Cheryl Sekkappan

It's the National Day weekend! Which naturally means lots of events to mark the special occassion. If you're all about the red and white festivities, then we've got a ton of events for you to head out for, including a dazzling National Day light-up and a star-studded concert at Gardens by the Bay. Want nothing to do with National Day? Then we've got just the thing for you too – like a bizarre and beautiful exhibition by Patricia Piccinini, an Indian classical music concert, and a curated film series about Singapore. Scroll down to read more about the things you can do this weekend! RECOMMENDED: 101 things to do in Singapore  

Hong Kong has always been a favourite destination for Singaporeans in search of a quick getaway. But for the longest time, entering the city has been quite the headache – thanks to infamously strict quarantine requirements, as long as 21 days at one point.  Since August 12 however, the Hong Kong government pared down the Covid-19 hotel quarantine period from seven days to just three – plus an extra four days of 'home medical surveillance'. If you're dying to go home to Hong Kong, or miss its street markets and delectable cuisine enough to plan a holiday there, then here's all you need to know before you go.  RECOMMENDED: The best weekend beach getaways from Singapore and The most stunning private islands near Singapore

We know that things move fast in Singapore, with buildings and landscapes rising and vanishing in the blink of an eye. But there's a certain subset of sites that have been earmarked for the highest level of legal protection thanks to their intangible historical and architectural value. Singapore currently has 75 national monuments – including iconic buildings like the National Museum of Singapore, MacDonald House and the Former Cathay Building. Each stands testament to significant moments in Singapore's short history – here are nine national monuments you may (or may not) know, and the fascinating stories behind them.   RECOMMENDED: The most iconic public sculptures in Singapore and 5 notable rivers in Singapore and the stories behind them

Singapore is always bursting with life and adventure – from new exhibitions popping up everywhere to activities to embark on together with your friends or family. We have put together an extensive list of things to do in our little red dot. This week, attend an otherworldly concert by Icelandic post-rock band Sigur Rós or explore print and paper works at STPI's pop-up space at ArtSpace @ HeluTrans. We also have an extensive list of other activities to fill up your calendar so choose whatever suits you! RECOMMENDED: 101 best things to do in Singapore   

The National Day Parade returned as a ticketed event this year for the first time in three years – and it didn't disappoint. It brought the usual pomp, with disciplined marching by shiny contingents and exciting live demonstrations by Singapore's national and internal defense teams. It brought the razzle dazzle, through touchingly acted video narratives alongside energetic onstage performances. And it also delivered on the memes, which are now making the rounds on social media. If you missed the livestream, here's a recap of some of NDP 2022's most memorable moments.  RECOMMENDED: Fascinating facts about Singapore that you probably didn't know and Historical buildings in Singapore and the stories behind them

Borders are open and everyone is travelling – it's pure revenge for the two years of pandemic lockdown. If you don't want to join the masses heading for tourist hotspots like Europe, UK, US and South Korea, then here's a little-known archipelago in the South Pacific to put on your travel bucket list.  New Caledonia has a lot going for it. Consisting of Grand Terre, the mainland, and a collection of outer islands, the French territory is fringed by a stunning barrier reef, forming the world's largest lagoon. Inland, the rugged mountains and grassy plains are a playground for active travellers, and with a quick domestic flight, leisure seekers can net themselves an idyllic island getaway. Culturally, New Caledonia is an intriguing mix of French and Melanesian, which you'll find in the people's food, language, and customs too.  We had the pleasure of travelling to New Caledonia courtesy of the tourism board and its flag carrier this year to get a taste of what it has to offer. No matter what kind of traveller you are – here's what we think are some of the best things to do in New Caledonia.  RECOMMENDED: The best road trip destinations from Melbourne and The best places to eat and drink in Canggu

Beyond the skyscraper-filled concrete jungle, there’s a plethora of flora and fauna thriving in Singapore. With many parks and nature reserves dotted around the Garden City, there’s never a dull moment when it comes to exploring the great outdoors. After two years of works, the central stretch of the 24-kilometre-long Rail Corridor (aka the Green Corridor) officially reopened in 2021. The four-kilometre stretch features restored landmark bridges and elements such as new entry points including two that are wheelchair-accessible and a pedestrian underpass.  Besides its lush natural landscapes, the Rail Corridor is also known for its rich heritage. At the beginning of the 20th century, the railway line was used for commuting and transporting goods between Singapore and the rest of the Malay peninsula. But in 2011, Malaysia returned it to Singapore, and another form of travelling takes place – hiking. Before the enhancement works, hikers had to brave the uneven slopes, overgrown vegetation, and muddy puddles to get through the Rail Corridor. Now, the trail has been enhanced for easy access. We've recently seen the restoration of Bukit Timah Railway Station – other developments for the corridor are also in the pipeline. A 6.3km segment between Hillview and Kranji will be open by the end of this year. It will provide more access paths with more greenery around it. A pedestrian bridge will also be reinstated across Hillview Road in 2023. To make the most of your journey through the

Movies are great, but the magic usually rubs off after a minimum of an hour and a half. If you’ve got time to spare, immerse yourself in episodes worth of new TV shows. And with the vast catalogues of streaming services including Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, HBO Go and BBC Player, you’ll be spoilt for choice. From highly anticipated series from South Korea to gripping crime dramas and romantic comedies, here are the TV shows to add to your watchlist and binge. RECOMMENDED: The best upcoming movies to watch in cinema and stream in Singapore and the best video streaming services in Singapore 

After two painful years of cancelled festivals and silent stages, big music gigs across Asia are coming alive again. Some of our favourite festivals pulled through with virtual editions, but nothing beats dancing and screaming your heart out to your favourite tracks alongside a sweaty mass of revellers. So, we can't wait to travel to any one of the music festivals on this list, including blockbusters like Creamfields, Fuji Rock Festival, and It's The Ship. Read on for more gigs that you just cannot miss.  RECOMMENDED: The best nightclubs in Singapore and F1 Singapore Grand Prix: Race your way to get tickets this April 13

Southeast Asia attracts avid scuba divers from all around the world, especially as it is home to the Coral Triangle. The marine area in the western Pacific Ocean is flanked by the waters of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste, and the Solomon Islands. It is one of the most important reef systems in the world.  You can get mesmerised by colourful reefs, thriving marine ecosystems and explore carefully preserved wrecks - all these just a short trip away from Singapore. So strap on your BCD, put on your flippers and dive into the deep blue waters at these stunning scuba diving destinations within Southeast Asia.  RECOMMENDED: Last-minute destinations for a short trip this August and The best short day trips from Singapore. 

We are painting the town red this August with a slate of new festivals and events. The nation is celebrating its 57th birthday with a bang this year so look forward to National Day-themed events leading up to August 9. Singapore Night Festival also returns this month with more light projections that you can admire as you walk down the Bras Basah precinct.  Enjoy more of the crème de la crème of events happening this August with our definitive guide to all the events dotted around the Lion City that you won't want to miss. Stay ahead of the game, book your tickets, and plan your schedule pronto. RECOMMENDED: The definitive guide on things to do in Singapore

Digital applications can be great educational tools, but sometimes kids just need to be kids. Learning and playing in the outdoors can help children to grow their curiosity, foster their imagination, and learn empathy for nature and wildlife. Singapore has its fair share of beautiful nature spots – so why not sign them up for an outdoor adventure programme with certified guides to get the most out of it? Here are the best outdoor adventure and forest schools in Singapore, where your kids can learn beyond the four walls of the classroom.  RECOMMENDED: The best date ideas for nature lovers and The best outdoor playgrounds in Singapore

When looking for a quick, healthy and delicious lunch, how many of you have turned to Subway? If you raised your hand, you might be delighted to know that the household F&B name is bringing its sandwiches to Singapore in a whole new way – through the Big Museum of Taste.  This is the first time in 50 years that Subway is opening a museum, and it's exclusively in Singapore from August 10 to 30 on the first floor of 11 Prinsep Link. Expect loads of delicious fun for the whole family, with nine digital and interactive installations over four zones – all splashed in the vivid Subway colours of marigold, white and green, of course! The first of many highlights: a seven-metre long installation of the iconic Italian B.M.T. sub at the entrance to the Big Museum of Taste. Remember to snap a shot before heading to the first of four zones, where you'll learn the beginnings of the original submarine sandwich, and Subway's rise to one of the most recognisable quick service restaurants in the world. Over the next three zones, feature walls, trivia games, and interactive activities will test your knowledge of Subway quizzes. You can even build your own digital sub, going through the steps of "kneading" the bread dough, "slicing" vegetables, and choosing your proteins.  Don't forget to redeem your complimentary Subway cookie and Coca-Cola before you browse limited edition merchandise at the gift store. Some stuff that you can bring home: exclusive Subway-branded socks, t-shirts, pillows, tu

My Senoko Fishery Port with Richard Kuah  Out of the many unique tours and activities available through My Community Festival, Time Out had the opportunity to attend My Senoko Fishery Port with Richard Kuah. Running from 1 am to 4am (the last tours are happening this weekend on August 20 and 21), this tour is well worth the late night – as it takes you right into the heart of the action at the port. Senoko Fishery Port is known for its fresh seafood sold at attractive wholesale prices. Don’t be surprised to see regular folks arriving in the dead of night to haul off fish, crabs, stingrays, and other seafood. Yes, you can visit Senoko Fishery Port on your own, but the beauty of the tour is that you get a behind-the-scenes look that you wouldn’t otherwise.  Guide Richard Kuah is passionate about marine life and has volunteered for years with NParks to do intertidal walks and surveys. During the Senoko Fishery Port tour, he'll bring you around to catch the action as fishmongers receive shipments of seafood from land, air and sea. Watch as they unload trucks, skillfully sort seafood, and pack boxes of fresh catch for wet markets, restaurants and buyers around town. Get to learn about the inner workings of the port, the culture and practices of the Teochew fish merchants, how the fishing trade has changed over the years, and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Richard is also adept at pointing out interesting seafood – introducing species, their Teochew or Hokkien names, and even

As the sun starts to set, the spaceship buzzes to life. Multi-coloured lights flicker, warping the images of Tanjong Pagar Terminal reflected in the ship's silver panels. The crackle of a radio transmission floats through the air, blending with the distinctive sound of wayang music. This is Wayang Spaceship, a public artwork by local artist Ming Wong. Designed as a travelling Chinese theatre, the stage now sits onsite at Singapore Art Museum. The unceasing trade and commerce of the container seaport form a backdrop to the hulking theatre-spaceship, which stands witness to technological progress and our place in the cosmos. After the Singapore Art Museum closes each day, the Wayang Spaceship returns to its roots as a Chinese opera theatre. Bask in a symphony of light and sound – Ming Wong has creatively pieced together scenes from Chinese opera and science fiction films from the 1950s to 1970s, to tell the story of a scholar-warrior as he moves through past, present and future. The artist also worked with Liam Morgan and Wu Ju Han to design the lightboxes, projection and soundscape to express his vision of a "Chinese opera from the future". The Wayang Spaceship will be at The Singapore Art Museum until 2024, so you have plenty of time to check it out. Before 7pm, visitors are free to board the 'spaceship' to have a look behind the scenes of a traditional Chinese opera stage. In fact, the structure is made out of a rare wood used for shipping with the help of Lee Beng Seng, who

Live performances and activity booths are returning to the Istana Open House for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic began in 2020.   Fears of the spread of Covid-19 put a pause to open house events for a good two years, only resuming in August 2021. But these were muted affairs, lacking the vibrant performances, games and food trucks that the Istana's open houses were known for. Now, the festivities are back. On July 17, visit the Istana grounds to enjoy lively dance and band performances by student groups from Ang Mo Kio Secondary School, Chung Cheng High School (Main), Raffles Girls' School (Secondary), and Seng Kang Secondary School.  You can also amp up the fun by taking part in sports and carnival games at the Main Tent as well as arts and crafts activities held near the Inclusive Garden.  Informative guided tours If you're keen to explore the historic Istana Main Building, join the guided tours ($4) happening every 45 minutes between 9.30 am and 4.15 pm. On the tour, you will get to take a peek at the stately function rooms used to receive foreign VIPs as well as state gifts to Singapore's leaders. Volunteer guides from the National Heritage Board will share interesting details about the Istana's architecture and history. Self-guided tours ($2) are also available.  More interested in the Istana's lush grounds? Nature guided tours ($4) will take place every hour between 10 am and 4 pm, where you will go on an exploratory walk around the enhanced Japanese Garden a

Life sucks, sometimes. In For The Time Being, rising artist Vanessa Liem expresses "the oppressive weight of existence" through stunning, surreal paintings. In her second solo show at Cuturi Gallery, twisted human figures with alien-like countenances are washed in a dark palette, expressing "states of anxiety, mania, vulnerability and numbness". This is a decidedly more personal collection compared to her first solo exhibition, I Cried Bizarre. "For this series, I wanted to paint how a person felt, not how a person looked," Vanessa shares. The characters in her paintings are a self-reference, and are placed in backdrops and landscapes to create atmospheric scenes inspired by her own life and experiences.  Black Out Days (2022) speaks of numbness and desolation, as a character stares blankly out the frame with a fantastical background pictured out the window behind her; Red Room (2022) is a study in comfort and intimacy, drawing from Vanessa's own tendency to escape to her sister's room in difficult times; while Arrival (2022) is a sci-fi esque and powerful reclamation of mental well-being and identity, reflecting the artist's own inner journey.  Vanessa's works are bold, unusual, and deep with emotion – so do yourself a favour and check out her works in person at Cuturi Gallery from June 18 to July 10. For more information, visit cuturigallery.com.       

We'll likely be seeing an illuminated sea of pink at Hong Lim Park again this year. Singapore's landmark pride celebration, Pink Dot, is making a return to Speakers' Corner following its reopening after a two-year closure. The event space at Hong Lim Park has been closed since circuit breaker restrictions were imposed in April 2020. During that period, Pink Dot has had to swap its Hong Lim Park spot for special livestreams via its online platforms. This saw the local LGBTQ community and straight allies celebrating all-inclusive love from home – with digital messages of support, a digital pink dot, and houses across the island lighting up in pink hues.  Pink Dot organisers have confirmed that they will return on June 18 and 19 this year. The main rally will happen on the 18th – the day for you to break out your best pink gear, picnic mats and enjoy a day of celebration and solidarity. You can also expect to enjoy the Pink Dot Concert, which will include performances from the likes of Singapore Drag Royalty. At the Community Tent, you can also meet with various LGBTQ+ groups to meet community leaders, access resources, and learn more about issues affecting LGBTQ+ individuals in Singapore.  Not forgetting the main message: that the LGBTQ+ community is and deserves a place in Singapore society – the Pink Dot organisers also invites all attendees to write messages of hope and change on physical placards, culminating in the crowning 'pink dot' light up towards the end of the rally.

Take the whole family out on the weekend for a shopping run at Capitol Singapore's June Markets. Happening on the weekends in June, these family-themed events promise a treasure trove of locally designed and handcrafted goods.  On June 3 to 5 and 10 to 12, head down to the IMC Live Global Sing Life Collective Market in the Outdoor Plaza. Here's where you can let your creativity flow at workshops and booths – where local and international creatives will guide you through customisations of ceramic works, leather accessories and fine jewellery. To pump up the energy, there will also be performances by well-known singers from The Singing Loft.  And on the weekend of June 17 to 19, Capitol Singapore transforms into the site for a local Crafter's Market, selling art handicrafts created by popular Singaporean vendors. Whether you're shopping for home items, fashion apparel, or quirky curiosities, there's bound to be something unique to add to your shopping bag.  It's a celebration all-month long at Capitol Singapore, which is also running lunch promotions and happy hour specials at Arcade @ The Capitol Kempinski; discounts at TRS Groomers (#01-66); plus a new opening of restaurant 800 Bowls (#B1-32 A/B/C). For more information on all that's happening this month, visit capitolsingapore.com.

The Singapore International Film Festival has carved out a spot in the local arts calendar since 1987, bringing groundbreaking Asian cinema to Singapore and the region. Now, it's continuing its mission in the off-season with the launch of SGIFF Film Club. In partnership with social club and co-working space Crane at Robertson Quay, SGIFF Film Club is your chance to catch rare, independent films, all of which were played at past SGIFFs. Available at $38 per ticket with a light meal, the June sessions feature two local thrillers – and interestingly – two Mystery screenings for you to discover.  On June 11 and 25, get out of your comfort zone and catch a mystery film curated by the SGIFF team. This pick takes you on a journey into a fortunate game of Clue, traversing narratives and lifetimes with our protagonist. Billed as a 'reassessment of traditional filmmaking styles', the mystery movie is sure to expand your film horizons.  On June 15, catch Unlucky Plaza, a 2014 thriller that was the Opening film for the 15th Singapore International Film Festival. The movie follows Onassis (Epy Quizon), a once-proud restaurant owner who takes a dark turn when he kidnaps and holds people hostage in a millionaire's mansion. The movie also stars Adrian Pang, Judee Tan, Guo Liang and Shane Mardjuki. 2004 Singaporean drama film Perth takes over the screen on June 29. Presented at the 17th SGIFF, it stars Lim Kay Tong as Harry Lee, a part-time security guard and taxi driver in Singapore who fall

The June school holidays are just around the corner – and if you're scratching your head about how to keep your kids occupied, then here's how. Bring the tykes out for a fun and interactive day at the National Museum of Singapore's annual Children's Season. Titled Get Curious! Our Early Settlers, the event is all about engaging kids in an exploration of the lives and challenges of early Singaporeans. Happening from May 28 to June 26, Get Curious! Our Early Settlers comprises five interactive installations in the form of a storybook. Alongside the characters Professor Alvis and his niece Bernice, young children will be taken on a discovery of Singapore's early trades and occupations, including rickshaw pulling, rubber tapping and food peddling. Kids can look forward to fun hands-on activities at each station too, such as magnetic rickshaw puzzles, kueh recipes and simple numeracy exercises, and an activity space that invites the little ones to embark on a character trail around the museum and to reflect on and share their learnings.  The National Museum of Singapore has also put together a line-up of on-site and online programmes to round out its offerings for Children's Season. Join character trails, watch interactive theatre performances, go on a tour of the 134-year-old National Museum building, or join online kueh making workshops and storytelling sessions. There is also an intergenerational project showcase, featuring artworks co-created by children and seniors that reima

Stellar tunes and a refreshing beer in hand – what more can one ask for? From April 30 to June 26, Tiger Crystal Fire Stages will be bringing 25 live music acts over 20 shows to Timbre+ One North and Timbre+ Eastside, a collaboration that promises rocking good nights by some of the best artists in the local pop and indie scene. The Covid-19 pandemic has stifled live music acts for too long, but this beer and music festival is set to bring them roaring back to the stage. There's something for everyone – groove to the best of soul and R&B with The Souls of Singapore; enjoy The Eagles' greatest hits performed by Johnny Come Lately, Cactus Cactus and Terrestrea; relive 70s and 80s hits with Reverie & Friends; or original songs by RENE, M1LDL1FE, Benjamin Kheng and more.  The bands are just as stoked as we are. “There's nothing like playing in front of a crowd. The energy of being both excited and scared, the unfiltered reaction, the chaotic give and take - we're stoked to experience it again at Tiger Crystal Fire Stages!" said local band Terrestrea.  And it's not called Tiger Crystal Fire Stages for nothing – Tiger Crystal beer will be flowing at the Timbre+ venues. And you can even get the party started early with $5 off a draught at participating outlets islandwide or $20 worth of Timbre vouchers for every purchase of a 2x10 pack of Tiger Crystal cans at participating retailers.  For the full Tiger Crystal Fire Stages line-up, visit firestages.tigerbeer.com.

This is crochet like you've never seen before. In her first solo exhibition with an art gallery, Singaporean artist Kelly Limerick has put up a collection of intricate crochet 'sculptures', which find new expression through print, video, and the process of destruction.  Kelly Limerick: Unbecoming is taking over Cuturi Gallery from April 23 to May 8. The self-taught crochet artist is known for her large-scale installations and collaborations with the likes of Gucci and Disney, but this time explores her craft through the reverse process of destruction. Five vases that she's meticulously crafted are torched, the process captured through a series of photographs and a video.  Enter the gallery and you'll see pictures of the crocheted vases in their original forms printed on fluttering textile hangings – as 'ghosts' or memories of what they once were. Through a photo series and a video by Singaporean photographer Clarence Aw and Berlin-based director Joy Song respectively, you get to bear witness to the process of 'unbecoming' – as Kelly sets the vessels aflame, resulting in new and intriguing forms displayed in the second exhibition room.  Kelly Limerick's work questions the value of art, craft and labour. What is the status of crochet as an 'art'? What is the value of slow art like crochet? Does the process of destruction add or subtract from the value of her works? Grapple with these questions at Unbecoming, a haunting and beautiful exhibition worth checking out at Cuturi Galle

Call it Covid-19 hangover or the effect of hustle culture, everyone’s some type of burned out these days. Wellness and self-care have never been more important – so do yourself a favour and take a break. If taking a holiday is out of the question, then dip your toes into some alternative wellness practices instead. There’s no better place to start than at Altered States, a chic wellness studio located at Kampong Bugis. This May 1 and 15, it’s running Space Out Retreat, a half- or full-day immersive ‘trip’ into breathwork, meditation, and yoga practices meant to soothe your mind and revitalize your spirit. Ease into it with Morning Meditation (9am-noon, $95). This is the more sedate program, kicking off with Kundalini yoga or dynamic meditation to wake your mind and body, before transitioning to a restorative qigong and gong meditation class. If you’re down for something more intense, then Altered Afternoon (2pm-7pm, $170) is for you. Depending on whether you sign up for the May 1 or 15 retreat, you’ll get to experience the invigorating Breathwork and Ice Bath or Art of Silat class, and relaxing tension release exercises and yoga flows. For more information about Space Out Retreat, visit alteredstates.sg/workshops-retreats/space-out.  

Blackpink will be in your area on May 13, 2023, according to a recent social media post announcing the Kpop girl group's upcoming Born Pink world tour dates.  Jennie, Lisa, Rose and Jisoo will kick things off in Seoul on October 15 this year, said a post on Blackpink's official Instagram page on August 9.  The foursome will then head over to North America, completing seven concerts around the country before heading to the United Kingdom and Europe in the last two months of 2022.  Blackpink will resume their tour in Asia next year, hitting Bangkok, Jakarta, Manila and more, before the concert in Singapore on May 13. Blackpink will also be performing in Australia in June, with more tour dates to be announced.  For now, we're still waiting for information about the concert venue and ticket prices. In the meantime, Blinks can look forward to Blackpink's upcoming full-length album, Born Pink, two years after their first hit LP The Album (2020).  Born Pink's first single Pink Venom is set to make waves when it drops on August 19, 1pm Korean time (12pm Singapore time). Blackpink is most definitely going to perform this album on the world tour, so you'll want to get yourself well familiarised. READ MORE Malaysia's Good Vibes Weekender returns this year with Jackson Wang, CL and Joe Flizzow Popular Keng Eng Kee restaurant to open second eatery in Tampines Interview: Yung Raja on his upbringing and favourite eating spots you should patronise

An 80-metre-high Sentosa SkyJet, a refresh of the iconic Sentosa Musical Fountain from the 1980s, and an international food street – these are the exciting new attractions that's in store for us at Sentosa this September.  Called the Central Beach Bazaar, this new lifestyle offering by the Mount Faber Lifestyle Group will be situated just steps away from Sentosa's Beach Station. One more attraction, which will feature simulation rides and carnival games in upcycled shipping containers, will be announced at a later date.  In the meantime, here's what you can expect when September rolls around.  A magnificent fountain against the Sentosa skyline The upcoming Sentosa SkyJet will stand at 80 metres tall, equivalent to a 24-storey building. When it's up, it will be the tallest fountain in Southeast Asia.  Situated beside the stage for Wings of Time, the Sentosa SkyJet will complement the outdoor night show's symphony of water jets, laser light projections and pyrotechnics. When night falls, its graceful plume will be illuminated by LED lights, providing a picture-worthy spectacle against the evening sky.  Photograph: Mount Faber Leisure GroupSentosa Musical Fountain The return of a beloved fountain show  The Musical Fountain was one of Sentosa's most iconic shows in the early 1980s. In September, Central Beach Bazaar is bringing it back refreshed and better than ever.  Operating from the existing Wings of Time stage, the Sentosa Musical Fountain features two five-minute performa

Here's a new date idea. This June, head down to the Night Safari for more exciting wildlife encounters along the park's walking trails. The Night Safari has launched a new walk-in exhibit of its civets, and welcomed two unique nocturnal animals, the Brazilian porcupine and grey-handed night monkey.  A new walk-in civet exhibit Photograph: Mandai Wildlife GroupA common palm civet To catch the civets, head to the Night Safari's Leopard Trail. The barrier-free exhibit now houses seven common palm civets and seven small-toothed palm civets.  The lush exhibit has been filled with trees, manmade vines and branches for these adorable, arboreal animals to show off their climbing abilities. Strategically hung feeders will also bring them closer to the walkways, so you'll get a unique opportunity to watch closely as they feed and forage. Photograph: Mandai Wildlife GroupA young small-toothed palm civet looks on curiously at Night Safari keeper Civets are actually a species native to Singapore and are well adapted to our urban environment. "Through the walk-in civet exhibit, we hope to deepen people's appreciation of Singapore's rich biodiversity and create awareness about co-existing with them," said Saravanan Elangkovan, Deputy Vice President of Animal Care at Mandai Wildlife Group.  Debut of two new species   Photograph: Mandai Wildlife GroupThe Brazilian porcupine Meanwhile, the Brazilian porcupine and grey-handed night monkey have taken up residence along the park's Fishing C

Netflix has just given the green light for a new reality television series – Squid Game: The Challenge. Based on the hit South Korean thriller Squid Game, the game show will see 456 players from all over the world duking it out for a massive $4.56 million cash prize. And no, there won't be gruesome killings in the reality series – the worst that could happen is walking away empty-handed. But Netflix has promised 10 episodes of games inspired by the original show, "plus surprising new additions", as well as strategies, alliances, and tests of character.  If you think you stand a chance, then you can sign yourself up at squidgamecasting.com. Some eligibility criteria: you have to be 21 years old and above, English-speaking, and able to commit up to four weeks in early 2023 to film the show.  The original Squid Game is currently Netflix's most popular series ever, racking up over 1.65 billion view hours in the first 28 days of its premiere.  If you were one of the many who were drawn in by its life and death trials, moral dilemmas, and sentimental beats, then you'll be glad to know that Squid Game has been officially renewed for a second season too.  READ MOREHalloween Horror Nights returns this year with never-before seen haunted houses and laser tagNew Khatib Nature Corridor will have three new parks and 80km of trailsWe went tufting at Singapore's only pet-friendly studio

Here's another way to beat the ghastly heat – with some fun summer beverages from Starbucks. From June 8 onwards, the iconic coffeehouse is serving up 'drinkable cheesecakes' and cold brews, as well as some cute merchandise to add pop to your daily coffee fix.  A creamy summer menu Photograph: Starbucks Singapore/FacebookFrozen Honey Ruby Grapefruit Black Tea Now, we don't usually associate creamy drinks with summer. We prefer light, refreshing drinks to chase the heat away, but Starbucks' new menu sounds too good to pass up.  There are two new 'drinkable cheesecake' frappuccinos: hazelnut mocha and strawberry raspberry ($8.20 each for a tall frappuccino). The former is a tasty concoction of hazelnut syrup and cream cheese flavoured sauce, blended with Starbucks Frappuccino Roast coffee, milk and ice. It's got crunchy golden graham cracker crumbs at the bottom, and airy whipped cream and shredded white chocolate on top – decadent.  Prefer something tangy? The strawberry raspberry cheesecake frappuccino screams summer. Cream cheese flavoured sauce and sweet berry sauce are a match made in heaven – they're blended with milk and ice, layered over buttery biscuit crumbs and topped with smooth whipped cream and white chocolate shreds.  Alongside are two refreshing cold brews. Both the coffee-based cold brew ($7.20, tall) and black tea cold brew ($6.90, tall) are given a citrus twist of honey ruby grapefruit, perfect for cooling off on a sweltering day.  Cute new merch for plant

Break out the national flags, because Singapore’s biggest celebration is back. After two years of small-scale celebrations, our national birthday bash is returning to The Float @ Marina Bay. Ticket applications open Ballot for tickets to the National Day Parade from today onwards, until noon on June 20. That gives you a good two weeks to secure a slot for one of three shows: NDP Preview 1 (July 23), NDP Preview 2 (July 30), and NDP 2022 itself (August 9). All Singaporean citizens and permanent residents are welcome to apply. You can apply for two, four or six tickets in a single ballot, with each ticket admitting just one spectator – and yes, children and infants also require a valid ticket for admission. After that, twiddle your thumbs till June 27 when ticket confirmations will start coming in until July 1. Pick-ups will happen thereafter at Central Atrium, Marina Square. To get more information or apply for tickets, visit this website. What to expect at NDP 2022 The theme this year is “Stronger Together, Mahjulah!” to celebrate our resilience during the pandemic while calling for unity in times ahead. This parade will bring back all the blockbuster hits – including the Red Lions, Parade and Ceremony, dazzling performances and multimedia displays, and of course, fireworks. For those who missed out on the tickets (or simply prefer enjoying NDP from the comfort of home), don’t fret. There will be activities happening at five heartland locations, comprising family-centric act

The official export ban of fresh chicken from Malaysia to Singapore has officially begun. The news broke just about a week ago and triggered a nationwide panic attack. Some dramatic reactions to the ban – people mourning the dethronement of chicken rice as a national dish, and sharing a list of all the chicken rice dishes that Singaporeans love… that we can’t enjoy anymore – yup, this piece of news has devastated the nation. It isn’t the first time that Singapore has experienced commodity shortages. A quick flashback: toilet paper shortages at the start of the pandemic, then masks and PPE kits at the height of the pandemic, and most recently, the potato shortage largely due to the war in Ukraine. Now, it’s fresh chicken. Photograph: Thayut Sutheeravut/ Shutterstock Sure, some of the panic is justified  Chicken is central to so many of our favourite dishes: the iconic chicken rice, nasi lemak, curry chicken…the list goes on. And we love our affordable hawker culture, so when the price of these dishes go up so much as a cent – it hurts. It doesn’t help that predicted food shortages and an impending recession only spells more price hikes and more strapped wallets in the future. Cue the doom and gloom. Then there’s the whole debate of fresh versus frozen. Singaporeans are a fussy – okay, discerning – bunch. Many insist that fresh chicken has far superior taste and texture when compared to its frozen counterpart. So when a third of the nation’s fresh bird supply is held in a cho

Marquee Nightclub at Marina Bay Sands has announced that it will be reopening on July 1 after more than two years of closure. That's right, you can party it up at the club's indoor slide and Ferris wheel once again – pumping music and drinks included.  The party will start on Fridays, Saturdays and the eve of public holidays at 10pm, continuing all night long till 6am. Keep your eyes peeled for tickets, which will go on sale later this month.  Like all other nightclubs in Singapore, Marquee will require revellers to be fully vaccinated, have recovered from Covid-19 in the past 180 days, or be medically ineligible for Covid-19 vaccination to enter. You will also need a valid supervised antigen rapid test (ART) and must wear a mask, except while eating or drinking within the venue.  Now that all the serious business is out of the way – what can you look forward to when Marquee reopens? For one, its eight-armed Ferris wheel will be back in operation, offering a bird's eye view of the dancefloor and photo opportunities within the individual pods. And if you need some adrenaline, then the three-storey spiralling slides will be open to delivering you straight to the dancefloor. Marquee has yet to announce the DJ line-up, but you can expect a stellar roster – after all, this is the same club that snagged the likes of Black Coffee, Tiësto and Afrojack. To stay updated on who's playing and how to get tickets, follow Marquee on Instagram or keep its website open in your tabs.  READ MOR

In a further sign of things returning back to normal, the Istana main building is ready to welcome visitors again for the first time since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, the President's Office announced on Thursday (April 22). This is part of an open house event to celebrate Labour Day and Hari Raya Puasa. Open houses resumed last August, but visitors were only allowed to enjoy the outdoors gardens of the Istana at those events. Now, you can purchase tickets to enter the main building to view selected function rooms, a collection of State Gifts, and rooms set up for state events.  It costs $2 for Singaporeans and permanent residents to enter the main building. For all other visitors, it's $2 for children aged between four and 12, and $4 for adults. If you're bringing along your toddler (under the age of four), then they can enter for free.  If you just want to enjoy the Istana's ground, then that's completely free of charge. Just remember to apply for tickets, which are being released in batches of up to five for a two-hour timeslot starting from 9am, 11am, 1pm or 3pm. If tickets are oversubscribed, an electronic balloting system will be used to pick some lucky ones.  Do note that there will be no performances, tours or food trucks at the open house, but you can still browse the merchandise booths selling limited-edition Istana souvenirs and President's Challenge souvenirs. And of course, you can have a pleasant walk around the gardens, which contain an old Japanese arti

Singapore's making good on its promise to be a city in a garden. Just yesterday, National Development Minister Mr. Desmond Lee announced a new park network coming to the Labrador and Alexandra areas. It will encompass four new parks and an additional 30km of nature trails and park connectors.  Coming up to a whopping 200ha of green spaces, the new Labrador Nature Park Network will be at least 1.5 times the size of Bukit Timah Nature Reserve.  Four new parks from 2024 The first park to be ready is a 0.4ha park at King's Dock, which will be completed by 2024. Following in 2025 is the 2ha Alexandra Nature Park, with a 500m trail set in a natural forest valley.  Down the line is the 6.5ha Berlayer Creek Nature Park, which will include the existing Berlayer Creek and a 30m wide extension just beside the future housing development taking over Keppel Club. The last park will be integrated into this housing development – the 7ha green haven will have four green corridors running around its perimeter and in between housing blocks.  30km of nature trails and park connectors  An ecological profiling exercise conducted by the Ministry of National Development identified several important ecological corridors connecting Labrador Nature Reserve and the Southern Ridges. The new park network, consisting of an extra 30km of trails and connectors, will strengthen these corridors by providing important buffers for nature reserves and links to connect wildlife habits.  The coastal hill and coasta

Dreaming of the snow of Japan, the waves of Bali, and the skating bowls of California? Soon, you'll have all that and more in the heart of Orchard Road. Trifecta by The Ride Side will be Asia's first snow, surf and skate attraction when it opens in 2023. The brains behind this exciting new space is none other than local adventure sports company The Ride Side, who are known for organising overseas snowboarding camps, skating and surfskating workshops, and bringing in all sorts of cool board, skate and apparel brands.  Photograph: The Ride Side Here's what we know about how they're making Trifecta possible in wave-less, snow-less Singapore. The slopes in the snow arena will be powered by the first virtual reality (VR) simulator in Asia, with speed simulation and directional movements so you'll feel just like you're speeding down a natural mountain. At the surf arena, experience endless surf thanks to cutting-edge deep water wave pool technology, which can produce water columns up to 1.5 metres – the deepest in Singapore.  And at the skate arena, you'll find the world's first hybrid skate bowl, bringing together the first skate bowl in Somerset and the first surfskate circuit in Singapore.  Photograph: The Ride Side "Our vision for Trifecta by The Ride Side was a simple one – we wanted to bring the mountains and the waves to the urban centre of Singapore. We are thrilled to share our passion for snowboarding, skiing, and skating with everyone, and we hope that by challenging

With strict social distancing, capacity limits, and even venue closures over the past two years of the pandemic, needless to say, the arts and culture sector in Singapore has taken quite a few hits. Now that life is taking on a shade of pre-Covid normalcy, the sector is starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. More help is also on the way, with the announcement of an additional $12 million injected in 2022 to build on the gains of the Arts and Culture Resilience Package (ACRP) and sustain the momentum that has been built over the past two years. Let's take a look again at all the ways that arts is coming back to life in Singapore and what you can look forward to. Live performances resume in all venues and settings We all rejoiced when it was announced that live performances are not able to resume in all venues and settings. That means singers, musicians and DJs can bring live music back to F&B venues, performing venues and platforms.  Restrictions on the number of performers and crew or unmasked performers have also been lifted, and indoor live performances can now have up to 1000 audience members or 75% of venue capacity with more than 1000 audience members. That means full orchestras, livelier crowds, and all-around good vibes. Soak it up at some of these stellar live music venues.  Busking returns to the streets  Nothing like discovering your new favourite talent just by walking down the street. Endorsed buskers under the Busking Scheme can now perform outdoors