31.1 C
Singapore
Saturday, November 30, 2024
Home Blog Page 187

ANZA Melbourne Cup Race Day

Was this the best ANZA Melbourne Cup Race Day yet? We think so! The biggest event in world horseracing came to Singapore on Tuesday 6 November, when a crowd of 500 ANZA members and friends gathered at The Singapore Turf Club to see Cross Counter storm past the winners post. A stylish crowd, sporting passion, a public holiday, and fabulous prizes contributed to what has become a firm-favourite in Singapore’s social calendar.

Sweeps and a charity prize draw worth over $20,000 raised money for Riding for the Disabled, Singapore, and the upkeep of ANZA Action-sponsored therapy horse, Kodi. Winner Taneal Roach took away the major prize of a two night stay at Emirates One and Only Wolgan Valley in the Blue Mountains. The exciting InstaReM Spin the Travel Wheel sent guests off to luxurious holidays around South East Asia.

Of course, The Cup is all about parade ring fashion and our glam crowd didn’t disappoint. During the day, touch-ups were on offer from The Big Blow stylists, with the photo booth getting plenty of action, and racegoers taking away their happy snaps as mementos of day.

The Banyan Tree Fashions on the Field competition was hotly contested, with our most fashion-forward guests vying for fabulous travel prizes. Onlookers also voted for their faves in the People’s Choice award on ANZAVote, while judges Nick Oxborrow, Megan Kinder and Moira Coops presided over the best dressed awards.

In the finals, Julie Edgley took away Ms Melbourne Cup for her stunning outfit and millenary, winning a two night stay at the Banyan Tree Lang Co, worth $2,400. Mr Melbourne Cup Gavin Struthers scooped up two nights at the Angsana Lang Co. Best Millinery went to Vanessa Milne and People’s Choice to Karen Trotter.

The party didn’t stop when the races ended, with coaches whizzing guests off to Bar Rogue at Swissotel, The Stamford, where the fun lasted well into the night.

Huge thanks to all our hard-working volunteers on the day. At last count, $13, 556 was raised on the day for Riding for the Disabled, Singapore. Thanks everyone for your generous support!

To view all the happy snaps from the day, head to our Facebook page

Photo credits: Don Northey

Hear Ali Cobby Eckermann at SWF

Are you looking forward to sharing your poetry with a Singapore audience?
Yes, it’s my first time to visit Singapore, and I’m super excited. It’s always an exciting privilege to share my poetry with new audiences. Also I hope to catch up with my poet friends Joshua Ip and Lawrence Ypil, who live in Singapore.

What do you plan to do here?
I’d like a few hours to explore the Singapore Airport. It sounds amazing!

How did you discover a love of writing poetry?
As a girl I loved books. I think it’s often the first signpost of a writer, to love reading. Often I preferred books to people. Books provided a comfort to me, an escape for my imagination in which I could envision a world I would prefer to dwell. When I began writing as an adult I wanted to rewrite the world as one filled with fairness and justice and equity for my Aboriginal people. Poetry allowed me to give voice to the voiceless and undermined, to reiterate the need for truth-telling, to promote the necessity of story-sharing, and for respecting the story of each individual.

What do you enjoy most about writing poetry?
Poetry has been an antidote to me, to build my self-worth as I unravel the story of my past. I love that poetry is not constrained. My heart enjoys the freedom from constraint. I don’t always push myself to write, as I also like to focus on other things; family, my wellbeing through swimming, art and sculpture.

How has being part of the stolen generation shaped your writing?
The long journey to find my family is imprinted on my life. The removal from my family by uncaring government policies and prejudices embedded in Australian society are stamped into my heart. I used to be an angry young woman. Slowly these pent-up emotions softened upon finding my mother (I was 34 years of age), and four years later finding my son (he was 18).

How did it feel to be the first indigenous Australian to receive the Windham-Campbell Prize?
At first it was so shocking. I couldn’t believe it and cried a lot. The prize money is a gift, as it allows me the freedom to visit family much more often, and to share adventures with them. It was a very special time to have my son and daughter accompany me to Yale for the event ceremony. It was an honour to share that experience with them, to build new memories for us. Personally my writing has gained a new confidence. I am enjoying exploring new genres of literature, and have begun to research and write my first novel.

Hear Ali at the
SWF at The Arts House!

Epic International Reading
Night II: Inside Looking Out:
10 Nov 8pm

Belonging Somewhere and Nowhere: 10 Nov 2:30pm

Navigating Emotional Pitfalls:
11 Nov 10:30am

Cool Condo

Why did you choose this living space?
Before coming here, we lived in San Francisco and had a big spacious home in a very friendly neighbourhood. When we found out we were moving to Singapore and now the children are all teenagers we jumped at the chance to try another style of living. This condo ticked all the boxes and it was a mutual decision to choose this above all the other properties we had seen.

What do you love about the space?
The condo has floor-to-ceiling windows and has the most wonderful view of Bukit Timah and the lush greenery Singapore offers. The pool makes up for the lack of outdoor space and we love the open feel to it.

What do you like about the area?
This condo is relatively new, however we often hear people telling us of the farms and orchards that used to be here. We are just settling in but we love the area and what it has to offer. We like to jog in the Botanical Gardens in the morning before it gets too hot. We are lucky to have Cluny Court, Holland Village and Dempsey Hill on our doorstep and with the MRT so close by our children have become independent very quickly.

Your favourite spot in the house?
I like to escape to my office after dinner and spend a few hours there. I hope to be able to start painting again and it’s the perfect spot to do this. And there is nothing better than watching the sun go down from the balcony on a Friday evening with a refreshing drink or two in hand!

Describe your decorating style
I buy things because I like them. As an expat, I believe that is so important. It’s easy to buy things to fit a house, only to move again and find it doesn’t work in another. I try to be disciplined about the choices I make, rather than to follow fashion trends. I want to have objects in my home that are personally impactful and pulled together to make it meaningful, comfortable and to feel like home. I don’t want the house to feel disjointed, rather that it flows from one space to the next. I have objects that tell our story – a cuckoo clock from Switzerland, curated medicine bottles from my father’s pharmacy, antique cups from my grandmother, prints from places we visited in Europe and most of my art is by New Zealand artists.

What colours and shades are you drawn to?
My home primarily consists of “donkey” colours; black, white, brown and beige! It’s safe but I find it calming and complimentary. I tie it all together using texture and tone – leather, linen, seisal, and cane to name a few, counter balancing each other and adding interest. Most importantly however, I am not afraid to mix the old with the new. Our last move I had a lot of navy accents and feature walls, this time I have tried to compliment the jungle vibe with a dash of emerald green – as subtle as it is!

What do you love collecting?
I adore chairs and have been an avid collector for some time! When I lived in Basel, Switzerland I used to pop over the border to The Vitra Design House in Germany – they have the official contract to produce many chair brands. I picked up Ray and Charles Eames chairs and a few from Verner Panton for our large farmhouse style kitchen table. Unfortunately these didn’t fit here, so are in storage back in New Zealand waiting for my next housing project! I went on to collect many other chairs from Kettal, Mies van der Rohe, Hans Wagner and Bertoia to name a few. Our new kitchen stools are from Kettal, which I purchased here. Whilst living in America I bought a linen sofa and a grey American oak dining table from Restoration Hardware, which add comfort and size.

Do you have a favourite piece?
One of my favourite items is a lampshade by David Trubridge, a New Zealand designer. I am unable to have it installed above my dining table due to the sheer height of the ceiling, so I have it in my office. When lit, it projects an amazing pattern around the room, resembling coral.

Deepavali Feasting

The festival of Deepavali, also known as ‘Festival of Lights’, will be observed on Tuesday, 6 November this year, when Hindus honour Lakshmi, Goddess of Wealth, celebrating the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. There are lots of opportunities in Singapore to eat festive fare in restaurants or celebrate at friends’ homes. Now is a good time to brush-up Indian dining etiquette, so you’ll feel comfortable and enjoy the party even more!

TABLE SETTING
Depending on the type of restaurant or host’s preference, a table may be set with a thali, a metal tray with several small matching metal bowls for food, or a metal tray with indentations to hold food. All the food is served at the same time, with rice or bread placed in the centre of the individual thali. Or, the setting might be a banana leaf, placed with the glossy side upwards, stem parallel to the diner. Serving bowls of food will be placed in the centre of the table, with serving spoons. In both styles above, cutlery is not used for eating, unless requested, as food is generally consumed using fingers. Then again, the setting might comprise an individual dinner plate, with a fork to the left and spoon to the right. A drinking glass will be at the top right. Serving bowls of food and serving spoons will be placed in the centre of the table. At the table, it is usual for the host to invite guests to eat, saying “Sapudungal” (‘please eat’).

EATING USING FINGERS
In the traditional style of eating, food is eaten using fingers. Only the right hand is used. Being left-handed, I find it quite challenging! Take a small amount of food, mound it smoothly then, fingertips facing upwards, push the food quickly into your mouth, using your thumb. Take care not to get palms involved, only fingertips should be used. Always mix other food with rice, not the other way round.
When your right hand is sticky from eating, you may use your left hand for passing serving dishes around and drinking. The lightly clenched fist of your right hand, palm downwards, supports your left arm, showing respect in using the right hand. Easy when we know how! When eating using a fork and spoon, the right hand is used to pass serving dishes.

TABLE ETIQUETTE
When serving yourself, rice is placed in the centre. Other food is placed on the far (top) side of your leaf or plate each time. Begin a meal by eating one or two mouthfuls of rice first, rice being the principal food. It’s good etiquette to finish eating all the rice on one’s plate, leaf or thali. Upon finishing a meal, when eating thali style the bowls are left neatly on the metal tray. With a banana leaf, it should be folded in half towards your body. The customary festive greeting is, “Deepavali Valthugal” (‘Deepavali greetings’)

**Excerpts from “Indian Etiquette-A Matter of Course” by Raelene Tan, published by Landmark Books.

Check Out – Homes Special

1.Baba House
157 Neil Road, Tanjong Pagar
babahouse.nus.edu.sg
Built around 1895, Baba House was once the ancestral home of a Peranakan Chinese family, before the property was acquired by the National University of Singapore (NUS). The heritage house now invites the public to view the house and experience early 20th century Peranakan domestic life and culture. Tours and visits are offered five times a week. Book ahead!

2. One Kind House
136b Lorong J Telok Kurau Rd
facebook.com/onekindhouse
75 year old Mdm Ng was coaxed out of retirement by her grandson to breathe new life into her East Coast family home of almost 50 years and create a 21st century kampong. Apart from her popular local cooking classes for Airbnb Experiences ($99 a person), she hosts welcoming dinners at the house, where you can travel back in time to old school Singapore.

3. China Collection
20 Malcolm Road, 308259
*Open by appointment
chinacollection.com.sg
This family business is run by Anne Lockett and her son Doug, who curate a stunning collection of antique furniture, ranging in age anywhere from 80 to 200 years. Make an appointment and browse their latest collections – sourced from China six times a year and thoughtfully restored.

4. Danish Design Co
100E Pasir Panjang Rd
#06-03 Century Warehouse 118521
Representing more than twenty famous Danish and European brands, this is heaven for lovers of clean, functional Scandinavian design. Pick up furniture from iconic designers like Børge Mogensen, Hans Wegner and Finn Juhl. The company also has a policy of working with socially responsible suppliers.

5. Bed Bath and Table
Parkway Parade
80 Marine Parade, 449269
(Other stores in Suntec and Waterway Point)
bedbathntable.com.sg
BB&T have been a homewares staple in Australia since the 60s, and now they’re quietly setting up shop in Singapore, with three stores across the island. Specialists in designer bed linen and homewares – they sell everything from bright beach towels to seasonal items like Christmas baubles and table decorations.

6. Hock Siong
153 Kampong Ampat
#01-03, Junjie Industrial Building
368326
hocksiong.com.sg
This former family of Karung Guni (rag and bone) traders now on-sell second hand furniture, operating equipment and antiques from local hotels and residential households. Located in an old industrial building, the store is a jumble of tables, chairs, posters, lamps and more. An absolute treasure trove for bargain hunters and collectors.

7. Eastern Carpets
No.1, Syed Alwi Road, #03-02, Song Lin Building, 207628
*Temporary showroom, please check website for current location
easterncarpets.com.sg
Bare floors? Eastern Carpets sell unique, hand-woven rugs in a myriad of colours and designs, from all over the world including the major weaving centres of Central Asia, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran. Owners Shukor and Edmund have a vast knowledge of rugs and can advise on their care and maintenance.

8. Windows to the Past
3 Kung Chong Road, 159141
wtpstyle.com
Need a home overhaul but afraid of commitment? WTP offers flexible furniture rental packages, from one month (perfect if you’re waiting for your container to arrive) up to 36 months. You can also choose to rent just one item (like a bedroom set for short term guests) or enough furniture to deck out your entire home. They also offer custom-made furniture and interior design advice.

9. Originals
896 Dunearn Road, Sime Darby Centre #02-03, 589472
originals.com.sg
Originals sources their highly regarded line of furniture throughout Asia, bringing together a collection of modern teak wood furniture with clean lines and neutral colours. Think cream linens, soft greys and light, natural grain woods, mixed with striking tribal designs.

10. Hip Van
#02-06/07/08, The Cathay
2 Handy Road 229233
hipvan.com
On a tight budget but love indulging in the latest hip homewares styles? Hip Van has you covered. This online local store has a constantly refreshed range of fun furniture, lighting, décor and kitchenware. Measure up and eyeball their range at their experience store.

Shabby Glam

Artists in residence

Upon entering the serene courtyard, there’s little to indicate the grand, high ceilings and spacious rooms inside. “From the outside, it looks small – like a little Peranakan chocolate box,” says Nick. “But inside, the size always surprises people.” The house has several functions for business and living. Downstairs, Nick’s partner Carlos is prepping for an exhibition, with large cavasses. Upstairs houses Fabulation (fabulation.com.sg) Nick’s event services agency, as well as a formal dining area, swathed in rich Chinese reds, and a tropical outdoor kitchen.

The top floor is reserved for Nick and Carlos, with a cosy living nook and desk, and a green outdoor balcony that overlooks terrace houses. It’s perfect for a quiet drink at night after the heat dissipates. “As my house is both work and play, I have organised it so that the top floor is a totally private living space with bedroom, sitting room and bathroom,” says Nick. “The second floor is our main living and working space with our kitchen, dining room and office, so it’s a shared space. The first floor is mainly storage and studio where Carlos works on his art and we can entertain as well.”

This isn’t Nick’s first home in Singapore. “I was born and partially grew up in Singapore. My father moved here 50 years ago in 1968 from the UK and we’ve not looked back. I’ve lived in the UK for school, and Switzerland and Boston for Hotel School and work, but Singapore is home. My parents lived on Cuscaden Road in Orchard in an old apartment building that is now St Regis Residences. My childhood home was a black and white on Stevens Road and I also lived in an old walk up Arab Street. So this is my forth residence.”

Heritage features

Nick adores the heritage elements of the house. “This house has really good energy. It’s filled with history and the old world of Singapore. The moulding design at the front is beautiful, but the inside is just as striking, with its exposed beams, ornate tiled floor and traditional wood floor boards. All these features give the house a lovely feel.” The neighbourhood is close to buzzing Duxton Hill, the CBD, as well as Sentosa. “I love how central it is – we can get to everywhere in the island quite easily and also access Orchard, the City and the West. It’s such an ideal place for me to live, as I do so much running around.” For morning meetings, good coffee is a stone’s throw away. “Kith Café and Strangers Reunion are my go to places for a quick bite or an all-day breakfast. I love the banana smoothie from Kith and My Grandfather’s Sandwich at Strangers.”

Statement pieces

Nick’s interiors are a blend of antiques, second hand items and travel finds. “Our furniture is a random collection of old, new, second hand and gifted. The chandelier in the kitchen made out of kitchen utensils comes from an old pub in London that was being renovated. It no longer matched the new décor so the new owner gave it to me and I’ve loved it ever since. The dining room table a dear neighbour sold to us for $100 – we painted it red. The dining chairs we bought for $50 from an old restaurant and I had my childhood friend’s teenage daughter paint them – she went home covered in red paint! I also love the white monkey lamp on the wall. It’s so eclectic that we decided to leave it as the only statement at the top of the stairs.”

Throw it together

Nick’s decorating style is hard to define. “It’s definitely an eclectic mix – we’re not exactly shabby chic – more shabby glam! I just buy things I like and then it all sort of comes together.” But his home will never resemble a museum. “I like to be able to look around and see beautiful objects but I don’t want everything so stiff and perfect that I worry all the time. I was brought up in an environment where everything had to be perfect and it was always a bit tense. So, I don’t worry if something breaks – use it, enjoy it and when it goes it goes.”

Nick also has a special connection to ANZA – he will judge this months’ Melbourne Cup Race Day Best Dressed competition. “Not only are ANZA my neighbours, but I love the occasions and the friendship that I have found in the organisation. It’s really important that communities are built to provide a home away from home for expats.”

Nick’s go-to stores:
Hotlotz (hotlotz.com) “An auction house that’s fantastic for unique old items.”
Hock Siong & Co (hocksiong.com.sg) “You can pick up old furniture from closing or renovating hotels – my gold lamps in the dining room are from there.”

ANZA Magazine November 2018

What’s On – November

MAMMA MIA!
International Tour Cast 2018/2019

3-18 Nov
Mamma Mia!
Sands Theatre
Over 60 million people have fallen in love with this smash hit musical, set on a sunny Greek island and featuring all of ABBA’s biggest hits. An irresistible tale of love, friendship and identity is told through timeless hits like The Winner Takes it All, Dancing Queen, Take a Chance on Me, and more. Sophie’s quest to discover the father she’s never known brings her mother Donna face to face with three past loves on the eve of a wedding they’ll never forget! Tickets from $58, Sistic.

3-4 Nov
Whiskey Live
South East Asia’s largest whisky and spirits show returns to Singapore and this year it’s moved to the luxurious Andaz hotel. Experience the best the whisky and spirits world has to offer at multiple tasting areas: The Whisky Room & Spirits Room, La Boutique, The VIP Area, The Masterclass Rooms, and The Cocktail Terrace. Tickets from $119.
whiskylive.sg

10 Nov
A Great Street – Orchard Road
Light up Ceremony
7pm, Plaza Singapura
Be there for the moment when Orchard Road transforms into a magical Christmas wonderland with Disney-themed lights and decorations. If you miss it, no worries, the lights will stay on until 1 Jan, 2019.
orchardroad.org

23-25 Nov
Romeo and Juliet
Sands Theatre
Experience Shakespeare’s tale of doomed lovers performed by the prestigious Russian State Ballet of Siberia. The show is under the artistic direction and choreography of former principal dancer from The Bolshoi Theatre Ballet, Sergei Bobrov. Tickets from $55, Sistic.

9-11 Nov
Boutiques Fairs: Gifting Edition
F1 Pit Building
Get started on festive shopping by browsing over 250 independent, design-led labels including gifts and accessories; fashion; home and lifestyle products; art and food; and kids gear. Better yet: over 80% of vendors are socially responsible! Take workshops, chat with designers, experience roving fashion shows, and find out about charities.
boutiquefairs.com.sg

16-18 Nov
Affordable Art Fair
F1 Pit Building
This affordable contemporary art fair showcases local, regional and international talents in over 80 galleries. Expect a wide range of fresh, bold art priced from $100. Newbies can get hands on advice and guidance, while kids can try their hand at creating their own masterpiece. affordableartfair.com/fairs/singapore. Tickets from $10, Apactix

9-11 Nov
Neon Lights
Fort Gate, Fort Canning Park
This family-friendly, outdoor music and arts festival features an electrifying mix of music acts including Interpol, R&B superstar YUNA, electronic innovator Caribou, ethereal dream-pop maestros Cigarettes After Sex, and local indie-darlings Riot !n Magenta and Sobs. Tickets from $99 ($25 for kids).
neonlights.sg

1-2 Dec
Corporal Crumble’s Christmas Crisis
A Christmas cracker of a show, put on by the talented students from Centre Stage School for the Arts. The format is pure slapstick, just like a typical British pantomime. Kids will adore the heroic escapade, an epic showdown with a villain and heaps of audience participation in between! Tickets from $40, Sistic

21 Nov
Franz Ferdinand
Zepp @ BIGBOX Singapore
Scottish indie rock icons Franz Ferdinand take to the stage for one night only with a new line-up and a fifth studio album Always Ascending. Expect hits like Take Me Out, Evil Eye and Ulysses. $99, Apactix

Save the Dates!
15 Nov
Petersons Wine Tasting
14 Nov
Charity Quiz Night
22 Nov
Chill, Chat, Connect

Cycling: Phuket Training Camp

“Our training weekend didn’t start off well. Somewhat hungover, Glenn only remembered to take out the bike, but not the luggage, from our Grab taxi – and the trip hashtag was born; #LostandFound. All was saved by the nice driver who returned promptly with our bags, and a quick breakfast at Changi calmed the nerves. Being a new rider with only a few months experience with ANZA Cycling, apprehension started to set in. I was quietly stressing about keeping up with everyone and not wanting to be a liability with my inexperience. Reassurances from the lovely ANZA crew did little to dissipate my anxiety.

Our pre-arranged taxi from Thanyapura greeted us upon arrival in Phuket and off we went in a flurry of introductions. Months of talk and planning was finally coming to fruition and everyone was excited. An impromptu ride was quickly organised and on our arrival day we took an easy 23km spin to scope out the neighbourhood.

The coffee ritual followed us from Singapore, as the riders re-grouped at the café, which served excellent brew and fresh smoothies. We ended up spending most of our group time in this café! Nine of us attended a swim session at 4pm in the lap pool, with the session split up between proficient swimmers, and people who needed help with technique. We ended the session with a fun 50m race from the starting blocks. 16-year-old Noah won by a full body length, followed by the old farts who thrashed their way to the finish. Then Glenn left all his swimming gear by the pool… #LostandFound.

The training plan for the following day was announced: a 70km ride, followed by a 5km run on the track, with an early 7am roll out. For those who were after extra work, a 4pm swim session in the lap pool was also on offer. The group was free to join all, part of it, or none of it, at their own discretion.

Donning my ANZA kit, I tried to portray a calm exterior. If only the other cyclists could see what my heart rate was! The ride consisted of a 10km cycle out to the main road, two loops of 30km, and moderate rolling hills, which were thankfully not too grim. We passed quiet villages, harmless free roaming chickens and dogs, and saw little traffic. The ride was shaded and lacked the Singapore humidity, making it a pleasant warm up for us all. Several riders proceeded to do the run, which many found tougher in the mid-day heat than the ride itself. Then Glenn left his bike and cleats by the lobby, unlocked… #LostandFound.

The biggest contention of the trip followed, which we dubbed: “Lasagne-gate”. The limited edition, super-cheesy lasagne from the café was the crowd favourite after a tough morning
workout, but it ran out by noon! So the race to order the lasagne first was on!

In addition to the training sessions organised by ANZA, Thanyapura ran a selection of complimentary classes which included Yoga, Pilates, Zumba and Spin classes. The sports facilities offered in the complex were comprehensive, and we were spoiled for choice. Leisure facilities were also available, with table tennis, a pool table and a leisure pool, which many of us took advantage of.

The longest ride of the trip followed on Saturday morning with an ambitious plan of 90km in the hills of Phuket. Unfortunately, mechanical faults plagued the group for the first 20km of the route. The ride re-grouped at a little coffee shop mid-ride for a cuppa and continued on to the toughest section. Through the heat and perspiration, there were moments where we were rewarded with majestic views of the coast, including ‘James Bond Island’, a famous landmark in Phang Nga Bay. A couple of brave souls, Adam and Gordon, conquered the difficult King of Mountain section and lived to tell the tale.

For riders not keen on the longer distance, another ride was organised through Thanyapura with 5km loops. Overall, the group did 6-7 loops, encountering snakes and chickens crossing the road during the ride. This same ride was then done by the main ANZA crew on Sunday morning before our flights back to Singapore.

As I sat at the café with my coffee after my last ride, I gazed across the pool and lush greenery, a light breeze blowing. I reflected on what I had accomplished in just a few days and I’ve never felt more content. Many memories and laughter were shared over the long weekend, and I’m so happy I was a part of it.”

Want to take your own training camp? Head to thanyapura.com/sports-packages/ Along with cycling, they offer high level coaching and sessions in triathlon, tennis, swimming and yoga.

ANZA Cycling runs a Newcomers’ Ride on the first Saturday of each month. For more info:
cycling@anza.org.sg

Check Out: Sports in Singapore

Onsight Climbing
100 Guillemard Road 399718 (Old Singapore Badminton Hall)
onsight.com.sg
Onsight Climbing Gym is the biggest indoor climbing facility in Singapore. Set over a spacious 10,000 sq ft, Onsight boasts a large bouldering surface, 43 lanes, over 100+ routes, and a 15m speed climbing wall. They also provide climbing courses, coaching and training services, birthday parties and family climb sessions. Next door is the lovely Brawn & Brains café for refuelling.

Xtreme SkatePark
East Coast Park
(near car park F1)
If kicking, pushing and coasting are your thing (or your kids thing!) then roll on over to the Xtreme SkatePark, located by the cooling seas of East Coast Park. Covering an enormous area (the size of about 2.5 football fields) the park includes three main zones; a vertical bowl, combination bowl and street course. If you’re watching your skater in action, there are spectator areas, seating and shelters. Night lights are on until 10pm.

Bukit Timah Saddle Club
51 Fairways Drive,
(Off Eng Neo Avenue), 286965.
btsc.org.sg
This leafy equestrian sports centre offers horse-riding for non-members through its public riding course. To be accepted into the four lesson programme, riders must first take an assessment lesson with a BTSC Instructor. They also offer an eight-week beginners course for non-members, which will have you up and trotting in no time. Open to kids aged 6+, with little or no riding experience. Giddy up!

Forest Adventure
Bedok Reservoir Rd, 479244
forestadventure.com.sg
Enjoy a bird’s eye view of the picturesque Bedok Reservoir at Singapore’s largest treetop adventure park. The Grand Course offers 2.5hrs of exhilarating fun as you take on 44 adrenaline pumping obstacles and three whizzy giant zip lines. The Junior Course is ideal for mini jungle adventurers, with 26 obstacles and a zip line over the water. An exhilarating outdoor adventure, where you can reach greater heights and overcome fear!

Ketam Mountain Bike Park
Pulau Ubin
nparks.gov.sg/pulau-ubin/activities/ketam-mountain-bike-park
This 45-ha park features 10km of mountain bike trails, catering to newcomers and experienced riders. Blue square trails are more forgiving, while the black and double black diamond trails deliver steep slopes, narrow tracks, drops offs, sharp corners and tricky obstacles. To reach the park you’ll need to take a short bumboat ride from Changi Point Ferry Terminal. BYO bike or rent one when you arrive.

Constant Wind
11 Changi Coast Walk, 499740
constantwind.com/sailing
This sea sports and sailing school is super laid-back, and offers tons of options for heading out on the water. Try your hand at sailing, windsurfing, kite surfing, stand up paddle boarding and kayaking. Beginners can try a basic sailing or windsurfing course, while more experienced water sports enthusiasts can hire their favourite craft and spend a few hours at sea.

The Blade Club
395 Bukit Timah Road 259735
bladeclub.com.sg
Discover fencing with this large, experienced club. Often described as “Chess with Muscles” this ancient sport delivers the benefits of mental challenges (from the tactical and chess-like analysis needed) as well as the physical demands of a fast-paced combat sport. Try a Fencing Introduction class for just $50 for two lessons, then progress to the Basic classes.

Bounce
Cathay Cineleisure Orchard
8 Grange Road, #09-01, 239695
bounceinc.com.sg
This massive indoor trampoline park offers kids and adults a variety of free jumping and performance trampolines, plus a challenging Ninja Warrior style indoor adventure course: the X-Park and Leap of Faith. Kids can try fun programs like Tramp Camp, Flight Academy and Kinder Gym, while big kids can let loose on Night Jams and Bounce Fit classes.

WaveHouse Sentosa
36 Siloso Beach Walk, 099007
wavehousesentosa.org
Yearning for fun in the waves, but no time to pop over to Bali for the real thing? Check out WaveHouse, Sentosa, where the surf is always pumping. Start on the double FlowRider, where you can bodyboard or even stand up on a sheet of water flowing at 32 km/h over a soft, composite vinyl surface. They also offer progression clinics and kids flow camps. Just make sure you’re ready for multiple wipe-outs!

1...186187188...259Page 187 of 259
© Copyright 2017-2024 - ANZA