Wednesday, April 10, 2013

10 activities after dark

Compared to many major cities in Asia, Singapore may not hold a candle to them but you can never be too certain to say that there is no night life in Singapore. Who can really be 100% sure that there is nothing to do in Singapore, especially when we are so caught up in the rat race and the next day is probably another mind boggling day at work.

Well, not quite so if you are thinking that the island has nothing to offer. Here's my top ten list of the things you can do after sunset till the wee hours when you and your bunch of kakis just can't sleep...

1. Night cycling

This is something that sparked off in the late 90s with the proliferation of bike rental shops offering overnight rentals, and fall in rental fees, allowing more opportunities for night bikers wanting to experience the taste of night Singapore on two wheels. With more park connectors sprouting throughout the island, cycling has never been more "convenient".

A typical casual night cycling trip takes about 30 to 40 km which can be easily completed by dawn even if you start off the journey at 10pm. The journey up to your discretion can also comprises of regular pitstops such as food places where you can have a great supper. Problem is you have to plan your own route just like road trips overseas and that's the fun of it. Exploring Singapore like no other, with a bunch of close friends, while keeping fit at the same time. However, have ample rest before you paddle and obey road safety: helmets on and cycle on the left shoulder on roads. (Do not try to attempt this if you are not confident in cycling!)

For starters, you may try some routes that I have taken.
Night route

All you need:
Bicycle or rent one mountain bike overnight at East Coast Park for $8-$15
Water bottle, some drinks and food

Estimated total cost: $25

2. Night Kite Flying


Kite flying has always been a favorite pastime for locals, especially picnickers on a breezy sunday afternoon. But have you tried flying it at night? The lower visibility makes the sport more challenging and fun with the flashing LED lights which make them look like flying saucers. The coolness of the night makes it a better experience compared to the day.

Great kite flying venues:
1. Marina barrage
2. Punggol field
3. West Coast Park

All you need:
Kite (with string and reel), LED lighting (add-ons which cost at least $10)
^Weather dependent

Estimated total cost: $25

3. Stargazing

Sounds like a bad idea in our badly light-polluted atmosphere but you can be surprised we have a great night sky on a clear night. Occasional meteor showers can be seen in coastal regions during certain times of the year (e.g. Perseids and Leonids) All you need is a picnic mat and lie back on
the ground, or just open up a beach chair at the beach. Of course this is bad time during full moon nights and crimson cloudy nights.

Great night sky gazing venues:
1. Lower Pierce Reservoir park
2. Punggol Beach
3. East Coast Park
4. Pulau Ubin

Total cost: free
^Weather dependent

4. Night walk

This is for the daring few who have too much energy to spare at night. A night stroll can really
calm your senses, as you walk and feel the solace of the night. Never do this alone though, especially if you are a girl.

Good places to stroll:
Gardens By The Bay
Southern Ridges


Total cost: free
^Weather dependent











5. Chill out and have a drink

At any of the bars and pubs in Singapore, have a sip of cold beer while listening to a live band performance and chatting with friends. One never fail therapy to chillax and loosen your mood and let the alcohol take over you.

Pubs usually operate past midnight to at least 2pm. Please check with them to avoid disappointment. (of course, only for alcohol tolerant people who are older than 18 years)

Please do not drink and drive.

All you need:
Some cash, for the drink and the cab fare home. Preferably bring a credit card
Estimated total cost: At least $50


6. Let your hair down and party at

the clubs in Singapore for those who wants some real dance action. Clubs are increasingly popular with the youths as it serves as a "cool" and "in" place to unwind and for people to hone their dancing skills. Each club has its own genre of music and unique class of party goers who frequent them. So to avoid disappointment, do some homework and check out the one that suits you the best.
Clubbing is for you if you do not mind the deafening music, the crowd and the flickering lights.

Popular clubs in Singapore:
Butter Factory
St James Powerhouse
Rebel
Zouk


Please do not drink and drive.

All you need:
Some cash for admission about $25, excluding your cab fare home.
Estimated total cost: At least $50



7. BBQ by the Beach

For the family people and friends who love to cook and gather together near the beach and have some fun time together. BBQ is way to go for a affordable and fun time

Popular BBQ pits to book:
Changi Coast Park
East Coast Park
Pasir Ris Park

All you need:
Book a pit online at NParks website and make payment.
Estimated total cost: At least $60 dollars, incl $16- $25 for booking.
^Weather dependent

8. Prawning
Well as the word suggests, it means to fish for prawns.  Just like normal bait fishing, just place a bait, lay your line and wait for your catch. You get to BBQ your catch and have a great supper as a reward. Most prawning places are open till 2am.

Prawning places:
Punggol
Bottle Tree Park
East Coast
Taman Jurong



All you need:
At least $15 for admission package.
Estimated total cost: At least $25




9. Supper
Embrace local food culture by trying out some of the best food places Singapore have to offer.
Indulge your tastes with rich aroma of great supper delights such as Roti Prata, Satay BBQ Seafood, etc etc...

Various makan places:
Bedok 85
Geylang
Lau Pa Sat
Glutton's Bay
Old Airport Road
Jalan Kayu
Bt Timah
Chomp Chomp
Changi Village



All you need:
Cash
Estimated total cost: $20



10. Bring your camera out and take some shots, night photography at
marina bay


All you need: Camera / DSLR

Estimated total cost: Free (not incl cost of your camera)




DISCLAIMER:
All prices stated may not be the most updated quote at the stalls. Venues may be unavailable due to reasons unknown at the point of publish. Please take into account your transport needs.

Note of CAUTION:
It may not be safe at night due to poor visibility, lax of security, and personal fatigue. Please take precautions when venturing out at night. Do not have fun at the expense of your personal safety which you may regret. Refrain from bringing excessive cash/valuables. Always bring along an ID and have at least a partner accompaniment.