If you have been through any toy store, or scroll through Carousell, or just out of the house recently, you’ve likely come across the name Labubu. This furry, elf-like character, a creation by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, has captured the hearts of Singaporeans. What’s behind this sudden obsession?
The Origins of Labubu
Labubu was first introduced in 2015 as part of Kasing Lung’s The Monsters series, inspired by Nordic mythology. Though it started as a niche art piece, the collaboration with Pop Mart—a popular toy brand known for its collectible blind boxes—catapulted Labubu to greater fame.
The turning point came in April 2024 when K-pop star Lisa from Blackpink shared a photo of herself with a Labubu plushie. Overnight, demand for Labubu collectibles exploded across Asia, including Singapore!
Nuff’ said of what Labubu is, I am sure you guys are even more familiar than us. That said, our folks at itineract embarked on this journey to obtain our very own Labubu and how YOU, our dear readers can win one!
Jewel Changi Airport
We begin our journey at Jewel Changi Airport, through Terminal 1. Our flight was early and we wanted to visit the Jewel Rain Vortex (which apparently had operating hours!). Thankfully, most shops were opened and we went straight to PopMart in search of Labubu to find out that..
All was sold out!
Remember about the Rain Vortex? Since we have not had any breakfast, we decided to head back Fun Toast which had an awesome view of the Rain Vortex.
Mon – Thu: 11:00AM – 10:00PM
Fri – Sun, including PH: 10:00AM – 10:00PM
We headed to the city to contuinue our search for Labubu and sad to say, after 2 to 3 PopMart shops, we have yet to find one.
UNTIL
We came across a Clawpitiam!
We did not manage to win any prizes here. Somehow, we figured out that this was more of a quota game rather than a skills game for claw machines; you needed to hit the arcade’s set number in order to catch the prize.
Upon sharing this with our friends, they have suggested “Why not try Cow Play Cow Moo instead? There are two outlets, Suntec and Orchard.” We decided to go to Suntec as they had 2 locations in Suntec; one was located at the top floor and the other at the basement.
Lo and behold, our Labubu loot!
Where to Find Labubu?
The million dollar question. While many stores have sold out, you can still find Labubu figures through:
- Pop Mart outlets: Check regularly for restocks
- Online marketplaces: Platforms like Carousell often have listings, though at a premium
- Collectible fairs: Keep an eye out for events in Singapore showcasing toys and figurines
- Claw Machines: While this requires luck and whatnot, give a shot at the quota game and you might be the next winner!
Labubu’s popularity is not just about the toy itself—it’s a shared obsession that combines the thrill of the hunt with the joy of owning a piece of this quirky phenomenon.
Are you part of the Labubu craze? Share your collection or tips on where to find these elusive figures in the comments below! By the way, if you have read through our blog, we will gift ONE LUCKY itineract user a sealed labubu blog. Comment and share away!
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