Singapore is a popular place to start or end a trip to Southeast Asia. There is a massive international airport which makes it a very convenient place, especially for tourists. A lot of backpackers enjoy the ultramodern vibe and the exciting nightlife scene after spending a few weeks or months travelling. If you’re looking for the perfect hostel to meet other travellers, relax, and have some fun, then all of the choices listed here are a great pick. As the country’s nightlife is diverse and fun, you’ll find no shortage of entertainment or activities. You’ll also find a lot of enthusiastic travellers looking to head out on the town as well.
By Lizzy
Top 3 Hostels in Singapore:
The 3 Best Party Hostels in Singapore
The Bohemian Chic Hostel
Price: starts at $14
Looking for a hostel in a central location that’s a hive of social activity? Come to Singapore’s The Bohemian Chic Hostel With a friendly vibe, arty colour-pop décor, modern rooms, and super-fast free Wi-Fi throughout the building, we’ve sure got something good going on. You’ll find us in the heart of the city, and our friendly multilingual staff are experts on the area, so they’ll be happy to point you in the right direction if you want some insider tips. Just remember to stock up on a delicious free breakfast before you head out to explore. Read more..
- Very social hostel
- Perfect if you want to go clubbing and daily activities.
Rucksack Inn @Lavender Street (Green Kiwi)
Price: $17.70 to $20.58
Rucksack Inn @Lavender Street (Green Kiwi) is a good option if you want to meet new people as it has a great social atmosphere. The staff and guests are amiable and open to conversations. Whether you’re looking for someone to be with when exploring the city, or just want to have someone to talk to in a mellow afternoon, you’ll have no trouble finding new friends. The staff is also very knowledgeable about things to do around the city, so don’t be afraid to ask.
The beds are also very comfortable, and there is a reading lamp available for all guests. Also, air conditioning is available in each room, and there are shared bathrooms with lots of hot water in the showers.
The dorms range can accommodate between 6 to 12 people, and there are private rooms available as well. Guests also have access to free internet, and three public computers can use. Every morning, complimentary breakfast is served, and it also includes fruit and toast with jam. There’s also an espresso machine available to guests. Read more..
- Very social atmosphere
- Great rooms
- Approachable staff
Dalian Gap Year Hostel
Price: $8.13 to $9.82
Dalian Gap Year Hostel was created and designed by backpackers, so they have a good idea of what you want. It’s a new hostel that is located in a great area, so it’s perfect if you want to explore Singapore easily.
You’ll enjoy all kinds of benefits by staying here, such as a free drink every night, no curfew, and so much more. They host all sorts of events, including several social activities and local food tastings. It also has comfortable beds and is very clean.
The owners have worked hard to include a lot of common spaces so you can get to know and interact with other travellers. The rooms are relatively spacious, and there is a lot of lighting and personal space as well. It’s an excellent place for guests who want to socialize, but there’s also space to retreat into when you need some alone time. Read more..
- Great location
- Access to public transportation
- Very social
How Is The Nightlife in Singapore?
Singapore’s nightlife scene is as varied as its 5.7 million population, with its after-hours establishments spread across the city in several neighbourhoods (catered to different crowds). Also, the city’s Central Business District is certainly more glitzy than the hipster district of Haji Lane.
Thanks to Singapore’s rigorous alcohol laws, parties in the city are a lot tamer when compared to other Asian cities like Bangkok (Khao San Road) and Hong Kong (Lan Kwai Fong). So, don’t be shocked if you catch a group of partygoers fully dressed up, and another clad in shirt-and-jeans outfits dancing side by side in a club. Due to the hot and humid weather throughout, Singaporeans usually aren’t overdressed. However, most clubs have a semi-casual dress code. It means no shorts and flip-flops allowed.
Cost
If you’re want to drink buckets of vodka for under a dollar, you’ve come to the wrong country. Singapore’s nightlife is very expensive, and there are many reports to agree to this. GoEuro’s Beer Price Index in 2016 found that a 330ml beer usually costs around S$11.40 (USD$8.34) – which makes Singapore the second most pricey city in Asia to drink beer. It is not mind-boggling really, as Singapore is the country with the highest standard of living on the planet (for the fifth time!). Fortunately, ladies can be spared from the astronomical prices on Wednesday nights, aka Ladies’ Night, with many establishments like Bang Bang and CÉ LA VI offering women free admission and complimentary alcoholic drinks.
Laws Around Partying and Drinking
Drinking alcoholic drinks in public is not allowed from 10:30 pm to 7:00 am. These public areas include parks, beaches, and terraces of public housing units. Those caught not following this rule can be fined with as much as S$1,000 (USD$729). Also, repeat offenders can be levied with a fine of up to S$2,000 or jailed as long as three months. But, there’s a chance that they will be punished with both.
Commercial establishments are also not allowed to sell takeaway alcohol from 10:30 pm to 7:00 am. Shops caught selling alcohol after the prescribed hours can be fined up to S$10,000. So, if you follow these laws, you’ll have a good time.
The biggest key to having fun with Singapore’s nightlife is getting to places early. You need to plan your trips so that you arrive at a club or bar with a lot of time to gain entry. Otherwise, you might end up spending your night queueing, only to find out that you’ve been denied access.
The next part of the equation is making sure you know where your hotel is. If you go out drinking late at night, make sure you can communicate with someone how to get back to your hotel in case you are inebriated. Otherwise, you should have a great time enjoying the nightlife in Singapore.
The Best Bars and Clubs in Singapore
1. Atlas Bar
Atlas is a world-famous specialty gin bar situated in the grand lobby of the Parkview Square. Offering more than a thousand different gin labels, Atlas is slowly making its name in Singapore’s nightlife scene with its unrivalled gin collection and jaw-dropping opulence. Featuring a 15-metre-high ceiling and a three-story gin tower, this is a bar that always wants to make a statement. Aside from this, the bar has been listed in Time’s inaugural 2018 World’s Greatest Places and ranked #4 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars in the same year. Yes, this is a venue where you can rub shoulders with the real Crazy Rich Asians.
2. HopHeads Bar
Hidden inside a basement in Dhoby Ghaut, the HopHeads is akin to a raunchy college party. This hectic underground bar is filled with Singapore’s energetic youths challenging each other to friendly games of foosball, darts and beer pong. Recommended dishes include Chilli Crab Pasta (S$17.90) and Sambal Chicken Pizza (S$19.90). Grab some beer towers and let the good times roll!
3. LeVeL33
Perched on top of the Marina Bay Financial Centre, LeVeL33 is the world’s tallest urban microbrewery. As its name suggests, the 33rd-floor penthouse microbrewery boasts panoramic views of Singapore’s gorgeous skyline – the perfect spot to unwind after sightseeing or work. Order a Beer Tasting Paddle (S$23.33) and sample LeVeL33’s signature beers, namely 33.15 India Pale Ale, 33.3 Stout and 33.9 Wheat Beer. All these fresh craft beers – served unfiltered and unpasteurized – are brewed on-site. An absolute must-visit for craft beer lovers!
4. 1-Altitude
1-Altitude Rooftop Gallery & Bar is the highest al fresco rooftop bar in the world. More than 282 meters above the ground, 1-Altitude attracts celebrities from around the world. You should also check the weather before visiting, as the rooftop bar-club-combination closes when it rains. Also, expect to pay a cover charge of about S$35 per person (inclusive of two drinks) around 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, and S$45 per pax (including two drinks) to enter 1-Altitude after 9:00 pm. The breathtaking views from above will make the expensive entrance fees worth it. But you need to remember that a smart casual dress code applies and the use of tripods is forbidden.
5. BANG BANG
Open till 6:00 am on Wednesdays, and from Fridays to Saturdays, Bang Bang located at Pan Pacific Hotel Singapore is where you literally can party till the next morning. The wildly popular nightclub spans around 5,000 square feet and is notable for its wild parties. These parties usually involve diamond bar cages, epic laser shows, and VIP bottle services. Despite its massive success, Bang Bang has made a risky move of being the first nightclub in Singapore to get rid of all cover charges back in January 2018.
6. Ce La Vi Singapore
CÉ LA VI is among the most sought-after party destinations in Asia. The nightclub is ranked as 67th on DJ Mag’s 2018 Top 100 Clubs in the world. Chilling on the observation deck of the famous Marina Bay Sands skyscraper, this is where you can enjoy a gobsmacking view of Singapore’s bright skyline.
Tip: For the ladies, you can enjoy free entrance to CÉ LA VI and one complimentary premium drink on Wednesday nights (10:00 pm onwards).
About Singapore
Singapore, city-state located at the southern end of the Malay Peninsula. It is made up of the diamond-shaped Singapore Island and around 60 islets, and the main island makes up only about 46 square kilometres of this combined area. Also, the main island is set apart from Peninsular Malaysia to the north by the Johor Strait. It is a narrow channel crossed by a road and rail causeway that is about a kilometre long. The southern limits of the state-run through Singapore Strait, where some islands of the Riau-Lingga Archipelago—which is a part of Indonesia—extend to within about 17 km from the main island.
Singapore is also the biggest port in Southeast Asia and among the busiest in the world. It owes its massive growth and wealth to its strategic position at the southernmost end of the Malay Peninsula, where it controls the Strait of Malacca, a body of water that connects the South China Sea to the Indian Ocean. The country was once a British colony, and it is now a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, Singapore was a part of the Federation of Malaysia on its formation in 1963 but declared its independence on August 9, 1965. If you’re feeling more adventurous and want to explore some more, you can also visit Bangkok and Ao Nang.
Lizzy
Traveler & Blogger
Hi, I’m Lizzy! In the past 10 years I’ve travelled 60 countries and I’m still counting. While I was backpacking I could not find a website that provides valuable information about hostels. After months of thinking, doubting and brainstorming, hostelstobook.com was born.
I hope to make your trip easier, so you’d only stay in the best hostels around the globe. Do you have any questions? Don’t hesitate to send me a message.
Related Questions
Generally, Singapore is a very safe country to visit. It is probably one of the safest countries in Asia, but it still has its risks. So, keep an eye for your valuables and use your common sense, since the most common type of crime is petty theft.
One of the most popular items prohibited in this list, Singapore has taken a strong opinion against all kinds of chewing gum since it was banned in 2004. Unless it is used for medical purposes (e.g. nicotine gum), chewing gum is generally prohibited in Singapore.
Wearing shorts is not an issue in Singapore with a few exceptions like places of worship or clubs and fine dining restaurants that specifically impose a dress code. For typical sightseeing, there’s no problem with wearing shorts. Your concerns are, however, applicable if you visit Malaysia or Indonesia.
Situated between Little India and Marina Bay, the Bugis Street Market is one of the best shopping places in Singapore. It is famous for being the cheapest market in the country to buy accessories, souvenirs, clothes, houseware, electronics, and cosmetics.
To take the guesswork out of budgeting, you can opt for the 3-day Singapore Tourist Pass (S$20), which lets you go on unlimited bus and train rides for the duration of its validity. If you’re staying in Singapore for five days, you can use the Pass to go anywhere you like on days 2-4.
A visit to an average restaurant can cost S$20 – S$40 per person for basic meals. So, with breakfast and dinner at home, lunch outside at food courts, plus essential weekend trips, the monthly food budget in Singapore can run around S$600 – S$1,000 for an average budget-conscious couple