
There’s so much happening in this petite but busy city, there’s really no excuse for lonesome living, especially for you new Singapore expats! From organised walks to dinner dates, there are social options for everyone.
Clubs
Clubs are a great and popular way to meet people and enjoy your new lifestyle in Singapore. There are many to choose from so do your homework.
The American Club Singapore is a stand out – not just for folks from the United States – Singaporeans and other nationalities make up about half of the Club’s diverse and close-knit community. Located in the heart of town, it boasts a full range of dining, wellness and recreational options; a one-stop shop for just about everything. A home away from home for many expat members, The American Club Singapore has helped the newly arrived settle in comfortably, expand their business network, keep fit and make new friends within the community.
There’s no need to be super-fit to join a sports club. Here are some easy ways to get your heart pumping, tongue wagging and those endorphins flowing.
Walking – Make friends and find your inner botanist on an organised walking tour. Hike through the National Parks website for groups, or use their maps to set up one of your own. Don’t forget water, shades and a cute jungle hat.
Running – One of the best ways of keeping fit, running groupscan also bag you instant companions.
Yoga camp – You can’t beat a spot of good old-fashioned bending to induce a feeling of wellbeing. Get yourself into a good headspace and you might find some friendly faces too.
Paintball – They put you in charge of the office fun-day and you came up with this? Well done, it’s going to be a blast! Cake on the camouflage cream and get your greens on. First one to get shot buys the, um, shots.
Self-defence – It’s a well-known safe haven, this city, but there’s no harm in having a few swift moves under your belt. We’ve found classes for all standards where you can meet people over a high-kick or two.
Cultural studies
If you’re more at home behind a book than a tall glass, here’s some ideas for tickling the grey matter.
Museum Guiding – Learning to be a docent (guide) at one of Singapore’s cool museums involves fun and friendly classes and, sometimes, walking and eating tours – bonus!
Quiz nights – Get your answers rightand you could walk away with a whole new set of buddies as well as a prize. Gather a starter group and no cheating.
Back to school – This innovateive way of learning came to town a few years ago. Students at Trade School Singapore study for free in exchange for items that the teachers ask for. No sniggering at the back.
Musical moments – Gather some friends and a picnic, head to the Botanic Gardens and sit back for an evening of fine music and chatter. If they look like fun, be sure to overlap your rug with the group next to you. They might even share their food.
Office antics
If the water cooler’s losing its charm, post a memo and come up with a social group through work. Who knows, you could be sharing the office kettle with a whole troupe of 80s dance fans.
Karaoke club – There’s nothing like a karaoke session to see your colleagues in a whole new light (and in the morning you can play the tape back over the tannoy system).
Book group – Yes, I know what you’re thinking, and my book club’s the same – we read the first page then spend the whole night talking about anything else. Form a group with friends or join a recommended National Library Board group (you might actually have to do some reading, though).
Business writing – If the entire office relies on the computer’s spellcheck function, put them all on this one-day Business Writing Skills workshop run by the Book Council, and polish up your prose. Promise a prize for the highest scorer – anything free will heat up the competition.
Cheque please
Grab your bag, you’re going out on the town.
Café culture – Working from home? Make that a coffee shop, you get to drink lattes all morning, gaze out of the window and share a desk with that guy with the funky iPad cover. Browse our best Wi-Fi cafes and pass the sugar.
Ladies only – From bubbles to Bellinis, booze is cheaper for the fairer sex on ladies’ night. Most places have offers on a Wednesday, some do promotions on Thursday – let’s face it, any night is party night. Last one to leave the office locks up.
Fine romance – If you’ve made a new “special” friend, pull up this list of mood-setting eateries. We’ve found romantic restaurants to suit all tastes. Just remember to order something easier than spaghetti or chili crab…
Voluntary contributions
Do a good deedand make friends at the same time. There are plenty of ways to get stuck in.
Spread a little pooch love by signing up for some pet-related charity ventures. From tail-wagging good-vibe therapy to giving blood, Rover helps out while you see a different side of life in Singapore.
Scan the volunteer sessions on SG Cares, which has a broad range of charities looking for someone just like you.
More links
Meet-ups – If you want an organised group event we’ve cherry-picked the best.
App happy – If you can find your way to the bar using a map on your phone, what’s to say you can’t meet people this way, too? These apps give a whole new meaning to “telephone dating”.
Mums’ group – They don’t call this town kid-friendly for nothing. If you’ve got a buggy and a baby in tow, mums with under-fives can take their tots to these meet-ups
Still lonely?
In the unlikely event that this is the case, here’s 50 more ideas, that’s one a week for the rest of the year.
Images: Studio Impressions, hslo