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| Travel & Resources: SINGAPORE
Please help us keep these listings current and correct. Special thanks to MARCELERIC, Oriental88, raider29, genewilly, Mastuka, riverrobles, KenW, bbox, flex11, ZAR, gsmgay1997, lovesunny, BillyBudd, aarontay, buattaktahu, AndrewWong, PWCT, T. Lee, David, Roger at AfA, Chan, Petrus, Marc, Kelvin L., Erik Lee, L. Cheung, Felicia, Roger, Thomas, Victor, Kelvin W., Davestar, Shao Ann, Eng Whatt, Alexis, e!, Ashley, Rabil and Sylvia at Fridae, Tan Peng and Alex Au for updates.
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Singapore's first public GLBT pride festival, Indignation, took place during the month of Aug in 2005. On May 16, 2009, thousands of GLBT and their freinds and families rallied peacefully in Hong Lim Park for the first PinkDot, calling for acceptance and an end to discrimination. The arts, especially theater, have been openly exploring the subject of homosexuality since the 1990s.
Police harassment and entrapment of gays ceased following Lee Kuan Yew's unexpected 1998 CNN statement that "what we are doing as a government is to leave people to live their own lives so long as they don't impinge on other people. I mean, we don't harass anybody." Most gay business owners have taken these words to heart and the gay scene quickly became more open, diverse, and world-class.
In October, 2007, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong told Parliament that "we recognise that homosexuals are part of our society. They have a place in our society and are entitled to their private lives."
Deputy PM Wong Kan Seng emphasized in 2009 that Singapore is a "stable society with traditional, heterosexual family values, but with space for homosexuals to live their private lives and contribute to the society."
Here is Lee Kuan Yew's pragmatic acknowledgment that homosexuality is likely a natural genetic variation:
What will you get in place of homophobia and newspaper exposés? Southeast Asia's best cuisines collected together in one place, safe and clean multi-ethnic neighborhoods ripe for exploring, shopping malls up the wazoo, world-class hotels, sport-spa-and-health legal highs, and rollicking nightlife.
Global access to information and the rapid economic advancement of this small island nation have created a mobile and progressive generation of educated, fit, English-speaking young men and women of diverse cultural backgrounds. The art of conversation is alive and well here and you will make fast friends who won't be afraid to challenge your thinking with their own opinions. Green, modern and organized, The Lion City is also a haven for well-to-do expats.
Officials stopped harassing gay venues at the end of the last century. The government has been officially hiring open homosexuals into the civil service for years now and gay and lesbian talents are sought after in the work force as the country strives to maintain its Asian "tiger" status through increased diversity. This new pragmatism seems set to continue.
In fact, Singapore has Asia's hottest gay scene going these days. Nobody would have predicted ten years ago that Bangkok would become dully conservative while Singapore would ascend to the wild heights last explored by the party men of 1970s San Francisco. Nobody but us. Singapore (along with Tokyo) has always been one of those round-the-clock fun factories, only now its scene has moved indoors from serene tropical cruise beaches, steamy inner-city jungle gardens, and dark, decaying Chinatown alleys. Unfortunately, along with this shift into high homo gear has come yet another young generation who think they invented partying and are somehow immune to the effects of drugs and STDs.
The population of Singapore is over 4.5 million people, which means that more than 180,000 Utopians live on this island along with an even larger number of self-professed metrosexual bi guys and gals who also participate in the local scene.
Navigating the local gay scene is easy with our interactive Utopia Map of Gay & Lesbian Singapore:
Singapore has one of the most vibrant cruising scenes in the region. In general, let locals make the first move. Contacts you make in public are at your own risk. Be discreet.
"I12 Katong Mall is very cruisy all day and night, almost all the facilities. Very popular lately with bears and cubs." -- genewilly, Jan 21, 2012
"Be careful at Raffles City - many moneyboys." -- chinavisit, Apr 28, 2011
"Quiet places for shopping, but great for cruising in the facilties. Best times are in the afternoon till evening, before 10pm. In Roxy Square 2 the best is the top floor facility." -- genewilly, Aug 23, 2011
"Lucky Chinatown is now very popular with people who are picking up Chinese guys or cruising in the facilities. The McDonalds at the same place is a great hangout place to cruise." -- genewilly, Aug 1, 2011
"Very cruisy after midnight, especially Fri and weekends. Walk towards the tennis court and there is a site under construction and this narrow sidewalk is dark and a lot of activities." -- executiveman, Feb 9, 2011
CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT
CHINATOWN
"ei8ht café & bar at 8 Bukit Pasoh: I was just there the other day. If you're looking for somewhere to sit and dine, this is indeed a unique place. It has a warm, cosy atmosphere with a shophouse/café feel to it, with retro furnishing and mis-matched light fixtures. The wait staff were friendly and attentive. Quiet and nice ambience, but I was told it can get busy on the weekends. And oh yes, the chef-owner. Bill Ho...well, he's eye candy and that explains why I didn't have dessert." -- happy_cat, May 30, 2011
ORCHARD ROAD
OTHER AREAS
CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT
CHINATOWN
ORCHARD ROAD
OTHER AREAS
SINGAPORE -- area code (65)
Advisory: Singapore is politically conflicted about the natural desires of its citizens, straight and gay. In 2007 oral sex was finally decriminalized, but only for heterosexuals. While sporting one of Asia's most vibrant and fun gay scenes and a huge Wikipedia entry on Singapore Gay History, homosex (not homosexuals) remains illegal. Vestiges of antique British sodomy laws remain in force despite sloganeering for "Asian values", a weak disguise for conservative religion-based discrimination against sexual minorities (although Christians and fundamentalists are a minority in Singapore society, they hold half of the civil service jobs). Outrageously, while banning gay and lesbian self-help groups, government officials awarded a large grant of public money in 2006 to a Christian group that tries to un-gay queers. Fundamentalists have also been paid to teach lopsided sexuality courses in public schools. In 2009 an attempted takeover of a large women's NGO by Christian gay-haters was aborted by public outrage forcing the government to warn against mixing religion with secular politics. 
Singapore has a lingering PR problem from its years of threatening gay citizens with the rotten rattan of its buggery-obsessed former colonial masters. Let's lay that nonsense to rest: these days you won't be arrested for sharing a bed with your lover or chewing gum with that hot new muscle-Mary gym buddy you just picked up at California Fitness. You don't need to withhold your pink dollars in a vote against the dinosaur technocrats because pink dollars are fueling a renaissance of gay-owned and managed businesses across the island. The tourist area of Chinatown has several dozen rainbow venues filling up heritage buildings and attracting a steady flow of local clientele and in-the-know regional visitors. Have a look, sir. Drags also got, lah.
Lesbian listings
Men in Singapore message forum
Singapore Gay & Lesbian News
Singapore Gay Scene Updates message forum
Travel in Singapore message forum
Additional links for Singapore GLBT information.
Yawning BreadA ground breaking and award winning collection of ruminations on Singapore cultural life, including gay and lesbian issues.
Now defunct, this world-famous Asian gay magazine was published in Singapore, believe it or not!
106 Spottiswoode Park Road, #03-134, Utopia Map, 9270-1277, email. Graphics, photography, interactive arts, illustration.
6 Eu Tong Sen St, #06-15, Utopia Map, 6100-2878, email. Professional advice for gays and lesbians on immigration to Australia. Registered migration agent based in Singapore. All migration options for Australia are provided including helping gay and lesbian partners of Australian PRs/citizens.
Utopia Member Discount1 Lorong 19, Geylang, #03-01B The Primero, Utopia Map, 6842-4413, Email. Gay-owned car leasing (Renault Eurodrive in France and Europe) and global car hire specialists. Also, they offer tsunami alarm warnings via mobile phones.
387 Bukit Timah Rd, Utopia Map, 9757-5741, email. Gay-owned photography services. Solo and couple portraits, nude portraits, corporate portraits.
Utopia Member Discount3 Pickering St, #01-09 Nankin Row, Utopia Map, 6327-8545, email. Osteopathic treatment for back pain, neck stiffness, migraine, sports injuries and other muscle/joint pains. They also offer sports massage and rehabilitation massage. Gay-owned.
Utopia Member Discount
AIDS/HIV organizations and information
Singapore's first public gay pride festival took place in Aug 2005 and has become an annual event with larger premises and broader programs. The name is a foil to Singapore's melting pot National Day celebration, with its indigenous GLBT citizens indignant at being criminalized and discriminated against.
41A Mosque St, Utopia Map, hotline: 6268-6626 (Tue-Thu 7-10pm and Sat 2-6pm), FAX 6399-4255, email. Founded in 1999, Oogachaga is Singapore's only community-based organisation specialised in counseling and support for GLBT. It runs a hotline, an affordable face-to-face counseling service, support group and informative workshops and talks.
2/F 41 Neil Rd (above DYMK bar), Utopia Map, email. Established in collaboration with HIV/STI prevention programs of AfA. The center is comprised of a library of 700+ GLBT-themed books (open for browsing/borrowing, enquire for times). They also offer counseling and referrals for medical, legal and other services.
PO Box 0299, Raffles City Post Office, Singapore 911710, email. Singapore's first grass-roots organization for men and women was silenced by the government. Many young professionals confident of their identities attended their popular topical forums. Their official mission was to promote awareness and understanding of the issues and problems concerning gay, lesbian and bisexual persons. Behind the scenes they directly addressed reversing discrimination against gays by lobbying police and government authorities. Their petition to the Registrar of Societies for official recognition was rejected on May 7, 1997, and their two subsequent appeals, all the way up to the Prime Minister's office, were declined without reason. They were then ordered to cease all activities or be subject to heavy penalties against organizers and members.
Email. Gay-owned, specialised tours for visitors to Singapore. Explore the fascinating cultures, foods and history of Chinatown, also the heart of Singapore's gay scene.
Utopia Member Discountemail. Licensed tourist guide to Singapore. Available for hire for personal/small group tour guiding. Experience the sights and sounds of Singapore along with its history, culture, heritage, food, and night scene. Gay and lesbian-friendly.
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Click here for Singapore hotels and accommodations.
Click here for Singapore bars and clubs.
Gay literature has found its way into mainstream bookshops throughout the island (often displayed under subjects like "Gender Studies"), including the following stores:
Click here for Singapore discos.
Orchard Rd. Gayer than ever! Check out the steam room as well as the dry sauna on the men's floor level 3, end of the shower section.
2/F 229A South Bridge Rd (diagonally opposite the Sri Mariamman Temple), Utopia Map, 9487-2006, email. This gay-owned gallery regularly exhibits local and Filipino artists, and occasionally work which deals with gay themes and the male nude. Ask for a private viewing of such works from the gallery collection.
Click here for Singapore karaoke.
Click here for Singapore massage for men.
Utopia Map. Late nights on weekends after the nearby gay bars close.
Popular, lunchtime and evenings, also near the station and surrounding neighborhood at night. Mostly local scene.
Up and down and all around at any time of day or night. Some hustlers. Avoid them, there's plenty of free companionship.
A number of small parks and darker alleys afford late-night cruisers a place to haunt. Cruising by car remains popular, especially along Telok Ayer and Amoy St. Amoy St is a cruising spot for all types especially from 10pm onwards. Very happening and the parks are great for meetings. There is also a 24-hour ramen/western food restaurant open at the corner of Amoy St and near the Amoy St market. A hang out in the wee hours after clubbing.
Utopia Map. Near the beach at Fort Road (avoid the toilet).
Utopia Map. Nicknamed "Jurassic Park". It was THE cruising place in the early 80's until the local authorities clamped down after a press report. All bushes and trees have been cut or pruned. Yet, older men still come here to meet up.
Infamous and popular meeting spots. Be discreet and let the local take the lead if they show interest. Weekdays, afternoon to dusk.
Utopia Map. Close to the Redhill MRT Station, inside the Delta Housing Estate.
Utopia Map. For South Asian lovers who are in Singapore, arrive at Farrer Park MRT Station. The pavillion to Exit A itself is cruisy, all the way from the front yard of Serangoon Shopping Centre, around the lanes of Mustafa Centre to the Tekka Market. Hanging around the front yard are mostly South Asians of the northern parts, i.e. Punjabis (noticeable by the steel bangles they wear), Sindhis and Nepalis, plus occasional Bangladeshis who are mostly there for some income. The cruise buoys from the front yard of Serangoon Shopping Centre (with the big Mustaffa and Pizza neon sign) to the shopfront eateries by the traffic light and all the way across the traffic lights to Exit A pavillion of the Farrer MRT Station. In the evening, all around this pavillion is cruisy. Check out the left side facing the greens where there is a bicycle parking rank. Seated on the polished stones are often Bangladeshi laborers and other South Asians, often seen connecting and exchanging mobile numbers. Down the station is a cruisy toilet to the left of the escalator - very busy during weekends. Wary South Asians now avoid the urinals. Beware of security as in all parts of Singapore public facilities. The G/F toilet at the Serangoon Shopping Centre is also cruisy. After the main entrance, take the last left turn before the exit and you will see watches on displays in show cases - Seiko and Titoni signs flanking both sides. Walk through this path to pass the electronic sensor and take the long winding corridor veering right to come to the facilities at the end. Urinals are busy and the cubicle partitions are bored with holes. Beware of security. Connect with your new friend or exchange numbers and leave the place. Avoid repetitous use within a short duration or Mr Seiko and Mr Titoni may report you to security. You may speak to the obvious local Utopians at the front yard for more cruise tips, but it makes your hobby obvious to the crowd.
Utopia Map. Level 3.
Utopia Map. Level 1 to 3 (lots of Thais)
Comments from Utopians:
Utopia Map. At the beginning of Serangoon Rd. If you are into Indians, Sri Lankans, Tamils then there is no place better than this! The food court is cruisy all day and late evenings (just walk around the place, pretending to look for a good place to sit for a meal, and you will quickly find activity). The facilities at the end of the arcade is happening. Be discreet, but plenty to choose from.
Utopia Map. Busy facilities on 3/F (6/F is carefully watched by security these days), older and ethnic crowd.
Utopia Map. Young crowd.
Utopia Map. All levels.
Utopia Map. Facilities on 5 and 6.
Utopia Map. Facilities on 5 and 6.
Utopia Map. Nicknamed "headquarters." Practically all facilities, from B/F 1 to 3/F, including the posh facilities connecting the mall to the Swissotel Stamford. Be discreet as security is not tolerant of illegal behavior. You would be wise not to do anything on site, just make your connection and stroll off elsewhere. Very cruisy on Fri and Sat. Also on some weekdays between noon and 5pm.
Comments from Utopians:
East Coast Rd, near Katong area.
Comments from Utopians:
Utopia Map. 2/F (next to Reds salon) and 3/F.
Utopia Map. 3/F facilities next to Kinokuniya, afternoons through evenings. Also car park facilities on 6/F and 7/F. Watch for security.
Utopia Map. 2/F near overhead bridge.
Comments from Utopians:
Utopia Map. Bedok MRT Station. Take Bedok North Ave 3 to the pool and the stadium is just behind. Nights.
Comments from Utopians:
Utopia Map. Take a jog around dusk and you might meet a hunter for a quick nature safari.
1 Liang Seah St, #01-11 Liang Seah Place, Utopia Map, 6339-8198. One of the jewels on this dining street of preserved heritage shophouses, Ah Chew (gesundheit!) specializes in traditional local happy endings surrounded by pure oriental kitch ambience. Dig into cups of warm almond or black sesame "pudding", mango slices and tapioca balls in coconut milk with crushed ice, or multi-textured taste treats mixed up from ingredients like crunchy water chestnuts, peanut sauce, pungent durian, juicy jack fruit, and green "worms." Closed Mon.
25 Neil Rd, Utopia Map, 6226-2506. Foodie alert! This bright, modern restaurant serves authentic Peranakan (Straits Chinese) Nyonya (Grandmother) cuisine. Chef Malcolm, a rising culinary star, shares the kitchen with his Mum, conjuring up Singapore soul food with subtle and complex flavors using (increasingly) rare and unusual ingredients. The portions are just right, as are the prices. Leave room for their perfectly executed deserts!
5-way intersection at Maxwell, Tanjong Pagar, Neil and South Bridge Rds, Utopia Map. The crowd at this popular hawker center becomes 50% gay after midnight on clubs nights as partiers from nearby bars and discos refuel.
On the corner of Smith Street and South Bridge Rd, Utopia Map. Traditional Singapore coffee with subtle caramel flavor, hot or cold. Traditional snacks including some of the best pork bao on the planet. Who knew a half-boiled egg with a drizzle of sticky, black soy sauce would go to great with coffee!
07-23 Blk 54 Chin Swee Rd, Utopia Map, 6532-5266. We're going to let you in on a well-kept secret, so promise not to tell anyone, OK? This old fashioned dim sum restaurant is hidden inside of a block of flats near the non-touristy section of Chinatown and is a super popular place with locals for yum cha feasts on a wide selection of goodies carted around the room. Alas, they redecorated in 2007 -- with mundane, mismatched and misguided decor -- wiping out 90% of this restaurant's former retro charm (sorry Wallpaper, you didn't get here fast enough). The only remaining bit of historical kitch is the revolutionary red star motif on the ceiling from way way back when Mao was an icon. Still it' remains an unpretentious place to savor top-notch no-fuss ever-popular taste treats with your good comrades.
9A-9B Neil Rd, Utopia Map, 6226-1175. 11am-11pm Tue-Sun, 7pm-11pm Mondays. Rustic setting in a restored shophouse. Countless varieties of tea to try, all with properties and poetic names. Learn to prepare tea in the Chinese style. A unique place to relax with a group of friends.
285 Southbridge Rd, Utopia Map, 6223-3649. This foodie shrine serves up more than a dozen types of traditional sweets including their famous diamond-shaped egg custard tart, savory pastries, and seasonal holiday sweets such as Dragon Boat Festival rice dumplings and mid-Autumn mooncakes. Best of all, they spent 6 months researching and producing fabulous wall-mounted panels describing the history of each and every heritage treat. This unpretentious shop is a Singapore superlative. They also have the most strange and wonderful thing you've (possibly) ever put in your mouth: sweet and chewy cookies glazed with salty pork juice!
80/82 Telok Ayer St #01-01, Utopia Map, 6743-9743. Their business card says "Singapore's only Old Canton Village cuisine and restaurant cum sauce boutique." We didn't try the cum sauce, but did love their do-it-yourself "wet" spring rolls. You order a variety of delicious ingredients, savory and sweet sauces, plus moist filling that makes these stand out from the average spring roll. After dining, be sure to visit the beautifully restored temple next door and view the diorama of Singapore life when this street was once at the ocean's edge.
Comments from Utopians:
Near the Newton MRT station, Utopia Map. World-famous and very touristy. Every section of city has its own hawker center. Many regional specialties can be found. Get a table, then order from any booth you fancy. Food paradise.
2/F Palais, 390 Orchard Rd #02-09A, Utopia Map, reservations: 9834-8232. Classicly elegant continental atmosphere. French flavors. Fabulous desserts. Handsome staff. International magazines of all kinds on hand for their upscale, world-traveling clientele to browse. The patio seating is up inside the green of the trees outdoors.
Utopia Map. Take a taxi. Sit near the ocean at any one of the large open-air establishments (we always go to Red House Seafood, 6442-3112). Great, fresh seafood. Don't miss the sweet and crunchy fried baby squid, pepper crab (ask for female crabs because they come with their own caviar), grilled prawns, and drunken prawns (brought to the table sober, they are dropped, skittering, into a clear bowl containing liquor so that they're feeling no pain when its time for the cooking pot). End the meal with a warm pudding of yam paste and coconut milk topped with ginko nuts.
55 Lorong L Telok Kurau, #01-59/61 Bright Centre (on Lorong L a few shops down from the intersection), Utopia Map, 9006-4163, email. This gay and lesbian-run local diner serves hearty, wholesome, home-cooked fare such as soups, salads, pastas, sandwiches, and sweets (try their signature Brownie Popsicle!). There are also dishes to please vegetarians. Very casual and unpretentious. Free Wi-fi, community bookshelf and pet-friendly! Resonably priced. Also available for special events and functions. See map and directions on their website.
Utopia Member Discount
Click here for Singapore saunas for men.
SportsmenAsia.com#01-02A The Platinum, Upper Cross St, Chinatown MRT Station, Exit E), Utopia Map, 6534-1902, email. Gay-owned and operated shop providing international "gay-famous" fashion and lifestyle labels including: Ajaxx63 (rated sexiest t-shirt brand by OUT Magazine); an ultra-sexy range of men's swimwear, gym wear, underwear, leather gear, casual and club wear; toys and calendars, plus cards/physique posters and Asian men's publications by renowned Taiwanese photographer, Adu.
Utopia Member Discount
2/F 29A Seah St (in a refurbished shophouse next to Raffles Hotel, one block from Raffle's City), Utopia Map, 6336-7298, FAX 6336-7298, email. Gay and lesbian-friendly concept boutique that offers killer premium jeans, tees, bags and essential accessories. Brand queens ahoy: they feature Freitag, Tretorn, GSUS, Fifth Avenue Shoe Repair, Headquarter, etc. Check out their original bags made from recycled advertising tarps! Same owners as WOOONDERLAND.
2/F 32B Boat Quay, 03-01/02, Utopia Map, 6538-6466, email. In the row of heritage shophouses facing the river and waterfront dining pavilions. Pimabs means Perennial Image Management And Bespoke Services, but you may come to call it "essential" when it comes to personal style. Their men's fashion boutique specializes in custom-made clothing and image consultation to polish your overall appearance. They will analyze your individual skin undertone to select the best colors and fabrics for you, giving expert advice on dos and don'ts to compliment your original style. The warm environment is filled with mid-century modern and classic retro touches, featuring showcases of accessories and racks of ready-to-wear fashion-forward garments favored by celebrities, fashion models and trend-setters. From an expertly detailed tux to boldly colored and textured red-carpet looks, Pimabs is a one-stop haven for those who appreciate a well-tailored lifestyle. For bespoke clothing, please visit for measurements and consultation when you first arrive in town, as custom garments will take some days to complete.
Utopia Member Discount02-20 Paragon Shopping Centre, 29 Orchard Rd, Utopia Map, 6735-0071. Where the local guyz go to package their goods. Trendy gear and apparel.
#01-43/48 Wisma Atria, 435 Orchard Rd, Utopia Map.
#02-10 Wheelock Place, 501 Orchard Rd, Utopia Map, 6738 0002, FAX none, email. Gay and lesbian-friendly WOOONDERLAND stocks nothing that is run-of-the-mill. Check out their exclusive brands like 55DSL, Dr Denim Jeansmaker, Edwin, Something, Airbag Craftworks and more. Same owners as Actually.
Email. Gay-owned online fashion store for fashionable men's underwear and fashion from Andrew Christian's Collection.
Utopia Member DiscountSunshine Plaza #01-13, 91 Bencoolen St, Utopia Map, 6835-9811, email. Pamper yourself and style up your hair before your meet-ups. Their male hairstylists are standing by to serve in an exclusive, classic ambience. Gay and lesbian friendly. Closed Tue.
Utopia Member DiscountEmail. Gay-owned NoFrillsFactoryOutlet.com offers trendy apparel and accessories for men of all ages, shapes and sizes at affordable prices. Their international brands include ES Collection (Spain), Marcuse Swimwear (Australia), Andrew Christian (USA), XZYTES (Singapore), Skin79 (Korea) and Gun Oil lubricant series (USA). Other products include fundoshis, caps, bags, belts, apparel, cable wraps and other assorted fashion accessories from Korea, USA and around the region.
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