Singapore’s not called a melting pot for nothing—people from all over the world feel right at home in our cosmopolitan city. We find out where they all like to hang, and recommend some easy ways for you to join in the fun.

Japan

The Community: Made up in no small way of extremely wealthy businessmen and their families, the Japanese community can be found at the Singapore Japanese Association (120 Adam Rd., 6591-8136), which organizes large scale events such as the Summer Festival, or at the Japanese School (11 Upper Changi Rd. North, 6542-9600), where these events are often held.

Eat the food: For one of the best bowls of tonkotsu ramen (a signature Japanese noodle dish with a milky pork-based broth) in Singapore, try the one at Tampopo (#01-23/24 Liang Court Shopping Centre, 177 River Valley Rd., 6338-3186) which is best enjoyed with slices of their signature black pig and the quintessential tamago (hard boiled egg). Another way you can enjoy exquisite Japanese cuisine is by visiting a kaiseki restaurant like Goto Restaurant (14 Ann Siang Rd., 6438-1553), where multiple courses of sashimi, grilled seafood, marinated vegetables and seasonal soups are served during lunch and dinner. Relishing the idea of cooking your own kaiseki dinner? Stock up on all your essential, imported ingredients at Meidi-Ya Supermarket (#B1-50 Liang Court Shopping Centre, 6339-1111) or Isetan Scotts (#01-00 Shaw House, 6733-1111).

Get your fix: If you want to hang out with like-minded otakus, hop on board the bizarre but undeniably fun cosplay bandwagon, and check into the Singapore Cosplay Club (Bukit Merah Lane 1, 9329-5127, www.sgcosplayclub.org), which organizes and participates in events such as the Asia Cosplay Meet, or witness actual cosplaying at the upcoming Anime Festival Asia (Nov 13-14, 10am, Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Ctr., Suntec City Mall, 3 Temasek Blvd., 6337-2888). The Japanese are also known for their design acumen so if dressing up’s not your thing, don a masterpiece from Y-3 (#01-05 Mandarin Gallery, 333A Orchard Rd., 6838-0292.), the monobrand store that combines Adidas sportswear with the craftsmanship of renowned designer Yohji Yamamoto.

Middle East

The community: Largely Muslim, the Arab community first came to Singapore in the form of wealthy entrepreneurs involved in the textiles trade. You can still see many of the descendants of these Arab merchants in Kampong Glam and more recent immigrants from the Middle East.

Eat the food: At places like Café le Caire (39 Arab St., 6292-0979), you can enjoy authentic Middle Eastern fare including hummus, harissa, flatbreads and even an entire carcass of lamb while seating cross-legged on an old carpet.

Get the fix: Syed Umar, a corporate executive from Dubai, counts Nabins (32 Sultan Gate, 9732-4647) as one of his favorite hangout places in Singapore. “This area makes me feel at home. It’s one of the few places where you can hear people calling each other ‘habibi’ in Singapore,” he adds. Entertain your friends (and yourself) with some Arabian belly dancing and a spot of shisha.

France

The community: The French know a good thing when they find it. To find them, you need to go where they’re best taken care of—a really good French restaurant. Try Les Amis (1 Scotts Rd., 6733-2225), whose ambiance is perfect for power lunches.

Eat the food: No matter how much you try to lay off rich French food, it’s almost impossible to resist their desserts—the melt-in-your-mouth macaron filling and buttered crêpes are just some of their signature sweets that are worth flying to Paris for. For a more economical alternative, visit Crêperie des Arts (44 Prinsep St., 6333-5330) and try both their savory and sweet crêpes. Even better, pop by Hediard Café—Restaurant & Boutique (Tudor Court, 125 Tanglin Rd., 6333-6683) and have some of their delicious éclairs and madeleines to go so you can treat yourself to a little French tart at home.

Get the fix: Culture vultures—catch French films from myriad genres at the AF Theatre (Alliance Francaise de Singapour, 1 Sarkies Rd., 6737-8422) every Tuesday night. Dress up your outfit with a touch of Parisian glamor in the form of a Hermes (#02-02 Ngee Ann City Shopping Ctr., 391 Orchard Rd., 6735-5228) scarf for that quintessential French touch.

Thailand 

The community: Also known as Little Thailand, the Golden Mile Complex (5001 Beach Rd., 6291-6945) is a popular area with the Thai community. You can find hordes of them here mingling with friends, enjoying a few mugs of beer and stocking up on supplies.

Eat the food: Sample some exquisite Thai street fare at Kha (#02-02 HortPark, 33 Hyderabad Rd., 6476-9000) or Patara Fine Thai Cuisine (#03-14 Tanglin Mall, 163 Tanglin Rd., 6737-0818), which complements its food with a refreshing, lemongrass-scented ambiance.

Get the fix: Drop by Golden Mile Complex for all sorts of authentic and affordable Thai food, CDs, beer and fashion. There are also a few small pubs here that host Thai bands for your entertainment. Want more nightlife action? Head down to Neverland (#05-20 Orchard Plaza, 150 Orchard Rd., 6738-5855), one of the more popular Thai discos here, which plays both international and Thai top 40 hits, besides hosting regional bands artistes such as Thai rock band Big Ass. New kid on the block Grand Hollywood (#03-01 Blk. A, 3A Clarke Quay, River Valley Rd., 6336-1328) is another after dark destination for live, chill-out music performed by Thai acts.

Italy

The community: Wherever there’s good coffee, we reckon there’ll be an Italian or two suggesting ways to make it even better. Try hanging out at the stylish Oriole Café & Bar (#01-01 Pan Pacific Serviced Suites, 6 Somerset Rd., 6238-8348).

Eat the food: The Italians are known for their mastery in the art of fine dining, which is apparent at Garibaldi Italian Restaurant & Bar (#01-02 Talib Centre, 36 Purvis St., 6837-1468). If you prefer something more traditional, try the street Italian cuisine at Sapore Italiano (#01-15 Raffles City Shopping Centre, 252 North Bridge Rd., 6333-4236), then chill out with an aperitivo like their delicious Grande Bellini. One more restaurant worth mentioning (and also a good place to catch the eye of an Italian) is Italiannies (#01-02 TripleOne Somerset, 111 Somerset Rd., 6736-4211). Try their signature Napoli Bianca pizza—it’s delicioso.

Get the fix: If, like the Italians, you appreciate quality leather, head down to Galleria Italiana (#02-28 Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Rd., 6884-6128) for its variety of wallets, purses and laptop holders. Want something a little flashier? Do a spot of shopping at Paragon Shopping Centre (290 Orchard Rd., 6738-5535), where boutiques for renowned Italian brands like Prada, Moschino and Ermenegildo Zegna can be found.

Australia

The community: “Aussies generally like to hang out in places that are as chill-out as can be (read: Sell lots of beer),” says Jack Cameron, an Australian designer now based in Singapore. If that’s true, then a few good places to find them would be Uluru Aussie Bar & Steakhouse (40 Duxton Hill, Tanjong Pagar Conservation Area, 6223-3654), Barossa (#01-11 Esplanade Mall, 1 Esplanade Dr., 6534-5188) or Boomarang (#01-15 The Quayside, 60 Robertson Quay, 6738-1077), which also screen live rugby and soccer matches.

Eat the food: Opt for the modern fare and laid-back experience at Graze (4 Rochester Park, 6775-9000), situated in a pretty colonial building amid the greens—such a charming Sydney-like vibe.

Get the fix: Jones the Grocer (#01-12 Blk. 9 Dempsey Rd., Dempsey Hill, 6476-1512) stocks cheeses and wines imported from Australia in a pretty, leisurely space. Rich in fragrant food smells and delicious mood lighting, Jones is also equipped with a fromagerie, bakery and grocery so you can get all you need at one place. For a bit of Aussie culture, head to the ReDot Fine Art Gallery (#02-06 Tanjong Pagar DistriPark, 39 Keppel Rd., 6222-1039), which features works from renowned and emerging aboriginal artists from Western Australia.

Malaysia

The community: The Malays from Malaysia are not easy to spot in Singapore because they blend in so well with the Singaporean Malays. Malays in general, however, like to hang out at Kampong Glam, a district originally set aside for the Malays by Sir Stamford Raffles during the British Occupation.

Eat the food: It’s a well-known fact that Hjh Maimunah (11/15 Jalan Pisang, 6291-3132) serves up some of the best kampong-style Malay cuisine in Singapore, laying out the dishes in a classic buffet style so you can sample a bit of everything. From tapioca leaf stew and beef rendang to their special escargot in coconut gravy—the food here evokes a sense of nostalgia for village life in Malaysia.

Get the fix: We’re lucky to have Malaysia as our neighbor, which means we can jet off (actually, driving would be more appropriate) to Johor Bahru for a quick getaway. Food, groceries and even movies are much cheaper there so you can indulge in some retail therapy without having to blow your budget. Don’t feel like traveling? Get as close as you can to Malaysia at the Tanjong Pagar KTM Railway Station (30 Keppel Rd., 6222-5165), where you can sample Malaysian delicacies like nasi lemak and satay. The most convenient way to soak in the vibrant Malay culture is to make a trip down to Geylang Serai, where you can find bolts of cloth in traditional batik patterns, traditional ready-made outfits and food bazaars you can lose your head in. While you’re there, pop by the Malay Village (39 Geylang Serai Rd., 6848-7040), a miniature village designed to give you a glimpse of Malaysian rural life, where traditional dance performances are sometimes held.

America

The community: Americans love to vacation in Singapore and many have followed their careers here. Find them in the Orchard Road district where many of them live, or check into The American Club Singapore (10 Claymore Hill, 6737-3411) to find them engaged in networking activities such as meet and greet sessions, wine tastings and seasonal parties.

Eat the food: Enjoy a vibe similar to that of sports nights in the US at O’Learys Sports Bar & Grill (#01-04 Singapore Flyer, 30 Raffles Ave., 6337-6718), where the walls are generously plastered with bits of sports-related memorabilia and hearty American fare is served. Enjoy dining like an American by eating super-sized versions of everything (sorry guys!). The large milkshakes and bowls of chili at Billy Bomber’s (#01-12 The Cathay, 1 Handy Rd., 6735-5381) coupled with its bustling diner ambiance make for a classic American meal.

Get the fix: Love watching an old Western once in awhile? Check out JR Texas (#03-33 Peninsula Shopping Ctr., 3 Coleman St., 6334-3534), which stocks an impressive range of real leather boots, pants and cowboy-style flannels so you can look like the real McCoy. All dressed up and nowhere to go? Not anymore! Join hundreds of other Singaporeans at the Country Line Dance Association as they jive to old hits like “Rock Around the Clock” or “Achy Breaky Heart”. Yee-haw! Log on to www.cldas.com to register.

Indonesia

The community: Wizened Indonesian expats still appreciate the laidback coffee-drinking culture of their home country and can be found at places like Warung M Nasir (69 Killiney Rd., 6734-6228) while the younger crowd blends in with the locals in busy town areas such as Orchard Road.

Eat the food: Be sure to sample the gado gado (salad with boiled vegetables and egg) and pulut kuning (yellow glutinous rice) at Kintamani Indonesian Restaurant (3/F Furama Riverfront Singapore, 405 Havelock Rd., 6739-6463) or the otherwise hard to find murtabak manis (sweet bread) at Jtown Café (B1 Midpoint Orchard, 220 Orchard Rd., 9230-5040).

Get the fix: You don’t have to fly to Bali to enjoy its tranquil setting now that we’ve got Little Bali (Gillman Village, 9A Lock Rd., 6473-6763), a resto-bar made up of little wooden pavilions with bale rooftops. Chill out with a glass of wine or look into their stock of Balinese artifacts, paintings and furniture if you want some ole ole (goodies) to take home. If that’s not relaxing enough, treat yourself to a traditional Javanese urut (effective deep tissue massage) at Wayan Retreat Balinese Spa (61 Bussorah St., 6392-0035).

China

The community: Singapore is, of course, largely populated by the Chinese, many of whom are descendents of the early Chinese immigrants. You can still see a few third-generation Chinese merchants engaged in ancient trades such as calligraphy and tea brewing in shops like Amoy Tea (331 Joo Chiat Rd., 6346-0929).

Eat the food: Sample the pork dumplings at Qun Zhong Eating House (21 Neil Rd., 6221-3060) for an authentic Shanghainese experience, or grab a drink at the Forbidden City (#01-02 Blk. A Clarke Quay, 3 River Valley Rd., 6557-6268) for a taste of Chinoiserie chic.

Get the fix: Pick up some tea appreciation tips at Yixing Xuan Teahouse (30/32 Tanjong Pagar Rd., 6224-6961), whose interior resembles a quaint teahouse slash dim sum kitchen. You can buy quality tea leaves and exquisite tea sets here, too, or just get lost in time to softly tinkling Chinese classical music. For a wider range of authentic Chinese goods, visit the Yue Hwa Chinese Products Emporium (70 Eu Tong Sen St., 6538-4222) for its tea, herbal and handicraft offerings. If you want a piece of China’s picturesque landscape, take your camera out on a day trip to the Chinese Garden (1 Chinese Garden Rd., 6261-3632), a tranquil bolt-hole that attracts horticulture enthusiasts and couples keen to explore its imperial-style pavilions and pagodas. The best time to visit is during the Mid-Autumn Festival, when the area is transformed into a twinkling wonderland of paper lanterns and fairy lights. Of course, no journey into Chinese culture is complete without a trip to Chinatown. Surround yourself with lanterns, streamers and myriad decorations in gold and red accents as you dine on some of the finest street food in town. For a little Shanghai-like night time action, hit DragonFly (3 Sentosa Gateway, 6270-7676) for a dose of Mandopop. International acts like Wonfu, Alien Huang and Ding Dang are known to play here. Afterwards, enjoy a drink at Lunar (#01-03 Blk C The Cannery, Clarke Quay, River Valley Rd., 6305-6767), an opulently-styled entertainment space which has just relaunched and boasts “coyote dancers” from Taiwan and China.

Korea

The community: “It’s a known fact that where there is good Korean food, there are Koreans. Tanjong Pagar is such a place,” reveals hairstylist Lee Ha Ni. The influx of Korean eateries and hangouts in Tanjong Pagar draws hordes of Korean expats and enthusiasts alike, which is probably why it’s been cheerfully tagged “Tanjong Korea.” In fact, the Korean Association (Singapore) (#03-01, 71 Tanjong Pagar Rd., 6299-8966) recently moved its office here, so if you’re looking to make some Korean friends and learn Hangul, this is where you should head to.

Eat the food: For some of the best authentic Korean food in Singapore, make for Manbok Korean Seafood Restaurant (58 Tanjong Pagar Rd., 6224-6061), where dishes like the seafood pancake will bowl you over faster than you can say, “Ah, mashita!”

Get the fix: Record stores like HMV (#04-23/24, 313@Somerset, 313 Orchard Rd., 6733-1822) stock the latest K-pop albums (Big Bang, anyone?) and Korean drama DVD box sets and play K-pop on a permanent loop. Another place to shop for Korean-inspired paraphernalia is the third level of Novena Square 2 (10 Sinaran Dr., 6397-2288). This is Singapore’s first and only Korean-themed shopping enclave, selling anything from imported apparel and pop culture goodies to Korean snacks. Lee says Korean concept hair salons have been enjoying steady business, probably due to the fact that many of the resident stylists are indeed Korean while the local stylists have had training in Korea. “I get asked about Korean dramas a lot. Although I don’t watch a lot of them myself, I do know the pop stars, which is useful when a customer requests to emulate a certain star’s look,” she says. Want to do the same? Drop by Hair Plus (05-61 Far East Plaza, 14 Scotts Rd., 6235-2234), where you’re greeted with a cheerful “Anyeong!” the second you step in.

ALT This new multi-level lifestyle concept store located in the heart of Orchard not only sells edgy apparel for the trendy urban crowd; it also has an entire section dedicated to beauty and wellness, stocking rare Asian brands like Thailand’s BSC Panadda. 1-2/F The Heeren Shops, 260 Orchard Rd., 6732-6677.

Escentials Not only does it stock cult fragrances such as Annick Goutal and Diptyque, it also offers private rooms for facial treatments, workshops and makeover parties. #03-02 Paragon, 290 Orchard Rd., 6737-2478.

Ninki-O The idea here is to shop for products that have been given the best reviews on CozyCot, a Singapore-based online beauty portal. As the product range is huge
(it even includes things like baby milk formula), it’s best to come with something particular in mind. #02-24/25 Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Rd., 6509-8091.

Sephora Since its arrival on our beauty scene, Sephora has been making waves with previously hard-to-get brands such as Too Faced, Smashbox and Burt’s Bees. #01-05/06 ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, 6509-8255.

Strip Co-ed Beauty Emporium After shopping the exclusive range from Aunt Illcsi, feel free to browse the lifestyle offerings of Love Da Music (CDs) and Books Actually or treat yourself to an in-house facial, massage or even a Brazilian. 8D Dempsey Rd., 6475-7833.

Tangs Beauty Hall The cosmetics section of popular departmental store Tangs is always brimming with activity, from regular makeover sessions to joint collaborations with lifestyle magazines and fashion brands. 1/F Tangs Orchard, 310 Orchard Rd., 6737-5500.

The last thing I need right now is to have to compete for workout space so I was relieved when Traders Hotel launched its newly refurbished Health Club & Spa (4/F Traders Hotel, 1A Cuscaden Rd., 6831-4350), which is an integrated fitness centre equipped with everything to fulfil your holistic lifestyle needs. It also has something your regular gym doesn’t: A spa. This one features some extravagant treatments, including the Ready Set Gold body, face and scalp treatment using highly prized argan oil. Year-long memberships are open to the public and can be had for $1800. Register from now till Nov 30 for a 15% early bird reduction.

I’ve always liked Strip; they really are the global “waxpert.” Now that they’ve got a spanking new space at their City Hall (#B1-19 Raffles City Shopping Centre, 252 North Bridge Rd., 6837-0070) outlet, they’re diversifying beyond hair removal. I tried out their Strip Tatt ($10 for an ala carte service and $8 if you have a package with Strip) the other day and thought the entire service was just… odd. One of the “Striperellas” sticks a stencil on whichever part of your body you want the tattoo on and smears henna over it to produce a brownish tattoo in your preferred shape. The whole process takes about seven minutes and costs more than a tub of henna. As a complimentary add-on to your customary wax, it may be a cute novelty but on its own, nah.

Despite celebrating its 30th anniversary this year (wow, has it been that long?), lifestyle brand OSIM (#04-15 ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, 6509-1085) has revamped its entire retail concept, to include a spaceship-like fixture called the Trial Pod, which enables you to test out wellness machines like the ukimono Mini, uCrown, uDolly and uMist.

We live in the multi-tasking revolution, with everyone a fan of doing many things simultaneously (and some rather poorly, we might add), so it’s only natural that a new breed of multipurpose furniture has taken hold. Offering simple and quick solutions for getting the most out of our living or work space, these pieces perform multiple tasks with a simple fold or flip. We handpicked some of the best so that you too can transform your environment.

Tavoflex
What it is: A multi-functional coffee table.
Why we love it: If you suffer from a short attention span, then you’ll love this swing-up table top contraption. With Tavoflex, your coffee table now has the potential to be so much more—a work desk, a snack table or even additional storage space. Imagine having the remote control, laptop, notes and cookie jar all within your reach as you do your work—now that’s what we call being productive (or just plain lazy).
$99 from Häfele, #03-00 Nutzcentre, 68 Sungei Kadut Loop,
6494-7400.

Mico
What it is: We’re not quite sure. But it sure looks cool.
Why we love it: Installation art aficionados will love the sheer ambiguity of this piece designed by Brit design collective El Ultimo Grito. The Mico is the perfect centerpiece for any home or gallery. It also moonlights as a chair or a play toy for children (OK, so we do know what it is). According to the designers, the Mico allows “children to explore the object as an aid to play by defining physical functions they can perform, or by creating their own associations and stories around the objects through intellectual engagement.”
$470 from XTRA, #01-01 Park Mall, 9 Penang Rd., 6336-0688.

Obelisk
What it is: A freestanding monolith that transforms into a furniture set.
Why we love it: Collect a few of these and you can make your own Stonehenge right in your living room or backyard. Designed by Dutchman Frank Ligthart for German furniture brand Dedon, the towering Obelisk is an impressive piece of engineering. It’s a sculpture formed with 4 lounge chairs and a cocktail table. You stack the chairs on top of the table to form the obelisk when you want more space.
$12,820 from XTRA, #01-01/02 Winsland House 1, 3 Killiney Rd.,
6836-0288.

Trey Chair
What it is: An office chair that transforms into a rocker, foot stool, laptop desk and side table. Ingenious!
Why we love it: This chair knows more positions than the Kama Sutra! It springs into action with one swift flip of the latch, transforming into a rocking chair complete with rails for balance. The base becomes a side table, footrest, or extra seat. Just perfect for that Halo 3 showdown on the Xbox. Even Megatron would be impressed.
From $330 at www.treychair.com.

Two Tops Table
What it is: A dining table that transforms into a work table.
Why we love it: Like all Singaporeans, the idea of work is ingrained in our consciousness. Working is second nature, after eating. The Two Tops Table is perfect for those who want to score brownie points by bringing work home. Designed by the illustrious Marcel Wanders, it utilizes the space under the tabletop with ingenuity, creating a recess for dreaded work implements like laptops, notebooks and such, thus saving precious space. Something noteworthy (in our books) is the modern/traditional mix in the overall design.
$8,890 from SPACE Furniture, 2/F Millenia Walk, 9 Raffles Blvd, 6415-0000.

Not into avant garde? Get your retro fix here:

Lorgan’s Retro Store
Founded by entrepreneur Lorgan Wong, this funky loft is stocked with the coolest pieces of furniture inspired by the 40s through 70s. Be prepared to engage in a bit of exciting time travel with stuff like a 60s pod chair equipped with a mini sound system and Art Deco ashtrays as you browse his vintage collection sourced from all over the world.
#01-03 Century Warehouse, 100E Pasir Panjang Rd., 6272-4988

The Heritage Shop
If antiques make you spin with excitement, go to one of Singapore’s oldest neighborhoods and pop by this collectibles haven, which houses a mammoth collection of homeware like tiffin tins, posters from the 50s and pretty china sets. Truly old school. #01-01, 93 Jalan Sultan, 6223-7982

Like That One
As its name suggests, all you need to do is recall that piece of furniture that you liked in the past and chances are you’ll find it here—remixed. Owners Belle and Cheu combine vintage California-style furnishings with local flavor and make creative artworks out of bamboo chairs, hotel lobby paintings and old suitcases.
#09-04 Skytech, 2 Bukit Batok St. 24, 9125-1492

It’s hard to impress us these days but Kevin Lester, frontman of hip hop band Sixx, has been shaking up the otherwise staid local music industry with some daring feats, including the viral “Rockstar” video (check it out on YouTube) and his latest release “Kidhood.” We cozy up to Lester for a little têtê-à-têtê as he gears the group up for Roktober.

Fame or fortune? Fame. As a musician, all you want is for your great sounds to always be remembered. Money can just disappear.

Favorite local acts? I’ve got diverse favorites, including Sonofa, Dharni, Michaela Therese and DJ J-Stylez.

Favorite gig? Definitely Sunburst KL, where I got to hang out with Korn. It was one of those times when I felt very appreciated as a musician. People brought me around and all I had to do was think about my music.

What’s your biggest pet peeve? Crocs—I hate them. Nobody can tell me they look nice in Crocs. I’m sure they’re comfortable but man, socks and Crocs suck.

Favorite thing ever? A cold glass of Heineken.

I hate… Durians. I can’t take it at all. I’ve done the whole travel-to-Malacca-just-for-durians thing and I still can’t do it. My aunt grows a durian tree and I don’t go near it.
 

I love… being a full-time musician. I just made the leap. I was a marketing manager for an IT company but I gave that up. It’s a bit difficult and it’s rarely been done but the support has been amazing. It wasn’t a calculated risk that I made but sometimes you just have to enjoy what you do. That’s the important thing.

I’m ashamed to admit that… I know how to sing the chorus to “Everybody” by the Backstreet Boys.

Sixx will hit the stage at Roktober from Oct 22-24, 6:30pm. Timbre@Substation, 45 Armenian St., 6338-8277.

Don’t underestimate the potential of a low-paying day job because it might just make you famous—or at least that’s what we learnt from the success story of indie pop duo An Horse. Guitarist-vocalist Kate Cooper talks to I-S about the group’s musical journey so far and how she’s looking forward to having some chili in Singapore.

That’s quite a name … It was the result of a grammar dispute between me and my next-door neighbor, who eventually gave me a sweater with the phrase “An Horse” on it to prove a point.

How did you guys hit it off musically? We (Cooper and guitarist Damon Cox) were working together at a record store in 2006 and got along really well. We always thought it’d be quite fun to make music together. We went back and forth about it for over a year, mucking around on text before realizing we really clicked musically and personality wise. We got really lucky.

What has the journey to greatness been like? Oh, we’ve gone quite a way. At first, I didn’t want to give Damon the songs I wrote because I thought they were pretty silly. But hey, we opened for Tegan and Sara in Cincinnati and that was pretty amazing. The crowd was insane. We also played with Death Cab for Cutie, which was really cool.

We know you musicians need to be constantly inspired. How do you maintain that? Oddly enough, I’ve never experienced a creative block. When I’m not on tour and at home, all I do is sit by myself in the kitchen and write. It’s easy for me to just be relaxed. If I wanted to head off someplace, I’d visit tropical islands. I like cities too.

And Singapore’s both a tropical island and a city. Have you been here? My mom has spent quite a lot of time in Singapore so I have a lot of stories. I hear the food is amazing; I look forward to eating some spicy stuff. I actually have a very high tolerance for chili.

Experience the unique, beat-driven sound of An Horse on Oct 15, 8pm. TAB, #02-29, 442 Orchard Rd., 6493-6952. $32-39 at the door.

If you’re looking to improve your all-round health and learn how to live in the moment, hot yoga might just be the answer. And there’s no big secret to it. “Hot yoga is essentially Hatha yoga, which is the big umbrella; the physical form of yoga. Most other styles of yoga fall under Hatha. It’s just that hot yoga is practiced in a room that’s been heated up to temperatures as high as 40 degrees Celcius,” explains Diane Lee, founder of Bikram Yoga City Hall.

Heat For Life
Any person worth his or her kettle bells will know this universal rule of exercise: You must warm up before your session. But in an already heated room, your body quickly eases into exercise mode, reducing any chance of injury caused by exertion. The excessive sweating involved in practicing hot yoga is also a useful means of detoxification. As the sweat pours from your body, toxins are released through your skin. The environment in which you are practicing also trains you to breathe well, opening your lungs to their fullest capacity.

”With hot yoga, I don’t even have to follow a specific diet because it really speeds up my metabolism,” explains Tara Moralez, an experienced yogi. Fellow yogi Elaine Ee agrees. “Since I started practicing Bikram yoga, which is hot yoga with a systematic set of 26 postures, my metabolism has been like a furnace; it burns up everything I eat so I can eat pretty much what I want, whenever I want!” she tells us.

In such a challenging physical environment, you have no choice but to focus on the present moment. As you practice doing this regularly, you may find your mental stamina improving. For yoga teacher Alison Fisher from Hom Yoga, that means more willpower, patience and focus, all a huge help when dealing with daily life.

Where to Drop It Like It’s Hot

Bikram Yoga City Hall

The first authorized Bikram studio in Singapore, Bikram Yoga City Hall was founded by marketing consultant Diane Lee, who at the time was suffering from numerous ailments despite a rigorous gym routine. Inspired by the Bikram method of hot yoga, Lee decided to make a career out of it. The studio has even seen people suffering from slipped discs, chronic hepatitis and even Parkinson’s disease coming in for classes. “They all experience improvement in movement,” says Lee.
Where: #02-14 Raffles City Shopping Centre, 252 North Bridge Rd., 6339-6639.
How much: A single drop-in class costs $43 while a one-week unlimited pass for beginners costs $100.

Hom Yoga

Offering a fresh and modern approach to the practice of hot yoga, Hom Yoga conducts its classes in spacious rooms bathed in natural light. State of the art heating systems are also fitted in the studios to draw fresh air from outside to heat the room to the specified temperature. Here, you can ease into a variety of hot yoga styles, including Hot Hom, Hot Hatha and Hot Flow, taught by experienced yoga instructors. Eco-conscious yogis will also appreciate the use of energy efficient lighting, a filtered water fountain and eco-friendly cleaning products in the studio.
Where: #02-01, 3 Canton St., 6438-0103.
How much: A single drop-in class costs $39 while a monthly membership will set you back $370.

Pure Yoga

Pure are one of the more prominent fitness brands in Asia, and their professionalism is undeniable. Despite their location in one of the busiest parts of town, Pure manage to create a calming, sanctuary-like ambiance and the facility is equipped with excellent shower and security facilities, a retail space and a lounge with day beds and Wi-Fi access. Pure offer a full range of programs, including hot Hatha and classic classes, which are perfect for beginners.
Where: #04-00 Chevron House, 30 Raffles Place., 6304-2257.
How much: A single drop-in class costs $50 while 10 classes will set you back $459.

Updog Studio

The newest addition to chef Emmanuel Stroobant’s empire is the Updog Studio, a joint effort with certified yoga teachers Betty Kong and Andrea Yeo. While the studio’s focus is on hot yoga, it also provides other types of classes. In addition, there’s an extensive range of yoga-related products on sale such as apparel, mats, books and DVDs.
Where: #02-05A Playground @ Big Splash, Blk. B 902 East Coast Parkway, 6440-0282.
How much: A one-month unlimited membership costs $299.

How did your journey begin?

Elaine Ee: I began practicing yoga under the tutelage of my former university lecturer, who was also a yoga instructor. Sometime later, Diane Lee of Bikram Yoga City Hall introduced me to Bikram Yoga. She persuaded me to take on the 30-day challenge, which requires you to attend a Bikram class everyday for 30 consecutive days. For some insane reason, I decided to do it. It was a really tough but really good experience.

Tara Moralez: My story is much simpler. I was accompanying my aunt who was too nervous to try it on her own; and I loved it, right from the very first class.

We hear practicing yoga regularly brings great benefits. What positive changes have you seen in your body?

EE: What positive changes haven’t I seen! I have so much more strength, flexibility and stamina. My lung capacity has improved tremendously and my breathing is more powerful. I have gained muscle tone and improved my upper body strength, balance and control. My spine and hips are also more aligned. Perhaps the best change is this: Since I started practicing Bikram yoga, my metabolism has been like a furnace; it just burns up everything I eat!

TM: My body is in better shape than it’s ever been my whole life. As a dancer, I was physically fit but still suffered from joint pains. With yoga, I am more aware of my body and know exactly what to do to “fix” the discomfort.

What does it do for your mind?

EE: It’s made me more confident and positive, with a stronger sense of self belief. Rather than see strength as something external that I need to gain, I see it as something already in me that I just need to harness—that’s a powerful perception shift.

And now, both of you are participating in a yoga competition! What does it take to win it?

TM: In order to win, one must perform a posture to their maximum with grace, focus and concentration. Each posture must performed so that their characteristics are prominently displayed, which is what the judges look for.

What do you hope to achieve next on this journey?

EE: This is my second yoga competition. My next step is to train to be a yoga teacher, which I hope to be able to do as soon as time and money allow!

Find out what it takes to be a yoga champion at the 4th Annual Yoga Asana Championship on Oct 30, 1pm at Willow Stream Spa, 6/F Fairmont Singapore, 80 Bras Basah Rd., 6339-7777.