In the early hours

Catching a movie is not the only thing that you can do past midnight

By Fairoza Mansor     |     17 Aug 2012

Unwilling to turn in for the night but not big on hitting the clubs or having a pint at the pubs? Here are some things you can try past midnight till the early hours of the morning.

Stand at the edge of continental Asia
The islet right off of Palawan Beach at Sentosa is purported to be the southernmost point of continental Asia. Although still a subject of debate, a sign has been erected at a spot on the islet declaring the claim. Open 24 hours, this artificial U-shaped sandy islet that is flanked by two lookout towers, is accessible from the beach via a prominent suspension bridge — you can’t miss it! Take a break, stargaze and be at peace with the chilly night-time sea breeze as you face the South China Sea.

Bargain hunt at Mustafa Centre
Singapore has long been touted as a retail paradise but you’ve never truly experienced shopping on this island if you haven’t manoeuvered your way through the tight aisles and bustling crowds at Mustafa Centre. Open round-the-clock, this shopping centre located on Syed Alwi Road may not rival other malls when it comes to design and aesthetics, but it definitely trumps the rest as an all-in-one hypermart of sorts. Find products from clothes, jewellery, household appliances, perfumes, and books to CDs and DVDs, electronic goods, footwear and even groceries under one roof.

Spook yourself on a ghost trail
Feeling adventurous? Go on a ghost tour designed by Asia Paranormal Investigator (API), whose mission is to “provide objective, factual and historically accurate explanation to today's myths, urban legends, unusual encounters and unexplained phenomena”. A typical tour — which can begin past midnight — takes about four hours and would cover three to four places and areas rumoured to be haunted, including the Pasir Ris Red House and Bukit Brown. To book a tour, go to http://api.sg.

Hit a perfect strike at the alley
And just so we’re clear, we are referring to bowling alleys here. Orchestrate a little friendly competition down at the bowling lanes between your friends or family members, who also happen to be nocturnal creatures when the weekend arrives. Most alleys, like Orchid Bowl at E!hub @ Downtown East and Leisure Park’s Kallang Bowl, open right up until 3 am every Friday, Saturday and eve of public holidays. The latter has 22 brand-new competition standard lanes and features interactive screen display technology and touch screen control panels.

Croon like a veteran diva
Belt your heart out without risking the neighbours lodging a complaint, at the various karaoke studios located around the island. Some karaoke studios even offer light snacks should late night hunger pangs make a cameo while others provide interesting experiences. K Box at SAFRA Mount Faber for instance has been designed to resemble the Orient Express so you’d feel like you’re singing in train cabins, while K Suites at Bugis allows you to lounge comfortably as you would at home with their complimentary blankets and bedroom slippers. Closing times vary depending on the studios but almost always surpass the 2.00 am mark. So go ahead and hog that microphone!

Indulge in our national pastime – eating!
With so many food joints offering late night dining popping up aside the very familiar roti prata places, nasi lemak stalls or 24-hour McDonalds, it’s tough to say no to supper. Head down to Two Fat Men at East Coast Road for instance if one of you is craving for Thai food and the other wants good ol’Western fare like burgers. The café offers both cuisines and closes at 3am. Drive over to OverEasy at Fullerton Road for all-day breakfast food that you can order right up to 3.30 am. Have a sweet tooth? Nectarie Le’Dessert Patisserie on River Valley Road serves late night desserts until 1.45am.