A guide to clubbing for dummies

Are you part of the lost generation? Turned legal in the global pandemic and unsure how to act now that nightlife is back in business? Well, you’ve come to the right place.

While this is no WikiHow and I am no expert, I’m sure these tips will help save you the embarrassment of having to ask the 90s kids…or TikTok. After all, most of them seem hellbent on gatekeeping the wonders of clubbing from us.

Here are a list of answers to common misconceptions and questions you might have as a clubbing virgin:

While I do agree that a club is seemingly synonymous with a concert arena, considering the loud music, flashing lights and sweaty bodies, the two have their differences.

For the uninitiated, it might be surprising to know that you don’t need a ticket to enter the club (yes, I’m looking at you TikTok user @liciia). The only club that uses tickets is MARQUEE as it’s more atas than the rest.

For clubs, the entry fee is called cover charge, usually starting from $20 for women and $25 for men. 

Given the current COVID-19 circumstances, clubs like Zouk have shifted their “ticket sales” online, with charges at $35 for ladies and $40 for men on Wednesday, and $40 for ladies and $50 for men on Friday and Saturday.

Other clubs like Yang Club aren’t accepting cover charges at the moment and instead require booking in advance. For updated information on each club, check their relevant social media platforms.

However, there are places, such as Cherry Discotheque, that offer free entry before a certain time or on a certain day.

Another way to enter for free is through the guest list. Similar to how a membership works, you simply have to sign up.

Each event will have its own guest list so you’ll have to check the respective websites of each club. You can also get your name on the list through club promoters and Facebook groups like Hazel’s Guestlist.

The only catch? These lists all have specific closing times. In order to qualify for the guest list benefit, you have to be at the front door before closing time so reaching an hour early is recommended.

Upon entering, you’ll either get a chop or have a band attached to your wrist. Make sure you keep it on at all times lest you get bounced from the club.

Remember: The club isn’t your void deck and the bouncer isn’t some uncle at the kopitiam.

If dressed inappropriately, bouncers can deny you entry into the club.

So what exactly is allowed? While it varies from club to club, for the most part, dressing smart casual is the way to go.

This means you’ll need to leave your Supreme slides and FBT shorts at home and switch them up with something more dressy such as covered shoes and a decent pair of pants or skirt.

But of course, the most important thing is to be comfortable, especially if you plan on dancing the night away.

Before your long night out, the first stop isn’t the club but the bars and bistros where you can get pre-drinks for cheap(er).

As the drinks at clubs tend to be overpriced and watered down, it’s best to get yourself on the alcohol high before entering.

If you’re in Clarke Quay, some popular drinking places you can visit include Chupitos Shots Bar, Get Juiced, Holey Moley and Level Up.

If you’re closer to town, you can check out SMÖÖbar and AL CAPONE’S RISTORANTE & BAR.

Apart from pre-drinks, something else you’d want to prepare yourself for would be the post-clubbing struggles.

Once the party’s over, everyone will be calling for Grabs and GoJeks. To avoid the price surge, you can either stay out till the first train or bus runs or arrange for your own transport home. In your own friend groups, you can appoint someone to be the designated driver to send everyone home at the end of the night.

It’s going to be dark in there so whether you’re busting out some smooth moves or flailing around like a soggy noodle, I doubt anyone will care. 

But if you’re still self-conscious, I think learning a couple of TikTok dances would help. I predict the clubs will be full of us Gen-Zs.

For the uncoordinated, just bobbing your head to the tunes or doing some basic body rolls should suffice.

This goes without saying but don’t ever get on the bouncer’s bad side. They can easily turn you and your friends away for being rowdy or rude.

For the guys, check the age limit beforehand as some clubs only allow male patrons aged 21 and over to enter.

If you plan on drinking, make sure you have a rough idea of what to get as some clubs don’t have fixed drink menus. Watching your drink and keeping it close to you is also a good habit to cultivate.

For those who are new to the drinking scene, know your limits. Don’t be a party pooper and have your friends take care of your drunk self. If you feel like puking, that’s a clear sign for you to stop and get yourself water from the bartender.

With restrictions easing and nightlife businesses opening up again, it’s easy to get caught up in all the buzz and excitement COVID-19 once stripped us of.

As everyone will be crowding the clubs, be sure to look out for one another, stay safe and most importantly, bring your IC. Have fun clubbing!