Cheryl Sekkappan

By golly, it's only mid-November and Singapore is already turning up the Christmas merriment. The past weekend saw the massive Boutique Fairs Singapore kicking off the gifting frenzy – and this week, we have Christmas markets, festive floral shows, and more sprinkling of snow and magic from Disney-themed events.  Ready to plan your week? Scroll down for all the best things to do.  RECOMMENDED: The best hidden trails in Singapore to explore and Singapore’s best cinemas    

With Christmas just around the corner, many of us are starting to think about shopping: for festive dinners and takeaways, trees, decorations, and gifts. Thank goodness we live in a shopping paradise then, with tons of retail events beyond the stores on our main shopping belt. Head to Boutique Fairs at F1 Pit Building to discover the latest drops from local, independent brands or dive into a preloved pile at New2U Thrift Bazaar. Don't forget the fur babies – there's a fair just for them too.  And for the Grinches among us, check out new art exhibitions, music festivals, drinking events, and more. Scroll on to start making plans for the weekend. RECOMMENDED: The best cafés in Singapore for brunch sorted by neighbourhood and Singapore public holidays in 2024 announced, with 5 long weekends                  

If you’re nervous about your kitchen skills (or lack thereof) being spotlighted this holiday season, perhaps it’s best to leave the dirty work to the experts. This way, you can focus your energy on buying pine-scented candles to adorn the table, sprucing the Christmas tree with novelty baubles, or filling the stockings with thoughtful gifts.  But even if you scratch out cooking from your holiday to-do list, do make sure to make pre-orders in advance to avoid an empty spot on your dinner table. And don’t resort to fast-food delivery on Christmas Day – instead, feast on these delectable takeaways heaving with festive meats and stunning desserts. RECOMMENDED: The best Christmas meals and festive menus and The best Christmas log cakes to get in Singapore

The Thanksgiving dinner table scene is a classic in Hollywood for a reason—the images of beautifully browned turkey as a centrepiece on a long table, generous platters of creamy potatoes and roasted brussels sprouts, and pecan or pumpkin pie in lavish slices. Who wouldn’t want to partake in such refinements? Well, you can do just that in Singapore with these specially curated Thanksgiving meals. Remember to put on those stretchy pants and give thanks around the table. RECOMMENDED: The best Christmas meals and festive menus and The best Christmas takeaways

You've seen it around town: cosy puffer bags, brightly-patterned resort shirts, and compact laptop carriers. The Paper Bunny products are beloved for their style and functionality, and for that reason, sell like hotcakes every time they hit the shelves.  On November 18, the homegrown lifestyle brand celebrates 10 years in the business. And what a wonderful ride it's been. Founded by legal counsel turned designer-entrepreneur Jaime Lee and her husband Justin Tan in 2013, it started as a small online brand selling planners, notebooks, cardstock, and other paper products stamped (in Jaime's calligraphic hand) with inspiring quotes.  Today, The Paper Bunny has carved out its own space. Quite literally, with a physical store at Takashimaya that draws lines with every collection’s drop, as well as shipping to more than 50 countries worldwide. But the reason the brand resonates so strongly? A consistent message of empowerment and intentional living that you see all through its social media and in its products: in the inspiring quotes and mindful activity sections of its planners, in its sustainable collection of reusables, and in the thoughtful design quirks of its multi-functional totes and holders to fit the lives of busy individuals looking for organisation and ease. On speaking to Jaime at an event earlier this year, it was not hard to see where that spirit radiates from. Often seen as the creative force behind The Paper Bunny, Jaime’s presence is warm, pensive, and underpinned

We can't turn back the clock but you bet we'll do all we can to slow it down. Begone dull skin, signs of ageing and dark spots! In the name of research (and beauty), we put our best faces forward to try out numerous facials and skin treatments around Singapore. Whether it is a brightening, firming, antioxidising or lifting treatment, we've categorised a handful of treatments according to your skin needs and budget. Here are the best facials in Singapore – and it's all right to splurge a little, your skin deserves some pampering too.  RECOMMENDED: Express lunchtime beauty treatments to try in Singapore and the best mobile beauty services in Singapore

Deepavali is right around the corner! Also known as Diwali or The Festival of Lights, the annual celebration signifies the triumph of light over darkness, and good over evil. This year, Deepavali falls on November 12 – although the celebrations have already well and truly started. Nevertheless, there's much more of the colourful festival to check out this long weekend. Scroll down for our list of the best Deepavali activities and events in Singapore to get into the spirit! RECOMMENDED: The best Indian restaurants in Singapore and guide the ultimate guide to Little India    

Nothing better than a cold and rainy day in bed watching Netflix with a hot cup of tea in hand. Watching heartwarming movies while snuggling up in bed seems pretty ideal in the cool weather but what happens when cabin fever hits and you wish to do some activities but the rain is cramping your style? Here’s a list of backup plans that you can enjoy while staying indoors in comfortable air-conditioning. They include indoor playgrounds, flower gardens, visiting museums and more. Scroll down for more great ideas to do in Singapore even when it's pouring outside. RECOMMENDED: 101 best things to do in Singapore

It's no surprise that Singapore is a shopping paradise with a plethora of malls, multi-concept stores and independent labels in every nook and cranny. But if you prefer rifling through pre-loved gems, thrift your weekend away at these second-hand shops for everything from vintage designer bags to statement pieces from the yesteryears. Besides, old is gold, right? RECOMMENDED: Six cool indie stores in Singapore and 10 places to shop on a budget in Singapore  

Reality check: there are only two months left before 2023 wraps up to make way for 2024 – and what a year it has been. Ahead of the year-end festivities, November brings a massive gift-shopping bonanza, exciting travel fairs (because we're already planning for 2024 vacations), and free-flow drinking events.  That's not all – we've combed the city to carefully handpick the crème de la crème of events happening this month. Explore Singapore's blooming literary scene at Singapore Writers Festival and and the Singapore Migrant Worker Poetry Competition or celebrate your favourite animated characters and superheroes at Warner Bros. 100th anniversary bash. Stay ahead of the game, book your tickets, and plan your schedule pronto. RECOMMENDED: The definitive guide on things to do in Singapore    

Contrary to popular belief, you don't have to be great at drawing or painting to unleash your creativity. There are various forms of art you can pick up – from cupcake decorating to crocheting and jewellery making. Not only do you get to pick up a new hobby and get out of your comfort zone, but you also get to meet new people while at it. So if you've ever felt stagnant and needed a new hobby, hit these art classes around town. There's bound to be something for everyone.  RECOMMENDED: Your guide to free art in Singapore and the best ceramic classes in Singapore to make your own pottery 

Let your freak flag high on October 31 when the world welcomes hell – we mean, Halloween. But why October 31? The spookfest originally started over 2,000 years back as the ancient Gaelic festival of Samhain (pronounced 'sow-in') in Ireland. It marks the end of the harvest, welcoming new beginnings on All Hallows' Day on November 1. However, the superstitious Celts believed that the baddies from hell would descend onto earth for a day of carnage on All Hallows' Eve. What a nightmare. Nowadays, instead of hiding in the corner of your bedroom, Halloween is a great excuse to get your freak on. Singapore may not have the orange autumn season, but we sure have 'em pumpkins. From the best Halloween events in Singapore to the creepiest Asian horror stories, it's time to dust off your witch's hat, summon the coven, and party (safely!) past the witching hour. Here's your guide to a devilishly good Halloween. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in October

It’s an understatement to say that we live in tumultuous times. From climate change to geopolitical tensions, the challenges that we face are complex, disheartening, and some would say, hopeless. Well, Southeast Asia’s premier animation festival is back to address these difficult topics – all with a dose of fun and hope.  Happening on November 25, Cartoons Underground will be screening a total of 15 animated films whittled down from more than 1,500 animators from over 100 countries. While animated films are often associated with feel-good narratives, this year’s film selection tackles topics like poverty, the climate crisis, the mental health emergency faced by those living in war, and the rise of artificial intelligence.  “Animation is a brilliant way into difficult issues,” says festival director, Jerrold Chong. “It makes the scary feel safer and gives us the distance we need to reflect on the things that worry us without them overwhelming us.” Highlights include Pig, which examines our abuse of the planet’s resources told through the story of a group of animals that depend on a single sleeping pig to power the grid; The Square City, which brings us into the cramped living conditions in a Hong Kong neighbourhood; and Two Gracious Uncles Smooched to the Beat, which takes a look at how AI and capitalism impact art and creativity. Catch other local gems such as Cloudy, by the talented students at Nanyang Technological University; and admire the artistry in flicks like Braided,

You'll no longer have to travel all the way to Japan to pick up your favourite Nintendo merchandise. The first Nintendo pop-up store in Southeast Asia is opening at Jewel Changi Airport, bringing with it toys and merchandise from popular games like Super Mario, Animal Crossing, and The Legend of Zelda.  Happening from November 17 to January 1, the pop-up store is bringing a solid line of toys, apparel, and lifestyle goods that you'd previously only be able to get from Nintendo Tokyo, Nintendo Kyoto, and Nintendo Shop stores. Teaser pictures show Mario-themed tableware, Legend of Zelda apparel and prints, Pikmin vases and stationery, Animal Crossing figurines laptop sleeves. That's not the end of it – Nintendo will be revealing more original merchandise items closer to the pop-up date.  What's more, there'll be six exclusively designed postcards available at the pop-up store. Spend $80 or more in a single transaction to receive one of the limited-edition cards. If you have a Nintendo account, remember to check in at the venue too, in order to get one of 18 adorable Nintendo sticker designs.  The Nintendo pop-up store will be at #04-220 and 221, Jewel Changi Airport. Watch this space for the full line-up of merchandise you can shop for. 

Bring your family and friends for a wholesome outdoor movie screening at BBC Earth Screening Festival. The event is launching the third and final season of the awe-inspiring Planet Earth series, Planet Earth III.  The Planet Earth series has brought us iconic scenes: from the thrilling face off between a snake and iguana to that of a young ibex scaling a sheer rock face in an incredible feat of athleticism. Narrated by the legendary Sir David Attenborough, this latest instalment promises more of such jaw-dropping visuals of animals and habitats around the world. And from what we hear, Planet Earth III has higher stakes and bigger drama as species fight to survive amidst a rapidly-changing environment (hello, climate change). Such a inspiring species deserves a setting to match. At BBC Earth Screening Festival, you'll get to preview the very first episode under the luminous Supertrees at Supertree Grove in Gardens by the Bay. There will be events just for kids too, like a painting session with illustrator Sam Lo and a meet-and-greet session with Bluey and Bingo mascots. Admission to the event is free and comes with an exclusive BBC Earth tote bag giveaway too.    

Calling 911, fire’s about to be burning on the dancefloor at this OverEasy x Eatmepoptart Halloween party. At Redrum on the Dancefloor, DJs weelikeme & KiDG are bringing murderous tunes spanning pop, rock, and electronica – and if you know them at all, expect some throwback beats mixed in. All you have to do is reserve a table and show up in your Halloween best. They’ve lined up some amazing prizes for best (and worst) dressed guests.  Alcohol bundles are available, starting at $298 for a Buffy Trio (3-4 pax), $378 for the Infamous Five (5-7 pax), and $588 for Gone Baby Gone (8-10 pax). Pre-booking is recommended.

King, queens, and all the slayers – come through for a Halloween blowout weekend at CÉ LA VI. Starting us off strong on October 27 is HalloQween, featuring drag duo The Illustrious Blacks in a night of glittery, androgynous glamour backed up by bombastic performances traversing afrofuturistic funk, jazz, and disco. Rounding out their captivating performance are local queens Ms Kaileefakoff, Mia Rita Virus, Sapphire Blast, and Tiaro Sorrel. Book here.  On October 28, the circus comes to town with Cirque Le Soir. Hailing from London, the award-winning troupe will be putting on an extravagant show – featuring fire-eating, burlesque, aerial arts, and contortionist performances. CÉ LA VI’s resident DJs will be playing all night while the bar works hard to keep the drinks flowing. Book here. 

Music and murder mix at A Night to Die For. Play detective at Zouk’s two-night Halloween event and race to unravel three mysteries set across Zouk, Capital, and RedTail. In the main room, the crowning of the prom king and queen goes wrong when the tiara shatters and the prom king vanishes. On the Capital Express, commuters are trapped on a train as gunshots fire and a snowstorm looms on the horizon. In RedTail, an innocent plate of Bangers and Mash might just hide a gruesome secret. Solve the mystery and stand to win attractive prizes. And it’s Zouk after all, so expect bangers from DJs and selectors like DJ Blink, DJ Hong, DJ Ghetto, and DJ Caden to soundtrack your chilling evening.

If hell has techno, then take us there. That’s certainly the case at Cherry Discotheque, which is transforming into a deep, fiery underworld for its two-night Halloween bash. Expect thumping big room techno and tech house in the Cherry Kitchen and an open format dancefloor in the Cherry Hall. It’s a collaboration with Fireball too, promising a selection of wicked drinks like Fireball whiskey, flaming cocktail, and a Fireball housepour served in a skull cup. On October 28 only, Fireball-infused gelatos are on the house for all you devilish revellers.

It’s a candy free-for-all at Cluny Court! Its annual trick-or-treat event is back on October 29. Get your kids all dressed up in their most creative Halloween costumes and cart them over to Cluny Court where they can collect a handy little map to track down fourteen stores giving out free candy. For those that want to add more pizzazz to their look, face painting artists are on standby to give everyone a fun Halloween makeover.

Come dressed in your Addams Family best to Spooktoberfest at Clarke Quay. This thrilling celebration will have you sweating, hunting, strutting, and dancing from day-to-night. Get pumping at a BOLD Fitness HIIT workout (while dressed up as a Addams Family character too) and stand a chance to win a complimentary two-week membership and eCapita vouchers. You can also clock in your steps by joining a scavenger hunt of “The Thing” hiding around CQ @ Clarke Quay. Besides a best-dressed competition and airbrush tattoo stations, this festival will also be throwing a sundown shebang. Catch O.K Ready! and resident DJ of Cuba Libre DJ Boy Kay from 7pm onwards.

Sometimes, there’s nothing scarier than real life. This Halloween, the folks at The Market Society hope to inspire youths to face and conquer fears through Fearville, a two-day event featuring live music performances, craft zones, and interactive installations. The highlight is Gleaming Realm, a special art installation where you can draw your fears – which will be projected on the wall in a symbolic release. Over at Corner of Closure, pen down your thoughts and stick them up at the Wall of Fears and contribute to a growing collage. Elsewhere, attendees can shop for Fearville-themed art and merchandise by creators like jacko and Soop, or even sit down for tarot card readings, tattoos, and express manicures. Nine talented homegrown artists will play the soundtrack for the fest, with names like Akeen Jahat, shazza, Shelby Wang, and Dominic Chin among them.

Celebrate Halloween tropical-style at Las Palmas Rooftop Bar’s first anniversary party. For one day only, the bar will be transformed into a 1960s Palm Springs set with infectious beats by DJ Matty Wainwright. Besides offering a sneak peek of its 2024 menu, Las Palmas will be serving up four new cocktails at this party, each taking inspiration from iconic figures like Andy Warhol and Frank Sinatra. Once you’ve tried that, ask the bartenders for a trick or treat – and get a mystery cocktail in the spirit of Halloween. Don’t forget to come in your best 50-60’s fit too, because the best dressed of the night gets to walk away with $200 worth of dining vouchers redeemable at Las Palmas or Sky22. 

Dress the whole family up in their Halloween best and head to Lion Brewery Co. for a big Halloween bash. Its Halloween brunch special promises a wholesome day out, complete with trick-or-treating, cookie decorating, face painting, and a spooky little screening of Frankenweenie. While the kids are occupied, parents can shop at a mini flea market while downing free-flow Aperol Spritzes (available at $45 for three hours). Lion Brewery Co. will also be serving up its Melaka Pumpkin Ale for the whole month of October – it’s a sweet, syrupy delight with a hint of pumpkin sweetness and cinnamon spice.

How badly do you want tickets to Taylor Swift's The Eras Tour 2024 concert in Singapore? Marina Bay Sands has just announced ticket packages for the six concert nights between March 2 to 9 – and it requires fans to fork out quite the astronomical price.  There are three ticket packages which each include VIP tickets, a luxurious hotel stay, as well as dining experiences and access to attractions across Marina Bay Sands. The packages start at an eye-watering price of $10,000, but we won't be surprised if Taylor Swift fans jump at this last chance to secure tickets to her highly-anticipated show.  The Marina Bay Sands packages go live on November 23, 10am. Here's what Swifties have to choose from: The Stay Stay Stay Package (from $10,000): Includes two VIP (Karma Is My Boyfriend) tickets, a three-night stay in the Sands Premier Room, The Eras Tour official merchandise, a curated dining experience at KOMA, $1,200 Resort Dollars, and two all-access passes to exhibitions and attractions The Shake It Off Package (from $15,000): Includes two VIP (It's Been A Long Time Coming) tickets, a three-night stay in the Sands Premier Room, The Eras Tour official merchandise, a nine-course omakase experience with champagne at Wakuda Restaurant & Bar, $1,200 Resort Dollars, two all-access passes to exhibitions and attractions, and round-trip limousine transfer The Wildest Dream Package (from $50,000): Includes four VIP (It's Been A Long Time Coming) tickets, a three-night stay in the Paiza Sig

  The next time you take the train, listen out. SMRT has rolled out new chimes to announce the arrival and departure of trains in a three-month pilot that started on October 29. For now, the tunes can only be heard on selected trains and MRT station platforms along the North-South Line, East-West Line, and Circle Line. And they're not a mere treat for the ears, of course. The purpose of the tunes are to help the visually impaired to determine train direction, arrivals, and departures. If you find the melodies familiar though, it's because they're based on local folk songs. Local non-profit charity The Teng Company worked to develop the chimes, taking inspiration from the Chinese children's tune San Lun Che (The Trishaw), the Malay folk song Chan Mali Chan, and a Tamil National Day piece composed and arranged by Shabir Sulthan. According to a LinkedIn post by The Teng Company, these songs were deliberately chosen to foster stronger multi-racial identity.  Keen to hear the station chimes for yourself? Here's where you can find them: Stations and trains: East-West Line: Tanah Merah, Expo, Changi Airport  Circle Line: Bayfront, Promenade, Nicoll Highway, Stadium  Trains: North-South Line: Orchard, Somerset, Dhoby Ghaut  READ MORE Tim Hortons opens its first outlet in VivoCityBird Paradise launches Glamping with the PenguinsIce Magic returns to Singapore with real snow, ski slopes, and a winter food village  

Six months after its soft launch, Bird Paradise has officially taken flight. The new bird park held a grand opening on November 16 and revealed a slew of new programmes and experiences – one of which is a magical Glamping with the Penguins experience.  It is exactly what it sounds like – just like Singapore Zoo’s and River Wonders’ hugely popular glamping experiences, Bird Paradise has set up luxury bell tents within its Ocean Network Express Penguin Cove where couples, friends and families can spend the night with the penguins that swim and frolic within the giant aquarium.  Photograph: Mandai Wildlife Group The wildlife park has also prepared a two-day itinerary packed with activities. Guests will get to enjoy front-row seats to the Wings of the World Presentation, guided tours through the park’s massive aviaries, special access to behind-the-scenes facilities like the nutrition centre and avian hospital, and even a special Southern Lights showcase. Lunch and dinner will be settled at the park’s Crimson Restaurant, which not only serves up a curated menu by celebrity chef Eric Teo, but also comes with a striking view of the Hong Leong Foundation Crimson Wetlands (waterfall, pink-feathered friends, and all).  The experience is rather pricey, starting at $1,699 per tent. However, each tent can accommodate up to four people, so we recommend rounding up a group of friends to split the cost. Besides, the fee includes free access to the park plus a packed schedule of all the ex

Canada’s most beloved coffee shop is now open in Singapore. At VivoCity to be precise, where it has taken over Butter Bean on Level 1 with a cosy, wood-accented space. Famous for its coffees, donuts, and Timbits, Tim Hortons' first Singapore outpost brings donut flavours and sourdough melts you won’t find anywhere else. For the uninitiated, Tim Hortons was started in Canada in 1964 by famous hockey player Tim Hortons. It began as a friendly neighbourhood café in his hometown Hamilton, Ontario, serving up comforting cuppas and baked goods to beat the cold winters. Today, Tim Hortons has more than 3000 outlets in Canada and more than 5000 outlets globally. The Singapore outpost is not the first in this part of the world – it already has outlets in China, India, Pakistan and the Philippines. In the following months, it will open more stores in Singapore (Nex, One Raffles Place, and Suntec City are next) as well as outlets in Malaysia and Indonesia.  At the Singapore outlet, try premium drinks like signature coffee blends, flavoured lattes, and Iced Capps. Get a full hit of the rich, bittersweet Tims’ Espresso Blend in an espresso shot (from $3.50) or try it in latte standouts like the maple cinnamon and espresso chai lattes, both $7 for a regular. The chocolatey Tims’ Dark Roast can be had in freshly brewed cuppas (from $3.50 for a Daily Brew) while Tims’ Original Blend can be found in the cold brews (from $5.50 for The Original), which will soon have flavours like pink grapefr

It's been 12 years since the last Harry Potter movie hit theatres, yet the magic of the Wizarding World still lives on. For Potterheads in Singapore, the fever's about to reach a new pitch with the Asia-Pacific debut of the enchanting Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience. Photograph: Fever The immersive light trail first debuted in the United Kingdom before making its way to the United States. And from February 3, 2024, the Forbidden Forest experience will take over the Coastal Trail on Sentosa Island. Otherworldly lights will illuminate a trail through the dangerous woods, where trail-goers can expect to come face-to-face with magical creatures from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts series. Photograph: Fever Get your wands ready for centaurs, hippogriffs, nifflers, and unicorns – you'll even get to try casting your very own Patronus charm. If you've memorised every scene and line from the books, then it'll be a singularly exhilarating experience to see key scenes from the Forbidden Forest unfold before your very eyes while on the magical trail too.  Photograph: Fever Survived the woods? Reward yourself at a village at the end of the trail, a gift shop where you can swig some Butterbeer and buy home some exclusive merchandise from the franchise movies. Tickets for Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience go on sale on November 16, starting at $51 for adults. To get exclusive early access to the tickets, put your name down on this waitlist now.  READ MORE

Another day, another bar ranking – and we're proud to say that Singapore bars continue to shine. After three made the World's 50 Best list back in October, now seven bars have made it to the Top 500 Bars' Top 100 Most Influential Bars list. And coming in at an impressive #5? None other than Jigger & Pony. Other Singapore bars doing us proud are Atlas at #18, Manhattan Bar at #29, 28 Hong Kong Street at #57, Analogue at #65, Nutmeg & Clove at #66, and Tippling Club at #75. It is interesting to note that these bars (except Nutmeg & Clove, which debuted on the list this year) ranked lower in the 2023 list compared to the 2022 list. Venues like Native, MO Bar, Employees Only, The Elephant Room, No Sleep Club, Live Twice, Smoke & Mirrors, Papa Doble (now closed) have also fallen off 2023's Top 100 Most Influential list. But hey, don't let that stop you from visiting these still-excellent venues.  And the most influential bar in the world? That's Maybe Sammy from Sydney, Australia. It's followed up by Double Chicken Please from New York, and Paradiso from Barcelona (2022's most influential bar).  What makes a bar "influential" anyway? It seems that they're the ones that get the most people talking. According to Top 500 Bars, they started by amassing 2000 sources across the web, taking into account the opinions of experts, journalists, and influencers, as well as rankings and reviews from platforms, search engines and social media. Top 500 Bars ran these datapoints through their own

Long layovers in Changi Airport are far from boring, not with Jewel Changi Airport and the refreshed Terminal 2. But if you're craving some sun and outdoors, then here's some good news: Changi Airport is now offering free two-hour bicycle rentals to passengers who layover in Singapore. For first-timers to Singapore who aren't familiar with the city, Changi Airport has helpfully traced out recommended routes here that last between two to six hours. Explore Singapore's beautiful city on the Marina Bay route, which will take you past attractions like the Marina Bay golf course and Marina Barrage (a popular spot for kite-flyers). Or experience a slower, quainter side of Singapore along the East Coast, where you can watch families playing on East Coast Beach or people fishing leisurely at Bedok Jetty.  The first two hours is free, but you can always pay to extend the rental period – you may need it to see all the sights! Here's how to redeem your free ride: Download the Changi Airport App Tap on "Free Bicycle Rides" in the highlights tab Select the date you would like to book a ride Answer a few questions to confirm your eligibility Confirm your booking and present the QR code on the date of your ride at GoCycling, Hub & Spoke. The campaign started on November 13 and will last for a year. To be eligible for the free bicycle rental, you must have between 5.5 hours and 24 hours till your connecting flight at Changi Airport. You will also be expected to clear immigration and ha

If you're looking for a unique yet low-effort activity during the year-end holidays, a festive Pokémon-themed cable car ride might just do it for you. Singapore Cable Car is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, and to do just that, it has decked out all 67 of its cabins with merry illustrations of the popular animation characters.  Most will be familiar with the iconic red and white Poké ball cabins. Now, four new Poké ball designs have joined the line-up. There's the upgraded red and blue Great Ball, the powerful black and yellow Ultra Ball, the rare purple and pink Master Ball, and the lovely pink Love Ball.  Photograph: Mount Faber Leisure Group There's more waiting at Mount Faber Peak. Vintage cabins featuring Pokémon characters like Jigglypuff, Psyduck, and Snorlax are waiting to star in your perfect photo. Mount Faber Leisure Group has also set up a large festive photo wall adorned with Pokémon from the Kanto Region, Galar and Paldea. Pose with Charmander, Bulbasaur, Yamper and Pawmi for an unforgettable Christmas.  Photograph: Mount Faber Leisure Group The festive-themed Pokémon cabins run from now till December 31. Tickets are priced at $35, although there's a 20 percent discount on online purchases of the Cable Car Sky Pass (Round Trip) running now. This offers you a round-trip on the Mount Faber and Sentosa Lines as well as complimentary chips and a drink.  And did we mention? Ticket holders will get a free Pokémon sun visor too – while stocks last. Get y

Those on the hunt for a unique staycation idea need look no further than The Bus Collective. This new resort hotel in Changi Village is made up of a collection 20 retired public buses that have been transformed into smart-looking luxury suites.  These old Scania buses were once operated under SBS Transit, but have now been gutted and outfitted with the familiar features of modern hotels. Think composite laminate flooring, marble countertops, and plush bedding. You can even enjoy a rain shower or a soak in the bathtub. But just to remind you that these are repurposed buses you’re staying in, original fixtures like the steering wheel, driver’s seat, and windows have been retained.  Photograph: The Bus Collective Any good hotel is within a stone’s throw of interesting attractions, and it’s no different at The Bus Collective. The suites are a short walk away from Changi Village Hawker Centre, Changi East Boardwalk and Changi Chapel & Museum. Guests can also join nature and history tours, including bicycle explorations of Pulau Ubin and a Let’s Go Makan food tour of venues in Changi, Bedok, and Tampines. Photograph: The Bus Collective The resort hotel has an Experience Centre that can handle all bookings, reservations, tours, and airport transfers for you. This is also where you can rent bicycles, book fitness classes, or sign up for mental wellness workshops.  The Bus Collective is now open for bookings for stay starting in December. Room rates start at $398, with s

Say what? Your dream holiday is looking a lot closer (and more affordable) because Singapore Airlines is offering discounts on more than 170,000 business class, premium economy class, and economy class round-trip tickets. The goodies don't stop there because Scoot, SIA's low-cost carrier, will also be releasing 200,000 one-way tickets from Singapore at a steal.  How much are the discounts?  SIA has released fare deals here, teasing economy class flights to destinations like Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, The Maldives, and Brussels at starting prices of $148, $588, $598, and $998 respectively. You'll also be able to take a premium economy class flight to New York from just $1586. On Scoot, you'll be able to get to Kuala Lumpur and Taipai for as low as $68 and $140 respectively. See all the Scoot fare deals here.  The discounted SIA tickets apply to eligible flights taking off from January to September 2024, while discounted Scoot tickets are for travel between November 2023 and October 2024. How do I get my hands on these deals?   You have two options: snag your tickets online or head down to SIA's annual Time to Travel fair. Get on the SIA website and mobile application between November 3 and 16 to buy your Singapore Airlines discounted tickets. You can also buy them through SIA-appointed travel agents like ASA Holidays, Chan Brothers Travel, and EU Holidays, among others. The full list is here.  Otherwise, head down to the Time to Fly travel fair from November 3 to 5 at Suntec Singa

You must have seen it on Instagram and TikTok – a flood of American high school yearbook images that look like they came out of the 1990s. Social media users have jumped on the latest trend, an ‘AI Yearbook’ feature that you can find on the Epik – AI Photo Editor app.  The Epik app from the South Korean company Snow Corporation is by no means new. Still, one of its many AI filters took off in recent weeks when celebrities and influencers started sharing retro-styled photos of themselves. Give it a quick search and you’ll see celebrities like South Korean TV host Yoo Jaesuk, American actress and singer Keke Palmer, American DJ Steve Aoki, and local musician Jean Seizure in 90s outfits, hairstyles, and backgrounds.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jean Seizure (@jeanseizure) The app has topped app stores in 56 countries and regions worldwide, including the United States, France, the United Kingdom, and Hong Kong. It hasn’t quite taken off in Singapore though, and there are lingering data privacy concerns – though Snow Corporation has said in a press release that images are deleted from the server once the yearbook photos are generated.  If you’re not deterred from having some throwback fun, then here’s how you can get the ’90s yearbook look for yourself.  How do I create AI yearbook pictures with the Epik app?  Download the Epik – AI Photo Editor app from the App Store or Google Play store – it’s free! Navigate to the ‘AI Yearbook’ feature

If you’re looking for a quick and easy getaway in nature then keep your eye on Lazarus Island. The idyllic island, just a 15-minute ferry ride from Singapore, will soon welcome a new water sports centre, a fully-stocked convenience store, and a unique glamping experience. Lazarus Island has seen a couple of such enhancements in recent times, namely the introduction of eco-bike rentals by Gogreen Eco Adventure, as well as five environmentally-friendly ‘tiny’ homes by Big Tiny. Photograph: Big TinyTiny Away Escape @ Lazarus Island Now, you can up the ante at LSCC by Camelot. This water sports centre at Lazarus Island’s Eagle Bay focuses on non-motorised sports like kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, water bike cycling, and even floating yoga to provide adventurous options while minimising the impact on the environment. Launching this Sunday, LSCC’s activities are suitable for children aged eight years old and up.  Photograph: Camelot By the end of October, visitors to Lazarus Island will also have easy access to food, drinks, and day-to-day necessities at SOL by BDC (Bespoke Dining Club). This convenience store housed in a container will be fully stocked with health and beauty necessities, snacks, and ready-to-eat meals: think ramen, instant mala hotpot, chips, canned drinks, sunscreen, and toiletries. There will also be a food booth with premium items like cheese spreads and meat platters.  Photograph: Into The Woods The wildly popular Big Tiny homes (we hear they are a