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Why Bencoolen Is Officially One of the World’s Coolest Neighborhoods

Tucked between the vibrant streets of Bugis and the cultural charm of Bras Basah, Bencoolen has long been one of Singapore’s most overlooked districts. Often passed by on the way to bigger attractions, this neighborhood is finally stepping into the global spotlight after being named one of the World’s 39 Coolest Neighborhoods by Time Out in 2025. Once you take the time to explore it, you’ll see why it deserves the attention.

Image Credits: zhenkang (CC BY-SA 4.0) via commons.wikimedia.org

Bencoolen has a creative heartbeat that’s impossible to miss. Students from NAFA and Lasalle bring the streets to life, filling the area with sketches, ideas, and youthful energy. Galleries run by these schools open doors to works from emerging artists, while Objectifs showcases bold voices in photography and film from across Southeast Asia. Along Stamford Road, the National Museum of Singapore offers a journey through history, while the Stamford Arts Centre keeps traditional arts alive with performances and showcases that connect the past with the present.

obj: Image Credits: facebook.com/objectifscentre

Food is another reason Bencoolen is earning its cool status. Fortune Centre has become a landmark for affordable and unforgettable eats, from the irresistible salted egg yolk chicken rice at New Station to hearty vegan meals at Bodhi Deli and nostalgic desserts at Yat Ka Yan. Beyond its famous food court, Bencoolen is home to cozy spots that feel like secrets waiting to be discovered, including a tiny eight-seat grill house where the chef cooks right in front of you, a playful umeshu bar, and a relaxed natural wine spot where conversations flow as easily as the drinks.

The neighborhood’s charm lies in its contrasts. Masjid Bencoolen, a historic mosque, stands alongside a modern serviced apartment tower, while Sim Lim Square buzzes with tech enthusiasts in search of bargains. These juxtapositions create a district that feels both rooted in heritage and alive with modern energy.

Image Credits: Muhammad Adrian via flickr.com/photos/198561627@N08/54579780000

Bencoolen doesn’t compete with Singapore’s flashier districts, and that’s exactly why it stands out. It’s a neighborhood full of surprises for those willing to slow down and wander. Now that the world has taken notice, perhaps it’s time you did too.

Source: 1

All You Need to Know About the F1 Singapore Grand Prix 2025

Anyone with even a passing passion for Formula 1 likely has their calendar marked for the return of the F1 Singapore Grand Prix, where the world’s best drivers and some of the biggest names in entertainment will converge from October 3 to 5, 2025.

More than a race, this event has become one of Singapore’s defining spectacles, blending high-octane motorsport with culture and unforgettable nightlife. With stars such as Elton John, G-Dragon, CL, Foo Fighters, and Alan Walker taking the stage, the Grand Prix promises as much energy off the track as on it.

At the heart of the action lies the Marina Bay Street Circuit, an iconic track known for its tight corners, dramatic turns, and humid night conditions that test even the most seasoned drivers. The 2025 season brings added anticipation, with McLaren drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris currently leading the championship rankings ahead of Max Verstappen from Red Bull Racing. Each victory earns 25 points, meaning the Singapore race could very well tip the scales of the championship battle. For fans, ticket prices start at S$148, though most categories have already sold out. Limited availability remains for select days, with Saturday tickets priced at S$248 and bundled Friday–Saturday passes at S$328.

Tickets are sold here.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Yet the Singapore Grand Prix extends far beyond the circuit. The city transforms into a festival of speed and sound, with events and experiences that amplify the atmosphere. The Groovedriver Festival returns with stacked stages at Suntec Plaza and South Beach Tower, spotlighting rising regional acts and global names such as Henry Moodie, Shaun, and an all-female DJ line-up featuring Licaxxx, Molly Lin, and Sarah Farina.

Those seeking a different rhythm can look to Sekai no Owari. This Japanese pop sensation brings their Phoenix Asia Tour to Singapore for one night only on October 4, performing hits like “SOS” from Attack on Titan and “The Peak” from One Piece. Tickets start at S$168.

Art lovers will find their lane at Gillman Barracks, where Mizuma Gallery hosts Art Bit Matrix – Tokusatsu to Videogame. Featuring a dozen Japanese creators, the exhibition delves into the interplay of character design and special effects to offer a contemporary counterpoint to the adrenaline of the track.

Image Credits: mizuma.sg

No Grand Prix season in Singapore would be complete without a visual spectacle, and Marina Bay Sands delivers with its nightly light-up from September 29 to October 5 at 7:00 to 11:59 pm. The skyline glows in vivid red while the Scuderia Ferrari HP Show Car, displayed at Marina Bay Sands Hotel Tower 1, invites fans to get up close with one of the sport’s icons.

Lastly, those who prefer indulgence through dining can enjoy the Resorts World Sentosa’s “Thrills of the Track” running from September 26 to October 5. Signature dishes such as the Pole Position Arroz Chaufa and the Circuit de Chocolat give race week a gourmet spin.

Image Credits: rwsentosa.com

From the racing drama to the cultural offerings, the F1 Singapore Grand Prix 2025 is shaping up as one of the city’s most dynamic celebrations of sport and entertainment.

Sources: 1 & 2

5 Must-Visit Bars that Shape Singapore’s Nightlife

From speakeasies hidden behind coffee counters to vintage-inspired lounges filled with curiosities, the country’s bartenders are embracing both artistry and playfulness in equal measure. On that note, here are 5 standout destinations redefining what it means to go out for a drink in the Lion City.

Tucked inside Vibe Hotel Singapore Orchard, is the whimsical Dragonfly Bar. It’s a jewel-box lounge inspired by its Hong Kong counterpart. Walking in feels like stepping into a fairytale, complete with an iconic glass dragonfly centerpiece that glows under moody lights. The menu draws from the principle of cause and effect, beginning with timeless classics before progressing to the team’s own original creations that showcase the skill and imagination of its bartenders. With a focus on low ABV cocktails and an atmosphere that blends elegance with intimacy, Dragonfly Bar is quickly becoming a favorite for those seeking artistry in a glass. Visit its location at 24 Mount Elizabeth, #01-05, Singapore 228518.

Image Credits: facebook.com/dragonflysingapore

Down by Clarke Quay, Level Up takes nightlife in a more playful direction. Since opening in 2017, this bistro bar has doubled as an arcade, outfitted with billiard tables, glow-in-the-dark air hockey, foosball, claw machines and retro arcade games that bring out friendly competition among guests. Game tokens come with every drink ordered, which makes ordering another round feel like a ticket to nostalgia. Beyond the games, graffiti-covered walls and neon photo spots make it as much an Instagram playground as it is a social hub. With promotions nearly every day and a Sunday special offering free-flow alcohol and unlimited games for three hours, it has cemented itself as a lifestyle destination rather than just another bar. Drink and play at 3A River Valley Road, #02-04, Singapore 179020.

Image Credits: facebook.com/1levelupsg

For those who prefer their evenings with a dose of mystery, Cat Bite Club offers a hidden experience in the heart of Duxton. By day, the small shopfront functions as a coffee bar, but come nightfall, it transforms into a moody speakeasy with a rebellious streak. Award-winning bartenders curate a selection that places heavy emphasis on agave and Asian rice spirits, boasting the largest collection of its kind in Singapore with more than 200 bottles. The space has already developed a cult following, complete with its own merchandise. Signature cocktails such as the Cat Bite Margarita, made with Código 1530 Blanco Tequila, Siete Misterios Espadín Mezcal and agave nectar, capture the depth of the bar’s expertise. Head to 75 Duxton Road, Singapore 089534 to experience Cat Bite Club yourself.

Image Credits: catbiteclub.com

At Oriental Elixir, hidden inside Spiffy Dapper on River Valley Road, the line between curiosity shop and cocktail lounge blurs. This unconventional speakeasy is filled with vintage oddities, antiques and jars of house-infused gin flavored with everything from shrimp and laksa leaf to goreng pisang. Guests can opt for bespoke cocktails tailored to their preferences or join workshops that teach the art of mixology. Together with Culturally x Oriental Elixir, visitors can even taste the first gin produced in Singapore and learn to craft their own spirit-forward experiments. Their address is 294 River Valley Road, Singapore 238335.

Image Credits: instagram.com/oriental.elixir

No list of Singapore’s leading bars would be complete without Jigger & Pony. It’s consistently recognized as one of the best in Asia and recently crowned the very best. With an atmosphere that evokes the glamour of the Prohibition era, this nine-year-old institution delivers cocktails that are both inventive and deeply rooted in tradition. Signatures include the Yuzu Whiskey Sour and Journey of the West, an Old Fashioned-style drink aged with oak spirals previously used for Japanese whisky. What sets Jigger & Pony apart, however, is its menu-zine, a 54-page publication designed like a vintage propaganda booklet, filled with thoughtful essays on the cocktail world across Asia. Take your friends to Amara Singapore, 165 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088539.

Image Credits: jiggerandpony.com

From whimsical lounges to arcade-powered nights out, each bar offers its own distinctive take on what nightlife can be. Which one do you want to visit first?

How to Use Your S$100 SG Culture Pass

From September 1 2025, Singaporeans will have one more reason to explore the nation’s vibrant arts and heritage scene. The government is rolling out the SG Culture Pass, a three-year initiative that gives every Singaporean aged 18 and above S$100 in credits to spend on cultural experiences. From theatre regulars to those who have not visited a gallery in years, the pass makes it easier and more affordable to reconnect with the arts.

The credits can be used for a wide range of experiences, from theatre productions, orchestra concerts and dance performances to writing workshops, ceramics classes and heritage walking tours. Visual arts exhibitions, cultural festivals and traditional crafts are all part of the line-up. Merely writing about it makes me excited!

Image Credits: supportgowhere.life.gov.sg

The aim is not only to reward those who already support the local arts scene but also to encourage more Singaporeans to try something new. The credits are valid from 1 September 2025 through 31 December 2028, giving residents ample time to explore. The scheme is open to all Singapore citizens who are born on or before 31 December 2007 and who hold citizenship as of 31 December 2024.

Redemption will be simple. Eligible citizens will receive an SMS notification in September, after which they can log in to the SG Culture Pass portal with Singpass to access their credits. Ticketing partners such as Sistic, BookMyShow, Klook, Pelago, Globaltix and Trip.com will serve as platforms to book events and activities. While the credits cannot be donated or exchanged for cash, they may be used to purchase tickets for family members and friends.

To support this nationwide effort, the government has set aside S$300 million to fund the initiative. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong highlighted in an Instagram post that Singapore has built a distinctive culture and identity within a relatively short time, and he urged citizens to make full use of the credits, reminding them that “we must all do our part to nurture this Singaporean culture together.”

Image Credits: unsplash.com

From pottery workshops to heritage tours and contemporary performances, the SG Culture Pass is designed as an invitation to rediscover and celebrate what makes Singapore’s arts and heritage unique.

Sources: 1 & 2

POP MART SG This August: Spotlight on Labubu

Singapore’s cultural calendar gets a burst of playful energy as POP MART, the global powerhouse of designer toys, plants its flag at Marina Bay Sands. From August 22 to 24, Pop Toy Show Singapore 2025 (PTS) takes over Sands Expo & Convention Centre, uniting fans, artists, and brands in a spectacle that is part convention, part carnival, and entirely devoted to pop culture.

PTS Singapore 2025

Imagine 20,000 square meters transformed into a toy wonderland. PTS Singapore is not an ordinary expo; it is POP MART’s flagship festival for Southeast Asia. Visitors can expect exclusive product launches, artist meet-and-greet sessions, large-scale installations, and interactive activities designed to blur the boundaries between fandom and art.

Premium ticket holders will receive a Hirono merchandise pack, while all attendees will have access to raffled exclusives, reinforcing POP MART’s ability to combine rarity with spectacle. Beyond the exhibition halls, a 1,300-drone performance at Marina Bay on August 22 and 23 will animate the night sky with iconic POP MART characters, turning the waterfront into a moving canvas of light.

Image Credits: popmart.com

The celebration continues until August 31 with Hirono-inspired installations at Marina Bay Sands Event Square, featuring nostalgic Singaporean playground motifs.

Among the headlining artists are Lang, creator of Hirono; Agee and Yep, the designers behind Hacipupu; Bao, creator of Kubo; and Libby Frame, the imagination behind Peach Riot. Their presence demonstrates POP MART’s global strategy of blending Eastern and Western influences while elevating collectible design into cultural currency.

Image Credits: popmart.com

Tickets available here.

Godiva x Labubu’s Sweet Collab

What is better than art you can collect? Art you can eat. In a collaboration that reflects the mainstreaming of designer toys, Godiva has partnered with POP MART’s mischievous character Labubu for a dessert collection that combines indulgence with whimsy.

Image Credits: godiva.com.sg

The line-up features three limited-edition soft serves and two specialty shakes, each layered with bold toppings such as cookie crumble, strawberry pieces, and playful Labubu decorative keepsakes. Available at Godiva boutiques across Singapore (excluding Changi Airport Terminal 3 and online), the collaboration shows that character licensing now extends beyond toys and apparel to the culinary world.

Latest Labubu Collectible

For collectors who prefer their Labubu in vinyl rather than vanilla, the Labubu Summer Ride Figure launched on August 15. Priced at S$39.90, the 10-centimeter figure captures the cheeky character mid-adventure, breezing through summer on two wheels.

Compact, vibrant, and brimming with personality, this release is another reminder of why POP MART remains one of the most dynamic players in the collectible market.

Image Credits: popmart.com

From limited-run figures to large-scale drone shows and even premium desserts, POP MART continues to redefine what it means to be in the business of play.

Sources: 1,2, 3, & 4

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