Singapore has always been associated with descriptions, like clean and green. But thanks to the movie “Crazy Rich Asians”, tourists are now flocking the city to get a glimpse of its glitz and glamour. The film, starring an all-Asian cast, is a love letter to the country’s culture, featuring different facets of the Singaporean lifestyle that many may not know.
In the movie, Rachel Chu and her beau Nick Young have several nighttime adventures, from a gastronomic feast at the Newton Food Centre to a glamorous celebration at the Gardens by the Bay. But not everyone can be sons and daughters of a high-society family. Singapore still reigns as the most expensive city in the world, so travelling there means you have some measure of financial freedom.
But for the not-so-crazy rich, what are the best things to do in the Garden City for the ultimate nightlife experience?
Cocktails at Ce La Vi
The film shows the iconic Marina Bay Sands, highlighting the hotel’s SkyPark infinity pool on the 57th floor. You can get a ticket to the SkyPark observation deck, but the pool area is exclusive for hotel guests so you’ll have to check in to gain access. The observation deck is typically filled with tourists, so you may not be able to fully appreciate the experience.
What you can do is make a reservation at the Spago bar and Lounge or the Ce La Vi and request a table overlooking the pool. This way, you won’t have to spend too much by checking in at the hotel. But you’ll still get a glimpse of the amazing view. Drinks at these bars, admittedly, are expensive. Fortunately for the ladies, Ce La Vi offers free admission and complimentary drinks on Ladies’ Night, which is every Wednesday.
See the Sentosa
Of course, a Singapore trip isn’t complete without a visit to Sentosa. The entry fees can get costly, especially if you’re going by cable car. You can go on foot via the Sentosa Boardwalk. The regular admission charge through this route is $1.00, but Sentosa waived the fee until December 2020.
Sentosa offers a lof evening activities that you can catch for free. At Palawan Green, you can enjoy an outdoor movie screening under the stars. The screening usually starts at 7:45 p.m and showcases popular movies, classics and Hollywood blockbusters.
You can catch the spectacular Wings of Time instead if you’re not up for a movie. This night show features a fantastic display of water, lights and pyrotechnics. A standard seat costs $18, but there are online booking sites where you can get a Wings of Time ticket for less.
Eat your heart out at Lau Pa Sat
In the movie version of “Crazy Rich Asians”, Rachel and her friends eat at the Newton Food Centre, home to three Michelin-listed hawker stalls. But in the book where the film is based, they went to Lau Pa Sat or “the old market”.
Located in the Central Business District, this open-air hawker centre is a favourite among tourists because of its convenient location near downtown attractions. At night, the road next to the food centre is blocked so satay sellers can set up their grills. The stalls serve a variety of Asian dishes for as low as $4. Try the fragrant garden chicken rice, fried kway teow and yong tau foo.
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get an awesome nightlife experience in Singapore. Plan your itinerary before your trip so you can choose the places that fit your budget and meet your expectations.
