Photo Credit: Tanglin Gin Singapore

Perhaps one of the first few cocktails you’d start with when you first hit a club would be the classic Gin and Tonic: a highball cocktail made with Gin and Tonic water poured over ice.

While we might have never actually given much thought to the origins of the spirits served— granted, alcohol is usually imported—you’d never actually expect to find a distillery on home ground.

Situated among dozens of other mini factories that churn out baked goods is where Tanglin Gin—a micro-distillery—produces what can be considered Singapore’s very own homemade gin. It’s rather surprising; really, how long it took for our first distillery to appear, considering how much of Singapore’s nightlife centres around drinking?

Photo Credit: TheDrinkSeeker

Named after “Twa Tang Leng”, meaning “Great East Hill Peaks”, Tanglin was once home to plantations growing pepper, nutmeg and ginger. Tanglin Gin can also be believed to be continuing this tradition of growing such flavours in their own unique way.

As Singapore’s only hand-crafted spirit that’s distilled in Singapore, it’s absolutely crucial to the team that it bottles the spirit of Singapore in it, and they have done so by articulating 11 different botanicals that define and represent the multitude of cultures and ethnicities in our city.

Photo Credit: Tanglin Gin Singapore

So what it is that makes up a bottle of Tanglin Gin? Of course, it’s impossible to have gin without juniper berries, with a twist in the form of Indian Amchoor—unripe green mango in a powdered form—which adds an extra citrus note to it, and of course, what really makes it Singaporean, Orchid flowers.

To be more specific, it’s the dried stems of the Dendrobium Orchid—more commonly known as the Chinese immortality herb, Shi Hu, and the vanilla beans extracted from the fruit of the Vanilla Orchid.

Photo Credit: Tanglin Gin Singapore

They also add organic oranges to give an added touch of sweetness from citrus. Taking inspiration from Australian gins, they make their own unique flavour profile by placing said oranges directly below the vanilla.

The resultant taste is unlike your regular varieties. It’s sweet from the vanilla and liquorice while giving a full-bodied creamy mouthful that goes even further with a dash of tonic and a squeeze of orange for a citrusy lift.

Photo Credit: Tanglin Gin Singapore

Tanglin Gin continues to aim to push for more recipes that would tie in with local flavours while proudly saying they are the definition of a good quality gin, and one that is made in Singapore.

While the distillery is not open to the public, you’re still able to purchase a bottle of the spirit online.

Gone are the days when bars used to be after-work hangs for working adults to either drink to celebrate or drown their sorrows. Now, many newer and hipper bars have adopted several fun elements to heighten the overall experience—fun in the form of arcade-style games as well as party games that involve a lot of drinking.

Replacing the now defunct Beer Market—just across the street from Liang Court—is one of Clarke Quay’s newest and most fun-filled beer pong-focused sports bars, PONG Singapore. Established only this year, this luxurious drinking hole impresses with its array of beers on tap, hand-crafted cocktails, fusion-style food and their top-of-the-line, digital beer pong tables.

Singapore’s pioneers of the latest PongConnect™ technology, PONG Singapore revolutionises traditional beer pong with more fun, enjoyment and friendly competition. Coming straight to you from Hong Kong, PongConnect™ is the latest trend hitting the nightlife scene all around the world. Not to mention that the features include live scoreboards that not only show your score but connect beer pong players on a global level as well.

The beauty of the happy hour lies not only in the pleasure of boozy libations but also in the food that is often sinful yet incredibly tasty. Here at PONG Singapore, you will find no shortage of impressionable nosh. And we will not lie—their food truly takes bar food to a whole new level and is something we will definitely return for. You have to try the Beef Sliders, guys.

Adopting the latest PongConnect™ technology, the very same one that has been making waves in Hong Kong, Taiwan and China, every beer pong game at PONG Singapore is guaranteed to be a fun and action-packed experience.

While it is not entirely compulsory—unless you’re the competitive type—players can download the ‘PONGConnect’ App that integrates with the table itself. The app automatically synchronises with the table and updates player’s scores and leaderboards live, allowing users to compete on a global scale.

BEEF SLIDERS

When it comes to hearty bar grub to take the alcohol edge away, nothing beats sinking our teeth into one of PONG Singapore’s signature delights, their oh-so-scrumptious Beef Sliders (S$23 nett).

Essentially a mini burger that’s small enough to slide down one’s throat in a jiffy—hence the name—these beauties of thinly patted ground beef, caramelised onions, cheese, mayo and cornichons are just the perfect thing to indulge in along with drinks.

With just the right combination of ingredients to achieve that fine balance of umami, savoury, sweetness and a hint of tartness on the tongue, we dare say this is one of the best sliders we have ever tasted. They were really that good.

DEVIL’S WINGS

On nights where you’re knocking back one too many beers, it will probably be a good idea to offset all the excess alcohol with something with a little heat. Which is why more often than not, bars would typically have some form of spicy wings.

Here at PONG Singapore, you absolutely have to order a plate of their Devil’s Wings (S$12 nett). Every wing boasts a fiery kick with a stickily sweet and savoury flavour.

TRUFFLE FRIES

What’s a cold one without a bucket of fries to go along with it? While it may rank pretty similar to many other versions we have tried, their Truffle Fries (S$12 nett) is a sharing item that we will never say no to.

These truffle-infused shoestrings boast a delightful crunch with just the right amount of salt.

SEAFOOD POMODORO

Brimming with the delicious oceany flavours of fresh shrimp, mussels and squid, the Seafood Pomodoro (S$20 nett) was truly a joy to eat from start to finish.

The pasta was cooked just slightly past the point of al dente, allowing each individual strand to have a nice firmness to it but still being soft enough to slurp up. The various seafood components complemented the sweet and mildly tart tomato sauce perfectly as well.

BEER BATTERED FISH & CHIPS

Their Beer Battered Fish & Chips (S$28 nett) comes with a generous serving of rustic, thickly-cut potato chips, a generous serving of mushy peas and a massive battered cod fillet.

On the side, you get a tray of condiments featuring the likes of malt vinegar, ketchup and salt—just the way the Brits do it. Delightfully crispy, the lightly battered exterior was neither oily nor overly doughy. Eaten with a sprinkling of salt and some malt vinegar, this dish blew us away.

PROSCIUTTO HAND-ROLLED PIZZA

Another great item for sharing while drinking is pizza. Texturally, it hits all the right spots from the ultra crispy layer of dough to the meaty and crunchy components that work well together to form the perfect bar snack.

There are several hand-rolled pizza varieties to choose from but we decided to go with the Proscuitto (S$21 nett) that encompassed classic Italian flavours. This Italian pie came loaded with prosciutto, arugula, tomato, shaved parmesan cheese, pesto as well as a sweet balsamic glaze drizzled over top.

HALF & HALF HAND-ROLLED PIZZA – WAGYU BEEF & SMOKED DUCK BREAST

Struggling to decide on which pizza to get? Then opt for a Half & Half that includes 2 halves of 2 hand-rolled pizza varieties.

For ours, we got the Wagyu Beef (S$22 nett) that came highly recommended as well as the Smoked Duck Breast (S$22 nett). Both boasted nice textural elements to them as well as a multitude of differing yet pleasant flavours.

The former pie takes on a Japanese influence with bonito flakes, seaweed, a Japanese wine cream sauce as well as, of course, Wagyu beef. Savoury, sweet and brimming with umami notes, this is one that we highly recommend. The former was just as meaty and delicious but the real money-maker for us was the addition of crispy wonton skins.

Compared to many of the bars that we have been to, PONG Singapore is one of the few that exceeded our expectations where service was concerned. The wait staff were attentive and extremely hospitable and the bar itself boasts an exquisite setting and the bustling nature of the bar once the crowd comes makes it a great place to have fun together with your friends and colleagues.

Whether you fancy a pint or a tower of lager, a glass of Champagne or even something a little more personalised like a hand-crafted cocktail, you are sure to get yourself well sorted here at PONG Singapore.

PONG Singapore
3B River Valley Road #01-17,
The Foundry
Singapore 179021
Tel: +65 8808 7664
Sun to Tue & Thu: 5.30pm – 2am
Wed, Fri & Sat: 5.30pm – 3am
Nearest Station: Fort Canning / Clarke Quay

This post is brought to you by PONG Singapore.

Made using a variety of botanicals and spices, gin exudes herbaceous qualities that make it tricky to play around with.

Yet, simplicity is key when it comes to this underrated spirit and something as simple as a gin and tonic is one of those simple concoctions that bears timeless appeal. When it comes to gin—a drink that warrants no unnecessary flair or fancy ingredients—it is always the delicate treatments that work best.

To truly experience the very best that gin has to offer, we strongly suggest leaving it to the masters who have dedicated their lives to perfecting their craft. Here is our list of the best gin bars in Singapore.

#1 THE SPIFFY DAPPER

Housing an impressive array of esoteric gins that only true connoisseurs will recognise, The Spiffy Dapper is a place not to miss. Featuring a theme that is part rustic and part playful, it is the ideal spot to grab a tipple during happy hour at any time of the week or drown out all your worries on the weekends.

Just let the bartenders know what particular flavour profile you are going for and allow them to whip you up something delicious.

73 Amoy St, Second Floor
Singapore 069892
Tel: +65 8655 0829
Mon to Thu: 5pm – 1am
Fri: 5pm – 2am
Sat: 6pm – 2am
Sun: 6pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Chinatown

#2 OXWELL & CO

Oxwell & Co. is probably the only bar in Singapore that serves cocktails on tap. Their house speciality, the Gin & Chronic is a twist on the classic G&T. As much as we agree that nothing beats a properly hand-crafted drink, we admire Oxwell’s willingness to be different.

5 Ann Siang Rd
Singapore 069688
Tel: +65 6438 3984
Mon: 4pm – 12am
Tue to Sun: 12pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer / Chinatown

Photo Credit: Cin Cin

#3 CIN CIN

Located in the heart of the Tanjong Pagar district, Cin Cin is the perfect spot to raise a toast to the good life. Gin enthusiasts also have worth getting excited over, with the bar’s curation of over a hundred different varieties of gin, along with a fair amount of vermouths, bitters, and tonics.

100 Peck Seah St
Singapore 079333
Tel: +65 6385 2604
Sun to Thu: 5pm – 12am
Fri & Sat: 5pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

Photo Credit: El Tardeo

#4 EL TARDEO

Located just a stone’s throw from its sister restaurant Binomio, El Tardeo specialises in stellar Spanish tapas and some of the tastiest gin cocktails around. The Elder Collins—a concoction of Gordon’s cucumber gin, a splash of Elderflower liqueur, peach purée, lemon and soda—really stands up to the robust flavours of some of their more savoury dishes like their oxtail sandwich.

Fans of G&T can also opt to try their version, which comes garnished with a stalk of rosemary, juniper berries and a lemon peel.

20 Craig Rd, #01-01 Craig Place,
Singapore 089692
Tel: +65 6221 6288
Sun: Closed
Mon to Thu: 4pm – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 4pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Outram Park

Photo Credit: ATLAS

#5 ATLAS

Noted as Singapore’s very own Gotham City with its magnificent exterior, Parkview Square is truly a sight to behold, but what really impressed us was ATLAS, the bar at the lobby that features a wide range of gin-focussed cocktails and a literal tower of gin.

ATLAS houses hundreds of gin brands and varieties, making it the ultimate place for gin enthusiasts and curious tipplers alike to hang out at. We highly recommend the ATLAS Martini that is as elegant as it is absolutely delicious.

600 North Bridge Road,
Parkview Square
Singapore 188778
Tel: +65 6396 4466
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Thu: 10am – 1am
Fri & Sat: 3pm – 2am
Nearest Station: Bugis

#6 THE RABBIT HOLE

With more than 15 brands of specially curated gin to choose from, on a menu that is conveniently categorised into five separate flavour profiles ranging from traditional and dry to floral and elegant, you don’t need to be an expert to have an excellent time at The Rabbit Hole.

The bar itself is situated at the former British army barracks, in a garden that doubles up as a herb garden in which many of the bar’s botanical delights come from. The good folks at The Rabbit Hole are not one to cut corners—even their tonic is made in-house. Expect your drinks to come beautifully garnished with a variety of vibrant herbs and fruits.

39C Harding Road
Singapore 249541
Tel: +65 6473 9965
Sun to Thu: 6pm – 11.30pm
Fri & Sat: 6pm – 12.30am
Nearest Station: Farrer Road

#7 THE SECRET MERMAID

The Secret Mermaid is a tasting room and cocktail bar focused on American craft spirits located in the heart of Raffles Place. The Secret Mermaid features a large selection of gin, whiskey, vodka, rum, and houses a large collection of craft spirits.

Some of their more notable gin-based masterpieces include the Rose Oolong Negroni which features Greenhook gin infused with rose oolong tea, Campari, an Italian vermouth and lavender bitters for that subtle floral note, as well as their twist on the classic G&T that features chilli and lime for an added kick.

10 Collyer Quay
B1-08, Ocean Financial Centre,
Singapore 049315
Sat & Sun: Closed
Mon to Fri: 5pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Farrer Park

For more recommendations, read our guide on 25 Best Rooftop Bars in Singapore with the best views of the city.

Because the nights ain’t all about alcohol and partying.

While most people might think there’s nothing much to do in Singapore – apart from hitting the clubs or watering holes – after dark, we beg to differ.

There will always be something healthy and non-toxic to enjoy after dark. Here, we have 9 Night Activites You Can Do in Singapore.

#1 NIGHT SAFARI

If you’re a nocturnal being like the residents here, the world’s first night zoo, which opens from 7.30pm to 12am offers a host of activities to dispel boredom of any kind. From its nightly interactive shows to tram rides and hiking trails around the compound, this place is also perfect for animal-lovers who think it’s too hot to pay a visit at the Singapore Zoo, which opens in the day.

80 Mandai Lake Road, take bus 138 from Ang Mo Kio station, 927 from Choa Chu Kang or 926 from Marsiling and Woodlands stations

Where do you go when you’re looking to escape the city bustle, or are simply seeking pocket-friendly options for a quiet retreat? Here are 6 places in Singapore to escape to.

#2 NIGHT FISHING/PRAWNING

Looking for activities to accommodate a bigger group of friends? Prawning/fishing farms that open till late are a great way to bond. Think of it as a mini BBQ gathering, only food is provided fresh. We love that the atmosphere is reminiscent of a rustic kampong gathering, where everyone sits around waiting for a bite (or a few) to happen. And, when you’ve finally got something at the end of the line, just pull your rod up, grab the prawn or prawns, and put it on the barbeque pit. The best part: You won’t have to go looking for supper should you feel nippy after all that hard work.

You can try these 24-hour spots: Anglers’ Paradise (#01-11 Punggol Golf Club), Hai Bin Jurong (241 Jalan Ahmad Ibrahim, The Village) or East Coast Prawning (#01-06 1020 East Coast Parkway).

#3 NIGHT CYCLING

Some places are best admired at night, especially when it’s cooler, less crowded, and the lights come out. A few places you can check out include the Punggol Waterway, East Coast Park towards Changi Village and….. A word of advice: Wear light-coloured clothing, especially if you’re going to be on the roads, so drivers can watch out for you. Also, if you’ve got novice cyclists in your group, make sure they remain in front of the group so you can look out for them should they come into any problems.

#4 KITE-FLYING

There aren’t many places in Singapore where we can fly a kite. Marina Barrage is a popular spot if you want to indulge in that unadulterated activity at night, though. Parking is relatively cheap, and you get lots of space to send your kite up the sky. It is usually windier at night too, and that’s when it is truly therapeutic to fly your kite and see it dance freely amongst the sky full of stars.

No idea what to do during the weekends? Here are 9 things you can do for free in Singapore.

#5 HELP, WE’RE STUCK

Locked rooms (a series of rooms that let you solve solutions through a series of clues for you to “escape”) have been gaining popularity with young people these days. Unleash your inner Sherlock, so you don’t have to ask the staff to “bail” you out of these rooms!

Try Xcape Singapore (closes 11.30pm on weekdays and 2am on Fridays and Saturdays), Breakout Escape Game (closes midnight on weekdays and 1am on Fridays and Saturdays) and The Escape Artist (midnight daily)

6. BULLSEYE

Fancy yourself an accurate shot? There a few dart bars or dart joints, which open till late. We chanced upon Darts Culture at Cineleisure (it closes at 4am!) when we were thinking of places to head to after midnight, and this one didn’t disappoint. The dart machines are electronic, and definitely safe for everyone, including beginners.

Other places to try: i Darts Singapore (1am for weekdays and public holidays and 3am for weekends and eves of public holidays) and Forest Darts Café & Pub (2am).

#7 WALK IN THE PARK

For those seeking a tranquil environment not far from the city centre, you can take a leisurely stroll around the Gardens By The Bay (Bayfront Station, Exit B). The Gardens offers a verdant respite as you take in the plants and sights of the city amidst the cool night weather. While the conservatories and the Dome close earlier, the Bay South Outdoor Gardens open till 2am.

#8 LATE-NIGHT SHOPPING

Perfect for night owls and those who’re too busy to shop for their groceries in the day, Mustafa Centre (Farrer Park Station, Exit G) offers a myriad of items for sale. From fragrances to jewellery, everyday items such as shampoo, soap and produce (through its supermarket upstairs) are available as well.

#9 SECONDS? YES, PLEASE!

What’s a foodie to do in the middle of the night when most eateries are closed? Seek out the ones which aren’t (duh!). Places like Café Le Caire, Salted Caramel Artisan Ice Cream, Spize, 2am dessert bar and a few others open till late, which serves those looking for second rounds (we mean dessert) after dinner.

Got more suggestions? Let us know in the comment box, below!

About the writer:
Amanda Tan has written pieces for several publications, which include stories on food, lifestyle and beauty. She believes life is too short for regrets, and hopes to live in London (just for the experience). She is also a self-professed cake addict, and can never resist a slice, at any time of the day. If you’d like to share life hacks, travel tips and general advice, you can drop her a note at scented19@gmail.com.

For the opening of this blog post on the Things to Do in Singapore, I wanted to show the beautiful Singapore Skyline, but I decided to use a photo of food since it sums up Singapore nicely — eating is our way of life.

I always receive emails from overseas readers asking me to suggest some of the things that they can do while having holiday in Singapore. So I have been working on this little project for a while, going to different places to explore and take photos.

Here is my list of 10 Things To Do In Singapore:

For this post, I’m writing from the angle of visitors who have never been to Singapore. At the same time, I think it will be cool for the locals to take this opportunity and explore our country; people always complain that there’s nothing to do in Singapore when in fact there are a lot of places that we seldom visit.

Check out the Swanky Marina Bay Sands (MBS)

Since everyone is talking about the new integrated resorts in Singapore, I shall start off the list with MBS.

Marina Bay Sands is an integrated resort fronting Marina Bay in Singapore that is developed by Las Vegas Sands. Besides the hotel, the resort also includes the Shoppes mall, an Art & Science museum, two Sands Theatres, seven celebrity chef restaurants, and the casino.

They have this amazing Skypark pool which has a breathtaking view of the city. Shopping, food, entertainment all under one roof, what else can you ask for?

Visit Sentosa and go for rides at Resorts World Sentosa Universal Studios

Sentosa is one of the major tourist attractions in Singapore, and things are becoming very happening with the addition of Resorts World Sentosa and Universal Studios Singapore. The best part? There are so many new restaurants at Resorts World Sentosa!

I know everyone is excited with the new rides at Universal Studios Singapore, and the casino at Resorts World, but let’s not forget about the other attractions on Sentosa.

From Fort Siloso, to the Underwater World, Wavehouse and the three beaches, there are plenty of things to do in Sentosa Island.

Shopping in Singapore

Okay, this really depends on what you are looking for. Generally speaking (for overseas visitors), the best time to come to Singapore (if your agenda is shopping) will be during the Great Singapore Sale (June to July) and the Year End Sale (November to December). If you are a make-up Junkie, Sephora Singapore is definitely one of the make up stores in Singapore that’s worth going to.

Orchard road is probably your best bet when it comes to shopping in Singapore. With shopping malls like Ion, Paragon, Takashimaya, Tangs, 313 @ Somerset, Mandarin Gallery and Orchard Central all on a stretch of road, you will be spoiled for choices. If you are tired after a day of shopping, find a nice restaurant in Orchard road for dinner, and continue with your spree after that!

For niche shopping in Singapore, Haji Lane has many independent and local fashion boutiques that are worth checking out.

Make a trip to Mustafa in the middle of the night

It is quite an experience to visit Singapore’s 24 Hour Mall, Mustafa Centre. It is a place where you can get anything and everything, especially when you need something in the wee hours and all the other shops are closed. For the full Mustafa experience – go during a Sunday night, and you will understand what I’m talking about.

Eat The Best Hawker Food in Singapore

We have many fine restaurants in Singapore, but so do other countries. What is unique to Singapore, is the local hawker food. If it is your first time in Singapore, you must try some of the popular hawker food like: chicken rice, char kway teow, laksa, bak kut teh, popiah, hokkien mee – stuff that you can never find elsewhere. I will be writing a separate blog post on the must-try hawker food in Singapore, so more on that next time.

Visit the heritage places like Chinatown, Little India, Kampong Glam

I guess visiting heritage places is considered as a touristy thing, but hey, you are a tourist anyway. I love it whenever my overseas friends are in Singapore as it gives me the chance to be a tourist and explore places in Singapore that I have never been to.

Venture into the heartlands

When I travel to other countries, I like to go to the residential areas and see what it is like to live there. It is a nice feeling to learn more about others’ culture, and also to experience the local lifestyle. Venture into the heartlands in Singapore like Toa Payoh, Bishan, Ang Mo Kio and people-watch.

Eat, eat, eat and eat

Do I really need to elaborate on this? Singapore is a foodie paradise, and I bet you already have a list of eating places ready. If not… it’s time to read more Singapore Food Blogs!

What to do at Night in Singapore

For Nightlife in Singapore, Clark Quay and Boat Quay are the places to be with so many clubs, bars and pubs in the area. Party till late and have roti prata and frog leg porridge for supper.

Go to Funan IT Mall for gadgets.

Go to Sim Lim Square and fall for the tourist trap. Sim Lim Square has a reputation for being dodgy with all the tourist traps, so I usually go to Funan IT Mall to get my gadgets. If you are looking for camera equipments, check out John 3:16, or Cathay Photos (Peninsula Plaza).

Other tourist attractions in Singapore: take a stroll at the Singapore Botanical Gardens, and have a relaxing brunch at Dempsey road. There are plenty of Museums in Singapore: the Asian Civilisation museum, Pernankan museum, & the National Museum of Singapore are worth checking out. Depending on where you are from, you may want to check out the markets for tropical fruits if you are not living in this part of the world. Even though I hate durian, I think it’s a pretty cool experience to go down to Geylang and sit by the roadside to try the king of fruits. Lastly, if you have not been on a Ferris Wheel before, it’s a good idea to go on the Singapore Flyer which offers a great view of the Marina Bay area.

Travelling in Singapore is easy as we have a really developed public transport network. Unless you are on a tight schedule, try to travel around on buses and trains (instead of cabs), it’s very interesting to watch and listen to the locals conversations.

Explore Singapore and experience what our beautiful country has to offer, try out new things & local food with an open mind, and I am sure you will have a very good time in Singapore!