Cheryl Sekkappan

This weekend’s shaping up to be a good one, with a mix of art, pups and a touch of whimsy. Step into a topsy-turvy wonderland with Cirque Alice, or relive the wild energy of 1990s Singapore at The Serangoon Gardens Techno Party of 1993. Art lovers can admire contemporary works at the Singapore Masters Show, or swing by Aliwal Arts Centre for its one-day market. If you’re all about cuddling adorable doggos, don’t miss SOSD’s Adoption Drive. 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

Whether you’re a visitor planning your very first visit to Singapore, or a Singaporean mapping out a special occasion in the city, choosing a hotel in Singapore is an important (and sometimes overwhelming) task. With so many spectacular stays to choose between – from the world-famous Raffles to new boutique stays like 21 Carpenter – it can be challenging to decide which is best for you. To help you determine which hotel to book for your next visit or staycation, our team of local editors (including Time Out Singapore Editor Cheryl Sekkappan, Regional Content Director for Time Out APAC Nicole-Marie Ng and local writer Dewi Nurjuwita) have tried and tested the city’s top-ranking hotels to determine which are worth your time.The list has been overseen by Winnie Stubbs, Travel and Hotels Editor APAC and self-confessed hotel obsessive. Each hotel has been chosen based on amenities, design and proximity to the city’s highlights – with many hotels on the list within walking distance of the best restaurants and bars in Singapore.Read on for our guide to the very best hotels in Singapore right now. RECOMMENDED: The best Singapore attractions to visitThe best rooftop bars in SingaporeAirport hotels in SingaporeThe best luxury hotels in Singapore At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on to

For the past eight years, we’ve made it our mission to scope out the coolest pockets of the world’s greatest cities in order to create our definitive annual ranking. The places where stuff like nightlife, art, culture, and affordable food and drink can be found on every corner and down every backstreet. Where diversity is championed and independent businesses thrive, from old-school boltholes to the newest avant-garde art space. Put simply, the world’s coolest neighbourhoods are places that represent the soul of our cities, while maintaining their own unique local character that draws people in to live, work and play. So, what are the neighbourhoods that fit the bill this year? To find out, we asked our network of writers and editors across a breadth of cities to nominate the vibiest district in their hometown right now. We then ranked every neighbourhood against criteria including culture, community, liveability, nightlife, food and drink, street life and that hard-to-define sense of ‘nowness’.  On our list this year, you’ll find everything from homely, village-like enclaves with tight-knit communities to revitalised city-centre hubs and formerly dormant, industrial areas transformed into creative districts. Many are underrated spots that sit in the shadow of their commercialised counterparts; others have become unexpected culinary hotspots or magnets for the city’s artists, writers and activists. What they all have in common is a DIY spirit – and an unshakeable proclivity f

Grilled meats, salads, flatbreads, spices, hummus, grains and legumes. These are quintessential elements of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. And while it's often hard to distinguish where one ends and the other begins, we can all concur that you can't ever go wrong with either. If you're craving the vibrancy and textures that these cuisines have to offer, here's our guide on where to dine for outstanding Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food in Singapore. RECOMMENDED: The best Peruvian restaurants in Singapore and The best Greek restaurants in Singapore

Tucked between the buzzy lanes of Bugis and the artsy stretch of Bras Basah, Bencoolen is one of those neighbourhoods you might have hurried past on your way to bigger, flashier destinations. But slow down, and you’ll find a fascinating mix: indie art spaces, old school eateries, cool cafés, and shops that speak to the area’s creative streak. Whether you’re here for a culture fix, a caffeine hit, or just to dig into some seriously good comfort food, Bencoolen’s got you.  RECOMMENDED: The ultimate guide to Bugis and The ultimate guide to Kampong Glam

This list is from 2024. Our latest ranking for 2025 is live here. In 2024, what exactly makes a neighbourhood cool? Craft breweries, natty wine bars and street art are well and good, but the world’s best, most exciting and downright fun neighbourhoods are much more than identikit ‘hipster hubs’. They’re places that reflect the very best of their cities – its culture, community spirit, nightlife, food and drink – all condensed in one vibey, walkable district. To create our annual ranking, we went straight to the experts – our global team of on-the-ground writers and editors – and asked them what the coolest neighbourhood in their city is right now, and why. Then we narrowed down the selection and ranked the list using the insight and expertise of Time Out’s global editors, who vetted each neighbourhood against criteria including food, drink, arts, culture, street life, community and one-of-a-kind local flavour. The result? A list that celebrates the most unique and exciting pockets of our cities – and all their quirks. Yes, you’ll find some of those international hallmarks of ‘cool’. But in every neighbourhood on this list there’s something you won’t find anywhere else. Ever been to a photography museum that moonlights as a jazz club? Or a brewery with a library of Russian literature? How about a festival dedicated to fluff? When communities fiercely support and rally around their local businesses, even the most eccentric ideas can become a reality. And that, in our eyes, is

‘Overtourism’. It’s more than a buzzword – in the world’s most popular destinations, it’s a problem that affects almost every aspect of local life, from the environment to the cost of renting, transport and eating out. And when a place is overwhelmed by people, it’s not only locals’ quality of life that suffers; the quality of your trip does, too. But it’s not all bad. Destinations are coming up with ways to redistribute tourism from densely crowded hotspots to lesser-visited regions. Travellers are seeking cooler climes and embracing slow travel, allowing space to discover somewhere new. And they’re still riding the ‘destination dupes’ trend, where overrun holiday destinations are swapped out for less crowded, less expensive, but just-as-good alternatives. On our newly updated list of the world’s most underrated travel destinations, you won’t find your Bangkoks or your Balis, your Amalfis or your Amsterdams. What you will find is the hidden side of Yosemite, the French Riviera’s overlooked twin, a place where penguins outnumber people, and plenty more travel inspo where that came from.Why trust us? Because we’ve been to them all. Every spot on this list was picked by one of our expert editors and globetrotting travel writers, recommended because they offer great (or quiet) alternatives to the classics – and in many cases, because they’re places that actually want tourism. In other words, travelling to any of these 33 criminally overlooked destinations is a win-win situation.

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

Sure, home-cooked dinners are great but if you've got an upcoming party for ten and more, leave it to the pros and get some catering pronto. There's no mess, your guests are happy, and you get to enjoy the food in peace. From pretty charcuterie and cheese platters to laksa live stations, here's who to call for your next big bash.  RECOMMENDED: The best communal dining restaurants for big groups and the best buffets in Singapore

Anniversaries are meant to be celebrated with gusto, and Singapore knows just how to party when it comes to National Day. Observed on August 9, the yearly affair marks Singapore’s independence from Malaysia. The city dresses for the occasion with flags lining the buildings, patriotic songs pervading the airwaves, people kitted out in red and white, and of course, the National Day Parade (NDP). Here’s the NDP in a nutshell: impressive aerial displays, military parades, and multicultural performances – all wrapped up with stunning fireworks. This year's parade returns to the historic Padang, alongside Marina Bay and heartland celebrations, so that every Singaporean can join in the festivities.  Whether you're planning to pop the poppers outdoors or join in the fun from home, here's everything you need to know about NDP2025.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Singapore newsletter for the best of the city straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED: The best places to watch NDP fireworks in Singapore for 2024 and The best things to do in Singapore this August

It's that time of year when we hang up our national flags and brush up on classic National Day songs like Home and Where I Belong. On August 9, the nation will congregate at the historic Padang to celebrate how far we've come together and pledge to unite on the path ahead. It's an extra special year too, as Singapore celebrates its 60th anniversary. Besides the state flag flypast, flashy 'Salute-to-the-Nation' bomb burst flown by fighter aircraft and dizzying aerial displays by the RSAF, the most highly-anticipated aspect of the National Day Parade has got to be the fireworks display. This year, you can expect dazzling fireworks show at the Padang and Marina Bay as well as more fireworks taking place on August 10 in the heartlands. Keen to catch the spectacular display? Here are the best places to catch the NDP 2025 fireworks in Singapore.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Singapore newsletter for the best of the city straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED: NDP Rehearsal Fireworks 2025: Dates and schedules and The best National Day songs of all time

Need a change of scenery from your usual work setup? Whether your home office is less than inspiring or you just can’t stand another hour in a stuffy library, we’ve got you covered. Ditch the usual crowded coffee chains and check out these alternative spots instead. These cosy cafés offer free Wi-Fi, ample power points to charge your devices, and of course, great coffee to keep you fueled while you power through your to-do list.  RECOMMENDED: Your ultimate guide to the best cafés in Singapore and the best cafés in the CBD Discover, book, and save at hundreds of restaurants with Grab Dine Out. Enjoy exclusive discounts, use dining vouchers, and make instant reservations, all in the Grab app. Explore Grab Dine Out now.

If you find yourself endlessly scrolling, refreshing, and swiping, it might be time to hit pause. StarHub invites everyone to step away from the screen and Find Their Digital Balance at the StarHub 5G Wellness Festival, happening on September 13 and 14, from 10am to 9pm at Capital Outdoor Plaza.  The journey begins with the Digital BMI (Balanced Media Index) Quiz, a quick and eye-opening check-in on your digital habits. Find out if you’re Digitally Detached, Balanced, Overstimulated, or Burnt Out, and get a personalised digital wellbeing prescription matched to StarHub’s five grounding pillars: Gather, Grow, Ground, Glide, and Glow – which will tell you if it's connection, mental enrichment, physical presence, relaxation, or self-care that you need to feel centred again. Get exactly what you need at the festival, which comes alive with activities designed around these pillars to help you find your balance. Journal mindfully with mindful art and positive journaling coach Steph T, flow through silent disco yoga with The Hush Retreats founder Mandi Cheung, or try your hand at leather crafting with Hides & Thread. Need something more social? Gather with friends over free-flow coconut water and all-day DJ beats, or glide into the chillout zone with oversized board games and old-school fun.  Admission is free, but workshop slots are limited – so sign up early, take the Digital BMI Quiz, and get ready to reconnect with what really matters. Show us your quiz results to redeem a free

POP Mart's iconic Mega Space Molly character is getting her time to shine at ION Art Gallery. Mega Space Molly: Hello, Moon exhibition is a whimsical look into the adorable toy's world of exploration and imagination – and an opportunity for die-hard fans to cop some event-exclusive merch too. Some standouts: a 1000% Hello, Moon figurine complete with a glowing moon orb, and a ball-jointed Molly Hello, Moon 1/8 Action Figure wrapped in a furry spacesuit. There are also lifestyle items like lamps, rugs and multi-functional lanyards, all available for pre-order. Don't forget to check out the Space Molly wall art and archival pieces, featuring beloved series like Smitten Love, Jon Burgerman, and Pantone. Of course, buy a blind box home and keep your fingers crossed for a secret figurine. Besides the blind boxes, look forward to a Singapore-exclusive: a Vanda Miss Joaquim-themed Mega Space Molly doll in honour of our national flower. This goes on sale on July 30 at ION Art Gallery. There's also a special anniversary collection dropping on August 1 at ION Art Gallery called the Mega Space Molly 100% Anniversary Series 4 – take a sneak peek here.  See the Hello, Moon exhibition in other parts of Asia  The MEGA SPACE MOLLY: Hello, Moon Exhibition is free and open to walk-ins at ION Art Gallery on Level 4 of ION Orchard. It runs from July 30 until August 24, from 10am to 9pm daily. This same exhibition will also be running in other parts of Asia – here are the dates and locations

Perhaps the cosiest event happening this weekend is A "House Warming" at Chin Swee Neighbourhood Club. Run by the folks at Common Man Coffee Roasters, the weekend pop-up market returns in its third iteration in collaboration with Of Wonder Wander. The space is styled like a home, complete with a living room and kitchen, and filled with brands and activities that invite you to slow down. Craft a sling bag from repurposed fabrics with beckynrosie, or settle into the community living room with Stranger Conversations for some heartfelt sharing. There'll be delicious bites to fill you up as you go: think old-school buns from Eat My Curry Bun and handcrafted pizzas from Pizza Keenway. Roots, a Bangkok-based café, has also made it all the way down to share their crowd-favourite brews, such as Orange Tonic Cold Brew and Cacao Nibs Cold Brew. If this housewarming inspires you to spruce up your own home, then you're in luck – you can shop tastefully picked, secondhand vintage by objects.re or gorgeous flower arrangements by FIBRE.  A "House Warming" at Chin Swee Neighbourhood Club is taking place at CMCR Barista Academy on August 2 and 3, from 10am to 6pm. Entry is free. 

Bali has always had two distinct draws: the sun-drenched coasts with its buzzing beach clubs and the enchanting forests and rice paddies in its interior. If you’re a diehard beach bum, Anantara Ubud Bali Resort will convince you to spare a few days up north. This five-star resort in a quieter neighbourhood of Ubud is the definition of tranquillity, transporting guests back to “Bali as it was 40 years ago”, as a world-weary traveller might say with no little amount of nostalgia. Anantara Ubud cascades down a hillside facing the lush Payangan rainforest in a design that will remind you of the terraced rice fields that Ubud is so famous for. It all originates from the impressive main building, its massive columns holding up the lobby and four dining venues. Every feature of the place calls attention to the outdoors – slatted folding doors in the lobby frame green, waving fronds; floor-to-ceiling windows wrap around the excellent signature restaurant Amerta; and alfresco bar Sulang Lounge leads out to one of the hotel’s two heated pools, which itself seems to hang suspended over the treetops. On a clear day, you can even see the conical peaks of Mount Agung and Mount Batur from the afternoon tea spot, Lobby Lounge.  The suites are carved stepwise into the hillside, accessible by an inclined elevator. Connected by an intricate network of stairs are the private villas – ours a one-bedroom abode with a private pool. The villa is spacious yet charmingly cosy: a neutral palette of bei

No need for a scuba diving license to enjoy the treasures of the sea at Koral Restaurants. It’s Bali’s first aquarium restaurant, tucked away in the luxurious Apurve Kempinski Bali. Request for a table under the arched plexiglass of the aquarium to make the most of the unusual setting. It gives you front-row seats to the dance of colourful marine life while you tuck into artistic multi-course menus with Indonesian-inspired dishes like wagyu beef with Maranggi sauce and silken tofu with Kintamani tangerine. 

Bouldering – it's like rock climbing, but scarier since you're scaling the wall sans rope. But the sport has found quite the following in Singapore because it's a true challenge for both the mind and body. Strength, technique, and strategy are a must to excel. It's also just a great bonding activity to have with friends and other enthusiasts.  Lovers of the sport now have a playground at Project Send, a swanky facility that's housed on the second floor of Esplanade Mall. Founded by climbers Kenneth Ng and Sarah Chua, Project Send stands out for its holistic approach to the sport – combining bouldering, strength training, and a dining concept at Beta Café.  Let's talk about the space. Project Send occupies over 5,200 square feet of space at The Esplanade Mall comprising more than 70 routes covering 12 climbing grades. The 14 bouldering walls overlook cityscape and riverfront views for times you need a breather from – quite literally – staring at the wall. Bouldering nerds will also be happy to know that the walls themselves were designed by seasoned Swiss climber Patrick Andrey, who has taken into account the unique features of the space to create an enjoyable spatial flow.  Besides a world-class bouldering wall to climb, gym-goers can also look forward to a holistic set of classes. Expect strength training and mobility sessions to help you conquer that gnarly overhang while protecting your muscles and joints. It all depends on your climbing goals, which Project Send's coaches

There's a new bookstore in the heart of town, and it's a haven for lovers of Chinese culture, literature and art. Taking over the space in Wheelock Place where the Borders flagship used to be is the ZALL Bookstore. It stocks more than 30,000 Chinese literary works for adults and children across two storeys, and has a café and art gallery to boot. Enter on the first floor and be greeted by black and white calligraphic elements that immediately whisk you away to the Jiangnan Watertown. Here is where you'll find childrens' literature, as well as a spacious multi-functional reading and event space. Head to the café on this floor for some quiet reading time with a hot cuppa – they have a variety of coffee blends, Chinese Chu tea and Taiwan tea on the menu.  Adults will want to head up the spiral staircase to do some book hunting. Expect a comprehensive collection across literature, humanities, history and philosophy from China and Taiwan. If that's not enough culture for you, there's always the art gallery on the same floor. ZALL Bookstore will be featuring creative pieces from both local and international talent, as well as stationery collections you can shop from. 

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

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

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

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

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

As Singaporeans, travel has always been a breeze – we not only have the best airport in the world, but it's also one of the most well-connected, serving as a gateway between Southeast Asia and the world. Now, more good news, because Scoot has just announced new direct flights to a host of gorgeous destinations in Indonesia. It plugs the gap left behind when Jetstar Asia folded, giving us a whole new reason to book that spontaneous getaway.  Whether you’re dreaming of diving alongside manta rays in the Flores Sea, exploring Sumatra’s volcanic landscapes, or wandering through Central Java’s colonial streets, these new routes are opening up even more ways to explore Indonesia – all while keeping your budget intact.RECOMMENDED READ: Here’s how to spend 48 hours in Bali Flights from Singapore to Labuan Bajo, the gateway to Komodo National Park, kick off on December 21, 2025, operating twice weekly. From there, flights from Singapore to Semarang will follow on December 23, with three weekly flights (ramping up to four from January onwards). The Sumatran city of Palembang will join the lineup on January 15, 2026, with four weekly flights from Singapore, and Medan will round things out with daily services starting February 1, 2026. One-way fares start from around SGD 174 to Medan, SGD 192 to Palembang, SGD 201 to Semarang, and SGD 228 to Labuan Bajo – all inclusive of taxes and available to book now via Scoot’s website or app.Scoot is also ramping up services across Southeast Asia fr

It's that time of year again when travel booking platform Skyscanner unveils its annual travel trends report – and you can bet we're paying attention. Besides revealing traveller habits that are shaping where we're all jet-setting off to, it also reveals lists of best-value destinations and trending destinations for the year ahead. Because hey, it's never too early to start planning our getaways for 2026.  We're pulling out Skyscanner's list of best-value destinations here for those who have affordability top of mind. These are the holiday spots that have seen the biggest year-on-year drop in flight prices, thanks in large part to new direct flights and increased flight frequencies (yay to more convenience, too).  It's a pleasure to see beloved destinations like Seoul, Osaka, and London on the list, but if you're feeling adventurous, try slightly under-the-radar spots like Haikou, China or Colombo, Sri Lanka. The first is known for its gorgeous historic lanes and geological wonders; the latter is a gateway to gorgeous tea plantations and idyllic beaches in Sri Lanka. Those looking to go further off the beaten path should check out Skyscanner's trending destinations for emerging (but not yet overcrowded) spots.  Best-value destinations in 2026, according to Skyscanner: Haikou, China Seoul, South Korea Fukuoka, Japan Jakarta, Indonesia Osaka, Japan Shenzhen, China Taipei, Taiwan Sapporo, Japan London, United Kingdom Colombo, Sri Lanka Getting a bang for your buck aside, what

One of the best parts of travelling is meeting new people: locals who welcome you in, or fellow wanderers swapping stories over street food. In some places, it’s easy: the culture is open, friendly, and instantly warm. In others, connections take a little more time. You'll find both across Asia, from destinations famed for their charm to places where friendliness unfolds quietly, but genuinely. So, where are the most welcoming places in Asia? Travellers know best – which is why Condé Nast Traveller asked its readers for the 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards to vote on the friendliest cities and countries around the globe. We're glad to say that Asia shines bright, with destinations from Singapore to Bhutan making the cut. If you’re after a heart-warming getaway, these are the spots to put on your list. Asia's friendliest cities  Singapore (#4)  Despite its reputation as a fast-paced, competitive city, Singapore ranks impressively high with a friendliness score of 95, sharing joint fourth place with Florence, Italy. Convenience is king here: the city boasts a world-class transport system, unparalleled cleanliness, and air-conditioned malls everywhere (to combat that humidity). The friendly locals are the icing on the cake. Kyoto (#10) With a score of 92.73, Kyoto edges out Tokyo to claim the 10th spot on CN Traveller’s global list. The former capital of Japan is dotted with Buddhist temples, palaces, shrines, and charming wooden houses. Its ever-polite, mannerly locals add to its

There's no shortage of stunning Mount Fuji viewpoints, but the latest one might just steal the show. About an hour southwest of Tokyo, Izu Panorama Park has unveiled a new mountaintop viewing terrace with a spectacular panoramic view of the famous mountain and the surrounding landscape. Here's all you need to know for your visit. Photograph: Explore Shizuoka What is Izu Panorama Park? It's a gorgeous hilltop attraction on Japan's Izu Peninsula, with scenic cable car rides, relaxing hot spring footbaths, and Mount Fuji viewing terraces. Perched atop Mount Katsuragi, it offers one of the best views of the famous conical mountain.  What's new there? The park recently opened the Aqua Ring, an oval wooden terrace situated at an altitude of 452 metres. Encircled by a reflective water feature, it creates a peaceful, floating sensation that complements the unobstructed views of Mount Fuji and Suruga Bay.  How do you get to the top? Hop on the Izu Panorama Ropeway, a 1.8-kilometre cable car ride over lush hills. The ride takes around seven minutes and is an experience in itself – get your cameras ready to snap postcard-worthy views on the way up.  What else can I do up there? There's plenty! Soak your feet in a Japanese-style ashiyu (foot bath) while gazing at Fuji's snow-dusted cone. Or, grab a matcha soft serve or coffee at either of two mountaintop cafés. You can also take a stroll along the garden paths winding around the viewing area, or simply sit at Ao Terrace to enjoy the br

It’s that time again: the Time Out Recommended lists are back. Every year, our editors round up over 400 of the best things to eat, drink, see and do in Singapore. These are the spots we love enough to recommend to friends (and revisit ourselves). But hey, you know your city just as well as we do. That’s why the Readers’ Choice category is making a comeback – your chance to shout out the neighbourhood gems, hidden haunts and underrated venues that deserve the spotlight. And because good taste deserves a reward, we’ve lined up some sweet prizes with our partners. Fill in the survey, drop your favourites, and see what you could win. You stand to win 1. A 2D1N stay at Pullman Singapore Hill Street  Photograph: Pullman Singapore Hill Street If a staycation’s been on your mind, here’s your chance to make it happen. One lucky survey participant will score a 2D1N stay at the chic five-star Pullman Singapore Hill Street, checking into a plush Deluxe room complete with floor-to-ceiling windows and a rain shower built for long, lazy soaks. The hotel is a vintage-inspired dream, its interiors nodding to the golden age of Pullman trains. Beyond the quietly luxe touches, you’ll find a rooftop pool made for sunset dips, three dining and drinking concepts under one roof, and top attractions like CHIJMES and Fort Canning Park just steps away. 2. Dining vouchers at MOGĀ, El Chido, and Madison's Photograph: MOGĀ To sweeten the deal, Pullman Singapore Hill Street is also throwing

The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge in China's Guizhou province is now open. It is now the world's tallest bridge, not by structure, but by terrifying, record-breaking drop. Spanning 625 metres above the Beipan River canyon, this suspension bridge beats out the current holder (Duge Bridge, also in China, naturally) – another notch in the country's belt of incredible infrastructure feats. The numbers are pretty absurd: a total length of 2,880 metres, a main span of 1,420 metres, and a steel deck that weighs more than 22,000 tonnes. It was built in just over three years and connects Liuzhi and Anlong, slicing through unforgiving terrain that has made travel here a logistical nightmare for decades. Get this: it used to take almost two hours to cross this canyon – the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge cuts that time to under two minutes.  There's something in it for tourists, too. A glass elevator has been installed to take visitors up to a viewing platform, where there is a café perched 145 metres above the road deck. There are also suspended glass walkways, scenic sky platforms, a death-defying bungee jump, and maybe one day, a platform for skydiving and paragliding launches. The bridge spells a tourism boom for Guizhou, a remote and mountainous province in southwest China. Fun fact: nearly half of the 100 tallest bridges in the world are already here, so the Huajiang Canyon Bridge is just another tall feather in its cap.  Now open, tourist facilities at the Huajiang Grand Canyon will

  Asia is home to some of the coolest cities in the world. From Tokyo to Manila, our urban centres are buzzing with hot new dining spots, flourishing culture, and incredible nightlife. And within these cities? Little pockets where all that edginess and energy is condensed. Every year, Time Out releases its ranking of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world. These spots capture the soul of their cities while maintaining a unique and irresistible character that keeps people coming back. With the expertise of our on-the-ground writers and contributers, we've named 11 Asian neighbourhoods in this year's list – with one from our backyard even named the coolest in the world. That neighbourhood is none other than Jimbōchō, Tokyo. This neighbourhood is for those with a bookish, intellectual bent – there are at least 130 secondhand bookstores stocked with rare vintage books and indie zines, and old-school coffeeshops like Sabor where you can sit down to peruse your literary finds. Looking for a cultured nightcap? Head to Yon, an art gallery and listening bar.  Photograph: Shutterstock Mullae-dong, Seoul is Asia's second coolest neighbourhood, and the sixth coolest in the world. The former centre of Seoul's steel and metalworking industry, its back alleys today are crammed with eclectic design studios, trendy cafés, and edgy bars. Local expert Jin Serin recommends shopping at Gifthouse Mullae, perfume-making at Memoire, and Hwain for a no-fail combination of wine and pasta. The next

Singapore doesn’t usually do “gritty”, but Bencoolen wears its edges proudly. Wedged between Bugis and Bras Basah, this under-the-radar locale has just been named in our latest list of 39 coolest neighbourhoods in the world. And if you’ve ever ducked into Fortune Centre or stumbled across a risograph print studio here, you’ll understand why. Every year, Time Out’s local writers and experts scour neighbourhoods worldwide to find out where locals are experiencing the best of their city, the places where food, art, and culture collide in a mix that keeps people coming back. Singapore’s selection this year reflects that: unassuming as it is, Bencoolen is scrappy, surprising, affordable, authentic – a standout in a place that leans more polished and curated.  Photograph: Vernon Raineil Cenzon on Unsplash Bencoolen’s creative energy is undeniable. Walk down the main strip and you’ll mill past hordes of students from nearby art schools like Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts and Lasalle. You can catch a glimpse at artworks by these brewing young talent in university-run galleries in the area, or nurture your own creativity by enrolling in a public course. Then you have institutions like the National Museum of Singapore anchoring Stamford Road, and not far off, Objectifs, a gem of a photography and film space showcasing some of Southeast Asia’s best shutterbug talent.  Photograph: Daniel IskandarUmesan 100 Facade It’s also a seriously underrated foodie destination in our books. Fortune

Singapore’s west has its fair share of chill cafés, but it’s fair to say that options are limited compared to hotspots like Joo Chiat. That’s why we’re always glad when a solid one pops up in the area to join favourites like Atlas Coffeehouse and Suzuki Gourmet Coffee.  Wheathead is not new by any means, having operated out of a Tampines house before making the great migration west to a cosy space in leafy One-North in December 2024. Open just four days a week, this self-proclaimed “drug addiction treatment centre” draws consistent crowds, all hungry for a morsel of its damn delicious sweet and savoury bakes. Photograph: Wheathead If there’s one thing that we love above all else at Wheathead, it’s this: the banana cream pie ($14.50). A crisp shell admirably holds up thick vanilla bean pastry cream, chunky and perfectly ripe bananas, a generous ooze of caramel, and a crown of whipped cream. It’s a wonderful medley of textures – crumbly, dense, yet cloud-like – best eaten chilled on the spot. But, we’ve ordered this pie as a takeaway and it’s just as good as long as you stick it in the fridge within the hour.  Photograph: Wheathead Don’t sleep on the other bakes available at Wheathead. There are some you’ll see fairly regularly, like the banana bread ($6), rye chocolate cookie ($6.50), caramel apple turnover ($7.50), and the wonderfully flaky and satisfying croque monsieur turnover ($9). A total standout: the juicy pork roll spiced with fennel and sage wrapped in a light, b

Singapore Design Week (SDW) is back – and it's a special one this year with the addition of a new district. In 2025, the sprawling event is taking place across four locations in Singapore: Orchard, Bras Basah.Bugis, Marina, and Singapore Science Park, with tons of other workshops, talks, and activities happening on the fringes. The theme this year is 'Nation by Design', and it's all about celebrating the vibrant design innovations that have made Singapore such a great place to live, work, and play.  There is something for everyone, and we highly encourage you to crawl through the list of SDW events to find one up your alley here. Us? We were lucky enough to join a mini tour through some of the highlights – here's what we enjoyed (and think you should definitely check out).  Photograph: Time Out Singapore 1. The Unnatural History Museum of Singapore We've all seen the Merlion, but have you seen a Merlion fossil? That's just one of the oddities sure to stop you in your tracks at the Unnatural History Museum of Singapore. Located at National Design Centre, it's a super-fun parody of London's Natural History Museum, with weird and wonderful exhibits exploring the cool inventions that have shaped (and will likely come to shape) Singapore.  During our tour, representatives from curator Kinetic introduced us to the exhibits: one was a manta-droid now in development at the National University of Singapore that could one day glide along Singapore's coasts to monitor water quality, a

Vietnam's south-central coast is stepping into the spotlight with the opening of JW Marriott Cam Ranh Bay Resort & Spa. It officially opens its doors on September 15, putting Bai Dai Beach on the map as more than just a laid-back seaside escape. This 203-room beachfront beauty is JW Marriott's first in Cam Ranh, and it leans hard into the area's culture and history. Think design details inspired by the ancient Champa Kingdom and an in-house Pottery Club harking to the region's history as a ceramic art hub. Here's where you can dabble in a bit of that history and throw your own ceramic keepsake.  Photograph: JW Marriott Cam Ranh Wellness is a big deal here – no surprise given Vietnam's rise as a top spa destination. The resort's Spa by JW blends Vietnamese healing traditions with modern therapies, and the property itself is built around a "forest by the ocean" concept. That means lush tropical greenery with sweeping sea views, plus a lazy river winding through the grounds, family pools, and even a teens-only hangout spot. Foodies, take note: there are seven different dining spaces, each themed around one of nature's elements. Expect plenty of fresh, local seafood, vibrant Vietnamese flavours, and international plates for when you're craving variety. Photograph: JW Marriott Cam Ranh To kick things off, JW Marriott Cam Ranh Bay Resort & Spa is rolling out a special welcome package called Serene Stay & Clay. This features a minimum one-night stay inclusive of breakfast for th

Singapore's food scene is about to get a serious dose of Tex-Mex swagger. Come 2026, Chipotle Mexican Grill – the American chain that's practically synonymous with burritos and bowls – will be making its long-awaited Singapore debut. Sweet, especially knowing that popular Korean fast food chain Lotteria and American chicken sandwich chain Chick-fil-A will also be opening here soon.  If you've ever had it in the US, you'll know that Chipotle isn't just another fast-casual joint. Starting out as a single restaurant in Denver in 1993, it now has more than 3,800 restaurants dishing out endlessly customisable, Mission-style burritos, bowls, and tacos. This build-your-own-meal concept coupled with a wide array of super fresh ingredients (think rice, beans, guacamole, salsa, and even organic tofu) has earned it chain cult status abroad, too.  For Singaporeans, this will be an interesting stack-up against familiar brands like local chain Stuff'd and Australian chain Guzman Y Gomez. We'll also be interested to see if localised twists will make it into Chipotle's menu – perhaps a nod to chicken rice or chilli crab? We're crossing our fingers.  There's no word yet on where Chipotle will land, but wherever it pops up, we're expecting long queues and plenty of Instagram burrito-wrap shots. In the meantime, stay tuned to our page for a confirmed opening date, location, and menu items.  Chipotle's debut in Singapore is headed by SPC Group, which also runs South Korean bakery chain Paris Ba