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Australians seeking new travel horizons can now easily access two distinct destinations, Queensland’s Sunshine Coast and New South Wales’ Newcastle, through new direct flight services launched by Jetstar Airways from Singapore’s Changi Airport (SIN). Despite the recent cessation of Jetstar Asia’s operations, the parent company is expanding its footprint Down Under by introducing these routes, offering time-efficient, value-conscious options for exploring lesser-traveled regions of the continent, even as previously offered routes like Singapore to Broome have been discontinued.

The new services cater to varied interests, from aquatic adventures and coastal relaxation on the Sunshine Coast to surfing and cultural exploration in Newcastle. These additions underscore the airline’s strategy to strengthen connectivity between Southeast Asia and regional Australia.

Exploring Australia’s New Destinations

The Sunshine Coast, located north of Brisbane, lives up to its moniker, offering a quintessential warm-weather escape. Travelers can expect abundant sunny beaches perfect for water sports, including canoeing. Uniquely, the region offers the highly sought-after experience of swimming alongside migrating humpback whales during specific seasons. Inland, visitors can explore scenic rainforests via extensive hiking and horseback riding trails.

Further south, Newcastle, situated approximately two hours north of Sydney, presents a vibrant urban coastal experience. This city is renowned as a surfer’s haven, benefiting from consistent breaks and a laid-back vibe. Beyond the waves, Newcastle boasts a burgeoning arts scene, characterized by striking street art and dynamic nightlife centered around a diverse array of bars and eateries.

Understanding the Flight Logistics

While these new Jetstar routes are termed “direct,” travelers should be aware that they are not “non-stop.” Both journeys incorporate a brief technical stop in Bali, Indonesia. This stop is primarily for refueling and lasts approximately 1.5 hours. Crucially, passengers remain onboard the same aircraft and are not required to undergo additional security screening or baggage reclaim procedures upon landing in Bali, streamlining the continuation of the journey.

The total travel time from Singapore to the Sunshine Coast, including the Bali stop, is approximately 11 hours. Flights to Newcastle require slightly less time, clocking in just under 10 hours from departure in Singapore to final arrival in New South Wales.

Cost-Effective Travel Options

These services present highly competitive pricing for round-trip travel. Initial checks indicate that return flight costs frequently fall within the achievable range of S$500 per person. This base price does not account for ancillary services, such as checked baggage allowances, in-flight meals, or preferred seat selection.

However, even with the addition of these amenities, the total cost for the journey remains budget-friendly, positioning these routes as attractive options for travelers prioritizing both adventure and fiscal responsibility. Interested parties can secure their reservations directly through the Jetstar Airways website for flights to the Sunshine Coast (Queensland) and Newcastle (New South Wales).

The introduction of these direct, though not non-stop, routes reinforces Changi Airport’s role as a critical hub connecting Asia with emerging regional Australian destinations, promising new opportunities for tourism and cultural exchange.

Singaporean travelers are increasingly prioritizing culinary exploration over conventional sightseeing, cementing the nation’s status as a powerhouse of global foodie travel. Data from late 2025 indicated a significant spike in searches and bookings focused squarely on gastronomic experiences, revealing that for a significant portion of the population, local cuisine is no longer a holiday aside, but the main draw. This shift highlights a strong appetite among Singaporean adventurers to seek out authentic and diverse dining destinations worldwide.

A Trip.com “Why Travel?” report, published in August 2025, first signaled this growing trend, noting that global Google searches for “food travel” jumped 18% and “Michelin Guide” queries rose 22%. Crucially, food-related bookings on the platform increased by a staggering 43%. Further insights shared during the “Trip.Best Southeast Asia Travel Trends Unpacked” event in December 2025 confirmed that local food and dining experiences rank among the top three factors when 70% of Singaporean travelers select a holiday destination. This deep commitment to eating well while abroad is redefining popular travel itineraries.

Unpacking Asia’s Must-Visit Dining Destinations

As Singaporean food enthusiasts look beyond established culinary capitals like Tokyo and Bangkok, several emerging Asian cities are catching their attention. These destinations offer rich tradition, exceptional value, and diverse flavors that cater to the discerning palate.

Among the standout cities is Chengdu, China, recognized as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. The capital of Sichuan cuisine has seen explosive popularity, with a massive 315% growth reported on Trip.com’s Trip.Best Global Rankings. This revival aligns with broader trends identifying China as a highly popular and value-for-money destination, according to a YouGov study from late 2025.

Beyond China, other regional hotspots promise unforgettable feasts:

• Jeju Island, South Korea: Famed for its fresh, bountiful seafood spreads and the uniquely delicious black pork barbecue.
• Fukuoka, Japan: This city attracts travelers with its authentic atmosphere, characterized by numerous Yatai (open-air food stalls) and cozy, hidden, hole-in-the-wall eateries.

Closer to Southeast Asia, travelers are discovering hidden gems that offer equally compelling culinary landscapes, especially those seeking alternatives to Ho Chi Minh City or Penang.

Southeast Asia’s Next Hotplates

For travelers who have already explored Vietnam’s major metropolitan hubs, Da Nang, Vietnam, presents a worthy contender. Its culinary scene is remarkably diverse, showcasing everything from fantastic grilled seafood along the coast to trendy new cafés catering to contemporary tastes.

Likewise, while Penang holds its reputation as a Malaysian food mecca, Ipoh, Malaysia, should not be overlooked. Known for its incredible value, Ipoh is the ideal place to savor local specialties like hor fun (flat rice noodles) and bean sprout chicken in authentic settings and at highly affordable prices.

The data clearly indicates that food is driving major travel decisions. For Singaporean travelers, the pursuit of the next unforgettable meal is reshaping global tourism, directing attention toward culturally rich and gastronomically rewarding destinations across Asia. Those eager to experience the world through their tastebuds should consider these emerging cities for their next adventure, moving beyond the traditional spots to discover the future of foodie travel.

Singapore’s rapidly evolving culinary landscape, celebrated globally for its diverse hawker culture and high-end dining, continues to embrace international quick-service brands, with major South Korean fast-food chain Lotteria set to launch its inaugural Singapore location, cementing the nation’s status as a key regional F&B hub. The highly anticipated opening is scheduled for February 11, 2026, at Jewel Changi Airport, introducing travelers and local residents to its signature Korean-style burgers and snacks.

The arrival of Lotteria, a cornerstone of Korean fast food for decades, highlights a recent wave of global chains establishing a presence in Singapore, following high-profile entries like Chick-fil-A and Sides, and the imminent 2026 debut of Chipotle. This expansion underscores the aggressive appetite of Singaporean consumers for novel and accessible international dining concepts.

Lotteria Lands in Singapore

Established in 1979, Lotteria holds the distinction of being South Korea’s first official hamburger restaurant. Globally, the brand operates over 1,600 outlets across seven countries. Its Singapore venture, which marks its seventh international outpost, is being facilitated by the Katrina Group, an established player known for successfully importing Asian dining concepts, including the popular Korean craft beer and fried chicken chain, Daily Beer, in 2024.

The strategic choice of Jewel Changi Airport—a bustling transit and lifestyle hub—ensures maximum visibility and accessibility for both international visitors and domestic diners. The 60-seater restaurant will be located in Basement 1 (B1-248), offering views of the iconic HSBC Rain Vortex.

Signature Menu and Singapore Exclusive

Lotteria is bringing its most successful offerings to the Singapore market. Customers can look forward to iconic items such as the Ria’s Bulgogi Burger, the Ria’s Shrimp Burger, and the distinct Mozzarella Burger Tomato Basil.

Beyond the main offerings, the menu will feature popular sides and desserts, including the signature long cheese sticks, and the interactive Shake Shake Fries and Shake Shake Nuggets.

In a move designed to cultivate local excitement and tailor the brand to the Singaporean palate, Lotteria plans to unveil a Singapore-exclusive burger. Details regarding this bespoke menu item are expected closer to the opening date.

| Location | Jewel Changi Airport, B1-248, 78 Airport Blvd |
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| Opening Date | February 11, 2026 |
| Operating Hours | 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily |

To celebrate its grand opening, Lotteria is offering an incentive to early diners: customers who purchase a combo meal between February 11 and February 13 will receive a complimentary meal upgrade for the first three days of operation.

The launch of Lotteria reinforces Singapore’s position as a critical testing ground and gateway for major international food brands seeking to deepen their footprint in Southeast Asia. As global chains continue to recognize the purchasing power and diverse tastes of the Singapore market, local consumers benefit from an ever-expanding array of convenient and compelling dining options that span the spectrum from gourmet to quick-service. Keep an eye on Jewel Changi, as it prepares to welcome one of South Korea’s most recognizable fast-food exports.

Singapore’s dynamic Downtown Core, the nation’s high-rise business and cultural epicenter, is set for a significant transformation, with the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) releasing its Draft Master Plan updates detailing extensive mixed-use developments, new recreational hubs, and enhanced liveability initiatives across the Central Business District and surrounding waterfront areas like Marina South. This long-term strategy aims to evolve the dense district from primarily a financial hub into a vibrant, 24/7 destination, blending high-density commercial spaces with leisure, residential offerings, and community infrastructure to appeal equally to residents and international visitors.

The revitalization efforts focus on integrating sophisticated architectural projects with public amenities. One highly anticipated addition is the massive Therme Group wellness attraction planned for Marina South, which will introduce thermal pools, extensive green spaces, and cultural art installations, significantly enhancing the area’s recreational appeal. Furthermore, the district is slated to welcome ultra-luxury hospitality through ventures like Aman Singapore, situated within The Skywaters, a 63-story mixed-use tower on Shenton Way that will combine luxury residences with a prestigious hotel. These projects, alongside others announced for Beach Road, Tanjong Pagar, and Marina Bay, underscore a shift toward integrating premium living and leisure options into the traditionally commercial landscape.

Focus on Community and Recreation

Beyond commercial ventures, the URA plan prioritizes enhancing community access and public interaction. An immediate highlight slated for this year is the opening of the Passion Wave Outpost @ Bayfront, providing essential community water sports facilities such as kayaking, dragon boating, and pedal boating, utilizing the extensive Marina Bay reservoir waterfront.

A major civic project expected to redefine the public realm is NS Square. Scheduled for completion in 2027, this prominent venue will serve as a permanent space for future National Day Parades and large-scale public events, including concerts, solidifying its role as a key national gathering point in Marina Bay.

Enhancing Sustainable Urban Mobility

A core component of the rejuvenation aims to make the downtown area more accessible and pedestrian-friendly, transitioning the focus from car-reliance to sustainable transport. Plans include establishing a network of sheltered walkways and dedicated cycling paths, particularly in the Anson-Tanjong Pagar vicinity, promoting a “car-lite” environment.

Furthermore, several historic and critical green spaces are slated for enhancements:

• Raffles Place Park will undergo refreshment, ensuring its continued vitality as a central green lung.
• A new park will be created between prominent complexes Asia One and Marina One, increasing available green space in the financial district.
• More open spaces built for public events and spontaneous gatherings will be introduced across the core.

These structural and recreational investments are designed to foster greater public engagement and improve the daily quality of life for those working and residing in the area. By embracing mixed-use development and focusing on robust public infrastructure, Singapore’s Downtown Core is positioned to maintain its status as a leading global city district, characterized by vertical density and comprehensive liveability, providing a template for future urban development globally. Interested parties can review the detailed plans through the official URA Draft Master Plan resources.

Singapore’s dynamic culinary landscape rings in early 2024 with a flurry of notable restaurant debuts, timed perfectly to engage diners ahead of upcoming peak seasons like Valentine’s Day and Lunar New Year. Catering to diverse palates, these five standout establishments span high-concept Japanese whisky izakayas and French-Japanese fine dining to specialized Korean health soups and experiential Latin American cuisine, solidifying the city-state’s reputation as a global gastronomic hub. This curated selection promises fresh, memorable dining experiences across the island, minimizing decision fatigue while maximizing the potential for a worthwhile reservation.

Barrel Story of Hibiki: A Whisky-Forward Izakaya

Stepping into the Central Business District (CBD) dining scene is Barrel Story of Hibiki, the first Hibiki-branded whisky concept restaurant globally outside of Japan, launched by the renowned Suntory spirits brand. Located in a space formerly occupied by an American grill house, the venue has been transformed into a sophisticated, moody izakaya ideal for whisky aficionados. The dark wood, textured stone, and dim lighting create an exclusive ambiance, divided into four distinct zones, including a main dining area, a 10-seat bar, an expansive outdoor terrace, and an intimate whisky salon known as The Vault.

The culinary direction is helmed by chef-partner Sho Naganuma, co-owner of the popular Torasho Ramen, ensuring a strong Japanese foundation. The menu features modern izakaya and wood-fired dishes alongside Torasho staples, such as the famous tonkatsu ramen and the truffle-infused Cold Stupid Ramen (S$35). Lunch offerings include two- and three-course sets (S$55–S$63), while dinner centers on a signature set (S$68). These dishes are meticulously paired with the restaurant’s extensive collection of Hibiki whiskies, available both neat, in crafted cocktails, or through specialized flights.

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Loca Niru: Heritage Meets French-Japanese Elegance

In a compelling juxtaposition of old and new, Loca Niru has opened within the historic 140-year-old House of Tan Yeok Nee, the last standing of the famed ‘Four Grand Mansions’ of Teochew architecture. While the setting is steeped in local heritage—with preserved wooden trusses and traditional Teochew carvings—the cuisine is a striking French-Japanese fusion focused on fine dining.

Chef Shusuke Kubota bypasses traditional fusion tropes, offering an insightful eight-course tasting menu (S$298) that thoughtfully integrates Southeast Asian flavors using French techniques and Japanese sensibility. This innovative approach offers a compelling culinary narrative that matches the majesty of the mansion itself, which is opening its doors to the public for the first time. The blend of refined technique and stunning architecture offers a truly immersive and sophisticated dining context.

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Bomul Samgyetang: Korean Comfort Cuisine

The trend of specialized Korean cuisine continues with Bomul Samgyetang, a new entrant at Chijmes dedicated entirely to samgyetang (Korean ginseng chicken soup). Building on the momentum of other recent samgyetang spots, Bomul distinguishes itself by offering the largest variety of the nourishing soup in Singapore, with ten distinct flavors on its menu.

Bomul emphasizes the health-focused nature of this traditional dish, utilizing locally-sourced, organic free-range spring chickens raised for an optimal 50 to 60 days. Each chicken is stuffed with glutinous rice, ginseng, garlic, and jujubes, then slow-cooked in a robust 18-ingredient broth. The ingredients, which include liver-supporting dried gardenia fruit and vitality-boosting deer antler, elevate the soup beyond mere sustenance. For those seeking alternatives, the restaurant also serves samgyejuk (ginseng chicken porridge), including options like abalone porridge.

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MYX: Latin American Flavors and Cultural Lounge

Holland Village welcomes MYX, a Latin American and American South-inspired restaurant that seamlessly integrates dining with cultural experience. Beyond the 70-seat main dining hall, featuring a pebble-stoned bar and warm, textured interiors, MYX boasts unique amenities: a Lending Library and a Vinyl Listening Lounge housed within a private event space called The Cabin.

The menu is a reflection of chef Steven Chou’s culinary journey, drawing heavily on memories of New York’s Latin American community and his time working in Houston, Texas, focusing on spirited ‘comfort food.’ A standout dish is the “Dirrrty Chicken Rice,” marinated in black pepper, cumin, oregano, and citrus before being roasted to a crispy golden brown. MYX caters to varied schedules with wallet-friendly lunch sets (S$26), weekend brunch, and a daily Happy Hour.

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Moutarde and Sundae Royale: A Dual French Debut

Celebrated French chef Paul Pairet makes his Singapore debut at Resorts World Sentosa’s Weave with a bold dual concept: the casual French bistro Moutarde and the premium dessert bar Sundae Royale.

Moutarde is an unpretentious bistro whose centerpiece is a British carving trolley-inspired carvery, featuring rotating daily cuts like Australian prime rib and New Zealand lamb leg. The menu is anchored by classic French staples, including beef tartare, grilled salmon, and a dedicated cheese room. Next door, Sundae Royale is a mint-green, retro-inspired parlor specializing in nostalgic, multi-layered ice cream sundaes offered in ten flavors, providing a spirited, family-friendly complement to Moutarde’s rustic cuisine.

These five establishments herald an exciting start to Singapore’s 2024 dining year, offering depth, variety, and unique conceptual approaches that ensure the city’s culinary scene remains vibrant and essential.

Singapore’s vibrant nightlife scene is set for a dramatic transformation as Zouk Group embarks on a multi-phase, extensive revamp of its flagship Clark Quay venues. Starting in mid-January, iconic nightclubs Zouk, Capital, and Phuture will temporarily cease operations for wide-ranging renovations aimed at upgrading the experience before a grand reopening slated for June 2026, coinciding with the group’s 35th anniversary celebration. This significant project promises patrons state-of-the-art technology, increased capacity, and versatile new programming designed to future-proof the entertainment complex.

Final Call: How and When Venues Will Close

Nightlife enthusiasts have a limited window to enjoy the clubs in their current form. The phased closures will begin with Capital, which shutters its doors first on January 17. Both Zouk’s Mainroom and Phuture will continue running their programmed events through the end of March before closing for construction. While the full timeline for RedTail Bar has yet to be finalized, it is also expected to undergo a refurbishment to host new daytime programs once complete.

The renovations signal a major investment by Zouk Group to enhance the Singapore nightlife benchmark. The upgrades are comprehensive, focusing heavily on technology and spatial adaptability. Key improvements announced by the Group include:

• Concert-Grade Sound: Installation of brand-new, high-fidelity speaker systems across all venues.
• Capacity Expansion: Increased physical space within the clubs to accommodate more patrons comfortably.
• Immersive Visuals: Introduction of massive 12-meter-wide LED walls for heightened visual effects and atmosphere.
• Elevated VIP Experience: A more luxurious and exclusive environment for VIP guests.

Transforming the Nightlife Experience

Central to the refurbishment is the Zouk Mainroom, which will feature a dynamic, transformable layout. New acoustic walls can be shifted and repositioned, functioning either as partitions for more intimate gatherings or expanding the space for massive DJ sets and large-scale performances.

Crucially, the revamped Zouk complex is expanding its offerings outside of traditional club hours. The Group plans to integrate a curated roster of daytime programs, utilizing the versatile space for non-traditional entertainment and lifestyle events, including:

• Fashion pop-ups and retail showcases.
• Wellness sessions and fitness activations.
• Creative networking events and art installations.

The integration of daytime programming signals a broader shift in how major entertainment complexes are utilized, moving toward a 24-hour lifestyle destination model that maximizes the venue’s potential beyond late-night parties.

Where to Find Zouk Group Concepts During Closure

While the main Clark Quay venues are closed for construction, Zouk Group’s other popular concepts across Singapore remain open to the public. Nightlife seekers can still frequent:

• Here Kitty Kitty: The group’s sultry, Tokyo-inspired cocktail bar.
• The Plump Frenchman: The French restaurant located in Bugis, offering upscale dining.

The closure of these legendary venues marks the end of an era, but promises an exciting future. The expected June 2026 reopening will unveil a vastly modernized entertainment hub designed to maintain Zouk’s reputation as one of Asia’s premier nightlife destinations, setting the standard for the next generation of entertainment in Singapore.

Despite Singapore being consistently recognized for offering Asia’s best work-life balance, recent public discourse highlights a growing desire among employees for genuinely supportive workplace cultures and strong mental health provisions. For professionals currently navigating the job market or cautiously exploring new opportunities, prioritizing employers that demonstrably value staff well-being is crucial for maintaining personal sanity and job satisfaction. Insights from the prestigious Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For Southeast Asia 2025 list reveal 32 organizations with significant local operations in the city-state that have established exceptionally positive cultures, offering a targeted roadmap for job seekers aiming for high-performance, high-trust environments.

The Fortune rankings, compiled annually by Great Place To Work, are based on confidential surveys gauging employee sentiment across various critical workplace dimensions. These evaluations utilize both five-point scales and open-ended questions to assess leadership integrity, the degree to which employees feel respected, appreciated, and cared for, the perceived fairness of remuneration and opportunities, and employees’ overall pride in their company’s mission and operations. Organizations scoring highly in these confidential assessments are recognized for intentionally cultivating organizational climates where trust and performance go hand-in-hand.

Identifying Singapore’s Top Employers

Of the 100 organizations celebrated across the region, nearly one-third—32 companies—maintain a substantial presence in Singapore, indicating a strong local commitment to employee welfare. These employers span multiple sectors, from logistics and hospitality to technology and pharmaceuticals, providing diverse opportunities for skilled professionals.

Notably, DHL secured the top ranking for Southeast Asia, underscoring the logistics giant’s regional leadership in employee satisfaction. Other familiar international corporate names that made the list and have major operations in Singapore include Hilton, Visa, HP, and Shiseido.

This concentration of top-tier employers provides job seekers with a valuable, vetted resource, offering transparency regarding which companies back up their recruitment slogans with verifiable, positive employee experiences.

Companies Prioritizing Trust and Well-being

The 32 best places to work in Singapore, according to the 2025 list, represent global businesses that have successfully embedded employee-centric values into their daily operations. By seeking roles within these organizations, job hunters can increase their odds of finding roles that offer sustainable career engagement and reduced burnout risk. The full spectrum of high-ranking companies with a Singapore base includes:

• DHL
• Hilton
• Capella Hotels & Resorts
• Cisco
• Marriott International
• Becton Dickinson
• AbbVie
• Micron Technology
• Ericsson
• Visa
• Shiseido Asia Pacific
• Schneider Electric
• Amadeus
• HP
• Insight
• DKSH Holding Ltd.
• Jebsen & Jessen Group
• Allianz Group
• AIA
• Medtronic PLC
• The Heineken Companies
• Amgen
• TP (formerly Teleperformance)
• Lenovo
• Experian
• Zurich Insurance
• Disco Hi-Tec Singapore
• Alcon
• ST Telemedia Global Data Centres
• Hilti
• Dow
• DXC Technology

For ambitious individuals, leveraging this compiled data can streamline the job search process, allowing them to focus effort on roles within companies already recognized for fairness, respect, and strong leadership. As the focus on mental health advocacy continues to strengthen Singapore’s professional landscape, these companies lead the way in ensuring high performance doesn’t come at the expense of personal well-being.

Singapore’s celebrated annual Light to Night Festival will illuminate the Civic District for an unprecedented, extended run in January 2026, marking its 10th anniversary. From January 9 to 31, the event will span four weekends for the first time, transforming the city center with dazzling light projections and interactive art installations under the theme, “The Power in Us.” This year’s focus celebrates community cohesion and underscores art’s capacity to unite diverse populations.

Festival Expands Reach and Embraces Civic Unity

Historically centered around the National Gallery Singapore, the 2026 iteration offers expanded programming, stretching the festival’s engagement beyond its traditional duration. The theme, “The Power in Us,” reflects a post-pandemic appreciation for shared experiences and collaborative creativity, positioning art as a unifying social force.

A key highlight will be the Art Skins on Monuments installation. As in previous years, the façades of landmark heritage buildings, including the National Gallery, will become canvases for animated light projections. These large-scale visual spectacles are created by both seasoned and emerging local artists, transforming iconic structures into dynamic, ephemeral artworks visible across the district.

Complementing the visual feast, the Art X Social: Festival Street promises a vibrant street market atmosphere. Located along St Andrew’s Road, this social hub will return on weekends, featuring an array of food vendors, live music performances, and opportunities for social dancing, cultivating a lively communal space.

Engaging Programming Beyond the Visuals

While the festival is renowned for its photogenic light installations, organizers stress the importance of engaging with the extensive range of supporting educational and interactive programs. These “fringe events” are designed to provide deeper context and unique participatory experiences, ranging from free activities to ticketed sessions.

Attendees can expect a diverse slate of activities, including:

• Interactive Exploration: A personalized scavenger hunt designed to encourage exploration within the National Gallery.
• Cultural Dialogue: Insightful art dialogues and storytelling sessions focusing on migrant experiences in Singapore.
• Unexpected Pairings: Creative programs linking established artworks with contemporary culture, such as pairings of visual art with solo tunes performed by members of the Korean music group BTS.
• Experiential Tours: Unique activities like tarot readings that guide participants through a personalized gallery tour based on their chosen cards.

These curated offerings ensure that the festival is not merely a spectacle for photography but an opportunity for rich intellectual and emotional engagement with art and culture.

Planning Your Visit to Singapore’s Art Celebration

The extension of the festival across four weekends provides greater flexibility for residents and tourists alike to experience the installations and programming. This expanded schedule acknowledges the festival’s growing popularity and its role as a major cultural event in Singapore’s calendar.

For those planning to attend, resources detailing the full program, including specific event timings and ticketing information for specialized activities, are available on the National Gallery Singapore’s official festival portal. The Light to Night Festival remains a significant platform for showcasing local artistic talent and solidifying Singapore’s reputation as a dynamic, art-centric global city. The 2026 run promises to be its most ambitious outing yet, reinforcing the transformative “power in us” activated by shared creative experiences.

Following the departure of the popular Cinnamoroll cafe, Sanrio enthusiasts in Singapore can anticipate a fresh, aquatic-themed dining experience as the character Hangyodon takes over the pop-up space at Wong Fu Fu this January. Kicking off shortly after the half-fish, half-human character concludes his engagement at the Singapore Oceanarium on Jan. 4, 2026, the Hangyodon collaboration cafe will welcome guests starting Jan. 7, offering themed cuisine and exclusive merchandise for a limited engagement.

This new iteration continues Wong Fu Fu’s tradition of transforming its venue into an immersive culinary tribute to beloved Sanrio figures. The decor, menu, and merchandise selection revolve entirely around the turquoise creature and his close companion, Sayuri the octopus, inviting fans to dive into a playful, underwater atmosphere near Bugis MRT station.

Diving into Themed Delights

The menu features several Hangyodon-inspired main courses, blending novelty design with satisfying flavor profiles. Highlights include the refreshing Hangyodon’s Favourite Chilled Ramen ($23.90), served with smoked duck salad; the savory Hangyodon’s Mantou Burger ($21.90), featuring a beef patty and curly fries; and the artistic Hangyodon’s Ocean Feast ($24.90), where pearl rice shaped like the character’s face is presented in a creamy seafood chowder, alongside a basket of fried seafood.

As an incentive for early adopters, ordering the Chilled Ramen includes a complimentary Hangyodon keychain figurine valued at $9.90.

Beyond the main dishes, the cafe incorporates Wong Fu Fu’s signature Taiwanese-style snacks, offering items like salt and pepper chicken ($13.90) and sweet potato fries with plum powder ($12.90). Each snack order during the collaboration period comes with a limited-edition Hangyodon snack box that guests can take home.

For dessert, the Bubbling Fun Hangyodon Swiss Roll ($14.90) stands out, a bubblegum cream-filled pastry designed to resemble the character, adorned with fresh strawberries and heart-shaped marshmallows.

Exclusive Keepsakes and Beverages

The beverage selection also receives a whimsical makeover. Wong Fu Fu’s popular matcha and strawberry matcha lattes ($11.90 and $12.90, respectively) are served with a kawaii twist, presented with a collectible keepsake cup holder featuring Hangyodon and Sayuri.

These character cafes serve as significant cultural touchstones, demonstrating the enduring appeal of Sanrio characters and offering tangible, limited-time experiences that blend fandom with culinary exploration, driving strong foot traffic to local businesses like Wong Fu Fu, located at 776 North Bridge Road.

Sanrio devotees eager to immerse themselves in the world of Hangyodon should monitor the vendor’s social media channels, specifically @wongfufusg on Instagram, for the latest updates and operational details before the pop-up concludes.

Travel accessibility is set for a significant improvement in Singapore’s western sector with the addition of Brickland MRT Station to the North-South Line (NSL), promising enhanced connectivity for thousands of residents and future homeowners, although commuters must anticipate a construction period extending nearly a decade before its anticipated completion in 2034.

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) recently confirmed plans to integrate the new station, strategically positioned between the existing Choa Chu Kang and Bukit Gombak stops. Initial construction work is scheduled to commence in 2026. This development specifically benefits residents in the vicinity, including those who have successfully applied for units at the Brickland Weave Build-To-Order (BTO) project, transforming what some areas previously perceived as relatively isolated into more accessible neighborhoods.

Enhancing Western Connectivity

The introduction of Brickland Station underscores a broader governmental commitment to significantly upgrade public transit options across Singapore’s west. While current commuters might jest about the region’s distance from the central business district, these infrastructural investments aim to fully integrate the area into the island-wide transit network.

The new station is distinct from the planned interchange station at Sungei Kadut, which will also be situated on the NSL (between Yew Tee and Kranji). The Sungei Kadut project will serve as a critical junction, linking commuters directly to the Downtown Line, providing another major cross-island travel option. Together, these two additions represent a substantial expansion of the predominantly “red” North-South Line in the coming years.

Long-Term Benefits Outweigh Waiting Period

Despite the promising long-term vision, commuters should manage expectations regarding the timeline for the Brickland Station. Similar to the Sungei Kadut plans, the new stop is projected to be fully operational sometime in the 2030s, with LTA expecting an opening date of 2034. While the decade-long waiting period is considerable, transit experts suggest the eventual improvement in network resilience and convenience will validate the investment and patience required.

The enhanced connectivity will likely have a positive impact on property values and reduce commuting times for residents traveling to key employment hubs in the north and central regions. According to urban planning estimates, the station will serve a high-density residential catchment area, easing congestion at neighboring stations.

Near-Term Transit Milestones

While west-side commuters await the 2030s developments, other significant MRT achievements are closer on the horizon. Singapore’s transit map is set to see the long-awaited finalization of the Circle Line loop. This completion, projected for 2026, will introduce three new stations—Keppel, Cantonment, and Prince Edward Road—spanning the southern coastline and business district perimeter. These new links will greatly improve inter-line transfers, further strengthening the overall efficiency of Singapore’s rail system outside of the central interchange points.

The groundwork laid by projects such as Brickland Station and the finalized Circle Line loop demonstrates Singapore’s continuous effort to develop a future-proof public transportation network, ensuring sustained quality of life and economic productivity across all areas of the island. Commuters are advised to follow official LTA announcements for detailed updates on construction progress and operational timelines.