Singapore has seen her fair share of happenings in 2017, such as electing her first female President, among others. 2018 will be no less eventful, and we have less than five days to go. Time to usher in the new year with a bang. Not sure how to spend the last of 2017? Here’s how.
1) Countdown at the Marina Bay
Themed “Bay of Hopes and Dreams”, the Marina Bay Singapore Countdown promises to be quite the show. Browse through MAAD (Market for Artists and Designers) from Friday to Sunday for crafts, literature and photography, or enjoy being a kid again at the Prudential Marina Bay Carnival. The carnival, now open, is home to rollercoaster/water rides, game stalls and a ton of food like churros, chendol and chicken rice bowls. It will also play host to local musicians such as Jasmine Sokko, whose debut single 1957 ever topped Spotify Singapore’s Top 50 viral chart. When night falls, head over to The Fullerton Hotel, Merlion or ArtScience museum for a light and firework display. It takes place daily, but if you are there on the eve, stay for the finale – six minutes worth of fireworks that would knock your socks off.
2) Dig into Seafood
Dinner at Bayswater Kitchen? Sure, why not. Enjoy a special six-course menu of beef and mostly seafood that has been created for New Year’s Eve. Right at the picturesque Marina at Keppel Bay, you’ll find yourself lost in shellfish bisque, grilled lobster and all sorts of seasonal produce. Oh, and try to get a table al fresco or by the window. Pretty sure you’d like to catch that glimpse of the Mount Faber fireworks.
$118. Dinner is served from 6pm to 11pm at Marina at Keppel Bay, 2 Keppel Bay Vista
3) Party at Bang Bang
Calling all party goers. Bang Bang’s New Year’s Eve Bash will be hosted by veteran international DJ 4KORNERS. The official DJ of the NBA’s Toronto Raptors’ signature heavy bass electro music, deeply rooted in hip hop with Caribbean, rock, funk and pop influences, is the nightclub’s promise in taking “crazy” to a whole new level. Includes complimentary party favours, a live DJ countdown and a chance to win a three-litre bottle of Moët & Chandon Jeroboam.
$40 for advance entry (includes a drink) and $45 at the door. 10pm till late
4) Dinner, then Party the Kilo Way
Kilo Kallang has given themselves a facelift, which means getting to enjoy the scenic Rochor River in cool, air-conditioned comfort. Dig into the specially curated seven-course meal in the restaurant with a touch of your dining room back at home. And as per Kilo tradition, the night doesn’t end after dinner, but with an After Dark New Year’s Eve Party with Tech Rider DJ &ME. Enjoy free flow drinks, ranging from a selection of bubbles, beer, house wines, and house pour spirits.
$99. Served from 6pm at 66 Kampong Bugis, Level M
5) A Supermarket Countdown
Gather your friends and head to Robertson Quay from 7pm. There’s plenty to do at the SPRMRKT Kitchen & Bar’s New Year’s Eve party. Feast on Southeast Asian-influenced dishes (such as ume liquor pork ribs and the herb-crusted lamb shoulder), strike as many dumb poses at the photo booth, and groove to funk, soul and deep house beats spun by DJ Daryl C.
$98 for food and a glass of Prosecco or $120 for free flow champagne from 9pm to 12am. 41 Robertson Quay
6) Burgers and Good Vibes
Potato Head has always been one of our favourite spots for burgers and we normally stick to the classics. But this New Year’s Eve, a special a la carte dinner will be served and a Tiki Tropic Rumble party will follow at 9pm. This will feature DJ Suren at the deck and three hours worth of free-flow food, beer, wine and cocktails. And if you’re still hungry, the popular Truff Ryder burger (this costs separately at $45++) will be back for the night – wagyu patty, foie gras, homemade ketchup, black truffle cheese, onion jam and miso mayo stuffed into a toasted brioche bun.
$68++ for all-you-can-eat-and-drink. 36 Keong Saik Road
7) Oxwell & Co
If you partied too hard on Saturday, sleep in and wake up in time for Oxwell & Co’s famous Sunday roast. Come from noon or any time onwards and share plates of roast beef, crispy pork belly and maple buttered Brussels sprouts. If you stay past 6pm, you’ll have to help clear the kegs. All draft beers will go for $8++ through the night, but if you’re the cocktail kind of guy, signature tipple like their Aperol Spritz and Gin & Chronic will also be available.
$68++ for the all-day roast and $110++ more for a bottle of Mumm. 5 Ann Siang Road