Zirca Mega Club

Clubs and discos closing down are not uncommon occurrences in the fickle nightclub industry but it can be a letdown to partygoers when a good club folds which deprive hedonists of another place of worship. The Ministry of Sound closed down regrettably, a month before I entered the clubbing scene and I did not get the chance to see if it lived up to the hype. So I was eagerly waiting in anticipation when it was announced that Zirca was going to replace MOS and I had high expectations that the former would be able to replicate the experience that I had missed.

Presented by Lifebrandz Ltd, the company that also owns Rebel, Zirca delivers energetic electronic dance music which is literally juxtaposed the gritty and edgy RnB beats in the club next door. This leaves clubbers spoilt for choice between the two parties as the three for one cover charge which includes Lunar into the mix enables clubbers to have the best of three worlds. So if you are the type who enjoys RnB, Chinese songs and electronic music then this deal is your golden ticket to clubbing heaven. It is a good bargain considering the relatively cheap price that ranges between $15-$25.

Upon entering Zirca, one cannot fail to notice two elevated stage surrounded by metal bars which ostensibly suggest that there are going to be performances by exotic dancers which will no doubt add some novelty to the club. Sadly, the wet dreams of many boys are probably dashed when it becomes apparent that these structures are left there for clubbers to use which do not add much excitement and it’s a shame they remain underutilized in my opinion.

The energy never dies on weekend nights at Zirca with electrifying trance and electro music pervading the air, breathing new life to partygoers as they move to the beat and display their proficiency with their light sticks. It gets even better when guest DJs drop by to masterfully orchestrate the sounds and rhythm to attract a crowd of followers on the dance floor.

The music is complemented by the dark and blue lighting which creates a harmonious marriage of light and sound. This produces an ambience that is suspiciously familiar to Zouk, Singapore’s most famous nightclub. Perhaps this is can be considered a case of plagiarism.

Yet, it seems that Zirca has yet to live up to its self proclaimed name as a mega club. Benjamin, a first year undergraduate at NTU remarked that Zirca has an excellent lighting and sound system yet it could be better if the club can attract world class DJs like Zouk.

While Thursday nights at Zirca presents a different type of party entirely. RnB shifts from Rebel to Zirca and students are most welcome on this night as evidenced by the club’s offer of free entry for students before midnight

Gone are the light sticks wielding trance worshippers on Thursday nights as they are replaced by youths hypnotized by today’s RnB culture. While the crowd is predictably smaller on Thursdays, they are just as enthusiastic and seem to enjoy themselves just as much.

Aaron, a graduate from Nanyang Polytechnic describes Zirca on Thursday nights as “phenomenal” and that the club has a great lighting system but “the music is too loud to pick up any chicks”.

It is rather a fair point to consider that loud music in nightclubs in Singapore seems to be the norm rather than the exception so perhaps Zirca falls into the ‘normal category’.

It seems to early to judge if Zirca is going to become as well renowned nightclub like Zouk which always draws a long queue of clubbers and attract the world’s top DJs but it does have the potential to become a household name among clubbers in the future as seen by the growing number of patrons who are left with a good impression. My gut feeling tells me that the affordability and attractiveness of the three on one deal will ensure that the unholy trinity of Zirca, Rebel and Lunar will remain in Singapore’s clubbing scene for quite a while.

rating:3.5/5
Location:Clarke Quay, Singapore

SEVEN

At Bugis there is a building that easily catches the eye as the unique Esplande-like structure glows brightly at night to illuminate the surroundings and show promises of grandeur. The mall aptly named Illuma is not what it seems when you go inside as the interior reveals another disappointingly average mall which belies its beautiful appearance. On the top floor of this deceptive building lies a nightclub that is well hidden and not known to many.

And for a good reason…

The club’s name, SEVEN is probably named as such since it’s located on the 7th floor but it is certainly no heaven. On the surface, the club seems to be a secret clubbing haven that shows much promise. But the lack of crowd lining up outside on a weekend night gives an uneasy feeling that the loud music serves to mask the inconvenient truth inside the club. Lesson learned: when nobody is queuing up late at night outside a club, stay away from that club.

Upon entering the club, the deafeningly loud music rendered any form of verbal communication useless with the exception of shouting. It’s practically impossible to even strike a conversation with a friend nearby! The place is dark like any typical club but one of the unique aspects of this place is the other forms of entertainment provided in the form of a pool table(which you have to pay to use) and darts(payment needed). But the most glaring aspect of this club is the crowd or rather the lack of it.

In all my nightlife experiences, never had I witnessed such an empty club in such a sorry state. There was nobody on the dance floor at midnight and this trend continued throughout the whole night as there was hardly anyone on the dance floor which raises the question if the dj plays the music for ghosts or other unworldly beings that cannot be seen by the naked eye.

Bad jokes aside, the nightclub was so desolate that staff members had to encourage their patrons to get on the dance floor! Desperation hits a new low when the bartenders had to juggle some bottles of alcohol to create a spectacle and get the party started. This was followed with offers of drinking alcohol straight from the bottle for a sum of money that I did not bother to ask.

The club may possess unique concepts of being located in a mall near a LAN shop and filled with various forms of entertainment but ultimately, the crowd makes the club. To be fair it is possible to chill out with a large group of friends for a private celebration or gathering in this club if they do not mind communicating non-verbally. But it is not a place to party at all.

They say never judge a book by its cover. Located in a remote area and judging by the lack of promotions and awareness of the public, SEVEN is unlikely to become the next trendy hangout for clubbers but more likely to be forgotten and fade into obscurity.

Location: Illuma, Bugis, Singapore
Rating:0.5/5

party in paradise

The Chinese have an idiom that roughly translates 'to see the world with new eyes'. While it's metaphorical meaning is to re-evaluate one's character, in the modern age of travel and living it is fair to say that the idiom can adopt a literal meaning as well. Interestingly, throughout history the perception of Bali had changed from a wild, savage and untamed land to paradise for tourists.

My trip to Bali was my first trip overseas without the restriction of an adult's supervision. Thus, I was able to exercise my freedom to feed my curiosity and experience the nightlife of a foreign land for the first time. My suggestions to my friends who had the luxury to travel with their friends went unheeded but I was not going to miss this golden opportunity to see the parties that other places have to offer.

This whole experience had been an eye opener as well as a pleasant surprise; the energetic crowd, good music, friendly people, cheap drinks and a good dance floor. The enthusiasm of the tourists was infectious and it was hard not to get in the mood to party the night away. Truly the crowd makes the club. Even though it was a weekday night and not the tourist season, it was undoubtedly a great party.

Yet, temptations lurk around the corner in Bali as men on the street peddle magic mushrooms that promise greater level of sensual pleasure and prostitutes make themselves available to the highest bidder. It's a playground for hedonists who love taking risks.

Bali is renowned for being a wild, untamed yet exotic island to outsiders. With a bustling nightlife and the zealousness of intoxicated tourists, Bali has lived up to its reputation as an exotic island paradise that never sleeps.

Next up, I will share my experience in what is arguably the worst club in Singapore.

Paddy's club

The spontaneous pirate inspired theme at Bounty ship is juxtaposed by Paddy’s contemporary disco setting. In contrast with the flamboyance and bright lights of bounty ship, the club next door offers a classical dark setting that is similar to many clubs in Clarke Quay. But upon closer inspection, Paddy’s nightclub could not have been more different than the clubs in Singapore.

The most striking difference between Paddy’s and the other clubs is the quality of the dance floor. The dance floor is slippery and smooth which enables clubbers to glide through the floor, giving fluidity to their dance moves. Dancing on this floor gives you the electrifying energy and ability to express your moves like never before under the illuminating giant crystal ball hanging on top. One can almost feel like he is able to moonwalk on this amazing dance floor. It’s Saturday night fever all over again.

Despite the different vibes and music that the two clubs offer, the crowd in Paddy’s remains as energized and ecstatic as those in the club next door. Perhaps fueled by alcohol, the jubilant tourists filled the dance floor to express their joy while the locals show off their eye catching moves as they join in the celebrations as well. Yet, the off season means that the dance floor is not fully utilized but the enthusiasm of the crowd more than makes up for the deficits in numbers.

The latest RnB hits are played throughout the night which perfectly compliments the unique dance floor and creates a harmony that dancers will indulge in. This is simplicity in its finest for an RnB club. To top it off, the entry fee is relatively cheap and drinks are sold at affordable prices which make a visit to this club truly worth your money.

The absence of gimmicks is evident in this club as it lacks an identity or defining characteristics that most clubs usually possess to differentiate themselves from the competition. But this is a club that RnB lovers out there will truly enjoy for beauty lies in its simplicity.

location:Lagian Street,
Kuta, Bali(Indonesia)

rating:4.5/5

The Bounty Ship Discothèque

It has been a while since I wrote something on this blog since I was busy last week enjoying my well deserved vacation in Bali before flying to Singapore to collect me exams results. So I will be giving a double review this week on the clubs I visited in Bali.

My second day in Bali was all about adventures and excitement, surviving the treacherous waves of the river in a raft in the morning and getting intimate with beasts of the animal kingdom at Bali safari. Unfortunately, after sundown my friends wanted to call it a day and remain at the comfort of their beds despite the bustling nightlife that awaits us in this paradise. But the party animal in me always sniffs out a good night ahead so I decided to leave my comrades and venture into the wild alone.

My first visit of the night was to the bounty ship discotheque which is a two storey disco resembling a pirate ship with a similar motif. Prostitutes prowl in the corners, waiting for potential clients to pick them up. Although it is officially illegal from what I heard, I’m sure everyone turns a blind eye like the people openly offering magic mushrooms on the streets.

Entry is free which implies that the adventurous tourists are unable to resist the temptations of cheap booze. This is the perfect deal for a cheapskate clubber like me who doesn’t drink much anyways.

I thought I came too early since it’s only around 11 pm on a weekday. But I was gladly mistaken. The top floor was filled with swashbuckling partygoers who were merrily drinking their booze from a fish bowl or grinding it out on the dance floor like drunken pirates. Some even showed their swagger on the stage culminating in a dance off, showing plenty of back flips and break dancing. The night is still young but these tourists sure know how to party like pirates.

The bars at the ground floor are a stark contrast to the wild celebrations that were happening at the top floor. Some bars had live bands playing to entertain patrons but the latter were too few in numbers. One of the bar was quiet and almost empty which sets up a perfect ambience for a sleazy night. The DJ continued playing music even though the dance floor was empty. Perhaps it’s just not the tourist season.

In Singapore when I told people that I club solo sometimes they will give me that cynical look of disbelief. Perhaps in the back of their mind they think I have no friends or I’m a desperate dude. But nothing could be further than the truth. Now you have to understand that clubbing solo has its benefits. By having no friends to lean on, you are forced to meet new people or you will go home feeling like a lonely loser who had wasted your time and money. It’s all about instinct. I will elaborate more on that another time but moving on.

Since I was going alone I knew I had to wear my million dollar smile and talk to other people. I was surprised to find how friendly some tourists are and we just do a little introduction and chat a little. The bartenders were friendly and they will crack a joke or two with their patrons.

So I actually found the courage to approach a girl in the club and find a dance partner for the night. Although I discovered that she’s Japanese and could not understood a word I was saying except my country of origin. That did not stop me from getting her to the dance floor with me. Things were going smoothly until she had to leave early which I highly suspect is a plot by her neglected friend to whisk her away. There is definitely plenty of piracy in Bali

But hey this is a good place to party overall with drinks at reasonable prices, a highly energetic and spontaneous crowd, a good thematic setting and good music that is not loud enough to burst your eardrums for a change.

But the night is not over yet and I will tell you about the club next door in my next post.

Place: Bounty Ship Discothèque
Location: Kuta Beach, Bali
Rating: 4/5

S-M-I-L-E

It’s Saturday night and you are preparing yourself for a fun night out. You put on your best clothes, wear the most expensive watch and other accessories, had your hair done and spray some perfume. There’s a load of cash in your wallet and it seems that you are totally prepared for a really good night and perhaps meet a beautiful stranger to dance the night away.

But did you forget to bring your greatest assets along?

Yes, don’t forget to SMILE

It sounds like a simple act of twitching your jaw muscles but your smile is your most useful device inside the club for interacting with the opposite sex as well as keeping yourself out of trouble which equates to a fun night out. Here’s why.

In the club where the loud music drowns out your voice and prevents you from communicating verbally, the main form of communication is your body language and your smile becomes the defining gesture that presents yourself positively to others.

Firstly, smiling is the simplest test that can be used to find out someone’s interest in you in the club. So if you are interested in someone of the opposite sex in the club, just smile at him or her to test his or her reaction. If he or she smiles back at you then that person is likely to be interested in you which gives you the signal to move in and before you know it, you are dancing with him or her on the dance floor. If your smile is not reciprocated, then you can move on to the next target.

Smiling make yourself open and more approachable to others as well as communicating to them that you are having fun. Smiling also exudes your energy and enthusiasm which makes you more attractive and makes the opposite sex gravitate towards you more as it’s like you are inviting them to have fun with you. Believe me, happiness is contagious.

On top of that, smiling can also be a useful tool to keep you out of trouble since it gives others the impression that you are friendly and mean no harm. It will effectively diffuse tensions and prevent misunderstandings from escalating into fights which is a common occurrence with all the jostling and shoving in the crowded dance floor.

With all these benefits gained from a simple act of smiling, there are some incentives to smile throughout the whole night like an idiot who just won the lottery. After all it’s your night to feel like a winner.

Rebel

My love with hip hop dates back to several years ago when Usher’s Yeah video was released and I knew at that moment, it was love at first sight. Fast forward to the present and RnB is played everywhere. Radio, TV, clubs you name it. Nowadays many clubs play the top RnB hits that have gained popularity with the mainstream audience. Surprisingly however, it seems rare to find a club that has the vibe and design to match the music and Rebel boutique club falls inside this category.

Located at Clarke quay at the site where the former MOS once operated, the brick walls and the cage that surrounds the dance floor gives the club the edgy ‘street’ vibe which is augmented by the dark greenish lighting. Now that’s bringing hip hop back to its roots where the setting fits the music.

RnB or hip hop music is played all night by the Djs in this club unlike some other clubs that tends to mix in some house, trance or pop music at some point of the night which further drive the point that this is a serious, mean and enjoyable experience for RnB lovers only.

With an admission charge that ranges from $15 to $25 inclusive of two free drinks, this is one of the cheapest deals in town you can find. In addition, there is a bonus of free entry to Zirca and Lunar for those who paid the entry fee for Rebel which also works for patrons of the other two clubs. That means the happy hour deal which stands at $15 enables you to enter 3 clubs for the measly price of 1. Sounds like a damn good deal to me

Now then it is perhaps no coincidence that it is uncommon to find teens in their street clothes or army guys on the dance floor. This is probably due to the music or the cheap entry fee. Someone even remarked that the club is filled with army guys which may or may not be true since I’m too distracted or having too much fun to check out guys in clubs.

My only major complaint about this place is that the bouncers are too slow to break up fights and sometimes they are even nonexistent. There was this one instance when a few groups of thugs ruined the night for me with their persistent scuffles throughout the night and it’s amazing that no bouncer came in to stop them. Guess that explains the low admission fee.

Regardless, a clubbing experience in Rebel is value for money and I had some of the most fun nights out at Rebel. Rebel is place for a fun night out, especially for hip hop and RnB lovers out there as long as they can keep out of trouble.

Rating: 3.5/5