Apart from POP MART’s Hacipupu and Disney’s Winnie the Pooh, my favorite character has always been Mofusand, the irresistibly charming creation of Japanese illustrator Juno. If you have ever smiled at a cat dressed as a shark or found yourself endlessly scrolling through kawaii art online, chances are you have already met this fluffy feline universe. Mofusand’s magic lies in its delightful absurdity, with cats wrapped like sushi, lounging in desserts, or striking dramatic poses in animal costumes. The name itself merges “mofu mofu,” a Japanese expression for something fluffy, with “sand” from sandwich, perfectly summing up the brand’s cozy and playful spirit.
Mofusand’s illustrations have captured hearts around the world for years, spreading across Instagram like a warm digital hug. Fans of kawaii culture and cat enthusiasts have embraced the brand as a cult favorite, filling their homes with plush toys, stationery, and accessories that reflect Juno’s humor and imagination.
Image Credits: facebook.com/MinisoHK
Now, we are about to experience a piece of that whimsical world. The first Mofusand x Miniso pop-up store will officially open at Bugis+(i.e., located at 201 Victoria Street, Singapore 188067) on December 15, 2025. This is not just another merchandise launch but the first Mofusand x Miniso pop-up in the world, giving Singaporeans an exclusive chance to explore and shop the viral collection before anyone else. Expect shelves lined with adorable plushies, playful homeware, and collectibles that are bound to melt hearts faster than a late-night cat video.
The pop-up offers an invitation for fans to step into the world of Mofusand itself. With picture-perfect installations and an atmosphere that feels lifted straight from an illustration, it promises to be a destination for both long-time followers and newcomers alike.
Image Credits: facebook.com/MinisoHK
So mark your calendars and get your wallets ready to say “kawaii,” because this Christmas season, Miniso Singapore is celebrating the adorable world of Mofusand!
Singapore is buzzing this October with experiences that blend play, culture, and wonder. From Japanese adventures to pastel pop fantasies and prehistoric giants, the city is alive with color and curiosity.
At Guoco Tower, The Japan Rail Fair brings a taste of travel magic with its Stamp Rally inspired by Japan’s famous station stamps. Visitors can collect 23 beautifully designed stamps while exploring over 20 booths that showcase the charm of prefectures such as Yamaguchi, Nagano and Fukuoka. Each booth offers a slice of Japanese culture from tourism highlights to regional snacks. Completing the rally earns you a shot at winning round trip tickets on Japan Airlines and AirJapan, JR East Passes and rail inspired souvenirs. The event runs from 9 to 11 October from 11am to 8pm and entry is free.
Image Credits: facebook.com/JAPANRAILCAFE
For something colossal, Science Centre Singapore presents Dinosaurs | Extinctions | Us in collaboration with the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum. This 3,000 square meter exhibition invites visitors to stand beneath a 40 metre cast of the Patagotitan mayorum, one of the largest creatures to have ever lived. The showcase features 33 fossils and 60 full scale models tracing 400 million years of history. Beyond the spectacle, the exhibition reflects on how past extinctions connect with the environmental challenges humanity faces today. Tickets start from S$25.90 and come with a free dinosaur plush toy while stocks last.
Over at Bugis Plus, POP LANDPop-Up makes its overseas debut and transforms the atrium into a pastel wonderland. The pop-up store celebrates the irresistibly cute world of MOKOKO with exclusive merchandise, whimsical photo corners and a joyful dose of kawaii fun. It is the perfect stop for those who love collectibles and crave a feel good escape in the middle of the city. The store is open from 15 to 26 October from 10am to 9.30pm. While it is not happening this weekend, consider this an early heads up as the event tends to fill up fast and registration slots often get snapped up quickly.
Image Credits: facebook.com/popmartsg
For a night of theatre and thrill, Cirque Alice takes over the Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands. The show reimagines Lewis Carroll’s beloved tale with breathtaking acrobatics, puppetry, dance and contemporary music. It is a world where Alice tumbles through wonder and chaos guided by performers who twist, fly and balance between fantasy and artistry. Tickets start from S$78 and performances run from 9 to 26 October.
Image Credits: facebook.com/cirquealice
If you are chasing nostalgia, art or awe, Singapore offers something extraordinary this October. Step out and let a little wonder find you and your loved ones!
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.
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?
Singapore’s book community has reason to celebrate as the National Library Board (NLB) prepares for its biggest-ever Big Book Giveaway. In honor of its 30th anniversary, NLB is releasing 60,000 pre-loved books on September 13 and 14 at the Plaza of the National Library Building. This also marks the 10th year of the initiative, which began as a way to extend the life of books and share the joy of reading with more Singaporeans.
The event runs from 10 am to 4 pm on both days, where visitors can pick up to 10 books each. Participation is simple: attendees just need to scan their library-compliant ID, NLB eCard, or request a QR code day pass on-site. Adding to the excitement, 60 lucky participants will also walk away with special prizes through a lucky draw, though details remain under wraps.
The collection on offer spans a wide range of genres, from fantasy and science fiction to mystery, non-fiction, and children’s titles in both English and Mother Tongue languages. This year, a dedicated section will spotlight works about Singapore, in celebration of SG60. For many, the highlight will be the chance to discover older editions and hidden gems that once lined the shelves of Singapore’s libraries.
Image Credits: unsplash.com
Unlike previous years, which saw smaller events spread across multiple branches, the 2025 edition consolidates everything into one large-scale gathering at the National Library Building. Last year’s giveaway drew 6,000 participants, and attendance this weekend is expected to be significantly higher.
The Big Book Giveaway also reflects a growing focus on sustainability. Visitors are encouraged to donate their own pre-loved books during the event, with a cap of 50 titles per person. These donations, along with leftover books from the giveaway, will be redistributed to community partners and international institutions. To date, NLB has shared books with more than 130 organizations worldwide, ensuring that stories continue to find new readers.
For NLB, the event is about more than just giving away books. It is part of the wider Love Our Libraries & Archives (LOLA) initiative, a month-long series of community programs under the Libraries & Archives Blueprint 2025. This five-year roadmap aims to reimagine libraries as hubs of learning, creativity, and connection.
Image Credits: instagram.com/publiclibrarysg/
As NLB’s Chief Executive Officer Ng Cher Pong puts it, the event is “eagerly anticipated by many” because physical books remain a source of comfort and joy. I, for one, love the smell of physical books and still make it a point to purchase at least two every month. This initiative not only touches on the heart of sustainability but also encourages book lovers like me to donate pre-loved titles or breathe new life into old ones, rediscovering them as fresh stories.
