Once in Singapore we strongly suggest to pick up the free IS Magazine from any Coffee Bean, Delifrance or similar establishment. Our favourite magazine (published twice monthly) will not only give you the very best idea of what in Singapore is currently in but also what is out. Their articles are as bold as they can get.
You can also get free copies of entertainment listings and guides at the information counters of most major shopping centres. To get a general idea of entertainment scene in Singapore, check the links below:
Bars and pubs
Chijmes is a good place to escape from crazy Singaporean pace. It used to be a gothic style convent school, but is now restored and houses pubs, cafes and restaurants. It also hosts concerts from time to time. The church continues to serve as a place of worship.
Boat Quay runs along Singapore River and offers a nice opportunity to chill out al fresco or in old Chinese shop houses converted into pubs and restaurants, and enjoy the view of the river. Alcoholic drinks are heavily taxed, so expect to pay at least SGD 10 for a mug of beer. A nice place to hang out is Harry's Bar with good live jazz performances. Boat Quay is about 5 minutes' walk from Raffles Place MRT station..
Clarke Quay is quite similar to Boat Quay.
Mohamed Sultan Road is full of hip and not so hip pubs. The queues at Wong San's and Nextpage Pub often spill onto the road after 9 pm, proving how popular they are.
Hard Rock Cafe Singapore – well, you know that place, don't you?
Casinos
Not too long ago casinos in Singapore were forbidden by law, but then Singaporean government apparently realised that it is losing a substantial amount of income due to gambling ban. On one hand, Singaporean citizens used to travel to great Asian gambling destinations such as Macao, and on the other hand rich gambling addicts have been avoiding Singapore as there were no casinos in town.
But now everything has changed. Not only did they open the first casino in Singapore. They did it Singaporean style and made sure that it is one of the largest casinos in the world, integrated into a resort-style hotel and luxury shopping mall located in one of the most imposing buildings in Singapore.
Marina Bay Sands Singapore is a gigantic leisure complex for the rich, consisting of a casino, luxury shopping mall, luxury hotel and a number of bars, restaurants and clubs. Marina Bay Sands casino covers an area of 15.000 square metres spread over 4 levels. Marina Bay Sands casino boasts more than 600 casino tables, more than 1.500 slot machines and many restaurants. One of the much admired features of Marina Bay Sands casino is a chandelier, suspended 40 metres from the ceiling of main casino hall, made of 132.000 Swarovski crystals and weighing 7.1 tonnes.
Foreign gamblers visiting Singapore prefer to stay at luxurious Marina Bay Sands Hotel. Many of the 2.560 guestrooms of Marina Bay Sands Hotel offer marvellous views of Singapore. Hotel guests have access to the famous infinity pool at Sands SkyPark, 200 metres above the streets of Singapore. The pool stretches all the way to the edge of the platform, giving an illusion of water disappearing in the sky. Book Marina Bay Sands Hotel >>
Access to Sands SkyPark is not limited to hotel guests. Parts of Sands SkyPark are open for visitors who are charged 20 SGD to take an express elevator to the top. Visitors are not allowed to use the pool. In case of nice weather and good visibility we do recommend visiting Sands SkyPark as it offers brilliant views of Singapore CBD, colonial district and Singapore port.
Location: 10 Bayfront Avenue, 10 minutes walk from MRT station Promenade. Web: www.marinabaysands.com
Cinemas
Cathay Cineplex - Singapore's premier cineplex at Orchard Road area.
Golden Village Cinemas - Another cinema company with theatres scattered all around the island.
Shaw Organisation - An organisation supporting local film industry and managing Shaw House cineplex at Orchard Road.
Classical music
Singapore Symphony orchestra - A premier Asian orchestra gaining recognition around the world.
Clubs and discos
St James Power Station - The largest complex of clubs in Singapore housed in a reconstructed oldest thermal power plant building in Singapore dating from 1927.
dbl O - A slick and modern dance club conceived for gals from 20 years old & guys from 22 years old.
Zouk Club Singapore - One of Singapore's most popular nightspots.
E-tickets
SISTIC - Book your tickets for great Singaporean entertainment online.
Theatres
The Esplanade - Theatres on the bay - One of the boldest architectural achievements of Singapore, often named 'durian' due to its spiky dome, the Esplanade hosts performances of acclaimed artists from all over the world.