When you think of private clubs, certain things typically come to mind—exclusive perks, luxurious decor and a long waiting list. However, there is more to private clubs than this. From networking with some of the city's high flyers to attending private events, being a member of an exclusive club has a range of perks. That said, Singapore is home to a range of private clubs that cater to a diverse array of interests. Whether you are a golf lover or a wine enthusiast, here are some of the most coveted clubs in Singapore to look out for.
COVER Image: 67 Pall Mall Singapore/Facebook
What The newest private club in Singapore, 33 Club was created as a means to bring together a community of watch collectors and enthusiasts. Here, members can expect exciting lineups of unique masterclasses by some of the world’s best watchmakers; private bespoke watch-sourcing services; and priority access to over 500 watches, including exclusive and rare timepieces. Apart from this, members will also have access to a private bar, offering some of the most acclaimed wines and spirits.
Where 22 Malacca Street, 01-02, RB, Capital Building, S(048980)
Opened in 2023
Membership A standard membership goes for $6,800, with monthly fees of $188
2. Singapore Island Country Club
What Known to be a club where the ‘dawn of golf’ started, the Singapore Island Country Club is one of the oldest golf club in Singapore. Currently, the club boasts three golf courses, including the 18-hole Bukit Course that sprawls the MacRitchie Reservoir. It also offers a myriad of member-exclusive facilities including a swimming pool, tennis court, hair salon, bistros and more.
Where 180 Island Club Road, Singapore 578774 (Island location)
240 Sime Road, Singapore 288303 (Bukit location)
Opened in 1891 as The Golf Club before being established as the Singapore Island Country Club in 1964
Membership An entrance fee of $25,000, with monthly fees of $160 and additional $20 for spouse.
3. 67 Pall Mall
What The world's first private members' club for wine lovers was launched in London, in 2015, to offer collectors and enthusiasts a place to share their passion with like-minded individuals. The Singapore outpost finally opened its doors this month, after delays due to the pandemic, with a wine list that includes over 5,000 wines representing 42 countries, with 1,000 available by the glass. Besides fine wine (and food, of course), members can expect an exciting calendar of tasting and discovery events to engage in all year long. Some highlights for guests visiting the sleek club are floor to ceiling windows that provide stunning views of the city, lush tables and chairs for leisure or business and a wine tower right in the centre of the room.
Who The club was founded by former banker and wine collector Grant Ashton, who wanted to give fellow wine lovers access to the world's finest varieties without the huge mark-ups that are being charged in restaurants.
Where The Penthouse, Shaw Centre, 1 Scotts Road, Singapore 228208
Membership The joining fee is $2,400 and applies to all the club's categories except for those under thirty, joint and life memberships.
4. Mandala Club
What Mandala Club is a next-generation private member's club that strives to be a little different from its traditional predecessors. It serves as a networking space for Singapore's entrepreneurs, business and thought leaders as well as creatives across various industries.
Previously home to Straits Clan, the 22,000 sq ft, four-storey building comprises a gym, entertainment, meeting, and event spaces.
Last year, Mandala Club launched its Mandala Masters series, inviting world-renowned chefs to take over its ground floor restaurant. Mauro Colagreco's Mirazur, and Gaggan Anand, have previously taken up residency at Mandala, with more to come.
Art lovers will appreciate Mandala Club's museum-worthy collection of artwork by artists such as Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso.
Who The club is founded by Ben Jones and Adam Murray of Mandala Group
Where 31–37 Bukit Pasoh Road, Singapore 089845
Opened in 2021
Membership The club offers a variety of membership categories. A standard membership goes for $5,500, with monthly fees of $198.
5. 1880
What Catering to the well-heeled and cosmopolitan crowd, 1880 believes that "conversations can and will make the world a better place", and this is reflected through the design of the 22,000 sq ft space, conceptualised by Timothy OultonStudio. The club, located on the third floor of Quayside@Robertson Quay is decorated with plenty of conversation starters—from the 1.5-tonne rose quartz that makes up the reception desk, to the capsule-shaped phone booths. Other facilities include a restaurant, bar, outdoor terrace, co-working space and a spa.
Who The club is founded by Marc Nicholson
Where 1 Nanson Road, Singapore 238909
Opened in 2017
Membership Members can be invited to join the club or write in to apply for membership. The one-time joining fee is $5,000++, with monthly fees of $180++. Membership is capped at 2,000 individuals.
6. Tower Club
What With more than two decades of history, Tower Club is the premier private business club for the who's who in Singapore. Sitting on the Penthouse of Republic Plaza One, the exquisitely decorated club offers panoramic views of the city from the 62nd to 64th floors, setting the scene for networking and entertaining. The club boasts three restaurants: Atlantic, Ba Xian, and the Straits Bar, a fitness centre, and a range of rooms for meetings and functions. Club events, including the annual golf championships and breakfast and dinner forums, provide members with the opportunity to spend time with family or mingle with like-minded individuals.
Where 9 Raffles Place, Penthouse, Republic Plaza Tower 1, Singapore 048619
Opened in 1997
Membership The club is by-invite-only.
7. Tanglin Club
What A symbol of prestige, Tanglin Club is one of the oldest private clubs in Singapore. Originally created as a suburban social institute for the British, the club now has members from more than 41 nationalities. The sprawling property features 27 suites, eight dining establishments, a myriad of recreation facilities including a swimming pool, squash court, tennis court and more. Other services include a hair salon, gym, jackpot room, and a playroom for children.
Who The club was founded by "forty good men and true", and Thomas Dunman, Singapore's first police commissioner, served as the first club president
Where 5 Stevens Road, Singapore 257814
Opened in 1865
Membership With a planned membership of 4,000 individuals, prospective members have to be nominated by two active Ordinary/Lifetime members of the club with at least three years in membership, and the average waiting time is ten to 15 years because of the long waiting list. The club's one-time entrance fee for Ordinary/Lifetime membership is $100,000, with monthly subscription fees of $107 for individuals and $214 for couples and families. Membership is non-transferrable.
