Anyone who says Singapore is boring has obviously never witnessed the gruesome-but-fascinating festival of Thaipusam. This year it happens on January 27. Here’s everything you need to know. Thaipusam is a religious celebration practised by Tamil Hindu communities around the world. It commemorates the victory of the god Murugan over a demon, but is also … read the full post

With a funky style, friendly staff and a mile-long list of freebies, there’s lots to love about Singapore’s Five Stones Hostel. It’s also one of the few budget joints stumbling distance from the riverside entertainment area of Clarke Quay. Five Stones is a traditional hostel in the sense that it offers a mix of dorms … read the full post

Embracing the principle of quality over quantity, Adler Hostel offers just 32 dorm beds with privacy curtains, silky soft bedding and lots of freebies. No wonder it calls itself “Singapore’s first luxury hostel“. Located in a heritage building in the Chinatown neighbourhood, Adler Hostel has a sophisticated style from top to bottom. The lobby looks … read the full post

Set on the roof terrace of Singapore’s Esplanade Theatres, Orgo offers more than just spectacular views of the bay. The bar’s cocktail menu is out of this world featuring original creations like vanilla dragonfruit martinis and spicy strawberry margaritas. The name Orgo is short for “organic chemistry” and, though the menu reads like the experiments … read the full post

Lau Pa Sat is the only Singapore hawker centre that’s also a historic site – the beautiful Victorian building dates back to 1894 and served as the then-British colony’s first market. But make no mistake, people come here for the dizzying variety of delicious food and not a history lesson. Lau Pa Sat isn’t just … read the full post

If you like to work for your dinner, or are simply looking for a unique activity to try in Singapore, you may be interested in prawn fishing. Also known as “prawning”, this pastime is growing in popularity in Singapore – possibly because it ends with a meal of barbecued seafood. Prawn fishing is a lot … read the full post

Singapore isn’t called “the garden city” for nothing – you’ll find a shady green refuge in nearly every neighbourhood. Here’s a rundown of our favourite public parks offering everything from open-air concerts to cycling along the coast. With its man-made beach and family-friendly activities, East Coast Park is a destination in itself. The park stretches … read the full post

Though you certainly wouldn’t know it by walking past or even from reading the sign, Chye Seng Huat Hardware brews the best cuppa in Singapore. This retro-chic cafe roasts their own beans and has a coffee bar where you can sample their different blends and brewing methods. Chye Seng Huat Hardware is the new flagship … read the full post

The weather in Singapore can be summed up as hot and humid year-round. Here are a few more details about the city-state’s climate to help you decide when the best time of year to travel here might be. Singapore has a tropical climate and the temperature is quite predictable. In general, you can expect a … read the full post

Singapore may be the most straight-laced city in Southeast Asia, but it makes a memorable place to ring in the new year. Here’s a wrap-up of the best New Year’s Eve 2012 events in Singapore from spectacular fireworks at Marina Bay to all-night beach parties on Sentosa Island. If you want to ring in 2013 … read the full post