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Time Out
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
This luxury hotel has themed family suites with slides – here's what we think
What do Bruno Mars, Ayumi Hamasaki, and I have in common? We've all stayed at Mandarin Oriental Singapore – though I'm fairly sure I was the only one flinging myself down a jungle-themed slide here. Fresh from a six-month revamp, this Marina Bay icon is looking exceptional than ever. Gone are the old beige tones, replaced with pink-and-green palettes inspired by Singapore's Garden City charm, plush interiors drawing from Peranakan heritage, art commissioned by local and regional creatives, and a sophisticated new look that still retains its luxurious roots. Add to that some of the best service in town and you've got a hotel that nails both polish and personality. Why stay at Mandarin Oriental, Singapore? Since 1987, MO Singapore (formerly The Oriental Singapore) has been making guests feel like a VIP before even hitting the check-in desk, from the warm greetings by staff to the plush interiors that smell faintly of fresh flowers and quiet opulence. Whether you're here for a romantic weekend, a luxe city staycay, or – like me – a family-friendly getaway with all the trimmings, MO Singapore doesn't disappoint. It's got the vibe of a resort, the heart of a five-star hotel, and the location of your urban dreams. And if you're looking to explore the city in style, it has just the thing for you. One of the hotel's biggest flexes is the Porsche Drive Experience, where guests can book a sleek electric Porsche for up to three hours. Whether you're cruising past the Singapore Flyer or just looping around Marina Bay, it's guaranteed to elevate your stay. What are the rooms like at Mandarin Oriental, Singapore? We checked into the Family Theme Suite, one of the property's most playful options. Choose from themes inspired by safari adventure, outer space, and underwater explorations – ours was decked out in leafy motifs, jungle animals, and a cuddly Mini MO mascot named Rajah lounging in the living room. The lion plushie also makes for a great keepsake and companion for the little one. The highlight? A solid, built-in bunk bed and slide combo that will keep the kids – and kidults – entertained. Word of warning, though: the slide is rather steep, so prepare for a fast descent. The beds, on the other hand, are roomy enough that adults under 1.6 metres like myself won't feel squished. Beyond the wow factor, the suite delivers maximum comfort: separate bedroom and lounge spaces, a balcony, two massive TVs, a washer-dryer, and a fully equipped kitchenette with an induction hob, microwave, dishwasher, and coffee machine. There are also two toilets with remote-controlled bidets, and a bathroom kitted out with a rainforest shower and a bathtub. Where to eat and drink at Mandarin Oriental, Singapore? Let's talk food, because this hotel takes dining very seriously. Embu, the vibrant all-day restaurant, was our go-to for breakfast and dinner buffets. No matter the mealtime, there's a lavish spread featuring premium seafood, Indian and Asian specialities, wood-fired pizzas, barbecue delights, homemade desserts, and even a kids' buffet corner curated for small bellies. There are also live cooking stations for fried eggs, freshly rolled popiah, carrot cake and more made on the spot. Step out onto the lush outdoor patio for a spot of al fresco dining. There's even a small playground nearby, so you can keep an eye on the little one while you tuck into your meal. The restaurant also runs the MO Junior Chef Masterclass, a complimentary experience for hotel guests. My toddler proudly donned a chef's hat and got hands-on assembling a few kueh pie tee, which we happily devoured together. It's a fun touch that the kids will enjoy. If you're in the mood to venture further, the hotel's 10 dining concepts include the award-winning MO Bar, Cantonese fine dining at Cherry Garden, waterfront Italian at Dolce Vita, and Zuicho, a high-end Japanese kappo experience helmed by Michelin-starred chef Kenji Takahashi. What are the facilities like at Mandarin Oriental, Singapore? You could easily spend all day at the 25-metre outdoor pool. There's a main pool for proper swimming, a shallow kiddy pool with bubble jets, and a lounge pool with built-in daybeds perfect for a relaxing soak under the sun. If you'd rather stay dry, kick back on the sun beds or retreat to one of the private cabanas for a dose of poolside peace. With stunning views of the Marina Bay skyline, the deck also doubles as a prime fireworks vantage point – we happened to be swimming during the National Day rehearsal display, and the experience was nothing short of magical. The spacious gym is equally impressive, stocked with state-of-the-art Technogym equipment and offering outdoor sunrise yoga, core workouts and more on the outdoor patio. There's also a serene spa, complete with six treatment rooms and wellness therapies that run the gamut from massages to manicures. What's the area like around Mandarin Oriental, Singapore? The hotel puts you right in the heart of the city, on the Marina Bay waterfront and a short walk to Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, Suntec City, Millenia Walk, and Gardens by the Bay. You're within jogging distance of the Merlion, a quick Grab ride from Orchard Road, and practically sitting on the F1 night race track when September rolls around. Why you should book a stay at Mandarin Oriental, Singapore? If you're after five-star comfort with a side of thoughtful whimsy, Mandarin Oriental hits the sweet spot. From luxe design and impeccable service to the family-first details, this city-centre hotel delivers a polished yet playful experience. But what truly sets MO Singapore apart is its people – the service is warm, intuitive, and always one step ahead. It's luxury without the stiffness. Whether you're travelling with tots, planning a romantic getaway, or just in the mood to pamper yourself (and maybe test drive a Porsche), this is easily one of the most exciting stays in the city. And one thing's for sure: you'll be planning your return before checkout.
New Paper
10-07-2025
- New Paper
Singapore is 'best place on this planet': Swiss influencer
A video posted by a Swiss influencer about the virtues of life in Singapore has struck a chord with many here - and gained its fair share of brickbats. The video, titled "The reality of not being rich in Singapore", opens with full-time content creator Marion Műller - @swizzyinsg on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube - holding on to the handrail in an MRT train, with the subtitle: "Always taking public transport". The 29-year-old forces a smile, and the video cuts to a cluttered bedroom corner, where luggage and plastic bags are strewn across the floor. The subtitle reads: "Moving 4x in one year," as Műller reappears, frowning. The video then focuses on a single bed with a thin mattress and multiple towels, with the subtitle: "Improvising a comfortable way to sleep". This is followed by a scene at a Teochew porridge stall, with the subtitle: "Looking for the cheapest cai fan," and finally, a takeaway bag captioned: "Tabao if I cannot finish and eat for lunch the next day." It then moves to the front of a Valu$ shop ("shop atValu$") before ending with Ms Műller striding confidently along Marina Bay in an elegant cami dress and the subtitle, "but I'm grateful these options exist…and anything makes living in SG worth it." The accompanying caption reads: "And I am grateful for everything you see in this video. "Compared to a place like Switzerland - where no hawkers exist and public transport is very expensive - you can still live a comfortable life in Singapore without much money. "To me anything that enables me to stay here is worth it and I am grateful for every day I get to live and work in this beautiful city-state. "And let's be honest: Hawker food is the best food anyway." The video, posted on Saturday (July 5), has since been viewed 106,000 times on TikTok, drawing some 2,700 reactions and 160 comments. 'Singapore is the best place on this planet' Ms Műller, or Mary, as she calls herself in her videos, has lived in Singapore for two-and-a-half years, documenting her life here in the videos she creates. Ms Műller used to be a competitive figure skater, loves windsurfing, and is also a licensed yoga instructor. She came to the Republic because of "family matters" but had always wanted to live in Asia. She earns between $0 and $10,000 a month as a content creator and shops at Valu$ for items such as Snickers, Kit Kat, and Hershey's, as well as Nivea deodorant and toothpaste. "I am happy if I can make Singaporeans think and appreciate Singapore more," she told The New Paper on Wednesday night. "I truly believe Singapore is the best place on this planet." "I hear this often: 'Since I've been following you, I realise how great SG is,' This makes me so, so happy," added Ms Műller, who fell in love with Singapore "the moment I saw the Singapore Flyer and Marina Bay Sands from the car". And perhaps the heartfelt nature of her video struck a chord with many Singaporeans. "Hahaha we same same," said TikToker user2717724022125. "It's being sensible, and in that sense, you're super rich!" commented pangzter, also on TikTok. "Hey, welcome to the club of normal people living in the most expensive city in the world. There's many of us," said Cthulhu Spawn. 'You haven't met really poor people yet' Not everyone agreed with Ms Műller that living in Singapore is worth it. "This reality is gonna get worse soon. It's easy to exist here but very hard to be living well here. After all, everything's just a number in this corporate place of ruthless efficiency," said user1839433407736. "You still get a room with a nice view and eat a decent meal. You haven't met really poor people in Singapore yet," said Claw50times. "Are there really poor poor people?" said Ms Műller when asked about these comments. "I have not seen a homeless person. The Government takes care of their people so well," added Ms Muller, who does not qualify for assistance schemes like CDC or SG60 Vouchers. "In Singapore, no one needs to starve or sleep on the streets. And anyone who wants to work, can work." She conceded that life in Singapore isn't always a bed of roses, noting that she once had to move four times in a year. "There were some places I rented where only a short-term lease was available, so I had to move out," she explained. "There were also two places where I had to move out within two days, so I could not find something nice in time and it was so terrible, I had to move out. There were also two rental places I lived in where the flatmates were terrible." Alluding to the comment in her video about having to improvise beds, Ms Műller explained: "The mattress from the flat was so thin, I used different towels to make it more comfortable." She told The New Paper that she is preparing to move again because her flatmates at their Chinatown apartment are relocating to London. "It makes me sad because I really liked this apartment," she said. But she'll find something as she has no intention of packing up for good. "I hope I can stay here for as long as possible," said Ms Műller. She hopes to become a permanent resident someday so that she can live happily ever after - with her favourite chicken rice and fish soup. She is aware that not everyone agrees with her views and has had her fair share of negative comments. "I get lots of hate comments and bad ones, too. Lots of grumpy people who'll never be satisfied. These people don't realise how good they still have it," said Ms Műller.
New Paper
10-07-2025
- New Paper
Singapore is 'best place on this planet': Swiss vlogger
A video posted by a Swiss vlogger about the virtues of life in Singapore has struck a chord with many here - and gained its fair share of brickbats. The video, titled "The reality of not being rich in Singapore", opens with full-time content creator Marion Műller - @swizzyinsg on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube - holding on to the handrail in an MRT train, with the subtitle: "Always taking public transport". The 29-year-old forces a smile, and the video cuts to a cluttered bedroom corner, where luggage and plastic bags are strewn across the floor. The subtitle reads: "Moving 4x in one year," as Műller reappears, frowning. The video then focuses on a single bed with a thin mattress and multiple towels, with the subtitle: "Improvising a comfortable way to sleep". This is followed by a scene at a Teochew porridge stall, with the subtitle: "Looking for the cheapest cai fan," and finally, a takeaway bag captioned: "Tabao if I cannot finish and eat for lunch the next day." It then moves to the front of a Valu$ shop ("shop atValu$") before ending with Ms Műller striding confidently along Marina Bay in an elegant cami dress and the subtitle, "but I'm grateful these options exist…and anything makes living in SG worth it." The accompanying caption reads: "And I am grateful for everything you see in this video. "Compared to a place like Switzerland - where no hawkers exist and public transport is very expensive - you can still live a comfortable life in Singapore without much money. "To me anything that enables me to stay here is worth it and I am grateful for every day I get to live and work in this beautiful city-state. "And let's be honest: Hawker food is the best food anyway." The video, posted on Saturday (July 5), has since been viewed 106,000 times on TikTok, drawing some 2,700 reactions and 160 comments. 'Singapore is the best place on this planet' Ms Műller, or Mary, as she calls herself in her videos, has lived in Singapore for two-and-a-half years, documenting her life here in the videos she creates. Ms Műller used to be a competitive figure skater, loves windsurfing, and is also a licensed yoga instructor. She came to the Republic because of "family matters" but had always wanted to live in Asia. She earns between $0 and $10,000 a month as a content creator and shops at Valu$ for items such as Snickers, Kit Kat, and Hershey's, as well as Nivea deodorant and toothpaste. "I am happy if I can make Singaporeans think and appreciate Singapore more," she told The New Paper on Wednesday night. "I truly believe Singapore is the best place on this planet." "I hear this often: 'Since I've been following you, I realise how great SG is,' This makes me so, so happy," added Ms Műller, who fell in love with Singapore "the moment I saw the Singapore Flyer and Marina Bay Sands from the car". And perhaps the heartfelt nature of her video struck a chord with many Singaporeans. "Hahaha we same same," said TikToker user2717724022125. "It's being sensible, and in that sense, you're super rich!" commented pangzter, also on TikTok. "Hey, welcome to the club of normal people living in the most expensive city in the world. There's many of us," said Cthulhu Spawn. 'You haven't met really poor people yet' Not everyone agreed with Ms Műller that living in Singapore is worth it. "This reality is gonna get worse soon. It's easy to exist here but very hard to be living well here. After all, everything's just a number in this corporate place of ruthless efficiency," said user1839433407736. "You still get a room with a nice view and eat a decent meal. You haven't met really poor people in Singapore yet," said Claw50times. "Are there really poor poor people?" said Ms Műller when asked about these comments. "I have not seen a homeless person. The Government takes care of their people so well," added Ms Muller, who does not qualify for assistance schemes like CDC or SG60 Vouchers. "In Singapore, no one needs to starve or sleep on the streets. And anyone who wants to work, can work." She conceded that life in Singapore isn't always a bed of roses, noting that she once had to move four times in a year. "There were some places I rented where only a short-term lease was available, so I had to move out," she explained. "There were also two places where I had to move out within two days, so I could not find something nice in time and it was so terrible, I had to move out. There were also two rental places I lived in where the flatmates were terrible." Alluding to the comment in her video about having to improvise beds, Ms Műller explained: "The mattress from the flat was so thin, I used different towels to make it more comfortable." She told The New Paper that she is preparing to move again because her flatmates at their Chinatown apartment are relocating to London. "It makes me sad because I really liked this apartment," she said. But she'll find something as she has no intention of packing up for good. "I hope I can stay here for as long as possible," said Ms Műller. She hopes to become a permanent resident someday so that she can live happily ever after - with her favourite chicken rice and fish soup. She is aware that not everyone agrees with her views and has had her fair share of negative comments. "I get lots of hate comments and bad ones, too. Lots of grumpy people who'll never be satisfied. These people don't realise how good they still have it," said Ms Műller.
Sassy Mama
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Sassy Mama
What's New In July: Singapore Oceanarium, Weekly Fireworks, Summer Camps & More
This July, we're excited for the grand opening of the Singapore Oceanarium! Plus, with weekly fireworks and action-packed summer holiday camps, who says the holidays are over? New month, new finds! We're gearing up for the highly anticipated reopening of the Singapore Oceanarium that promises to be three times bigger than before. Catch free weekly NDP fireworks from the National Day Parade preview shows lighting up the skies across Singapore. Plus, keep the kids busy with exciting summer holiday camps, and don't miss the vibrant two-day festival happening at Haw Par Villa! Click here for past What's New Mama finds! Disclaimer: These are external events not owned or managed by Sassy Mama. Always check with the organiser for changes or cancellations. Singapore Oceanarium: Reopens 23 July 2025 Missed visiting the S.E.A. Aquarium? Good news because the all-new Singapore Oceanarium is making a splashy return on 23 July 2025, and it's three times bigger than its predecessor! With 22 immersive zones, you and the kiddos can journey from shallow shores to the mysterious deep sea, and even time-travel from prehistoric oceans to the vibrant marine life we know today. Read all about the Singapore Oceanarium here. Deets: Singapore Oceanarium, 8 Sentosa Gateway, Sentosa Island, Singapore 098269, Sundown Festival: Music festival with international acts The Sundown Festival is back and this year, the three-day festival will take place at Haw Par Villa with music performances, food vendors, bars, market stalls, wellness workshops and more! Headline acts include Hwasa of Mamamoo, DPR Live's Dabin, Thai rockers Tilly Birds and Slot Machine, and regional stars like Gali and Shigga Shay. Deets: Sundown Festival, 4 – 6 July 2025, Haw Par Villa, Singapore, NDP Fireworks: Fireworks display every Saturday Need a free activity to do with the kids this July? Head to any of the spots to catch fireworks that are happening every Saturday evening leading up to 9 August, thanks to the National Day Parade rehearsals and preview shows! The best part? You can catch the fireworks for free at spots such as Merlion Park, Jubilee Bridge, Helix Bridge, Bay East Garden, Marina Barrage, and The Promontory @ Marina Bay. So pack a picnic, arrive early (it can get crowded!) and wait for the skies to light up! Deets: NDP fireworks, various locations Wiggle Wiggle In The Sky: Adorable decorations at Singapore Flyer Happening until 28 September 2025, Wiggle Wiggle in the Sky at Singapore Flyer features capsules transformed into colourful, whimsical worlds starring beloved Wiggle Wiggle characters like Wiggle Bear, Little Play Bunny and even Singapore's own Merli mascot. There's also a pop-up store offering exclusive tumblers, plushies and Merli x Wiggle Wiggle collectables. Kids can complete fun mission cards to score free goodies and don't miss the giant 6-metre inflatables and vibrant installations perfect for photo ops! Deets: Wiggle Wiggle In The Sky, Singapore Flyer, Summer Holiday Camps: Sports, performing arts & more Keeping the kids engaged and learning during the holidays is totally doable with the wide variety of summer holiday camps available! From performing arts camps that build confidence and spark a love for the stage, to sports camps that challenge their agility, teamwork and more, there's something for every interest. Check out our full list of summer holiday camps here! Deets: Summer holiday camps, several venues WATCHLIST: Don't miss these shows in July! From epic dragons to dino thrills and nostalgic comebacks, July is packed with must-watch blockbusters! How to Train Your Dragon returns in a breathtaking live-action remake, while dinosaur fans won't want to miss Jurassic World: Rebirth. There's also a brand-new Marvel film, The Fantastic Four, and big-screen comebacks of beloved classics like I Know What You Did Last Summer, Smurfs, and Happy Gilmore deserve to be on your watchlist this month! Deets: various movies,
Time Out
02-07-2025
- Time Out
Singapore is officially one of the world's best cities to explore after dark
For such a tiny city, there's a heck of a lot to do in Singapore. We're talking merry jaunts to our numerous parks and gardens, all-day outings at attractions like Universal Studios Singapore and Gardens by the Bay, mad shopping sprees at Orchard – we could go on. But if you're keen to escape the sweltering daytime heat, then Singapore after-dark has plenty to offer as well, and a new study by long-haul travel specialist Travelbag will attest to that. Here's what Travelbag has done: it has analysed more than 100 major cities, examining Instagram hashtag volume, levels of light and noise pollution, after-dark safety scores, and the number of venues and attractions that stay open well after the sun goes down. The result is a list of the 10 best cities for nighttime tourism, and Singapore ranks at a very respectable No. 4 in the world. For one, Travelbag found that this little red dot has almost 450 venues open late at night. We reckon that this covers expected spots such as bars (which number among the best in the world) and nightclubs (both mainstream and under-the-radar). But let's not forget other attractions you can hit up past dinnertime: how about a moonlit ride on the Singapore Flyer or a heartfelt karaoke night at a KTV studio? And perhaps the best part – the sheer number of supper spots where you can fuel up. Check out our round-up of the best late-night dining places from hotpot restaurants to dim sum joints. The real clincher, though, is that Singapore is so damn safe: we score 77 out of 100 on the after-dark safety measure. It's only the sixth-safest in the list after cities like Abu Dhabi (87 points) and Taipei (85 points), but we can say from experience that this is one of the rare places in the world where you can walk freely at night with little fear. Check out Travelbag's complete study here and a fuller breakdown of Asia's best cities for night tourism here. 10 best cities for night tourism in 2025, according to Travelbag: New York, USA Tokyo, Japan Dubai, UAE Singapore Muscat, Oman Kyoto, Japan Sydney, Australia Seoul, South Korea Toronto, Canada Melbourne, Australia Flying Tiger Copenhagen is slated to open in Singapore this July
