Locals Singapore

02/05/2026

It's not everyday one get to see cicada peeing, what more thousands of them peeing en masse? On a hot, sunny day in Pulau Ubin, we somehow witnessed this bizarre natural spectacle. The light drizzle felt oddly refreshing and somewhat sugary to the taste. The cicadas were feeding on the tree sap of the giant tree above us, while excreting the excess sugar and water. This excess liquid excreted is harmless to human, though it can leave a sticky residue. The phenomenon is sometimes referred to as a "shower of blessing" or "golden shower". A welcome cooling relief in the sweltering weather.

01/05/2026

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/live-show-on-bumboat-celebrates-nations-maritime-history-at-singapore-heritagefest

Discover the Singapore HeritageFest's live bumboat show, celebrating the nation's rich maritime history and its evolution into a global hub. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

25/04/2026

https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/living/malay-heritage-centre-reopening-2026-582206

After over three years of renovation works, the Malay Heritage Centre returns on Saturday (Apr 25) with new galleries and a nine-day festival exploring the diversity and evolving identity of the Malay community in Singapore and the region.

14/04/2026

Great start to the day at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve for our family from Hong Kong! Spotted numerous crocodiles while at the main bridge, a pair of Oriental Pied Hornbill foraging for food and a huge golden orb weaver spider feasting on cicada. Best of all, ringside view of a pair of monitor lizards wrestling! Nature at its wildest!

31/03/2026

Perfect day for a chill stroll at Berlayar Creek. Walking along the mangrove boardwalk, we caught the buzz of cicadas and the chatter of hornbills. Spotted a plantain squirrel snacking on a sea almond nut and a Malayan monitor lizard just soaking up the afternoon sun. A nice little break from the daily grind.

15/03/2026

Ever wondered what daily life was like inside a kampong house back in the day? Our guest from Australia had a delightful time discovering everyday household staples — from the rotary phone and spittoon to the treadle sewing machine and pestle mortar — along with the anecdotes behind them. A little trip down memory lane that feels like it was only yesterday.

18/01/2026

We had a great time welcoming our guests from the US for a stroll through the heartlands! With Chinese New Year upcoming and shops selling festive decorations, what better way to soak in the CNY vibes than to shop alongside the residents? From ang baos (red packets) to festive couplets, our guests clearly enjoyed themselves picking out decorations.

Here’s a little CNY pro tip: choose decorations without the zodiac animal so you can reuse them year after year 👍🏻👍🏻

As we usher in the Year of the Horse, we’d like to wish everyone an advance Happy Chinese New Year and 马到成功 — may success come galloping your way! 🧧🐎

04/01/2026

Big Sister’s Island is a short 30-minute ferry ride from Marina South Pier, making it an easy little escape from the city. It reopened in October 2024 after three years of upgrading, and the island now feels fresh and well thought out.

You can take a slow stroll along the floating boardwalk and, during low tide, catch glimpses of corals growing on panels attached beneath it. The climb up to the hilltop view deck is gentle and rewarding, with open sea views and a cooling breeze all the way. Walking through the coastal forest trail feels peaceful and unexpectedly lush for such a small island. Along the way, we spotted a pair of white-bellied sea eagles circling overhead, followed soon after by a brahminy kite gliding by.

It’s the kind of place where you’d happily lay out a picnic mat, catch up with loved ones, and just sit back listening to the sea.

12/10/2025

After soaking in the glow of Lights by the Lake last week, we found ourselves back under the night sky at Rockestra, part of the NParks Concert Series in the Park, this time at the lovely Ficus Lawn in Chinese Garden. The evening came alive with performances by local musicians Jumpstart, Cold Cut Duo, Too Much Drama, and 53A.

A perfect excuse to lay out a picnic, sway under the stars, and reconnect with the ones you love 🌙🎶.

05/10/2025

The “Lights by the Lake” event, held in celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival, transforms Jurong Lake Gardens into a glowing wonderland. Bridges adorned with vibrant lanterns, whimsical illuminated displays of characters from Journey to the West, and floating lanterns featuring koi fishes and lotus flowers reflecting on the water. Together, these displays create a festive and enchanting atmosphere that celebrates Chinese culture, storytelling, and the spirit of reunion under the moonlight.

The event lasts from now until 12 October, 6.30pm to 10.30pm daily. Head down to enjoy the vibe 😊

09/08/2025

Such a delightful day atop the Henderson Waves Bridge with our guest from France! What a wonderful surprise to learn she shares the same birthday as Singapore – 9 August! Here’s to a very happy birthday to you and to Singapore! 🥳🥳