In the whirlwind universe of blind boxes and designer art toys, every drop brings a new obsession. But lately, looking at Pop Mart’s Twinkle Twinkle series, we can’t unsee it: with its snug, wrapped head cowl and serene gaze, the character looks remarkably, comfortingly like a hijabi.
When Pop Mart Singapore brought the star-eyed wanderer out for an official island-wide photo expedition, it mapped out an incredible itinerary. For those looking to retrace the character’s exact physical stops across Singapore, here is a curated digital guide featuring each landmark stop, complete with interactive cultural experiences, nearby modest kebaya shopping, and great halal-friendly dining:
1. Jewel Changi Airport
- The Sights: Posing right in front of the world-famous HSBC Rain Vortex, framed by tiered indoor forests and cascading water views.
- Halal Bites Nearby:
- Elfuego by COLLIN’S®: A fully halal-certified fine dining spot offering upscale modern European cuisine and gourmet steaks.
- Saap Saap Thai: For comforting, flavorful halal boat noodles and tom yum.
- Jinjja Chicken: A casual favorite for Korean-style fried chicken and fries.
2. Merlion Park & Raffles Place
- The Sights: Standing proudly beside Singapore’s legendary water-spouting icon against the backdrop of the modern financial district skyline.
- Halal Bites Nearby: Head just steps away into the central business district near Raffles Place for a vast selection of MUIS-certified and Muslim-owned cafes and lunch spots.
3. The Peranakan Museum (Armenian Street)
- The Sights: Posing outside the mint-green and white colonial-style heritage building. Visitors can dive deeper into local heritage here by playing dress-up with traditional kebayas during interactive cultural sessions.
- Shopping Nearby: Just a short walk away toward City Hall/Funan is Little Nyonya Batik, where you can shop for beautifully crafted, modest kebayas, batik sarongs, and traditional accessories.
- Halal Bites Nearby: Explore the surrounding civic and arts district near Bras Basah (including options around nearby Raffles City), home to various accessible dining choices.
4. Joo Chiat & Koon Seng Road
- The Sights: Strolling past vibrant, pastel-colored Peranakan shophouses rich in local architectural history and intricate tilework. Look out for the neighborhood’s iconic circular convex mirrors—framing the character inside a wide-angle glass reflection against the historic shophouses makes for a brilliant visual and creates tiny, unforgettable memories from Singapore.
- Halal Bites Nearby:
- The Velvet Cut: A Muslim-owned woodfire steakhouse serving up artisanal plates and hand-crafted cuts right on Joo Chiat Road.
- Joo Chiat Caphe: A cozy, Muslim-friendly spot offering unique fusion treats like Mackerel Otah Banh Mi and local drinks (ingredients are halal-sourced).
- Wooly’s Bagels: Known for generous, specialty halal bagels and comfortable café vibes ideal for an afternoon pause.
- Muslimah-Friendly Beauty & Grooming Stops:
- Colours Hair Studio (located at Centropod on Changi Road): A trusted women-only, hijab-friendly salon offering a private, comfortable environment just minutes away from the main trail.
- Jannah Hair & Beauty Image (located at Tristar Complex on Geylang Road): Another convenient, nearby option providing welcoming, female-focused care just down the road from the neighborhood.
Twinkle Twinkle As A Paveway to Modest Toy Culture & Global Halal Travel
The “Twinkle Twinkle” trail bridges the gap between mainstream global designer toy culture and local heritage, offering a warm, community-driven lens for Muslim collectors. By following the character’s exact island-wide photo expedition—from Jewel Changi Airport and Merlion Park to the Peranakan Museum and the historic shophouses of Joo Chiat—the journey transforms into a thoughtful itinerary.
It weaves together art toy exploration, interactive museum dress-up sessions, nearby modest kebaya shopping at Little Nyonya Batik, iconic circular mirror photo frames, and a hand-curated selection of halal-friendly dining spots.
