Sports clubs and social clubs in Singapore are a great way to work-out, relax and unwind. The following six great members clubs offer sports, dining and recreational activities. They’re places where you can feel at home away from home, do a bit of work, and make new friends along the way. We asked happy members for some insights!
Singapore Cricket Club
Cara and Samuel, Irish and British
Children: Saoirse (13) and Jack (10)
When looking at members clubs in 2009, we were introduced by friends to the Singapore Cricket Club (SCC). A big draw factor in joining was that my husband Sam could continue to play rugby in Singapore. Since then we’ve had fantastic opportunities at the Club, trying out various sports and activities, socialising and meeting new people.
The Club offers six sports for children including rugby, cricket, tennis, hockey, netball and soccer. Plus thirteen sports for adults. Our children have explored many of these – Saoirse plays rugby, touch rugby and hockey (and is keen to start netball), whilst Jack plays rugby and cricket. Sam continues to play rugby, and also coaches the kids’ teams. The Padang Field and the Club’s second site at Dempsey Field are fantastic sports facilities in central Singapore where the Club has space to develop children’s, men’s and women’s sports programmes. I’ve recently joined the women’s cricket team as a total beginner and have been amazed how welcoming the cricket community has been.
There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy sports from the sidelines too, with tournaments such as SCC Rugby Sevens, the SCC Hockey Sixes, and SCC Soccer Sevens. It’s a great way to meet local teams and visiting sports clubs. There’s also regular sports screenings at Stumps Bar. We love the annual SCC Night Race where members and their guests can get great views of the Singapore Formula One Grand Prix racing action.
But it’s not only sports that the Club has to offer; it’s one of the most social clubs in Singapore. There’s a friendly atmosphere, and we’ve gotten to know many long-service staff who’ve seen our children grow up. It’s also a great place to bring colleagues and clients for a meal or after-work drink. Foodwise, the Club’s char kway teow, nasi goreng ikan bilis, cheese toast and the regular hawker nights with sambal stingray, popiah and egg, chili and onion prata at the Oval Verandah are not to be missed. And the Sunday brunch at the Padang Restaurant is one of our favourites for when family is visiting. Fifteen years on since we first joined, Stumps terrace with a beer overlooking the city skyline is still one of our favourite places to be in Singapore.
Connaught Drive
6338 9271 | scc.org.sg
The American Club Singapore
Monica and Timothy Pitrelli, American
Children: Noelle (11), Layla (9) and Vivienne (7)
My husband and I moved to Singapore from Newport Beach, California, and were to stay for three months – six, if we were lucky. Last month, we celebrated our 15th anniversary here. Since then we’ve had three daughters: Noelle, Layla and Vivienne.
We joined The American Club after our first daughter was born and were looking at the social clubs in Singapore; we were sold on all the things the Club has for families, from parent-and-baby swimming classes to meeting “Santa” without having to stand in line at the mall. We go to the Club several times a week, and Sunday is my family’s favourite day to visit. The kids attend tennis lessons, and sometimes my husband and I hit the courts too. Then we have breakfast before stopping by the library to borrow books and movies.
The beautiful thing about the Club is that everyone in my family enjoys going, though for different reasons. While I go to the spa or the Pilates studio, my husband may get a haircut, visit the gym or relax over a cup of coffee. The kids would play games in the multi-level children’s area called The Quad for hours, if we let them – and sometimes we do! During some of the toughest parts of the pandemic, we worked in the business centre to get a break from the house. While there, you meet other members and get to know the staff on a first-name basis. But the thing that draws us back time and again is the convenience. Where else can you grab a quick meal, pick up dry cleaning, buy stamps, order a case of wine and have several chats with friends?
I also enjoy the fact that my helper often joins us at the Club. Not all members clubs or social clubs in Singapore allow this. We enjoy meals there and celebrate the kids’ birthdays together.
10 Claymore Hill
6737 3411 | amclub.org.sg
The British Club
Vivian Law Annan and Robert Annan, Australian-Canadian
Children: Gabrielle (10) and Ryder (6)
After spending time in different parts of the world including North America, the UK, Australia and Hong Kong, around ten years ago our careers brought us to Singapore. We’ve grown to love the city. Both of our children were born here and are currently attending Tanglin Trust School. The British Club has many of their school friends as members, which means they often have friends to play with when we’re at the Club.
We moved into a landed property and wanted access to facilities and a place to spend time together as a family. Robert is an avid cricket fan and wanted to join a club with a social cricket team and potentially introduce the children to the game. He is now the convener of the cricket section and is passionate about getting more junior members involved.
Both of our children take various lessons at the Club including Barracudas swimming. Gabrielle is particularly proud to represent Barracudas in various swim meets and at the British Club Swimming Gala. Ryder is starting to follow his dad’s interest in tennis, rugby and cricket.
The kids love the playroom and the pool. We have celebrated their birthdays over the years at the Club. Most recently, our son’s sixth birthday in the Elizabeth Suite and our daughter’s tenth birthday down at the pool. We really appreciate all the friendly staff that we’ve gotten to know. The kids happily wander around the Club safely and independently even at a young age, and we enjoy having a glass of wine while the kids have their activities. And Rob certainly appreciates the social beers after a game of cricket back at Scores.
When it comes to food, the kids’ regular go-to is always the spaghetti bolognese and pepperoni pizza. My husband is a fan of the chicken makhani, and also satay as a pre-dinner snack. I try to keep it light with the variety of salads on offer. However, I must admit I’m often tempted by the curries and tandoori chicken too!
73 Bukit Tinggi Road
6410 1100 | britishclub.org.sg
Singapore Swimming Club
Katherine and Kit Moss, British
Children: Molli (16) and Findlay (14)
We joined the Singapore Swimming Club (SSC) in 2015 as our daughter and son were in the learn-to-swim programme. After seeing a few social clubs in Singapore, we fell in love with the swim programme SSC offers, and of course, the fantastic restaurants. The food at SSC is incredible, and it’s also one of the members clubs offering excellent rates!
Now our kids are grown up, we mainly use the club for ourselves to go for a swim on a Saturday morning and enjoy the tasty breakfasts. I took my team to SSC to use the bowling alley as a work-offsite event, which was fantastic and so much fun. I would definitely say one of the highlights is the Jackson Miller restaurant – the food is out of this world. If you’re looking to join one of the social clubs in Singapore, you’ll love the community SSC creates for everyone. We feel it has been incredibly welcoming and inclusive for everyone. Expats and locals together, enjoying great leisure activities.
45 Tanjong Rhu Road
6342 3600 | membership@sswimclub.org.sg | sswimclub.org.sg
Mandala Club
Elena Pryor, Russian
I can’t help but marvel at the transformative role that Mandala Club has played in my life here in Singapore. Deciding to join the club just after the pandemic, over a few other members clubs on my list turned out to be a game-changer. It wasn’t just about expanding my network. It was about finding a second home where I could work, connect and unwind with like-minded individuals who share my passion for both business and leisure.
The culinary offerings are a delight, with MORI claiming the top spot as my favourite. The exquisite Japanese cuisine never fails to satisfy my palate. Equally alluring is POPI’S, whose warm atmosphere and excellent food make it an ideal spot for a weekend brunch or drinks with friends on the terrace. To balance out indulging in great food I enjoy attending the weekly exercise classes hosted at the state-of-the-art gym on level 4. They always help me push my limits!
As the week winds down, Mandala Club transforms into my social haven where I have met some of my closest friends. The Straits Parlour, with its laid-back ambience, becomes the perfect setting for catching up with friends over some sake selected by sake sommelier Sven. And Boogie Pasoh adds a touch of excitement to my evening, offering a fantastic blend of excellent tunes and an electric atmosphere.
What sets the Club apart is its ability to seamlessly blend work and pleasure. Whether it’s a crucial business meeting, an intense workout session or a laid-back weekend soirée, it’s the ideal setting. It’s not just a club. Itʼs my sanctuary – a place where friendships flourish and memories are made.
31 Bukit Pasoh Road
8504 2431 | membership@mandala.club mandala.club
Serangoon Gardens Country Club
Jean and Marion Durand, French
Children: Xavier (15), Henri (11) and Marie (9)
My family and I have been members of Serangoon Gardens Country Club (SGCC) for more than two years now and it remains a source of joy and relaxation for us. We take full advantage of the facilities, including the Olympic-size swimming pool, tennis courts and gym. Ever since the second-floor gym opened at the end of 2022, we’ve been absolutely delighted with the panoramic view of the swimming pool while we work out. The personal trainers are attentive and knowledgeable; they’ve helped us create customised plans to reach our fitness goals.
I also invite my friends to eat at the different food and beverage outlets in the Club. My personal favourite is Garden Grill because the menu features international dishes and is changed every month. It’s like being on a gastronomic world tour! One of the special things about SGCC is that the staff are always friendly and welcoming, making each dining experience pleasant. They even remember small details like our preferred table and how I like my coffee!
We appreciate that there are activities for kids as well. We’ve signed up our children for swimming lessons and they love it! They also like to attend arts and crafts workshops during school holidays. SGCC knows how to keep the whole family entertained. The bonus is that the Club is near the International French School. Since our kids go to school there, they can go directly to the Club after school for their activities. We live in Serangoon Garden and the Club is just a few minutes away, which is convenient.
As expats living in Singapore, being part of SGCC has helped us make more friends. I would even go as far as to say that it has become our second home. The social events are always enjoyable and provide great opportunities for networking. At first, we signed up for the one-year term membership to try it out. Now, SGCC has become an integral part of our family life and we’ve renewed our membership for another two years. We look forward to many more years as members!
22 Kensington Park Road
6286 8888 | sgcc.com.sg
Enjoyed discovering these social clubs in Singapore? If you’re looking beyond sports clubs and members clubs for some neighbourhood inspiration, read on!
This article first appeared in the February 2024 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or also subscribe so you never miss a copy!
