singapore, often lauded for its "business-friendly" climate and streamlined regulations, attracts both established and aspiring entrepreneurs. it's also a popular tourist destination, particularly among affluent chinese travelers.
with its sprawling waterfront shopping centers and dedicated souvenir districts, singapore is a shopper's paradise.
furthermore, like many asian metropolises, it boasts affordable and delicious street food. while singapore doesn't officially recognize same-sex unions, it hosts a vibrant, albeit small, gay scene.
much of this activity is centered in chinatown, especially along neil road, which is lined with gay bars and clubs.
exploring singapore's gay scene
for gay visitors seeking a delightful café experience, singapore offers several options. no gum chewing, no smoking, and, theoretically, no gay sex - but don't worry, the latter regulation is frequently overlooked.
here's a cheat sheet for navigating gay singapore:
- shopping hot spots: discover the best places to shop.
- budget-friendly fun: explore singapore without breaking the bank.
- gay singapore guide: delve into the best gay bars, clubs, saunas, spas, and hotels.
consider booking a travel gay approved hotel for your stay.
where to party and stay
looking for a place to stay?
singapore offers excellent-value hotels catering to gay travelers. interested in a steamy sauna experience? singapore's gay sauna scene awaits. you can also explore gay-friendly shops and stores throughout the city.
hotel jen orchardgateway singapore: a gay-friendly oasis
many memorable moments were spent at hotel jen, admiring the singapore skyline.
we found it to be exceptionally gay friendly, with staff making us feel completely comfortable. the quirky robot butler delivering room service was a delightful surprise!
the hotel has a well-equipped gym, although on the smaller side. yoga enthusiasts will appreciate the sunset yoga sessions offered by the rooftop pool.
makan jen, the hotel's main dining option, serves both local and western cuisine. we recommend their buffet, which often includes lobster.
high tea is also available if you fancy a downton abbey experience. its proximity to singapore's gay bars was a major draw for us. scarlet hotel offers a touch of luxury without the extravagant price tag.
its decor, featuring shades of passionate red, opulent gold, and sophisticated black, creates a theatrical ambiance.
the reception area resembles a small ballroom, complete with marble floors and a glittering chandelier. consider booking one of the five suites - lavish, swank, splendor, passion, and opulent - to feel like royalty.
the passion suite even boasts a private outdoor jacuzzi.
even standard rooms are stunning, some with private balconies. if you don't have a private jacuzzi, the communal outdoor hot tub is a great alternative. a 24-hour gym allows you to burn off those laksa calories before hitting club hell.
the scarlet's location in the heart of chinatown is a major advantage, placing you near some of the city's best food.
the pod boutique capsule hotel: budget-friendly and stylish
this option is ideal for solo gay travelers and budget-conscious travelers who prefer not to stay in traditional hostels.
while it features bunk beds, they're not your typical hostel dorms. instead, you sleep in cozy capsules with single or double beds, a fold-down table, a reading light, and a power socket.
the pod is elegant, clean, and provides plenty of privacy. capsule pod hotels are gaining popularity, offering travelers a comfortable place to sleep without the raucous party atmosphere often found in hostels.
everything at the pod is clean, chic, and modern, including the shared bathrooms.
you get excellent value with a free buffet breakfast and complimentary amenities like soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and towels. laundry and business facilities are also available for longer stays.
the hotel is located in kampong glam, near singapore's arab quarter.
this area is home to most of singapore's gay bars.
gay bars in singapore: neil road and beyond
we've compiled a list of the main gay bars in singapore, but be warned: most don't get busy until after 10 pm. we use tantric bar as our landmark on google maps when planning a gay night out in singapore.
tantric bar: a singapore institution
tantric bar owns its entire building, but since the pandemic, it rents out half to a straight venue.
tantric retains the upstairs bar and has created another queer space downstairs called backstage bar. the cocktails are superb, and it's one of our favorite places for singapore sling tasting sessions. it's also home to the blue spin, a potent cocktail known to knock drinkers off their feet.
when tantric opened in 1996, it was the first lgbtq+ establishment to fly the rainbow flag, and it continues to do so.
tantric bar is located at 80 neil road and is open daily until 3 am, and until 4 am on saturdays. the staff is friendly, flirty, and fun. be sure to try a few casablancas or golden girls cheesecakes - their cocktails are named after famous tv shows and movies.
wash them down with a few blowjobs, butt plugs, and cockteasers - their more infamous shots!
backstage bar: absinthe adventures
backstage bar is located beneath tantric at 80 neil road. if you love absinthe, you'll become fast friends with dorothy, as this is the only bar in singapore brave enough to offer absinthe towers and shots!
dorothy's: a long-standing favorite
be warned, though, the hangovers can be brutal.
dorothy's, located in chinatown, has been a staple of singapore's gay scene for over 20 years. dorothy's is located at 13a trengganu street and is open daily until 1 am, and until 2 am on saturdays.
tuck shop: singapore's drag destination
billed as singapore's first drag bar, tuck shop boasts a strong drag scene.
we remember meeting a drag queen in kuala lumpur who often came to singapore for gigs. shows take place thursday to sunday evenings from 8 pm until 1 am - on saturdays until 2 am. tuck shop is located at 43 neil road, but note that google maps still lists it as conversion therapy clinic (formerly neil conversion clinic).
it's open thursday to sunday from 8 pm to 1 am (2 am on saturday).
sausage market: a playful themed bar
the theme of this cutesy gay bar is, literally, a sausage market. the storefront resembles a butcher shop with dangling fake meats. the large fridge doors are actually the entrance to the bar inside.
it primarily caters to chinese gay men and their admirers. sausage market is located at 45 neil street, next door to tuck shop. it's open tuesday to sunday evenings until 1 am (2 am on saturdays).
slippery slope: understated charm
this bar embraces tongue-in-cheek humor.
unlike other gay bars, it closes early - at midnight. reservations are recommended for groups. slippery slope is located at 31a keong saik rd and is open daily from 5 pm until midnight (sundays from 3 pm, saturdays from 4 pm).
lluvia: the bear bar
lluvia is the go-to bar for bears, cubs, otters, wolves, unicorns, and mermaids.
the atmosphere is relaxed and unpretentious, making it a popular choice. karaoke is a must-do, but don't challenge a singaporean bear - they can belt out some serious anthems. lluvia is located at telok ayer street and is open daily until 2 am, and until 4 am on weekends.
cecilia: karaoke and dancing
cecilia is known for its lively karaoke nights and attracts a younger crowd.
it's located in a converted shop directly opposite tantric in chinatown. on your birthday, show your id for free shots. after midnight, cecilia transforms into a dance venue, playing house music until closing. while singapore offers many gay bars, it lacks in gay clubs.
gay clubs in singapore: dancing the night away
club hell is the main gay club in singapore.
also, be sure to check out hypertainment events, known for being some of the largest gay parties in asia.
rabbit's hole: a new addition
rabbit's hole is a new gay club in singapore. it opened in september 2023, with live djs and themed nights every weekend.
check the rabbit's hole website for details of upcoming events.
rabbit's hole is located at robinson road, oxley tower, singapore, 068914, and is open only on weekends (friday and saturday until 3 am).
club hell: the go-to dance spot
after the closure of taboo, club hell filled the void in singapore's gay club scene.
expect live dj sets, drag shows, and a crowd of muscled men dancing to pop and techno. club hell is located at telok ayer st, 068458, and is only open on weekend evenings (fridays until 3 am, saturdays until 4 am).
hypertainment parties: epic events
the hypertainment team organizes some of the best gay parties in singapore at different locations, including pool parties at hotels and large dance parties at clubs.
these events often sell out. check their socials and website for details. live djs, gogo dancers, and drag performers are staples at hypertainment parties. tickets are sold in advance, with prices varying depending on how early you purchase them.
gay saunas in singapore: relaxation and connection
despite singapore's anti-gay laws, several gay saunas thrive.
note that the hook club closed in april 2023.
ten mens club: for bears and admirers
ten mens club, also known as 10mens club, caters to bears. it features a steam room, private rooms, a maze, a movie hall, and a rooftop garden. ten mens club is located at new bridge road and is open daily (sunday—thursday from midday until 11 pm, and from midday until 2 am on friday and saturday).
shogun: a popular choice
shogun is another popular gay bear sauna.
it's located near 10mens club. shogun is open 24 hours and is very popular, especially on weekends. it has two floors with facilities including a glory hole maze, an orgy room, an outdoor shower, a hot steam room, and places for relaxing or meeting others.
keybox: younger crowd
keybox attracts a younger crowd.
the best time to visit is around 3 am, after the gay clubs close. it's large, with a jacuzzi, dry sauna, steam room, tv room, a gym, and private cabins. keybox is located at 17 upper circular road and is open daily from midday until 8 am the following day.
gay health resources in singapore: staying safe
pulse singapore offers prep, pep, testing, and vaccinations.
they are private, discreet, and open daily except sundays. they also offer treatment options, mental health advice, and services for transgender individuals.
gay events in singapore: pride and beyond
singapore lags behind some of its neighbors in terms of gay events.
however, hypertainment hosts circuit parties. singapore also has pink dot, but it's only for singaporean citizens. in april, thailand hosts songkran, with huge parties featuring live djs, dancers, and more.
pink dot: a local affair
pink dot is restricted to singapore citizens and permanent residents.
however, the pink dot team organizes other events throughout the year, such as film screenings and art exhibitions. indig nation is singapore's unofficial pride festival in august, featuring talks, workshops, and film screenings.
gay-friendly restaurants in singapore: a culinary journey
singapore's diverse culture means there are many amazing dining options.
here are some gay-friendly restaurants to consider:
lau pa sat hawker centre: street food heaven
this large street food market is open all day and offers inexpensive dishes like chicken rice and dumplings. it's clean and authentic. our friends in singapore insisted we visit, and we're grateful they did.
national kitchen by violet oon: traditional singaporean cuisine
violet oon is singapore's food ambassador and a celebrity chef.
we enjoyed the colonial decor and peranakan cuisine at national kitchen. we recommend the sambal kimchiam udang salad.
ps.cafe: a popular choice
with multiple locations, ps.cafe is popular with the lgbtq+ community. they are famous for their truffle shoestring fries, cakes, and cafe classics.
the orchard road location has an indoor glasshouse.
jaan by kirk westaway: fine dining
this michelin-starred restaurant offers modern british cuisine with views of marina bay. the menu is seasonal and modernizes traditional dishes.
the plant food: vegan delights
this vegan cafe is located in changi business park.
their colorful buddha bowls and plant-based burgers are delicious.
they also serve all-day brunch.
gay-friendly activities in singapore: beyond the bars
besides the nightlife and dining, here are some activities for gay travelers in singapore:
queer little red dot: lgbtq+ walking tour
we saw this advertised at backstage gay bar and took the tour.
the team started in 2015 and has grown, offering tours showcasing singapore's lgbtq+ history.
singapore flyer: panoramic views
the singapore flyer is a giant ferris wheel offering incredible views of the city skyline, especially at night.
marina bay: iconic scenery
marina bay is a must-visit.
stroll around the bay and head up to the marina bay sands observation deck.
national orchid garden: floral beauty
the national orchid garden is stunning, with over 2,000 orchids on display.
historical walking tour: singapore's past
this tour explores singapore's history, from ancient times to the japanese invasion during wwii.