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Pink Mamma is a visually stunning Italian restaurant known for its vibrant atmosphere and delicious, authentic Italian cuisine, including standout dishes like truffle pasta and wood-fired pizzas. Adding to its allure is a secret speakeasy bar called No Entry, tucked away in the basement behind what appears to be a cold storage door. Retreat to this hidden gem, which offers a cozy ambience and creative cocktails, after having an intimate meal upstairs. Due to its popularity, reservations are strongly recommended.
Singapore’s northern Mandai area has always been home to the country’s award-winning zoo…but not much else. Mandai Zoo first opened in June 1973, and was a popular attraction for Singaporeans and visitors alike throughout the 80s and 90s. But this year, Mandai Wildlife Group has rejuvenated the site with Rainforest Wild Asia, a 13-hectare park that allows visitors to see animals in open (but still protected) spaces while choosing their own level of adventure.
Guests can explore the forest floor or stroll the overhead walkways. Photo: Mandai Wildlife Group
This forest adventure park joins the country’s four main nature attractions in one area. This includes River Wonders (formerly River Safari), Bird Paradise (relocated from its smaller, quainter location in Jurong) and the Night Safari. The area is now known as an integrated wildlife and nature destination.
Rainforest Wild Asia is designed to offer visitors everything from leisurely strolls to adventurous and physical experiences. Those looking for a laidback experience can use the wide walkways and guided tours that will take you from points of elevation all the way to the forest floor. For something more exhilarating, there are forest trails with fallen logs, boulders and bridges, as well as harnessed experiences, freefall jumps and challenging caving adventures.
Thrill-seekers can test their climbing and jumping skills. Photo: Mandai Wildlife Group
For animal-lovers, Rainforest Wild is a new experience, introducing “flexible habitats” that allow visitors to see different animals at different times of the day. The more open concept is designed to encourage animals to exhibit their natural behaviours and allow guests to observe them in this state – though it does mean you will have to look harder to spot them. The park is home to 29 animal species including some new-to-Singapore creatures like the endangered François’ langur and the Philippine spotted deer. To recreate this rainforest setting for its inhabitants, 7,000 Southeast Asian trees and shrubs have been planted to supplement the existing patches of flora.
A journey through 10 zones
Rainforest Wild is divided into 10 zones with highlights including The Karsts, a series of jagged limestone formations where guests can watch monkeys swinging and leaping through the trees. Thrill-seeking visitors can embark on guided tours over the cliffs via a ferrata path. At the Forest Floor, visitors will have to trek over fallen trees and climb over logs to make their way to the Rock Cascade to see the Malayan tiger enclosure. They can also head up to The Canopy to catch a glimpse of treetop life and maybe get a chance to see species like the Javan langur and red-shanked douc langur.
Visitors might be able to spot the new-to-Singapore red-shanked douc langur. Photo: Mandai Wildlife Group
Experience The Cavern, designed in collaboration with the Sarawak Forestry Corporation and inspired by the Malaysian state’s famous Mulu Caves. To create Mandai’s “version”, designers scanned the rock features of Mulu Caves and faithfully recreated their ancient rock formations. Traverse across the subterranean walkways or try the more adventurous side paths where you might see racer snakes and giant black scorpions (from a safe distance, of course). Be sure to stop by the new dining destination located in The Cavern which touts itself as the country’s first cave-dining destination.
Luxury in the rainforest
Rainforest Wild functions as part-zoo and part-adventure camp, catering to nature-lovers curious to experience wildlife in a more naturalised habitat and thrill-seekers wanting to test their skills scaling heights and exploring the forest floor.
In the same vein, the new Mandai Rainforest Resort offers guests the first luxury hotel experience in the area. It also marks a homecoming for Singaporean hospitality brand Banyan Tree. Famed for its luxurious resorts around the globe, as well as their Banyan Tree Spa at Marina Bay Sands, this property blends the brand’s natural aesthetics with the lush greenery of the area.
The pod-shaped treehouses of the new Mandai Rainforest Resort
The resort is situated on sprawling 4.6-hectare grounds next to Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, River Wonders, Bird Paradise and Rainforest Wild Asia. It features 24 tree houses with private patios as well as a five-storey resort that houses 314 guest rooms and suites. The rooms offer views of the rainforest, garden and reservoir and can be naturally ventilated as part of the resort’s sustainability practices. For families, the Family Retreat, Family Rainforest and Family Sanctuary rooms can accommodate up to two children in a super single bunk bed.
Naturally, activities at the hotel are designed to attune guests with nature and grant special access to the Mandai Wildlife Reserve parks. Wellness experiences include the Banyan Tree Spa which features three treatment pods inspired by the Sunda pangolin, as well as sound healing and “earthing” activities that take place on the roof. There are guided nature walks for everyone to enjoy and even a “Ranger Buddies: Rainforest Discovery” programme run by Mandai X for the kids.
Inside the spacious family room complete with kids’ bunk
“We are excited to have Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree serve as the perfect launchpad for Singaporeans and tourists to discover the marvels of nature and wildlife,” said Glen Cook, general manager of Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree. “As Banyan Group’s homecoming property, we are dedicated to delivering unparalleled guest experiences synonymous with the Banyan Tree brand. From exclusive wildlife encounters in the parks right next door to rejuvenating spa treatments, every moment will be thoughtfully crafted to captivate the senses.”
For more information on Singapore Airlines flights to Singapore, visitsingaporeair.com.
Much like last year when Taylor Swift descended on the Little Red Dot for The Eras Tour, 2025 is starting to look like a monster year for concerts in Singapore. If there’s anything we learned from Taylor, along with Coldplay, Bruno Mars and Ed Sheeran who all played here last year, it’s that planning your concert strategy is absolutely essential. Know where you’re planning to eat and celebrate pre- or post-concert, as well as where to stay. Here, we highlight the best dining spots around Singapore’s most popular concert venues, plus amazing hotels to relax in.
National Stadium and Singapore Indoor Stadium
The 55,000-capacity National Stadium has hosted music’s biggest names, and will be playing host to Lady Gaga’s upcoming gig in May. Meanwhile, the air-conditioned Indoor Stadium – where Babymonster performs, also in May – accommodates up to 12,000 spectators. Both are within walking distance of Stadium MRT station.
Singapore’s National Stadium and Indoor Stadium have played host to mega stars like Taylor Swift and Bruno Mars. Photo: Shutterstock.com
From Resorts World’s Ballroom and Convention Centre to the sandy shores of Siloso Beach, Sentosa is where artists like Itzy, Hacken Lee and Afrojack have performed. This April, popular Taiwanese rock duo from the nineties, Power Station will play at Resorts World. Sentosa is easily accessible by train to HarbourFront MRT station, followed by a stroll across the boardwalk or a monorail ride.
Newly-renovated Tanjong Beach Club is the perfect place for beach vibes before a show. Photo: Tanjong Beach Club
There are plenty of pre-show dining options, including wood-fire grilled meats atPanamericana, Mediterranean cuisine atSol & Oraand the newly reopenedTanjong Beach Club. Within Resorts World Sentosa, try new Spanish spotSugarraor casual Thai restaurantSoi Social.
Too buzzed to sleep? Party at1-Altitude Coast, a breezy rooftop bar with stunning views and an infinity pool.
Stay at Amara Sanctuary for easy access to Sentosa sights. Photo: Amara Sanctuary
A 5,000-seat auditorium that Pentatonix and the Backstreet Boys have played at, The Star Theatre’s upcoming gigs include Norwegian duo M2M in May and pop star Jason Derulo in June. Located in The Star Vista, minutes away from Buona Vista MRT station, it’s surrounded by heaps of dining spots.
The Star theatre has seen the likes of Harry Styles play there. Photo: Shutterstock.com
For Taiwanese food, tryMonki’s braised pork rice and oyster mee sua. If you have time for a leisurely dinner, indulge in a seafood feast of crab, lobster and prawns atThe Boileror treat yourself to steak frites atLes Bouchons.
Monki is all about authentic and delicious Taiwanese cuisine. Photo: Monki
Want a cheeky nightcap? Have a beer atScruffy Murphy’s IrishCafé-Pub or take a short cab ride to the hip Holland Village for drinks and live music at the laid-backWalaWalaCafé Bar.
Situated in central Singapore, near City Hall MRT station, this 977-seater offers a more intimate space. Capitol Theatre counts Ed Sheeran among its past performers, with upcoming shows by Neck Deep in May and Valley in June.
This space played host to an intimate Ed Sheeran concert last year. Photo: Shutterstock.com
We recommend the nearby Raffles City for a plethora of good food, including popular pizzeriaCasa Vostra(which may see long lines), Spanish tapas restaurantMovida Singaporeand tempura eateryTenjin.
Thanks to its location, there are loads of bars in the area for a post-concert drink.The Bar at 15 Stamfordis right next door, while sky-high cocktail hangoutSkai Barsits across the road at the iconicSwissôtel. A 10-minute walk away, the award-winning28 HongKong Streetbeckons you in for a classy night out.
Be sure to check out the rooftop pool of the Pullman Hill Street hotel. Photo: Pullman Hill Street Hotel
With stellar acoustics and a capacity of 1,541, this theatre has hosted everyone from Drum Tao to The Addams Family to the St Petersburg Ballet Theatre. Coming to see Elijah Woods perform in August? It’s situated on Mediacorp Campus, just a 10-minute walk from one-north MRT station.
There is plenty to eat around the Mediacorp campus from kid-friendly restaurants to fancy dining. Photo: Mediacorp Studios
The kid-friendly CaféMelba, featuring a menu of pizza and sandwiches, is a delicious choice close by. Alternatively, dine near the MRT. Get a table at RistorantePietrasantafor laid-back Tuscan food or do a fuss-free dinner at one of the best burger places in town,One Fattened Calf.
Ristorante Pietrasanta is all about hearty and authentic Italian cuisine. Photo: Ristorante Pietrasanta
To keep the vibes going after the show, enjoy live music performances, light bites and a cold pint atTimbre+ One North.
Formerly a power station, this heritage building is now a venue for concerts, indie festivals and fashion shows. Names like Jamie xx and Foster the People have played here, while electronic music act Boris Brejcha will perform in May. You can get here via a 10-minute walk from Labrador Park MRT station.
Concerts at Pasir Panjang Station are lively and intimate. Credit: 24Owls
For dinner before the show, dine amidst lush greenery at Knots Café& Living, a place that blends your dining experience with flowers and furniture. Looking for something casual and affordable? Get your spice fix atSuper Thai by Soi Aroy.
Afterwards, jump in a cab to art enclave Gillman Barracks for drinks at bikers’ hauntHandlebarorIda’s, a new alfresco bar by a floral studio.
Enjoy dinner with a difference before or after a show at Pasir Panjang Power Station. Photo: Knots Café & Living
Right by Pasir Panjang Power Station isLabrador Villa, a restored 1920s building that takes you back in time. Outdoor enthusiasts, you’ll love that it’s near Labrador Nature Reserve’s quiet walking trails.
For more information on Singapore Airlines flights to Singapore, visitsingaporeair.com.
The 2025 F1 season kicked off on a high in Melbourne in March with a thrilling Australian Grand Prix that saw plenty of action on and off the track. If you missed seeing McLaren’s Lando Norris put in a convincing victory, there’s always next year – and the rest of this season. Here’s how to do a Grand Prix weekend at some of our favourite destinations.
Melbourne: Australian Grand Prix
Expect great food and drinks at Middle Park Hotel. Photo: Middle Park Hotel
Back as the season opener this year, palm-tree-lined Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne is famous for its medium- and high-speed runs backdropped by the city skyline. Fans also love seeing the drivers each morning on Melbourne Walk and catching the nightly concerts. Away from the circuit, stock up on merch at Pit Stop Melbourne, enjoy the annual Grand Prix Street Party at Middle Park Hotel, grab rooftop drinks at Mirror Mirror and indulge in supper at Gimlet.
Shanghai: Chinese Grand Prix
The purpose-built Shanghai International Circuit featurestight turns,high g-forces and one of the longest straights in F1. After the on-track action, catch a train to downtown Shanghai to enjoy the city’s vibrant offerings. Admire the skyline views from Flair at The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong or sample agave-infused cocktails at Coa Shanghai. Enjoy a culinary odyssey at chain restaurants Din Tai Fung (for noodles and dim sum) and Haidilao (for hotpot). Don’t forget to try Nanxiang Mantou Dian, arguably the city’s best xiaolongbao dumplings, andHuangMen Lao Zaofor Chongqing-style hotpot.
Nagoya: Japanese Grand Prix (Suzuka)
Suzuka, with its own ferris wheel, is a great race for families. Photo: Shutterstock.com
Created in 1962 by Dutch track designer John Hugenholtz, Suzuka International Circuit is a favourite among drivers thanks to a challenging layout combining high speeds, 18 corners and an iconic “crossover”. While here, ride the Ferris wheel for a bird’s-eye view of the track or hit the Motopia amusement park andget behind the wheelyourself. Visitors usually stay in Nagoya so take some time to wander the Osu district for street snacks like takoyaki and okonomiyaki, take in the tunes at the Jazz Spot Swing and celebrate with a beer at the Kirin Brewery.
Milan: Italian Grand Prix (Monza)
The Ferrari flagship store in Milan is a must-visit for fans. Photo: Shutterstock.com
Drive 30 minutes from Milan to the spiritual home of Ferrari – the Autodromo Nazionale Monza. The “Temple of Speed” was created in 1992 and features long straights, tight chicanes and high speeds – and is where Juan Pablo Montoya set a top speed record of 372.6km/h in 2004. After a day trackside in Monza, treat yourself to a lavish Mediterranean meal at Derby Grill or Il Moro. In Milan, enjoy an opulent Risotto alla Milanese at Savani or authentic Italian cuisine at Penelope a Casa – owned by former Red Bull driver Vitantonio Liuzzi – then drink among theTifosi(the term for hardcore Ferrari fans) in the Navigli district and slip into the wonderland that is the Ferrari store.
Barcelona: Spanish Grand Prix (Montmelo)
Enjoy a drink and some tapas at this city stalwart. Photo: Bar Alegria
Spain’s Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Montmeló, will be an F1 circuit for one more year before the race moves to Madrid in 2026 – so enjoy the spectacle of cars flying down long straights, high- and low-speed corners and elevation changes.
Each evening after the race, fans gather at the pop-up bars lining Montmeló’s main street over the weekend – those in the know book dinner at El Tapeo or El Trabuc in nearby Granollers. In the city, settle in at a tapas bar – try La Cova Fumada, Bar Alegría or Bodega La Puntual – or feast at an internationally inspired chef’s counter at Direkte, then quench your thirst at the La Dolce Vitae rooftop.
Singapore: Singapore Grand Prix
The Singapore grand prix promises a thrilling night race and a festival atmosphere. Photo (and above): Shutterstock.com
Each year, Singapore hosts F1’s original night race at the Marina Bay Street Circuit in the heart of the city, a challenging track of 19 tight corners, four DRS zones and intense humidity; after the on-track action, fans party into the night with huge concerts. By day, sip Singapore Slings at the Raffles Hotel’s Long Bar, head to the top of Marina Bay Sands for sundowners at Lavo or Spago and dine in historic surrounds at Chijmes, where you can try classic Singaporean dishes at New Ubin Seafood. Continue the F1 experience at Torno Subito – by acclaimed Italian chef Massimo Bottura – where you’ll enjoy casual Italian fare while gawking at real Ferrari F1 cars and testing your skills on the gamified electric go-kart circuit atHyperDrive.
Brussels: Belgian Grand Prix (Francorchamps)
The tiled walls of Maison Vincent offer a taste of history in addition to a great post-F1 meal. Photo: Maison Vincent
Historic Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps was built in 1921 in Belgium’s picturesque Ardennes region. It was redeveloped in 1979 but remains the longest track on the F1 calendar; the combination of long straights, uphill climbs and fast corners pushes cars to the edge. Spend a few days exploring Brussels while you’re here – enjoy local brasseries like Maison Vincent, Les Brassins and Le Cirio, and sample hard-hitting Belgian beers at cafés like Delirium, À La Mort Subite and La Fleur en Papier Doré.
Amsterdam: Dutch Grand Prix (Zandvoort)
The “sea of orange” is typical for home races in The Netherlands. Photo: Shutterstock.com
Reigning champ Max Verstappen will have two more chances to enjoy a Grand Prix at home – Circuit Zandvoort, 45 minutes from Amsterdam, will disappear from the F1 calendar after 2026. For now, this beachfront track offers harsh gravel beds that penalise drivers for the smallest mistakes and 14 corners that swoop through sand dunes. In Zandvoort, fans can race sims at Racesquare or try Dutch pancakes at Duneaan de duinrand.Spend a few days soaking up picturesque Amsterdam too, while feasting on French-Flemish plates at Rijsel, brasserie classics at Cradam or Dutch comfort food at Hap-Hmm. Cap off your trip with a “brown bar” experience – a classic,casualDutch bar without pretence – at Café ‘t Smalle or Café de Sluyswacht.
For more information on Singapore Airlines flights to these destinations, visit singaporeair.com.
Gillman Barracks is home to a fair few art galleries, bars and restaurants, but Ida’s stands out with an in-house florist, Charlotte Puxley Flowers. Naturally, the sheltered courtyard, where nibbles and tipples are served, is lush with greenery. It’s an idyllic setting for sundowners, with cocktails designed in collaboration with the team behind Cat Bite Club. Sip on the Tequila Sunset, a refreshing twist on a classic that’s topped with a blue pea lychee float, or order a pitcher of white sangria for the table. Bites by Head Chef Aiman Hanafi are perfect for sharing, including the flavour-packed lamb croquettes, and sizzling red snapper skewers fresh off the grill. Planning a party? There’s also an event space featuring handmade Balinese furniture that can accommodate up to 300 standing guests.
