Category: Cool Places In Singapore

Sample Some Of The Most Unusual Cocktails In Singapore At This Top Secret Bar Crawl

Think you know where Singapore’s best cocktail bars are? Think again!

In fact, did you know that 5 of the top 150 cocktail bars in the world are actually in Singapore? Thanks to BonAppetour’s Secret Bars of Singapore Bar Crawl, we’ll give you the lowdown on 3 of these top secret bars located right here on our little red dot!

You’ll get to drink some top-rated and exotic drinks at these secret bars. And when we say exotic, we’re talking cocktails with egg yolk and even ants…

Tiger’s Milk

Located at the top of The Club Hotel, Tiger’s Milk is Singapore’s first ever Peruvian bar.

Together with the colourful overhanging cut-out sheets, this rooftop bar provides a gorgeous panoramic view of the surrounding shophouses and Chinatown. Here, you’ll find a wide selection of piscos (a white brandy made in Peru from muscat grapes) and infused piscos in their selection of cocktails.

Kick start the evening with a spicy shot of Sex With The Bartender. Be warned, this harmless-looking shot has just a smidge of tabasco in it!

For something refreshing and light, go for the Chilcano, which comes with of snap of lime and pisco. With a fizz of gingerella, it’s basically the alcoholic cousin of the familiar ginger ale. If you are simply looking for a Peruvian classic, it would definitely be the Pisco Sour.

As the saying goes, it is bad to drink on an empty stomach. Fill those empty stomachs with their signature Waygu Beef Rib Fingers or nibble on some Sweet Potato & Yam Chips!

Native

Native has risen among the ranks of established cocktail bars with its focus on using regional products and bespoke ingredients.

Tucked above WANTON Seng’s Noodle Bar, this dimly-lit cocktail bar is perfect for a cosy catch up with friends. Featuring unusual ingredients in their cocktails, we highly recommend getting a seat at the bar to catch the bartenders in action!

[caption id="attachment_26662" align="aligncenter" width="4032"] Image Credit: Verine Ling[/caption]

What draws many, if not most of the patrons here is their bizarre signature cocktail, ANTZ.

The name of the cocktail gives it away–this cocktail contains actual ants! This Fear Factor-esque creation features a basil leaf frozen with liquid nitrogen, which serves as a base for the basil meringue and garnishing of crunchy ants. This is all set atop an anthill-like ceramic vessel that is filled with a concoction of exotic regional ingredients such as  homemade coconut yogurt, aged sugarcane juice and agricole-style Chalong Bay rum.

Did we mention that these ants are carefully picked from Ann Siang Hill? Talk about a NATIVE cocktail!

[caption id="attachment_26663" align="aligncenter" width="748"] Image Credit:

Image Credit: Verine Ling[/caption]

If you like your drinks less strong, you will certainly enjoy the Ikura. This fancy cocktail is only made up of three ingredients: sparkling sake, yuzu acid and salmon fish eggs.

[caption id="attachment_26660" align="aligncenter" width="4032"] Image Credit: Verine Ling[/caption]

Pair your cocktail with some of their delicious homemade papadums, which comes with sweet potato and a gula melaka dip. While there, make sure to ask the bartenders about the stories behind these exotic drinks–the friendly bartenders there will be more than happy to share!

Native
Address: 52a Amoy St, Singapore 069878
Opening hours: Mon – Fri: 6pm – 12am; Fri: 6.30pm – 12am; Closed on Sundays
Image Credit: Verine Ling[/caption]

Check out the Dangerous Drinking Water section on their menu–their descriptions are sure to pique your interest. What makes these “drinking waters” so dangerous is that only the ingredients used for each drink are indicated. Essentially, you’re choosing your drink based on your preferred ingredients – the rest is entirely up to the bartender!

If you fancy a sweet and fruity cocktail, order their Peaches+Cream, which is topped with a thick layer of foamy bubbles. Alternatively, their Dirty Martini is a classic favourite among regulars.

[caption id="attachment_26667" align="aligncenter" width="4032"] Peaches+Cream (Image Credit: Verine Ling)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_26666" align="aligncenter" width="4032"] Dirty Martini (Image Credit: Verine Ling)[/caption]

Love toffee apple? Then you cannot miss trying the Toffee Apple, the grown-up twist on the classic treat. Similarly, their Inaki will have you intrigued with their savoury-sweet combination of egg yolk, white chocolate, Hokkaido pumpkin and nutmeg.

[caption id="attachment_26664" align="alignnone" width="4032"] Toffee Apple (Image Credit: Verine Ling)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_26665" align="aligncenter" width="4032"] Image Credit: Verine Ling[/caption]

Finding the exact location of Operation Dagger is like going on a treasure hunt. Operation Dagger is strategically located in one of the most secretive places in Singapore. Here are some subtle clues to look out for to find your way there!

[caption id="attachment_26668" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Image Credit: Website

Gather your friends or take your other half on the unique “Secret Bars of Singapore” exploratory trail with BonAppetour.

Visit 3 of 5 top bars in the world, have 1 personalised signature cocktail and complimentary shots at each bar (worth $75 and $60 respectively), have some yummy bites to eat, and meet like-minded people along the way! With a slew of unconventional cocktails made with even less conventional ingredients, it will definitely be one of those drunken adventures you’ll never forget!

Secret Bars of Singapore by BonAppetour
When: Every Friday, 7.30pm – 10.30pm
Price: SGD89 per pax (Advanced booking required)
Website

Also read, Get High (Literally) At This Party – 1-Altitude Is Throwing A Beach Party 68 Floors Above The CBD

(Top Image Credit:

Get High (Literally) At This Party – 1-Altitude Is Throwing A Beach Party 63 Floors Above The CBD

Attention party-goers and beach-lovers alike! We’ve gotten word of a fantastic one-of-a-kind party that combines two of our favourite things: the beach and breath-taking views!

Summertime Madness 

Happening at 1-Altitude, one of Singapore’s premier bars, Summertime Madness is one beach party that will have you partying till dawn. The fourth edition of this annual affair, Summertime Madness will happen in June over 1 epic weekend.

1-Altitude will be pulling out all the stops at this mini beach-fest. Not only will there be a sand pit with beach toy floats, party-goers will also get the chance to catch roving acts such as LED twirlers.

The theme this year is White Beach, so come decked in white! Bring your flower crowns, sunnies, flip flops, and take your favourite bikini out for a spin!

What’s a party without drinks? The bartenders at 1-Altitude have crafted a cocktail just for this event! Called ‘Summer Splash’, this heavenly concoction is crafted using yuzu, peach puree, fresh lemon juice and Jim Beam citrus–a refreshing cocktail that truly captures the spirit of a beach party!

Looking for stronger poison to bring out your inner party animal? Explore the mobile beach bars that will be offering up alcoholic beverages from Bacardi, Moet Ice Imperial and Grey Goose!

Image Credit: 1-Altitude

Entry for Summertime Madness is tagged at $35 from 6pm – 9pm, and includes 1 Housepour and 1 Summertime Cocktail. If you’re keen to hit the party while it’s in full swing, entry is tagged at $40 after 9pm, and will include 1 Premium Pour and 1 Summertime Cocktail!

Decked in your best beach ensemble with a couple of drinks in hand, and with DJs Leonard T and Jack T on the decks, it’s bound to be a beach party you’ll never forget!

Summer Madness Presents White Beach
Address: 1- Altitude, 63/F, One Raffles Place, Singapore 048616
Date: 2 – 3 June, Fri- Sat
Time: 6pm till late

Also read, The Team Behind OverEasy Is Hosting A Festival – Expect A Riverdale-Themed Party And Food Fights!

Ultra Singapore Unveils Phase 2 Line-Up: Rich Chigga, GTA & More!

After a long, agonising wait, Ultra Singapore’s Phase 2 line-up has finally been announced, and we have to say, we’re impressed.

Ultra Singapore Phase 2 Line-Up

While the Phase 1 line-up featured heavy hitters in the EDM scene, including Pendulum, Steve Aoki, and Hardwell, the Phase 2 line-up includes some up-and-comers.

Acclaimed Indonesian rapper Rich Chigga, electronic act GTA, Singapore born and raised MYRNE, and local singer-songwriter Sam Rui will be joining the ranks of the big names slated to perform at this year’s Ultra.

Tickets to Ultra Singapore are priced at $115 USD for 1 Day Tickets and $178 USD  for 2 Day Tickets.

If you still haven’t got your tickets, head to Ultra Singapore before they sell out!

Also read, Ultra Singapore 2017 Headliners Revealed So Far Include Hardwell, Tiësto, Steve Aoki, And More

The Projector: How An Abandoned Theatre Became An Artsy Alternative Cinema

If you’ve heard of The Projector, you’ll know it is a completely alternative cinema concept.

Far from screening mainstream blockbusters, here you’ll find indie, foreign, cult favourite, classic, arthouse and local flicks.

But how did the fifth floor of the slightly crummy Golden Mile Tower come to house this artsy two-screen cinema?

Seems like its vintage appeal isn’t constructed at all, but stems from a long history we think you film buffs should know about…

The Golden Theatre

Once upon a time, there was the The Golden Theatre.

Situated in said Golden Mile Tower along Beach Road, it was once the largest cinema in all of Singapore and Malaysia.

Think: an impressive 1,500 stall and circle seats, all inside one massive movie theatre.

For those born before 1973, you may know its constructor, Chong Gay Theatres, who are also the ones behind the homely Kallang Theatre.

Back in the day, The Golden Theatre was well-patronised for its Mandarin films, ‘adult’ artistic films, and even Bollywood hits.

Sadly, with sparkly new shopping malls sprouting up through the ‘90s, its popularity slowly waned.

The majestic theatre split up into smaller, separate halls–Golden 1 and Golden 2, both of which then sunk into disrepair.

The Fixer Uppers

Enter creative development company Pocket Projects, and design and architectural firm FARM.

This group of passionate cinephiles banded together to breathe new life into this old, derelict, but also historic space.

And so restoration works began, in the form of The Projector.

The two halls also received new names, along with their new lease of life.

Golden 1 became the Green Room, and Golden 2, the Redrum–a nod to Stanley Kubrick’s classic ‘The Shining’.

Fast Forward

Today, the halls are once again as bustling as they were in the good old days.

Each of the two rooms at The Projector seats nearly 200 people, and are fitted with digital projectors.

The chairs in the front section of the Green Room have even been replaced with comfy bean bags.

They’ve also roped in Luna Films, the people in charge of curating local film festivals, to help select and bring in films to be screened.

Finally, to complete the movie-going experience, came the addition of a café to the cinema’s foyer, manned by Group Therapy Coffee. It sells classic movie snacks like popcorn, alongside burgers, pies, and cake, along with sodas, juices and their own coffee blends.

If you’ve ever lamented the limited range of films in Singapore, you now know where to find a great independent cinema.

For all its history, The Projector itself is definitely as fascinating as the movies it screens, and is well worth a visit.

The Projector
Address: 6001 Beach Road, Golden Mile Tower #05-00, Singapore 199589
Opening Hours: Tue – Fri: 6.30pm – 9pm; Sat, Sun, PH: 1.00pm – 9pm; Closed on Mondays
Website

(Top Image Credit: SINdie & Pocket Projects)

Also, read 10 Shiok Experiences And Eats To Turn Things Up A Notch The Second Half Of May [15-31 May]

Apple Celebrates Opening Of First Apple Store By Bringing Together Local Creatives To Share Their Skills

Apple fans, the wait is finally over. A date has been set for the opening of Singapore’s first Apple retail outlet–27 May.

Apple Orchard Road 

It takes some serious skills to capture breathtaking images with just an iPhone.

Local photographer Aik Beng Chia (known in some circles as ABC), will be imparting some of his skills and techniques on how to capture beautiful street photography with nothing but an iPhone. Soon, you’ll be taking epic images that are sure to up your ‘Gram game.

Date: 28 May
Time: 11am – 12.30pm

Tech isn’t just for the grown ups. Apple Orchard Road will be holding a Kids Hour, a one-hour workshop of sorts that will see parents and kids shooting their very own movie.

With the help of basic camera techniques, an iPad Pro, iMovie and a whole lot of creativity, kids will get a chance to play actor, producer and director!

Date: 31 May
Time: 10am – 10pm

A picture is worth a thousand words. While just about anyone can take a picture using an iPhone, Apple wants to help you bring out the best in your photos. Drop in for a 90-minute session as Creatives at Apple share pro tips on getting the most out of your camera app.

Date: 28 May
Time:  3pm – 4.30pm

If you’ve already made plans to head down to Apple Orchard Road, why not check out some of their workshops? Not only will you be able to pick up some handy skills, you might even meet some like-minded people!

Apple Orchard Road
Address: Knightsbridge Mall, 270 Orchard Road, S238857
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm

Also read, This 15-Storey Glass Building Is A Super Car Vending Machine Hiding In Plain Sight

With Over 1,000 Stalls, This Year’s Geylang Bazaar Will Keep You Coming Back For More

The month of Ramadhan is a few weeks away and while it holds plenty of cultural and religious significance for Muslims all over the world, that doesn’t mean the rest of us can’t join in on the festivities.

Two cultural events worth checking out every Ramadhan are the annual Hari Raya Light-Up and the Geylang Serai Baazar. This year’s light-up is centred around the cultural and historical aspects of Malay culture.

Hari Raya Light-Up 

This year’s Hari Raya Light-Up will feature a 4.4-metre-tall wau (a kite originating from the Malaysian state of Kelantan), a stage area formed by a 12-metre-wide sampan and decorated arches standing at 13-meters and 9-metres tall.

This year’s light-up stretches over 2.25km, spanning Sims Avenue and Changi Road, and comprises 900,000 LED lights!

This year’s Hari Raya Light-Up will see the addition of a new, temporary exhibition. Housed in a structure modelled after the weaves of a ketupat, the exhibition serves to educate the public about the history of Hari Raya and of the Geylang Serai area.

Geylang Serai Bazaar

The Geylang Serai Bazaar is returning with more than 1,000 makeshift stalls selling both traditional and fusion snacks. Happening from 25 May to 24 June, look out for “poke bowls”, candy floss burritos and “rainbow planet” ice-cream buns.

The annual bazaar spans Geylang Serai market, Joo Chiat Complex and Haig Road. Cultural performances are set to take place every weekend near Kampong Kembangan Community Club. For cultural buffs, catch free screenings of P Ramlee’s films on the big screen.

If you’re a Singaporean (or foreigner) who is keen on getting their hands on some delicious eats, head on down to the Hari Raya Light-Up. Our advice? Bring that portable fan and lots of cash!

Hari Raya Light-Up
Where: Around Sims Avenue and Changi Road 
When: May 20 – Jul 7

Geylang Serai Bazaar
Where: Geylang Serai Market, Joo Chiat Complex and Haig Road 
When: 25 May – 24 June 

Also read, DBS Marina Regatta Is Bringing The Beach To The Bay, With lululemon Workouts, Potato Head’s Coconut Bar & More!

The Team Behind OverEasy Is Hosting A Festival – Expect A Riverdale-Themed Party And Food Fights!

The Lo & Behold group is no stranger when it comes to decadent foods and extravagant parties.

A Singapore-based hospitality group, Lo & Behold runs a slew of esteemed establishments. From beach-goer favourite Tanjong Beach Club to swanky The Warehouse Hotel, Lo & Behold truly knows the way to our hearts.

Next month, Lo & Behold is throwing a month-long festival to show us Singaporeans how to party with class, style and panache. Happening 29 May – 25 June, Lo & Behold will be hosting specially curated shindigs at 7 of their establishments.

Lo & Behold Festival 

Looking for a party that will have you feeling like Grace Kelly or Audrey Hepburn?

You’re in luck. Lo & Behold will be pulling out all the stops for its Electroball: The Golden Age of Hollywood. Happening at swanky bistro-cum-bar The Black Swan, this 1930s-inspired get-together is spread over three floors. Get ready to rub shoulders with party guests dressed to the nines as you immerse yourself in electric jazz and cirque coquetry.

A definite ‘do not miss’ for party-goers looking for an event worth every penny.

Electroball: The Golden Age of Hollywood
Where: The Black Swan
When: 10 June, 7pm – 10pm

Keen to work on that tan while indulging in tasty eats? Tanjong Beach Club is serving up an All You Can Eat Bottomless Brunch. Dig into plates stacked high with breakfast favourites as you soak in the sun, salt and sand!

All You Can Eat – Bottomless Brunch 
Where: Tanjong Beach Club
When: 17 June, 11.30am

With a slew of curated events for every kind of partygoer in the month of June, there’s bound to be something that will tickle your fancy!

Also read, DBS Marina Regatta Is Bringing The Beach To The Bay, With lululemon Workouts, Potato Head’s Coconut Bar & More!

10 Shiok Experiences And Eats To Turn Things Up A Notch The Second Half Of May [15-31 May]

The year seems to be flying by so quickly. In the blink of an eye, we’re already at the end of May!

Who says we have to wait till the June holidays to have fun? There are tons of things to do and new chow places to try out right now!

Think themed parties of all sorts, international artists on our shores, and healthy desserts! Whether you’re a party animal, fitness junkie or music guru, we’ve got your weekend plans sorted.

Here are 10 a-may-zing (get it?) activities you need to head down to ASAP!

Play & Discover

1. Urban Ventures Vol. 6

It’s no secret that eating is our national pastime–and we’re proud of it.

That’s why Urban Ventures has its latest edition centred around social dining experiences!

LOBELAB will be creating a social haven in Duxton Plain Park for 3 days this May.

It features live music, interactive artworks, an artisan’s market and a dance party. There are also interactive workshops, urban furniture and mouthwatering grub.

What we’re most excited for though, is the Pop-Up Library, Yin Yang Yoga Session and Upcycling Your T-Shirt Workshop!

It’s surely a journey into the more human, playful and friendly side of public spaces in Singapore.

Urban Ventures
Where: Duxton Plain Park, 1 Keong Saik Rd, Singapore 089140
When: 19 – 21 May, 4pm till late
Admission: Free
Website

2. Zouk 26th Anniversary

Zouk is turning 26!

To celebrate, they’re throwing a big birthday bash, and everyone’s invited.

Many new clubs have sprouted up recently, but good ol’ Zouk will always be a familiar spot for our best nights out.

Did you know Zouk is ranked no. 4 in the DJ Mag’s Top 100 Clubs in the World in 2017? The club has also attracted tons of internationally acclaimed DJs like Hardwell, Tiesto and Disclosure.

With complimentary entry for all, this is the party to let your hair down and go into celebration mode!

Zouk 26th Anniversary
Where: 3C River Valley Road, The Cannery, Singapore 179022
When: 18 May, 9pm – 2am
Contact no.: 6738 2988
Admission: Invite Only: 9pm; Open To Public: 11pm Onward; Free Entry For All (Non-Member)
Website

3. Fitness Fest

Fitness junkies, listen up!

Come together with other fitness and health lovers at this ultimate fitness festival.

4. Lily Singh – How To Be A Bawse

What up everyone, it’s your girl Superwoman!

If this rings a bell, you’ll be delighted to know that Lilly Singh is coming to Singapore!

[caption id="attachment_26171" align="aligncenter" width="946"] Image Credit: Kallang Theatre, 1 Stadium Walk, Singapore 397688
When: 24 May, 8pm
Contact no.: 6324 0764
Admission: $93 – $244
Website

5. Party Like Gatsby

Turn the nostalgia of the golden 20s into reality at this glamorous event.

Party Like Gatsby transports you into the famous novel ‘The Great Gatsby’.

‘The Great Gatsby’ centres on a young millionaire, Jay Gatsby. Jay is famous in his city for his mesmerising parties, hosted every weekend at his glamorous residence.

At Party Like Gatsby, spend an evening with him at a fantastic venue with stunning decorations. World-class entertainment includes burlesque, live music, as well as fire and aerial shows.

To date, over 40 cities in more than 10 countries have experienced its wild parties and intense shows. Finally, the party has reached the Pearl of the East–Singapore.

Be sure to come dressed elegantly, and get lost in the magic of the roaring twenties.

Party Like Gatsby
Where: Tanjong Beach Club, 120 Tanjong Beach Walk, Sentosa, Singapore 098942
When: May 26, 7pm – 2am
Website

6. Island Escape

This really is a month for parties, isn’t it?

There’s even this one off our shores, at St John’s Island!

Island Escape Ticket Office, 31 Marina Coastal Drive, Singapore 018988
When: 27 & 28 May, 12pm (Sat) – Sunset (Sun)
Admission: $55

Shop

7. Multiply. A Majestic Playground

Designers, makers and art lovers unite!

For 2 days only, Keepers and Straits Clan will provide the perfect platform for you to eat, drink, shop, and play.

[caption id="attachment_26163" align="aligncenter" width="2048"] Image Credit: Matter[/caption]

This is a one-time-only takeover of the historic and iconic New Majestic Hotel building.

Expect a pop-up of unique experiences through 30 rooms. Discover over 50 Singapore designers, artists, craftsmen, tattoo artists, chefs and mixologists.

This event is a tribute to the diverse inspirations that drive our community of artists, designers and makers that make up the creative soul of Singapore.

Remember to bring cash as many designers will be launching special edition capsules!

Drop by and experience something new, game-changing, and yet so close to home.

Multiply. A Majestic Playground
Where: New Majestic Hotel, 31-37 Bukit Pasoh Road, Singapore 089845
When: 27 & 28 May, 11am – 10pm

Music

8. Crystal Castles

Fusing low-res electronic noise and pop hooks, Crystal Castles finally brings its music to our shores.

The duo is best known for their energetic live shows and moody home-made productions.

[caption id="attachment_26170" align="aligncenter" width="1830"] Image Credit:

Crystal Castles
Where: ​*SCAPE The Ground Theatre, 2 Orchard Link, Singapore 237978
When: Tuesday 23 May 2017
Admission: Limited Early Bird – $70; Standard – $80; Doors – $90
We know all too well that 1 meal is sometimes not enough.

That’s why we were overjoyed when Dookki, which means 2 meals in Korean, opened its doors in Singapore!

[caption id="attachment_26166" align="aligncenter" width="1080"] Image Credit: Pholar[/caption]

This fun and “Full-filling” dining concept has steadily gained popularity within and out of Korea.

The first meal begins with the much loved, signature Tteokbokki dish. Choose from 8 types of air-flown Tteokbokki, and your preferred level of spiciness from 7 types of sauces.

The second meal adds rice, kimchi, sweet corn and other ingredients to create the all time favourite Kimchi fried rice–and all for $18.80.

We know where we’ll be stuffing our faces this weekend.

Dookki Singapore
Where: Suntec City, 3 Temasek Boulevard, #B1-107 (East Wing), Singapore 038984
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun: 11am – 10pm
Contact no.: 6266 2425
Website

10. Bojio Cafe

We didn’t expect to find this gem in the heart of Tampines.

The quirkily named cafe allows families and friends to jio (invite) each other for a healthy desserts!

[caption id="attachment_26165" align="aligncenter" width="900"] Image Credit: Kopitiam Bot[/caption]

Their homemade ice-creams, waffles and toasts are friendly to the very young, very old, as well as health-conscious friends.

The story behind its founding is all too relatable. Mr Chan, the star chef, and Mrs Chan’s picky family members love hunting for dessert spots all over Singapore.

Inspired to open a shop of their own, they created a DIY ice cream recipe, purchased the machinery and ingredients required, and never looked back.

All their hand-made ice-cream contains reduced sugar, children friendly milk/cream, no preservatives or colouring and only fresh fruits.

Don’t say bojio, and drop by for something sweet!

Bojio Cafe
Where: Westgate 3 Gateway Dr #02-28 Singapore 608532
Opening Hours: Sun – Thurs: 11.30am – 9.30pm; Fri – Sat: 11.30am – 10pm
Facebook

There’s so much to do this month that we can hardly catch our breath!

But we’re going to try to head to all these events anyway, and make our last bit of May as fun as possible. And we think you should too!

Also, read This Digital Playground Has No Slides Or Swings, But 5 Virtual Worlds To Lose Yourself In