Cheryl Sekkappan

Halloween is just around the corner, which means that all the spooky events are in town. Break out your best Halloween costumes and paint the town red at some spine-tingling parties – murder mysteries included. Those with kids in tow can head for wholesome family events, involving lots of trick or treating and facepainting activities.  Not into the whole pumpkin and spice? There are other things in store for you, including two incredible film festivals and one beloved balladeer's concert. Scroll down to start planning your week.  RECOMMENDED: The best hidden trails in Singapore to explore and Singapore’s best cinemas  

Carve up the pumpkins and break out the candy, because it's Halloween weekend. If you're hunting around for costume inspiration and spooky events, then look no further than our ultimate Halloween guide. And if Spooktober is just not for you, we've got a host of other exciting events this week too. Top of the list is the launch of Trifecta, Singapore's first snow-surf-skate attraction in the heart of Orchard, bringing four weeks of board sports, art, music, and grub. Elsewhere, we have impressive wine showcases, film festivals, and cosy art markets.  Ready to kickstart your weekend? Read on for all the hottest things to do in Singapore. RECOMMENDED: The best cafés in Singapore for brunch sorted by neighbourhood and Singapore public holidays in 2024 announced, with 5 long weekends      

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

Going on long drives can help boost your mood and take your mind off work and other problems. Whether you're riding solo, with your best pals or family, try embarking on a short road-trip and see our beautiful city from a different point of view. Turn your music up, wind your windows down and feel the wind in your hair as you coast along these scenic driving routes in Singapore.  RECOMMENDED: The best hidden trails in Singapore to explore and the best cycling trails in Singapore

Got your Halloween costume ready to debut to the world but have yet to fill your scary schedule? We've got your spine-tingling back. The annual scare-fest Halloween Horror Nights is back with zombie-inspired scare houses, and other places including Universal Studios Singapore, CÉ LA VI and Zouk, are rolling out Halloween-themed events. For some hair-raising chills and thrills in Singapore, check out our list of best Halloween events in the city. RECOMMENDED: The ultimate guide to Halloween in Singapore and the creepiest haunted places in Singapore

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

When it comes to concerts, there’s nothing like singing out loud to your favourite songs, putting your hands up in the air (and wave 'em like you just don't care) at a concert hall or moshing at the event. Whether you're looking to kick it with the mainstream or embark on a sonic adventure with the alternative, the music calendar is filled with ace local and international acts to catch. The list is long – with big names like Harry Styles and Blackpink, to indie names like Phoenix and Kings of Convenience. Scroll down for the acts and be quick to snag tickets. RECOMMENDED: The best lifestyle cafés for music and art lovers and the best luxury hotels in Singapore

One of Singapore's oldest residential estates, Everton Park was constructed in 1965 and housed the Singapore Harbour Board staff until its renovation in 1979. It's separated into two rows of flats, blocks 1-3 and 4-6. Today, Everton Park has transformed into an area with a charm of its own – and the home of 2022's coolest street. The estate and the surrounding Spottiswoode area is brimming with character – with cafes, spas, boutiques, pottery studios and art galleries calling the area home. Not to mention the heritage street murals that can be found around every street corner.   RECOMMENDED: The ultimate guide to Katong and Joo Chiat

You know it's spooky season in Singapore when October rolls in. Besides Singapore's very own Gates of Hell at Universal Studios Singapore (aka Halloween Horror Nights), there are plenty of events happening this October. Check out must-see concerts such as Charlie Puth and Sam Smith or support local bands at Baybeats music festival and District M. Two film festivals will be showing this month to widen your perspective, while a buzzy bar series is also hitting town for the World's 50 Best Bars awards. Stay ahead of the game, book your tickets, and plan your schedule pronto. RECOMMENDED: The definitive guide on things to do in Singapore

When it comes to exercise, it is often all too easy to start a routine. The real challenge lies in sticking to it consistently. Like us, you may have tried adhering to a workout programme – running, weights training and so on – you follow it for a week or two and then you start to find the routine a drag. You are not alone. What we’ve discovered is that finding an activity or sport that you enjoy is key to ensuring you commit to working out consistently. If you are keen to lead a more active and healthy lifestyle but know that running or visiting a regular gym is not for you, here are some fun and exciting activities that you can try to help you stay trim and fit. RECOMMENDED: The best HIIT gyms and studios to work out in Singapore and the best mixed martial arts gyms and boxing studios in Singapore

"The stoke is the really positive mental feeling that you get when you learn something new," says Terry, one of the founders of Trifecta, a new surf-snow-skate attraction that's opening on Orchard Road. He wiggles one hand with thumb and pinkie extended in a hand sign you'll often see from surfers to express the euphoria they get from surfing and being in the flow. For all three founders of Trifecta, Alex, Daphne, and Terry, it is also the feeling they get when they go "screaming and hollering" down a mountain on their snowboards. And it's the sensation that they want to help us all chase in wave-less, snow-less Singapore. That's where Trifecta comes in. You'll be able to do the impossible here, which is to surf, skate, snowboard and ski all in one day – and in tropical Singapore too. Slated to open on October 28, the facility is set to be the new stomping ground of adventure sports enthusiasts all over the island. Elsewhere in our October health and wellness series: A breast cancer survivor goes topless sharing masectomy scars to inspire others and A fourth-gen hawker keeps her family legacy alive through physical and emotional challenges Photograph: The Ride SideAlex and Daphne from The Ride Side   Many of us will be familiar with skateboarding as a sport even if we don't ride ourselves. After all, our island has a number of skate bowls and endless concrete for riders to cruise and practise tricks. But without mountains and waves, Singapore just isn't the place for churni

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.

Get your kids in on the Halloween festivities at Universal Studios Singapore Trick or Thrills. It’s all fun and no scares at this daytime event. The little ones will get to meet their favourite characters in the flesh, like Minion Monsters from Despicable Me, Megatron from Transformers, Sesame Street friends, Universal Monsters, and Scorpion King. A scarily sweet candy crew will also be on the prowl to dish out live dance and percussion shows – stick around for the candy giveaway and best dressed contest too.

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. 

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?  Full promotional details will only be released on October 31, though it's been teased that you'll be able to fly to Kuala Lumpur and Taipei on Scoot for as low as $68 and $140 respectively. Keep a lookout for discounted prices and eligible destinations 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 Fly 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. Otherwise, head down to the Time to Fly travel fair from November 3 to 5 at Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre Halls 405 and 406. Making the effort to visit the fair is pretty well worth it: visitors stand a chance to win lucky draw prizes (we're talking Business Class round-trip tickets to Bali, Osaka, and Maldives), trav

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

Shaw Theatres Balestier has a vibrant new cinema hall that the kids will love. Called Dreamers, the hall opens on October 4 with colourful bean bag loungers, play areas, and family-friendly films all year round The Dreamers hall is designed to keep both adults and kids comfortable and entertained. Parents can lounge in the body-hugging bean bag chairs to watch films, while kids are free to roam the hall and explore the play area at the front. Meanwhile, soft ambient lighting and toned-down audio settings keep things relaxed.  Photograph: Shaw Theatres The other Dreamers hall in Singapore is at Jewel Changi Airport, but this venue is more centrally located and potentially a more appealing option for many families. Another compelling reason to visit now? It’s also running an opening promotion, offering $3 off regular adult tickets and $2 off regular child tickets until December 10. On top of that, moviegoers get a free large popcorn combo with every two tickets purchased.  READ MORE  The best cinemas in Singapore for kidsThe best things to do with kids in SingaporeThe best theatre shows in Singapore for kids  

It's been a great year for moon appreciation, what with the big and beautiful Buck Moon in July, and two gorgeous supermoons in August alone. There's no getting tired of the moon's beauty, so you won't want to miss tonight's Harvest Moon. It's the last supermoon of the year and coincides nicely with the Mid-Autumn Festival. So, break out your picnic mats and mooncakes and head out to catch the celestial show – here's all you need to know.  What is a supermoon? These occur when the moon's orbit is closest to our planet, causing it to appear larger and brighter than usual. The Sturgeon Moon will be 357,581km from Earth at its nearest point. Meanwhile, the Blue Moon will be just 357,182km from our planet at its nearest point.  Why is it called a Harvest Moon? The Harvest Moon is the full moon that happens closest to the Northern hemisphere's autumn equinox. This is a time when most crops are ready to be harvested. This bright gibbous (almost full) moon also rises earlier compared to other months, giving farmers an abundance of light in the early evening to go about their work.  What time will the Harvest Moon be visible? According to Stargazing Singapore, the moon will rise from the east at 7pm on September 29 and become visible at the horizon by 7.15pm. It should reach an appreciable viewing height by 9pm.  Where are the best spots to view the supermoon? Anywhere in Singapore works, as long as you have an unobstructed views of the night sky. For optimal viewing, we always re

Living in one of the most expensive cities in the world, it's no wonder that happiness comes at a price. According to new research by S Money, you need to earn US$75,320 annually (approximately S$103,007 at the current exchange rate) to be happy in Singapore.  After that, happiness levels off (and even dips). Considering that the median salary in Singapore in 2022 is approximately S$60,900 (US$44,500), it sounds like a heck of a lot of us are not as happy as we could be. Things look rosier in neighbouring countries, where the cost of happiness comes in at US$38,749 (Malaysia), US$36,569 (Indonesia), US$61,781 (China), and US$63,966 (South Korea), to name a few.  And how did S Money arrive at these price tags for happiness? The results are based on figures from a famous Purdue University study that identified "satiation points", i.e., income levels at which a further increase in income has no effect on an individual's happiness. This 2018 study found the global average across 164 countries to be between $60,000 to $75,000.  Of course, a dollar stretches differently depending on where in the world you live. S Money took this into account by converting the Purdue study's figures back into their local currencies and factoring in each country's purchasing power and local cost of living.  We'd be the first to say that while money can't buy happiness, it certainly helps. It's good to consider though, that Singapore ranked as the happiest country in Asia in another study, faring well

It's not every day that a bomb is unearthed in Singapore, but a massive one just turned up at a construction site in Bukit Timah. Coming in at a whopping 100kg, the World War II aerial bomb will be detonated on September 26 (Tuesday). The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team has deemed the war relic unsafe for moving, so the detonation will happen on site. For safety reasons, residents living in the area will have to evacuate their homes while the disposal is taking place. Roads in the vicinity will also be closed. If you think you might be affected, then here's all you need to know about the bomb disposal happening on Tuesday.  When was the bomb discovered?  The bomb was discovered at 11.57am last Wednesday. It was unearthed during excavation works at the Myst condominium construction site in Upper Bukit Timah Road.  When will the detonation take place? The SAF EOD team will conduct the detonation from 8am to 7pm on September 26.  Who will be required to leave their homes? Residents living near the site will have to leave their homes before 8am on September 26, and will only be allowed to return after 7pm. This applies to residents of The Linear, Hazel Park Condominium, Bukit 828, Hazel Park Terrace, Blk 154 Gangsa Road, and shophouses 778 to 822 Upper Bukit Timah Road. According to a Facebook post by Holland-Bukit Timah GRC MP Vivian Balakrishnan, a temporary holding area for affected residents will be set up at Senja-Cashew Community Club on

If you like to plan your holidays way ahead, then here are five long weekends in 2024 to look forward to.  The Ministry of Manpower released the full list of public holidays in 2024. Of the 11 gazetted public holidays, five of them fall on a Friday, Sunday, or Monday – which means blissful long weekends for us all.  Notably, the second day of Chinese New Year falls on a Sunday, marking the following Monday as a day off.  Start ringing all your friends about these public holiday dates:  New Year's Day, Jan 1, Monday Chinese New Year, Feb 10, Saturday Chinese New Year, Feb 11, Sunday (Feb 12 will be a public holiday) Good Friday, Mar 29, Friday Hari Raya Puasa, Apr 10, Wednesday Labour Day, May 1, Wednesday Vesak Day, May 22, Wednesday Hari Raya Haji, Jun 17, Monday National Day, Aug 9, Friday Deepavali, Oct 31, Thursday Christmas Day, Dec 25, Wednesday  But hey, 2023 is not over and there are still a couple of public holidays to enjoy this year. If you need a refresher ahead of some last-minute plans, here's our ultimate guide to 2023 public holidays in Singapore.  PLAN YOUR GETAWAY ✈️ The best weekend beach getaways from SingaporeThe best diving spots in Southeast AsiaDesaru Coast 101: What to see, do, and eat at this idyllic getaway destination  

You'll soon be able to get to MRTs, shopping malls, and other key amenities more easily in towns like Bukit Batok, Jurong West, and Queenstown. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) says that new cycling paths will be built in these neighbourhoods, with plans to roll them out in phases from 2024 onwards.  This is all part of LTA's Islandwide Cycling Network (ICN) programme, which aims to have 1,300km of cycling paths across Singapore by 2030. By then, LTA says that eight in ten HDB residents will be within minutes of the nearest cycling path. Its plans for a more greener and more connected Singapore are already well underway. Earlier this year, LTA also announced new cycling paths in the city and city fringe – Bukit Merah, Telok Blangah, Kallang – and seven other neighbourhoods, namely, Geylang, Hougang, Kaki Bukit, Marine Parade, Potong Pasir, Sengkang, and Serangoon. To accommodate more people getting around on two wheels, LTA also plans to build 3,000 more bicycle lots at MRT stations by 2025.  Sounds like there's no better time to invest in a bicycle. After all, it's a greener and healthier way to get around. If you already own one, then hop onto it to explore one of these scenic cycling routes around Singapore.  READ MORE The best places to rent a bike in SingaporeThe best mountain biking trails in SingaporeAwesome hiking trails and spots in Singapore  

When you're planning a big trip overseas, a smooth flight can be a make or break for the whole holiday. If you're looking at flights, it can be super overwhelming deciding between the different airlines, with so many options. It's a bit of a minefield, as some airlines being a lot more reliable than others. Luckily, researching which one to go with is a little bit easier with these airline rankings of international airlines. The new index by luggage storage platform, Bounce, is a comprehensive ranking of 52 airlines from all over the world, evaluating them on indicators like on-time flight arrivals, cancellations, in-flight entertainment, meals and baggage allowance.  For us Aussies, Singapore is one of the go-to layover stops on the way to destinations in Europe and Asia, with it's pristine streets, skyscraper hotels and stunning airport. The national carrier consistently appears in the top ranks of global airline indexes, and it's no different for this latest one.  Singapore Airlines (SQ) has been ranked the second best airline in the world, scoring 7.63 out of ten in a new index by luggage storage platform, Bounce. The Singaporean national carrier was just trumped by Japan Airlines (JAL) which scored an 8.28 out of ten in the index.  SQ shines in the in-flight categories, scoring a four of five for meals, in-flight entertainment, seat comfort, and staff service. You barely have to worry about getting your flight cancelled with SQ too – it has the best cancellation rate of

In a year of four supermoons, August is particularly bountiful. We're getting two supermoons this month and they happen to be the biggest and brightest ones we'll see in 2023. The first, called a Sturgeon Moon, was visible in Singapore on August 1 and is the second closest supermoon to our planet this year. If you missed that, no worries. The second supermoon, known as the Blue Moon, is expected to be the biggest and brightest, so look out for it when it appears in our skies tonight (August 31).  What is a supermoon again?  These occur when the moon's orbit is closest to our planet, causing it to appear larger and brighter than usual. The Sturgeon Moon will be 357,581km from Earth at its nearest point. Meanwhile, the Blue Moon will be just 357,182km from our planet at its nearest point.  Why are they called the Sturgeon Moon and Blue Moon? Just like the Buck Moon, we have the Native Americans to thank for the name of the Sturgeon Moon. It's named after sturgeon fish, which the Native Americans noticed were plentiful in North American waters during this time of the year.  The Blue Moon refers to the second full moon in a calendar month with two full moons. This is different from the seasonal definition of a Blue Moon, which refers to the third full moon in an astronomical season with four full moons. It's quite rare to see two full moons in a single month – it happens every two to three years, so don't miss this one.  What time will the Sturgeon Moon be visible? It will begin

Theme parks in Singapore are few and far between, but those in search for more thrilling entertainment will soon be sated. In 2024, look forward to the return of indoor children's theme park KidZania, the entry of an Escape adventure park from Malaysia, and a new VR theatre Haven XR Cinemas. Now, why isn't it next year yet? Photograph: KidZania Singapore/Facebook KidZania will be familiar to many of you. The edutainment attraction in Sentosa closed down in 2020 after Covid-19 circuit breaker measures choked off its revenue stream. This time, Sentosa Development Corporation has handed over KidZania's refurbishment to Sim Leisure Group, which will be bringing it back as KidZania 5.0. The attraction will introduce children to exciting 'jobs of the future' through role playing activities to educate them on the environmental and social concerns of today. Photograph: Sim Leisure Group Meanwhile, thrill-seekers will soon get an alternative to Universal Studios Singapore at a new Escape theme park. Don't miss this for the now-defunct Escape Theme Park in Singapore, though. This  brand originates in Malaysia, running theme parks and experiences in Penang and Ipoh, with more planned in Kuala Lumpur and Johor. Escape Penang is particularly famous, as it hold the Guinness World Record for the world's longest waterslide, stretching to a whopping 1.1 kilometres as it winds through the leafy canopy of a rainforest. The Escape parks go by a new genre known as 'retro-eco adventure', so yo