Shops and Dining Spots to Check Out in Haji Lane

CUBE Boutique Capsule Hotels is bringing its signature blend of comfort and affordability to one of Singapore’s most iconic waterfront spots. 

The newly launched CUBE Social@Boat Quay offers a fresh take on capsule stays, combining smart design with a lively social atmosphere in the heart of the city.

Located along the historic Singapore River, Boat Quay’s mix of heritage shophouses and modern skyscrapers sets the scene for CUBE’s latest venture. By day, it’s a charming riverside district; by night, a buzzing hub of bars and restaurants — making it the perfect base for travelers looking to explore the city.

The three-story hotel houses 72 sleek, insulated capsules with queen and single bed options, plus 13 private rooms (one wheelchair-accessible) for small groups or families. Each capsule is designed for comfort, featuring temperature control, noise insulation, a universal power outlet, and thoughtful touches like a vanity mirror, bedside light, and ample luggage storage.

 If you’re a solo female traveler or have safety concerns, there is a dedicated 20-bed female-only section that offers a much-appreciated level of privacy and comfort. 

Whether you’re on your own wanting to meet people, or with a group of friends, CUBE Social is all about making connections. Guests can unwind in the stylish bar lounge with all-day refreshments, challenge each other to board games, or soak in riverfront views from the outdoor verandah. 

There’s even a private soundproof booth for calls and stationary bikes for a quick and efficient workout. Complimentary amenities, from slippers to disposable underwear, ensure a hassle-free stay.

Looking ahead, CUBE Social@Boat Quay is eyeing expansion into Southeast Asia, with destinations like Bali, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Penang, and Sydney on the radar.

Location: CUBE Social@Boat Quay, 70, 71, 72 Boat Quay, Singapore 049859

For more information, visit CUBE Social@Boat Quay on their website, or on Instagram and Facebook. 

Traveling isn’t going to stop your pump day! Changi Airport T2 made sure of that. 

Changi Airport Terminal 2 presents a new space to beat the travel stress away before your next flight. Introducing the Fit&Fun Zone, a 400-square meter wellness space made to keep travelers of all ages active and entertained, as well as to fight the fatigue that comes with traveling.

Located on the 3rd Level of the Transit Area, the Fit&Fun Zone is open 24/7, includes five colorful zones that are inspired by the emotions felt by travelers, and invites travelers to some light exercise and recreation. 

This new addition is part of the reopening of the Changi Airport Terminal 2 in 2023 and is dubbed by the Changi Airport as “the first of its kind in an airport.”

The Five Zones of the Fit&Fun Zone

The Green Zone

Sit on the swinging pendulum chairs and take a moment to relax while overlooking the serene Dreamscape and digital sky. This tranquil zone aims to provide the perfect place for rest and peace from the busy airport. 

The Orange Zone

In the mood to release some stress after experiencing some travel mishaps? Get your heart pumping and destress by punching some Spar Pods (which are soft punching bags and 3D wall petal structures!). 

The Pink Zone

Get your arm workout with the Lumi-weights. They are pull-down levers, ranging from two to eight kilos each, with vibrant, color-changing ball lights that change in response to the effort you're putting into pulling them. 

The Yellow Zone

Get your hearts pumping by bouncing around at the Beat Bouncers. Each of the trampolines begins to play music as soon as you step in, and invites everyone to bounce, dance, and groove to the beat. 

The Blue Zone

Feed into your adventurous spirit by trying out the Tangle Tunnel. Navigate through the rope maze inside a nature-inspired and organically shaped cave for a fun experience — and to test your agility!

For more information and updates, follow Changi Airport on their Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram pages!

The Marina Bay Sands offers a new way to learn more about their history and explore Singapore.

Visitors are invited to see the SkyPark Observation Deck’s newest showcase, “Skyline Singapore: Stories from Above,” an exhibit exploring the story of the Marina Bay Sands and its past, present, and future. The exhibit debuted on Jan. 17, 2025, and coincides with the 15th birthday of the Marina Bay Sands and the 60th birthday of Singapore. 

The exhibition highlights the story of what once was a reclaimed land, and is now a globally renowned district and symbol of Singapore. Here, guests and visitors can find out about the best-kept secrets, architecture, and history of the Marina Bay Sands, while also taking a glimpse into the vibrant neighborhoods and culture of Singapore.

Here are some of the main attractions of the “Skyline Singapore: Stories from Above” exhibit.

Through the Years: Marina Bay Timeline

Combining historical photographs and informative interpretation, viewers can get a glimpse of how the Marina Bay looked like from the 1800s to the present and gain a deeper understanding of the rationale behind the development of Marina Bay. 

Making of Marina Bay Sands

The creation of the resort is the focus of this part of the exhibit, from its initial conception and visionary design by architect Moshe Safdie to its complex construction process. It also highlights the techniques and sustainable practices that were done to bring the Marina Bay Sands to life, giving guests an understanding of the craftsmanship and creativity involved in the creation of the iconic resort. 

Rise of an Architectural and Cultural Landmark

This exhibit gives a more in-depth background behind the development of the Marina Bay Sands, from its construction to its rise as a cultural and architectural landmark in Singapore. 

Celebration of Singapore’s Sights and Cultural Districts

The showcase continues with a celebration of Singapore at the 56th Level of the SkyPark Observation Deck. There, visitors can see a striking LED wall that shows the iconic landmarks of the Lion City, as well as a deep dive into Singapore’s diverse and vibrant neighborhoods like Kampong Glam, Chinatown, and Joo Chiat. 

Interpretative Panels

Panels of sights and cultural districts in Singapore can be seen on the Observation Decks at Levels 56 and 57. Some of the sights seen in the panels are the Gardens by the Bay, the Singapore Flyer, Esplanade, and the Marina Barrage. 

Leaving a Mark at SkyPark

Visitors can “leave a mark” at the Level 56 lobby by engaging with an interactive world map. There, visitors can mark their place of origin and even vote for what they think Marina Bay would look like in the future based on AI-generated concepts. 

Skyline Singapore: Stories from Above tickets are available on their website, priced at S$35 (Adult), S$31 (Concession), and S$27.50 (Family Package of 4). Grab your tickets here!

For more information, check out the Marina Bay Sands’ attraction website here and their Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram pages. 

Location: Marina Bay Sands SkyPark Observation Deck, 10 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018956 

Immerse yourself in nature while still being near the city. Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree recently announced that they will start accepting reservations on Jan. 24, 2025, for stays from April 2, 2025 onward.

Nestled within the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, the resort provides easy access to zoological parks – Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, River Wonders, Bird Paradise, and the Rainforest Wild Asia.

Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree presents a variety of rooms and suite categories – from standard rooms and suites to family rooms with a bunk bed offering views of the rainforest, garden, and the Upper Seletar Reservoir. The uniquely designed treehouses, each with a private patio, also provide a tranquil retreat for couples.

Highlights of the resort include the following:

• 338 guest rooms and suites including 24 treehouses
• Unobstructed views of the Upper Seletar Reservoir from the Rooftop pool
• Two dining experiences – Forage and Planter’s Shed.
  • Forage overlooks the tranquil reservoir, offering a “Trust the Chef” menu and a delicious arrangement of fresh, daily sourced ingredients. These include produce from the resort’s rooftop edible garden.
  • Planter’s Shed is an all-day dining restaurant, featuring local and international cuisine with buffet options for breakfast and dinner, as well as live cooking stations and a roving tableside service for an interactive dining experience. Ala carte menus are available at lunchtime.
• The award-winning Banyan Tree Spa with invigorating spa treatments to restore both mind and body. Some of their services include detoxifying body wraps made with natural ingredients like turmeric and ginger, or signature massages that enhance circulation and alleviate muscle fatigue.
• The Banyan Tree Gallery houses locally inspired merchandise, allowing guests to bring home a meaningful keepsake of their stay.

For inquiries and reservations, visit the Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree website or email them at [email protected]. Room prices will be reflected on the website starting Jan. 24, 2025.

For more updates, follow the Mandai Wildlife Reserve on their Facebook and Instagram pages.

Location: Mandai Rainforest Resort, 60 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore

One of Singapore’s most anticipated hotel openings of the year has finally set a date! Raffles Sentosa Singapore has announced that it's currently taking bookings and inquiries for stays and events ahead of its Mar. 1 opening.

Over 135 years after the original Raffles opened its doors, the second Raffles in Singapore opens a new chapter for the brand, nestled within 100,000 square meters of sprawling tropical gardens perched on a hilltop and boasting views of the South China Sea.

“Raffles Sentosa Singapore will be an enchanting sanctuary, where nature, heritage, and wellness come together with the legendary traditions and world-class hospitality of the Raffles brand to create truly unforgettable experiences,” said Cavaliere Giovanni Viterale, Cluster General Manager of Raffles Sentosa Singapore and Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa. “The resort will also offer the perfect setting for private retreats, family gatherings, and celebrating significant milestones.”

News on the second Raffles property was announced before the pandemic back in 2019, and was originally slated to open in 2022. The country’s first all-villa hotel is poised to be a serene, secluded sanctuary for extended stays, only fifteen minutes away from the city-state’s central business district, and twenty-five from Changi International Airport.

Designed by international studio Yabu Pushelberg, the resort’s 62 contemporary villas are all equipped with private pools & terraces, and range in size from 260 square meters for one-bedroom villas to 450 square meters for four-bedroom villas.

As wellness will be the focus of the resort, guests can enjoy the Raffles Sentosa Spa and their wide range of well-being experiences in its thirteen treatment rooms. Other highlights include the stunning Raffles Ballroom which can seat up to 400 guests, the Garden Room & Terrace, and five restaurants and lounges that offer flavors from Italian, Cantonese, and Japanese cuisines. The property’s signature dining spots include the Italian Empire Grill, Royal China, and the Japanese omakase, Hashida.

Raffles’ iconic experiences such as the Raffles Butlers service and Raffles Afternoon Tea will also be available at the resort, along with Sentosa Sling cocktail which will debut as part of Raffles' legendary welcome.

For inquiries, visit their website. You can also follow Raffles Hotels on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram for updates.

Are you into decorating or collecting ephemera from countries you’ve been to? Look no further, because WHSmith is holding a free stamp rally at their branches at Changi Airport Terminals 3 and 4.

Wait, what’s a “Stamp Rally”?

A stamp rally is an event that’s dedicated to collecting stamps that follow a theme at different sites. These can be found in train stations, rest areas, tourist attractions, museums, shopping malls, and other places.

Stamp rallies first started in Japan, where these courses are organized by chain stores, railroad companies, travel agencies, or even local tourist associations. Stamp rallies are commonly found around train stations, and anyone can join in!

Stamp rallies are all the rage for journaling enthusiasts and hobbyists everywhere. Some would even make it a point to bring an empty notebook whenever they go to Japan and allot some part of their day to finding stamps.

It’s also a way to get to know another culture!

Free Stamp Rally at WHSmith at Changi Airport

WHSmith is a retailer specializing in stationery, books, gifts, and digital gadgets. Their stores are usually found at railway stations, airports, hospitals, and service station shops. WHSmith is found at every Changi Airport Terminal, but the stamp rally will only be available at their Terminal 3 and Terminal 4 outlets.

The stamp design at WHSmith Terminal 3 features a Chili Crab and honors the sweet and spicy Singaporean fave. The stamp at WHSmith Terminal 4 features the iconic Changi Airport Control Tower, complete with the Jewel and a little plane departing.

Make the most out of your layovers at Changi Airport with the free stamp rally! Don’t forget to bring your notebooks, postcards, or even your old boarding passes for a unique souvenir.

Find out more interesting events and promotions at the Changi Airport through their Facebook, Instagram, X (Formerly Twitter), and TikTok pages!

Location: WHSmith, Terminal 3 Transit, Level 2, Changi Airport | Terminal 4 Transit, Level 2, Changi Airport

Opening Hours: 6 AM to 1 AM (Daily) (T3 Transit), 6 AM to 12 MN (Daily) (T4 Transit)