10 Free Things to Do in SG This August

From waterfront sails to immersive exhibitions, the city’s free August offerings prove that access to art, history, and wellness need not come with a price tag.

SAIL INTO THE SUNSET
DBS Sailing at the Bay lets you step aboard a sailboat at Marina Bay for a 30-minute ride across stunning city views. This scenic journey also supports sailing as an inclusive and accessible sport. Slots fill quickly, so early booking thru the website is advised.

LIGHT & WATER MAGIC AT MARINA BAY
Each evening, Marina Bay transforms into a visual symphony. Spectra, a 15-minute light and water show at the Event Plaza, combines lasers, fountains and music in one striking performance. It remains a favorite way to enjoy the city skyline after dark.

F1 BTS
Titled SGP: Dare to Be Different, this exhibition explores the transformation of Singapore’s streets into a Grand Prix circuit. Engineering marvels, lighting systems and urban design are showcased through interactive and behind-the-scenes displays. The gallery is open Wednesday to Sunday with free admission.

SUNSET WATCH PARTIES
Palawan Beach hosts sunset sessions every Friday and Saturday until August 30. Visitors can enjoy beachside views, live music, and a relaxed atmosphere. As a friendly reminder: you’re encouraged to bring your own camping chairs or picnic mats for a comfortable viewing experience. It is a stress-free evening activity that captures the luxury of slowing down.

WEEKEND TOURS AT FORT SILOSO
Step into history with guided tours at Fort Siloso every Saturday and Sunday. Discover Singapore’s coastal defenses, World War II narratives and sweeping views from the skywalk. Arrive early as tours are on a first-come, first-served basis.

MEGA SPACE MOLLY
This first-of-its-kind exhibition celebrates the cult toy icon through rare archival pieces and imaginative displays. A short film by Singaporean artist Oh Jia Hao immerses visitors in SPACE MOLLY’s surreal lunar world. Admission to Mega Space Molly: Hello, Moon! is free at ION Art Gallery until August 24.

PERANAKAN LIGHTSHOW AT LOOKOUT LOOP
Traditional culture meets modern illumination at this vibrant light projection show. Peranakan motifs are reimagined through digital artistry, lighting up the heritage-themed Peranakan House until August 31. It is an ideal stop for design enthusiasts and photographers.

NEW BALANCE RUN HUB
New Balance’s Run Your Way Hub takes place from August 7 to 17, 2025, at the Visual Arts Centre in Dhoby Ghaut. This fitness pop-up invites runners to enjoy free runs, shoe trials, and expert talks led by health professionals and elite athletes. Participants can test new gear and train alongside five local run clubs. Registration is required.

LIGHT INSTALLATIONS IN THE CBD
From August 1 to September 6, light projections and digital art displays will illuminate the Bras Basah and Bugis area. These installations span from the National Museum to Stamford Walkway and serve as a prelude to the Singapore Night Festival. Night strolls just became a lot more interesting.

HISTORY COMES ALIVE AT NATIONAL MUSEUM
Singapore Odyssea: A Journey Through Time opens August 8 with an immersive, family-friendly experience covering 700 years of maritime history. The exhibit includes interactive storytelling and multi-sensory elements. Admission is free for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents.

Sources: 1 & 2

 

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MrBeast Breaks the Internet with His 400M Play Button

YouTube powerhouse Jimmy Donaldson, more famously known as MrBeast, has done it again. He has become the first individual content creator in the world to surpass 400 million subscribers on the platform, a record-setting achievement that has sent ripples through the internet and the entertainment industry alike.

To commemorate the milestone, YouTube CEO Neal Mohan presented MrBeast with a custom-made 400 Million Subscriber Play Button. This was no ordinary trophy. With no precedent for such a subscriber count, YouTube designed a brand new award from scratch. The result is a striking creation: a silver base with a futuristic finish, topped by a Play Button made of vivid blue crystals. It is both a tribute to MrBeast’s innovation and a bold new chapter in YouTube’s creator legacy.

As of this writing, the @MrBeast channel has amassed 417 million subscribers and published 889 videos. These range from heartwarming philanthropy to over-the-top challenges and cinematic productions that push the limits of what digital content can be. With every upload, MrBeast has turned entertainment into a force for good, inspiring millions to reshape how creators connect with audiences.

This achievement comes on the heels of several other accolades. In 2023, Time magazine named him one of the 100 most influential people in the world. Two years later, in July 2025, the same magazine included him in its list of the 100 most influential digital creators. He also topped Forbes’ list of highest-earning YouTubers in 2024. As of 2025, his estimated net worth sits at a whopping US$1 billion, which is roughly S$1.2 billion.

MrBeast shared the moment on Instagram, posting a photo alongside YouTube’s CEO with the caption, “400,000,000 Subscriber Play Button! Thank you YouTube.” But despite the fanfare, reactions were mixed. Some fans voiced disappointment over the trophy’s appearance, arguing that it did not quite reflect the scale of the achievement. Comments poured in suggesting the design lacked the dramatic flair many expected for such a once-in-a-lifetime milestone.

Still, the achievement is entirely his. No other content creator has reached this level of global influence or subscriber count. Through challenge videos, charity efforts and bold moves in the creator economy, he is shaping the future of the internet.

Sources: 1 & 2

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Savvy Guide to 2026 School Holidays

Ministry of Education has released the official school calendar for 2026, giving parents, students and professionals the opportunity to plan ahead. Whether you are scheduling family vacations, work retreats or exam preparation, understanding the academic timeline is your strategic advantage. Take note of this concise breakdown of the key school terms and holidays.

Term Dates for MOE Kindergartens, Primary and Secondary Schools
Semester I
Term 1: Friday 2 January to Friday 13 March
Term 2: Monday 23 March to Friday 29 May

Semester II
Term 3: Monday 29 June to Friday 4 September
Term 4: Monday 14 September to Friday 20 November

Note: Kindergarten 1 and Primary 1 begin on 2 January. All other levels resume on 5 January. Schools used for the GCE O-Level exams will end earlier on 23 October.

Start Dates for Junior Colleges and Millennia Institute
JC Year 1 and MI Year 1: Wednesday 4 February
JC Year 2 and MI Year 2 and 3: Monday 12 January

Note: All levels follow the same semester structure from March onward.

2026 VACATION PERIODS
There are four major school holiday periods.

  1. Term 1 Break: 14 March to 22 March
  2.  Mid-Year Break: 30 May to 28 June
  3. Term 3 Break: 5 September to 13 September
  4. Year-End Breaks:
    Kindergarten, Primary and Secondary: 21 November to 31 December
    JC Year 1 and MI Years 1 and 2: 28 November to 31 December
    JC Year 2 and MI Year 3: After A-Level exams to 31 December

    Image Credits: unsplash.com

Tip: March and September breaks offer ideal off-peak travel periods. Book early to avoid year-end congestion!

SCHEDULED SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

  1. Youth Day: Sunday 5 July
    Observed school holiday on Monday 6 July
  2. Teachers’ Day: Friday 4 September
  3. Children’s Day: Friday 2 October (for primary levels only)

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS RELEVANT TO THE ACADEMIC YEAR

  1. New Year’s Day: Thursday 1 January
  2. Chinese New Year: Tuesday and Wednesday 17 to 18 February
  3. Hari Raya Puasa: Saturday 21 March (subject to confirmation)
  4. Good Friday: Friday 3 April
  5. Labour Day: Friday 1 May
  6. Hari Raya Haji: Wednesday 27 May (subject to confirmation)
  7. Vesak Day: Sunday 31 May (public holiday observed on Monday 1 June)
  8. National Day: Sunday 9 August (observed on Monday 10 August)
  9. Deepavali: Sunday 8 November (observed on Monday 9 November)
  10. Christmas Day: Friday 25 December

Tip: Align your annual leave with these dates to maximize long weekends. A well-placed day off can turn a public holiday into a four-day escape.

HOW TO OPTIMIZE YOUR VACATION SCHEDULE

Use the first quarter to lock in family trips or personal plans, especially for mid-year and year-end breaks. Then, take advantage of how school terms align with public holidays to plan smart getaways throughout the year. Moreover, traveling early in the school holidays can help you avoid peak prices and limited availability. If your child is taking major exams or their school is an exam venue, keep in mind the early closure in October.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

For families, employers, and planners alike, the school calendar is more than just an academic tool as it’s a blueprint for the year. When approached with foresight, it becomes a powerful guide for maximizing opportunities and staying ahead. Make planning around strategic with this guide!

 

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Inside SG’s Next-Gen Oceanarium Experience

Formerly known as the S.E.A. Aquarium, the beloved underwater destination has undergone a bold transformation, emerging as the Singapore Oceanarium. More than just a name change, this is a sweeping reimagination of scale and vision.

Located at Resorts World Sentosa, the Singapore Oceanarium offers far more than a dazzling display of marine biodiversity. It presents itself as a global leader in ocean education, research, and conservation. Visitors are no longer simply spectators. They are invited to engage with a powerful narrative that connects humanity to the delicate balance of marine ecosystems.

Inside, the Oceanarium showcases immersive zones that guide guests through different realms and time periods of the ocean. The redesigned layout feels more expansive and fluid, replacing the dense signboards of the past with storytelling-driven exhibits that captivate and inform. The enhanced flow allows for a more intuitive experience that deepens connection with the marine world.

Image Credits: singaporeoceanarium.com

Ocean Wonders introduces guests to the surreal elegance of sea jellies, creatures that have drifted through the oceans for over half a billion years. Cylindrical tanks offer a full view of these fascinating animals, including rare species such as the Atlantic Sea Nettle and the Fried Egg Jelly. The rotating displays are both hypnotic and educational, highlighting the careful in-house breeding work of dedicated aquarists.

Ancient Waters offers an entirely different perspective. Life-sized animatronics and fossil exhibits bring to life ocean giants from prehistoric eras. Guests can observe modern-day descendants like the Arapaima, Horseshoe Crab, and Epaulette Shark in live tanks, bridging the world of ancient predators with present-day survivors.

The Spirit of Exploration zone features the Jewel of Muscat, a full-scale reconstruction of a ninth-century Omani sailing vessel. Suspended above is the Pier Adventure rope course, an optional ticketed activity for thrill-seekers. Nearby, Explorer’s Nook café serves marine-themed pastries in a spacious and comfortable setting perfect for a mid-visit break.

Shark Seas offers an adrenaline-pumping experience. Visitors walk through a tunnel surrounded by powerful predators such as the Scalloped Hammerhead and Sandbar Shark. Through the official app, guests can also engage in augmented reality experiences that reveal the complex reproductive systems and conservation challenges facing these species.

The Open Ocean zone features the largest viewing panel in the attraction. Manta Rays, Zebra Sharks, and Eagle Rays glide through a breathtaking aquatic landscape that evokes a sense of calm and awe. It is one of the most iconic spots within the Oceanarium.

Interactive areas like the Cleaner Shrimp zone allow guests to immerse their hands for a unique spa-like experience. At the Art-quarium, visitors can digitally design their own fish based on adaptive traits, blending fun with science.

Beyond the exhibits, the Oceanarium offers specialty programs such as the Fossilist Workshop, conservation-focused diving courses, and deep-sea encounters featuring rare creatures like the Japanese Isopod and the Australian Ghostshark. Ticket prices begin at S$42 for Singapore residents on weekdays, with additional premium experiences available for those who want to go deeper.

Image Credits: facebook.com/RWSSGO

Are you excited to visit soon? A friendly reminder: Ticket prices for the Singapore Oceanarium start at S$42 for Singapore residents and S$50 for non-residents on weekdays. Rates increase slightly during peak periods, with adult tickets priced at S$49 and S$55 respectively. Discounted rates are available for children and seniors too.

Ultimately, the Singapore Oceanarium is more than just a visual treat as it’s a journey into the heart of marine life. Guests are sure to leave not only amazed, but also inspired to care for the ocean and everything that calls it home.

 

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What It’s Like to Buy POP MART in Taiwan, Thailand, & Vietnam

Founded in 2010 by Chinese entrepreneur Wang Ning, POP MART began as a lifestyle store offering quirky pop culture merchandise. Over time, one product line rose to prominence: art toys. Inspired by Japan’s gacha machines, POP MART embraced the blind box model, where customers never know which character they will receive until they open the box. The thrill of surprise became its signature.

As a frequent traveller and passionate collector, I have discovered that the best travel keepsake is not a fridge magnet or postcard, but a POP MART blind box. Recently, I visited POP MART stores in Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. Each location brought a different experience worth sharing.

TAIWAN

Taipei’s Ximending district is home to one of the most iconic POP MART flagships. The store spans four full levels, with a grand exterior resembling a theatre. Inside, you will find a rotating exhibition space, a VIP lounge, and exclusive merchandise featuring Pop Bean and other character lines.

Image Credits: Anna Crisostomo

During our visit just four days ago, the lines were long and products sold out quickly. Still, my sister managed to get a Twinkle Twinkle box, and I picked up a Hacipupu. Beyond the Ximending flagship, POP MART outlets and Roboshops are widely available in cities such as Kaohsiung, Chiayi, Taoyuan, and Tainan.

THAILAND

In Thailand, the POP MART craze is equally strong. The flagship store at CentralWorld in Bangkok offers limited edition collectibles exclusive to the Thai market. Additional branches can be found in major malls like Terminal21 Asoke, Siam Center, Central Ladprao, Central Westgate, and Fashion Island.

Image Credits: facebook.com/popmartth

We explored the CentralWorld branch hoping to shop, but the checkout line was too long, and our schedule was tight. We left without a purchase, a reminder that timing is everything for POP MART collectors in Bangkok.

VIETNAM

Apart from Taiwan, our family’s most recent travel included a stop at Ba Na Hills in Da Nang, Vietnam. To my surprise, the POP MART store there is set inside a castle. It was a unique setting for a collectible hunt!

Image Credits: danangfantasticity.com

Vietnam currently has two official POP MART locations. One is inside Crescent Mall in District 7, Ho Chi Minh City. The other, which we visited, is located inside Ba Na Hills, high in the mountains. With no queues and well-stocked shelves, we were able to buy four blind boxes in under 10 minutes.

VERDICT: MOST REWARDING POP MART EXPERIENCE

Of all the stores I visited, the Ba Na Hills location in Da Nang stood out the most. The stunning views, peaceful atmosphere, and relaxed shopping experience made it the most enjoyable. Since it requires extra effort to reach and an admission ticket to enter, it seems to keep the crowd size down and the product selection wide.

If you are planning a trip and love collectible art toys, a POP MART visit might just be the most memorable part of your journey. Whether you find yourself in Taipei, Bangkok, or Da Nang, the right blind box could be waiting for you!

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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