December 10-19 | Singapore Returning for the 5th year, Singapore’s largest books and stationery festival offers visitors a multitude of reading and learning opportunities amidst a festive Christmas carnival atmosphere. The perfect day out for the whole family, enjoy fantastic savings on everything from toys and gifts to learning materials and software, as well as author appearances, kids’ activities and talks. Held at Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Halls 601-603, from 10am-10pm. Admission is free. Check it out at www.bookfestsingapore.com.

December 10-12 | Malaysia The perfect weekend for any beauty junkie, this event showcases the latest trends in beauty and wellness, and it features two thematic expos, Trulybeaute and All ‘bout Spa & Wellness. In this 2nd edition, visitors can attend spa presentations, talk to renowned beauty, spa and wellness exhibitors from countries such as Germany, France, Taiwan and Korea, as well as enjoy a free beauty makeover at the Carnival’s Makeup Station when they make a minimum purchase of RM100 in a single receipt at any booth. Admission is free so check out over 200 exhibitors from 11am-9pm at Mid Valley Exhibition Centre in Kuala Lumpur (Halls 1-3). www.trulybeaute.com.

December 3 | Brunei Bilingual hip hop sensation, EM5, will perform Bersama Selamanya (Together Forever), It’s You, and Wanna Wanna, written by the group’s creator, Lily Chiam, at a concert as part of the Rapsodi 2010 event. Performing at 7.30pm at the Jerudong Amphitheatre (in Jerudong Park Country Club), admission is free. For more information on the artists, visit www.lilychiam.com.

November 30-December 12 | Singapore Having enthralled 22 million fans in over 300 venues around the world, the famed Irish dance troupe returns to Singapore for the grand opening of the Sands Theatre at the impressive Marina Bay Sands Singapore. For a limited season only, the group’s Singapore tour will feature 31 outstanding performers who will tap their way into your heart. Tickets are from S$70-S$170 from www.marinabaysands.com/riverdance.aspx or SISTIC (Tel: 65.6348.5555; www.sistic.com.sg).

November 26-December 12 | Singapore Dust off your magic carpet and get ready for an exciting musical that’s just in time for the school holidays! King Shahriyar marries a virgin every night, and beheads her every morning. When it is the beautiful Shahrazad’s turn, watch how she tries to save her life by telling the tyrannical king a new story each night—for one thousand and one nights. Will she succeed? Will all unmarried girls in the city be safe? Presenting classic tales through an exciting mix of live theatre, puppetry and music, this musical promises a thrilling adventure that is fun for the whole family. At the Singapore Airlines Theatre, LASALLE College of the Arts (1 McNally St) tickets at S$33 (weekend matinee) and $36 (weekend and evening shows) from SISTIC (Tel: 65.6348.5555; www.sistic.com.sg).

November 21 | Malaysia Malaysia’s biggest marathon event is back, with the full marathon, half marathon, 10-kilometre run and the Fun Run starting and ending at the open space car park in front of Queensbay Mall in Bayan Lepas, Penang. Plug into www.penangmarathon.gov.my for more info.

October 23-24 | Sabah Dubbed ‘The World’s Toughest Mountain Race’, the Mount Kinabalu Climbathon is nothing short of a test on the spirit of human endurance. As part of the prestigious Sky Runners World Series, the Climbathon is the only race in the circuit that is held outside Europe. Interested runners can contact Zachary Mobijohn (Tel: 60.0882.3212.1 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ), or register online at www.sabahtourism.com. The closing date for registration is October 9 and only 150 participants will be selected. For more information on this year’s Sky Run, check out www.skyrunning.com.