Thursday 14 February 2013

Nightclubs in Singapore


The nightclub scene has exploded in Singapore over the last 20 years. From Zouk opening its doors in 1991 to the floating palace of Avalon opening in 2011, Singapore has become a clubbers paradise. With so many clubs out there, we’ve chosen to focus on four of the most popular. For full listing of going-ons in Singapore make sure you pick up a free copy of Juice or Ziggy. Both magazines are found in various shops around Singapore.

Avalon

The newest venue on the Singapore nightclub scene, Avalon was built as part of the famous Marina Bay Sands complex.  Founded by the same team behind Avalon in Los Angeles, Singapore’s Avalon brings world-class state of the art clubbing to south-east Asia. Housed in the floating South Crystal Pavilion, the nightclub impresses before you’ve even crossed the threshold. Once inside you’ll be confronted with 17,000 square feet of clubbing heaven. Set over two floors with interior design by New York firm Roman and Williams, party in ultimate style to world renowned artists and DJs. With a constant rotation of international artists performing at Avalon, there’s a good chance you’ll catch one of your favourites while in Singapore. Also make sure you try their original energy-cocktail ‘POP!’ Cover charge varies depending on who’s performing so make sure you double check before heading out. For nights with local DJs only, don’t expect to pay less than $25 for entry.

Zouk

One of the oldest clubs in Singapore, Zouk’s popularity has only grown and grown in the 21 years since it was established. Constantly appearing in the top ten of DJ Magazine’s list of best clubs in the world, Zouk is the place to choose if your time in Singapore is limited. Zouk is part of a nightlife complex that includes the hip hop orientated Phuture, the less-mainstream Velvet Underground and the chilled Zouk Wine Bar. Zouk is also responsible for the most international artists performing in Singapore, with 153 bookings in 2012 alone. This is also due to the side-events they put on outside of the nightclub. If you’re in Singapore in December you may have a chance to experience ZoukOut. One of the biggest electronic music festivals in south-east Asia, ZoukOut takes place on the picturesque island of Sentosa. With a massive line-up consisting of the world’s top DJs and electronic music producers, it has become the highlight of the year for Singaporean clubbers. As Wednesday night in Singapore is ‘ladies night’, make sure you check out TGIW at Zouk. Happening every Wednesday it’s the perfect place for people on holiday as you don’t have to work the next day! Entry is $25, but being on a Wednesday, entry for ladies is free. Entry costs for other nights at Zouk and its neighbouring clubs depends on who’s playing. Make sure you check the price when deciding who to go and see.

Zirca

Located in Singapore’s party district, Clarke Quay, Zirca is relatively new face on the Singapore club scene, but it has very much made its mark. If you’re looking for more of a party than just dancing to music, Zirca is the place for you. Expect champagne to be flowing as performers take to the stage to entertain the 2,000 excited revellers. Another club that regularly hosts international artists, Zirca is also famous for its Wednesday night party Lollipop, another popular free night for ladies. If you’re feeling brave you can check out one of Zirca’s many costume parties. Be aware that people put a lot of effort in so don’t phone it in or you’ll definitely stand out, and not in the way you’re supposed to. Prices at Zirca are steep but if you’re into a spectacle beyond the normal clubbing experience then it’s well worth the price of admission. 

Home Club

Billed as Singapore’s home of the underground, Home Club is a back-to-basics clubbing experience focusing on music over everything else. The place to regularly hear music styles not often represented in the bigger clubs like techno, dubstep and drum n bass, Home Club also hosts indie nights for those that like to dance to something other than electronic music. It’s also a popular venue for local bands, with the club often doubling as a live music venue earlier in the night. Furthering the venue’s diversity, Home Club hosts regular comedy nights.  Although often hosting international artists, usually Home Club is home to young upcoming Singaporean DJs, which keeps door prices down, making it a popular club for many young Singaporeans. Its location next to the Singapore River, outside tables and great service also make it a great hangout spot. Cover charge at Home Club is always decent, even for international artists, so if you’re into music and don’t care about the bells and whistles of the nearby superclubs, then Home Club is the perfect place for you.   

As mentioned this is only the tip of the iceberg. Whether you like pop, house, trance, techno, drum n bass, dubstep, hip hop or R&B, there’s a DJ in a club somewhere waiting for you. Keep an eye on local listings before you arrive as you might get a chance to see a popular international DJ, if not the local DJs are well equipped to fuel your night of dancefloor hijinks.









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