One thing I regret was that I never visited any night clubs or discos while I was in New York. Places like Palladium or Limelight is very foreign to me (maybe it's foreign to most people that go there too 8-) But one thing is for sure, the clubs here are definitely not as "wild" as places like Limelight where the patrons are more closely related to an alien race than the human race 8-) I have been to Kiss in Taipei and few clubs in S'pore. From my limited experience here, I would say that most of the clubs here in the Far East are more "civilized" than its counterpart in the West. But there are a few exceptions like Juliana's Tokyo and who knows what in Bangkok.
One of the most popular place for pub hopping in S'pore is Boat Quay. It's located right next to the S'pore river and borders the financial district. Because of its location and atmosphere, it usually attracts a large crowd on weekend. Most of the patrons are yuppies, tourists and expats. Then there is Clark Quay which is on the opposite side and a bit upstream from the river. Because Clark Quay is quite new, it is less crowded on weekend compared to Boat Quay. Of course, you can also visit the pubs in all major tourist hotels and others that scatter all across S'pore. A few notable ones are Raffles Hotel's Long Bar, Compass Rose at Westin's Plaza (not the restaurant side), and Somerset Lounge.
The hottest disco in town nowadays is Sparks. Ok, so this is my opinion. There might be others that think it's Fire, Zouk or Studebaker, but then you can post your own opinion on the net 8-) It is located on the seventh floor of Ngee Ann city, or better known as the Takashimaya building. When you enter the club, you can always see expensive cars such as Porsche 911 or Ferrai parked right next to the front entrance. I am not sure it's just there for show or it is actually own by a customer. But it does grab your attention.
Sparks has one of the best layout of any discos I have visited. The entire place is divided into 3 dance areas and a karaoke lounge. All 3 dance areas have a performing stage, a bar, a dance floor, a DJ stand, etc. And there are also plenty of tables and seats, but only when you go early 8-) Since exclusivity is a big thing here, there are always sections and tables that are reserved for members only. Each section has its own individual theme. The main arena has a big stage and a large dance floor. It plays contemporary dance music. It's the most crowded and most popular section. Then you have the Cantonpop section where you have a smaller stage and even smaller dance floor. The theme, of course, is Cantonpop, though it's usually not the case. The last section is what I call the "mellow" section where people go for a break either to talk or to rest. It's the same size as the Cantonpop section and they are situated on both sides of the main arena. In this mellow section the band plays softer music but the DJ usually has other ideas.
So there are 3 sections to suit individual's taste and there are live bands for each of the sections. The two smaller sections feel like any regular pub on the street, but the main arena is different. The main arena has a very Gothic type architecture. It has a very high ceiling and everything has this cold stone feel. Unlike other clubs where smoke filled room is part of the attraction, Sparks has a very efficient ventilation system. I have to admit they have one of the best light and sound system around. Unlike other discos where the main purpose of the speakers is to deafen you, most of the music is surrounded instead of blasting out from huge speakers. I also notice most of the speakers are installed in the ceiling thus less damaging to your hearing. One thing you should not miss is the laser light show. It happens before the dancing commences. It's definitely a sight to see. Check it out.
The security at Sparks is typical S'pore style - very organized. You can't just stand anywhere. Seems like all the bouncers has taken classes in crowd control. They make sure there are always passages for people to walk through. They even form human chain to divide the crowd. Speaking of the crowd, the age requirement for gentlemen is 23 or above and ladies is 18 or above. Don't ask me why the discrepancy. Most are twenty-something crowd, though you do see lots of young girls hanging together in groups. If you have a limited budget and prefer a less crowded atmosphere, going to Sparks on a weekday will set you back only S$15. You get one standard drink and the crowd is less sophisticated 8-) If you do go on weekend, the cost of entry and one standard drink is S$25. For the extra S$10, you will get the enjoyment of fighting with the crowd while you dance 8-) On weekends, the dance floor is so packed that you can hardly move never mind the dancing.
They have interesting use for the two giant screen TVs. Currently they are showing World Cup soccer highlights and live games. Also instead of showing MTV (not the channel, but music video. Coined by the Taiwanese) which I assume is quite expensive, they show Tom and Jerry cartoon instead. One disappointing thing about Sparks is the Cantonpop lounge. I was expecting them to play more Cantonpop than normal dance music. There is another disco called 1997 where the Cantonpop is supposedly much better. Maybe that will be in my reports to come.
08/07/94
