Malaysia - Singapore

ATMwalking · #1 16-07-2007, 13:27

There isn't a Singapore section (why?) so this category is geographically closest.

I made it down to Clarke Quay for the first time. I was drawn by the fairly new Kandi Bar ( Kandi Bar by Hed Kandi ) operated by the Hed Kandi group. Although a very cool outdoor patio place I was a little disappointed as I thought there would be an indoor part.

I'd was actually very surprised by Clarke Quay. It is huge and really nice. Different buildings with huge walkways. Lots of little bars, restaurants, and night clubs. It is kinda what Juncleyon could only dream of for "The Port" area. The place is packed with locals and tourists.

It was getting late anyway so I wandered over to the newish Ministry of Sound ( Welcome to the Ministry of Sound, Singapore ). Working off memory it is $27 (all prices singapore dollars) to get in. That includes 2 standard drinks. But vodka redbull takes two tickets. To buy a standard drink is $11.

There are actually three clubs inside (set-up like Zouk). The main area is quite large. Killer sound system. Good lights. The decor is a little bland with a warehouse feel. Of course the music is unlike anything you are going to hear in Phuket. You can't smoke inside bars in Singapore anymore. There are two smoking rooms inside, but both were being used for private functions and I was polity asked not to smoke and leave (how about signs on the door???). Take the escalator up to the second level. There is another smallish bar there. I'm not sure if this is actually a VIP room as there is a huge bouncer in front of the door. Do what I did, walk around to the other side near the toilets and then sneak in the back door.

It had a nice more upscale feel. Slightly older crowd (late 20's - mid 30's) and the music wasn't as intense. Would be a good area to chill for a bit and have a few drinks.

Back downstairs across the entrance way is the hip hop club. This place was pack and the average age was much younger. They did it with a real ghetto feel with spray paint and metal fence cages.

At one point I bumped into some Thai friends. The guys wanted to check out Attica Too ( Attica ). But there was a line up and they didn't want to wait cause they know someone and they are big shots in Phuket, bla bla bla...you know the drill. After waiting for 20 minutes on the sidelines I got board and wondered off. While waiting the house music sounded good. But when I swung by again later that night I heard Guns n Roses "Sweet Child of Mine" so I don't know what was going on. I decided to not wait to go in. I think the cover here was also $27 for two drinks.

On a side and slightly funny note, there is a Hooters ( ::: HOOTERS ::: ) right near Attica. But there wasn't much in the actual hooters department.

Swung by The Arena ( The Arena ). Cool bar, great lights and sound, cool music, no cover, but totally empty. Couldn't figure it out so left.

Walked by Barfly (by Buddha Bar) ( Barfly ) and it was very busy with groups of people. Looked very cool as you'd expect.

So I was really surprised and happy with the selection of places down there. For sure worth checking out.

LivinLOS · #2 16-07-2007, 13:34

The last time I did a run through Sing I went down the Clarke Quay area and was impressed.. I went with a buddy who is not at all into clubbing and so we were mostly bar hopping. Lots of fairly friendly people to bump into and chat, it was my best Sing experience so far.

I like Sing, lots of people slate it, not sure why ?? It works, its clean, has good transport, nice street food, interesting, diverse multi ethnic locals, sure you spend more on drinks and I wouldnt bother chasing P4P around there. Maybe its the rules that would get to me ??

ATMwalking · #3 16-07-2007, 13:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by LivinLOS

I like Sing, lots of people slate it, not sure why ?? It works, its clean, has good transport, nice street food, interesting, diverse multi ethnic locals, sure you spend more on drinks and I wouldn't bother chasing P4P around there. Maybe its the rules that would get to me ??

And it has beaches, parks, soon casinos, amusement parks, I think cirque de solie and other big acts are going to have full-time set-ups. Transportation: real roads, you can safely own a good car, cheap taxis (47 Baht for first KM), good public transit.

The same taxi driver that was ranting about corruption was also going on about all the good stuff of Sing, like you mention above. At the end he asked me "So why do you live in Phuket?". Silence. Took me a minute to fumble out an answer. If I was more into living in an apartment, i'd be very tempted. The more I get to know Singapore, the more I realize that aside from cost of living, Phuket doesn't have much on Singapore if anything at all. Maybe just a little more relazed with the sanuk sabia sabia side of things.

LivinLOS · #4 16-07-2007, 13:54

Aspects I could imagine to be a problem..

Rules, lots of em, no chewing gum or rizla etc, being told what to do, Government micro manages things I hear.

Money, not only cost of living but as far as money being the big driver to status, I heard Sing girls can be many downsides, just as nuts and more money hungry, someone one said it revolves around the 4 c's.. Condo, car, country club, credit card.

Personally I am not a city dweller, not into apartment living and a nice penthouse with outdoor space is killer prices even for people with millions. Also sometimes I like things a little rough around the edges.

But as a visit place for a couple of nights its a great spot and these days costs so little to get to.

Dame · #5 16-07-2007, 15:53

Beer prices aside, I was hugely impressed with Singapore. I could see myself living there if I had the cash. Things actually worked...

Nautilus · #6 17-07-2007, 07:49

Yeah Clarke Quay is nice. Nearby Boat Quay and Riverside also offer lots to eat and places to drink.

Did you go to Brewrerkz? They brew their own beer and is very very nice.

Brewerkz Singapore-About Brewerkz

ATMwalking · #7 17-07-2007, 14:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nautilus

Did you go to Brewrerkz? They brew their own beer and is very very nice.

Brewerkz Singapore-About Brewerkz

I walked by some micro brewery. Looked nice. Didn't stop, but should have. Would have been good to drink a real beer.

Dodger · #8 17-07-2007, 14:34

I went to singers two weeks ago with the boys for a visa run. Liked Clarke Quay area, we ate at Hooters, as you say could be a bit of a trade description act thingy going on there!! Didn't go to the clubs but went bar hopping and really liked the area. We stayed near to orchard road but at the other end, so our first night out we went to Orchard Towers and surrounding area. Muddy Malones irish bar was just like being at home, full of expats drinking pints!! Orchard Towers was horrible, first bar we went to was about the only one sort of okay, think it was called Dream Girls, after that every other bar was just full of pushy Ladyboys wanting a drink or offering a massage. I didn't like Orchard Towers because it was everything sleazy or bad about thailand all wrapped into one building, and the worse of it, not a good advert for the country and if I hadn't been here before I wouldn't have been going after seeing the towers.

Generally I spoilt my first couple of days because everything was more expensive and I got a bit over paranoid about how much stuff was, after a day or so, got used to calculating the cost and realised things were only say 50% higher than here, so chilled a bit and enjoyed myself much more.

Flight was cheap, think it was 3,500bht for return with Tiger Airways, hotel was expensive paid 4,500bht for a triple room in a not so good hotel, double room in a better hotel was at least 6,000bht and upwards, so a lot dearer than Phuket especially as considering the time of year.

Food, we were pathetic when in Singers as we seemed to only eat at Farang restaurants, Hard Rock Cafe, Hooters etc but we havn't done that for ages so thought a little treat for ourselves, only had one Sing dish and that was chilli crab, supposed to be famous dish.

Nautilus · #9 17-07-2007, 15:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by ATMwalking

I walked by some micro brewery. Looked nice. Didn't stop, but should have. Would have been good to drink a real beer.

A Singaporean friend of mine told me there is another micro brewery in Clarke Quay, maybe you can ask around.

The prices in Brewerkz changes from time to time. Lots of good beer and nice food there.

Nautilus · #10 17-07-2007, 15:24

There are some really nice and fun bars at Sentosa Island. I remember a bikini bar there.

ATMwalking · #11 17-07-2007, 16:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nautilus

There are some really nice and fun bars at Sentosa Island. I remember a bikini bar there.

There is a Cafe Del Mar branch there now. Big pool and all the rest. Want to check that out next time.

I agree with Dodger, Sing isn't about the sleaze. It is about taking a break from it and enjoy the nice stuff offered. Wouldn't even consider wasting one minute at Orchard Plaza. Too many better things available.

Nautilus · #12 17-07-2007, 16:36

Yeah, Singapore has a lot to offer, but i cant really stay there too long.

Had a holiday there once for 6 nights. Besides shopping and nightlife, i dont know what else to do.

With the 2 Casinos coming up, it will be even better. The Casino in Sentosa has a Universal Studios.

Cafe del Mar * Singapore looks good.

Any BMs been to Zouk Out in Singapore? The Annual rave event at Sentosa, really good stuff.

Nanook · #13 17-07-2007, 16:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nautilus

Yeah, Singapore has a lot to offer, but i cant really stay there too long.

Had a holiday there once for 6 nights. Besides shopping and nightlife, i dont know what else to do.

With the 2 Casinos coming up, it will be even better. The Casino in Sentosa has a Universal Studios.

Cafe del Mar * Singapore looks good.

Any BMs been to Zouk Out in Singapore? The Annual rave event at Sentosa, really good stuff.

Besides the fact that usually I go to Singapore for visiting our company's office there, I find that as far as private time is concerned, 3-4 days is enough. Especially when you have been there more often, like me.
In my case I have the luck, that I have a couple of close (office) friends, who always take me to new places, I have never been before.

As far as the Quays are concerned, they have gobe to a major oveerhaul in the past few years. Has been much improved compared to a few years ago.

Nautilus · #14 17-07-2007, 16:56

I have friends there who show me around and some bars that tourist wont know.

Holland Village is another nice area to hang out.

East Coast Park is nice, there is an Irish Bar there right on the beach. Cool.

philly · #15 19-07-2007, 00:57

I've been having a look at moving out to Sing, seems to be the closest place to LOS where you can get work and still earn decent money.

Would you guys recommend it? I'm an experienced recruitment consultant.

LivinLOS · #16 19-07-2007, 09:38

Find someone to recruit you

!!

I was always interested in your end of that market, I used to run a employment agency and man management at the total opposite end of the spectrum (bodies on timesheets). Tried to diversify into higher end trades as I could see the rates charged but was always too busy with what we did to think.

nelsonone · #17 19-07-2007, 10:08

singers is OK for a stopver (or I'd use it for a visa run too if I needed it)....Singapore Airlines up...stay overnight in a good 5 star at reasonable price.....take in a meal and club or two then get on a plane by miday early next day......

It really is altogether too clean and clinical for me.....and dare I say boring.....even the nightlife areas as ATM described above with the big club franchises are squeaky clean...I like it a bit more dirty than that....(punters seem like they are play acting to me)....but not as dirty as the 4 Floors show....agreed if that's the best P4P available in Singers its best to wait for LOS.....full of orrible orrible LB's

For food I like the hawker nightmarket on Orchard Rd and Orchard Rd is pretty good for quality goods at a reasonable price.....

give me 2 days and I'm outta there.......

Nanook · #18 19-07-2007, 14:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nautilus

Holland Village is another nice area to hang out.

Of course......

Ceewye · #19 28-08-2007, 17:34

Feel free to PM me the next time you get to Singapore... For a drink or just for a free pick up service from the airport.

I won't offer my opinions as I believe Singapore is no a place to live in unless ure filthy rich...

The only worthy "clubbing" scene worth going for would be Zouk Out... at Sentosa held once every year... other than that.... You'd be better off in LOS...

The few notable clubs in Singapore, Ministy of Sound(dying, young crowd), Violet Dragon(ex-MoMo), St James Powerhouse(Newest/Biggest), Zouk(Old favourite)...

IMHO, Clarke Quay is overpriced... It caters to the tourists...
Boat quay is where you'll find all the smallish pubs... Not worth the time unless you just want to have a drink...

If it's P4P that you're looking for... it's located around Geylang area...

ATMwalking · #20 28-08-2007, 19:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ceewye

IMHO, Clarke Quay is overpriced... It caters to the tourists...
Boat quay is where you'll find all the smallish pubs... Not worth the time unless you just want to have a drink...

I agree. But coming from Thailand or really Phuket...it is a nice change. Things are clean, organized, well done, ect. Worth the price of admission

dizbuster · #21 29-08-2007, 11:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nautilus

...Did you go to Brewrerkz? They brew their own beer and is very very nice.

Brewerkz Singapore-About Brewerkz

Brewerkz won't be around much longer, unfortunately. The lease came up for renewal and the owner wouldn't pay the huge increase in rent, so he's decided to move the whole thing up to Malaysia, KL I think.

Crustasian · #22 29-08-2007, 16:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by dizbuster

Brewerkz won't be around much longer, unfortunately. The lease came up for renewal and the owner wouldn't pay the huge increase in rent, so he's decided to move the whole thing up to Malaysia, KL I think.

It is my afternoon watering hole when I am In Singapore.They have cheap pints of great IPA all afternoon.

Nautilus · #23 29-08-2007, 16:12

Serious? Move to KL? It's not ez to get a license like that in Malaysia.

I luv drinking there also, Oatmeal Stout rocks !!!!

Crustasian · #24 29-08-2007, 16:40

Ceewye or Diz

Can you give us an update on Duxton Hill area.I used to like the old bars in the square there but some have changed over.

Nautilus · #25 29-08-2007, 16:52

Where is Duxton Hill ?

Ceewye · #26 29-08-2007, 17:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nautilus

Where is Duxton Hill ?

Righto... Duxton Hill would be around the Tanjong Pagar area... It's located in the Central Business District.

Unfortunately, I don't frequent this place much... I can pop by to take a few pics of that area though... Coz its v.near my work place.

Pricewise: from cheap @ SGD20/jug to ex @ SGD38/jug
Crowd: Mostly office workers as it's located nearby.

Have been there only thrice... One was in a bar where they had a live band... they have FLs from Phillipines working there... Fortunately I know the boss there and 1 bottle of Martell cost me only SGD120. LDs are expensive though... It's SGD50 for 5 shots of tequila...

This was also where I first found out what a body shot was... Basically involves drinking the tequila and swirling it in ur mouth with the nipple attached to your mouth... Not too bad...

Another was when I accompanied a friend to a karaoke pub @ tanjong pagar area... SGD28/Jug... only 2 BG touting LDs... ugly ones at that... -.-

Last was when i went gay bar hopping with 7 other gays... lol... it was fun... places visited were, Happy, WhyNot, Taboo and Tantaric. Suprisingly... the gay scene in Singapore is quite tolerated...

These are the various kinds of pubs around the Tanjong pagar area... digressed abit... sorry....

Will go around taking pictures sometime this week and will post it here next week...

Cheers!

Nautilus · #27 30-08-2007, 09:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by dizbuster

Brewerkz won't be around much longer, unfortunately. The lease came up for renewal and the owner wouldn't pay the huge increase in rent, so he's decided to move the whole thing up to Malaysia, KL I think.

We have even slated for new outlets to be opened in Singapore, one of which is now opened at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

We are even looking into expanding in the Orchard, East Coast and Bukit Timah areas.

Got this email fr Brewerkz.

dizbuster · #28 30-08-2007, 09:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crustasian

Ceewye or Diz

Can you give us an update on Duxton Hill area.I used to like the old bars in the square there but some have changed over.

I have yet to go there but a fella I am currently working with and who has lived here a long time, told me that when he went there with a few friends 3/4 months back, it was good fun. He also said that there was one place they went to, where they had to leave after just 1 drink as they were being pestered too much by the girls !! Apparently the girls had their hands everywhere

I am hoping to get down there soon, but am currently keeping a lid on my spending, so I have more sheckels for my next trip to LOS, which is coming up soon.

dizbuster · #29 30-08-2007, 09:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nautilus

We have even slated for new outlets to be opened in Singapore, one of which is now opened at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

We are even looking into expanding in the Orchard, East Coast and Bukit Timah areas.

Got this email fr Brewerkz.

I was told that the owner is not renewing the current lease as the new rent is too expensive. He's closing down the Clarke Quay operation and moving up to Malaysia. Whether he was looking at moving to Malaysia or has signed the deal up there, I don't know but will try to find out. It would be a shame if the place went and didn't just move to another part of Singapore.

It's all down to typical Chinese greed. Lots of expats here are having problems with landlords who have rented out places at the end of last year/start of this year, only to see the rental prices rise by circa 50% and they all now want a piece of it. If the prices were to drop then I'm certain they wouldn't by so eager to accept less rent !!

Ceewye · #30 30-08-2007, 10:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by dizbuster

It's all down to typical Chinese greed. Lots of expats here are having problems with landlords who have rented out places at the end of last year/start of this year, only to see the rental prices rise by circa 50% and they all now want a piece of it. If the prices were to drop then I'm certain they wouldn't by so eager to accept less rent !!

WELCOME TO SINGAPORE....

Nautilus · #31 30-08-2007, 15:31

Yeap, rental is Singapore is up the roof now. Too much development. Even some expats i met said they have to move cause it's just too expensive there now.

Masterwoodsman · #32 30-08-2007, 16:31

As an ex resident of Singapore for 3 years i'm really shocked to hear about the closure of Brewerkz. That place started as one unit and through popularity bought out the restaurant next door and eventually the one next to that. A fantastic venue for good food and excellent home brew beers. Unfortuantely the Chinese greed overwhelms their business sense of should i say lack of it. Better to be getting a guaranteed X amount of rent per month than nothing at all and one huge empty shop unit....

What will be Singapore's loss will certainly be KL's gain

On Clarke Quay my favourite haunt was The Crazy Elephant bar, The bar is owned by the lead guitarist who is one of the best i've heard play, the live band is superb and the atmosphere electric....shame the beer so expensive....But again welcome to Singapore on that note !

Nautilus · #33 30-08-2007, 16:42

Doubt Brewerkz will open in KL.

The market in KL is dominated by Carlsberg and Tiger.

Anyway in the email i got, Brewerkz said they aint closing.

Masterwoodsman · #34 30-08-2007, 16:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nautilus

Doubt Brewerkz will open in KL.

The market in KL is dominated by Carlsberg and Tiger.

Anyway in the email i got, Brewerkz said they aint closing.

I heard from a reliable source that Carlsberg is going to be on the shelves here soon if not already in some places....

Carlsberg....Probably the best alcoholic cats p1ss in the world !!!

Nautilus · #35 30-08-2007, 16:52

Also dont forget Malaysia being a Muslim Country, liquor license aint easy to get.

Something like Brewerkz to operate in KL, erm...i will be amazed if they can do it. With alcohol tax raising every year...

I dont drink Carlsberg. Only drink Tiger or Guinness in KL