It’s been a rather tumultuous time for Singapore’s clubs. The Vault closed; Zouk only just survived; and Butter Factory is upping sticks early next year. But on the flip side, there’s also been a host of new venues opening, offering a real mixed bag of clubbing experiences from re-imagined spaces to decadent discos. As we gear up for the party season, we take a look at the current scene and spot some trends in the latest club openings.

Trend #1: Luxe Lounges
(Aka: in which everyone is bathed in LED lights and Champagne)

Chateaux

Altimate

Arguably the first in a new wave of high end clubbing options to open this year, Altimate really raised the bar, and we don’t just mean the fact that it’s perched on the 61st floor of One Raffles Place. Run by the same people behind 1-Altitude (just upstairs) expect lots of LED lighting, sweeping views and a hefty cover charge to match the VIP status. International guest acts play alongside resident DJs like Funkman and Leonard T, previously seen at Zouk KL. Plus, it’s where we hosted our Readers’ Choice Awards earlier this year. 

Bang Bang 

Opened in August. this snazzy nightclub took over the space formerly known as Mink. The club is pretty bling, boasting a state-of-the art L Acoustics sound system, a 45m high-resolution LED wall and a gilded cage in the center of the dance floor. Not surprisingly it pulls in a high flying crowd attracted by the focus on EDM, and chart hits and fun themed nights. 

Chateaux

Another club looking to tap into the luxe end of the nightlife market, this three-story pleasure palace is designed by nightlife veteran Sharma Das and fashionista Andrew Carver (also behind Dom Lounge at MBS). With a dance floor on the first floor, a members-only second floor and a chill rooftop bar it caters to most needs and offers plenty of different themed nights covering every musical taste from techno to R&B.

Trend #2: Nightlife Hubs
(Aka: in which clubs also want to be lounges. And bars. And restaurants)

Empire 

Initially meant to be Vogue Club, this place blurs the definition of what you call a club, yet it boasts top DJs and state of the art audio and visuals. Sat atop of the complex 50 Raffles Place, it also happens to serve up some pretty special views over the city. It’s actually part of a big complex that also includes Sear Steakhouse, Angie’s Oyster Bar and an as yet unopened Japanese restaurant so you can enjoy dinner, drinks and a little dance all under one expensive roof. 

Cloud 

Opened this month, Cloud has opted to take the clubbing scene in to the shopping heartland with a suitably swanky location. Downstairs the bistro-bar focuses on comfort food and cocktails served in a funky space complete with a graffiti sprayed bar by local artist, Zero. Upstairs is the Ultralounge, which follows the same tongue in cheek approach to the decor featuring a furry wall and a series of quirky art pieces commissioned from local artists. The music promises to cover all the bases from electro-house to hip hop. 

Trend #3: New for Old 
(Aka: in which old stalwarts get a makeover)

Attica

We’re not sure quite how they did it but the decade-old Attica managed to undergo a complete transformation this year, despite never actually closing. The good or bad news (depending on if you’re a fan) is they’ve stuck to the tried-and-tested formula of chart toppers, but the interiors have undergone a major transformation with new light installations, a floating DJ booth and two new VIP platforms. The interior courtyard has a new bar area and Bar Rose is a terrace area out front is another new addition. 

Canvas

Another new venue rising from the ashes of a former club (the decade-old Home Club), Canvas has brought something a little fresh to the scene. In collaboration with the team behind Bangkok’s Bed Supperclub, it looks to blend art (by day) and club (by night) together under one rather minimal roof. It offers a mix of cutting-edge and commercial big names, curated by a solid team of Home Club regulars. 

For insider opinions on the future of clubbing in Singapore, read our interviews with the folks behind Zouk, Bang Bang and Super O party collective.