This vintage venue - KILO

A few plants, white walls, sofas randomly arranged; Kilo's lounge bar does not seem like much at first, but stay longer, seat in one of the comfy couch and start to sip one of their nice cocktail.

The bar opens at 8 pm. As it is referenced as a 'late night cocktail bar', you will find the place empty. However it's a great time to come to have a chat with your friend, and enjoy the original view on the Stadium. The deep house music in the background creates a different atmosphere enhanced by the vintage furniture around.

If you start to be hungry, you can ask the staff to get a table at their restaurant. It is usually fully booked, I recommend to call in advance to have your seat reserved, but you can give it a try and let's see how it works!

Lucky you if you end up going to the 2nd floor of the building to try their food! The restaurant is also simply decorated. It has open windows on the river and plants slowly growing in the corners.
I advise to share a few of their incredible appetizers among your peers. Once you have a look at their menu, you won't event know which one you fancy over a second one: everything seems (and is!) succulent!

I went for the stuffed roasted figs with blue cheese, bacon and walnuts, and the black and white prawn ravioli. No words to add, it was simply succulent. As for the desserts, the churros were nothing incredible, but the lava cake was delightful.
The hardest is by far, to make your choice. But I believe all dishes remain great.

You can go back to the bar on the 8th floor to digest with a nice cocktail in hand. The music will then beats harder, and people will start filling up the place.

Kilo is now throwing some parties on Fridays and Saturdays and bringing unusual DJ's (deep house, electro, jazz, etc). Check out their facebook page for more details. It's apparently very crowded, but it's definitely worth the try.

To conclude, I will come back:
- for the atmosphere and the - not so underground but great - music
- for their amazing food & cocktails
- just to escape from the traditional bars in Singapore
- to see how the place look like during their parties!

Kilo 
66 Kampong Bugis (MRT Lavender)
2nd Floor for the restaurant
8th Floor for the lounge bar

Bocuse Catering School

Lost between woods and highways (even the MRT does not come that far!), the Bocuse Catering School still manages to draw us to its restaurant thanks to the unbeatable value for money of the food served.

Prepared by students in order to fund their projects, the Institute offers sessions to the public to savor their food, roughly, about 4 times a year. For the incredible price of $ 25 you can taste three dishes inspired from our tasteful French cuisine: lobster, lamb confit, scallops, lava cakes are on the menus.
They also try to create pleasant atmospheres by choosing various themes: you can be immersed in a jungle or re discover the French capital through the decoration.

To subtly pair your food, either bring your own wine, or ask for a $25 bottle of their great cave (you can bring one at home as well for the same price)

Food wise, the menus vary for each session, but it is never disappointing.

It's a pain in the neck to reach the place, but it's all worth it! Furthermore, their sessions only take place once in a while, and I believe each of us is able to find a cab to get there!

Venue: Chez West
Block 2, Level 3, ITE College West
1 Choa Chu Kang Grove
To subscribe to their newsletter and be aware of the next sessions write to Lydia
Tables are limited and it get booked very quickly!

Swimming, Diving & Golfing in Pulau Tioman

After two years in Singapore, the recurring question: whaaaat, you never been to Tioman yet!!!?, will finally stop today! Sigh, I will probably have a drink on that later this week.
I will then be able to answer the following one: which island do you prefer between Perhentians, Rawa and Tioman. And my answer is: ALL!

I believe they all have their own characteristics. While Rawa is meant to partying, I went to Tioman for two things: diving and playing golf.

After listening to wise advice, I went to the Dive Center near the Berjaya Hotel. Not necessarily warm, the master diver who accompanied me was nonetheless very professional. I did one dive in Renggis Island that allowed me to see two turtles, many clown fishes and even more fishes that I do not know the name.

To regain strength we ate dinner in a small restaurant on the beach close the Berjaya. The grilled fishes were delicious, and the drinks, as fresh as expected!

The next morning was dedicated to golf. I don't have much elements of comparison, but I must say that I was blown away by the golf course.
Located between sea and hills, I just had to keep my head up to enjoy the view.
The buggy is almost essential to avoid walking in the heat for such a long time. Don't forget your hat and your sun block!

It was a perfect activity that nicely ended the week end. I found that it was a bit too short to go to Tioman for two days, mainly because you need to take the ferry on the Saturday morning if you can't catch up the last one on Friday. However it's an easy getaway from Singapore, even more enjoyable in low season when all families have not yet added Tioman to their schedule.


Berjaya Tioman Dive Center on Tekek Beach
Advanced booking is recommended:
tioman.dive@berjayahotel.com
Price for 1 Dive in Renggis Island: MYR 123
Recommended dives: Renggis and Labas

Berjaya Golf Club
tioman.golf@berjayahotel.com
Price for 2 people:
MYR 260 for 9 holes, rent of golf shoes & a buggy + 6 golf balls


Driver: from Singapore to Mersing
Leaving Saturday 2.30am (or late Friday) and coming back Sunday around 11pm
SGD 450 in a van for 10 people - with night drive surcharge
Sham: +6019 772 6179 (on whatsapp)
or +65 8342 5715
No need to get off the van at the borders. thanks to his MVP van accreditation.

Speed boat from Mersing to Tioman: 1.30/2h.
Price: SGD 35 for two ways
Schedule changing every week.

Wakeboard in Punggol

I must admit that wakeboarding has become over the months one of my favorite activity in Singapore. And no, I'm not talking about the 'cable ski park', I am talking about real wakeboarding, the one you do, towed by a boat. 

The most annoying part of this activity is undeniably, to go to the Marina Country Club. You have two options: get a taxi, or stop at Punggol MRT and take the shuttle from there. 

However, the fun starts when you reach the club: look for your driver, get on the boat, put some sun cream on, and be ready to ride the wave. 

Whether you are a total beginner, or an experienced rider, you will be able to find a boat driver that will suit your level, and provides accurate advice. 

You may wonder if the water is cleaner up north, the answer is no, you will still need to do a body scrub once home. But it doesn't prevent you from appreciating the afternoon on the boat! 

Ryders @ Ponggol
600 Punggol 17th Avenue
Marina Country Club
Singapore 829734

Around $70/80 for 3 hours with a boat of 5 people (count 30-45 minutes per person).
Advance booking is highly recommended.

Paddle hard in a Dragon Boat

When you start talking about your dragon boat experience, the first question that comes up is: 'A dragon what??!'

The dragon boat is, to grossly simplify, a kind of Chinese rowing. 

The crew consists of 20 people who are paddling the same pace, following the 2 persons in front of the boat. 

As the German Team warmly welcomes everybody (even novices like me), I have decided to join their Saturday session for a trial. 

Someone in their crew gently took care of all beginners. She explained the rituals around the sport and the competitions, taught us the basics to paddle properly, and gave some useful tips to avoid any sinking situation!

After the introduction, you will then slowly run up the river until you see the CBD. 

The boat trip makes it pleasant as it overlooks the Garden by the bay, the Marina Bay Sands and the Flyer. It's also an opportunity to discover some parts of Singapore through its river (Stadium, Tanjong Rhu, etc.) and to forget that your arms start burning! 

But the best is yet to come: since the team is sponsored by Paulaner, you need to give your best. Paddle 'harder', and come back to the ground and enjoy a pint of beer with the rest of the team! A nice way to share your experience and talk with other paddlers, either beginners or experienced. A great activity, to do with friends, tourists, or even by yourself if you 'd like to meet new people in Singapore!

Contact: Gautier
gautier.kerkhove@gmail.com
Price: 10$ for the session, including draft beers at the end!
Meeting point: Every Saturday at 2pm - Kallang MRT