Pailin Boonlong

Ready-made bouquets are stunning, but they don’t hold a candle to fresh cut flowers – especially when you’re arranging them to your own liking. Personalised DIY bouquet or a floral vase display, head down to these seven flower markets and flower shops in Singapore to craft your own floral arrangement. You can pick up fresh blooms at affordable wholesale prices, whether it’s from household names like Far East Flora or fresh flower importers like G.G Fresh Flower.RECOMMENDED: The best flower delivery services in Singapore and the best florists in Singapore for any occasion

When it comes to the world of whisky, it’s been an exceptional century with the House of Suntory. This legacy brand is driven by “monozukuri”, a Japanese philosophy that embraces the pursuit of perfection in craftsmanship. Now, they’re celebrating their 100th anniversary all around our little red dot.  You can savour Suntory’s premium whisky flavours by booking one of the whisky pairing dinners that’ve been put together by some of Singapore’s most renowned chefs. The House of Suntory is also showcasing their rich heritage with an already sold-out exhibition at the ArtScience Museum from July 13 to 17, with film screenings, floor-to-ceiling projections, and whisky tasting sessions.

Brunch is an institution – as it should be. There's nothing better than waking up slightly later on the weekends and hunting down the perfect brunch spot where you can order both breakfast and lunch items. Whether it's regular eggs on toast, ricotta pancakes or a bowl of pasta, hit up these spots in Singapore to fuel your lazy weekend with late breakfast meals and a cup (or two) of coffee. RECOMMENDED: 7 most Instagrammable cafes in Singapore and the best minimalist cafés in Singapore 

Afternoon tea is a quintessentially British tradition. Call it a colonial hang-up but it's also one of our favourite ways to while away an afternoon. What's not to love about pressing pause and spending time with a good cuppa, delectable sweets and savouries, and a plush, comfortable sofa? Here's where to go to raise your pinkies and clink glasses. RECOMMENDED: The most Instagrammable cafés in Singapore and the best cafés in Singapore for dessert

Most of us are back in the office – that means packed schedules and more work obligations – including entertaining clients and catching up with colleagues over a meal. For those of us based in the CBD, we’re lucky: there’s no shortage of good restaurants and cafes. Closing deals with prospects, breaking bread with colleagues or just looking to take the pressure off, we've got restaurants catered to every budget – excluding taxes. Here's where you can get the best business lunch sets in the CBD for your next work thing. RECOMMENDED: The best new restaurants in Singapore and the best happy hour deals in the city

Based on the number of K-dramas binged and Korean BBQs we’ve devoured recently, many of us consider Seoul as a prime destination. It’s easy to understand why – the food, shopping, and culture are all massive draws. But besides typical tourist attractions like shopping in Myeongdong and visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace, there are certain spots that are popular for good reason. From an abandoned theme park to the world’s largest shipping container mall, these are the top seven things to do in Seoul for your next visit. RECOMMENDED: How to experience South Korea in Singapore and how to save money when booking a trip during the pandemic

While there’s been many new cafés and specialty coffee joints in the last few years, there’s one that still reigns over all others: Starbucks. This American coffee chain might not have the charm of a hidden café or a trendy brunch spot, but it’s still a trusty choice when you need a cup of Joe to get you through the day. And one other thing’s for sure – Starbucks knows where to set up shop. From an old Katong police station to a colonial bungalow in Rochester Park, Starbucks has chosen some of Singapore’s best heritage buildings and unique architectural spots to open their doors. Of the 130 or so stores in Singapore, here are eight Starbucks stores that are by far the most photogenic. RECOMMENDED: The most Instagrammable cafés in Singapore and the most Instagrammable places in Singapore

Time and time again, Singapore is dubbed one of the richest cities in the world. For that, we can thank a particular Kevin Kwan novel depicting the country’s wealthiest made-up families, wrapped up by a scene filmed on the rooftop of Marina Bay Sands. Other than MBS, the city-state is also home to numerous luxury hotels for the bougiest of travellers or loved-up locals planning a surprise staycation. Some people call it over-indulgence. We say, “why the heck not?” Besides, certain occasions just call for a treat yourself day. Whoever said money can’t buy you happiness probably hasn't had breakfast served while basking in a private pool. Check into these hotels and enjoy the finer things in life – butler service, in-room jacuzzi tubs and luxurious spas included. RECOMMENDED: The best hotels for a staycation in Singapore and the best boutique and shophouse hotels in Singapore This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

A strenuous work-life balance is likely to jolt you off centre – don’t worry though, you’re not the only one in need of a mental and emotional reset. With this year’s Wellness Festival Singapore happening from June 17 to July 9, it’s time to take charge of your own life with this three-week festival. From sound baths to fitness classes, this specially curated lineup is centred around the important facets of life: emotional and mental wellness, fitness, and lifestyle. Here’s how to finally make yourself top priority with the Wellness Festival Singapore.

With picturesque landscapes, the occasional roo sighting, and friendly “g’day mate” greetings all around – it goes without saying that the land Down Under is a top holiday spot for many. Of all the World’s Great Places though, Brisbane is the only Australian city to feature in the coveted list this year. From feeding dolphins at Moreton Island to savouring modern Australian cuisine, here are the six best things to do in Brisbane in 2023.

Pancakes have always been a breakfast staple, but let's face it – it's too delicious to only have it in the mornings. Ever since Singaporeans caught wind of how strikingly 'grammable pancakes can be, renditions have been popping up in restaurants and cafés everywhere. Here's a list of the most Instagrammable pancakes in town, from inch-thick hotcakes and eight-layer stacks to cartoonishly fluffy Japanese soufflé pancakes. Cue the wobbling.   RECOMMENDED: The best brunch spots in Singapore and the best cafés in Singapore for dessert

When it comes to Japanese breads, there’s something that strikes a distinct chord – it’s sweeter, softer, and leaves us craving more. It could be the attention to detail with intricately-layered cream rolls or even unique fillings like red bean or matcha. As much as we enjoy picking up a fresh loaf of bread at Singapore’s best bakeries or devouring the best sandwiches to try, these seven Japanese bakeries have left their well-deserved mark on Singapore’s food scene.RECOMMENDED: The best cafés in Singapore for brunch and coffee and the best traditional bakeries and cake shops in Singapore

It’s all about the journey rather than the destination at this new thematic space at Raffles City, a pop-up that’s running from now to July 9 by French brand L’Occitane. While it’s a stunning showcase of their haircare and body care range, you’ll also get a first-hand experience of crowd-favourite products and immersive projection rooms like the Almond Forest and Immortelle Field. And of course, everything is beyond photogenic with infinity mirror rooms and beautifully styled sets.  First, check into the L’Occitane Hotel itself where you’ll be given a room key (in the form of a QR code) to enjoy the full experience – simply follow the planned-out route. Step into the Almond Forest where you can plant your own almond seed virtually – there’ll be a personalised plaque marking which your very own tree is. You can even tap to water or to shine sunlight down, to watch the seed flourish into a large almond tree. This is a thoughtful nod to how L’Occitane plants a tree for every employee who works for more than three years. The Almond Spa is next on the route, and where you can try some of their best-selling products, such as the almond shower scrub and almond shower oil.  Make sure to also get a complimentary hair care consult at the 5 Essential Oils Bar, where a professional “hair care mixologist” offers a free scan and advice on any of your hair concerns. Before heading over to the Immortelle Suite, where you’ll learn more about L’Occitane’s skincare range, there is also an Immo

In Japan, when you think of azuki bar, the brand Imuraya immediately comes to mind – this naturally sweet ice cream bar that comes chock full with azuki beans is an easy favourite. As one of the most popular ice cream brands in Japan, Imuraya has been around since 1897 and has sold around 300 million azuki bars per year since 2021. It’s little wonder that the taste of azuki comes through so strongly, since each refreshing bar is made up of around 100 carefully selected beans. Since azuki beans are also known for being low-fat while high in protein and fibre, this Japanese snack is one that you won’t feel guilty over. From June 26 to July 2, Imuraya is celebrating the 50th anniversary of this well-loved azuki bar with a one-for-one promo. All you have to do? Buy a box of azuki bars and follow Imuraya Singapore’s Instagram account to redeem your second box for free. You can find this famous Japanese ice cream bar at stores like Isetan Scotts, selected Hao Mart outlets, Iroha Mart, and Poppin at Plaza Singapura. These stores will also be giving away a free azuki bar on June 28 and July 1*, a sweet treat on any hot day. *Available while stocks last. Make sure to also head down to the Cafe Terrace by Janice Wong at the Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience. From June 27 to July 31, you’ll find a special menu item where pastry chef Janice Wong creatively creates a new dessert using the azuki bar as a base. Celebrate Imuraya’s azuki bar 50th anniversary with special promos.

Till the end of June, five-star hotel Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay is having a full-blown Thai buffet. Heap your plates with free-flow classic dishes, ranging from pineapple curry mussels to a basil prawn stir-fry. The star of the show is the yellow crab curry, wok-fried for an impactful burst of flavour – it’s a dish you’ll commonly find in Southern Thailand and one that pairs beautifully with a plain bowl of jasmine rice. But since it’s a buffet, you’ll want to try it all together with the other headlining dishes. Tuck into black Angus oxtail massaman curry, the green curry chicken, or even the red curry roast duck.  There are even live stations, on rotation, doling out Thai chicken rice, beef kway chap (noodle soup), and braised duck rice noodle. It’s the tom yum that’s a must-try though, a lightly spiced coconut milk broth that comes topped with a chunky lobster claw, crayfish and other fresh seafood. You’ll want to save some stomach space for the dessert lineup too, since it’s also serving up Thai desserts like red ruby, a selection of kueh, and even luk chup – colourful fruit-shaped mung bean desserts.Prices start from $68 for lunch and $98 for dinner.

2.22 – A Ghost Story by the Singapore Repertory Theatre is one thought-provoking supernatural thriller that’ll keep you perched on the edge of your seat. Jenny and Sam, like all young couples, are excited to move into their new home. The kicker is this though: every night, peculiar sounds of someone moving about the house can be heard, most often through their newborn’s baby monitor, and always at 2.22am sharp.  It’s a fleeting thought that first-time parents have been through – what if they hear something they shouldn’t have on the baby monitor? If your spidey senses are already tingling, then you’re in for a real treat. Sit back and watch as this theatrical experience unravels, with the couple staying up till 2.22am to suss out any supernatural ongoings.2.22 – A Ghost Story by award-winning writer Danny Robins brings you the quintessential recounting of a supernatural thriller. But unlike your typical jump scare flicks or gory slasher movies, you can instead expect a flow of clever humour and non-stop suspense. As the creator of hit BBC podcast The Battersea Poltergeist, it’s through Robins’ own life experiences that he digs deeper to unravel the truth behind these instances – where the unexplainable will get your pulse racing. The play also relates paranormal experiences to the everyday life, with 2.22 – A Ghost Story tackling the intricacies of human nature and relationships. Not only does this award-winning play address the hot debate surrounding supernatural existence,

British comedian Michael McIntyre will soon be in Singapore, with his hard-hitting but comedic take on the chaos that marked the last couple of years. You’ve got him “Jet-lagged and Jolly” for one night only, performing at The Star Theatre on June 26 (8pm). As someone whose stand-up tours have sold more than three million tickets around the world, you can be sure that this humour-packed show is bound to sell out fast. After all, McIntyre is known to be London’s The O2’s top-selling artist, beating household names like Prince and Take That. He’s best known in the stand-up comedy realm for his observational comedy, drawing upon what seems like the most mundane of situations but turning them into full-fledged entertainment acts. But McIntyre’s comedy style isn’t at all your conventional deadpan British humour. Instead, expect lots of lighthearted jokes that poke fun at the trivialities of everyday life – it’s what his millions of fans lap up.He also has his own comedy television series Michael McIntyre’s Big Show airing on BBC One, and has made appearances in various other chat shows and live panels including The Apprentice: You’re Fired! and Friday Night with Jonathon Ross. Tickets start from $118 and are selling out fast. Book here.

Typically, sweet pancakes are the star of the show with ingredients like a compote, chocolate chips, or fresh fruits. At Pancake & Waffle Place along Kandahar Street though, they take equal pride in their savoury renditions. Try the Salmon Royale ($22.90) that comes with smoked salmon, guac, and poached eggs, or the Lemak Duck ($18.90) that’s topped with a coconut milk-laden chilli padi sauce. This Muslim-owned pancake joint does a series of sweets too though, from classics like the blueberry cream cheese pancakes ($20.90) to a cempedak (jackfruit) creme brulee stack ($17.90). 

Seafood lovers, you’re in luck: the annual Lobsterfest at Lime Restaurant is back this June 15 to August 6. The king of all crustaceans, the lobster, is placed front and centre at this highly anticipated buffet. Since free-flow lobster is the star of the show, the chefs have skillfully put together a lobster feast – from fresh whole Bostons to the ever-popular Singapore chilli lobster. There’ll also be an alfresco barbecue live station, featuring grilled marinated rock lobsters with a bevy of savoury sauces.  This year’s Lobsterfest is set to the tune of “rock festival”, with guest grill chefs banging out their own hit renditions of lobster-centric dishes over the alfresco grill on selected weekends. Look forward to Chef Vishnu Bernard from Aromkwan Bangkok during the June 17 weekend for his lineup of delectably smoked delights. While his signature 30-hour smoked pork knuckle curry sure is tasty, it’s the flambéed lobster bakar and masala ghee lobster claw that we’ll be after.  As for the 1 July weekend, Chef Ivan Yeo from Asian smokehouse Blue Smoke will be bringing his grill master expertise with dishes like Hyogo oysters, Szechuan-style grilled lamb shoulder, and grilled and smoked lobster with Chaoshan salsa. But besides culinary masterpieces from these two guest chefs, you can expect a roundup of crowd favourites that put lobster at the forefront. Here, the live kitchens deserve a standing ovation, as eager diners can watch on while chefs entertain with displays of thei

With four outlets around Singapore, Perky Lash is a trusty beauty parlour for those of us who’ve always wanted thicker, sweeping lashes. After all, no look is entirely complete without a full set of lashes. Since the lash extensions treatment is customisable, you can choose your preferred length, thickness, and volume – amp up the voluminous lashes or go for the au naturel look with single lash extensions. Perky Lash also prides themselves on using laser processed lashes, meaning that these are hypoallergenic and will not damage your real lashes.  While lash extensions are their specialty, Perky Lash also offers eyebrow and eyeliner embroidery – semi-permanent treatments that you’ll save you precious time during those rushed mornings. You can visit them at Serangoon, Tampines, or Yishun, but for those working in the CBD, they also have a salon conveniently located on the fourth floor of One Raffles Place.

Don’t go to L’Arte Pizza & Focaccia expecting your regular pizza pie. While they’re all about the gourmet pizza experience, they too place equal emphasis on artisanal sandwiches – with toppings like burrata and parma ham to boot. In fact, everything that comes out of the oven is made of premium Italian flour, hand kneaded and baked in-house daily. They use Tuscan schiacciata bread – a crunchier, chewier variation compared to the more popular focaccia – to forge winning combos of freshly baked bread, cured meats, and cheeses. For an easy lunch, tuck into the crowd-favourite burrata cheese (from $9.50 per slice), or the bacon rado (from $8 per slice) for an oozy medley of mozzarella, brie, and ricotta. If you’re undecided on which flavour to try, then order the newly launched Pizza Italia Bundle which comes with four flavours of your choice. Else, the whole 12-inch classic margherita also makes a solid pick with its simple but classic mix of tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, oregano, and basil. Drop by L’Arte Pizza & Focaccia’s takeaway store at Guoco Tower if you’re in the CBD, but otherwise, you can also order online using foodpanda, GrabFood, or Oddle Eats.

If your kids have already exhausted our guide to the best kid-friendly things to do this June, try this one-of-a-kind experience: a Pokémon-themed cable car ride. While the cable car ride is already an adventure in itself for most kids, this goes all out with colourful cabins that are decked out with Pokémon motifs. Expect first-generation Pokémon like Pikachu and Eevee, but those from later generations like Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly will also make an appearance. Each cabin is also wrapped in vibrant red and white hues to cleverly represent a Poké Ball. A round-trip ride starts from $35 for adults and $25 for children between four to 12 years. If you or your kids want repeated journeys, you can also top up $10 for unlimited rides for one day. Read more here.

As a leading stand-up comedian, Jo Koy has made a name for himself with his relatable comedic acts. His first-ever stint was at a humble Las Vegas coffee House, but today, he’s one of the world’s biggest comedians and has sold out at worldwide arena shows at bustling cities like New York City, Sydney, and Dubai.We’re not missing out though: for one show only, Koy will be making a stop at Singapore as part of his World Tour. You can catch him at The Star Theatre on June 8 (8pm), with tickets ranging from $108 to $168. Known for his relatable comedy acts, Koy often has people in stitches with quick quips regarding his own personal family life and growing up as an Asian American. In fact, Koy was recently given the prestigious “Stand-Up Comedian Of The Year” award at Montreal’s Just For Laughs Comedy Festival.Koy has also recently starred in the American comedy film Easter Sunday, that’s based on his own life experiences. To add to his growing list of accolades, he has four Netflix specials, his own autobiography in stores, and has reached #1 on the Billboard Charts for his album Live From Seattle. This half-Filipino, half-American comedian sure knows how to work the crowd – it’s almost sold out so be sure to buy your tickets quickly.Book here.

Seasoned leather satchels or delicate porcelain Chinaware – this preloved fair has it all. It’s held by stylish coworking space Crane, known for their community-driven events but also one that houses a fine curation of edgy and hard-to-find items. Now, you’ll find them at OCBC Wisma Atria (fourth floor) with a bevy of preloved items. It’s a true treasure trove, filled with gently used clothing, preloved jewellery, and kids’ toys and clothes. You might even find well thumbed books, vintage sunglasses, or handcrafted jewellery. Rummage through and see what unique finds you’ll walk away with – it’s the one time you can pat yourself on the back for shopping since you’ll be giving all these preloved items a new lease of life.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Crane (@crane.official)

Anything that famed chef Marco Pierre White puts his name behind, there’s plenty hooha. After all, this is the same man that made Gordon Ramsay cry. In any case, The English House by Marco Pierre White has proven to be a restaurant worth its salt since opening back in 2018 – it doles out traditional Sunday roasts alongside Hong Kong dim sum. While a la carte menu prices typically hover around $50 per person though, they’ve recently launched a $9.99 menu to combat rising prices. Photograph: The English House And this recognition of inflation is much appreciated – now we wouldn’t have to break the bank to dine at this British institution. You can try classics like beef ragu pomme puree and mushroom risotto, or taste Asian flavours with dishes like baked pork chop rice and twice-cooked pork belly rice. They even had mini beef wellingtons once, a specialty British dish. And all mains priced at $9.99? It’s certainly worth it.  Photograph: The English House   The Inflation Menu is available from Monday to Saturday, and is available for both lunch and dinner. Since the menu changes on the daily, you can take a look at their Instagram for the latest update.  READ MORE:The best cheap eats in SingaporeThe best cheap things to do in Singapore under $20The best affordable steaks in Singapore under $30

If your kids have already exhausted our guide to the best kid-friendly things to do this June, try this one-of-a-kind experience: a Pokémon-themed cable car ride. While the cable car ride is already an adventure in itself for most kids, this goes all out with colourful cabins that are decked out with Pokémon motifs.  Photograph: Mount Faber Lesiure You can expect first-generation Pokémon like Pikachu and Eevee, but those from later generations like Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly will also make an appearance. Each cabin is also wrapped in vibrant red and white hues to cleverly represent a Poké Ball. At Mount Faber Peak itself, you’ll find ample photo spots – vintage cable car cabins that are filled with imprints of Pikachu, Pichu, Snorlax and Psyduck. Time to bring the camera out, and snap a few photos for memory’s sake.Purchase tickets to the Singapore Cable Counter at counters and also receive a complimentary collectible Pokémon-themed sun visor*. Alternatively, book online here. A round-trip ride starts from $35 for adults and $25 for children between four to 12 years. If you or your kids want repeated journeys, you can also top up $10 for unlimited rides for one day.*Available while stocks last, in four designs: Pikachu, Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly.READ MORE:The best kid-friendly things to do during the school holidaysThe best kid-friendly hiking trails in SingaporeThe best outdoor playgrounds in Singapore

To keep up to date with the latest news in Singapore, make sure to follow our new Telegram channel @TimeOutSG. We’ve got the coolest parties, insiders’ neighbourhood guides, and best things to do all ready for you. Whether you’re looking for our top recommendations on eating out on a budget or hunting down the best things to do after dark in our little red dot, this is the channel that’ll blast it out first.  For those of you that aren’t quite in the loop (yet), Telegram is an app that lets you either chat to friends or receive push notifications from interesting channels – like us. And since it’s always an open door with us, feel free to email us at contact.tosg@timeout.com if you have any content requests or suggestions. We’re always ready to hear you out. 😉Join our Telegram channel now! RECOMMENDED:The best things to do in Singapore this MayThe 50 best restaurants in Singapore you must try101 best things to do in Singapore 

A sprawling grocery store in the middle of Singapore’s CBD? Besides Tanjong Pagar’s Don Don Donki and a few other chains, it’s not a common sight. Instead, we’re used to grabbing marked-up snacks from 7-Eleven or making do with the pricey produce of gourmet delis. But now, online grocery platform pandamart has opened their newest store at 101 Telok Ayer Street – with more than 5,000 different items available.  Photograph: foodpanda It’s the very first pandamart that offers pick-up too: we can easily place an order through the foodpanda app and simply pick it up 15 minutes later. While foodpanda aims to deliver within the hour, this is one easy hack to save both time and delivery fees. You can use the pick-up function from 7am to 10pm daily – perfect if you’re looking for snacks to fuel you through a long workday or if you need to top up your office pantry. There are also several items exclusive to the Telok Ayer store only, such as premium cuts of meat, a range of organic fruits and veggies, and even freshly baked goods. READ MORE: Oh Boy! Disney Cruise Line makes Singapore its very first Southeast Asian homeportSingapore's Bird Paradise and Mandai Wildlife West to open to visitors on May 8Singapore crowned the happiest country in Asia

When it’s pouring outside, no one immediately thinks of seeking shelter at an ice cream parlour. But with Udders Ice Cream offering $1 freshly baked waffles whenever it’s raining, you now know where to go whenever the daily weather forecast bodes stormy skies ahead.  Considering that these crispy waffles usually go for $5.50, this is a massive steal. Keep in mind that Udders has also mastered the art of a perfectly crisp waffle – it’s still chewy when you bite through. There is a catch though: it’s only $1 when you dine-in or $2 when you take away with every purchase of a double scoop (from $8.50). Photograph: Udders Ice Cream Just as well though, since what is a perfectly good waffle without ice cream? Peanut Butter Crunch, Muah Chee, or even Lychee Martini – this is one ice cream parlour with a good selection of flavours.  Now, instead of getting soaked through, take an ice cream break at one of these five Udders Ice Cream outlets around Singapore. You can find them at Bukit Timah, Novena, Upper Thomson, Beach Road, and Kovan.  READ MORE:You can soon stay in cosy "tiny houses" on Lazarus IslandThe Peranakan Museum finally reopens after four yearsPeep The Fullerton Hotel new loft suites Remember to take our annual Time Out Singapore Readership Survey to stand a chance to win a staycation at The Fullerton Hotel (closes March 8). 

It’s a suite life over at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, with eight newly renovated loft suites inspired by Singapore’s colourful flowers. With double French doors that open to your own private verandah and a spiral staircase leading up to a separate bedroom, these plush hotel suites are a dream come true for many. At $2,100 per night though, it stands within reason that each luxury suite comes decked out in award-winning fittings and panoramic views of the Marina Bay area. A pillow menu, Balmain bathroom amenities, and a Nespresso coffee machine are just some of the thoughtful touches you can expect. Meanwhile, the suites themselves have also been redone with Singapore’s iconic flowers in mind: bougainvillea and butterfly pea. Four of these loft suites are tastefully decorated in pastel pink, a nod to the bursts of pink bougainvillea that are often seen in full bloom at overhead bridges and public walkways. The other four suites take inspiration from the butterfly pea, a light blue flower that’s commonly found in Peranakan cuisine. You’ll notice floral accents throughout all, from celadon vases with floral designs to planter bowls with live flowers. Each suite also features photographic prints of Singapore in the 50s. Book your luxury stay at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore’s new loft suites here. READ MORE:The best luxury hotels in SingaporeThe best hotels for a staycation in SingaporeThe best hotels in Singapore

The Peranakan Museum reopens its doors today (February 17) after nearly four long years of renovation. This heritage neoclassical building has always been a true beaut with its pastel green hues and now, its interior has been suitably refreshed to match. While the Peranakan Museum was once known as a ‘jewel’, its newly revamped galleries have nudged its status to become a ‘jewel box’.  In showcasing over 800 objects across three floors, each of the nine galleries shed light onto the different facets of Peranakan culture. All are thought-provoking, and will get you pondering: What is Peranakan even? Find out for yourself at the Peranakan Museum, where the exhibits have been divided into three themes: Origins (first floor), Home (second floor), and Style (third floor). Photograph: Pailin Boonlong As a nod to the evolution of Peranakan culture over the years, Origins has a massive photo wall. It’s a visual scattering of both the past and present, with hand-coloured photographs and portraits shared by Peranakan families and communities. Take the time to watch the on-screen video interviews for interesting thoughts on what being Peranakan means. Head up to the second floor to explore Home. True to its theme, these galleries hold everything that Peranakans associate with home – food, traditions, and even everyday furniture. Look out for the floor-to-ceiling displays of Nyonyaware, fine porcelain pieces that have been painstakingly hand-painted with intricate motifs. There’s also

There’s a new collab between local label Beyond The Vines (BTV) and everyone’s favourite childhood brand Pokémon – it’s yet another nostalgic throwback to fonder days. Come tomorrow (February 17), you can finally put your hands on this special Pokémon-themed collection, which includes more than 15 items featuring six Pokémons: Eevee, Jigglypuff, Mew, Chrizard, Gengar, and the ever-popular Pikachu. Since the collection ranges from unisex tees to skate decks, you can be sure that there’ll be something to tempt you. What you might be most keen on though, is the iconic BTV Dumpling Bag.  Photograph: Beyond The Vines Known for its dumpling-like shape and lightweight material, this nylon crossbody bag has proven to be a hit over the years. Now, get your hands on a Pikachu, Jigglypuff, or Eevee XS Dumpling Bag for $89. These respectively come in black and yellow, blush and teal, or brown and cream colourways and all have Pokémon imprints woven on the product labels. Notice that Pokédex stats are included with the number, height, and weight of each Pokémon – talk about having an eye for detail.  Photograph: Beyond The Vines There is also a Pikachu Micro Dumpling Bag ($79) that’s embossed with a reflective Pikachu on the front pocket. Beyond these dumpling-like bags, shoppers can also pick up boxy-fit unisex tees, glass cups, caps, camp chairs, and canvas carryall bags. There’ll also be two skate decks featuring Pikachu and Charizard designs, on maple wood boards with matte black

If you’re out late at one of Singapore’s best bars or swanky nightclubs, you can now make the most of the newly-launched late-night bus routes that’ll send you straight from the CBD to the heartlands.  Private bus charter company A&S Transit has two new late-night routes to: NS-1 and NS-2, which will run on Fridays, Saturdays, and the eve of public holidays. At a fixed fare of $4.50 (EZ-Link card) or $5 (cash), it’s a steal – especially when compared to steep midnight fares of taxis or private hire cars. And yes, that means it's now time to party hard. Our nightlife scene is bigger and better these days, with the pandemic generally becoming a thing of the past, and A&S Transit cleverly meeting the demand of all party-goers.  Both services will start from the bus stop opposite the MAS Building, with the first bus leaving at 11.30pm and the last bus at 2.30am. There will be 45-minute intervals between each bus, so make sure to check the bus schedule beforehand.  NS-1 goes through the CBD and other central locations such as Clarke Quay, River Valley, and Orchard Road. It then heads towards Little India, before detouring to Ang Mo Kio, Sengkang, and ending up at Punggol. As for NS-2, it’ll also go through the CBD and the other central locations, before making its way through Newton, Yishun, and Sembawang. It will then end in Woodlands. You can check out the full details of the two bus routes here. READ MORE:Geylang Serai bazaar returns March 17 in longest-running Ramadan bazaar y

Don Don Donki needs no introduction – this popular Japanese chain has stores all around Singapore. Now, to much fanfare, they’ve recently opened the largest outlet in the East. As one of our favourite Japanese supermarkets where we can easily pick up quality Japanese items for less than $50, no doubt that we’re excited about this new aviation-themed store.  Most Don Don Donki stores are a maze of quirky Japanese items, but this one has a few unique features up its sleeve.  Halal corner with more than 100 halal items Photograph: Don Don Donki For one, it’s the very first store with a “halal corner” that’s fully stocked with more than 100 halal-certified items. Not all are Japanese-imported snacks though – you’ll find a mix of local snacks that need no introduction. Some of the more unique bites include mochikon konnyaku, a sweet treat made of mochi and brown sugar, as well as fruit-flavoured jelly drinks that are made from yam paste as opposed to the usual gelatin.  The first aviation-theme outlet with aeroplane motifs   Photograph: Don Don Donki The newest outlet has an aviation theme that fits the Jewel Changi Airport location to a tee. Once you’re done exploring the endless aisles filled with snacks, drinks, and pantry staples, head over to the cashier counters. These are clearly inspired by the airport’s boarding gates, with the recognisable blue mascot Donpen piloting what looks like “Don Don Donki Airlines”. Photograph: Don Don Donki There’s also a convenient trav

As it goes, Japanese food has humble origins. There’s nothing more satisfying than koshihikari short-grain rice and a comforting bowl of miso soup. But these days, there’s been a flurry of restaurants with a penchant for edible gold flakes, overly aburi-ed slabs of sashimi, and the ever-popular mentaiko mayo. Thank goodness that new Japanese restaurant Hatsu is nothing like that.The name Hatsu itself implies “the beginning” so Leon is taking it right from the start of Edomae sushi. While proudly a modern sushi restaurant, they still have the technical and traditional knowhow behind sushi itself. It’s not simply a matter of slapping rice and fresh sashimi together – as chef and owner Leon Yap would say, he wants his diners to “experience authentic sushi”.    Photograph: Pailin Boonlong   And that, in itself, is a mighty feat. With 15 solid years of Japanese culinary expertise under his belt, he’s worked in restaurants like Aoki, Shinsora, and Yamagawa. He’s clinched the award-winning title of Champion of the World Sushi Cup Japan 2019 and is a certified International Sake Sommelier at that – so what else would we expect but quality Japanese cuisine?  This relatively cosy restaurant in Novena’s Hotel Royal seats just 20 diners. After all, they do fly in seasonal Japanese ingredients from Toyosu market, but also the seafood markets of Osaka, Kyushu, and Hokkaido. Now, one thing Hatsu places a huge measure on is the shari (sushi rice). As the restaurant claims, 60 percent of w

It’s been a long wait, but finally, the Thomson East Coast Line will finally be opening Stage 3 on November 13 with newly-launched MRT stations spanning from Stevens to Gardens by the Bay. With this new MRT line, it’s never been easier to travel from Woodlands to Orchard – you’ll reach in a mere matters of 35 minutes. In any case, head down on November 11 to trial this new MRT line for yourself – entirely for free. This will be running from 10am to 9pm, and you can easily slot in travels from Bukit Timah Road with stations like Stevens all the way to the CBD area with Maxwell, Shenton Way, and Marina Bay MRT Stations.For those wondering how this affects their public transport commute, the new Thomson-East Coast Line stations are: Stevens, Napier, Orchard Boulevard, Orchard, Great World, Havelock, Outram Park, Maxwell, Shenton Way, Marina Bay and Gardens by the Bay. There are still two stages due to open, and all should be completed by 2025. Stage 4 (around 2024) will be covering eight stations from Bayshore all the way to Bay East, while Stage 5 (around 2025) will be from Bedok South to Sungei Bedok.  Find out more information on LTA’s website. READ MORE: Little India is Singapore's coolest district for 2022 – ranked as #19 Coolest Neighbourhood in the WorldBird Paradise to take flight in 2023 – look forward to over 400 types of birds in the new parkHatsu is a new Japanese restaurant that's hidden in a nondescript hotel near Newton Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Tik