Multicultural Singapore has a wealth of international social clubs that cater to a variety of tastes.
Social clubs are a fantastic way to socialise and network, provide entertainment for the family and maintain your health and fitness and overall general wellbeing.
Choosing from the myriad of options can be a little overwhelming at times, so we have composed this guide to help you choose the best club for you.First, it might be worth checking whether your company will cover club memberships or offer any sort of discount with various clubs.
Next, you simply need to consider what you want to get out of your club. It doesn’t matter what you are looking for: be it a family friendly environment with activities and youth clubs for the kids, fantastic sports facilities, spa treatments or great social events and mixers, you’ll find it in Singapore.
What can I expect?
Whilst some clubs simply organise enjoyable social events and sports activities, other clubs have the perks of exclusive access to wonderful facilities.
For Women
AWA (The American Women's Association)
AWA describes itself as a “sisterhood of women from around the world, who come together to enhance their Singapore experience through fun and fulfilling volunteer-run activities”. They organise voluntary work with children, seniors and families in need as well as sports and games, children’s activities and mums’ nights out, dining and cocktail evenings, local and foreign tours and various other social events.
Primetime
This association has over 370 members spanning some 30 different nationalities. Primetime offers various activities, discussion groups, professional networking opportunities, social events and gathering, and community outreach programmes.
SBPWA (Singapore Business Professional Women's Association)
The SBPWA was created to help working women in Singapore to advance their careers and professions. They also have an initiative to help young women pursue post secondary education, and have set up an educational fund where they put aside money every year to help young female students to pursue further education beyond secondary school.
Spanish Speaking Women's Association
A club for multinational members from Spanish and Portuguese speaking countries with an interest in learning, practising, and sharing their cultures.
Family Friendly
Looking for a club that has something to offer for all of the family? We have complied a list of the most family friendly clubs that provide social and recreational activities for all ages and plenty to keep the kids amused.
The American Club
Conveniently located near Orchard road, offering a “home away from home” feel, you will find some homely comfort food, adult and children’s libraries, a swimming pool and an abundance of other facilities. They offer youth events, classes and camps.
ANZA (the Australian & New Zealand Association)
Despite the fact ANZA does not have a clubhouse, they always have a jam-packed social calendar with sports leagues for both adults and kids and organise many charity events. They also have an annual ball that many look forward to.
Belgian Luxembourg Association
Like ANZA, the Belgian Luxembourg Association doesn’t have its own clubhouse but they do organise over 50 social and recreational events per year for members. They offer fun activities such as cooking classes as well as sports leagues.
The British Club
Located in Bukit Timah, The British Club has a large swimming pool, gym, spa, sports courts and both indoor and outdoor play facilities for kids. They host mum and toddler groups on various days of the week.
The German Club
This group organises many social, networking and sports events. A popular highlight of the social calendar is the Oktoberfest celebration.
Hollandse Club
Founded in 1908, Hollandse has a brilliant range of sports and fitness options from yoga and mediation to triathlon; they also have adult and youth sports teams. They regularly host poolside parties complete with DJs, live music and al fresco dining.
The Japanese Association
This club features authentic Japanese cuisine, a karaoke room, a children’s library, and a medical clinic with Japanese and Singaporean doctors who speak Japanese.
Safra Punggol
Eco-friendly SAFRA boasts Singapore’s first indoor water playground; they also have an on-site preschool. Set over 5 stories, the club features a gym, bowling centre, yoga studio and spa, as well as eight on-site restaurants.
Swiss Club
Established in 1871, the Swiss Club is one of the oldest and most historic clubs in Singapore. A family friendly club located in Bukit Timah, it offers a range of activities as well as organising social nights and kids’ camps. They have a gym, swimming pool, tennis court and sports field. Recently they have added “The Guesthouse” which provides comfortable accommodation for visitors. There is also a fantastic hair salon.
Seletar Country Club
Seletar’s mission statement states that they aspire to be a family club of choice for Singaporeans seeking recreational activities in a countryside setting.
Serangoon Gardens Country Club
Established in 1955, Serangoon is a well respected country club with plenty of facilities available, including a children’s pool and water playground as well as an indoor play area. The club is very family orientated with their vision “To be Singapore’s best family club for recreational and social activities.”
Tanglin Club
Founded in 1866, Tanglin Club is among the oldest and most prominent social clubs in Singapore. The club has over 7,000 members mixing over 40 different nationalities. Located next to The American Club on Claymore Hill, it offers plenty of children’s activities, dining options, a spa, fitness facilities and more.
Sports
Looking for a club that accommodates a specific sport? Look no further for a comprehensive list of clubs that offers specific sports facilities to match up with your favourite pastimes.
Archery
Flaming Arrows Archery Club, NUS Archery, Pasir Ris Elias Archery Club, Telok Blangah Archery Club.
Boat/Yacht and Watersports
Changi Sailing Club, Mana Mana Beach Club, ONE°15 Marina, Republic of Singapore Yacht Club, SAF Yacht club, Seletar Country Club, Singapore Dragon Boat Association.
Cricket
The British Club, Ceylon Sports Club, IA (Indian Association), Lanka Lions Cricket Club, Millennium United Cricket Club, Singapore Cricket Club.
Cycling
ANZA Cycling, Centaurs Rugby Club, Singapore Bike Hash, Singapore Outdoor Adventure Club, SPH (Seng Kang, Punggol and Housing Cycling Group).
Equestrian and Polo
Bukit Timah Saddle Club and The Singapore Polo Club.
Football
ANZA Soccer, The British Club, ESPZen, Singapore Blacks Rugby Football Club, Swiss Club, Wanderers Rugby Football Club.
Golf
The British Club, Changi Golf Club, Hollandse Club, Keppel Club, Laguna National Golf & Country Club, Marina Bay Golf, Raffles Country Club, The Singapore Island Country Club. Seletar Country Club, Sembawang Country Club, Sentosa Golf Club, Tanah Merah Country Club, Orchid Country Club, Warren Golf & Country Club.
Rugby
ANZA, The British Club, Bucks Rugby Club, Centaurs Rugby Club, SCC (Singapore Cricket Club), Singapore Rugby Union, Singapore Blacks Rugby Football Club, Tanglin Rugby Club, Wanderers Rugby Football Club.
Squash
The American Club, The British Club, Hollandse Club, Raffles Town Club, Swiss Club, The Tanglin Club.
Tennis
The American Club, The British Club, CSC Tessensohn, Orchid Country Club, Raffles Town Club, Swiss Club.
Yoga
The British Club, CSC Tessensohn, Hollandse Club, Orchid Country Club, Singapore Recreation Club.
Facilities
Looking for a club with certain facilities such as a swimming pool, gym or spa? There are number of clubs that will have just what you’re looking for.
Bowling
Arena Country Club, CSC Tessensohn, Raffles Town Club, Changi Beach Club, Orchid Country Club, Safra Punggol, Seletar Country Club, Serangoon Country Club, Singapore Recreation Club, Singapore Island Country Club.
Gym
The American Club, The British Club, Changi Beach Club, Chui Huay Lim Club, Hollandse Club, Orchid Country Club, Raffles Town Club, The Singapore Recreation Club, Sembawang Country Club, Serangoon Gardens Country Club, Tanglin Club.
Spa
The British Club, Raffles Town Club, Seletar Country Club, Singapore Island Country Club, Tanglin Club.
Swimming Pool
The American Club, The British Club, Changi Beach Club, Chui Huay Lim Club, Orchid Country Club, Raffles Country Club, Raffles Town Club, Seletar Country Club, Sembawang Country Club, Serangoon Gardens Country Club, Singapore Recreation Club, Singapore Swimming Club, Sembawang Country Club.
Theatre
Raffles Town Club.
How do I join a club?
For the most part, the clubs are very simple to sign up to. Fees vary depending on the club and facilities available; some may have upfront fees or a sign up fee and others may not. Always read the rules first and check for cancellation and penalty charges.
We hope this guide has provided an insight into the wonderful social clubs available in Singapore and helps you to choose one best suited to your interests and needs!
Have you joined a club in Singapore? Share your experiences in the comments below, or answer the questions here to be featured in an interview!