Singapore Swings

Singers ain’t that sensible after all

Poor Singapore. Its sensible reputation is hard to shake. Even its more positive attributes are squeaky clean – literally. But doesn’t even ‘Sensible City’ have a touch of ‘Sin City’ after the sun goes down? Thankfully, it does – you just have to know where to find it.

Of course, the very reputable reputation isn’t fictional; far from it. You still can’t chew gum; woe betide if you jaywalk; and if you even think about taking drugs, you can wave goodbye to your head. Singapore will never be wild, in the way that some of its neighbours are, but it’s getting a whole lot hipper.

Start your night out with dinner at one of the city’s buzzy new establishments. Prime candidate is Krish, a brand new restaurant spilling over 6,000 sq ft, with a big-thumbs up from the city’s A-listers. Sample South Asian cuisine in the restored two-storey bungalow and follow up with a cocktail in the al fresco bar.

Too chilled? Head to The White Rabbit instead – a converted church, where the vibe is looser and livelier. It’s constantly packed to the rafters – with people digging into hearty Western food and gossiping about neighbouring tables. After a Mars Bar soufflé or a plate of macaroni and cheese, you may feel the urge to head home in a carb coma – but you mustn’t. The night is still young.

If you’re really fretting about your muffin top, start at Wave House, the new attraction on Sentosa. First and foremost it’s a place for surfers to catch some (fake) waves, but it also houses two beach bars where you can admire the sporty eye candy as you tuck into a cocktail. Just don’t be tempted to join them on the FlowRider after a few too many if you’re dolled up and dainty.

Sound a little off the wall? Then head to Speakeasy, everything that Wave House is not. Tiny, intimate and not even a little bit sporty, this is a bar that only insiders know about – so keep it to yourself. Totally unpretentious and with just four tables, it’s a real find. If you can, head there on a Wednesday (it’s only open Wed – Sat) when the cocktails are just S$8 (HK$45).

If you’ve got considerably more dosh in your pocket and want to flash it, try The Post Bar at the Fullerton, one of Singapore’s grandest hotels set in a huge converted post office. Here a Cosmo will set you back S$21 – though it may well be the best one that ever passes your lips. It’s a good alternative to the Long Bar at Raffles where you’ll just share space with a zillion and one tourists drinking Singapore Slings, and wondering what all the fuss was about.

Cocktail hour over, Slings supped and its time to move those dancing feet. Singers does have good clubs. Newest in town is Stereolab on Raffles Boulevard. Opened by industry veteran Michel Lu, it features a kick-ass sound system and is attracting big name DJs. Go. And never say Singapore is dull again.

New to the city? Time to get high. And we mean in the legal sense. New Asia Bar is located on the 71st floor of Equinox Complex – so it’s the ideal place to get your bearings, take in a stunning view and shake your thang. The music is happy and cheesy and the crowd is cool.

Zouk is another city fave – with something for every kind of clubber. Wednesdays mean Mambo Jambo, a night of crazed dance music; weekends equal international DJs playing to a wired crowd; and, yes, Balearic Thursdays are for Norman Jay and DJ Alfredo aficionados wanting to ressurect holidays past in Ibiza.

And what about the day after the night before? Still raring to go? Singapore has it covered. Head back to Sentosa – but this time pack your bikini. The Shack on Tanjong Beach has daybeds, deckchairs and cold Tiger beer waiting for you – the perfect place for you to ponder how Singapore ain’t so dull after all.

Where to Stay

Bold and Beautiful
The Fullerton
Grand and gorgeous – the Fullerton is one of the city’s best – with all the expected trimmings. The five-star boutique hotel has bags of character – something you won’t get from the many other luxury chains in town.
www.fullertonhotel.com

Unique Treat
New Majestic Hotel
Look up as you dine in the hotel restaurant and you’ll see people swimming above you. This hotel is all about the eccentric, from the beds suspended from the ceiling to the cheeky pool with portholes.
www.newmajestichotel.com

Mean Business
Naumi
In the business district and with every slick urban treat on hand, this is a hotel for urbanites with style. The 10th floor pool deck seals the deal.
www.naumihotel.com