerings are truly one-of-a-kind. This takeaway joint also offers more than what its name might let on – other items to try include the lemon glazed pound cake ($2.80) and cream cheese walnut macaroon ($4.50), among the 50-odd options present. Find out more about Toast & Roll by Swee Heng.

Ever dreamed of visiting the fairytale-worthy City of Music? That bucket list goal might just be closer than you think. Singapore Airlines’ low-cost carrier, Scoot, has just announced a new direct flight route from Singapore to Vienna, Austria, at unbelievably cheap prices. We’re talking one-way flights from just $309, inclusive of taxes, so assuming you manage to score the lowest price both ways, that’s just slightly over $600 for a round-trip. This happens to be the first and only direct budget flight from Singapore to the Austrian capital, offering Singaporean holidaymakers a rare chance to explore this city in Europe without splashing out too much cash. And if you think you won’t be able to survive a non-stop 13-hour flight squished in budget seats, there’s always the option of ScootPlus with more leg room, extra baggage allowance, and included in-flight meals – starting from just $659, one-way, inclusive of taxes. Currently, Scoot’s flights from Singapore to Vienna depart from Changi Airport at 3am and arrive at 10.10am, while returning flights embark from Vienna at 11.25am and reach Singapore at 4.50am. These flights operate thrice a week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays via the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft. As the home of many famous musicians like Mozart, Beethoven, and Schubert, Vienna is known for its rich musical history. Classical music buffs will love visiting its many music museums, touring the former residence of Johann Strauss, and watching an orchest

Singapore has got a whole lot going on for her and we mean that in the best way possible. Just recently, our upcoming rainforest wildlife park was named one of the world’s best things to do in 2025 – ranking eighth out of 25 spots – and that’s a clear indicator of where we stand on the world map as a top global destination. And this world-class status is further cemented in a new list of the world’s 50 best cities in 2025, according to Time Out. The Time Out team has quizzed our city Editors and experts from all over the globe to truly suss out the hottest places in the world right now, and Singapore has made it on the leaderboard as one of the world’s top 50 cities for 2025. Globally, we rank right smack on the equator at 25th place, which isn’t too shabby for a pea-sized island like us. Region-wise, Singapore claims its spot as the fifth best city in Asia. Bangkok (#2 globally) takes the crown at first place, followed by Shanghai (#9), Hong Kong (#14). We lose out to Hanoi (#21) by a few positions, but what might perhaps be surprising to locals is that Singapore outranks the well-loved metropolises of Tokyo (#31) and Seoul (#42), which score ninth and tenth in Asia respectively.  So, what makes Singapore great? According to the big numbers, we score fourth overall for aspects of safety and convenience. In fact, 82 percent of locals surveyed laud our city for its stellar public transport system, while 80 percent consider it easily walkable. Indeed, with plenty of new MRT sta

We’re blessed to be living in the modern metropolis that is Singapore, but sometimes, one can’t help but crave a change of pace and scenery. While there are plenty of top-notch hotels in Singapore for quick getaways, a majority of them are located smack in the middle of town – which doesn’t truly remove you from the daily hustle of city dwelling. But Singapore’s newest hotel resort located within the Mandai Wildlife Reserve is about to change the game. Helmed by the prestigious Banyan Group, the luxe Mandai Rainforest Resort offers a tranquil escape where you’ll be immersed in the beauty of nature while enjoying modern comforts. Here’s a first look of the eco resort ahead of its grand opening in April 2025. Photograph: Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree Ever wanted to spend a night in a cosy treehouse? Your dream can now come true, all without having to take a voyage to a secluded forested area abroad. Mandai Rainforest Resort has a series of 24 Grand Mandai Treehouse rooms resembling seed pods, each with a king-sized bed, separate living area, and a private patio that opens up to lush greenery.  Next to the treehouses is a five-storey building with 314 rooms and suites, all of which come with views of the rainforest or nearby reservoir. There are options of various sizes perfect for couples, while there are also family options which come with a king bed and bunk bed. Keep an eye out for decor elements that pay homage to the forest’s biodiversity, featuring the various

Dry January? Scratch that. This month is wet as heck thanks to the monsoon season in the region, and even our usually sunny Singapore isn’t spared. It was previously reported that we would be expecting flash floods for a couple of days, but it looks like the waterworks are here to stay for a little while longer. According to the latest 10-day weather forecast on Accuweather as of today, January 14, 2025, it seems that the rain won’t be relenting anytime soon, with rainy days and thundery showers expected till January 23. That’s more than a week more of a soaked city to endure – or enjoy, depending on what good weather is in your books. Prepare yourselves for sweater weather. On most days, temperatures in Singapore are expected to hit lows of 24 to 25 degrees Celsius – what most of us would refer to as ‘air-con weather’.  And while curling up in bed with a good book sounds like a perfectly cosy idea, those who’d rather not stay holed up can check out our recently updated compilation of best indoor activities on rainy days in Singapore. In particular, watch out for heavy thunderstorms happening this weekend on January 18, Saturday. Photograph: Accuweather Although the predictions for dates after the 23rd are currently not out at time of writing, one can probably expect there to be some continued rainfall, or at least residual drizzles that carry on steadily into the weekend. Now let’s just hope that the weather clears up just in time for Chinese New Year, so that we can all a

It’s the battle of the fast food chains as everyone scrambles to lure in more hungry customers in the new year by dangling limited edition merchandise as a perk. And it’s clearly working. Hot on the heels of the announcement of McDonald’s new My Melody and Cinnamoroll collaboration – a year after its highly successful Hello Kitty tie-up – comes a surprising but much welcome partnership between KFC Singapore and Mofusand. This is the first time any fast food chain in Singapore has launched a Mofusand collection. In fact, it’s one of the rare Mofusand brand collabs that we’ve ever seen here – so you can just imagine the amount of hype this is going to receive. Read on to find out how you can redeem these adorable KFC Mofusand plushies, keychains, red packets, and stickers, and check out the upcoming Chinese New Year 2025 menu, including a brand new cereal chicken burger. Looks like your New Year's resolutions on healthy eating will have to take a backseat for a bit. KFC Mofusand plushie keychains Photograph: KFC Add a purr-fect touch of cuteness to your bags with KFC’s fluffy Mofusand plushie keychains, standing at four inches fall. There’s a total of three variants to collect, each featuring a Mofusand cat wearing a headdress resembling a KFC food item – fried chicken, egg tart, and a chicken bucket. But make sure you mark your calendars, because each design will be rolled out in consecutive weeks: KFC Mofusand bucket plushie keychain: from January 13, 2025 KFC Mofusand egg

The last we talked about the Disney Adventure cruise, we shared a nice little sneak peek of its Disney Imagination Garden – one of seven themed zones aboard the magical cruise ship. Back then, there was no specified start date for the ship’s maiden voyage from Singapore, nor any information on bookings, but at last, we see the light. Disney has just announced that the highly anticipated Disney Adventure cruise will set sail on December 15, 2025 – just in time for the festive season and year-end school holidays. That’s more than a whole year away, but you won’t have to wait till next year before you secure your spot, because ticket bookings will be opening this year, on December 10, 2024. Sailing dates, as well as prices, will be released on November 14 this year, so you’ll have a month to make some plans before the ticketing rush finally begins in December. As a recap, here are the seven themed zones that passengers on the Disney cruise can look forward to: Disney Imagination Garden Disney Discovery Reef San Fransokyo Street Wayfinder Bay Town Square Marvel Landing Toy Story Place In addition to the above, some of the other highlights of the Disney cruise include stage performances, a Pixar-themed restaurant, a Mary Poppins Spa Suite, and a swanky Aladdin-inspired concierge lounge. There are also a couple of adult-only spaces for those who crave some peace and quiet away from young ‘uns. READ MORE Revealed: Top 10 trending travel destinations for Singaporeans in 2025 Singap

Rediscover a sense of childlike wonder at When the World Was Young, a free exhibition full of dreamy glass sculptures and frosty smooth glassware by two different artists. Curated and hosted by Round and Round – an small independent gallery in the Pearl’s Hill Terrace arts enclave – When the World Was Young is named after the German children's tale of the same title. For the gallery's owner, the idea of "youngness" is an unbridled freedom away from rigid man-made rules – and that same idea of carefree whimsy is what she hopes to evoke with this showcase of glass treasures. Photograph: Round and Round In soft pastel tones, the translucent glass sculptures by Chinese artist Ning Daxia are easy on the eye and almost toy-like in appearance. But they aren’t merely decorative, for every delicate piece tells a story. From woodland animals, to a child blowing bubbles, and another with a sheet over her head like a little ghost, these masterpieces are mostly inspired by her two daughters and how they manage to find awe in the littlest things – things that us adults tend to overlook. The dappled texture you see on her sculptures are a result of her own special watercolour method in glass-painting, which also helps retain colour. Photograph: Round and Round Then there’s the glassware by Goto Yohei, a Japanese glass master who’s been in the trade ever since graduating from glass school in Toyama. Noticing how colourless all the mass-produced glass products encountered in daily life ar

We’ve already been blessed with collaborations between Mofusand and KFC as well as Sanrio and McDonald’s this Chinese New Year season, but Changi Airport – one of the most luxurious airports in the world for good reason – is enticing fans of collectible toy brand Pop Mart with its festive character-themed installations. Featuring fan favourites like Labubu, Skullpanda, Molly and the like, these Chinese New Year displays at Jewel Changi add a playful springtime touch to its Canopy Park in the lead-up to CNY. Singapore happens to be the only country outside of China with any official Pop Mart-themed decorations for Chinese New Year, which makes this all the more special for blind box lovers. Read on to find out where exactly you’ll spot them, plus details on how to grab a limited-edition Pop Mart mahjong set and other exclusive treasures like figurines. Pop Mart Chinese New Year decorations at Jewel Changi Photograph: Changi Airport Group The adorable Pop Mart displays across the Canopy Park are inspired by the cult toy company's various figurine series, including the new ‘Wealthy Snake’s New Year Celebration’ series specially created for Chinese New Year this year. Here’s where to look in order spot your most-loved characters: Row of pagodas featuring Molly, Dimoo, Labubu, Skullpanda, Hirono, and Crybaby – Petal Garden Labubu – Source Pool Hacipupu – Discovery Slides Molly, Skullpanda and Dimoo – Foggy Bowls These vibrant Pop Mart Chinese New Year decorations are already r

McDonald's previously announced a new Sanrio collaboration with red packets and card game sets, but those paper-based products aren't the only goodies you get to look forward to. The fast food chain has just teased a new exclusive My Melody mahjong set specially for Chinese New Year 2025, along with cushion plushies in the likeness of the hooded bunny character and her fellow Sanrio cutie, Cinnamoroll. Read on to find out how to redeem them. When is the McDonald's My Melody mahjong set launching in Singapore? The limited-edition McDonald’s Sanrio My Melody mahjong set deal will be made available on the McDonald’s app from January 13, 2025, at 3pm. Once you’ve secured the deal, you’ll then get to purchase it in person from January 20 to 23 January 2025, from 3pm to 9pm. How much does the McDonald’s My Melody mahjong set cost? The My Melody mahjong set by McDonald’s costs $228, on top of the 3,888 rewards points required to Isecure the deal online via the McDonald’s app. How to redeem the My Melody mahjong set deal via the McDonald’s app You’ll first have to be a MyMcDonald’s rewards member in order to be eligible. If you’re not, you can just download the McDonald’s app and sign up for a free membership. Upon clicking on the ‘Redeem McDonald's My Melody Mahjong Set’ tile in the app, you’ll then be directed to a virtual queue to access the redemption page. Be sure not to exit the page, as doing so would displace you in the queue. If you successfully make it through the waiting r

With a bunch of public holidays and four long weekends on the horizon, we’re sure many of you are already planning your getaways for 2025. If only we could use our CDC Vouchers to offset flight bookings, but hey, you don’t need to spend big bucks to enjoy a holiday.  Skyscanner has just revealed the cheapest holiday destinations for travellers from Singapore for this year, with flights all priced at $490 and below. So if you’re looking for a budget vacation to stretch your dollar with, these are the top destinations you should consider for trips in 2025 – and it’s not just places in Asia on the list.  All prices stated are for return trips (two-way trips) in economy class, and cover both direct and connecting flights while excluding promotions and discounted rates during sales. Cheapest holiday destinations for Singaporeans in 2025: Langkawi, Malaysia – from $138  Hat Yai (Songkhla), Thailand – from $192 Puerto Princesa, Philippines – from $250 Shenzhen, China – from $271 Da Nang, Vietnam – from $343 Hue, Vietnam  – from $409 Okinawa, Japan – from $449 Chongqing, China – from $464 Perth, Australia – from $275 Labuan Bajo, Indonesia – from $490  It’s not surprising to see our neighbours like Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia on the list due to closer proximity – but perhaps an unexpected city here would be Perth, since Australia sits outside of Asia. China is soon becoming a hot travel destination, so if you have yet to hop onto the bandwagon, this is the perfect time to do s

Singapore’s MRT train network just keep getting better and better. As if the opening of seven new Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) stations and Punggol Coast MRT all in 2024 alone isn’t enough, we just got word that the Downtown Line (DTL) will be getting three new stations, one of which will serve as a connection to the North-South Line (NSL).  Currently, the Downtown Line – also known as the blue line – has Bukit Panjang as one of its ends. To get to the red North-South Line from here, passengers currently have to transfer to the LRT network and ride five stops to Choa Chu Kang, as illustrated below: Photograph: Land Transport Authority of Singapore With the three new stations extending the blue line, Bukit Panjang will no longer be the last stop on its west end. While the stations have yet to be named, station DE 1 (right after Bukit Panjang) will be located at Sungei Kadut, while station DE 2 will connect to the upcoming NS 6 station on the North-South Line – a brand new MRT interchange station that will sit between the existing Yew Tee (NS 5) and Kranji (NS 7) MRT stations. Photograph: Land Transport Authority of Singapore The new Downtown Line extension spans around four kilometres long, and will offer residents easier access to places like the Rail Corridor, Pang Sua Park Connector, and the future Sungei Kadut Eco-District. Trips to town will also be shortened by up to 20 minutes – specifically, getting from the Yew Tee Village estate to Chinatown will take just 40 mi

One could say that Singaporeans started 2024 in a bit of a pinch, with GST being raised to nine percent – just shortly after Singapore was crowned the world’s most expensive city for yet another year running. Naturally, we’re all feeling the strain on our wallets, especially when it comes to daily necessities like meals and groceries. Thankfully, to help defray the increasing cost of living, the government granted every Singapore household $500 worth of CDC (Community Development Council) Vouchers earlier this January, and these could be used at places like supermarkets, hawker centres, and more. And for the first time ever within a single year, we're now eligible to claim another round of these CDC vouchers this June, this time with a total value of $300. Here’s a handy guide on using your CDC Vouchers this 2024, covering everything from the redemption process, deadlines to take note of, and whether you can claim physical copies instead of digital credits. Who is eligible for CDC Vouchers in 2025? Every Singaporean household, regardless of total income or household income per capita, is eligible to receive the new set of $300 CDC Vouchers for 2025. This is divided into $150 for participating supermarkets, and $150 for participating heartland hawker stalls and merchants. This amount is fixed no matter how large or small the household is, so if you live with your parents, siblings, or children, it’s up to you guys to come to a mutual agreement on how to split the credits.  Cre