Rachel Yohannan

This weekend’s all about good vibes only. Melomaniacs can look forward to Japanese DJ Kuniyuki gracing the decks, or the Chinese music festival CLANG featuring eight indie and rock bands. Cat parents, bring your kitties to the Singapore Cat Carnival 2025 and shower them with treats and toys. Sneaker Con Southeast Asia is also returning, with headliners including Rae Lil Black and Culture Kicks. Read 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

Orchard Road has become a lot livelier as of late – foodie mall Taste Orchard, swanky hotels like The Standard, and a 3,000-capacity music venue by Live Nation are just some of the new developments here as part of an ongoing transformation. We can see why it was recently crowned one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world.  Mega bazaar Night At Orchard also made a comeback last year after a four-year, pandemic-induced hiatus, and this monthly pop-up will once again be bringing extra colour to our shopping belt’s street in 2025. Similar to before, this year’s editions of Night At Orchard will also be held from Friday to Sunday, 3pm to 10pm, during the last week of each month – with a special focus on "creative and experiential brands", both homegrown and international. The bazaar stretches from the outdoor area in front of Wisma Atria to Ngee Ann City (Takashimaya), and typically features a whopping 50-over booths each time. Aside from food, retail, and shopping options, there may also be hands-on activities such as art workshops, accessory customisation, and fun game challenges. Previous editions also had gachapon machines and blind boxes for attendees to try their luck with. Photograph: Night At Orchard At certain times of the year, special themes might come into play – past themes include sustainability, summer, Halloween, and design, just to name a few. Expect handmade items like jewellery and bag charms by independent designers, fashion accessories, snacks and more w

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

Bali getting too crowded for your liking? Here’s a new alternative for your beach escapades. Thanks to a new flight route between Changi Airport and Indonesia’s Komodo International Airport, the coastal town of Labuan Bajo is now within easier reach for travellers from Singapore. This marks the first and only direct flights between the two locations – with wallet-friendly prices as an added draw. In fact, Labuan Bajo was recently named one of the 10 cheapest holiday destinations for Singaporeans in 2025. Previously, travellers from the Lion City would have to do a stopover in other cities like Jakarta or Denpasar before taking a domestic flight to Labuan Bajo averaging one and a half hours – resulting in a total travel duration of around six and a half hours. With Jetstar’s new direct flights, you can now get straight to Labuan Bajo in slightly over three hours. That’s half the time saved. So, what does Labuan Bajo have to offer? For one, it’s surrounded by the bluest waters, and has plenty of hilly terrain for you to explore through a good hike. Sylvia Hill is a popular place for that, and its peak is where you can witness some of the most beautiful sunsets. Alternatively, delve into the depths of Batu Cermin – also known as the Mirror Stone Cave for its sparkling limestone walls – and Rangko Cave which has a natural turquoise pool you can swim in. There are also waterfalls to cool down at when the weather gets hot, and street stalls with fresh seafood. While Labuan Bajo is

Is the highly extolled Singapore Airlines starting to rest on its laurels? We can’t say for sure, but according to this year’s list of the world’s best airlines by Airline Ratings, our national carrier might need to pull up its socks just a little if it’s keen to reclaim its crown. Though often hailed as one of the best airlines in the world – with multiple first-place accolades – Singapore Airlines has scored fifth in 2025’s list, losing out to Korean Air (#1), Qatar Airways (#2), Air New Zealand (#3), and Cathay Pacific (#4). It also got bumped down a spot to second place in last year’s ranking of the world’s best airlines by Skytrax. Of course, fifth place globally isn’t bad at all, and Singapore Airlines is still one of the top three full service airlines in Asia. But in a world of shrinking seat space, the airline probably needs to fight harder in order to stay on top of its competitors. Now, let’s see what won top winner Korean Air its first-place spot; Airline Ratings praises Korean air for having the most spacious economy seats – along with Japan Airlines – with a seat pitch of 33 to 34 inches (wide-body aircraft) or 32 to 34 inches (narrow-body aircraft), which is something hard to come by these days. Those on board medium to long-haul flights also get to enjoy amenities like slippers, a wider selection of in-flight entertainment, and more generous meal portions. Perhaps Singapore Airlines could learn a thing or two from that. Still, Singapore Airlines outranks other

Thanks to its lofty towers standing at over 190 metres high, Marina Bay Sands is home to a couple of sky-scraping dining venues, namely: Celebrity chef restaurant Spago, Italian restaurant and rooftop bar LAVO, and three-in-one restaurant, bar and lounge CÉ LA VI. These all serve Western nosh, but new contender Jin Ting Wan (金蜓湾) is here to bring some fresh variety with its Chinese menu. Perched on the 55th floor of MBS Hotel Tower 1, the 166-seater Cantonese restaurant offers panoramic views of both the city and sea, and is the first and only Chinese fine-dining venue that’s fully developed, owned and operated by Marina Bay Sands itself. There’s a clear aura of elegance here with Song Dynasty-inspired interiors in regal shades of blue and gold. The food here is meant to reflect a similar level of refinement, where traditional delights like premium seafood, roast meat, and dim sum are elevated in simple, unpretentious ways that still hold true to their roots. Photograph: Marina Bay Sands Pair your meal with an extensive selection of Chinese wine – Jin Ting Wan is said to have one of the biggest collections of Chinese fine wine in the country, as well as rare vintages that you won’t be able to find elsewhere. There’s also a special in-house tea programme where you’ll be able to sip on curated tea blends.  If you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want a more intimate setting for your gathering, book a private dining room or suite, with ornate decor inspired by mount

Singaporeans are busy folk, but that isn’t deterring hopeful singles from finding love, or couples from keeping the flame alive. Nope, having “no time to date” isn’t a good excuse anymore, and there are still sneaky lil’ ways to let love blossom. It’s all about priorities, and despite everything, Singaporeans still love love. Micro-dating trend in Singapore According to the experts from dating app Bumble, Singaporeans are finding new ways of building and maintaining romantic connections in today’s modern dating world, and one of these is micro-dating – an emerging trend where people, especially younger adults, are using shorter, uninterrupted pockets of time to go on dates or hang out with their partners. It’s worth noting that 60 percent of Singaporeans’ dates still last an average of two hours, according to Bumble, but the overall average duration of dates is on the decline. This is especially so for the Gen Z population, who are more likely to plan dates that last less than 30 minutes. To the traditionalists, this might sound a little dismal, but fact is, mindsets are changing – and micro-dating can have more benefits than you might think. For one, it still gives you a shot at love as opposed to not going on dates at all. Besides, people are now more decisive on what they’re looking for in a partner, and a shorter date duration would then give you the opportunity to see if you’re compatible with a potential match with less investment and less pressure. If there's something

McDonald's previously announced a Sanrio collaboration with red packets and card game sets, along with a cute My Melody mahjong set. But if you haven’t been lucky enough to get your paws on those, here’s the silver lining: The exclusive Sanrio cushion plushies that were previously teased have finally been launched and are still up for grabs. Read on to find out how to redeem these adorable cushions in the likeness of My Melody and Cinnamoroll. When are McDonald’s My Melody and Cinnamoroll cushions available in Singapore? The Cinnamoroll cushions were made available on February 3, while the My Melody ones were launched just a couple of days ago on February 10. Do note that these are limited-edition items that can only be claimed while stocks last, so you know where to make a beeline for your next meal. How to redeem the McDonald’s My Melody and Cinnamoroll cushion plushies Thankfully, collecting the My Melody and Cinnamoroll cushions as part of this McDonald’s Sanrio collaboration isn’t a complicated nor expensive process at all. You can simply buy them for $13.80 each with the purchase of any value meal, upsized value meal, feast, 2x value meal, and family meal. They're sure to add a pop of cuteness to your couch and delight all your house guests. Find out more here. When did McDonald's My Melody mahjong set launch in Singapore? Photograph: adapted from McDonald's The limited-edition McDonald’s Sanrio My Melody mahjong set deal was first made available on the McDonald’s app

Gone are the days where KTV joints were dark and nondescript. Ever since K.Star opened its first outlet in Singapore, things have taken a fun turn with rooms boasting futuristic neon-lit decor and adorable character designs. The family-friendly chain now has multiple branches under its belt – including those at hotspots like Orchard and the revamped CQ @ Clarke Quay – and a new one has just been added to the list. This time, K.Star’s latest opening is located at Leisure Park Kallang. It’s not quite central, but it’s a stone’s throw from the Singapore Indoor Stadium and National Stadium, which makes it a great place to pre-game with your favourite songs before a concert. Now, where was this when we needed it most during Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour last year? Photograph: K.Star Karaoke To celebrate the opening of this new outlet, K.Star Leisure Park Kallang is currently having a special promotional rate of $9.90 per person for two-hour sessions – that works out to just $4.95 per hour, which is cheaper than some hawker meals even. If you haven’t already thought of a good activity for Valentine’s Day that won’t bust your wallet, this is a great option aside from our list of other affordable date ideas in Singapore. It’s not just the cheap rates that you can look forward to. This particular K.Star outlet’s rooms are themed after your favourite characters including Donald Duck, Super Mario, Doraemon, Barbie, and the toys from Toy Story. There’s also a yellow polka-dotted room wi

The numbers don’t lie: 691,100 Singaporeans visited Japan last year, and you were likely one of them. And if you were part of the hordes in the usual suspects of Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto, you’d know firsthand just how rife overtourism is in the land of sushi. In popular major cities, that is. The thing is, there’s still so much of Japan that has yet to be explored and most of us have only just scratched the surface. If squeezing with the masses along Dotonbori and Shibuya aren’t on your Bingo card in 2025, then perhaps you’d be interested to explore some of Japan’s hidden gems for a literal change of scenery. Search aggregator site Skyscanner has come up with a list of the cheapest, lesser-known destinations in Japan for Singaporeans to travel to this 2025, based on prices for two-way trips from Changi Airport. Read on to see which uncrowded cities and prefectures to consider venturing to this year, all with return flights starting from just $299.   Cheapest two-way flights from Singapore to Japan in 2025 1. Okinawa (from $299) Cheapest month to travel: July 2025 They call Okinawa the “Hawaii of Japan”, and for good reason – it has stretches of pristine sandy shores, clear blue waters all around, and a unique blend of Japanese and American culture. Dive into its coral reefs, admire limestone formations in the Gyokusendo Cave, and eat your way through Kokusai Street Food Village for traditional Okinawan nosh like musubi (a type of onigiri) and chanpuru (stir-fried vegetables). 2

Most of us are probably done with our rounds of Chinese New Year reunion dinners, but the celebrations are still in full swing at the Chinese Garden –  part of the sprawling Jurong Lake Gardens alongside the Japanese Garden and Lakeside Garden. Visitors to this recently revamped oriental-inspired park don’t just get to enjoy new features like a bamboo grove and courtyard with waterfalls; There are also plenty of CNY decorations adorning its pagodas and pavilions, as well as stunning illuminations and nightly light shows specially for this festive season. Photograph: Nparks To catch the light shows starting from 7.30pm daily (happening at 30-minute intervals until 10pm), head straight to the towering Cloud Pagoda – a familiar landmark that has since been given a refresh. Watch as the majestic structure becomes even more beautiful as coloured lights and instrumental music transform it into a dreamscape that looks straight out of a C-drama. Photograph: Nparks If scenic backdrops for your family photos are what you’re seeking, don’t miss out on the festive lanterns and special decorative landscaping at the Tea Pavilion, Twin Pagodas and Stoneboat. Curious as to what the year of the snake holds in store? Check out your zodiac predictions at the Grand Arch, where each of the 12 zodiac animals gets its own dedicated board detailing how lucky you can expect to be in various aspects of your life this year.  Photograph: Nparks Another spot you should make a beeline to after sundo

After the viral Innate Personality Traits quiz and another one that helps determine which potong ice cream flavour you are, we're back with another personality test for all you curious folks. This one’s right on theme with the Chinese New Year season. Created by local digital agency Singapore Best Web Design, this fun new 'What CNY item are you?' quiz is currently making its rounds in Singapore and might just become the hot topic of all your group chats amidst the flurry of festive well-wishes. Photograph: Singapore Best Web Design Like its predecessors, this lighthearted questionnaire comes with cute, colourful graphics and a story-based sequence, making it a fun way to pass time when you're bored in the midst of all that CNY visiting. Besides, getting your whole fam to join in and compare results will probably distract nosy relatives from their usual rounds of prying. You know, the whole "when are you getting married?" shtick and what have you. Photograph: Singapore Best Web Design Time to rise up as the main character; You'll be taking on the role of a snake who's attending a dinner party with your fellow zodiac animal friends. There are 12 simple questions in total, each surrounding a different scenario within the banquet. How will you break up a quarrel between your pals? How do you socialise with others in a group setting, or navigate through sudden problems that might thwart your plans? All your ‘in-game’ actions will determine your final personality profile, wheth

After a magical run of its annual Christmas Wonderland and first Christmas Train Show, Gardens by the Bay sheds its shiny tinsel to prepare for the lively festivities of Chinese New Year. Aside from the Flower Dome being refreshed with thousands of cheery blooms for its Spring Blossoms display, the entire public grounds of the Gardens is getting itself spruced up for River Hongbao 2025. This is the fifth edition of the event held across the urban park, and other than celebrating the year of the snake, it also raises a toast to Singapore’s upcoming 60th birthday. Talk about a double celebration. Read on to find out what you can look forward to at this free-entry Chinese New Year event, featuring stunning lantern displays, performances, carnival games, a food street and more. Oh, and make sure you don’t miss the firecracker displays that will be set off on the first three nights! Photograph: Gardens by the Bay A butterfly arch, floral trellises, and a scene of Oriental storks frolicking by a waterfall are just part of the 20-over brightly-lit lantern displays you can expect at River Hongbao 2025. Of course, the 12 animals of the zodiac will also make an appearance, with this year’s creature of the moment – the snake – getting its own standalone installation. For extra luck, make sure you stop by the massive God of Fortune (cai shen ye) latnern at The Meadow. Photograph: Gardens by the Bay Also at The Meadow sits a stage, where nightly cultural performances will get you righ