Island inspiration, happenings and general goings-on in the weeks ahead
The Hindu festival of lights is in full swing. Be sure to visit colourful, vibrant Little India to enjoy street light-ups and exciting bazaars, happening from now until Oct 23, to get a full taste of Deepavali. For those with architectural inclinations, however, make it a point to stop by the historic Tan Teng Niah House, the last surviving Chinese villa in the neighbourhood. Built by a prominent Chinese businessman and dating back to 1900, the two-storey house is a photographer’s delight due to its multi-coloured pasted exteriors, while those with an eye for detail can take in the intricate details, such as the bamboo tiled roof and gilded Chinese calligraphy accents. The Tan Teng Niah House is located at 37, Kerbau Road. Admission is free. (visitsingapore.com)
All that walking around necessitates cooperative footwear. For one that combines style and comfort, there is no better choice than the Oran sandal ($1,100) by Hermes. Created in 1997 by Pierre Hardy, it is instantly recognisable thanks to its iconic H cut and minimalist good looks. Take your pick from a veritable artist’s palette of colours and materials. (hermes.com.sg)
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If you have not already added South Korean photographer Min Hyunwoo’s book, Singapore ($105), to your shelves, there is no better time than now. Part of the Louis Vuitton Fashion Eye collection, Min presents travel photography with a fashion perspective, capturing portraits of a city-state that is infused with both playfulness, tenderness and a sensual melancholy. (sg.louisvuitton.com)
Leading luxury florist, The Floral Atelier, celebrates a decade of success in Singapore. To commemorate their 10th anniversary, they are offering a limited-edition return of an iconic collaboration with world-renowned patissier Cedric Grolet. Treat yourself to one of the Signature Bloom Boxes, a beautiful coming-together of flowers and pastry. At the heart of it is Grolet’s exclusive hyper-realistic peach dessert. Available until Oct 30, or while stocks last. (thefloralatelier.co)
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It’s never too early to start planning for the next vacation. But what about rediscovering one’s own city? The opening of the METT Singapore by the Sunset Hospitality Group gives you ample reason to make that booking posthaste. Welcoming guests from Oct 28, the property, nestled within Fort Canning Park’s lush, historic grounds, also marks its debut in the Asia Pacific region (its other properties may be found in Marbella, Bodrum and Barcelona). Take your pick of 84 suites with either views of lush parkland or the dazzling Singapore skyline. You can choose to swim, spa or play pickleball or padel in style, but chances are, dining well ranks highest on the staycation cards. There are four distinctive F&B concepts at the Mett Singapore: Italian coastal dining at L’Amo Bistro del Mare, clever cocktails and speciality coffee at the Canning Bar & Lounge, progressive Italian fine-dining at Art di Daniele Sperindio (which moves here from their National Gallery Singapore location) and Hanu, a vibrant and glamorous interpretation of the traditional Korean grill. To mark its opening, take advantage of the ‘Singapore, We Finally METT’s two-night package, starting from $998++. Guests will enjoy daily breakfast, a sidecar tour, Battlebox tickets, cocktails, welcome amenities and an exclusive one-way limo transfer for those booking the Premier Suites. Book by Nov 30 for stays from Nov 1, 2025, to Jan 31, 2026, with blackout dates between Dec 29, 2025, to Jan 1, 2026. (metthotelsandresorts.com/singapore)
The spooky season is also almost nigh. If you are wondering how to give yourself a little scare and get the adrenaline pumping, consider the National Gallery Singapore’s Back-of-House Guided Tour: the Halloween Edition of the ‘Former Supreme Court: Unseen, Unheard’. The experience begins sedately with a meal at Bakery Brera, the Gallery’s newest café, before following the facilitator for a guided visit that retraces the footsteps of prisoners and judges alike. There will be a chance to climb through the infamous trapdoor into the prisoner’s dock, visit the Viewing Gallery where the public once observed trials, and generally be privy to eerie stories while walking down forgotten passageways. For added fun, guests are encouraged to come dressed in their best Halloween outfits to bring the night to life. Available until Nov 2, from Friday to Sunday, 6.30pm–10pm. Tickets are priced at $68. (nationalgallery.sg)
Still on the topic of shoes, the fashion world has been buzzing non-stop about the opening of Chanel’s first dedicated shoe boutique in Singapore this month. Located on the first level of Ion Orchard, the space is crafted by longtime Chanel collaborator, Peter Marino, and stays true to the maison’s design codes, naturally. Dressed up in elegant hues of black, white and beige, there are touches of tweed, lacquer and all the little details that include a painting of camellias and a gilded rock crystal chandelier by goldsmithing workshop Goossens, part of Chanel’s Metiers d’art collective since 2005. Come to snap up the signature two-tone ballet flats or to marvel at the décor. But be warned: it is futile to resist temptation here. (chanel.com)
