Singapore: Clubbing & Nightlife

I thought I'd take time today (having returned from a big night out) to clue you guys in regarding the nightlife in Singapore.

This may come as a bit of a surprise to many of you, however I don't go "clubbing" in Sydney - I had only been once to Home nightclub before I left in December, and that was an underage event whilst I was in high school!! How times have changed.

Whilst Singapore nightlife is relatively expensive (S$15-20 cover charges, S$10+ beers, S$12+ cocktails/mixers) it's an important part of the exchange student lifestyle, and one that we have embraced.

Many of the most memorable times this semester have come during or after a big night out (predominantly a Wednesday night/Thursday morning as its 'ladies night' then - females enter/drink for free at most clubs! - how unfair is that!?!!).

This semester I've been to ChinaBlack (Hiphop/Dance club), Tiki Bar ('free-flow' bar on Boat Quay), Zouk (the club in Singapore - dance/hiphop/retro on Wed), Insomnia (bar with live band), and last night Wu Bar (proper hip hop). I'm sure I'll go to many more before semester ends. Most clubs are hip-hop based, and the 'dance' clubs play commercial dance

Important terms in Singapore:
1-for-1: buy one, get one free. You ask for 1 drink, and you get 2.
Free-flow: all you can drink for a certain time period (ladies usually longer than guys)
Ladies night: Wednesdays at most places, ranges from free everything (ChinaBlack) to just discounted entrance (Zouk).

Note that all concepts of "responsible drinking" don't really exist, and the main aim for many is to get drunk, but not in an Aussie way - we don't drink to get drunk here, we just get drunk. It's a subconscious goal. Also, the cost of alcohol means you go to free-flow places and drink more than you would if it was $4-5 a drink everywhere. Strange logic huh!?

Oh, and if you are ever on Mohammed Sultan Rd (the single biggest clubbing district), enter Wu Bar at your own risk! It's proper hip-hop, and quite small and quiet, however we had an interesting time there nonetheless! Jane got to dance with 30+yr old black guys, Tim threw up on himself, Aruni threw up outside, and we all looked stupid pole-dancing!

Like I said, enter at your own risk!

Ciao!