Don’t let your brain turn to mush while you travel – flex those neurons at one of Singapore’s pub quizzes. By my count five bars reliably host a weekday trivia night with prizes and a drink special to accompany it. By the very British nature of pub quizzes there tends to be a UK-leaning to … read the full post

It’s pretty easy to take cheap shots at Singapore and its near manic shopping scene. It’s not just the quantity of department stores and high-end outlets that can grate, but the sheer volume of shoppers can overwhelm too. I realise some Singaporeans do have a job, but on most visits I’m struck by how it … read the full post

While Chinatown and Little India are so big they have their own MRT station, Singapore does have other, less obvious ethnic neighbourhoods. Migrant workers from nearby countries like Thailand, Burma, the Philippines, and Indonesia all have their own enclaves where they go for a taste of home on their weekly day off (that’s right, just … read the full post

It’s hard to ignore that the Great Singapore Sale is in full force, but there’s a lot more going on this month than just shopping. These are my top picks for June events happening outside the malls on Orchard Road: Music It’s been more than 30 years since Bob Marley smoked his final joint, but … read the full post

If you’re curious how a backwater trading post blossoms into a high-tech metropolis of more than 5 million people, you can get some insights at the URA Gallery. With so many people in so little space, every detail of Singapore’s growth needs to be carefully planned and the URA (Urban Redevelopment Authority) are the people … read the full post

While a recent post about whether Singapore is an expensive city concluded with a resounding yes, one exception is used books. The supply of used English-language books greatly outweighs the demand (thanks iPhones!) which translates to dirt-cheap prices — from S$2 a book. While you won’t find a cheap bookstore in any of the shiny … read the full post

Continuing my exploration of Singapore’s 62 lesser-known islands, I caught a ferry at the Marina South Pier for a 15-minute ride to St John’s Island. After sailing through the busy port and getting my closest look yet at the huge container ships that dock outside of Singapore, underdeveloped St John’s Island felt a world away … read the full post

Is Singapore expensive? I’m just back from a short “hang out with the grandparents” three-day trip to Singapore with my daughter and would answer with a firm “yes”. I can’t remember ever burning though so much cash (well plastic) in such a short time. That said, while Singapore can be expensive, it need not be. … read the full post

There may be an 800-year gap between the notable architecture of Cambodia and Singapore, but the two countries are just a two-hour flight apart. If you don’t want to rely on the e-visa or visa-on-arrival service you can apply for a visa at the Royal Embassy of Cambodia in Singapore. For a 30-day tourist visa … read the full post

Far East Plaza is known as a hang-out for Singapore’s teenage ah lians and ah bengs who flock there for cheap, flashy fashions. Since a meal at this mall usually means KFC and bubble tea, I was sceptical when I heard there was a good Turkish restaurant tucked away inside. I’m happy to report that … read the full post