The best nightclubs in Singapore

Singapore’s longest-running, icon of a nightclub first opened its doors to revellers back in 1991, famously championing and propelling the dance music movement throughout Asia. Loved by generations, it continues to stand the test of time and stay ahead of trends. Zouk has evolved from funky upstart to Singapore institution attracting some of the biggest names in dance music including Avicii, Paul Oakenfold, Hardwell and the Chemical Bros. Anyone who’s anyone on the Southeast Asian clubbing circuit has passed through its doors, so if that doesn’t include you... then what are you waiting for?

Named after a fictional owner, Lulu's is the darling of Singapore’s impeccably dressed it crowd, seducing them night after night with her sexy yet quirky interiors on Raffles Boulevard. Open from 9pm ‘til dawn, expect an animated nightlife experience whether you’re throwing shapes on the dance floor or knocking back cocktails on the outdoor terrace with new friends. Entertainment ranges from burlesque dancers – if you fancy a bit of nipple with your tipple – to live acoustic sets under starlight.

Concealed behind a graffiti-covered back alley, Kilo Lounge is a cool party spot for young hipsters in the know. Here you can roll on the good times to a soundtrack of hip-hop, techno, reggae or dub. If 7-Eleven sandwiches don’t quite cut it for you, the best thing about Kilo is the after-club-hours food stand, Kilo Merienda. Here, hungry night owls can feast on classic post-party grub including BBQ Pulled Pork Tacos and NY Beef Frank hotdogs. The party doesn’t end 'til your second dinner is served, after all.

If you’re feeling pear-y sad about Cherry Discotheque’s departure from Mount Elizabeth, then we think you’d ap-peach-iate this news. Alright, we’re done with the puns now but Peaches – the new kid on the clubbing circuit – is finding its home at Cherry’s old digs. So you can expect retro decor (think: neon-lit signs of quotes from Rupaul) all around this space located at the basement of York Hotel. Presented by the same folks, the newly minted LGBT club spreads over two floors and spins your favourite tracks from EDM, classic pop tunes to old school R&B anthems. There are even drag queen performances and live gigs on select nights. Everyone’s welcome here as long as you’re in for a peachy keen night.

Did you know that one of the worlds’ best beach clubs lies on sunny Sentosa? Lucky, lucky us! Every Sunday, the beach club hosts epic Smack My Beach Up raves with a mix of sunshine soul, Balearic house, beach boogie & horizontal disco. Want more sandy dandy fun? Look out for their legendary full moon parties with those famous buckets of booze. Of course, beachwear is recommended.

The newly launched Mao brings urban beats back to the underground space that was previously Kyō in the CBD area. Let yourself go with its heady soundtrack of disco, garage, funk and soul, fused in with a dose of techno, trip-hop and broken beats. The venue hosts club nights Thursday to Saturday, including ‘Basement Soul’ house music every Friday. If that’s not enough subterranean drinking for you, unwind after the workday with happy hour all evening and live music specials. The kitchen serves fresh oysters, if that it your method of seduction.

If organisation isn’t your strongest suit then 1-Altitude is a swanky no brainer. The venue is a restaurant, bar and nightclub spread over three floors, taking the fuss out of party planning. First line your stomachs at Stellar, an Aussie gourmet restaurant on the 62nd floor. Next, get Instagram duties out the way on the 63rd floor rooftop, 1-Altitude Gallery & Bar, which boasts panoramic views of the city. Finally, let loose on the 61st floor nightclub, Altimate, with hi-tech visual and sound effects bouncing from body to body.

The iconic nightclub from The Bund in Shanghai has ventured over to Singapore shores, opening on the 71st floor of Swissôtel The Stamford. Designed by Shanghai based NAÇO, one of the club’s most striking features is a jaw-dropping cloud-shaped art installation hanging above the centre bar – it’s also a handy meeting spot when you lose your pals. Each month, Bar Rouge hosts exciting themed nights including entertainment from aerial dancers and hot shot DJ’s from Shanghai. If the VIP treatment sounds like your kind of thing, there’s a VIP Mezzanine on the 72nd floor with room for 50 guests.

Empire is a sophisticated nightspot for the working professional crowd, as city girls and boys gather to unwind after a long week in the office. This penthouse lounge sits 45 floors above the Central Business District, right next to Raffles Place MRT – perfect to catch the sunset as the surrounding buildings illuminate the city. There are happy hour deals from Monday to Saturday, and every Friday and Saturday night from 6pm there's a dual late-night party series featuring top local DJs spinning chart hits to hip-hop and electro. PS: the bar also stocks huge sized champagne bottles for thirsty clubbers to refuel on.

Wink wink, nudge nudge, bang bang…in that order. This nightclub at Marina Bay’s Pan Pacific Hotel is a high energy buffet of crazy times, a new approach to high-end merry making. Partygoers come dressed to impress but leave any pretence at the door. Celebs from Will-I-Am to LMFAO have partied here, so you know you’re in trendy company. Bang Bang uses a state-of-the-art L’Acoustics sound system and a 45 foot long high-resolution LED wall, to help elevate guest experience to the new heights. Expect a steady stream of international guest DJs spinning a mix of nu disco, deep house, hip-hop and more. Look out for the occasional pillow fight, too.